Huff gives emotional speech at Loveland, Colorado

Joplin R-8 Superintendent C. J. Huff gave an emotional speech at the TedXFrontRange in Loveland, Colorado, earlier today:

Two years ago, Huff became a national figure after he declared days after a monster tornado tore through Joplin and ravaged 10 schools that the school year would start as scheduled Aug. 17. And it did.

A sign at a local car lot acknowledged the accomplishment and

C.J. Huff

thumbed the community's nose at the tornado: "Joplin Schools Made Mother Nature Look Like A Fool."

The tornado killed 161 people. "Seven of them were my children," he said, his voice choking with emotion.

Huff described his efforts -- even before the tornado struck -- to involve the community in solving the problems of a low-income city in a low-income state.

In a meeting of 150 community leaders, he realized the pastors were missing.

"I don't blame the faith community," he said in an interview after his talk. "It's the fault of the schools for not inviting them in."

A 1948 U.S. Supreme Court decision banning religious instruction by public schools had a chilling effect on churches' involvement in schools, he said.

So in Joplin, he arranged a special meeting with the city's faith leaders. A pastor stood up and said, "We can't be the voice of God in the schools, but we can be the hands of God."

Tornado watch until 4 a.m. for Joplin area, much of southern Missouri

TORNADO WATCH OUTLINE UPDATE FOR WT 266
NWS STORM PREDICTION CENTER NORMAN OK
940 PM CDT FRI MAY 31 2013

TORNADO WATCH 266 IS IN EFFECT UNTIL 400 AM CDT FOR THE
 FOLLOWING LOCATIONS

MOC009-011-017-023-031-035-043-055-057-059-065-067-077-091-093-
097-099-105-109-119-123-125-145-149-153-157-161-167-169-179-181-
186-187-201-203-207-209-213-215-221-223-225-229-010900-
/O.NEW.KWNS.TO.A.0266.130601T0240Z-130601T0900Z/

MO
.    MISSOURI COUNTIES INCLUDED ARE

BARRY                BARTON              BOLLINGER
BUTLER               CAPE GIRARDEAU      CARTER
CHRISTIAN            CRAWFORD            DADE
DALLAS               DENT                DOUGLAS
GREENE               HOWELL              IRON
JASPER               JEFFERSON           LACLEDE
LAWRENCE             MADISON             MARIES
MCDONALD             NEWTON              OREGON
OZARK                PERRY               PHELPS
POLK                 PULASKI             REYNOLDS
RIPLEY               SCOTT               SHANNON
ST. FRANCOIS         STE. GENEVIEVE      STODDARD
STONE                TANEY               TEXAS
WASHINGTON           WAYNE               WEBSTER
WRIGHT
$$

Tornado warning issued for Joplin, Jasper County

(From the National Weather Service)

THE NATIONAL WEATHER SERVICE IN SPRINGFIELD HAS ISSUED A

* TORNADO WARNING FOR...
  EASTERN CHEROKEE COUNTY IN SOUTHEAST KANSAS...
  WESTERN JASPER COUNTY IN SOUTHWEST MISSOURI...
  NORTHWESTERN NEWTON COUNTY IN SOUTHWEST MISSOURI...

* UNTIL 845 PM CDT

* AT 820 PM CDT...A LINE OF SEVERE THUNDERSTORMS CAPABLE OF PRODUCING
  A TORNADO WAS LOCATED ALONG A LINE EXTENDING FROM 12 MILES
  NORTHWEST OF CARL JUNCTION TO GALENA TO BAXTER SPRINGS...AND MOVING
  NORTHEAST AT 40 MPH.

  HAZARD...DEVELOPING TORNADO AND PING PONG BALL SIZE HAIL.

  SOURCE...RADAR INDICATED ROTATION.

  IMPACT...MOBILE HOMES WILL BE HEAVILY DAMAGED OR DESTROYED.
           SIGNIFICANT DAMAGE TO ROOFS...WINDOWS AND VEHICLES WILL
           OCCUR. FLYING DEBRIS WILL BE DEADLY TO PEOPLE AND ANIMALS.
           EXTENSIVE TREE DAMAGE IS LIKELY.

* LOCATIONS IMPACTED INCLUDE...
  AIRPORT DRIVE...ALBA...ASBURY...ATLAS...BAXTER SPRINGS...BROOKLYN
  HEIGHTS...CARL JUNCTION...CARTERVILLE...CLIFF VILLAGE...
  CRESTLINE...DENNIS ACRES...DUENWEG...DUQUESNE...GALENA...IRON
  GATES...JOPLIN...LAKESIDE...LAWTON...LEAWOOD...LOWELL...NECK
  CITY...OAKLAND PARK...ORONOGO...PURCELL...REDINGS MILL...
  RIVERTON...SHOAL CREEK DRIVE...SHOAL CREEK ESTATES...SILVER
  CREEK...WACO AND WEBB CITY.

