Friday, December 30, 2011

Nixon fundraising pitch: Strong and steady leadership

With the end of the fourth quarter tomorrow, politicians, including Gov. Jay Nixon, are seeking last minute contributions to boost their year-end totals. The following letter was sent by the governor's campaign staff.

In just 34 hours, we’ll close the books on 2011 – and on this important finance period for Gov. Jay Nixon’s re-election campaign. We’re almost at our end-of-year goal, but we need just a few more contributions to get there.


Help us finish 2011 strong with a last minute contribution of $5, $25 or $50 today. The books on the fundraising quarter close tomorrow night – so please act fast.

Over these past three years, Gov. Nixon has provided strong and steady leadership in these challenging times – balancing the budget, working tirelessly to create jobs, keeping taxes low on families, protecting our state’s perfect AAA credit rating and standing up for the values we share. And now, because of that focused leadership, Missouri is turning the corner and making clear progress: the unemployment rate is at a 34-month low, our state’s auto industry is making a historic comeback, more of our kids are going to college than ever before and Missouri is ranked one of the best states in the nation to do business.

And just last week, Gov. Nixon announced that Missouri has added nearly 11,000 manufacturing jobs in the past year. That’s on top of the thousands of new jobs that Ford and GM have announced they’re creating in the Show-Me State.

We’re on the right track, but there’s much more work to do.

So, before you celebrate New Year’s Eve, make one final contribution to help re-elect our Governor. Every bit helps.

Thank you for your continued support and have a safe and healthy New Year’s.

Dillon's Pharmacy moves into former Blockbuster building on Rangeline

Academy plans to reopen Rangeline store on January 27

Blunt impressed with Joplin tornado recovery

GOP establishment: We'll take Lager over Kinder

It appears that the Republican establishment, tired of Lt. Gov. Peter Kinder's record of cavorting with strippers, taxpayer-financed stays at lavish hotels, and waffling about his campaign plans, is lining up behind his challenger, Sen. Brad Lager, R-Savannah.

For the second time in a week, a major contributor to GOP candidates has poured a quarter of a million dollars into Lager's campaign.

A 48-hour report filed today with the Missouri Ethics Commission shows Herzog Contracting Corp., St. Joseph, gave $250,000 to the Lager campaign this morning.

The oversized contribution comes exactly one week after David Humphreys of TAMKO, Joplin, gave a quarter of a million. Humphreys had given more to Kinder's campaigns than anyone else in recent years, but was disgusted by the revelations concerning the lieutenant governor and has asked, apparently with no success, to have his money returned.

Herzog Contracting and Humphreys are not the onlythe ones making oversized contributions to the challenger as the fourth quarter closes. Two of Lager's Senate colleagues made their allegiance clear with contributions filed with the Ethics Commission.

Sen. Will Kraus, R-Lee's Summit, gave $25,000 and Sen. Brian Munzlinger, R-Williamstown, contributed $5,001. Lager also picked up $10,000 from the Nodaway Valley Bank in Maryville.

On Dec. 23, the same day Humphreys contributed $250,000, Lager received $100,000 from former Congressional candidate Jeanne Patterson, giving Lager a total of $645,001 in the past seven days.

The money still leaves him well behind Kinder, who had received numerous sizable contributions prior to his highly-publicized problems. Kinder's October quarterly report showed him with $1,555,233.73.

Thursday, December 29, 2011

5:41: Stories from the Joplin Tornado available at Lamar Democrat

As of this morning, our book 5:41: Stories from the Joplin Tornado is available in Lamar.

I left some copies at the Lamar Democrat office.

For those who want to dig into my writing past, copies of my older books, Small Town News, The Turner Report, and Newspaper Days are also on sale at the Democrat.

Cynthia Davis: Republicans have been selling their souls for years

Cynthia Davis, the former Republican state representative from O'Fallon, continues to burn her bridges behind her as she mounts a campaign for lieutenant governor on the Constitution Party ticket.

During a recent Constitution Party meeting in Idaho, shown in the accompanying video, Mrs. Davis said Republicans "have been selling their souls for years."

She also offers a convoluted recollection of the four times when Keith Olbermann placed her on his Worst Person of the World list after she said hunger was a great motivator for children.

She explains that the government providing breakfast, lunch and summer meals for schoolchildren will lead to setting up the children in orphanage-like barracks.

As for not being a Republican any more, she quotes Martin Luther King Jr. and says "free at last, free at last, Thank God Almighty, I'm free at last."

At the 26 minute mark, Mrs. Davis gives an imitation of an open-mouthed fish, likening it to how Missouri politicians act when seeking gifts from lobbyists and special interests.

Joplin Sears store not on initial closing list

The initial list of Sears stores to be closed across the nation does not include the Joplin store located at Northpark Mall.

Company officials said earlier this week they would close between 100 and 120 Sears and KMart stores. The first list, released earlier today, lists 79 stores, and indicates more will come.

The list includes two Missouri Sears stores, one in the St. Louis area and the other at Lee's Summit.

Public defender assigned for Rita Hunter

Former Jasper County Public Administrator Rita Hunter will be represented by federal public defender Ian Lewis, according to a notice of appearance filed today in U. S. District Court for the Western District of Missouri.

Mrs. Hunter faces 10 counts of fraud and two counts of theft.

Details on the charges against her can be found at this link.

Mrs. Hunter is free on a pcrsonal recognizance bond.

Followup to Neosho City Audit shows improvement

A follow-up to the state audit of the city of Neosho confirms that the city is moving in a positive direction.

The original audit showed the city was in poor financial condition, and while the city is not out of the woods yet, the audit follow-up indicates steps have been taken to correct problems.

City officials have either implemented or are in the process of implementing the changes suggested by the state auditor's office.

The audit followup can be accessed at this link.

Wednesday, December 28, 2011

Kinder: Prevailing wage must go in Joplin

Lt. Gov. Peter Kinder was in Joplin Tuesday, using the May 22 tornado as a smokescreen for yet another effort to appeal to the developers who are pouring big bucks into GOP coffers.

City of Joplin to attempt to preserve damaged home that serves as tornado symbol

The home in the accompanying KOAM video is the one that was profiled in the New York Times over the weekend:

Permits required when repairing or replacing tornado-damaged structures

(From the City of Joplin)

The repairs and rebuilding of tornado damaged structures is well under way and serves as one more step in the recovery process for our community. As rebuilding continues after the May 22 disaster, City officials would like to remind citizens about the importance of obtaining a building permit prior to repairing or building a structure. These permits are available at City Hall, 602 South Main Street, Building Department, 4th floor, Monday through Friday, during normal business hours.

Building and repair permits must be issued through the City prior to the start of work on a property. These permits allow city inspections to occur throughout the construction process to ensure building codes are followed. All permits will also be reviewed for compliance with zoning, future traffic plans, and floodplain guidelines.

Utility companies require compliance with the City permit and inspection process before service hookup. If a City building permit is not issued and inspections completed during construction, utility companies will not connect service to the property. The homeowner will then be required to obtain certain inspections from a licensed, third-party inspector in order to connect utility service, which will slow down the progress.

Permits must be issued in person – either to a resident or contractor. Permit fees vary depending on the size of the structure. When obtaining a permit, please be prepared to provide the following necessary information: a) completed permit application; b) survey plot or site plan; c) construction plan showing wall sections and elevations.

If all required information is provided, repair or new construction permits may be issued by the Building Department in 24 to 48 hours. All contractors and sub-contractors must also be licensed in the City of Joplin, before a permit can be issued. For more information on building permits, contact the building division at 417-624-0820 Ext. 521.

Steelman: McCaskill, Obama don't share our values


With four days left in the latest fundraising period, U. S. Senate candidate Sarah Steelman sent the following fundraising letter to supporters today:
Dear Friend,

It doesn’t matter what the issue is; the politicians in Washington, D.C. continue to bicker and fight rather than pass legislation that will help American families and small businesses.

They have shown NO leadership on REAL spending cuts to rein in our huge deficits. They have not made the tough budget decisions that can get our economy back on track.

They let partisan politics get in the way of extending the payroll tax cuts -- and were willing to risk 160 million Americans waking up January 1st with a tax increase.

And, the politicians in Washington, D.C. wasted months trying to agree on a spending plan – AFTER creating a “Super Committee” that failed.

As I have traveled across Missouri over the last several months talking to people about the problems facing our country, frustration with the way business is run in Washington has been a constant theme.

Our nation faces many challenges and we need leaders who understand our values and concerns. But from the passage of ObamaCare, to the big spending programs that are busting our budget and adding to the spiraling national debt, it’s obvious that President Obama and his key Senate ally, Claire McCaskill, are completely disconnected from us.

They don’t have to deal with the same problems we do – and they don’t share our values.

That’s why I am running for U.S. Senate. It’s time we send Barack Obama back to Illinois – and get Claire McCaskill out of Washington, D.C.!

Claire McCaskill pretends to be a moderate in Missouri, but in Washington D.C. she has voted like a liberal. In fact, despite McCaskill’s claim to be independent, she voted with Barack Obama 97% of the time in 2010 according to Congressional Quarterly – including voting for ObamaCare and the massive Obama-Democrat accumulation of debt.

President Obama and Claire McCaskill have failed.

That’s why I made a pact with you called "Sarah’s Commitment" -- a list of eleven priorities I believe are essential to representing the people of Missouri. My pledge includes putting country before politics, subjecting myself to the same laws and privileges as every citizen of the United States, cutting Congressional salaries, budgets and pensions -- and term limiting myself to two terms.

I want to take those same conservative principles to Washington. I want to be your voice in the U.S. Senate.

The liberal special-interest groups and those who support the status quo in Washington, D.C. don’t want to see me in the U.S. Senate because they know I’ll stand up to their big government, Obama-style philosophy!

They know I’ll not go along and play along.

They know I’ll put you first.

I'll be your voice in the Senate. I'll do what's right for you -- not for politicians.

But I can only defeat Claire McCaskill and restore trust in government if I have your support. As 2011 comes to a close and we prepare for 2012, I need your help today. The fundraising push for the 2011 year-end report closes at midnight on December 31st -- and I need your help to end the reporting period on a high note.

So please help our campaign and give any amount you can as soon as possible.

We have over 4,500 grassroots donations from individuals who have generously given to the campaign, and I am grateful for that. But with this year-end reporting period, a donation of $10, $25, $50, $100 – or whatever you can give—will help us with our campaign and give us the momentum going into 2012.

With your help, we can bring fiscal responsibility and a strong Conservative to the U.S. Senate. Please make a donation today.

Tuesday, December 27, 2011

Richard prefiles bill to attract amateur sporting events to Missouri



(From Sen. Ron Richard)

To promote job growth and further economic development, Sen. Ron Richard, R-Joplin, has prefiled legislation that would allow Missouri to benefit from the big business of amateur sports, a multi-million dollar industry. Senate Bill 585 would attract amateur sporting events, such as the NCAA basketball tournament and various other college championship games, to the Show-Me state.

The bill allows cities to capture a portion of revenue from a sporting event and then use that money in the form of a tax credit to provide incentives to attract other major sports events to the city.

“Not only do these sporting events attract attention to our state, they’re a huge economic boost to our tourism industry. The fans that come to watch these events spend money at hotels, restaurants and retail stores. It can add up to millions of dollars in direct spending,” said Sen. Richard. “That’s a lot of revenue our state could miss out on.”

Many other states, such as Texas and Kentucky, already offer sports event incentives. Senator Richard’s legislation would keep Missouri competitive in attracting amateur sporting events to the state.

Kansas City and St. Louis have long courted major sports tournaments to their cities, but Sen. Richard says the bill’s benefits will extend beyond the metro areas to other cities, such as Springfield and Joplin, which also host large amateur sports events.

