Carthage woman charged with child abuse, 4 children removed from home

The Jasper County Prosecuting Attorney's office filed a felony child abuse charge against a rural Carthage woman who allegedly locked her 4-year-old stepson in a closet for three hours.

Saybra A. Martin (DOB 1996) pleaded not guilty during her arraignment today in Jasper County Circuit Court. A bond review hearing is scheduled for 8:30 a.m. Thursday before Judge John Nicholas. Martin is being held on $50,000 bond.

Jasper County deputies were called to Martin's home by an associate social services specialist with the Jasper County Children's Division who discovered the boy in the closet while checking on the home.

From the probable cause statement:

Deputies arrived on scene and observed the residence to be in extremely unsanitary condition. Trash was piled both inside and outside the home, and a strong food odor was detected.

In addition to the victim, deputies located three other children inside the residence, a 10-year-old female, a 3-year-old male, and an 11-month-old female.

Deputies also observed apparent bruising and a cut on the victim's face and inconsistent explanations were provided regarding the injuries. Due to the nature of the investigation, I was requested to respond.

Upon my arrival, Martin gave me a tour of the residence. I observed miscellaneous trash scattered throughout the home and detected a strong foul odor before entering through the main entrance. In the kitchen, I observed cockroach activity and spoiled food on the floor. Martin then directed me to the closet where the victim had been confined.

The closet was approximately four feet by 10 feet and did not have a door. A child safety gate had been placed across the entrance, and a dresser had been positioned against the gate, preventing the victim from leaving the area without assistance.

Inside the closet, I observed a small toddler portable toilet, two couch cushions on the floor with flies buzzing around them, and a strong odor of urine.

Martin stated she had confined the victim in the closet because of behavioral issues and because he had been hitting his siblings.

The closet was approximately four feet by 10 feet and did not have a door. A child safety gate had been placed across the entrance, and a dresser had been positioned against the gate, preventing the victim from leaving the area without assistance.

Inside the closet, I observed a small toddler portable toilet, two couch cushions on the floor with flies buzzing around them, and a strong odor of urine.

Martin stated she had confined the victim in the closet because of behavioral issues and because he had been hitting his siblings.

Due to the condition of the residence and concerns for the safety of the children, all four children were removed from the home after deputies completed 

Death of stepdaughter in fatal crash leads to involuntary manslaughter charge against Pineville man

The McDonald County Prosecuting Attorney's office filed a first-degree involuntary manslaughter charge today against a Pineville man in connection with the March 5 collision that killed his stepdaughter.

A criminal summons was issued for Jamie Lee Vlaun (DOB 1983). The criminal complaint alleges Vlaun was driving recklessly and at a high rate of speed when he drove into the intersection at the intersection of Business 71 and Jesse James Road in Pineville and collided with another vehicle.

Vlaun's stepdaughter, Kiara Dawn Manion, 23, who was a passenger in his car, was pronounced dead at the scene.. Vlaun and the driver of the other vehicle were injured.

Vlaun is also charged with careless and imprudent driving, a misdemeanor.

The case was investigated by the Missouri State Highway Patrol.

Probable cause statement

Grand jury indicts Anderson man on weapons charge

A grand jury indictment of Eric Brenden Benton, 41, Anderson, for being a felon in possession of a firearm was unsealed today in U. S. District Court for the Western District of Missouri.

The allegations against Benton were detailed in a detention motion filed today.

On May 21, 2026, the McDonald County, Missouri, Sheriff’s Office (“MCSO”) and the Anderson, Missouri, Police Department (“APD”) responded to a domestic assault in the area of Route F and Lindsey Lane, in McDonald County, Western District of Missouri. 

The suspect, later identified as Eric Brenden BENTON, fled from officers through the woods.

The victim disclosed that BENTON had struck her numerous times in the face and sides, choked her, would not let her leave, and took her phone to prevent her from calling 911. The officers observed that victim had bruising to her arms, neck, and face.