INTERSTATE 44 BETWEEN MILE MARKERS 0 AND 14 WILL ALSO BE IMPACTED BY
THESE DANGEROUS STORMS.

SPOTTERS HAVE REPORTED 70 MPH WINDS AND SNAPPED TREES WITH THIS
STORM!

Tornado in Edna Kan.; storm could reach Joplin at about 9 p.m.

(From Joplin Emergency Management)

A tornado is currently moving east of Edna Ks, along the Kansas/Oklahoma State Line. Storm is projected to enter Jasper County around 9 PM. Currently projected to line up with the south of Joplin, perhaps northern Newton County. Now is the time to seek shelter in a basement or first floor.. Find an interior room with multiple walls between you and the exterior.

Joplin,  Jasper County, and Newton County are under a tornado watch until 10 p.m.

Nixon signs bill exempting school security plans from Sunshine Law

(From Gov. Jay Nixon)

Gov. Jay Nixon today signed House Bill 256, which reinstates important public safety exemptions to Missouri's Sunshine Law. These exemptions, which expired at the end of 2012, help prevent the release of security plans and procedures that protect facilities such as schools, courthouses and hospitals.  The Governor had publicly called on the General Assembly to renew these expired provisions earlier this year.

"Earlier this year I called on the General Assembly to reinstate these narrowly tailored provisions, which help keep sensitive security plans out of the hands of criminals and terrorists, while respecting the bedrock principles of transparency and accountability," Gov. Nixon said. "I want to thank Representative Caleb Jones and Senator Mike Kehoe for their leadership in getting these important public safety protections to my desk and I am pleased to make them law with my signature today."

Specifically, the bill re-institutes exceptions to the Sunshine Law that protect records relating to operational guidelines, policies and specific response plans maintained for the purposes of law enforcement, public safety, first response or public health.  Under the bill, a public governmental body can also close records that relate to security systems and structural plans submitted by private entities with facilities on public property.

The bill, presented to the Governor yesterday, contains an emergency clause and takes effect immediately upon the Governor's signature.

I-44 traffic shift coming for new bridge

(From MODOT)

Joplin, Newton County -- Drivers traveling Interstate 44 at Range Line Road (Bus. Loop 49) in Joplin will find new traffic shifts beginning the early morning hours of Thursday, June 6, the Missouri Department of Transportation said. 

The changes are the next phase in a project to rebuild the interchange, with completion by the end of 2013. 

Here's what will happen: 
* Eastbound I-44 traffic will be shifted to the new eastbound bridge over Range Line Road.

* Westbound I-44 traffic will be shifted to the new median bridge over Range Line Road. The speed limit in the traffic shift will be 55 mph. 

* Demolition work will begin on the existing westbound I-44 bridge over Range Line Road so that it can be replaced with a new bridge for westbound traffic. 

Traffic impacts expected prior to the traffic shift: 
* Beginning at 7 p.m. Wednesday, June 5, crews will close one lane in each direction on I-44 at Range Line Road. 

* With the lane closings, crews will re-stripe the pavement in preparation for the traffic shift. 

* Expect lane closings, shifted lanes, slowdowns and workers and equipment near traffic during the transition. 

* By 6 a.m. Thursday, June 6, all I-44 traffic will be in the new traffic pattern. 

Bad weather and/or construction delays will postpone the traffic shift. 

After the traffic shift: 
* While all lanes of I-44 will remain open during daytime hours, drivers can continue to expect lane closings at night on I-44 and on Range Line Road during construction. 

* All lanes on I-44 will remain reduced to 10 feet wide during construction. 

* I-44 speed limit remains reduced to 60 mph in the work zone. 

* Range Line Road speed limit is reduced to 35 mph and lanes narrowed to 10 feet wide. 

* Speeding in work zone when workers are present will add $250 to the total fine for drivers who are ticketed. Signs are posted with that warning. 

Project background:
* New bridges on I-44 over Range Line Road 

* Convert Range Line Road underneath I-44 to Diverging Diamond Interchange 

* New traffic signals on Range Line Road at I-44 ramps. 

* Prime contractor: Emery Sapp & Sons of Columbia. 

* Construction cost: $8 million. 

* Completion: End of 2013.

Stammer: Ongoing tornado, strong wind, large hail threat this afternoon, evening

(From Joplin Emergency Management Director Keith Stammer)

To All Area Weather Interests:
I just got off a conference call with the National Weather Service Springfield, MO Office.
The subjects of discussion were: 1)Today’s severe weather threat; 2) River Flooding
Here’s a Summary:
1. Today’s Severe Weather Threat:
a. Ongoing tornado, strong wind and large hail threat this afternoon/evening.
b. Rainfall of 2-4 inches, possibly as much as 5”, between now and tomorrow.
c. Timing – 1600 hours (estimated) and after, possibly thru 2200 hours.

2. River Flooding
a. Low to moderate flood levels for rivers within Jasper County, depending on actual rainfall.
b. Timing – Saturday into Sunday.