Another bill prefiled by Sen. Richard aims to lure the growing data storage industry to Missouri. Data storage centers house computer servers that store digital information, and are used by credit card providers, retailers and Internet search engines.

Missouri is considered an ideal location for these centers because of the relatively cheap cost of energy in the Midwest. Senate Bill 584 offers sales and use tax exemptions to further encourage data centers to build and expand in the state.

“Data storage is a billion-dollar industry, and bringing these centers to our state could create hundreds of quality jobs for Missourians,” said Sen. Richard. “The benefits are twofold. The data centers themselves will create permanent, high-tech employment, and the building of the centers will create numerous construction jobs. It’s a great opportunity for our state.”

Senator Richard also filed Senate Bill 586, which would give charities located in the county of a fee office first-in-line status to bid on the fee office.

The bills are a multi-tiered approach to encouraging job growth and keeping Missouri competitive in attracting new businesses, says Sen. Richard.

“We can’t afford to keep losing lucrative businesses to our neighboring states. These bills would help bring new companies and new revenue to Missouri,” said Sen. Richard. “We have to find fresh, innovative ways to boost our state’s economy and create jobs. These bills are an important step in that direction.”

Tornado stories, Hanrahan firing, Facebook Law, most-viewed 2011 Turner Report stories

Statistics from Blogger, the Google-owned company that provides the platform for The Turner Report indicate, as you might expect, that posts concerning the May 22 Joplin Tornado have been the most viewed on this blog during 2011.

Blogger started supplying statistics sometime around the middle of 2010 and eight of the most viewed stories on The Turner Report since that time came during this year. (Note: The statistics are based on visitors who come directly to the particular post and not those who visit The Turner Report blog.

The top 10 most viewed since the beginning of 2010 have been:

1. Security footage from Joplin High School cameras released August 3, 2011- 2,579 views

2. CBS President/CEO donates maximum to Blunt leadership fund December 5, 2010. 2,205 views

3. Hanrahan fired; Speck puts the hammer down on First Amendment, April 23, 2011, 1,782 views

4. Nixon signs bill outlawing teacher/student Facebook communication, July 14, 2011, 1,739 views

5. Coming soon: 5:41: Stories from the Joplin Tornado, July 30, 2011, 1,674 views

6. Blunt employing throw everything at Robin and hope something sticks strategy, August 18, 2010, 1,622 views

7. Video offers Joplin High School security camera tornado footage, plus schools bouncing back, August 3, 2011, 1,583 views

8. Footage of Will Norton recovered from camera found after Joplin Tornado, July 14, 2011, 1,286 views

9. Globe: Ron Erwin described as person of interest in New Mexico serial killings (he has since been cleared), August 3, 2010, 1,280 views

10. A tour of the new Joplin High School (Shopko campus) July 27, 2011, 1,252 views

Remembering those we lost in 2011

When it comes to loss during this past year, our thoughts naturally turn to those who died in the May 22 Joplin Tornado. While those people are still in our thoughts as the year comes to a close, there were others who left us in 2011 who were remembered in The Turner Report:

BILL GRIGSBY

Though I listened to Bill Grigsby and his elongated "be-you-ti-ful" weather pronouncement as he broadcast Kansas City Chiefs games over the years, I only met the former Joplin Miners broadcast one time, when he was in Carthage in June 1998 to broadcast the KOM Old Timers Game.

So I am leaving it to this area's foremost custodian of the lore and knowledge of minor league baseball, former Carthage Cubs batboy John Hall to recall the inimitable Mr. Grigsby, who died today at age 89. The following comes from Hall's KOM Report:

Yours Truly first knew of Bill Grigsby when he announced the Joplin Miner games in 1950 on WMBH radio. He had one of those voices that you never forgot and over the years I heard him on radio broadcasting major league sports in Kansas City.

In 1998, a dream came true for Yours Truly. The largest of all KOM league reunions was held in Carthage. WMBH radio promoted the event and even volunteered to carry the old-timers game at that event, live, if I could find an announcer. Immediately, I got on the telephone and asked Grigsby if he’d like to return to “the scene of the crime.” When he found out that a lot of the former KOM leaguers also played for the Joplin Miners and/or in Western Association, he was happy to drive down from his Parkville, Mo home.

Oh, one more thing. He insisted that I be his play-by-play color man. That was more than I could have ever anticipated. When the time for the game arrived I still had the choice of remaining on the field and participate in the old-timers game, as a batboy, or going to the press box and joining Grigsby for the broadcast. The press box was my choice and it was filled with former writers for the KOM league teams or people connected with the league in some respect.

A tape machine was placed in a strategic place for Yours Truly to record the game. The radio signal from Joplin to Carthage, while only 20 air miles away, at most, was not that strong. However, I was able to capture the game on tape and what startled me was WMBH never paused for station identification in a broadcast that lasted over two hours. That day I learned the secret of radio. The announcers can create verbal scenes that have nothing to do with reality. In one segment on that tape I’m heard asking Grigsby what he estimated the attendance to be and he replied “Probably, between 30 and 35 thousand. I can only imagine motorists on I-44 and Highways 66 and 71 hurrying to get past Carthage before that large throng began filling out the stadium. There may have been 300-400 people at the stadium that day and most of them were former players. (For verification purposes the readership is encouraged to check the story through Jim Ellis of the Miami, Oklahoma News-Record for he almost drove off the road, on his way back to Miami, when he heard it on his car radio.)

At the end of that broadcast he asked if I’d like to say anything and I recall mouthing this unrehearsed disclaimer. “This broadcast is authorized under the authority granted by the KOM league and its President, the late E. L. Dale, solely for the enjoyment of the listening audience. Any reproduction, description or other use, of this broadcast without the express written consent of Mr. Dale, or the KOM league Inc. is strictly prohibited.” The only comment Grigsby had when I finished was “Man you’re crazy.” And, not only was he a great broadcaster he was very perspicacious.

During that reunion Grigsby made a speech to kick off a banquet telling the assembled throng (yes, they were throngs back then) how blessed they were to have played the game in the era they did and how great it was for them to have a chance to assemble and remember those days. One of the regrets I have of those reunions is that Grigsby’s remarks were not recorded. I had someone who was supposed to be doing that with a camcorder but they were asleep at the wheel.


As much as I like Len Dawson and Mitch Holtus, Chiefs' broadcasts have not bee the same since Mr. Grigsby retired in 2009 after broadcasting the team's games for 47 years. Though in his last few years, he mostly did pre-game material (and those great Williams Chili Seasoning commercials), his voice still added a special element to the Chiefs' games.

REV. FREDDIE FRANKS

(from May 13)



It was the kind of hit I was known for during my baseball days.

A wide sweeping curve crossed the place, an enticing sight to behold. For a flickering moment, it appeared the ball would sail in belt high, and if that happened, hopefully it would end up a line drive dropping safely somewhere in the outfield.

At the last second, however, the ball dipped and dived out of the strike zone. I was already into my swing, but I was able to adjust it, lunge, and somehow get the wood on the ball, lofting it high in the air, one of those tantalizing fly balls that headed for no man's land- a few feet too far in for the right fielder or center fielder and too far out for the second baseman to catch.

It dropped into the high grass on the old Granby field and I was safe on first.

The pitcher, the Rev. Freddie Franks, was none too happy about this turn of events. As for me, I had my eyes on second base. The old guy, and Freddie was approaching 50 at that point, took his baseball seriously. I took a lead off first base and Freddie lobbed the ball over to keep me honest. The ball, like the curve he had pitched moments earlier, took forever to get there, so my confidence grew and so did my lead.

I danced off first base, ready for Freddie to pitch, so I could swipe second. I continued to build my lead. Freddie took the signal from his catcher, came to the set position...I never saw it coming. He whirled. I dived and the ball was waiting there for me.

I looked like a complete fool.

And the umpire yelled, "Safe."

Freddie started to protest, but the umpire cut him off. Freddie turned toward me and gave me a big smile. I didn't stray away from the bag the rest of the inning, which finished with two strikeouts and a weak popup to the infield.

Freddie Franks never lost that competitive edge and that zest for life. When he stood atop the Granby pitching mound three decades ago, he was more than 30 years older than many of those he was facing and many of his teammates, but his enthusiasm for the game had never waned.

It was the same approach he took to the ministry. For six decades, generation after generation, the congregation at the Silver Moon Full Gospel Church was guided through the joys and sorrows of this oh so brief existence by the Rev. Freddie Franks.

Not many ministers stay five years at the same post: Freddie took the pulpit at his church at the tender age of 22 in 1952 and 58 years later was still guiding his flock away from sin and in the direction of salvation.

The last time I saw Freddie Franks, when he spoke at the funeral of my aunt, Carolyn Strait, last year, he moved more slowly and his hair was considerably grayer, but that smile was the same one I remembered from three decades earlier.

That smile, and his comforting, reassuring presence were taken from us Wednesday when he died at age 80. It seems hard to imagine a world without Freddie Franks.

The obituary describes his death as being a result of a short illness. I prefer to think that he was called up to pitch in the second game of a doubleheader in the biggest stadium of them all.

And if any of his opponents are lucky enough to hit that curve ball, I would advise them to stay glued to first base.

The Rev. Freddie Franks will never allow any stealing in Heaven.

TERRY JAMES

(From Aug. 8)
During the time I spent as a newspaper reporter, I covered hundreds of school board meetings and had a chance to see elected officials at their worst.

Many times the boards included members whose sole reason for getting elected was to work for some program that would benefit their own children. Others came with the specific intent of getting rid of some administrator or teacher.

Board meetings involving those people took longer and many times failed to accomplish much.

And then there was the Webb City R-7 Board of Education.

From midway through 1990 when I was hired as area reporter for The Carthage Press until 1999, I covered dozens of Webb City board meetings. During that time, I don't recall ever writing about anything controversial or ever seeing anything that resembled friction between the board members.

I actually was able to write stories about education and there were a lot of positive stories coming out of the Webb City School District.

Much of that stability and continued progress was due to Terry James.

When Terry James, who died Thursday at age 81, entered the library for the board meetings, people took notice. He was a tall, distinguished,silver-haired, courtly gentleman, seemingly a relic of a bygone era, but more attached to the future of education than any board member I have ever seen.

Though he was not always the board president during those years (Webb City alternates that role among its board members), whenever there was any question about what direction the board would take on an issue, people waited to see what Terry James had to say.

His tenure on the board lasted 35 years, from 1973 to 2008, a time of unprecedented growth and stability for the school district. Mr. James and his fellow board members chose their adminstrators wisely, including the long stewardship of Dr. Ron Lankford, who now works for the Missouri Department of Elementary and Secondary Education.

Anyone who wants to see what Mr. James accomplished during those three and a half decades can simply take a tour of the Webb City schools. New classrooms, gymnasium, auditorium and football field at the high school, the creation of first and second grade centers, new elementary school buildings (included one named after Mr. James' mother) a middle school, and a reputation for getting one bond issue after another for these projects approved at a time when other school districts failed repeated attempts to get bonds passed for building projects.

Terry James did not do these things alone. He had the good fortune of working with solid board members all the way, but for anyone watching those meetings, there was no denying, he was the glue that held a successful operation together.

Funeral services for Terry James were held today, with Dr. Lankford delivering the eulogy.

I am sure at some point, a building will be named after him or an award and it will be a richly deserved tribute, but the greatest tribute is the educational institution that he left behind.

As I was growing up and during my newspaper days, I would hear people running for school board and giving their greatest qualification as having children in the school system.