The MCSO applied for and was granted a search warrant for BENTON’s residence. During a search of the residence, officers located a Browning Arms, .22 caliber pistol in the closet beside the bed. They also located a white crystalline substance on a mirror located on a table in the living room. That substance field-tested positive for methamphetamine.

On May 29, 2026, BENTON was arrested by MCSO. On June 16, 2026, a Federal Bureau of Investigation (“FBI”) Special Agent (“SA”) interviewed BENTON. BENTON admitted that he had possessed the firearm located in his trailer. He admitted to purchasing the gun about a week prior for $100. 

BENTON stated that he knew that he was prohibited from possessing firearms due to his felony conviction.

When asked about the drugs located in his residence, BENTON stated that he was a drug user and stated that he used methamphetamine.

Benton's arraignment, scheduling conference and detention hearing is scheduled for 9:30 a.m. Thursday in Springfield. He also faces charges of domestic assault, illegal possession of a weapon and possession of a controlled substance in McDonald County Circuit Court.

Jason Smith: Trump Administration delivers permanent relief to small businesses

(From Eighth District Congressman Jason Smith)

For years under Joe Biden, small businesses in Missouri had to deal with burdensome regulations that saddled them with more paperwork and extra costs, often without regard to how it would affect their ability to operate. This was perfectly exemplified by a Treasury Department rule that pulled small business owners away from running their businesses just to waste hours on satisfying Washington’s compliance demands.

Thankfully, the Trump Administration just delivered a win for Americans and small businesses everywhere, and it did it by simply getting government out of the way. The Treasury Department’s Financial Crimes Enforcement Network, known as FinCEN, just eliminated one of the most burdensome reporting mandates small business owners have faced in years, and it’s exactly the kind of common-sense deregulation that lets Main Street get back to work instead of being buried in needless paperwork.

For the last two years, small business owners across the country were required to report detailed ownership information to the federal government under the Corporate Transparency Act, essentially proving they weren’t criminals just to run a family shop or farm. Treasury has now made permanent the enforcement pause it first put in place back in March 2025, meaning that requirement is gone for good — not paused, not delayed.

Treasury is also deleting the ownership data that Americans and businesses have previously submitted, wiping the slate clean rather than just stopping future paperwork. Foreign companies reporting on behalf of foreign individuals still have to comply, so the rule stays focused on catching bad actors instead of burying honest business owners in red tape.

It didn’t matter if you were a third-generation hardware store owner in Sikeston or a family farm outside Caulfield. If you owned a piece of a family shop, Washington wanted your information on file, backed by the threat of steep penalties if you got the paperwork wrong. That’s the kind of rule that bureaucrats thought was reasonable, yet made no sense to anyone else. It was never the mom-and-pop shops or the family farms causing financial crime in this country. But they were the ones stuck filling out the forms, while the actual criminal networks this law was supposed to target barely noticed it existed.

The Trump Administration listened to what small business owners have been saying for years, and Treasury Secretary Scott Bessent delivered. I didn’t come to Washington to add to the mountain of red tape folks already have to deal with. I came here to help eliminate it so business owners can spend their time running their companies — not trying to prove they aren’t a criminal to a federal agency most have never even heard of.

While we should have safeguards in place to know whether terrorists are owning or investing in businesses, placing a massive burden on honest, hardworking Americans was never the answer. Prior to the Treasury Department eliminating this requirement, I voted against the Corporate Transparency Act several times and as well as co-sponsored the Repealing Big Brother Overreach Act, which would permanently block the government from enforcing these beneficial ownership rules against American small businesses. I’ll keep pushing to root out bureaucratic mandates like this one, because hardworking Americans shouldn’t have to fight Washington just to keep their doors open.

Neosho's Vondra Miller named semifinalist for Missouri Educator of the Year

Vondra Miller a K-4 reading specialist for the Neosho R-5 School District is one of 16 educators eligible to be named Missouri Educator of the Year, according to a news release issued today by the Missouri Department of Elementary and Secondary Education.

