Flag Designer Faces Abuse Charges | Joplin News

Joplin News Today | 2 Min News | The Daily News Now! · Aug 27, 2026 · 1m

The man behind Joplin’s beloved “People’s Flag” is now facing horrific charges after authorities uncovered unimaginable abuse and neglect in his home — a stark betrayal of the hope and unity his flag once symbolized. Shane Ross, 50, won a city contest in 2016 with his simple cross design, which became iconic — even inspiring the Downtown Alliance’s branding. But today, he’s accused of child abuse and animal cruelty, with a 12-year-old girl escaping to reveal filth, urine, feces, and a dog kennel used as her bed. His wife and two daughters are also charged; all are jailed without bail as…