Some might think that during much of his tenure Terry James had no children attending school in the Webb City R-7 School District, but that would be faulty thinking.

When he cast his votes, he cast them for all of his children- every child who was enrolled in the Webb City schools. And they owe him their gratitude for a job well done.

TOM CHANNEL
(From Aug. 2)
During the nearly 20 years that I umpired baseball games, many of them at the old downtown Granby park, there were certain players I grew to dislike intensely.

There were the ones who believed that no pitch they took could ever be called a strike, the ones who thought every situation needed a trip to the mound no matter how sweltering the temperature was, and above all, I hated catchers who couldn’t field their position.

It never mattered how much protective equipment I was wearing, if a ball got past the catcher, it nailed me.

Those are the kinds of players who drive umpires up the wall.

You would never find Tom Channel’s name on that list. There was nothing flashy about his style behind the plate. He never needed many words to take control of a game…and he never, ever, let a ball get past him.

Umpires remember those things.

The same qualities that made Tom Channel a superb catcher also made him a top-flight human being.

He was steady, reliable, knew what his job was, and always made sure it was done.

In life, as on the baseball field, he was always there when he was needed.

I had lost touch with Tom over the years until several months back when he started dating my younger sister.

I don’t know much of what had happened to Tom since the old baseball days, but I knew the person I was seeing with Kelly was the same one who never let a baseball hit this home plate umpire.

In other words, he was exactly the type of person you wanted to see at a family function.

The last time I saw Tom was at just such a family function. My mom and dad, Bill and Joann Turner, celebrated their 60th wedding anniversary Saturday in Newtonian.

I was talking to various relatives and family friends during the two hours or so that the celebration lasted and only had a chance to briefly say hi to Tom.

I regret that I did not get a chance to talk with him more.

When I returned to Joplin from a band practice in Granby tonight, Mom had left a message on my answering machine, telling me that Tom Channel died today.

Mom said that Tom had been eagerly anticipating the birth of a grandchild and since he was only in his early 50s, he was looking forward to spoiling that grandchild for years to come.

It’s hard to know why some people are taken so young, but the legacy Tom Channel left behind is one for which others should strive.

In life, just as in baseball, he was solid, steady, reliable, and always came through in the clutch.

Tom Channel will be missed.

First Christmas since tornado observed in Joplin

 

Monday, December 26, 2011

Going home to Joplin for Christmas

NY Times: For Joplin, a love letter in ruins

Joplin officials have to decide the fate of a tornado-ravaged structure that has become a symbol of hope for this community, according to an article in today's New York Times:

The building, a modest red brick house, has no roof. All but one of its exterior walls are missing, splintered and scattered by the storm, leaving an impression of a giant dollhouse. A Christmas tree, dressed in ornaments, has been placed in a tidy living room arrangement of two couches and a coffee table.


The reason this house has so far survived the wrecking ball can be found scribbled on its walls, on its floorboards, in its closets and along virtually every other remaining surface. They are personal messages, thousands of them, handwritten by the volunteers who flooded the community to help sift through and cart out the debris. Every day visitors and locals alike stop to add a note to the collection.

Every disaster has its memorials, from the organic to the carefully orchestrated. Several monuments have emerged here as the city labors to clear the remaining rubble of the tornado that cut through the heart of the community on May 22, killing 161 people. But as that effort nears completion, the community is questioning what to do with a memorial that is itself rubble.

City leaders have been discussing whether to move the whole structure or perhaps simply take parts of the building for public display. “We think there is some value to preserving it,” said Mark Rohr, the city manager. “But we can’t let it sit there forever.”

Friday, December 23, 2011

A sad Christmas for future Speaker Tim Jones: Birther lawsuit appeal rejected

Christmas joy vanished this week for future Speaker of the House Tim Jones, R-Eureka.

On Thursday, the Ninth District Court of Appeals rejected the appeal of the dismissal of his birther lawsuit. Alleged lawyer Orly Taitz' motion for an emergency writ of mandamus, filed Nov. 8, was laughed off by the court, as have all of the other filings claiming that Barack Obama's presidency is illegitimate because he was not born in this country.

The decision says that Jones did not even have any standing to be a plaintiff in the case, which has been termed Drake v. Obama:

Plaintiffs allege that state representatives have "unique standing" because they have a "special non-delegable constitutional right and responsibility to verify the qualifications of the Chief Executive Officer of the United States of America who is responsible for allocating large sums of [federal] funds, since receipt of funds from any officer without legal authority would be complicity in theft or conversion."


In South Lake Tahoe, we rejected as insufficient to establish standing a similar contention that a public official could conceivably be exposed to civil liability while carrying out his official duties. 625 F.2d at 238-39. We noted that whether the officials could in fact be subject to civil liability was dependent on "multiple contingencies," including the likelihood of any civil suit and the question whether the official would be immune from any such suit. Id. at 239. The alleged harm to the state representatives in this case is just as speculative and conjectural as in South Lake Tahoe, for similar reasons. This group of plaintiffs therefore fails to establish standing.

The same opinion applies to the other Missouri state representative who latched onto the frivolous lawsuit, Cynthia Davis, who since was term limited out of her job, ran for state senate and lost, and is currently running for lieutenant governor as a Constitution Party candidate.

Twist of fate makes Christmas dance serve as symbol for Joplin students

(The following is my latest blog for the Huffington Post.)

With just a few notes of music, the secret that I have kept hidden for nearly four decades returned to my mind in vivid stereophonic sound.


It was the same song- Philadelphia’s Ernest Evans, better known as Chubby Checker, exhorting listeners to do the twist. At that Student Council Sock Hop in the spring of 1974, while dancing with Janice Lide, an attractive junior with a saucy Texas twang, I followed his advice and Chubby Checkered my way into ripping my best dress pants.

To me, it was the rip heard round the world. Blessed with the hindsight of 38 additional years, I am certain I am the only one who heard that horrifying sound.

Hopefully, no one who attended the Joplin East Middle School Christmas Dance last week at the converted warehouse we have called home since our building was destroyed in the May 22 tornado left the building harboring any secrets of that nature.

It was a fitting end to the most trying semester our students have ever had. Just seven months ago, they were preparing for the end of their second year in a state-of-the-art facility paid for through the courtesy of Joplin taxpayers, who recognized the need for two new middle schools and a refurbished third one in our community.

When the tornado hit, it was the students who attended East who were hit the hardest since it ripped through nearly the entire area from which we draw our students. District officials made the commitment to provide stability for the students by opening school on time and less than three months after the tornado school bells sounded.

For students at Joplin High School, which was destroyed by the storm, some are attending school at a converted box store at Northpark Mall. Others are going to school in a building that has recently been used as a middle school, but had been a high school in the past.

East Middle School students are nestled snugly in an industrial park, greeted each morning by the enticing aroma emanating from the dog food factory across the street. The classrooms are smaller than the students were used to and many of them, including their music and physical education classes, are conducted in modular units. Standing by those modular units, and serving as a source of comfort, is a large FEMA safe room that will protect our students and staff in the event that we are revisited by the horrors of May 22.

Thoughts of death and destruction, which have been weaved into the fabric of our lives for the past seven months, were nowhere to be found as our sixth, seventh, and eighth graders, dressed in what passes for the height of fashion in this community, moved in ways that even Chubby Checker couldn’t have imagined a few decades ago.

Thanks to our parent-teacher organization, which sponsored the dance, the evening went off without a hitch. As much as I enjoyed watching the twisting competition (in spite of my traumatic high school experience), most of the music was of the Katy Perry-Justin Bieber variety or hip-hop numbers that will likely never be featured on my IPod.

In some ways, not just the music, dances have changed considerably since I was in school. No longer are the walls lined with metal folding chairs where the less popular students sat waiting for someone to ask them to dance or dreading how they would respond if someone did approach them. That is an improvement.

Chips and salsa are far better refreshments than the packaged cookies and greasy potato chips I remember.

But in some ways, the school dance never changes. The noise, the decorations, the students running from one corner of the room to another, not wanting to miss out any of the experience. Those things haven’t changed from 1974 to 2011, and they will undoubtedly be the same in 2050.

It doesn’t matter if the dance is held in a large gymnasium like the one we had at the school that we lost on May 22, or in a cafeteria/commons area in a warehouse in an industrial park.

The Christmas dance was another sign of the resilience that East Middle School students have shown. Even though their friends at the other two Joplin middle schools are still attending school every day in modern, nearly new school buildings, the children, including the ones I teach, have not sat around feeling sorry for themselves.

Even in this setting, thoughts of May 22 gave way to fun, friends, and music. The biggest disasters at the dance were a couple of verbal encounters which were diffused before they developed into fights and a misunderstanding or two between boyfriend and girlfriend. Hopefully, no one heard the ripping sound that I heard in 1974.

Nothing unusual happened at the East Middle School dance. It was a school dance, nothing more, nothing less…what a wonderful Christmas present for this most resilient group of young people.

Gannett: Firing 200 workers at Christmas will make our newspapers better

The nation's largest newspaper chain, Gannett, owner of the Springfield News-Leader in this corner of Missouri and USA Today, is at it again.

The newspaper chain, which has become notorious in recent years for awarding sky-high bonuses to its top executives while forcing all of its workers to go without pay two weeks each year, is firing 200 employees just before Christmas and telling readers that it will make their newspapers better.

Gannett filed a report with the Securities and Exchange Commission Wednesday announcing its intention to shut down its Cincinnati printing plant, eliminating 200 jobs, and outsourcing the printing for Gannett's Cincinnati Enquirer and Kentucky Enquirer to the company that owns the Columbus Dispatch. And while the filing indicates the outsourcing is "possible," the fact that it has reached this stage indicates it is a done deal.

The filing contains the following Gannett spin:

Use of the Columbus printing facility will enable The Cincinnati Enquirer and The Kentucky Enquirer to adopt a new and easy-to-use format, with improved graphics including fuller use of color and photographs.

The costs of operating the Columbus printing facility will be shared by the parties to the Agreement, resulting in efficiencies and costs savings for the Company.

The transition of operations could take up to twelve months to complete. In connection with these actions, the Company estimates that it will incur between $55 million and $59 million in costs and charges. These items include severance costs and charges related to the partial withdrawal from multiemployer pension plans which together will range from $38 million to $42 million and will result in future cash expenditures. In addition, the Company will recognize accelerated depreciation charges on its current printing facilities of approximately $17 million.


The announcement comes just a few short weeks after former Gannett CEO Craig Dubow stepped down. While the printing plant workers will likely receive enough to keep them afloat for a short time, Dubow left with a $37.1 million severance package.

According to an earlier proxy statement filed with the SEC, which I wrote about in the March 25 Turner Report, Dubow was guaranteed that amount if he stepped down due to a disability If he had simply retired or quit, he would have "only" received $22 million.

Isn't it about time for an Occupy Gannett movement?

Christmas lights shine along pond where Will Norton was discovered after tornado

Gold for Joplin gives gift of new home to tornado victims

Duquesne couple moves into new home seven months after tornado

Humphreys gives quarter of a million to Lager challenge to Kinder


Sen. Brad Lager's campaign for a lieutenant governor received a significant boost today, thanks to David Humphreys of Joplin's TAMKO.

Humphreys (pictured), who was critical of Lager's opponent incumbent Lt. Gov. Peter Kinder after news surfaced of photos of Kinder with an exotic dancer, gave $250,000 to the Lager campaign, according to a 48-hour report filed with the Missouri Ethics Commission.

Humphreys, who had contributed million to Republican candidates, had given $165,000 to Kinder during this election cycle, but asked to have his money returned after news of Kinder's cavorting with former Penthouse Pet Tammy Chapman at a bar known for "pantless parties" came to light.