Miller, who teaches at South Elementary, was recently named the district's Teacher of the Year.

The DESE news release is posted below.

The Missouri Department of Elementary and Secondary Education (DESE) has named the semifinalists for the 2027 Missouri Teacher of the Year award, highlighting educators who stand out for their impact in classrooms across the state.

“Missouri’s teachers continue to demonstrate remarkable dedication, creativity, and compassion in their classrooms,” said Dr. Stacey Preis, Interim Commissioner of Education. “The semifinalists recognized embody the best of our profession, and we are grateful for the impact they make on students and communities across the state.”

DESE’s Teacher of the Year program recognizes outstanding teachers who make meaningful contributions to Missouri students and communities. The process began with the announcement of 35 Regional Teachers of the Year from the state’s nine Regional Professional Development Center areas and the Southwest Center for Educational Excellence.

The 2027 Missouri Teacher of the Year semifinalists (alphabetical by last name) include: 

Alazé Chowning – All Subjects (Grade 2), Richmond R-XVI, Sunrise Elementary
Nicole Crocker – Agricultural Education (Grades 9–12), Branson R-IV, Branson High School
Heather Dunn – Media Production (Grades 6–12), Missouri School for the Deaf
Trista Hance – Special Education (Grades 6–12), Newburg R-II
Katie Huff – Special Education (9–12), Raymore-Peculiar R-II, Raymore-Peculiar High School
Emily Klein – Social Studies (Grades 10–12), Bayless, Bayless High School
Christine Logan Hollis – Science (Grades 7–8), Kingston K-14, Kingston K-14 Middle School
Adriana Marble – Literacy Coach (Grades K–5), Blue Springs R-IV, James Lewis Elementary
Kristen McGauley – All Subjects (Grade 1), Ozark R-VI, Ozark South Elementary
Vondra Miller – Reading (Grades K–4), Neosho School District, South Elementary
Jennifer Moore – Gifted Education (Grades K–5), Kirkwood R-VII, Robinson Elementary School
Sarah Moonier – Science (Grades 9–12), Rockwood R-VI, Rockwood Summit High School
Sarah Newton – English Language Arts (Grade 7), Valley Park, Valley Park Middle School
Sarah Steffens – Elementary (Grades K–4), Fort Osage R-I, Elm Grove Elementary
Tamara Turner MacLean – Gifted/Enrichment (Grades K–4), Ladue, Old Bonhomme Elementary
Bailey Womble – Special Education (Grades K–2), School of the Osage, Heritage Elementary 

Candidates for Missouri Teacher of the Year may be nominated by the public or by local education agencies.

Semifinalists are chosen from those nominations and represent a wide range of grades, subjects, and regions. Next, a committee of education professionals will review additional materials to determine the finalists. DESE will announce the 2027 finalists at the end of August.

The Missouri Teacher of the Year will represent the state nationally.

More information is available on the Teacher of the Year webpage.

Scott Wade appointed to Crowder College Board of Trustees

(From Crowder College)

Crowder College Board of Trustees voted to name Scott Wade, Board of Trustee member for Newton County Monday, August 17. Wade is filling the remaining term of Diane Andris, who served on the Board for 30 years.

Wade is owner and chief executive officer of Certified Express Inc., Huntington Woods Logistics, Freedom Truck and Trailer Sales, Patriot Fleet Maintenance, Double Star Holdings and Federal Investments. He is a longtime member of the Neosho community and previously served on the Crowder College Foundation Board from 2013 to 2021, serving as president the last five years.

“I care deeply about Crowder College and its continued success,” stated Wade. “It’s a privilege to follow in the footsteps of Diane Andris. I look forward to continuing her legacy of service to the college, its students, and our community.”

