Rowan Ford's stepfather launches Go Fund Me page

Rowan Ford's stepfather has a Go Fund Me page.

David Spears, who initially confessed to the murder of 9-year-old Rowan Ford, a fourth grader at Triway Elementary School in Stella, before he was eventually pleaded guilty to a lesser charge, launched the fundraiser over the weekend with the headline "Help My Family Rebuild After Unjust Job Loss."

KSNF/KODE News Director Bobbie Pottorff, who broke the story that Spears had a $42,000 a year taxpayer-funded job with the Missouri State Public Defender's Office, posted a story about the Go Fund Me page earlier this evening.

Pottorff's reporting led Rep. Lane Roberts, R-Joplin, to demand that Spears be fired and members of the House Budget Committee threatened to withhold the Public Defender's Office budget unless Spears was fired.

As of this writing, Spears, who set a goal of $5,500, has raised $4,300, with $3,000 of that total coming from one anonymous donor.

This is his pitch:

My name is David Spears. I am a husband and father, and I’m reaching out for help after losing my job with the Missouri State Public Defender’s Office under circumstances beyond my control. For nearly eight years, I worked hard to build a stable life for my family, earning the trust of my supervisors and colleagues, even with my past. 

Everything changed in late 2024, when political pressure—led by Missouri State Representative Lane Roberts, who stated false facts about my past—and public attention led to my termination, when the Missouri State Public Defenders Office was told by legislators that they would not be allowed to present a budget proposal for the new fiscal year until I was terminated, despite my strong work record and support from those who knew me best. 

Since losing my job, I have burned through my retirement savings and sold what we could, including my son’s classic car. I’ve applied to over 100 jobs and started a cleaning business, but the media’s attention to my past has made it nearly impossible to find steady work. My wife’s income is the only thing keeping a roof over our heads, and with bills piling up, we are dangerously close to losing our stability.

We are asking for support to help us keep up with our mortgage and basic living expenses, catch up on overdue bills, and give us time to rebuild and find stable income. If possible, we hope to relocate to a state where we feel safer and less likely to be targeted for my past. I know my history raises questions, but I’ve taken responsibility and worked hard to rebuild. If you’re able to help by donating or sharing, my family and I are deeply grateful for your support.

Seneca man found with missing juvenile girl, faces child pornography charges

(From the Missouri State Highway Patrol)

The Missouri State Highway Patrol’s Division of Drug and Crime Control (DDCC) announces the arrest of Michael L. Colchado, 18, of Seneca, MO. Colchado was arrested on April 3, 2026, in connection with a missing person and child sexual abuse material (CSAM) investigation. DDCC Special Victims Unit (SVU) investigators were assisted by the Lebanon Police Department, Laclede County Sheriff’s Office, and the Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI).

On April 3, 2026, troopers obtained an investigative tip regarding a missing Pennsylvania juvenile, who was possibly traveling on Interstate 44, within Laclede County. This tip was part of a larger ongoing missing person investigation being conducted by Pennsylvania authorities, along with FBI investigators.

Laclede County Probable Cause Statement

A trooper located a vehicle traveling on Interstate 44, near Conway, MO, and conducted a traffic stop based on the investigative tip. During the stop, troopers located the juvenile in the vehicle being operated by Colchado. Troopers obtained evidence that Colchado traveled to Pennsylvania to pick up the juvenile and then back to Missouri. 

Evidence identified as CSAM on an electronic device was recovered from the vehicle. Colchado was arrested and transported to the Laclede County Sheriff’s Office and placed on an investigative hold. Investigators sent a Probable Cause Statement to the Laclede County Prosecutor seeking felony charges.

On April 4, 2026, the Laclede County Prosecuting Attorney formally charged Colchado with three counts of Possession of Child Pornography (felony). Colchado is being held in the Laclede County Jail without bond, and the juvenile was returned home safety.

The above charges are mere accusations and are not evidence of guilt. Evidence in support of these charges must be presented before a court of competent jurisdiction whose duty is to determine guilt or innocence. DDCC encourages individuals to promptly report to the Patrol or local law enforcement, anyone who commits crimes against children.

(Note: Laclede County Circuit Court records indicate Colchado has been charged with three felony counts of possession of child pornography.)

Kehoe signs three bills, including two sponsored by Jill Carter

(From Gov. Mike Kehoe)

Today, during a bill signing ceremony at the Missouri State Capitol, Governor Mike Kehoe signed three pieces of legislation into law: Senate Bill (SB) 888, and House Bills (HB) 1908 and 2273.