Stay in touch with your local weather source for current weather information as this system develops.

Joplin Globe editor in national magazine article: C. J. Huff, a man of principles and morals

Joplin R-8 Superintendent C. J Huff is profiled in the latest edition of School Administrator magazine:

In the tornado aftermath, Huff acted decisively to reopen school for the entire district just 87 days later. Among staff, the district motto informally became “Every child, every day, no matter what.”

Although insurance money would cover basic rebuilding of Joplin High School, Huff saw an opportunity for something more — a state-of-the-art facility fit for 21st-century learning. Some residents objected loudly to the expense of an upgraded facility. But Huff persisted, educating the community about why it was so important to the city’s and students’ future.

“He was tireless,” says Carol Stark, editor of the Joplin Globe, calling Huff a man of “principles and morals” who solicits input widely and then “questions whether a decision is the right (one).”

In the case of the contested school bond, the superintendent personally sought out the critics, Stark says. He would call individuals who had written critical letters to the editor in the Joplin Globe and often meet them over coffee. The bond proposal was approved by 46 votes.

Hazardous weather outlook provided for Joplin area

(From the National Weather Service)

 THUNDERSTORMS WILL IMPACT PORTIONS OF CENTRAL MISSOURI MAINLY
  NORTH OF HIGHWAY 54 THIS MORNING. THESE STORMS MAY PRODUCE HEAVY
  RAINFALL AND HAIL.

  STRONG TO SEVERE THUNDERSTORMS WILL DEVELOP THIS AFTERNOON INTO
  THIS EVENING. SEVERE STORMS WILL BE CAPABLE OF PRODUCING LARGE
  HAIL TO THE SIZE OF GOLF BALLS...DAMAGING WINDS TO 70 MPH...AND
  ISOLATED TORNADOES.

  THE GREATEST RISK FOR SEVERE WEATHER WILL OCCUR BETWEEN 2 PM AND
  10 PM WITH THE HIGHEST RISK FOR TORNADOES ACROSS FAR
  SOUTHWESTERN MISSOURI.

  ADDITIONAL HEAVY RAINFALL OF 1 TO 4 INCHES COULD LEAD TO FLASH
  FLASH FLOODING AND RIVER FLOODING. THE GREATEST RISK FOR
  SIGNIFICANT FLASH FLOODING WILL BE TONIGHT. A FLASH FLOOD WATCH
  IS IN EFFECT THROUGH TONIGHT.

  SOUTH WINDS WILL GUST TO 30 MPH AT TIMES ACROSS EXTREME
  SOUTHEASTERN KANSAS AND SOUTHWESTERN MISSOURI.

.DAYS TWO THROUGH SEVEN...SATURDAY THROUGH THURSDAY.

  THE RISK FOR FLOODING WILL CONTINUE SATURDAY AS RUNOFF FROM
  HEAVY RAINFALL CONTINUES.

  THERE IS A LIMITED RISK FOR SEVERE STORMS ACROSS THE EASTERN
  OZARKS AND SOUTH CENTRAL MISSOURI SATURDAY.

  A CHANCE OF THUNDERSTORMS WILL OCCUR FROM MONDAY NIGHT THROUGH
  THURSDAY. ORGANIZED SEVERE WEATHER IS NOT EXPECTED AT THIS TIME.

Eli Yokley, Virginia Young named to Washington Post's Fix list of top reporters

University of Missouri student Eli Yokley, Webb City, was recognized by the Washington Post's Political Fix column today as one of the top political reporters in Missouri.

Yokley, who has been best known for his PoliticMo website and will be returning to that site after a covering the legislature for Missouri Times, was named along with Virginia Young of the St. Louis Post-Dispatch.

In his introduction to the article, Fix columnist Chris Cillizza writes the following:

In every state, there is at least one — and often many more than one — great political reporters, the one person that EVERY politico in the state reads.

The reporters were chosen by Fix readers.

Rep. Clay offers message to Class of 2013

In his latest newsletter, First District Congressman Lacy Clay offers a message to newly-minted graduates.)

Today’s message is especially for all the graduates of the Class of 2013.

I hope you remember your graduation day well, because your world will never be the same.

The future that you will dare to build is only limited by the size and scope of your dreams.

Life is about to test you as never before.

Your generation will be asked to protect our nation against all manner of threats.

You will be challenged to close the huge disparities in healthcare, education, jobs, housing and economic empowerment that still persist in this country.

You will become the owners of a new America that is more diverse, more complicated and more connected to the rest of the world.

And with all of that…you are also the first generation of young Americans who will be asked to make the promises enshrined in the constitution finally ring true for every citizen…regardless of who they are, where they came from, what they believe, or who they love.

That is a test of real equality that you must not fail.

I am challenging you to become more than just the best in your chosen profession.

I’m also asking you to excel as fully engaged citizens.

That is absolutely vital to your own success, and to the success of our nation.

Active citizenship compels you to register to vote on your eighteen birthday.