“We had four great candidates for Diane’s seat on the Board, stated Andy Wood”, Board Chair. “Every one of them embodied servant-leadership and would be great board members. Scott’s history of involvement with Crowder is what stood out. I have known Scott my entire life. Scott has demonstrated servant-leadership in what he and Chris have given back to the community. Scott will be a fantastic addition to our Board.”

Wade will serve until the next election, which will be April 2027.

Scott and his wife, Chris live in Neosho, Missouri. They have three boys and nine grandchildren.

Probable cause: Joplin man assaults ex-girlfriend, says he'll shoot her when he gets out

A Joplin man assaulted his ex-girlfriend and after being arrested said he would shoot her when he gets out, according to a probable cause statement filed Friday in Jasper County Circuit Court.

Kahari Cenqui Glover (DOB 2000) pleaded not guilty this morning to burglary and second-degree assault charges during a video arraignment this morning. He is being held on a $50,000 cash-only bond.

From the probable cause statement:

On August 13, 2026, I, Officer Moore, was advised of a domestic assault which took place at around 2100 hours on August 12, 2026, at a residence in Joplin, Jasper County, MO. During the assault, Kahari Glover entered the home of his ex-girlfriend, V1. 

V1 and Kahari have three children in common. He possesses a key to her home, where he does not live and has not lived in some time. Kahari was asked to return the key and refuses. 

When he arrived at the home on the day of the altercation, he was asked to leave multiple times by V1. Instead of leaving, Kahari grabbed V1 by the front of her shirt and pulled her down a hallway, into her bedroom. He proceeded to place his hands around her neck and squeeze, strangling her until she turned purple and felt she was going to lose consciousness. 

V1 stated during the altercation she sustained a busted lip as well as bruising and scratches around her neck. I observed all of these injuries on V1. V1 stated after he stopped strangling her, he pushed her onto the bed where she nearly fell on top of their sleeping 4 month old infant.

Joplin Municipal Court records indicate Glover is awaiting trial on a domestic assault charge stemming from a March 20 arrest.

Kahari denied all allegations and stated he was never inside of the home. He stated he was with another
girlfriend who would corroborate his story. I contacted W1, Kahari's other girlfriend. She provided the
statement that she had given V1 a ride home while Kahari was in the car and when they arrived at V1's
home, Karahi exited the vehicle and followed her inside. He was gone for approximately 5 minutes and returned "very heated." Kahari and W1 then left.

During Kahari's arrest he made multiple statements about shooting V1 and that she should be afraid for when he gets out.

Lawsuit filed after woman injured by fall caused by slippery fruit, produce at 7th Street Walmart Supercenter

A Missouri woman was injured March 17, 2025 after a fall caused by "slippery fruit, berries and/or produce" left on the floor in an aisle at the 7th Street Walmart Supercenter.

According to the lawsuit, which was filed Friday in Jasper County Circuit Court, Cynthia Sykita says that a Walmart employee Dave Warden should have known "that fruit, berries, and/or produce on the floor created an unsafe and hazardous condition for patrons, including Plaintiff."

As a direct and proximate result of Defendants’ negligence, Plaintiff suffered permanent bodily injuries, pain and suffering, disability, mental anguish, loss of capacity for the enjoyment of life, medical expenses, medical and nursing care and treatment, loss of earnings, and loss of ability to earn money. Because her injuries are permanent, Plaintiff will continue to suffer these losses in the future.

Warden and Walmart Stores East 1 LP are listed as defendants. Sykita, who is represented by Andrew S. Buchanan of Buchanan, Williams & O'Brien, PC, Joplin, is demanding a jury trial and asking for fair and reasonable damages and costs.

Webb City man charged with assaulting autistic teen

A Webb City man assaulted a 13-year-old autistic boy shortly after throwing a dog against a wall in a Carthage home, according to a probable cause statement filed Friday in Jasper County Circuit Court.

The Jasper County Prosecuting Attorney's office charged Iziah Maliek Todd (DOB 2001) with third-degree assault of a special victim. His bond has been set at $15,000.