Thursday, December 22, 2011

McCaskill: Keystone Pipeline will happen

Former KSNF reporter moves from CNN to BET


Award-winning CNN anchor T. J. Holmes, who began his career at KSNF, is moving to BET in 2012:

"In all the conversations I was having with the folks at BET, one thing they said really struck me: ‘Where can black people go when they get home from work and turn on the TV to see people who look like them, talk like them and discuss things that are important to them?’ I opened my mouth to respond but nothing came out because there’s a void for the type of show that we get to an extent on morning radio with the Steve Harveys and Tom Joyners of the world where they’re discussing things and issues relevant to the black community. There’s no place to get that on TV anywhere at anytime. So for me the opportunity to speak to my community at this point in my career in this country’s history was too good to pass up."

Wednesday, December 21, 2011

KC photographer spearheads online food drive for Joplin

Public defender appointed for Rita Hunter


During a 10-minute session this morning in U. S. District Court in Springfield, Judge James England appointed a public defender for former Jasper County Public Administrator Rita Hunter and released her on bond.

Mrs. Hunter was indicted earlier this month on 10 counts of fraud and two counts of theft that allegedly took place while she was serving as a Jasper County elected official.

The complete indictment can be found at this link.

Mrs. Hunter's arraignment has been scheduled for 10:30 a.m. January 5.

Joplin Tornado receives most page views on KY3 website in 2011

Two of the stories on KY3's list of the most viewed stories on its website in 2011 involved the May 22 Joplin Tornado, including number one.

The tornado itself was number one, according to the station, while the discovery of Joplin High School graduate Will Norton's body ranked at number 13.

Steelman: Brunner dodging debates

In a news release issued Tuesday, U. S. Senate candidate Sarah Steelman says she is disappointed that one of her GOP primary opponent, businessman John Brunner, has not joined in on a proposed debate:

Sarah Steelman is disappointed that John Brunner is unwilling to join Congressman Todd Akin and her for a debate on January 10, 2012 on KTRS talk show, The McGraw Milhaven Show.

"It is disappointing that John Brunner has pulled out of the January KTRS debate. It appears that Mr. Brunner needs more time to prepare and decide where he stands on the critical issues facing Missouri and our country. I don't." said Steelman.

John Brunner's campaign just recently announced the need for the U.S. Senate candidates to debate. Now Brunner is backing away from the issue after declining to attend a debate with Sarah Steelman and Todd Akin sponsored by KTRS Talk Radio on January 10th. Brunner's campaign has expressed the desire to sit down and discuss the terms of the debates.

"That's the way I've always done it. Then you take control of the process." said a Brunner spokesman.

"That's the problem." responded the Steelman campaign. "Voters want candidates and elected officials to start doing things the right way-- not the same way. The people of Missouri deserve to hear from the candidates for U.S. Senate now—not after more deliberations. And certainly not after a campaign staff person ‘takes control of the process'".

"This is a typical Washington, D.C and political establishment ploy wanting to retain the status quo and control the process. It's just 'business as usual'— and what's wrong with Congress and Washington, D.C., " said Steelman. "That's why I am running for U.S. Senate. It's time we change the way things are done up there. There is no need to "debate the debate" any more. Let's just make it happen."

Akin: Full year of payroll tax cut needed to provide predictability

Congressman Todd Akin, a member of the House Budget Committee voted to support a series of year end reforms desperately needed in our ailing economy.

Akin supports the House one year extension of the Social Security payroll tax, as opposed to the two-month Senate version. “People need some predictability and a two month extension does not provide anything close to predictability,” Akin said.

Akin also supports a two year “doc fix” to Medicare which will ensure seniors’ continued access to their doctors. “The Senate two month proposal is a vote to not make a decision,” Akin said.

In spite of the President’s threat of a veto, Akin supports the building of the Keystone pipeline. “It will reduce our dependence on foreign oil, provide jobs and build American energy infrastructure.”

Akin also believes it is wise to provide the regulatory reforms necessary to protect against rising energy costs.

“I am optimistic that we will be able to pass a version of the payroll tax cut extension that is similar to what the House has already passed,” said Akin. “It is the only responsible way to proceed.”

Tuesday, December 20, 2011

City of Joplin offers Peace Light as symbol of hope for community

Recently, the Ozark Trails Council of the Boy Scouts of America brought a unique gift to the Joplin community as they followed a long-held tradition of sharing the Peace Light with others. Now, the City of Joplin wants to share the light with our citizens and churches as we celebrate the holiday season.

For over one-thousand years, lamps have been continuously lit in the Grotto of the Nativity in Bethlehem, Israel. Twenty-two years ago another tradition began. A child from Upper Austria has lit two miners’ lamps from a Grotto lamp at the Nativity. These lamps are then transported from Tel Aviv, Israel, to Vienna, Austria, where the Peace Light is distributed at a special Service of Dedication to delegates from across Europe who then returns home with the light and a message of Peace.

Since 2004, Austrian Airlines has flown miners lamps containing the Peace light from Vienna to New York City where Scout Leaders light their lanterns and spread out across the United States and Canada to share the Peace Light.

In bringing the Peace Light to Joplin, Dean Ertel, Ozark Trails Council Scout Executive, noted the devastation and loss that Joplin has faced due to the tornado, stating, “It is our wish that during this Christmas season, the Peace Light becomes another step in the rebuilding of Joplin. The light is a symbol of peace, and for Joplin it is also a symbol of hope and strength for the community.”

The Peace Light is available for distribution to others at Fire Station #1, located at 303 East 3rd Street, until 6 p.m. December 24, Christmas Eve.

Family helping displaced tornado victims asks for help

Sunday, December 18, 2011

Butler man leaves handmade wooden toys for Joplin children

New York Times: Movement afoot to limit teacher/student Facebook communication

A movement across the country to limit communication between teachers and students via Facebook and other social networking sites is explored in an article in today's New York Times.

The article addresses Sen. Jane Cunningham's SB 54, which included the infamous Facebook provision that was repealed by the legislature during the recent special session.

It also offers examples of bad things that have happened as a result of such conversations, but just barely touches upon the positive aspects, which far outnumber the limited abuse that has happened through social networking.

It appears we will be seeing more legislation in 2012, though maybe not in Missouri. I was contacted a few weeks ago by a Wisconsin reporter who indicated such legislation is being considered in that state.

Peace Light comes to Joplin, Springfield

 

Clay: Joplin tornado helped Billy Long grow into his job

Today's Springfield News-Leader features a profile by former St. Louis Post-Dispatch Washington correspondent Deidre Shesgreen on Seventh District Congressman Billy Long's first year in office.

Despite its profile status, there is not much depth to the article, but it does offer the following nugget from Rep. Lacy Clay, D-MO, on Long:

Clay said the delegation all rallied around Long after the Joplin tornado hit, and he was impressed with how Long handled the disaster.


"It was a lot heaped onto a freshman," Clay said. "But you could see him right before our eyes grow into his job and grow into his responsibility."

Saturday, December 17, 2011

EPA to give $500,000 to Joplin

(From the Environmental Protection Agency)

EPA Region 7 announced today that it has issued a cooperative agreement with the City of Joplin, Mo., providing $500,000 to cover costs of soil sampling and remediation at properties where lead-contaminated soils were exposed as a result of the May 22 tornado and subsequent demolition, excavation and tree-removal work.


“EPA is pleased to provide this financial support so that the rebuilding of Joplin can proceed without delay,” EPA Region 7 Administrator Karl Brooks said. “EPA responded immediately to Joplin at its time of greatest need in May, and through this cooperative agreement, the Agency extends its support by providing necessary funding to speed the redevelopment of Joplin’s neighborhoods.”

Joplin city officials made a formal request for EPA’s assistance last month, noting that as many as 1,500 lead-contaminated residential properties may exist in the tornado-impacted areas of the city. Preliminary testing of a limited group of 43 properties by the Jasper County Health Department found elevated average levels of lead in yard soils at 19 of the properties.

A Jasper County health ordinance, passed in 2006 as part of EPA’s Superfund work to address lead contamination in the area, requires properties to undergo lead sampling prior to redevelopment in the historic mining and smelter impacted portions of the county.

EPA’s cooperative agreement with Joplin provides $500,000 in funding from the Superfund program to hire a full-time city inspector/remediation coordinator and a part-time environmental specialist to guide and assist the implementation of a soil testing and yard remediation plan, and to conduct competitive bidding for one or more contractors to perform yard remediation work. The agreement will also pay for a vehicle, equipment, supplies, and travel expenses.

Bank of America presents $100,000 to help rebuild St. John's Hospital

Joplin superintendent C. J. Huff presents $10,000 to Children's Haven

Joplin Superintendent C. J. Huff presented the $10,000 he received as one of People Magazine's Heroes of the Year to Children's Haven.

Huff was honored by the magazine for his work following the May 22 Joplin Tornado. The magazine presents the recipients with a $10,000 check to give to the charity of their choice.

Kansas City police officers honored for efforts after Joplin Tornado

Kansas City Chiefs bring presents for Joplin schoolchildren

Friday, December 16, 2011

Lager: Term limits needed for all statewide officials

Despite increasing evidence that term limits have been a disaster for Missouri, Sen. Brad Lager, R-Savannah, has pre-filed legislation that would mandate term limits for the lieutenant governor, secretary of state, and state auditor. He explains the legislation in his latest newsletter:

State Sen. Brad Lager, R-Savannah, has prefiled Senate Joint Resolution 26, which seeks to extend term limits to all elected officials in Missouri.


“Missouri has held term limits for the governor and members of the Senate and House for some time now,” Sen. Lager said. “Our founders envisioned a government that was run by citizen volunteers, not professional politicians. These limits ensure that Missouri remains a state run by fresh volunteers to public service, not entitled career politicians.”

Currently, a person can serve eight years in the Missouri Senate and eight years in the Missouri House. The only statewide offices containing term limits are the offices of governor and treasurer, at a maximum of two terms. Senator Lager’s proposal would extend these terms to the positions of lieutenant governor, attorney general, secretary of state and auditor.

“Term limits should not apply to only half of our government,” Sen. Lager said. “Missouri is best served by a system that promotes fresh ideas and encourages participation at all levels of government. Political participation and public service should not be limited to the few, but should be available to all. Nearly two decades ago, Missouri voters placed elected officials under our current term limits. The voters chose to end the practice of career politicians and no office should be held to a different standard.”

On Nov. 3, 1992, Missouri voters approved — by a margin of 75 percent — an amendment to the state's constitution (Article III, Section 8), limiting the years a legislator may serve in the General Assembly. Prior to this provision, Missouri had no legislative term limits.

Coca-Cola presents $25,000 grant to Cunningham Park

(From Coca-Cola)

After a groundswell of community and nationwide support, Cunningham Park in Joplin was awarded a $25,000 grant today from Coca-Cola’s America Is Your Park campaign. Throughout the summer, the nationwide contest garnered over 13 million online votes for parks across the country. Friday’s check presentation featured remarks from local elected officials and Missouri Governor Jay Nixon.


“The story of Joplin and the resiliency of those who live here has touched the hearts of people across the nation,” Gov. Nixon said. “An important part of this city’s recovery will be ensuring that it has first-class recreational opportunities for its citizens, which is what Cunningham Park will be once again. Thanks to Coca-Cola, a truly iconic American brand, and to those who voted online for helping make this possible.”

Cunningham Park, owned and operated by the City of Joplin, was damaged by a devastating tornado in 2011. The park plans to use the $25,000 recreation grant to help restore the park so families can once again enjoy numerous outdoor activities.

