Remembering Tom Perry (Hank Rotten, Jr.)

In the early days of Channel 16 in Joplin, back when it was KUHI, the station began showing a package of horror movies late Friday night under the name Dimension 16.

I watched it every week, no matter how cheesy the films were.

Some of the movies were the great 1930s horror classics like Dracula and Frankenstein, others were the terrible early science fiction movies of the 1950s.

Eventually, Dimension 16 left the air, though I'm guessing many of you who are reading these words have fond memories of it.

In the early 2000s, Channel 16, which had since gone through its years at KTVJ and became KSNF, tried a Friday night movie format once again with the clever, original title of Friday NIght at the Movies.

Over the years I watched dozens of those Friday night (actually early Saturday morning) movies and while the movies of Dimension 16 remain fresh in my mind, I can tell you without a doubt I don't remember any of the movies I watched on KSN's weekly program.

The movies didn't matter. What mattered was the host of the show Hank Rotten Jr. He wasn't your typical TV host and that was his charm. The program always featured guests talking about area music programs or fundraisers and best of all Hank (that was his professional name, his real name was Tom Perry), asked the questions that normal people like you and I would ask. And despite the late hour, there was no doubt people were tuning in. The program turned out to be one of KSN's best community services for more than 20 years and more than 1,000 movies.

The TV phase of Hank Rotten Jr.'s career lasted 20 years but wasn't even half of the time he was reaching the public. Beginning as a musician and continuing through the years when he was a top disc jockey in the Joplin market and was involved in bringing concerts to the Joplin area, he was always at the forefront of this area's entertainment.

Tom Perry's ability to stay on top for a half century can be attributed to two things- he never changed and he was constantly changing.

The personality that endeared Hank Rotten, Jr., to one generation after another remained constant, but he was always ready to tackle the next adventure.

Even during the final phase of his career- as a KSN television personality, he showed a willingness to try something new. For the last 10 years of his time at KSN, in addition to Friday Night at the Movies, he was a co-host on the morning show. He was different from anyone who had ever been on an area morning show and it was a perfect fit.

When he was on the air, a friend was talking to us.

Hank Rotten, Jr. was a one-of-a-kind talent, the kind we're unlikely to see again.

Remodeling announced for Lamar Walmart

A remodeling is coming for the Lamar Walmart and eight other Missouri stores though company officials were not specific about when it's going to come.

(Note: This this post was initially published, I have received a comment telling me the remodeling in Lamar has been completed.)

 

The store has plans to create new displays, expand departments, fulfill growing number of online customer orders and adding new private screening rooms for Walmart pharmacies.

The other Walmart facilities scheduled for remodeling are in Clinton, Higginsville, Cameron, Butler, Bridgeton, Oak Grove, Kansas City and Richmond. 

Judge denies change of venue for former Carl Junction choir teacher for stalking, child porn cases

If former Carl Junction R-1 choir teacher Craig Smith's case goes to trial, that trial will take place in Jasper County.

Judge David Mouton rejected Craig Smith's motion for a change of venue during a hearing Tuesday in Jasper County Circuit Court. Smith is charged with stalking and possession of child pornography.

The judge's decision came despite a new exhibit entered Tuesday by Smith's attorney, Jonathan Pierce- a copy of a post and comments from the Inside Joplin Facebook page on the Turner Report's post on Smith's motion for a change of venue.

The exhibit showed comments referring to Smith as a "predator" and as someone who gave off "creepy vibes."

Smith's hearing, either for pre-trial motions or for a change of plea is scheduled for 9 a.m. May 12.

Previous posts

The Turner Report: Attorney's claim: Randy Turner, media prejudiced Jasper County residents against Craig Smith

The Turner Report: Probable cause. Former CJ teacher stalked girl from sixth grade through high school

 

Joplin R-8 Board accepts five teacher resignations, hires 16

During a closed session Tuesday, the Joplin R-8 Board accepted five teacher resignations and hired 16 certified personnel.