Active citizenship causes us to respond with comfort, strength and support when disaster strikes our neighbors.

And it is active citizenship from young people like you that we need to help make America as good as the people who live here.

I want to ask you to do two hard tasks, to participate and to persevere.

Class of 2013,

If you participate, you have the power to make sure that our democracy lives up to its promises.

And that will require you to take the higher road and the harder path.

But I promise you that the long journey will be worth it.

The fundamental choice which I am asking you to make is exactly the same challenge that President Kennedy laid out in his inaugural address.

It’s the same idea that Dr. King spoke of when he asked young Americans to embrace “The fierce urgency of now!”

And that brings me to the second hard task I will ask of you, I’m asking you to persevere.

Because achieving your dreams will not be easy.

You will fall down.

You will fail.

You will encounter many naysayers along the way.

But if you get up and keep going, you will emerge stronger, and even more determined to become the amazing people you are destined to be.

Perseverance is not only required to achieve your personal goals.

It is absolutely essential to building the kind of country you and your future children deserve to live in.

I’m talking about an America that offers equality under the law for every person.

I’m talking about an America that confronts climate change and makes renewable energy a reality.

I’m talking about an America that fully embraces healthcare for all.

Not just as a new law…but as a human right.

That’s what I expect of you.

And if we stand together…all of that is achievable.

Because in America…great things are always possible.

So when you face hardship,

When you are confronted with the worst of life, remember what Dr. King said…

“We shall overcome, because the arc of the moral universe is long…but it bends towards justice.”

That was true when he said it in 1963…and it’s still true today.

I have no doubt that when your turn comes to make a difference…

You will participate, you will persevere…and you will achieve great things.

Congratulations to all of you!

DESE makes practice Common Core standardized tests available

(The Missouri Department of Elementary and Secondary Education continues its public relations drive for Common Core standards with this offer to try out the new tests. While I plan to look them over, it won't be too long before schools trying to game the system will have their own practice tests and even practice tests for those practice tests. It is a plan that does not work, but you will never convince some administrators of that. Meanwhile, the test companies are making a mint.)

Schools across Missouri can now participate in practice tests to help them prepare for new statewide assessment testing set to begin during the 2014-2015 school year.

The practice tests will allow teachers, parents and students to try out the new online Smarter Balanced assessment system. Sample test questions were made available to the public Wednesday at <http://www.smarterbalanced.org/pilot-test/>.  

 The Smarter Balanced tests, for students in grades 3-11, will assess learning in English language arts and mathematics. The new assessments will replace the state's current MAP (Missouri Assessment Program) tests in English and math.

 The practice tests are being released nearly two years before the new assessment system is implemented.

"The practice tests give schools and families an opportunity to become familiar with the new assessments," said Chris L. Nicastro, commissioner of education. 

"The Smarter Balanced assessments will help educators better determine students' progress toward gaining the knowledge and skills they need for college and a career." 

 Preparing students for college, other postsecondary training and a career is one of the primary goals of the Top 10 by 20 initiative, which calls for Missouri to rank among the top 10 performing states in education by the year 2020.

 The Smarter Balanced assessment system will measure student achievement based on the Common Core State Standards, adopted by the State Board of Education in 2010. The new assessments will include multiple choice questions, constructed response questions and performance tasks that measure achievement and guide instruction.

The release of the practice tests follows the first large-scale pilot test of the new assessment system. More than 5,000 schools across the country, including more than 360 schools in Missouri, participated in the pilot test from February through May. 

The new assessment system was developed by the Smarter Balanced Assessment Consortium, a group of 24 states, including Missouri. As a member of the Smarter Balanced Assessment Consortium, Missouri played a key role in guiding the assessment system, and Missouri educators are helping develop and review test questions. 

The Smarter Balanced Assessment Consortium will continue to collaborate with state education officials and teachers to fine-tune the new assessment system through the summer of 2014.

More information about the Smarter Balanced assessments can be found at <http://www.smarterbalanced.org/>. For additional information about the Common Core State Standards, visit <http://dese.mo.gov/divimprove/curriculum/Common_Core.html>. 

Speaker Tim Jones brings tour to Joplin

Video of Joplin Tornado two-year anniversary observance

Severe thunderstorm warning for Joplin, Jasper County until 3 p.m.

(From the National Weather Service)

THE NATIONAL WEATHER SERVICE IN SPRINGFIELD HAS ISSUED A

* SEVERE THUNDERSTORM WARNING FOR...
  SOUTHEASTERN CHEROKEE COUNTY IN SOUTHEAST KANSAS...
  WESTERN JASPER COUNTY IN SOUTHWEST MISSOURI...

* UNTIL 300 PM CDT

* AT 214 PM CDT...A SEVERE THUNDERSTORM WAS LOCATED NEAR BAXTER
  SPRINGS...AND MOVING NORTHEAST AT 35 MPH.

  HAZARD...QUARTER SIZE HAIL AND 60 MPH WIND GUSTS.