SB 888, sponsored by Senator Nick Schroer and Representative Brad Christ, modifies provisions relating to the criminal systems.

Allows for record sharing to enhance the ability of law enforcement and prosecutors to track cases and juvenile adjudication history. 

Adds increased penalties for sexual criminal offenses.

Supports sentencing reform efforts by streamlining processes and adding transparency in parole eligibility calculation.

"Missouri must address the revolving door for repeat violent offenders—and that includes juveniles," said Governor Kehoe. "I would like to thank the members of the General Assembly for getting this priority legislation to my desk. This bill delivers for law enforcement, prosecutors, and the safety of our communities by giving our criminal justice system the authority to respond to serious juvenile and adult offenses and strengthening sentencing transparency. Together, we are continuing to build on our Safer Missouri public safety initiative."

HB 1908, sponsored by Representatives Cecelie Williams and Raychel Proudie and Senator Jill Carter, modifies provisions relating to the dissolution of marriage or legal separation and pregnancy status.Clarifies that pregnancy status shall not be used to prevent courts from granting divorce or legal separation.

"If we are serious about protecting life, we must also be serious about protecting vulnerable women and mothers," said Governor Kehoe. "House Bill 1908 ensures that pregnancy is never used as a barrier to prevent a woman from seeking a divorce in unsafe situations. I appreciate Representative Williams for her leadership and courage in sharing her story, and thank the General Assembly for its unanimous support of this important legislation."

HB 2273, sponsored by Representative Ed Lewis and Senator Jill Carter, modifies and establishes provisions relating to the protection of children and vulnerable persons.Increases penalties for sex offenses involving minors.
Modifies statute for penalties for sharing or threatening to share a photo of a sex act that have been created or altered using digital manipulation.
Strengthens Missouri's efforts to combat child sex trafficking.

"Missouri will not tolerate those who exploit or harm our most vulnerable—especially our children," said Governor Kehoe. "This bill strengthens Missouri law to keep pace with evolving threats, while protecting those most at risk. By signing this legislation into law we're sending a clear message: if you harm a child, you will face the consequences."

Carthage Police arrest woman for DWI with 6-year-old daughter in car

Bond is set at $10,000 cash or $50,000 surety for a Liberty woman, who has been charged with driving while intoxicated, endangering the welfare of a child and two counts of possession of a controlled substance.

Andrea L. Ballentine (DOB 1991) was stopped by Carthage Police 11:17 p.m. Monday at 400 N. Francis because her car had no taillights and she was driving in the oncoming traffic lane, according to the probable cause statement.

During initial conversation with Ballentine she admitted to smoking marijuana earlier in the evening at
approximately 5:00 P.M. Ballentine was arrested for DWI and was advised of Implied Consent. She refused to submit to a test of her blood.

The suspect's six year old daughter was found unrestrained in the suspect vehicle at the time of stop.

While conducting field sobriety tests Sgt Snow asked the suspect for consent to search the vehicle and suspect gave consent. Sgt Snow located two peach colored pills in a bag believed to belong to Ballentine in the front passenger floorboard. The pills were marked with b 973 on one side and 20 on the other side. 

Ptl. Hettinger searched the description of the pills online which showed them to be Amphetamine and Dextroamphetamine a Schedule 2 Controlled Substance.

Carthage man charged with fourth DWI, endangering the welfare of a child

The Jasper County Prosecuting Attorney's office filed felony driving while intoxicated and endangering the welfare of a child charges against a Carthage man.

Leonard Charles Parker III (DOB 1987), who has three previous DWI convictions, according to the probable cause statement was charged after allegedly driving drunk in Webb City Monday with a 12-year-old in the vehicle.

Bond is set at $5,000 cash or $20,000 surety.

From the probable cause statement:

On 04/06/2026 at 1901 hours, officers were dispatched to the area of Main / Macarthur Dr for a
possible intoxicated driver. The vehicle was observed at Madison and Macarthur Dr. A traffic stop
was conducted.

I, Officer Allison, exited my patrol vehicle and made contact with Carterville Officer Elmore. He stated he observed several lane violations and almost struck a vehicle. The driver was also called in by his wife for driving intoxicated.

I made contact with the driver Leonard Parker III. I also observed a juvenile male in the passenger seat. I instructed to Mr. Parker to exit the vehicle and step to the rear of his vehicle. While speaking
with Mr. Parker I could smell a moderate odor of intoxicants emitting from his breath. 