Classified Separations:
Kaylee Patton, Amber McCartney, Kimberly Sapp, Lisha Hardy

Certified Hires
Katheryn Rohr, Damian Oxendine, Dayana Hernandez, Elexa Brouwer, Megan Dotson, Jaren Hulette, Nicole Peters, Kyle Wolf

Teacher Hires:
Addison Saunders, Dallas Epperson, Callie Weiser, Sara Danner, Chelsea Sheffield, Claire Hurst, Abigail Surbrugg, Mackenzie Cummins

Contracted Resignations Effective at End of School Year:
Bailey Wallace, Marissa Bard, Rebecca Miller, Joshua Mercado, Tarrah Stephens

Classified Hires:
Mackenzie Lyeria, Rhonda Rigsby, Madison Waters, Addison Clarkson

Hire-Stipends:
Jaren Hulette, Brooklyn Luna, Sarah Johnson, Kaylah Maynard, Elizabeth Anderson, Noah Andrews, Donald Archer, Peyton Archer, Braden Baade, Kristen Bagby, Alec Basye, Alexis Basye, Adam Bennett, Kathryn Booher, Robert Booker, Karisa Boyer, Steven Bradfield, Jacquelyn Bradley, William Braun, Deborah Brill, Lisa Bromley, Chandler Brower, Aaron Brown, Monica Brown, Aurora Campbell, Donald Carey, Adrienne Carson, James Cessna, Leslie Coleman, Adam Colin, Benjamin Coltharp, Cyndi Conway, Laurel Cook, Amber Cooney, Eric Cooper, Bradley Cox, Jason Cravens, Jeremiah Danner, Jessica Davison, Jessica Davis, Karen Derrickson, Lindsay Dewelt, Douglas Dicharry, Lucas Dickerson, Joshua Doak, Erica Doennig, Brad Douglas, Abbie Durr, Dora Eastin, Jamarion Eldridge, Susanne Elliott, Elijah Eminger, Sam Erisman, Erica Etuonu, Morgan Faubion, Kerri Fields, Susan Flowers, Linda Foxwell, Joshua Franklin, Stacie Frieze, Michelle Friskey, Jensyn Gardner, Johnathan Gardner, Zachary Gibson, Tarryn Gilbert, Chandler Glasgow, Phillip Gloyer, Aaron Gooch, McCade Gordon, Shelly Greninger, Craig Gullett, Charles Haase, Brian Hancock, Jennifer Hancock, Janel Harding, James Hartzfeld, William Hedrick, Noah Hembree, Jessica Hilton, Abbey Holloway, Jessica Holt, Parker Howard, Curtis Jasper, Tashena Karcher, Natalie Kayser, William Keczkemethy, Aaron Ketcher, Emily Killion, Teresa Lamerson, Regina Langston, Lauren Lant, Michael Lawrence, Alan Linden, Carly Locke, Brandt Loyd, Stephen Lynch, Tara Marty, Julie McCain, Karalee McDonald, Averi McNeal, Hunter Mehrle, Joseph Mitchell, Marissa Mitchell, Linda Moncado, Amanda Moody, Tiffanie Moore Crouch, Brenten Moser, Julie Munn, Scott Murphy, Amber Nathan, Tracy Nelson, Coeta Ogle, Laurie Olson, Megan Olson, Tina Olson, Savanna Parker, Courtey Pearson, Tiffany Pepper, Nicole Peters, Nicholas Pfeifer, Kasey Pliler, Dorotha Polok, Heather Pugh, Levi Reed, Nicholas Reid, Tristan Routledge, Shawna Sampson, Lacey Santillan, Marissa Saulen, Tracy Saunders, Jeremy Schamber, Jessica Sewing, Jon Sherrod, Bethany Shultz, Autumn Shurley, Riley Skaggs, Alex Smith, David Smith, Keisha Smith, Philip Soule, James Spencer, Lara Stamper, Bailey Stiffler, Crystal Stokes-Danner, Jay Stubbs, AlyssaTaylor, Nicole Thorn, Amber Travis, Amanda Trevino, Ashley Trotnic, Don Turnbull, Stacy Turner, Holly Tyson, Heather Van Otterloo, Kylee Vanhorn, Katie Virden, Marguerite Wahpekeche, Jason Weaver, Payton Wells, Dylan Wemer, Lisa Whitaker, Janel White, Tegan Whited, Kelsea Whitten, Desmond Williams, Jody Williams, Lori Wilson, Ashley Witt, Cheri Wright, Breven Yarbro, Hannah Young, Michelle Young, Teri Zanker, Deborah Zellmer