  SOURCE...RADAR INDICATED.

  IMPACT...HAIL DAMAGE TO VEHICLES AND CROPS IS EXPECTED. EXPECT WIND
           DAMAGE TO ROOFS...SIDING AND TREES.

* LOCATIONS IMPACTED INCLUDE...
  AIRPORT DRIVE...ALBA...ASBURY...ATLAS...BAXTER SPRINGS...BROOKLYN
  HEIGHTS...CARL JUNCTION...CARTERVILLE...DUENWEG...DUQUESNE...
  GALENA...IRON GATES...JOPLIN...LAKESIDE...LOWELL...NECK CITY...
  NEUTRAL...OAKLAND PARK...ORONOGO...PURCELL...RIVERTON...TREECE...
  WACO AND WEBB CITY.

INTERSTATE 44 BETWEEN MILE MARKERS 0 AND 14 WILL ALSO BE IMPACTED BY
THE SEVERE THUNDERSTORM.

THERE IS AN ADDITIONAL SEVERE THUNDERSTORM WARNING FOR NORTH
CHEROKEE COUNTY FOR A SEPARATE STORM.

PRECAUTIONARY/PREPAREDNESS ACTIONS...

FOR YOUR PROTECTION MOVE TO AN INTERIOR ROOM ON THE LOWEST FLOOR OF A
BUILDING.

&&

A TORNADO WATCH REMAINS IN EFFECT UNTIL 900 PM CDT THURSDAY EVENING
FOR SOUTHERN MISSOURI.

McCaskill: I will work to rid our military of sex offenders

(From Sen. Claire McCaskill)

More than thirty years ago, I spent a significant amount of time in a Kansas City courtroom prosecuting sexual assault cases-at a point in time when far less attention was paid to providing justice for survivors. I had no idea that so many years later we'd be dealing with many of the same issues in our nation's military.

Last week, I joined with several of my colleagues in a bipartisan, bicameral manner to announce new legislation we are sponsoring to combat sexual assault in our nation's armed forces. We put partisan politics aside to address this critical issue. Our legislation, introduced in both the U.S. House of Representatives and the U.S. Senate, sends a message to our military leadership that we're unified on this very important issue.

The crucial reforms we propose will protect and support victims, ensure swift and fair prosecution of those committing these terrible crimes, and prevent commanders from overturning a jury verdict.

The bill I introduced along with my colleagues Senators Susan Collins (R-Maine), Jeanne Shaheen (D-N.H.), and my fellow Missouri Senator Roy Blunt-as well as U.S. Representatives Mike Turner (R-Ohio) and Niki Tsongas (D-Mass.)-contains reforms to better address sexual assault prosecutions and aid survivors including provisions that:

• Remove a commander's ability to overturn the findings of a court-martial in most cases

• Require a commander to provide written justification for any modifications made to a sentence, and require that they receive input from survivors before making any decision on clemency proceedings

• Require that a person found guilty of an offense of rape, sexual assault, forcible sodomy, or an attempt to commit any of those offenses receive a punishment that includes, at a minimum, a dismissal or dishonorable discharge

• Eliminate the five-year statute of limitations on Trial by Courts-Martial for sexual assault and sexual assault of a child.

This issue has garnered widespread support in Congress, and multiple important proposals. As we move forward, we'll look at all the ideas put forth, and put together the strongest reforms that garner the support of Congress and our military leaders.

Over the past several months, I've focused on bringing perpetrators to justice, and ridding our honorable military of these criminals. I'll continue fighting until survivors get the justice they deserve.

Neosho Tornado Info online

Hopefully, it will be quite some time before this service is needed, but it is nice to know that it is available and is in good hands.

(From University of Missouri Extension)

Should Neosho ever be hit by a tornado, one source for rescue and recovery information is already on Facebook: Neosho Tornado Info.

 

The template used for the Neosho page was developed by community volunteers Rebecca and Genevieve Williams who set up Joplin Tornado Info when Joplin was hit in 2011. Then after the Joplin experience, Branson Tornado Info was set up by David Burton, a civic communication specialist with University of Missouri Extension.

 

“I put the Branson page together just in case and then two months later we were using it in the Branson recovery,” said Burton. “That experience is causing other communities to think ahead.”

 

Individuals can be proactive and “like” Neosho Tornado Info now. Wes Franklin, spokesperson for the City of Neosho, said he is excited about this opportunity and pleased with the assistance he has received from the Williams and MU Extension.

 

“I think getting the Neosho page in place now is a great, proactive concept,” said Franklin. “Should a major weather event occur, Neosho residents will have a central online place to go to for information and to ask questions. By setting it up now, residents will hopefully already be aware of it.”

 

The page will also serve to make citizens aware of some of the other proactive steps the city and other local agencies are taking to prepare for a major storm event. The City of Neosho is already using a mass text message system to alert and inform residents of weather events. Citizens may sign up for the text alerts by going to the city website, neoshomo.org. The city has also recently established an internal text messaging system to coordinate with city employees in case of a major emergency.