“America’s parks are cherished places where families and friends can enjoy the natural beauty of the outdoors while being active and having fun,” said Drew Heenan, Vice President, Coca-Cola Refreshments. “This year, our friendly competition saw a number of communities come together to rally support for parks affected by natural disasters. We are honored to have been able to play a role in helping local communities give back to their favorite parks through the America Is Your Park campaign.”

The competition to find “America’s favorite park” ignited social media platforms this summer and mobilized entire communities. For the top three parks, each affected by some form of natural disaster in recent months, the competition brought additional attention and community support. First and second-place winners were Oak Park in Minot, N.D., and Soudan Underground Mine State Park in Minnesota, respectively.

For more than 40 years, Coca-Cola has supported America’s parks through partnerships with individual parks and national park organizations. The Company has donated more than $14 million for restoration and renovation of our country’s parks through programs like America Is Your Park.

Sarah Steelman: I'll make the tough decisions; here's what I will cut

In a campaign e-mail sent today, U. S. Senate candidate Sarah Steelman says she is not afraid to make the tough decisions to cut spending, but one thing she will not do...all together now...is raise taxes.

I think you’ll agree with me that we need our leaders in Washington, D.C. to make the tough decisions required to solve the financial crisis facing our country. And right now, they just aren’t getting the job done.


While our country and economy are facing huge challenges, President Obama and Congress just continue to get tied up in partisan politics -- and they don’t seem to accomplish anything.

They have shown NO leadership on REAL spending cuts to rein in our huge deficits. They have not made the tough budget decisions that can get our economy back on track. And they wasted months trying to agree on a spending plan – AFTER creating a “Super Committee” that failed.

Obama and Claire McCaskill continue to be part of the problem. Obama has been absent and not shown any leadership. Claire McCaskill has talked about deficit reduction – but continues to vote for earmarks that just increase our spending and our deficit. Where’s the leadership?

Since President Obama and Congress continue to bicker and clearly aren't ready to make the tough decisions on spending cuts and reducing the deficit, I'm happy to give them suggestions on where they can start.

And my proposals don’t include tax increases. The last thing we need now is more taxes on working Americans!

Starting today, I’m offering common-sense spending cuts that can be made NOW to help reduce spending and get us closer to a balanced budget.

We can start with repealing ObamaCare.

And there are other programs that must be cut. Whatever you may think about these programs, in this era of limited resources, massive deficits, and an ever-increasing national debt, these are things we simply can’t afford. We are at a time when many working families are struggling -- trying to make ends meet, put their children through school, and make plans for their futures – these cuts must be made.

My cuts include repealing ObamaCare…reducing subsidies for Arts and Humanities programs that we can no longer afford….ending the program of rewarding states for recruiting additional food stamp recipients…eliminating Title X Family Planning funding… and banning earmarks that cost taxpayers billions of dollars a year.

This list of spending cuts is only the beginning of the necessary cuts—but we have to start somewhere. And we have to start now.

Over the next couple of weeks, I’ll continue to call on Washington, D.C. to make the tough decisions on the spending cuts that America needs. I’ll be sure to share them so you can see my thoughts on how to get this out-of-control spending and record deficits under control.

If President Obama and Congress aren’t willing to make the tough decisions, I’m happy to step up and offer common sense cuts that Americans can support.

STEELMAN'S PROPOSED CUTS

This list of spending cuts is just a beginning of the cuts that need to be made—but we have to start somewhere. And there’s certainly a lot more that can be done.

Here’s the start of my list of spending cuts – stay tuned as I release more!

Repeal ObamaCare — Savings: $95 Billion.

Reduce Subsidies for The National Endowments for The Arts and Humanities, The Corporation for Public Broadcasting, and The Legal Services Corporation — Savings: $600 Million.

Cut Cell phone subsidies in the Universal Service Fund — Savings: $500 Million a year

Eliminate Title X Family Planning Funding — Savings: $300 Million. (Title X subsidizes family planning programs that promotes and benefit abortion groups like Planned Parenthood.)

Cut Weatherization Assistance Programs — Savings: $210 Million a year

Stop Mine clean up to states that have already completed cleanups — Savings: $120 Million a year

Reduce Foreign Aid — Savings: $100 Million.

Mike Moon announces challenge to Billy Long in 7th District

Mike Moon, one of the candidates who lost to Billy Long in 2010 in the Seventh District Congressional race, is running again, challenging Long from the Tea Party right:

Joplin tornado survivor inspired by butterflies, receives butterfly collection gift

Video: Rita Hunter indicted on federal fraud, theft charges

Ten thousand dollar donation helps Joplin Fire Department replace equipment destroyed in tornado

First Help Joplin home helps tornado-stricken family move in before Christmas

Interim Disaster Recovery Committee issues final report

Thursday, December 15, 2011

Rita Hunter in 2008: I'm not in it for the money

Some of the statements former Jasper County Administrator Rita Hunter made during this 2008 appearance at a Jasper County Farm Bureau candidates forum take on an entirely different light considering her indictment today by a federal grand jury on 10 charges of fraud and two charges of theft.

Grand jury indicts Rita Hunter on 12 felony counts

A federal grand jury indicted former Jasper County Public Administrator Rita Hunter today on 10 counts of fraud and two counts of theft. The indictment is printed below:

I N D I C T M E N T


THE GRAND JURY CHARGES THAT:

At all times material to this Indictment:

PARTIES AND ENTITIES

1. RITA FRANCES HUNTER was the elected Public Administrator for Jasper County, Missouri, from January 1, 2005, to December 31, 2008.

2. THE JASPER COUNTY PUBLIC ADMINISTRATOR’S OFFICE, (herein referred to as (JCPA) was a county office of Jasper County, Missouri. In Missouri, the Missouri Circuit Court, Probate Division, appointed Public Administrators, to serve primarily on three types of cases as: 1) a Guardian and/or conservator for mentally disabled or indigent persons, 2) a personal representative of deceased estates; and 3) a conservator of minor estates. The majority of appointments of Public Administrator's were as guardian/conservator for mentally disabled persons.

In Jasper County, the Public Administrator was elected to serve a four-year term. The JCPA’s office was a "fee office" meaning that fees were charged for services (usually based upon the time invested by the JCPA and upon the client's ability to pay). Fees were required to be approved by the Court Order, of a Circuit Judge assigned to review the work of the Public Administrator.
3. WARDS were persons designated by the Circuit Court to be under the care and custody of the JCPA as the guardian/conservator. Wards were primarily for mentally disabled or indigent persons.

4. THE SOCIAL SECURITY ADMINISTRATION (herein known as SSA) was an independent agency of the United States government that administered Social Security, a social insurance program consisting of retirement, disability, and survivors' benefits. Many of the wards under the care of the JCPA were eligible for Social Security benefits that the JCPA was responsible for applying for, obtaining, and using for the sole benefit of the ward.

5. MEDICAID was a health program established by the United States government for certain people and families with low incomes and resources. It was a means-tested program that was jointly funded by the state and federal governments, and was managed by the states, including Missouri. The JCPA had responsibility to apply for, and receive, Medicaid benefits for the sole use of the wards of the JCPA’s office.

COUNTS ONE AND TWO

(Health Care Fraud-Title 18, United States Code, Section 1347 and 2)

The Scheme or Artifice to Defraud

6. From on or about January 1, 2005, through December 31, 2008, defendant RITA FRANCES HUNTER, as the Public Administrator of Jasper County, (JCPA), engaged in ascheme and artifice to defraud from the United States Department of Health and Human Services of money under the Medicaid program by falsely representing to the state agency administering the Medicaid program in Missouri that persons who were wards of the Jasper County Public Administrator’s office were under the Medicaid eligibility threshold of $1,000 in assets in a given month, when, in fact the wards had in excess of $1,000 in assets at the time the defendant caused the misrepresentation to be made. As a result of the misrepresentation, the wards
received Medicaid benefits to which they were not entitled and which were administered by the defendant and the JCPA’s office.

7. On January 1, 2005, the defendant took office as the elected Public Administrator of Jasper County, Missouri.

8. The JCPA’s office applied for and received benefits from, SSA and Medicaid, for wards under the custody of the JCPA’s office. When applying for Medicaid disbursements, Medicaid rules required the defendant to state: (1) sources and amounts of income for the wards; and (2) financial resources such as cash, securities, personal and real property and other items that may be used to contribute to the care of the ward. Medicaid used these representations to determine the ward’s eligibility for Medicaid benefits. Wards who had in excess of $1,000 in assets at any given time were not eligible for Medicaid benefits.

9. Beginning at least as early as April 2005, up to December 31, 2008, the defendant directed employees at the JCPA’s office to submit materially false Medicaid applications for wards. These applications falsely stated to Medicaid that the ward had assets below the $1,000 threshold, when in fact, the applicant had in excess of $1,000 in assets.

10. Beginning at least as early as April 2005, up to December 31, 2008, the defendant used ward resources to fund approximately $121,099 toward the administration of the JCPA’s office. These payments were not allowed by law. The defendant approved these expenditures, which consisted of payments for administration fees, attorney fees, tax preparation fees and court fees unrelated to the ward’s medical care and not allowed under law.
11. Beginning at least as early as April 2005, up to December 31, 2008, the defendant charged the “fees” which were collected from wards whose sole source of income was SSA payments. The defendant converted SSA payments made for the benefit of the wards to the use of the JCPA’s office without proper authorization from SSA, and contrary to her duties as a representative payee under SSA regulations.

12. The JCPA’s office failed to keep records and report information to SSA. The defendant directed the misuse of ward’s SSA payments by charging “fees” which were not reported to SSA. The “fees” charged by the defendant to wards receiving SSA payments would not have been approved by SSA.

13. As a representative payee, the defendant misused SSA funds intended for JCPA wards who were SSA beneficiaries, by charging $15,901.35 in attorney fees and $59,597 in public administrator fees, for a total fraud on SSA of $75,498.35.

14. A review of selected ward files below revealed that the defendant alone, and with others, to engage in this scheme or artifice to defraud SSA and Medicaid of funds for her own use as JCPA.

1. Ward J. B.

15. During the time defendant was the JCPA, J.B. was a ward of the JCPA’s office.

16. On or about November 4, 2008, the defendant directed others in her office to prepare an eligibility statement to be submitted to Missouri Health Net, located in Jefferson City, Missouri, in order to retain Medicaid eligibility for J.B. The statement indicated that J.B. had a total bank balance of $828.90, which was less than the $1,000 eligibility threshold for Medicaid benefits. The defendant caused this statement to be stamped with her signature verifying that it was true. In fact, the statement was false, in that on or about November 4, 2008, J.B. had $2,728.90 in his bank balance. The defendant deliberately caused this false statement to be sent to Missouri Health Net so that the defendant could secure Medicaid eligibility for J.B., when he was not eligible. Based upon the defendant’s false representation, J.B. received Medicaid
benefits, which were administered by the defendant.

17. On or about February 27, 2008, the defendant caused J.B.’s 2007 “Representative Payee Report” to be sent by the JCPA’s office to the SSA office located in Wilkes-Barre, Pennsylvania. In the report, the defendant stated that J.B. received $13,427 in benefits from SSA and that the JCPA had not saved any of J.B.’s benefit payments. In the report, the defendant stated that the JCPA’s office had spent $11,029 for J.B.’s food and housing and $2,398 for clothing, education, medical and dental expenses, recreation or personal items. The report indicated that the JCPA’s office did not charge J.B. any fees for services provided. A review of J.B.’s checking account, which was managed by the JCPA and the defendant revealed that the JCPA’s office withdrew $1,120 from J.B.’s account to pay for “attorney fees and tax preparation,” paid $69 to the defendant, paid $5,058.75 to the JCPA as fees for services, and paid $30 to the Circuit Court. The JCPA’s office and the defendant knowingly failed to inform SSA of these fees and other payments which totaled $6,277.75
2. Ward L.C.