Substitute Hire:
Logan Bowser, Adrian Gonzalez, Kelsey Brake, Adam Robertson, Kyla Daspit, Rosemarie Saragusa, Sabrina Garrison, Katie Spiekermann, Braden Baade, Jennifer Windham, Claire Lowry

Substitute Resignations:
Tessa Neal, Maurice Babcock, Chaney Long, Jacqueline McIntire, R Shane Munn, Hunter Olson, Christi Sapp, Brandy Snelson, Roger Hagan, Halie Whitehill

Summer School Classified Hires:
Addison Clarkson ,Andrea Fields, Ashleigh Mills, Billy Gray ,Bonnie Lohmann, Brian Starchman, Callie Weiser, Cassanda Copher, Cheyenne Radigan, Danissa Holt, Delaney Ballard, Dora Eastin, Gena Brown, Hannah Shepherd, Jenifer Henson, Jermaine Boykin, John Banta, Joy Grant, Kassie Schwarting, Kelsey Stevenson, Ken Mikolalsko, Kiley Siebenaler, Kindra Marlow, Krystal Hicks, Landen Atherton, Laura Resendes, Madalyn Wlson, Rachel Kuehnast, Rebecca Lancour, Roanna Dowell ,Sandra Ruddick-Darr, Sarah Rybczyk, Shannon Caylor, Sheri Harrington, Stefanie Allen, Tabitha Henderson

Summer School Certified Hires:
Abbey Holloway, Chee Harris, James Hartzfeld, Kelsey Harmon, Morgan Sprouls, Stephanie Lynch, Adam Colin, Chelsea Parramore,Jamie Lorimer, Kenny Peters, Nick Pfiefer ,Tashena Karcher, Alan Linden, Christal VanGilder, Jamie Williams, Kim Gilmore, Nick Reid, Taylor Geary, Amanda Pal, Cortney Krolman, Jaylee Todd, Kim Sparks, Nicole Peters, Taylor Tyrrell, Amber Chandler, Courtney Pearson, Jessica Brockman-Herron, Kimmy Lankford, Nicole Thorn, Tina Olson, Amy Scott, Curtis Jasper, Jessica Hilton, Kyle Jones, Omar Trenche, Toby Sissons, Andrew Pommert, Daphne Payne, Jessica Irvin, Kylie Compton, Parker Howard, Tonya Cary, Annie Stover, Darren Morgan, Jody Williams, Laura Campbell, Peyton Archer, Tracy Saunders, Ashley Kerr, Dave Armstrong, Jordan Gossard, Linda Gray, Reagan Fowler, Tylan Harris, Ashley Trotnic, Debi Oaks, Josh Doak, Lindsay Dewelt, Rhiannon Medley, Tyler VanCleave, Ashley Witt, Debra Radigan, Julie McCain, Lisa Terlink, Robert Booker, Victoria Campbell, Audra Sarratt, Dylan Wemer ,Julie Pagan, Madison Reid, Roxcee McCully, Wendee Hughes, Autumn Johnson, Emily Holder, Julie Thongsavanh, Marcia Cannon, Sarah Campbell, Wendy Henady, Bailey Gardner, Erica Doennig, Juneau Lopez, Marissa VanCleave, Sarah Johnson, Wes Brownfield, Bobbie Hoag, Erica Etuonu, Justin Larsen, Mary White, Sarah Long, Whitney Benfield, Brad Cox, Erika Blank, Karen Robertson, Mccade Gordon, Sarah Nangle, Whitney Cummings, Brevan Yarbro, Erin Sigars, Kate McDonald, Melissa Kendall, Shamera Moss, Will Keczkemethy,Brittany Pittman, Heidi Fenske-Hodges, Kathy Rivers, Michael Lawrence, Shandon Reed, Brock Compton, Holly Hasty, Kelly Davis, Misti Ard, Shawna Sampson, Cassie Sofia, Hunter Mehrle, Kelly Harmon, Monica Mccriff, Staci Saunders

James River Church splits from Assemblies of God

The James River Church issued the following media statement regarding its decision to leave the Assemblies of God.

