Randy Turner book signing Saturday at Prologue Bookstore in Neosho

The series of signings I've held for my book When Jesse James Came to Pineville comes to an end Saturday (November 14) when I'll be Prologue Bookstore on the Neosho Square from 12 noon to 2 p.m.

In addition to the Jesse James book, which tells the story of the making of the movie Jesse James in Pineville in 1938, copies of my earlier non-fiction books will be available for purchase, including the following:

-Justice for Rowan Ford

-5:41: Stories from the Joplin Tornado

-Newton County Memories

-Running Circles Around the Globe: 20 Years of the Turner Report

-Remembering: People Who Touched Our Lives

-Only in Lamar Missouri: Harry Truman, Wyatt Earp and Legenday Locals

Sharing Memories With My Friends 

Let Teachers Teach

The Buck Starts Here: Harry S. Truman and the City of Lamar

My novels, Small Town News, Devil's Messenger and No Child Left Alive will also be available.

See you there!

First degree murder charge filed in September fire that killed former Webb City resident

The Franklin County, Kansas, District Attorney's Office filed first degree murder charges Tuesday against an Ottawa man in connection with the September 10 fire that killed former Webb City resident Morgan Rainey.

Ryan D. Braker, 45, a former Lamar resident, has also been charged with aggravated arson, two counts of aggravated battery and aggravated endangering a child.

The Franklin County Sheriff's Office issued the following release after the fire:

On September 10, 2026, at about 7:19 pm, emergency personnel responded to 3722 US 59 Hwy, in reference to a structure fire. Upon arrival they found the building to be fully engulfed. A female adult was located deceased inside the structure. An adult male and an infant suffered burns and were transported to KU Medical Center for treatment.

 

 

Rainey, 35, was the mother of three children, according to her obituary, and had a gift for working with people with disabilities.

Rainey's murder took place less than five years after Braker was sentenced to 10 years in prison for possession of methamphetamine and a weapons charge. At the time Braker was awaiting trial on those charges, he was being held without bond and attempted to have his bond reduced.

From the court docket:

Defendant requests a $25,000 cash or surety bond. State and Defendant give their rendition of potential evidence to be presented at trial. Defendant presently has an A felony with significant injuries to the alleged victim. Victim still resides in the area and fears for her life. The Defendant has more than 10 felony convictions. Defendant has served time in DOC. 

Defendant has predominantly been involved in the criminal system for the past 15 years. Defendant's suggested place of residence is in Kansas City. Defendant has had at least four failures to appear in other cases. The Defendant is looking at significant time if found guilty. The Defendant is unemployed, but may have a possibility of employment, even though mainly unemployed over the last 15 years. One of the present charges is Resisting Arrest charge. Based upon the above, and other arguments heard during the hearing, the Court finds Defendant is a danger to the alleged victim and the community. Bond is denied.

Braker is being held on $1 million bond, cash or surety.

Webb City R-7 Board accepts retirements of 3 teachers

The Webb City R-7 Board of Education accepted the retirements of three teachers during its meeting Tuesday.

Those retiring are Kerissa Baird, kindergarten teacher at Bess Truman Primary Center, Kelly Woodring, Title I reading teacher and instructional coach at Harry S. Truman Elementary School and Terri Doman, instructional coach.

Jury finds Joplin man not guilty in Third Thursday kidnapping case

(From the Jasper County Prosecuting Attorney's Office)

After a two-day jury trial in Jasper County Circuit Court, defendant Johnny Arehart, 32, was found not guilty of child kidnapping in the first degree.

The State charged that the defendant had picked up a five-old-child and removed her from the immediate vicinity of her mother without the knowledge or consent of her  parents on May 18, 2023, at a Third Thursday event in downtown Joplin.

The entire event was captured on the surveillance video of the TAMKO building located  at 211 Main Street. The defendant was seen on video picking up the child and walking  away with her. He had the child in his arms approximately thirty seconds and travelled  approximately 100 feet before the child called out to her mother who immediately  responded to the cry of her child. The defendant then put the child down claiming that he  thought the child was lost, and that he was trying to help the child locate her parents.

The trial began on Wednesday, November 4, 2026, and was submitted to the jury on Thursday, November 5, 2026. The jury deliberated almost six hours before finding the  defendant not guilty. “Although we saw the evidence differently, we respect the jury’s  decision and appreciate their service,” said Jasper County Prosecuting Attorney Theresa Kenney.