18. During the time defendant was the JCPA, L.C. was a ward of the JCPA’s office.

19. On or about December 13, 2007, the defendant directed others in her office to prepare an eligibility statement to be submitted to Missouri Health Net, located in Jefferson City, Missouri, in order to retain Medicaid eligibility for L.C. The statement indicated that L.C. had a total bank balance of $506.60, which was less than the $1,000 eligibility threshold for Medicaid benefits. The defendant caused this statement to be stamped with her signature verifying that it was true. In fact, the statement was false, in that on or about December 3, 2007, L.C. had $1,656.60 in her bank account. The defendant deliberately caused this false statement to be sent to Missouri Health Net so that the defendant could secure Medicaid eligibility for L.C., when she was not eligible. Based upon the defendant’s false representation, L.C. received Medicaid benefits, which were administered by the defendant.

20. On or about April 3, 2008, the defendant caused L.C.’s fiscal year 2007 “Representative Payee Report” be sent by the JCPA’s office to the SSA office located in Wilkes-Barre, Pennsylvania. In the report, the defendant stated that L.C. received $9,914 in benefits from SSA and that the JCPA had not saved any of L.C.’s benefit payments. In the report, the defendant stated that the JCPA’s office had spent $8,894 for L.C.’s food and housing and $1,020 for L.C.’s clothing, education, medical and dental expenses, recreation or personal items. The report indicated that the JCPA’s office did not charge L.C. any fees for services provided. A review of L.C.’s checking account, which was managed by the JCPA and the defendant revealed that the JCPA’s office withdrew $390 from L.C.’s account to pay for “attorney fees and tax preparation,” paid $3,333.75 to the JCPA as fees for services, and paid $30 as fee to the Circuit
Court. The JCPA’s office and the defendant knowingly failed to inform SSA of these fees which totaled $3,753.75.

3. Ward C.H.

21. During the time defendant was the JCPA, C.H. was a ward of the JCPA’s office.
22. On or about July 12, 2007, the defendant directed others in her office to prepare a eligibility statement to be submitted to Missouri Health Net, located in Jefferson City, Missouri, in order to retain Medicaid eligibility for C.H. The statement indicated that C.H. had a total bank balance of $814.83, which was less than the $1,000 eligibility threshold for Medicaid benefits. The defendant caused this statement to be stamped with her signature verifying that it was true. In fact, the statement was false, in that on or about July 5, 2007, C.H. had $3,214.83 in her bank account. The defendant deliberately caused this false statement to be sent to Missouri Health Net so that the defendant could secure Medicaid eligibility for C.H., when she was not eligible. Based upon the defendant’s false representation, C.H. received Medicaid benefits, which were administered by the defendant.

23. On or about July 13, 2007, the defendant caused C.H.’s fiscal year 2007 “Representative Payee Report” to be sent by the JCPA’s office to the SSA office located in Wilkes-Barre, Pennsylvania. In the report, the defendant stated that C.H. received $3,212 in benefits from SSA and that the JCPA had not saved any of C.H.’s benefit payments. In the report, the defendant stated that the JCPA’s office had spent $2,576 of the benefit payments for C.H.’s food and housing and $636 on C.H.’s clothing, education, medical and dental expenses, recreation or personal items. The report indicated that the JCPA’s office did not charge C.H. any fees for services provided during the time period reported. A review of C.H.’s checking account, which was managed by the JCPA and the defendant, revealed that the JCPA’s office withdrew $550 from C.H.’s account to pay for “attorney fees and tax preparation,” paid $2,617.50 to the
JCPA as fees for services, and paid $30 as fee to the Circuit Court. The JCPA’s office and the defendant knowingly failed to inform SSA of these fees which totaled $3,197.50.

4. Ward J.I.

24. During the time defendant was the JCPA, J.I. was a ward of the JCPA’s office.

25. On or about July 20, 2007, the defendant directed others in her office to prepare an eligibility statement to be submitted to Missouri Health Net, located in Jefferson City, Missouri, in order to retain Medicaid eligibility for J.I. The statement indicated that J.I. had a total bank balance of $986.94, which was less than the $1,000 eligibility threshold for Medicaid benefits.

The defendant caused this statement to be stamped with her signature verifying that it was true.

In fact, the statement was false, in that on or about July 17, 2007, J.I. had $1,751.94 in her bank account. The defendant deliberately caused this false statement to be sent to Missouri Health Net so that the defendant could secure Medicaid eligibility for J.I., when she was not eligible.

Based upon the defendant’s false representation, J.I. received Medicaid benefits, which were administered by the defendant.

5. Ward C.M.

26. During the time defendant was the JCPA, C.M. was a ward of the JCPA’s office.

27. On or about January 10, 2008, the defendant directed others in her office to prepare an eligibility statement to be submitted to Missouri Health Net, located in Jefferson City, Missouri, in order to retain Medicaid eligibility for C.M. The statement indicated that C.M. had a total bank balance of $417.26, which was less than the $1,000 eligibility threshold for Medicaid benefits. The defendant caused this statement to be stamped with her signature verifying that it was true. In fact, the statement was false, in that on or about January 28, 2008,

C.M. had $1,617.28 in his bank account. The defendant deliberately caused this false statement to be sent to Missouri Health Net so that the defendant could secure Medicaid eligibility for

C.M., when he was not eligible. Based upon the defendant’s false representation, C.M. received Medicaid benefits, which were administered by the defendant.

6. Ward D.R.

28. During the time defendant was the JCPA, D.R. was a ward of the JCPA’s office.

29. On or about April 3, 2008, the defendant directed others in her office to prepare an eligibility statement to be submitted to Missouri Health Net, located in Jefferson City, Missouri, in order to retain Medicaid eligibility for D.R. The statement indicated that D.R. had a total bank balance of $778.15, which was less than the $1,000 eligibility threshold for Medicaid benefits. The defendant caused this statement to be stamped with her signature verifying that it was true. In fact, the statement was false, in that on or about April 8, 2008, D.R. had $4,248.15 in his checking account balance. The defendant deliberately caused this false statement to be sent to Missouri Health Net so that the defendant could secure Medicaid eligibility for D.R., when he was not eligible. Based upon the defendant’s false representation, D.R. received Medicaid benefits, which were administered by the defendant.

7. Ward R.S.

30. During the time defendant was the JCPA, R.S. was a ward of the JCPA’s office.

31. On or about August 15, 2006, the defendant directed others in her office to prepare an eligibility statement to be submitted to Missouri Health Net, located in Jefferson City, Missouri, in order to retain Medicaid eligibility for R.S. The statement indicated that R.S. had a total bank balance of $714.03, which was less than the $1,000 eligibility threshold for Medicaid benefits. The defendant caused this statement to be stamped with her signature verifying that it was true. In fact, the statement was false, in that on or about August 3, 2006, R.S. had $4,714.03 in her bank balance. The defendant deliberately caused this false statement to be sent to Missouri Health Net so that the defendant could secure Medicaid eligibility for R.S., when she was not eligible. Based upon the defendant’s false representation, R.S. received Medicaid
benefits, which were administered by the defendant.

32. On or about July 17, 2007, the defendant caused R.S.’s fiscal year 2007 “Representative Payee Report” to be sent by the JCPA’s office to the SSA office located in Wilkes-Barre, Pennsylvania. The report was for the time period from June 1, 2006, to May 31, 2007. In the report, the defendant stated that R.S. received $9,682 in benefits from SSA and that the JCPA had not saved any of R.S.’s benefit payments. In the report, the defendant stated that the JCPA’s office had spent $9,322 for R.S.’s food and housing and $360 for R.S.’s clothing, education, medical and dental expenses, recreation or personal items. The report indicated that the JCPA’s office did not charge R.S. any fees for services provided. A review of R.S.’s checking account, which was managed by the JCPA and the defendant during the time period,
revealed that the JCPA’s office withdrew $700 from R.S.’s account to pay for “attorney fees and tax preparation,” and paid $3,322.50 to the JCPA as fees for services, on June 1, 2007, on day after the reporting period ended. The JCPA’s office and the defendant knowingly failed to inform SSA of these fee and other payments which totaled $4,057.50.

8. Ward J.S.

33. During the time defendant was the JCPA, J.S. was a ward of the JCPA’s office.

34. On or about December 1, 2007, the defendant directed others in her office to prepare an eligibility statement to be submitted to Missouri Health Net, located in Jefferson City, Missouri, in order to retain Medicaid eligibility for J.S. The statement indicated that J.S. had a total bank balance of $632.36, which was less than the $1,000 eligibility threshold for Medicaid benefits. In fact, the statement was false, in that on or about November 30, 2007, J.S. had $3,404.24 in his bank balance. The defendant deliberately caused this false statement to be sent to Missouri Health Net so that the defendant could secure Medicaid eligibility for J.S., when he was not eligible. Based upon the defendant’s false representation, J.S. received Medicaid benefits, which were administered by the defendant.

35. On or about September 19, 2007, the defendant caused J.S.’s fiscal year 2007 “Representative Payee Report” to be sent by the JCPA’s office to the SSA office located in Wilkes-Barre, Pennsylvania. In the report, the defendant stated that J.S. received $5,768 in benefits from SSA and that the JCPA had not saved any of J.S.’s benefit payments. In the report, the defendant stated that the JCPA’s office had spent $5,408 for J.S.’s food and housing and $360 for J.S.’s clothing, education, medical and dental expenses, recreation or personal items.

The report indicated that the JCPA’s office did not charge J.S. any fees for services provided during the reporting time period. A review of J.S.’s checking account, which was managed by the JCPA and the defendant during the time period, revealed that the JCPA’s office withdrew $570.90 from J.S.’s account to pay for “attorney fees and tax preparation,” and paid $4,815 to the JCPA as fees for services. The JCPA’s office and the defendant knowingly failed to inform SSA of these fees and other payments which totaled $5,385.90.

9. Ward A.T.

36. During the time defendant was the JCPA, A.T. was a ward of the JCPA’s office.

37. On or about November 7, 2008, the defendant directed others in her office to prepare an eligibility statement to be submitted to Missouri Health Net, located in Jefferson City, Missouri, in order to retain Medicaid eligibility for A.T. The statement indicated that A.T. had a total bank balance of $868.13, which was less than the $1,000 eligibility threshold for Medicaid benefits. The defendant caused this statement to be stamped with her signature verifying that it was true. In fact, the statement was false, in that on or about November 3, 2008, A.T. had $1,218.13 in her checking account balance. The defendant deliberately caused this false statement to be sent to Missouri Health Net so that the defendant could secure Medicaid
eligibility for A.T., when she was not eligible. Based upon the defendant’s false representation, A.T. received Medicaid benefits, which were administered by the defendant.

10. Ward B.T.

38. During the time defendant was the JCPA, B.T. was a ward of the JCPA’s office.

39. On or about February 8, 2007, the defendant directed others in her office to prepare an eligibility statement to be submitted to Missouri Health Net, located in Jefferson City, Missouri, in order to retain Medicaid eligibility for B.T. The statement indicated that B.T. had a total bank balance of $983.14, which was less than the $1,000 threshold eligibility for Medicaid benefits. The defendant caused this statement to be stamped with her signature verifying that it was true. In fact, the statement was false, in that on or about February 2, 2007, B.T. had $4,483.14 in her bank balance. The defendant deliberately caused this false statement to be sent to Missouri Health Net so that the defendant could secure Medicaid eligibility for B.T., when she was not eligible. Based upon the defendant’s false representation, B.T. received Medicaid benefits, which were administered by the defendant.

