Benefit planned for survivors of church shooting

Joplin Independent reports a benefit for survivors of the Aug. 12 shooting at the First Congregational Church of Neosho will be held beginning 11 a.m. Saturday, Sept. 8, at Morse Park:

Local musicians volunteering for this event include Max Brown, Synergy, Sarah Dunn and Sundown, Truez-n-Vogues, Drew Thomas and Friends, and KK and Company. There will be an auction, raffles, games, and food and drinks.

Anyone interested in participating may contact the First Congregational Church at (417) 451-2655 or the benefit coordinator at (417) 455-2827.

Three leaders of the Micronesian congregation that was using the church for its afternoon services were killed. Eikan Elam Saimon is charged with three counts of murder, four counts of assault and single counts of armed criminal action and felonious restraint.