 

Newton County Emergency Management has recently begun compiling a database of private safe rooms and residential storm shelters in Neosho and Newton County in order to better locate survivors following a natural disaster. Information about how to be placed on the list is one of the many things to be featured on the Neosho Tornado Info page.

 

Williams agrees that Neosho is to be commended for thinking ahead.

 

“Neosho is raising the bar for social media preparedness by getting a page and the infrastructure for it in place before something bad happens. The Joplin Tornado Info model and the guidelines outlined in the social media guide are being used to establish and build the online recovery community in advance of it being needed and launch the page,” said Williams.

 

University of Missouri Extension’s popular publication, “The Use of Social Media for Disaster Recovery” provided the framework for getting the Neosho Tornado Info page in place. The publication is available online for free download online at http://extension.missouri.edu/greene. That publication outlines the things learned with the Joplin and Branson pages.

 

Since being posted online in March of 2012, the guide has been downloaded and printed over 15,000 times, used at FEMA trainings, and even distributed by Texas Governor Rick Perry to county emergency management personnel in Texas.

 

The guide has been profiled in national media and called “informative and useful” to anyone interested disaster recovery or creating a successful social media presence.

 

The free guide is written by Rebecca Williams and Genevieve Williams, creators of Joplin Tornado Info on Facebook, and David Burton, civic communication specialist for University of Missouri Extension and creator of Branson Tornado Info on Facebook.

 

The updated 32-page guide draws from experience with Joplin Tornado Info (47,000 followers) as well as the things learned when implemented with Branson Tornado Info (17,000 followers).

Hazardous weather outlook for Joplin area

(From the National Weather Service)

BOURBON-CRAWFORD-CHEROKEE-BENTON-MORGAN-MILLER-MARIES-VERNON-
ST. CLAIR-HICKORY-CAMDEN-PULASKI-PHELPS-BARTON-CEDAR-POLK-DALLAS-
LACLEDE-TEXAS-DENT-JASPER-DADE-GREENE-WEBSTER-WRIGHT-NEWTON-
LAWRENCE-CHRISTIAN-DOUGLAS-HOWELL-SHANNON-MCDONALD-BARRY-STONE-
TANEY-OZARK-OREGON-
1204 PM CDT THU MAY 30 2013

THIS HAZARDOUS WEATHER OUTLOOK IS FOR PORTIONS OF THE MISSOURI
OZARKS AND EXTREME SOUTHEAST KANSAS.

.DAY ONE...THIS AFTERNOON AND TONIGHT.

WEATHER HAZARDS EXPECTED...

  ELEVATED TORNADO RISK.
  ELEVATED HAIL RISK.
  ELEVATED THUNDERSTORM WIND DAMAGE RISK.
  SIGNIFICANT FLOODING RISK.
  SIGNIFICANT LIGHTNING RISK.

DISCUSSION...

 ROBUST THUNDERSTORMS ARE EXPECTED TO DEVELOP THIS AFTERNOON OVER
 THE MISSOURI OZARKS. LARGE HAIL UP TO THE SIZE OF GOLF
 BALLS...DAMAGING WIND GUSTS IN EXCESS OF 70 MPH...AND TORNADOES
 WILL BE POSSIBLE.

 ADDITIONAL STORMS WILL APPROACH SOUTHEAST KANSAS AND WESTERN
 MISSOURI LATER THIS EVENING. SOME OF THESE STORMS COULD BECOME
 SEVERE AS WELL.

 FLOODING AND FLASH FLOODING WILL BE POSSIBLE ACROSS THE OUTLOOK
 AREA TODAY. EXTREME SOUTHEAST KANSAS WILL BE ESPECIALLY
 SUSCEPTIBLE TO FLASH FLOODING...SINCE THIS REGION HAS ALREADY
 EXPERIENCED TWO TO THREE INCHES OF WIDESPREAD RAINFALL.

.DAYS TWO THROUGH SEVEN...FRIDAY THROUGH WEDNESDAY.

 SEVERE THUNDERSTORMS WILL ONCE AGAIN BE POSSIBLE FROM LATE
 FRIDAY AFTERNOON INTO FRIDAY NIGHT ALONG AND AHEAD OF A SLOW
 MOVING COLD FRONT. ALL MODES OF SEVERE WEATHER WILL BE POSSIBLE
 ACROSS THE OUTLOOK AREA. IN ADDITION...WIDESPREAD HEAVY RAINFALL
 IS EXPECTED ACROSS THE ENTIRE OUTLOOK AREA FRIDAY NIGHT.