"Recently, the James River Church Board of Trustees reached the decision to discontinue our formal denominational affiliation with the Assemblies of God. 

We are thankful for the Assemblies of God, and we intend to continue partnering with the Assemblies of God in a variety of ways — including our continued support of missionaries and missions efforts to take the Gospel around the world," the church, which reports a weekly attendance of 16,000, said.

"James River Church is not changing its doctrine, and the church remains committed to preaching the Bible and impacting the local community and the world for the cause of Christ."

The decision was announced to the James River congregation at Wednesday services.

Missouri governor drops education board pick after criticism from senator, right-wing groups

By Annelise Hanshaw

Missouri Independent

Missouri Gov. Mike Kehoe withdrew the nomination of Tom Prater to the State Board of Education on Thursday after concerns circulated from a national advocacy group and a state senator.

Prater, a Springfield eye surgeon who donated $21,000 to Kehoe’s political action committee last year, was appointed in an interim capacity following the retirement of 33-year board member Peter Herschend. He was reappointed by Kehoe this year alongside three new board members.

But in the Senate Gubernatorial Appointments Committee hearing Wednesday, his selection was singled out by Republican state Sen. Mike Moon.

Moon, a Republican from Ash Grove, said his constituents had complained about Prater’s appointment. He asked Prater about his role in United Springfield, a committee that has donated to candidates on both sides of the aisle in local elections.

Prater said the group didn’t look at political affiliations but asked questions about “education issues.”

Moon told The Independent on Thursday he spoke to Kehoe about his concerns but didn’t want to talk more about Prater or the reasons his nomination was withdrawn

If the Senate had voted Prater’s nomination down, he would have been banned from serving on the board for life. Instead, the nomination was withdrawn shortly after the Senate convened Thursday and the other education board nominee, Republican Brooks Miller, was confirmed on a voice vote.

A spokeswoman for Kehoe said he was “confident in (Prater’s) qualifications.”

“Given the short amount of time left this legislative session and the obstacles presented during Prater’s confirmation, the governor did not want to ask the Missouri Senate to use valuable floor time on this appointment at the expense of other critical legislation awaiting action,” she said in a statement.

The State Board of Education, by law, can’t be dominated by a political party. Prater was nominated as an independent, with the maximum number of Republicans already in office or appointed.

Prater has a history of donating to both Republican and Democratic candidates, with the majority of his contributions benefiting those on the political right.

These donations came under scrutiny from the American Accountability Foundation, a D.C.-based nonprofit committed to the “American First conservative agenda,” according to its social media.

“If you want a pro-tax, anti-voucher, pro-teacher union voice on the State Board of Education, then Tom Prater is your guy,” the organization’s founder, Thomas Jones, said in an email to state officials Wednesday. “But if you want reform-minded conservatives, you’re going to need a new nominee.”

Jones noted Prater’s donations to ActBlue, which received $250 from Prater last year, and donations to local Democrats often below $1,000.

Jones told The Independent Thursday that any donations to blue candidates are “terrible.”

“He shouldn’t be on the board at all,” he said. “He has donated to a bunch of terrible liberals in your state. He is going to be a toxic influence on the Board of Education.”

Missouri-based groups Freedom Principle MO and MO Education Watch celebrated the withdrawal on social media.

“The people won,” MO Education Watch said on X, formerly Twitter.

Prater did not respond to a request for comment.

Carl Junction R-1 announces administrative changes

(From Carl Junction Schools)

The Carl Junction Board of Education is pleased to announce the hiring of Kyle Williams as Assistant Superintendent for Operations, Keith Robertson as High School Principal, and Catie Cummins as High School Athletic Director and Assistant Principal. They will officially assume their new roles on July 1.

