Saturday, February 15, 2014

Joplin R-8 Board member arrested for drunk driving

The Missouri Highway Patrol arrested Joplin R-8 Board of Education member Philip M. Willcoxon, 47, Joplin, for drunk driving and speeding at 9:50 p.m. Friday night in Newton County.

The charge was a misdemeanor. Online court records do not indicate any previous marks on Willcoxon's record.

Willcoxon, who serves as CEO of the Ozark Center, has served two three-year terms on the Board of Education, first being elected in April 2008. He did not choose to seek a third term.
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22 comments:

Anonymous said...

Who's surprised at this? It's about time, more like.

Anonymous said...

Is it a conflict of interest for him to be both CEO of the Ozark Center when they do so much business with the district?

Anonymous said...

Oh, no way. A school board member being held accountable for his actions? Surely not.

Anonymous said...

Way to set an example for the city's teens, including his own. How do you hold any of the kids accountable with your drug tests and substance policies when the Board members don't even follow the law? This sets a strong precedence for the kids to fight your policies.

Do as I say, not as I do is not a wise model to follow.

Anonymous said...

At least he is the CEO of where he could check himself in and get some help for his problem. Unbelievable what an example!

Anonymous said...

Another reason to be disgusted with this district. You've got that wretched Tina Smith in the second seat, Cravens with more power, Huff who needs investigated, and now a board member caught doing what the kids would be expelled for doing. As a parent, I don't care that this man is stepping down in April. I want him gone now. The school system is seriously out of control, and with board members like this, who is surprised. We've had enough already. We need outside help here, because obviously this board doesn't have the morality and common sense to clean up the mess it has allowed to be made. I'm angry, and I hope I'm not alone here.

Anonymous said...

Did this fool ever do anything during his term on the board besides vote along with the rubber stamp club? Did he help in any way? I don't recall him ever doing anything besides just sitting there like a stump. Maybe he was under the influence then too. I hope Joplin decides its kids deserve better than they've been getting when the elections roll around. This is the kind of member Huff wants--never questions, has questionable morals, and goes along with the gang. It's time for a change of direction. New board, new leadership. Clean out the outhouse!

Anonymous said...

Isn't this fool a surgeon? Not on me, he won't be. Epic fail.

Anonymous said...

Judge not lest ye be judged. He that is without sin among you, let him cast the first stone.

Anonymous said...

I would to see his BAC. The legal limit is.08. if he blew a high BAC, then I can understand the outrage. If he blew closer to legal limit. he probably had no idea he was impaired. one strong drink can put you over the legal limit. Before you start getting all judgmental on the guy, start planning on getting a cab every time you have a couple of beers with dinner out. if you have one single beer and get pulled over, you can plan on going to jail because you have alcohol on your breath. Even if you blow under legal limit, it doesn't mean you're off the hook. Cops still use the field sobriety test as proof that you were drunk. maybe show a little compassion for this man until more facts are known.

Anonymous said...

9:45--
How very true. One would have to assume, however, that a Missouri State Highway Patrolman would not make such an arrest without due cause. And, it's sad that this is the first person to merit that scripture on these blogs. I bet a lot of fired teachers, administrators, and personnel would have liked the same treatment as they were portrayed by the district to be pedophiles, etc. Where were you then?

Unknown said...

Anonymous 9:45 - of course we're going to judge, it is our responsibility to judge those in leadership roles.

Unknown said...

Anonymous 9:45 - of course we're going to judge, it is our responsibility to judge those in leadership roles.

Unknown said...

Of course we're going to judge. It is our responsibility to judge those in leadership roles.

Anonymous said...

10:17
You sound like the voice of experience. I wonder what he did to arouse suspicion? It's all very curious. However, the man is known for his drinking, so there is reason for people who know him to at least have an inkling of doubt about his innocence. I guess the courts will tell us soon enough. Maybe he can afford a good enough lawyer to get him out of a jamb.

Anonymous said...

Not if he abstains from voting on decisions related to OC.

Anonymous said...

Don't lose heart, they will plea bargain down to defective equipment. Of course the defect is between the ears of the driver.

Anonymous said...

There are ways to determine how much alcohol you can have BEFORE you drink and drive. Body weight, consumption and time frame. Mine us 2 in a 2 hour period. So I drink 1 or none at all. Ive been pulled over and had sobriety test ran and breathlyzer. Passed. Pretty simple

Anonymous said...

Wonder if Huff will allow the Joplin Globe to print this interesting news or chose to hide another negative story

Anonymous said...

We need extend grace yes, and hold him accountable pray for him& his family

Anonymous said...

A Carl Junction teacher/coach was arrested Saturday night for DWI. His wife was also intoxicated. They had their kids in the car as well. The wife would not give the officer a breath sample on the portable breath instrument, so someone had to be called to drive her and the kids home. The teacher tried to lie his way out of the arrest, "just one beer"...later admitted to having more than 3! Teacher/driver is also being charged with endangering the welfare of a child.

Unknown said...

The biggest question should be, will the Ozark Center do the right thing and fire him as an example to all of the employees there that would be immediately terminated if this happened to them. Will they show spine and stand up for the principle in this matter, that what is good for one is good for all. The best leadership is done by example.