Jury convicts Jasper County man of raping, sodomizing 9-year-old girl

(From the Jasper County Prosecuting Attorney's Office)

A Jasper County jury convicted Kody Clark-Mitchell, 34, of one count of Statutory Rape in the First Degree, and three counts of Statutory Sodomy in the First Degree after a two-day jury trial before
Presiding Judge Dean Dankelson.

The case began on Monday, November 9, 2026, in the Jasper County Circuit Court, Joplin. The State presented evidence that the defendant had raped and sodomized his nine-year-old stepdaughter in the
Spring of 2023. 

The jury of six men and six women heard testimony from the child, her mother, a forensic interviewer and a nurse from the Children’s Center, and Jasper County Deputy Jamison Cady who investigated the case and interviewed the defendant. There was also very brief testimony from a woman who had been sexually assaulted by the defendant many years ago when she was nine years old, and the defendant was a juvenile.

The defense called two forensic scientists from the Missouri State Highway Patrol Lab who testified that they did not find the defendant’s DNA on any of the evidence submitted to the lab by law
enforcement. The defendant did not testify at trial.

During closing arguments, the State argued that despite the lack of physical or scientific evidence, the
young victim had no motive to lie and that her detailed description of the assaults was proof beyond
reasonable doubt. 

The defense argued that the child’s testimony was not credible, and the lack of physical or scientific evidence was not sufficient to convict the defendant.

The case was submitted to the jury at approximately 3:00 p.m. on Tuesday, November 10, 2026. The
jury returned at 8:10 p.m. with a unanimous verdict convicting the defendant on all four counts. Court
adjourned for the evening, and the jury returned Wednesday morning for sentencing.

After brief arguments from both the State and the defense, the jury deliberated another two hours before returning its verdict: 18 years on each count. The defendant will return to court for sentencing on January 25, 2026.

The case was tried by Assistant Prosecuting Attorney, Kurtis Droppa and Jasper County Prosecutor,
Theresa Kenney, both of whom express their gratitude to the jury for their time and careful
consideration of the facts and evidence presented.

“These cases are difficult for everyone involved, but especially for the young girl who first found the
courage to tell her mom, and then remained steadfast throughout the lengthy process of the criminal
justice system. We are grateful for her courage and cooperation,” said Jasper County Prosecutor, Theresa Kenney.

Gipsons donate $750,000 to MSSU medical imaging programs

(From Missouri Southern State University)

Missouri Southern State University (MSSU) has received a $750,000 commitment from Bill and Tracy Gipson to support the university’s medical imaging programs and expand opportunities for students pursuing careers in healthcare.

A portion of the gift will establish the Gipson Family Medical Imaging Credentialing Awards, providing financial assistance to eligible students seeking professional credentials in specialized imaging fields. The awards will help remove financial barriers for students while supporting the development of a highly skilled workforce to meet the growing needs of regional healthcare systems.

“We believe in what Missouri Southern represents and its commitment to preparing students for meaningful careers while meeting the needs of our region. The university’s focus on health and life sciences is particularly important as the demand for skilled healthcare professionals continues to grow. We hope this gift will help remove financial barriers for students, provide access to the specialized training and credentials they need, and prepare them for successful careers where they can make a difference in the lives of others,” said Bill and Tracy Gipson.

The Gipsons are longtime supporters and graduates of Missouri Southern. Bill has also served on the university’s Board of Governors and the Missouri Southern Foundation Board. Today, they serve as co-chairs of the university’s Lions Forward Campaign and continue to demonstrate their commitment to advancing the university and its students through significant philanthropic investments.

Their previous generosity includes a $1 million commitment to help launch Missouri Southern’s master’s degree program in data analytics, along with support for student scholarships and Lion Athletics.

“Bill and Tracy’s extraordinary generosity has helped MSSU launch and sustain several innovative academic programs, ultimately making a difference in the lives of hundreds of students,” said Dr. Dean Van Galen, president of Missouri Southern State University. “Their latest commitment to medical imaging aligns closely with the university’s statewide mission, particularly its focus on health and life sciences and immersive learning. We are deeply grateful for their continued investment in Missouri Southern and our students.”

Launched this fall, Missouri Southern’s medical imaging offerings include a Bachelor of Science in Medical Imaging, along with specialized certificate programs in diagnostic medical sonography, magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) and computed tomography (CT). Developed in collaboration with regional healthcare providers, the programs are designed to address critical workforce needs while preparing students for rewarding careers in these specialized healthcare fields.