Kyle Williams brings 13 years of dedicated service to the Carl Junction School District. He began his career in education with four years of teaching experience in the Wichita, KS, and Lamar School Districts before joining Carl Junction as a Social Studies teacher. 

In 2014, he transitioned to the role of assistant high school principal and has served as high school principal for the past three years. Throughout his tenure, Kyle has demonstrated exceptional leadership, collaborating closely with district administrators to support student success. His extensive experience in instructional leadership, data-driven decision-making, and program implementation makes him a strong addition to the district's leadership team.

Keith Robertson will return to Carl Junction Schools as the new High School Principal. Keith began his career as an English Language Arts teacher in Carl Junction from 2006 to 2011. He then pursued administrative leadership roles, serving as a high school principal in the Liberal and Cassville School Districts. Currently, the principal of Webb City Middle School, Keith brings valuable insights and a well-rounded perspective gained from his experience across multiple grade spans. His commitment to fostering student achievement and building strong school communities will undoubtedly benefit Carl Junction High School.

Cummins will step into her role following the upcoming retirement of longtime Athletic Director Rich Neria. Coach Neria has served Carl Junction Schools for 28 years as a teacher and coach, and he has led the district’s athletics and activities as Athletic Director since 2018. His dedication and leadership have left a lasting legacy that will continue to impact students, staff, and the community for years to come.

Cummins currently serves as the Junior High Activities Director and a physical education teacher for the Neosho School District. A respected leader and coach, she brings nearly a decade of experience in athletic administration and physical education, along with a strong foundation in student engagement and program development.

Dr. David Pyle, Incoming Superintendent of Carl Junction Schools, expressed his enthusiasm for the new appointments:

“Kyle Williams has been an integral part of our school community, and I am excited to see him take on this district leadership role. His dedication to our students and staff is unwavering, and I look forward to working alongside him to continue enhancing our district's operations. Similarly, we are thrilled to welcome Keith Robertson back to Carl Junction. His deep understanding of our school culture and his leadership experience will be invaluable as we strive to provide the best educational experience for our students. Catie Cummins is a dynamic educator with a strong background in athletics and leadership. I’m excited for the impact her energy and experience will have on our high school athletic and activity programs.”

Kenneth Peters named assistant principal at South Middle School

(From Joplin Schools)

We are pleased to announce the promotion of Kenneth Peters as the next Assistant Principal at South Middle School!

Peters is currently a teacher at South, where he has worked since 2008. He also currently serves as the district’s PE Department Head and has spent time as a long-term administrative substitute at South. He holds a Bachelor of Science degree in Physical Education and Health from Missouri Southern State University and a Master of Education in Secondary Leadership from William Woods University.
South Middle School Principal Jacob Williams noted that the building staff members are excited to welcome Mr. Peters into this new role.

"His strong working knowledge of our staff, students, and building makes him a natural fit for this role,” said Mr. Williams. 

“Kenny has already dedicated countless hours supporting our office and building, and that experience has laid a solid foundation for the impactful work he will continue to do in the future."

“I’ve been blessed to be part of the amazing staff at South Middle School since the day our doors opened,” said Peters. “I’m incredibly excited for the opportunity to help guide and support this wonderful team and student body as they continue their educational journey!”

Tokyo Japanese Steakhouse fails Joplin Health Department inspection

Tokyo Japanese Steakhouse, 411 N. Range Line Road, failed its routine Joplin Health Department inspection, recording three priority violations, according to information posted on the department website.

The priority violations were noted for the following reasons:

-Orange juice in bar reach in is being cold held above 41 degrees

-Cooked noodles, raw chicken and raw beef in the kitchen prep cooler are being cold held above 41 degrees

-Glass cleaner in kitchen stored over Pepsi meat cooler

A core violation was cited for soil accumulations being present on the rice cooker.

***

Zinc Coffee and Food, LLC, 1825 S. Main, which failed an inspection April 16 passed during its revisit today.

Big Apple Travel Centers, 2110 S. Prigmore Avenue, which failed an inspection April 21, passed during its reinspection Wednesday

Wendy's @ Road Ranger, 2101 S. Prigmor Avenue, which failed an inspection April 21, passed during its reinspection Tuesday.