 WIDESPREAD SIGNIFICANT FLOODING IS EXPECTED TO UNFOLD ACROSS
 EXTREME SOUTHEAST KANSAS AND MUCH OF THE MISSOURI OZARKS. STORM
 TOTAL RAINFALL FROM TODAY THROUGH SATURDAY WILL AVERAGE
 BETWEEN TWO AND FIVE INCHES...WITH LOCALLY HIGHER AMOUNTS AROUND
 SIX INCHES POSSIBLE. AS A RESULT...A FLASH FLOOD WATCH IS IN
 EFFECT THROUGH 7 AM SATURDAY MORNING.

 SOUTH WINDS WILL GUST TO 30 MPH AT TIMES FRIDAY ACROSS EXTREME
 SOUTHEASTERN KANSAS AND PORTIONS OF SOUTHWESTERN MISSOURI.

Tornado watch for Joplin area until 9 p.m.

(From the National Weather Service)

TORNADO WATCH OUTLINE UPDATE FOR WT 253
NWS STORM PREDICTION CENTER NORMAN OK
125 PM CDT THU MAY 30 2013

TORNADO WATCH 253 IS IN EFFECT UNTIL 900 PM CDT FOR THE
 FOLLOWING LOCATIONS

    MISSOURI COUNTIES INCLUDED ARE

BARRY                BARTON              BENTON
CAMDEN               CEDAR               CHARITON
CHRISTIAN            COOPER              DADE
DALLAS               DENT                DOUGLAS
GREENE               HENRY               HICKORY
HOWARD               HOWELL              JASPER
JOHNSON              LACLEDE             LAWRENCE
MACON                MARIES              MCDONALD
MILLER               MORGAN              NEWTON
OREGON               OZARK               PETTIS
PHELPS               POLK                PULASKI
RANDOLPH             SALINE              SHANNON
ST. CLAIR            STONE               TANEY
TEXAS                VERNON              WEBSTER
WRIGHT
$$

Napolitano presents Jane Cage with resilience award

(My apologies for getting the material from last week's second year anniversary observance of the Joplin Tornado on the blog so late. I had some other things going on last week.)

U.S. Department of Homeland Security Secretary Janet Napolitano (left) presents the Rick Rescorla National Award for Resilience to Jane Cage and the citizens of Joplin, MO for their efforts to help the community recover from a devastating 2011 tornado. Cage heads the Joplin Area Citizens Advisory Recovery Team, a citizen-based group formed to help guide Joplin's rebuilding. The award, given for just the second time, was presented during the city's 2-year tornado anniversary ceremony. Seated in background from left: Joplin Fire Chief Mitch Randles, City Manager Mark Rohr, Missouri Gov. Jay Nixon and Matt Erskine, Deputy Assistant Secretary of Commerce for Economic Development, U.S. Department of Commerce. FEMA continues to support the community's long-term recovery. Barb Sturner/FEMA

Transcript of Gov. Nixon's remarks at Joplin Tornado anniversary observance

(The following is the transcript of the speech given by Gov. Jay Nixon at the second anniversary observance of the Joplin Tornado one week ago.)

Good evening.  Thank you, Mayor, Secretary Napolitano and all the familiar faces I see here today.

Two years ago I described the folks here in Joplin as 'the toughest people on God's green earth."

It was true. We saw it everywhere we looked. That tenacity that echoed throughout this community.

We saw it in the moments and days after the storm, as we worked to clear debris. We saw it in a school district that declared it would open on time - and by golly they did. We saw it as you began to rebuild and repair your homes and businesses. We saw it everywhere.

That strength. That toughness. That courage to push ahead.

Two days ago, after seeing the devastating destruction in Oklahoma, I believe that you are something else too, something the people of Moore need right now.

A word we all remember seeing, in front of the old high school, made from duct tape: hope.

Joplin is many things, and right now I believe you are a beacon of Hope. A sign that in times of great need, we are not alone.  A sign that wounds do heal, though sometimes they still hurt. That life changes, but it goes on.

And as it does, the power of hope lifts our hearts and compels us forward.   That when there are stories of great tragedy . . . there are also stories of heroes, and a reminder that they live in our midst every day.  They run into fires.  They keep our streets safe. They teach our kids.

The people of Oklahoma will experience the embrace of an entire nation - an entire world - because when disaster strikes, we're all in this together.  And then little by little, day by day, the people of Moore will begin to rebuild.  Schools will open. Trees will be planted and homes will return.

It is a long and daunting path. But the light of Joplin, and the hope you instill in people, can help illuminate the way.

It's been two years, but when we see the progress that you have made. it seems much, much longer than that... But when we think of those we lost, it seems like it was only yesterday.

Time can be that way. It can move fast and slow - and never at the pace you want it to.

The only thing certain is that each moment is precious. Joplin reminds us of that.  It reminds us to appreciate the little things a little more.  Especially now, Joplin reminds us that every sunrise is a blessing. You give us strength, inspiration . . . Joplin, you give us Hope.

The work is not done, but neither are we. We will carry on.  We will move forward.

We will carry that light and hold it high so that anywhere people are hurt, anytime a town feels lost, they can look to Joplin. And they can find the strength needed to be the toughest people on God's green earth.