40. On or about June 17, 2008, the defendant caused B.T.’s fiscal year 2008 “Representative Payee Report” to be sent by the JCPA’s office to the SSA office located in Wilkes-Barre, Pennsylvania. The report was for the time period from May 1, 2007, to April 30, 2008. In the report, the defendant stated that B.T. received $4,568 in benefits from SSA and that the JCPA had not saved any of B.T.’s benefit payments. In the report, the defendant stated that the JCPA’s office had spent $4,208 for B.T.’s food and housing and $360 for B.T.’s clothing, education, medical and dental expenses, recreation or personal items. The report indicated that the JCPA’s office did not charge B.T. any fees for services provided during the reporting time period. A review of B.T.’s checking account, which was managed by the JCPA and the
defendant, revealed that the JCPA’s office withdrew $355 from B.T.’s account to pay for “attorney fees and tax preparation,” and paid $1,900 to the JCPA as fees for services. The JCPA’s office and the defendant knowingly failed to inform SSA of these fees and other payments which totaled $2,255 for the time period involved.

11. Ward R.T.

41. During the time defendant was the JCPA, R.T. was a ward of the JCPA’s office.

42. On or about June 18, 2008, the defendant directed others in her office to prepare an eligibility statement to be submitted to Missouri Health Net, located in Jefferson City, Missouri, in order to retain Medicaid eligibility for R.T. The statement indicated that R.T. had a total bank balance of $903.44, which was less than the $1,000 eligibility threshold Medicaid benefits. The defendant caused this statement to be stamped with her signature verifying that it was true. In fact, the statement was false, in that on or about June 13, 2008, R.T. had $10,293.44 in his bank balance. The defendant deliberately caused this false statement to be sent to Missouri Health Net so that the defendant could secure Medicaid eligibility for R.T., when he was not eligible. Based upon the defendant’s false representation, R.T. received Medicaid
benefits, which were administered by the defendant.

43. On or about September 22, 2008, the defendant caused R.T.’s fiscal year 2008 “Representative Payee Report” to be sent by the JCPA’s office to the SSA office located in Wilkes-Barre, Pennsylvania. In the report, the defendant stated that R.T. received $8,268 in benefits from SSA and that the JCPA had not saved any of R.T.’s benefit payments. In the Report, the defendant stated that the JCPA’s office had spent $7,244 for R.T.’s food and housing and $1,024 for R.T.’s clothing, education, medical and dental expenses, recreation or personal items. The report indicated that the JCPA’s office did not charge R.T. any fees for services provided during the reporting time period. A review of R.T.’s checking account, which was managed by the JCPA and the defendant revealed that the JCPA’s office withdrew $910 from R.T.’s account to pay for “attorney fees and tax preparation,” and paid $4,672 to the JCPA as fees for services. The JCPA’s office and the defendant knowingly failed to inform SSA of these fees and other payments which totaled $5,582 for the time period involved.

12. Ward T.V.

44. During the time defendant was the JCPA, T.V. was a ward of the JCPA’s office.

45. On or about August 6, 2008, the defendant directed others in her office to prepare an eligibility statement to be submitted to Missouri Health Net, located in Jefferson City, Missouri, in order to retain Medicaid eligibility for T.V. The statement indicated that T.V. had a total bank balance of $827.27, which was less than the $1,000 eligibility for Medicaid benefits.

The defendant caused this statement to be stamped with her signature verifying that it was true. In fact, the statement was false, in that on or about July 31, 2008, T.V. had $6,919.27 in her bank balance. The defendant deliberately caused this false statement to be sent to Missouri Health Net so that the defendant could secure Medicaid eligibility for T.V., when she was not eligible.

Based upon the defendant’s false representation, T.V. received Medicaid benefits, which were administered by the defendant.

46. On or about June 27, 2008, the defendant caused T.V.’s fiscal year 2008 “Representative Payee Report” to be sent by the JCPA’s office to the SSA office located in Wilkes-Barre, Pennsylvania. In the report, the defendant stated that T.V. received $7,791 in benefits from SSA and that the JCPA had not saved any of T.V.’s benefit payments. In the report, the defendant stated that the JCPA’s office had spent $7,791 for T.V.’s clothing, education, medical and dental expenses, recreation or personal items. The report indicated that the JCPA’s office did not charge T.V. any fees for services provided during the reporting time period. A review of T.V.’s checking account, which was managed by the JCPA and the defendant revealed that the JCPA’s office withdrew $180 from T.V.’s account to pay for “attorney fees and tax preparation,” and paid $2,212.50 to the JCPA as fees for services. The JCPA’s office and the defendant knowingly failed to inform SSA of these fees and other payments which totaled $2,392.50.

13. Ward R.W.

47. During the time defendant was the JCPA, R.W. was a ward of the JCPA’s office.

48. On or about November 6, 2007, the defendant directed others in her office to prepare an eligibility statement to be submitted to Missouri Health Net, located in Jefferson City, Missouri, in order to retain Medicaid eligibility for R.W. The statement indicated that R.W. had a total bank balance of $832.62, which was less than the $1,000 eligibility threshold for Medicaid benefits. The defendant caused this statement to be stamped with her signature verifying that it was true. In fact, the statement was false, in that on or about November 2, 2007, R.W. had $1,432.62 in her bank balance. The defendant deliberately caused this false statement to be sent to Missouri Health Net so that the defendant could secure Medicaid eligibility for R.W., when she was not eligible. Based upon the defendant’s false representation, R.W. received Medicaid benefits, which were administered by the defendant.

49. On or about August 13, 2008, the defendant caused R.W.’s fiscal year 2008 “Representative Payee Report” to be sent by the JCPA’s office to the SSA office located in Wilkes-Barre, Pennsylvania. In the report, the defendant stated that R.W. received $10,417 in benefits from SSA and that the JCPA had not saved any of R.W.’s benefit payments. In the report, the defendant stated that the JCPA’s office had spent $10,057 for R.W.’s food and housing and $360 for R.W.’s clothing, education, medical and dental expenses, recreation or personal items. The report indicated that the JCPA’s office did not charge R.W. any fees for services provided during the reporting time period. A review of R.W.’s checking account, which was managed by the JCPA and the defendant during the time period, revealed that the JCPA’s
office withdrew $470 from R.W.’s account to pay for “attorney fees and tax preparation,” and paid $6,196.25 to the JCPA as fees for services. The JCPA’s office and the defendant knowingly failed to inform SSA of these fees and other payments which totaled $6,666.25.

14. Ward J.W.

50. During the time defendant was the JCPA, J.W. was a ward of the JCPA’s office.

51. On or about April 27, 2007, the defendant directed others in her office to prepare an eligibility statement to be submitted to Missouri Health Net, located in Jefferson City, Missouri, in order to retain Medicaid eligibility for J.W. The statement indicated that J.W. had a total bank balance of $498.26, which was less than the $1,000 eligibility threshold for Medicaid benefits. The defendant caused this statement to be stamped with her signature verifying that it was true. In fact, the statement was false, in that on or about April 24, 2007, J.W. had $3,495.30 in his bank balance. The defendant deliberately caused this false statement to be sent to Missouri Health Net so that the defendant could secure Medicaid eligibility for J.W., when he was not eligible. Based upon the defendant’s false representation, J.W. received Medicaid
benefits, which were administered by the defendant.

52. On or about June 27, 2008, the defendant caused J.W.’s fiscal year 2008 “Representative Payee Report” to be sent by the JCPA’s office to the SSA office located in Wilkes-Barre, Pennsylvania. In the report, the defendant stated that J.W. received $11,469 in benefits from SSA and that the JCPA had not saved any of J.W.’s benefit payments. In the report, the defendant stated that the JCPA’s office had spent $10,730 for J.W.’s food and housing and $739 for J.W.’s clothing, education, medical and dental expenses, recreation or personal items. The report indicated that the JCPA’s office did not charge J.W. any fees for services provided during the reporting time period. A review of J.W.’s checking account, which was
managed by the JCPA and the defendant revealed that the JCPA’s office withdrew $330 from
J.W.’s account to pay for “attorney fees and tax preparation,” and paid $4,040 to the JCPA as fees for services. The JCPA’s office and the defendant knowingly failed to inform SSA of these fees and other payments which totaled $4,370 for the time period involved.
The Charges

53. The factual allegations contained in paragraphs 1-52 of this indictment are incorporated by reference herein to fully describe the scheme and artifice devised by the defendant and others both known and unknown to the Grand Jury.

54. On or about the dates cited below, in Jasper County, in the Western District of Missouri, the defendant, RITA FRANCES HUNTER, either alone, and along with others, knowingly and willfully executed and attempted to execute the above-described scheme and artifice to defraud, and obtain by means of materially false and fraudulent pretenses, representations, and promises, money and property owned by and under the custody and control of Medicaid, a health care benefit program as defined in Title 18, United States Code, Section 24(b), in connection with the delivery of and payment for health care benefits, items, and services, all in violation of Title 18, United States Code, Sections 1347 and 2.

COUNT DATE ACT OR ATTEMPTED ACT OF EXECUTION

1 June 18, 2008 The defendant directed others in her office to prepare an eligibility statement to be submitted to Missouri Health Net, located in Jefferson City, Missouri, in order to retain Medicaid
eligibility for R.T. The statement indicated that R.T. had a total bank balance of $903.44, which was less than the $1,000 eligibility threshold Medicaid benefits. The defendant caused this statement to be stamped with her signature verifying that it was true. In fact, the statement was false, in that on or about June 13, 2008, R.T. had $10,293.44 in his bank balance. The defendant deliberately caused this false statement to be sent to Missouri Health Net so that the defendant could secure Medicaid eligibility for R.T., when he was not eligible. Based upon the defendant’s false representation, R.T. received Medicaid benefits, which were administered by the defendant
2 August 6, 2008 The defendant directed others in her office to prepare an eligibility statement to be submitted to Missouri Health Net, located in Jefferson City, Missouri, in order to retain Medicaid
eligibility for T.V. The statement indicated that T.V. had a total bank balance of $827.27, which was less than the $1,000 eligibility for Medicaid benefits. The defendant caused this statement to be stamped with her signature verifying that it was true. In fact, the statement was false, in that on or about July31, 2008, T.V. had $6,919.27 in her bank balance. The defendant deliberately caused this false statement to be sent to Missouri Health Net so that the defendant could secure Medicaid eligibility for T.V., when she was not eligible. Based upon the defendant’s false representation, T.V. received Medicaid benefits, which were administered by the defendant.

COUNTS THREE AND FOUR

(Theft of Government Property-Title 18, U.S.C., Sections 641 and 2)

The Charges

55. The factual allegations contained in paragraphs 1-52 of this indictment are incorporated by reference herein to fully describe the actions of the defendant and others, both known and unknown to the Grand Jury.

56. On or about the dates cited below, in Jasper County, in the Western District of Missouri, the defendant, RITA FRANCES HUNTER, either alone in her capacity as JCPA, or along with others, willfully and knowingly did steal, purloin or convert the items described in more particularly in each count, of the value of in excess of $1,000, of the goods and property of the United States, in violation of Title 18, United States Code, Sections 641 and 2.
COUNT DATE ACT OR ATTEMPTED ACT OF EXECUTION

3 February 27, 2008 The defendant caused J.B.’s 2007 “Representative Payee Report” to be sent by the JCPA’s office to the SSA office located in Wilkes-Barre, Pennsylvania. In the report, the defendant stated that J.B. received $13,427 in benefits from SSA and that the JCPA had not saved any of J.B.’s benefit
payments. In the report, the defendant stated that the JCPA’s office had spent $11,029 for J.B.’s food and housing and $2,398 for clothing, education, medical and dental expenses, recreation or personal items. The report indicated that the JCPA’s office did not charge J.B. any fees for services provided. A review of J.B.’s checking account, which was managed by the JCPA and the defendant revealed that the JCPA’s office withdrew $1,120 from J.B.’s account to pay for “attorney fees and tax preparation,” paid $69 to
the defendant, paid $5,058.75 to the JCPA as fees for services, and paid $30 to the Circuit Court. The JCPA’s office and the defendant knowingly failed to inform SSA of these fees and other payments which totaled $6,277.