I had Mr. Parker perform Standardized Field Sobriety Tests. Multiple clues indicating impairment were
observed. Mr. Parker refused to provide a sample of his breath on the PBT.

Based on my training and experience, Mr. Parker was arrested for DWI. While enroute to the Webb
City Police Department, Mr. Parker would mumble his words while speaking.

Upon arrival at the police department, I read Mr. Parker implied consent and asked for a sample of his breath and blood. Mr. Parker refused to provide the samples.

I read Mr. Parker his Miranda rights and started the interview process. As I was booking in Mr. Parker he made comments of "I f----d up." "I f----d up my life." and "I should've stayed home."


Mr. Parker has three prior convictions of DWI:

02/19/2010

05/09/2011

01/04/2015

All charges were guilty convictions.

Braum's, manager sued after parking lot fall

A Joplin woman is suing the Braum's store at 2410 S. Range Line Road, Joplin, after being injured in a fall in the parking lot.

In the lawsuit, which was filed today in Jasper County Circuit Court, Irene Franks claims a raised area of concrete in the parking lot caused her fall on January 10 and caused her to sustain injuries to her face, head, back, and left knee.

In addition to Braum's, store manager Amy Smith is listed as a defendant.

From the petition:

On January 10, 2026, Plaintiff, her daughter, and her great-granddaughter went to Braum’s Store #20 as customers and business invitees.

Upon their arrival to the store, they parked in the handicapped parking spot immediately to the east of the entrance to the store.

In between the handicapped parking spot where Plaintiff parked and the entrance to the store was an area of raised concrete.

At one end of the area, the concrete rose above the parking lot by several inches. The change in elevation between the plateau and ground narrowed until it became flush with the sidewalk close to the store.

As Plaintiff was leaving the store, she was following behind her daughter and her great-granddaughter.

Plaintiff did not see the uneven change in elevation at the edge of the area of raised concrete.

Plaintiff encountered the uneven change in elevation and fell resulting in injuries to

Plaintiff.

The four-count lawsuit alleges negligence by Braum's and Smith.

Franks, who is represented by Taylor Haas of Johnson, Vorhees and Martucci, Joplin, is asking for "fair and reasonable damages" and costs.

Lawsuit alleges hostile work environment, age discrimination at McDonald's in Lamar

A lawsuit alleging age and disability discrimination and a hostile work environment at McDonald's in Lamar was filed today in Barton County Circuit Court.

In the petition, Tammy Deherrera claims she was harassed by assistant managers for allegedly being "old" and "slow" and that management did nothing to stop the harassment.

This eventually led to Deherrera receiving less hours, according to the petition.

Listed as defendants are Marshalls Incorporated, franchise owner, and McDonald's of Lamar.

From the petition:

Plaintiff is a 57-year-old woman who began her employment with McDonald’s on July 8, 2024.

Plaintiff has performed her job duties satisfactorily and with no discipline since she began.

Plaintiff did not have any issues at work until September 2024 and October 2024 when she had two slip and fall accidents. The second fall in October 2024, was especially bad and Plaintiff was seen at the Cox-Barton County Memorial Hospital as a result in the first week of October 2024.

The doctor requested an X-ray and CT on Plaintiff from which the radiologist findings indicated two compression fractures in her spine. Plaintiff was off work until April 16th, 2025, when she was released back to light duty.

Plaintiff began suffering harassment at work after her return from medical leave.

Adding insult to injury a morning shift assistant manager named Megan told her she was “useless to her” and “slow.” Plaintiff reported the incident to the primary manager.

A coworker named Joseph began telling other coworkers not to speak to Plaintiff because she would report to management following this.

Concurrent to Jospeh’s warning to employees Plaintiff was still experiencing snide comments from Megan, and assistant manager Destini, about Plaintiff’s ability to accomplish tasks and the speed it took her to accomplish them.

Plaintiff asked Destini if she would assist in retraining her due to her extended time off.

When Plaintiff asked for the refresher training and updated training on tasks that had changed while she was gone, Destini stated “I don’t have time to show you what to do.” “I don’t want to do this because I don’t want to.”

As a result of the hostility directed at Plaintiff, she went to the emergency room for what was determined to be an anxiety attack on May 8, 2025.

This panic attack was confirmed at the ER, and Plaintiff was told that her stress, pain and anxiety was most likely caused by stressors at her job.

Plaintiff knew that the harassment, schedule changes, and reduction in hours were directly because of her disability and her age, the retaliation she faced because of her reports of discrimination and hostile work environment, and for making a worker’s compensation claim for the injury she suffered while at work.

