Raised in Ottawa, Kansas, Lance now lives in Neosho with his girlfriend and three dogs. Graduating from Pittsburg State University in 2019 with a degree in Media Production, Lance has been part of the KOAM/KFJX family since 2016. Starting as a News Assistant part-time before becoming a Master Control Operator full-time. Being able to help others and the community has Lance excited to now be part of the Phase 3 Digital team! In his spare time Lance loves spending time outdoors with his dogs. He is also an avid movie watcher, musician, and craft beer enthusiast. 

Contact Lance: lbehning@koamnewsnow.com

Having grown up in Oswego, KS, Rye has called the Four-States “home” for much of his life. He graduated from Pittsburg State University in 2008, where he majored in Broadcast Communications. He spent two years as a news reporter for KAKE-TV in Wichita, KS.

Rye was eager to move back to the Four-States and quickly found his calling in TV sales. He joined KOAM / FOX 14 as a Marketing Consultant in 2011, where he discovered his passion for working with local businesses. In 2020, he became the General Sales Manager for the stations.

If the weather is nice, chances are you’ll find Rye outside. He loves playing golf, gardening, swimming, grilling, and going on walks with his family.

Diane is a life-long, four-state area resident. She and her husband currently live in rural Pittsburg and are the proud parents of two grown sons.  

She is an alumni of Labette Community College in Parsons where she was a member of the Lady Cardinal volleyball team. She is also a part of Gorilla Nation, completing her marketing degree at Pittsburg State University in 1991.  

Diane’s career at KOAM-TV began by answering an ad posted on a college billboard looking for a summer sales intern. In 2015 she was named the KOAM Local Sales Manager.

Away from the station she enjoys volunteer work through many community organizations and is always up for a good DIY project at home.

You can collaborate with Diane at dcunningham@koamtv.com

Cassie grew up in Joplin, MO, attending College Heights Christian School and Missouri Southern State University. After graduating from Missouri Southern with a degree in Public Relations, she moved to Kansas City to be a part of the Kansas Speedway team in digital marketing. In 2016, Cassie moved to Florida to work at Walt Disney World where she enjoyed working under the Disney guest service model, learning to meet and exceed guest expectations.

This past year, Cassie discovered there really is no place like home, and moved back to Joplin. She started with KOAM in 2021 and is excited to work with local businesses in the Four-State area.”

Kem, often referred to as "Willey" has been in Marketing for 20+ years, with the last 13 years spent at Choice Marketing. Being at an advertising firm for the last 13 years has given her vast knowledge of all media platforms, which is very beneficial to the clients she works with.

Kem was born in Carthage, MO and currently resides in Joplin, MO., and has called the 4-States home her entire life.

In her spare time, Kem loves hanging out with her husband Charlie and their two fur babies, Maggie and Zeus (who may just be a tad bit spoiled). She spends as much time as possible at Table Rock Lake, or cruising the beautiful scenery in the Ozarks on motorcycle rides.

Having grown up in Pittsburg, Jim has lived in the area the for much of his life. He graduated from Pittsburg State University where he majored in Business Administration.  

He has been with KOAM-TV for 13 years serving a wide variety of clients and agencies in the marketing and advertising world.

In his spare time, he enjoys golfing, fitness and is active in church and school activities.

You can contact Jim at  jmarquardt@koamtv.com 

Elmer, aka ET, calls Carthage, Missouri  his home.  Spending 18 years in Chanute, KS he also calls Southeast Kansas his other home.  He and his wife Mary have 3 children, 9 grandchildren, and 8 great-grandchildren.

His business career is in Sales and Marketing with the last 30 years in Yellow Page Sales. He and his wife are also former business owners. That experience lets him see how businesses operates from the owner side of the desk.

With technology changing the way businesses market their services and products, ET joined the KOAM, Fox 14, CW, and Phase 3 Digital marketing team to offer a broader scope of marketing. He has a passion for marketing and is excited to offer the station's platforms to businesses in the community. 

Elmer is a member of First United Methodist Church of Carthage where he serves on the Parrish Committee. He is a farmer at heart, and you will find him digging in his yard on weekends planting and designing new landscaping ideas.

Contact ET:

620-308-2753

ethorn@koamtv.com

Zack was born in Joplin, MO but Baxter Springs, America is where he was raised and currently resides. Zack enjoys spending time with his 7-year-old son, Brennan and his new born baby boy, Jagger!  

Zack is a huge fan of watching sports and his sports teams normally disappoint him at the end of each season. Zack is a diehard fan of the Kansas City Chiefs, the Kansas Jayhawks, the STL. Cardinals and the Los Angeles Lakers. Zack also enjoys golfing during all the four seasons.

He started with KOAM TV in August of 2017 and thoroughly loves making new contacts and helping local businesses grow.

J.W. was born in Joplin, MO, and has called the 4-States home all his life. J.W. was raised in Quapaw, OK, and currently resides in Baxter Springs, KS. J.W. was employed with KOAM and FOX 14 TV as a Marketing Consultant from 2007-2017. In February 2019, J.W. decided to come back and chase his passion to help local businesses grow and meet new contacts along the way.

In J.W.’s free time he loves spending time with his 8-year-old son Colton and being involved in all his sports/family activities. Colt and J.W. enjoy spending their time playing ball, golfing, fishing, and watching sporting events together. J.W. is a huge fan of sports and loves watching the Oklahoma Sooners during football season.       

Contact J.W.:

620-308-2779

jmccoy@koamtv.com

Hailey is a southeast Kansas native, residing in the 4-States area her entire life. She prides herself on being a "solution-provider" for business using effective marketing techniques. Hailey loves being outdoors, whether the activities include hunting, gardening or just enjoying lakes and rivers. She also runs and operates a photography and graphic design business.

Contact Hailey: 

hbarnett@koamnewsnow.com

Amanda was born in Maine, but was raised in Joplin, MO. She graduated Missouri Southern State University with a degree in Literary Studies. She currently resides in Joplin with her husband and their three dogs. Amanda started with KOAM in July 2021 and is so excited to be a part of the team! As an avid reader, Amanda has a large book collection. In her free time she enjoys shopping, spending time with family, and going on adventures with her husband.

Jessica grew up in Southwest Missouri, and currently lives in Carthage with her corgi puppy named Biscuit. She graduated from Missouri Southern in 2021, where she earned her bachelor’s degree in Marketing. Jessica started with KOAM in October 2022, making her the newest and youngest member of the team. She is delighted to be a part of a remarkable group of people. In her free time, you can find her on a plane traveling to her next destination - she loves going on adventures and traveling the world.