4 April 3, 2008 The defendant caused L.C.’s fiscal year 2007 “Representative Payee Report” be sent by the JCPA’s office to the SSA office located in Wilkes-Barre, Pennsylvania. In the report, the defendant stated that L.C. received $9,914 in benefits from SSA and that the JCPA had not saved any of L.C.’s benefit payments. In the report, the defendant stated that the JCPA’s office had spent $8,894 for L.C.’s food and housing and $1,020 for L.C.’s clothing, education, medical and dental expenses, recreation or personal items. The report indicated that the JCPA’s office did not charge L.C. any fees for services provided. A review of L.C.’s checking account, which was managed by the JCPA and the defendant
revealed that the JCPA’s office withdrew $390 from L.C.’s account to pay for “attorney fees and tax preparation,” paid $3,333.75 to the JCPA as fees for services, and paid $30 as fee to the Circuit Court. The JCPA’s office and the defendant knowingly failed to inform SSA of these fees which totaled $3,753.75.

COUNTS FIVE THROUGH EIGHT

(Document Fraud-Title 18, U.S.C., Section 1001 and 2)

The Scheme or Artifice to Defraud

57. The factual allegations contained in paragraphs 1-52 of this indictment are incorporated by reference herein to fully describe the actions of the defendant and others, both known and unknown to the Grand Jury, as well as the scheme or artifice to defraud.

The Charges

58. On or about the dates cited below, in Jasper County, in the Western District of Missouri, and elsewhere, the defendant, RITA FRANCES HUNTER, did willfully and knowingly make and cause to be made, and use and cause to be used, in a matter within the jurisdiction of a department or agency of the United States, a false writing or document, knowing the same to contain a materially false, fictitious, and fraudulent statement, in that RITA FRANCES HUNTER submitted the false document and false statements within each document to the officials and locations described in particular in each count listed below, well knowing and believing that the statements and the documents containing the statements were materially false, fictitious and fraudulent, in violation of Title 18, United States Code, Sections 1001 and 2.

COUNT DATE ACT OR ATTEMPTED ACT

5 February 27, 2008 The defendant caused J.B.’s 2007 “Representative Payee Report” to be sent by the JCPA’s office to the SSA office located in Wilkes-Barre, Pennsylvania. In the report, the defendant stated that J.B. received $13,427 in benefit from SSA and that the JCPA had not saved any of J.B.’s benefit payments. In the report, the defendant stated that the JCPA’s office had spent $11,029 for J.B.’s food and
housing and $2,398 for clothing, education, medical and dental expenses, recreation or personal items. The report indicated that the JCPA’s office did not charge J.B. any fees for services provided. A review of J.B.’s checking account, which was managed by the JCPA and the defendant revealed that the JCPA’s office withdrew $1,120 from J.B.’s account to pay for “attorney fees and tax preparation,” paid $69 to the defendant, paid $5,058.75 to the JCPA as fees for services, and paid $30 to the Circuit Court. The JCPA’s office and the defendant knowingly failed to inform SSA of these fees and other payments which totaled $6,277.75.

6 April 3, 2008 The defendant caused L.C.’s fiscal year 2007 “Representative Payee Report” be sent by the JCPA’s office to the SSA office located in Wilkes-Barre, Pennsylvania. In the report, the defendant stated that L.C. received $9,914 in benefits from SSA and that the JCPA had not saved any of L.C.’s benefit payments. In the report, the defendant stated that the JCPA’s office had spent $8,894 for L.C.’s food and housing and $1,020 for L.C.’s clothing, education, medical and dental expenses, recreation or personal items. The report indicated that the JCPA’s office did not charge L.C. any fees for services
provided. A review of L.C.’s checking account, which was managed by the JCPA and the defendant revealed that the JCPA’s office withdrew $390 from L.C.’s account topay for “attorney fees and tax preparation,” paid $3,333.75 to the JCPA as fees for services, and paid $30 as fee to the Circuit Court. The JCPA’s office and the defendant knowingly failed to inform SSA of these fees which totaled $3,753.75.

7 June 18, 2008 The defendant directed others in her office to prepare an eligibility statement to be submitted to Missouri Health Net, located in Jefferson City, Missouri, in order to retain Medicaid eligibility for R.T. The statement indicated that R.T. had a total bank balance of $903.44, which was less
than the $1,000 eligibility threshold Medicaid benefits. The defendant caused this statement to be stamped with her signature verifying that it was true. In fact, the statement was false, in that on or about June 13, 2008, R.T. had $10,293.44 in his bank balance. The defendant deliberately caused this false statement to be sent to Missouri Health Net so that the defendant could secure Medicaid eligibility for R.T., when he was not eligible. Based upon the defendant’s false representation, R.T. received Medicaid benefits, which were administered by the defendant.

8 August 6, 2008 The defendant directed others in her office to prepare an eligibility statement to be submitted to Missouri Health Net, located in Jefferson City, Missouri, in order to retain Medicaid eligibility for T.V. The statement indicated that T.V. had a total bank balance of $827.27, which was less
than the $1,000 eligibility for Medicaid benefits. The defendant caused this statement to be stamped with her signature verifying that it was true. In fact, the statement was false, in that on or about July 31, 2008, T.V. had $6,919.27 in her bank balance. The defendant deliberately caused this false statement to be sent to Missouri Health Net so that the defendant could secure Medicaid eligibility for T.V., when she was not eligible. Based upon the defendant’s false representation, T.V. received Medicaid benefits, which were administered by the defendant.

COUNTS NINE AND TEN

(Social Security Fraud - Title 42, U.S.C., Section 408(a)(5))

The Scheme or Artifice to Defraud

59. The factual allegations contained in paragraphs 1-52 of this indictment are incorporated by reference herein to fully describe the actions of the defendant and others, both known and unknown to the Grand Jury, as well as the scheme or artifice to defraud.

The Charges

60. On or about the dates cited below, in Jasper County, in the Western District of Missouri, and elsewhere, the defendant, RITA FRANCES HUNTER, having made application, as the JCPA, to receive payment of SSA payments for the use and benefit of another and having received such payment, knowingly and willfully converted such payments to a use other than for the use and benefit of such other person. Specifically, she did not disclosed the transfer of SSA money to pay fees and other expenses imposed by the defendant, as JCPA, upon JCPA wards, as required by law and the procedures of SSA, in order to use the money for the administration of the JCPA’s office, in violation of Title 42, United States Code, Section 408(a)(5).

COUNT DATE ACT OR ATTEMPTED ACT

9 February 27, 2008 The defendant caused J.B.’s 2007 “Representative Payee Report” to be sent by the JCPA’s office to the SSA office located in Wilkes-Barre, Pennsylvania. In the report, the defendant stated that J.B. received $13,427 in benefits from SSA and that the JCPA had not saved any of J.B.’s benefit payments. In the report, the defendant stated that the JCPA’s office had spent $11,029 for J.B.’s food and
housing and $2,398 for clothing, education, medical and dental expenses, recreation or personal items. The report indicated that the JCPA’s office did not charge J.B. any fees for services provided. A review of J.B.’s checking account, which was managed by the JCPA and the defendant revealed that the JCPA’s office withdrew $1,120 from J.B.’s account to pay for “attorney fees and tax preparation,” paid $69 to the defendant, paid $5,058.75 to the JCPA as fees for services, and paid $30 to the Circuit Court. The JCPA’s office and the defendant knowingly failed to inform SSA of these fees and other payments which totaled $6,277.75.

10 April 3, 2008 The defendant caused L.C.’s fiscal year 2007 “Representative Payee Report” be sent by the JCPA’s office to the SSA office located in Wilkes-Barre, Pennsylvania. In the report, the defendant stated that L.C. received $9,914 in benefits from SSA and that the JCP had not saved any of L.C.’s benefit payments. In the report, the defendant stated that the JCPA’s office had spent $8,894 for L.C.’s food and housing and $1,020 for L.C.’s clothing, education, medical and dental expenses, recreation or personal items. The report indicated that the JCPA’s office did not charge L.C. any fees for services provided. A review of L.C.’s checking account, which was managed by the JCPA and the defendant revealed that
the JCPA’s office withdrew $390 from L.C.’s account to pay for “attorney fees and tax preparation,” paid $3,333.75 to the JCPA as fees for services, and paid $30 as fee to the Circuit Court. The JCPA’s office and the defendant knowingly failed to inform SSA of these fees which totaled $3,753.75.

COUNTS ELEVEN AND TWELVE

(Medicaid Fraud - Title 42, United States Code, Section 1320a-7b(a)(1)(II))

The Scheme or Artifice to Defraud

61. The factual allegations contained in paragraphs 1-52 of this indictment are incorporated by reference herein to fully describe the actions of the defendant and others, both known and unknown to the Grand Jury, as well as the scheme or artifice to defraud.

The Charges

62. On or about the dates cited below, in Jasper County, in the Western District of Missouri, the defendant, RITA FRANCES HUNTER, either alone, or along with others, as the JCPA, knowingly and willfully made or caused to be made a false statement or representation of a material fact in any application for any benefit or payment under a Federal health care program, namely Medicaid, by falsely representing to the state agency in Missouri administering the Medicaid program that persons who were wards of the Jasper County Public Administrator’s office were under the Medicaid eligibility threshold of $1,000 in assets in a given month, when, in fact, the ward had in excess of $1,000 in assets at the time the defendant caused the misrepresentation to be made, resulting in the wards receiving Medicaid benefits which were
administered by the defendant and the JCPA’s office, in violation of Title 42, United States Code, Sections 1320a-7b(a)(ii) and 2.

COUNT DATE ATTEMPTED ACT OF EXECUTION

11 June 18, 2008 The defendant directed others in her office to prepare an eligibility statement to be submitted to Missouri Health Net, located in Jefferson City, Missouri, in order to retain Medicaid eligibility for R.T. The statement indicated that R.T. had a total bank balance of $903.44, which was less
than the $1,000 eligibility threshold Medicaid benefits. The defendant caused this statement to be stamped with her signature verifying that it was true. In fact, the statement was false, in that on or about June 13, 2008, R.T. had $10,293.44 in his bank balance. The defendant deliberately caused this false statement to be sent to Missouri Health Net so that the defendant could secure Medicaid eligibility for R.T., when he was not eligible. Based upon the defendant’s false representation, R.T. received Medicaid benefits, which were administered by nthe defendant.

12 August 6, 2008 The defendant directed others in her office to prepare an eligibility statement to be submitted to Missouri Health Net, located in Jefferson City, Missouri, in order to retain Medicaid eligibility for T.V. The statement indicated that T.V. had a total bank balance of $827.27, which was less
than the $1,000 eligibility for Medicaid benefits. The defendant caused this statement to be stamped with her signature verifying that it was true. In fact, the statement was false, in that on or about July 31, 2008, T.V. had $6,919.27 in her bank balance. The defendant deliberately caused this false statement to be sent to Missouri Health Net so that the defendant could secure Medicaid eligibility for T.V., when she was not eligible. Based upon the defendant’s false representation, T.V. received Medicaid benefits, which were administered by the defendant.