The probable cause statement said Todd was intoxicated when he arrived at the home "and began arguing with family members. During the argument, Todd picked up a dog and threw it against the wall."

The 13-year-old, upset by what happened to the dog, confronted Todd, according to the statement.

"A verbal argument ensued, which escalated when Todd struck J1 on the left side of the face with an open hand, causing injury."

Todd's arraignment was scheduled for today.

The case was investigated by the Carthage Police Department.

Nancy Hughes: Our most prized possession

“Do not be overawed when a man grows rich, when the splendor of his house increases; for he will take nothing with him when he dies, his splendor will not descend with him.”

Psalm 49:16-17 (NIV)

The article about the wealthy man from Brazil had me shaking my head in disbelief. He announced that when he died, he wanted to be buried beside his $500,000 Bentley Continental automobile. I know that sometimes people have different or unusual ideas about how they want to be buried – that’s not the concern. His reason for his decision? He wanted to take the car with him when he died.

Because he was extremely rich, the wealthy entrepreneur had everything that money could buy in this world. However, he stated that he did not want to risk being without all those possessions after he died. His idea to bury his expensive car came after watching a documentary about the pharaohs of Egypt.

He learned that each one was buried with those things most precious to him in life so that they could accompany him in the afterlife. That prompted his idea, he said, of burying HIS most prized possession, his car, because he wanted to have it with him after he died. “I wanted to copy them,” he said of the pharaohs.

I know what this man was doing sounds silly to us - wanting to take his treasures here on earth with him when he dies. But I am afraid that sometimes I act as though I do, too. I envy people who are financially well off, and I get caught up in the “bigger and better” mentality that this world tries to convince us is so important. I am guilty of putting all my time and energy into owning what I think will make me “happy” as if I can keep it forever.

I’ve never wanted a Bentley, but I have struggled with more clothes, nicer jewelry, or a newer cell phone, even when what I have is perfectly fine. I have spent my time and money trying to make more time to have more money. What in the world am I thinking? Please understand that there is nothing wrong with having money in the bank and working hard for those things we need or want - unless it becomes the focus of our existence here on earth.

God makes it very clear in Psalm 49:16-17 exactly what we will take with us when we die: nothing. The last part of verse 17 says “ . . . when he dies, his splendor will not descend with him.” We will take nothing with us when we leave this world. Not a home, not jewelry, not even a $500,000 Bentley. Consider this: everything we have belongs to the Lord. Everything. The cattle on a thousand hills (Psalm 50:10), silver and gold (Haggai 2:8) – everything. None of it truly belongs to us anyway.

And, most importantly, we are rich beyond compare because we will spend eternity as children of the King of the Universe. I can’t take it with me – but why would I want to? Nothing on this earth compares with the priceless gift that I have been given of forgiveness of sin and an eternity with Jesus. My heart breaks as I read that the rich man said his “most prized possession” was a car. I pray someone speaks Truth to him, before he misses out on the most prized possession we all can receive: eternity with Jesus.

Father, thank you for reminding me that nothing in this world compares with the riches you have waiting for us as your children. In Jesus’ Name. Amen.

R.A.P. it up . . .

Reflect

Do you spend a lot of your time trying to save more and more wealth?

How often do you look for ways to have bigger and nicer things?

Apply

Make a list in your journal of everything that you want and how much money it would take to buy each item.

Beside each item, write down Scripture that reminds you of the wealth that you will receive in heaven. Draw a line through anything you do not have to have.

Power

Psalm 49:16-17 (NIV) “Do not be overawed when a man grows rich, when the splendor of his house increases; for he will take nothing with him when he dies, his splendor will not descend with him.”

Luke 12:20 (NIV) “But God said to him, “You fool! This very night your life will be demanded from you. Then who will get what you have prepared for yourself?’”

Mark 8:36 (NIV) “What good is it for a man to gain the whole world, yet forfeit his soul?” 

(For more of Nancy Hughes' writing, check out her blog, Encouragement from the War Room.)