Maverick 5314, which failed its inspection April 11, passed the reinspection Tuesday.

***

Establishments that passed inspections during the past three days include the following:

Dollar General, 807 W. 7th Street

Hungry Monkey Island Style Eats, 905 S. Main

Turtleheads Raw Bar, 4218 S. Main Street

College View State School, 1101 N Goetz Boulevard

CFI Express LLC Kitchen, 4701 E. 32nd Street

Pizza Hut, 1901 S. Range Line Road

Raising Cane's Chicken Fingers, 1237 S. Range Line Road

Pinnacle Station; Doc's Stop 2, 2703 E. 32nd Street

Child abuse charges filed after Carthage couple allegedly starved 1-year-old boy

 

A Carthage woman charged with child abuse and endangering the welfare of a child in connection with the starving of a 1-year-old boy has been released after posting a $7,000 cash bond today.

A 9 a.m. May 28 initial appearance has been scheduled in Jasper County Circuit Court for Emily Elizabeth Katz (DOB 1997).

Jasper County Detention Center online records indicate the child's father, Braxton Michael Blevins (DOB 1998) is still being held in lieu of a $50,000 surety bond or $7,000 cash, the same as Katz' bond.

From Blevins' probable cause statement:

On March 1, 2025, Carthage Police Officers were contacted by Children’s Mercy Hospital regarding a one-year-old male juvenile admitted for severe malnutrition, starvation, recurrent infections, and failure to thrive. 

Medical personnel reported the juvenile had been hospitalized multiple times since birth for similar conditions. 

In each instance, when placed under hospital-supervised care and fed according to the prescribed protocol, the juvenile gained weight and improved. Hospital staff stated this demonstrated the victim’s medical complications were treatable with proper care and nutrition, which Blevins was trained on and said he was providing. 

Despite the Blevins' claims that they were following the feeding plan at home, officers discovered between ten (10) and twenty (20) unused bags of the juvenile’s Total Parenteral Nutrition (TPN) stored in the family’s refrigerator. 

Medical staff advised that the juvenile required one TPN bag per day, delivered weekly. One TPN bag per day makes up 79% of the victim's total daily caloric intake. The presence of excess TPN supplies indicated the juvenile was not receiving the prescribed nutrition. 

Hospital staff confirmed Blevins had completed the required medical training for the juvenile's care and nutrition needs. However, during each hospitalization, Blevins was consistently unable to explain the home care provided or account for the juvenile’s weight loss and deteriorating condition. 

Children’s Mercy SCAN team concluded that, based on the juvenile’s repeated medical issues and evidence of missed feedings, the victim’s condition was a result of Blevins' neglect. The juvenile remains hospitalized under medical care. 

During a subsequent interview with Blevins, he admitted he was aware of the victim's critical medical needs, including daily TPN administration through a central line, and acknowledged missing multiple feedings, particularly during the final month of care, due to marijuana use and falling asleep. 

Blevins confirmed that during the 94 days the juvenile victim was in his custody, the child lost approximately 5.5 pounds, while corresponding medical records show the victim consistently gained weight when hospitalized and cared for by medical staff. Blevins admitted he recognized he could not meet the victim's medical needs, but continued custody due to fear of losing rights to their other child.

From Katz' probable cause statement:

Hospital staff confirmed Katz had completed the required medical training for the juvenile's care and nutrition needs. However, during each hospitalization, Katz was consistently unable to explain the home care provided or account for the juvenile’s deteriorating condition. Children’s Mercy SCAN team concluded that, based on the juvenile’s repeated medical issues and evidence of missed feedings, the victim’s condition was a result of caregiver neglect. The juvenile remains hospitalized under medical care. 

During a subsequent interview, Katz admitted struggling with maintaining cleanliness in the home and acknowledged improper care of her infant son’s central line and GI tube. 

Medical records showed that during three separate periods under Katz’s and Braxton Blevins' care, the victim suffered significant weight loss totaling over 5.5 pounds, despite documented weight gains when hospitalized and placed on the same feeding regimen. 

Katz offered no reasonable explanation for the failures in care and terminated the interview after being advised of the charges.