Plaintiff also reported a hostile work environment due to inappropriate comments made by her co-worker, Joseph, to both her primary manager, District manager Travis, and with HR representative Mark. Joseph would have inappropriate conversation with other employees about customers about their sexual orientations, use profane language, and say sexually driven comments like, “I will shove this bun up your ass!”

Joseph yelled this last three times so loud that Plaintiff apologized to several customers that could clearly hear and were visibly upset.

Plaintiff herself found these comments to be sexually violent and threatening.

Plaintiff’s opposition to Joseph and his wildly inappropriate and discriminatory behavior came to a head when Joseph and assistant manager, Destini suddenly hit Plaintiff with ice by throwing it on top of her head and hitting her.

After the ice was dumped on Plaintiff it fell to the floor creating a dangerous slip and fall hazard for not only her but other employees.

As Plaintiff looked out into the lobby, she saw Joesph and Destini were the culprits.

This ice dumping incident was made more egregious by the fact that Plaintiff had already slipped and fell at McDonald’s seriously injuring herself.

A complaint was filed with the primary manager, Cheyanne, about this incident. Cheyanne dismissed Plaintiff’s complaints by explaining away that Joseph and Destini intended to hit the employee that was standing in the drive-thru window.

However, the video that recorded the incident told a different story.

This video showed Joseph looking directly at Plaintiff through the wood slats that create a covering of the equipment on the other side.

Plaintiff also pointed out that the drive-through employee was not even close enough for the ice to hit her, making Joseph’s version of events patently false.

It was noted by Plaintiff that the assistant manager, Destini, who was sitting at the table with Joseph, watched the entire incident take place and did nothing to stop it from happening.

Assistant manager Destini  denied the incident occurring and had to be shown the video by manager, Cheyanne. Despite the hazard that presented to Plaintiff, Cheyanne did not discipline either Joseph or Destini and continued to have them work with Plaintiff.

Plaintiff was then asked to write a statement concerning the issues listed by manager, Cheyanne. She was told she needed to fill out the statement so that it could be turned into HR. Plaintiff was forced to stay in the room until her statement was completed, which felt strange that she couldn’t take time to gather her thoughts.

45. Directly following this, Plaintiff’s schedule began to change frequently, something that had not been an issue before. She had to start taking pictures of the written schedule daily to ensure she wouldn’t miss any shifts because the changes were so numerous and so frequent.

Plaintiff was also directed by Cheyanne to look at a schedule binder that was kept in various locations and when Plaintiff pointed out the difficulty in locating the binder, the black schedule binder was placed in a common area underneath the front register.

It seemed to Plaintiff that management was setting her up to miss shifts by constantly changing when she was supposed to come in.

None of the other employees have to take photos nor look at the binder to know their schedule. They utilize the app that the business has to know their schedule.

Plaintiff used this app prior to her injury and did not have any issues with shifts changing or disappearing until after she returned on light duty.

On top of the changes to what days she was scheduled to work, Plaintiff’s hours were reduced.

Before signing the form from HR, Plaintiff had been scheduled for approximately 20 hours a week, and at one point after she was scheduled for shifts, she noticed a loss of hours.

She received only nine hours of shift work scheduled during one work week directly following her HR complaints.

The only way she is able obtain additional hours is if she calls in and asks to work or goes directly to her manager and asks for more hours.

These new rules and loss of hours placed upon Plaintiff are a result of the illegal discrimination, and in retaliation for her complaint of discrimination/hostile work environment and her filing a worker’s compensation claim.

In the first count of the petition, Deherrera, who is represented by Brown, Curry and Duggan, a Kansas City firm, alleges a disability discrimination. The second count claims a hostile work environment existed. The third and fourth counts allege retaliation.

Deherrerra is asking for front and back pay, damages and attorney fees.

Missouri Senate passes bill aimed at meritless lawsuits targeting free speech

By Jason Hancock

Missouri Independent

The Missouri Senate unanimously passed a bill last week aimed at curbing meritless lawsuits filed to chill speech through the threat of a long and expensive legal fight.

The bill, sponsored by Republican state Sen. Mike Henderson of Desloge, would broaden Missouri’s limited protections against so-called strategic lawsuits against public participation, or SLAPPs, and create a faster path for judges to dismiss them. It cleared the Senate 31-0 and now heads to the Missouri House.

“These are lawsuits used to punish people with costly litigation to suppress free speech,” Henderson said. “Even if a defendant wins, the financial burden discourages them and others from exercising their free speech.”