“The Gipsons’ generous support has made it possible for MSSU to launch these critical, much needed programs. In a relatively short amount of time, graduates of these programs will be entering the workforce – we will see more sonographers (ultrasound technicians) and radiologic technologists trained in CT, and MRI technicians,” said Dr. Crystal Lemmons, MSSU Dean of the College of Health, Life Sciences, and Education. “This is truly a remarkable investment in education, healthcare and ultimately our greater community.” 

 
The Gipsons’ commitment also advances Missouri Southern’s new statewide mission, reinforcing the university’s focus on health and life sciences, immersive learning experiences and global education. By investing in both student success and specialized healthcare training, their gift will help strengthen the regional workforce, support access to quality healthcare and create lasting opportunities for students and communities throughout Missouri and the surrounding region.

Agenda posted for Carthage R-9 Board of Education meeting

 

St. Louis Avenue to be closed at 7th Street

(From MoDOT)

TRAFFIC ALERT: St. Louis Ave. CLOSED at Route 66 (7th St.) in Joplin Beginning Nov. 18

Where: St. Louis Avenue at Missouri Route 66 (7th Street) in Joplin

When: Beginning Wednesday, November 18 for approximately six weeks pending completion of work at Florida Avenue

What: Contractor crews will install new storm sewer, sidewalk crossings and concrete approach

Traffic Impacts

St. Louis Avenue CLOSED at Route 66 (7th Street) beginning Wednesday, November 18 for approximately six weeks

Florida Avenue will OPEN to traffic before closure of St. Louis Avenue

Route 66 (7th Street) traffic will be able to drive through the intersection but will not be able to access St. Louis Avenue

Access to all business on St. Louis Avenue will be maintained during business hours

No signed detour

Signs and message boards will alert drivers approaching the work zone

Check MoDOT’s Traveler Information Map for road closings/traffic impacts

Weather and/or scheduling conflicts could alter the work schedule.

This work is part of a project to make improvements along the Route 66 (7th Street) corridor in Joplin between Jasper County Route P (Schifferdecker Avenue) and Loop 49 (Range Line Road). More information can be found by going to the project website.

Project Information

Prime Contractor: D&E Plumbing & Heating LLC, Nixa
Construction Cost: $61.6 million
Contract Completion Date: December 1, 2028

Suspect at large in robbery of Airport Drive business

(From the Jasper County Sheriff's Office)

On November 11, 2026, at approximately 6:48 PM., deputies responded to a robbery that took place at Discount Smokes and Liquor in Airport Drive [5277 N Main St. Joplin MO, 64801].

A male subject entered the store and took items forcefully, then left the store without paying.

The suspect was last seen fleeing south on Main Street toward Fountain Road.

Please contact the Sheriff’s Office if you have information. 417-358-8177 Ext.1217 (Det. Holly)

Kehoe appoints Carl Junction woman to Missouri Commission on Human Rights

(From Gov. Mike Kehoe)

Today, Governor Kehoe announced four gubernatorial appointments to various boards and commissions.

Pamela Lanier, of Carl Junction, was appointed to the Missouri Commission on Human Rights.

Ms. Lanier is an attorney for Freeman Health System, serving as system director, government relations. She previously served on the Joplin Area Chamber of Commerce Cultural Enterprise Recruitment Committee. Lanier holds a Bachelor of Public Administration from Northern Illinois University, a Juris Doctor from Seton Hall University School of Law.

David Baker, of Kansas City, was appointed to the State Rehabilitation Advisory Council for the Blind.

Mr. Baker has served as the director of Missouri Assistive Technology for over three decades. Baker holds a Bachelor of Arts in History from Cornell College and a Master of Arts in American History from the University of Iowa.

Felishya Booker, of Kansas City, was reappointed to the State Rehabilitation Advisory Council for the Blind.

Ms. Booker currently serves as the president and membership chair of Allied Workers of the Blind and is the co-host of the My Limitless Vision Podcast. Booker graduated from Oak Grove High School.

Cora Hanf, of Springfield, was appointed to the State Rehabilitation Advisory Council for the Blind.

Ms. Hanf is a senior vocational rehabilitation counselor for Rehabilitation Services for the Blind with the State of Missouri and previously worked as team manager in the food service industry. Hanf holds a Bachelor of Arts in English from the College of the Ozarks.