Missouri’s current anti-SLAPP law is limited, applying only in a narrow set of cases and offering less protection than laws in many other states. Henderson’s bill would give judges stronger tools to quickly weed out lawsuits aimed at chilling speech on public issues.

The bill would replace Missouri’s current law with the Uniform Public Expression Protection Act, a model statute that would allow defendants to seek early dismissal of cases arising from speech, press, assembly, petition and association rights tied to matters of public concern.

Under the measure, someone sued over protected expression could file a special motion to dismiss within 60 days. The filing would generally pause discovery and other proceedings, require a prompt court hearing and ruling, and allow a defendant who prevails to recover costs, attorney fees and litigation expenses.

A plaintiff who defeats a motion deemed frivolous or filed only to delay could also recover fees. The bill would also allow an immediate appeal if a judge denies the motion.

Missouri Right to Life and the Missouri Press Association are among the groups that have pushed for stronger anti-SLAPP protections for several years. Similar legislation has advanced in the General Assembly before but never reached the governor’s desk.

Eric Weslander, a Kansas attorney who has handled prominent anti-SLAPP cases, said the measure would move Missouri closer to other states with stronger protections for free speech.

“This bill at long last gives it some bite, and would cause Missouri to catch up with the roughly 30 other states with strong laws protecting citizens’ right to free speech,” Weslander said.

A former journalist who has represented The Independent in the past, Weslander was among the attorneys awarded legal fees after Kansas Senate Majority Leader Jim Denning’s defamation lawsuit against Kansas City Star columnist Steve Rose and the newspaper was dismissed under Kansas’ anti-SLAPP law.

“This is not a partisan issue,” Weslander said. “This is about protecting citizens from being punished and burdened by bogus, bullying lawsuits that seek to silence and intimidate them from speaking out on matters of public concern.”

Weslander said the fee-shifting provision is especially important because it forces lawyers and would-be plaintiffs to think twice before filing weak defamation claims.

“If this bill becomes law, Missouri attorneys will need to sit up and take notice: don’t blindly agree to your client’s request to haul off and file a defamation lawsuit against the client’s critics if you haven’t done your homework and can’t establish each and every element of your claim,” Weslander said. “Otherwise you may end up with an order to pay the defendant’s attorneys’ fees.”

Sarcoxie parolee arrested after stabbing

(From the Jasper County Sheriff's Office)

At approximately 3:09 AM, 04-03-26, Jasper County Deputies responded to the report of an assault in Sarcoxie. Deputies responded to a residence at 3523 Bridgeview Road, Sarcoxie, and found an adult male suffering from multiple stab wounds. 

The victim was transported to the hospital and is currently reported to be in stable condition.

During the investigation detectives identified and located the suspect, Colten J. Franklin, 29, Sarcoxie. He was arrested without incident and charges have been filed for First Degree Assault with no bond set.

Franklin is currently on parole for First Degree Assault and Third Degree Assault on a special victim. He was released from the Department of Correction in December 2025, with a little more than 8 years remaining on his sentence.

Tarryn Gilbert named Joplin Schools Teacher of the Year

 

(From Joplin Schools)

We are SO EXCITED to announce this year's Fred Laas Teacher of the Year winner: Tarryn Gilbert!

Tarryn teaches science at Joplin High School where she's been a dedicated educator since 2017. With nearly 20 years of teaching experience (she came to us with plenty of teaching time under her belt), Tarryn truly exemplifies the best of the best in Joplin Schools: she is highly skilled in her profession, deeply committed to student success, a team-based collaborator, and a daily expert at building intentional relationships with her students.

Here's what some of Tarryn's nominators had to say about her:

-Mrs. Gilbert is a selfless teacher and fantastic employee. She spends countless hours designing lessons to engage and challenge her students. Whenever I need her help, I know she will give me her best and it will be superb work. She is driven by how much she cares for her students and our school.

-She is a wonderful and fun teacher!

-Mrs. Gilbert is a phenomenal teacher! She’s attentive to her students, doing the best she can to assist them, and even going out of her way to do meaningful acts for them. She makes sure nobody goes unnoticed. Mrs. Gilbert is also always finding new things for her students to do, improving their learning experience.

-She does everything for everyone. Great teacher, department head, Level Up coordinator and scheduler. 

-She's spent truckloads of hours to make JHS great.

This award is sponsored by the Joplin Schools Foundation, who will further celebrate Tarryn at a Board of Education meeting later this year. Thank you for helping us honor educator excellence!