Thank you.

Coca-Cola opens Joplin distribution plant, 50 jobs added

(From Coca-Cola)

Coca-Cola is raising a toast to Joplin. Coca-Cola representatives joined Missouri Governor Jay Nixon, and state and local officials today to celebrate the Company’s new home in Joplin, Mo. The ceremony took place at the site of Coke’s distribution center in the Crossroads Industrial Park.

 “We have been proud to call Joplin home for more than 100 years,” said Kevin Shea, Vice President of Market Unit Field Operations, Coca-Cola Refreshments. “Our deep heritage in this city is something we want to preserve. This new distribution center is a commitment to the communities we serve, and an investment in the future of Coca-Cola in Joplin.”

 The new 56,000 square foot distribution center was completed in early 2013. It now serves as the hub of the Company’s operations across parts of Southwest Missouri and Southeast Kansas. The facility was built by Crossland Construction Company based near Joplin in Columbus, Kan.

 Coca-Cola had intended to open a new Joplin distribution center in 2011. However, in the aftermath of the May 22 tornado, the Company chose to delay their plans.  The existing facility was offered to the Joplin School District as a temporary home for East Middle School.

 Attendees at today’s ceremony were treated to plenty of ice-cold Coca-Cola, while listening to remarks from Joplin Mayor Melodee Colbert-Kean and State Rep. Charlie Davis. The event featured a keynote address from Missouri Gov. Jay Nixon.

 "Coca-Cola has been a vital part of Joplin for over 100 years, serving this region as a longtime employer and a steadfast corporate citizen," Gov. Nixon said. "Today, a new chapter begins for Coca-Cola and Joplin, a chapter that strengthens the ties of company to community and demonstrates that Missouri's economic recovery continues to gain steam." Coca-Cola added approximately 50 jobs to the distribution center earlier this year, bringing the company’s total workforce in Joplin to more than 100 people.

 "This new facility is a win for everyone. It brings new jobs to our local economy and strengthens Coca-Cola’s presence in Joplin,” said Rob O’Brian, Chairman of the Joplin Area Chamber of Commerce.

 As part of Coca-Cola’s commitment to a sustainable future, the facility will feature one of Joplin’s first industrial rain gardens. This rain garden can be used for storm water harvesting by capturing rain water for use in irrigation.

Stockholders approve GateHouse Media executive compensation

One of the best jobs in America has to be being one of the top executives at GateHouse Media.

That won't change any time in the near future (unless the company goes bankrupt, of course). At the annual stockholders' meeting Thursday, the executive compensation was overwhelmingly approved, and as the result of another vote, stockholders won't offer any more input on the bigwigs' pay until three years from now.

A total of $1,495,000 in bonuses for GateHouse's top officials, including $800,000 for CEO Michael Reed, was announced in December, at the same time the company's stock was selling for six cents a share on the Pink Sheets.

As of today, the stock is selling for three cents a share and recently it dipped as low as two cents.

GateHouse Media owns the Carthage Press, Neosho Daily News, Pittsburg Morning Sun, and more than 300 newspapers across the United States.

Allen Barbre practicing with Philadelphia Eagles' first string

 Allen Barbre has been living a nomadic existence since he was cut by the Green Bay Packers, the team that drafted him a few seasons ago, but it looks like things are looking up for the former East Newton High School and Missouri Southern State University lineman.

Barbre, trying to catch on with the Philadelphia Eagles, has been working out with their first string:

He's played in 32 NFL games with seven starts, yet Barbre is one of the most anonymous offensive linemen here. Until Tuesday, that is. He took some reps with the first-team offense at left guard and when Kelly was asked about it at the post-practice press conference, Barbre's name became a bit more prominent.

But what about his game? Barbre was a fourth-round draft pick by Green Bay in 2007 and his seven starts came at left tackle. He's also played with Seattle and Miami and he loves the physical part of the game. And, apparently, he is versatile enough to get some looks at guard, which is important to know for the coaching staff.

There is going to be some excellent competition for spots along the offensive line in the summer. Add Barbre's name to the mix. The Eagles need some players who can play both tackle and guard and, as Kelly said on Tuesday, who are going to be physical.

You may not know much about Allen Barbre, and that's understandable. But he's going to make his roster push and, judging by the mini-attention directed his way on Tuesday, is already doing so.

Hazardous weather outlook issued for Joplin area

(From the National Weather Service)

THIS HAZARDOUS WEATHER OUTLOOK IS FOR PORTIONS OF THE MISSOURI
OZARKS AND EXTREME SOUTHEAST KANSAS.

.DAY ONE...TODAY AND TONIGHT.

WEATHER HAZARDS EXPECTED...

 LIMITED NON THUNDERSTORM WIND RISK.
 ELEVATED HAIL RISK.
 ELEVATED THUNDERSTORM WIND DAMAGE RISK.
 ELEVATED LIGHTNING RISK.
 LIMITED TORNADO RISK.

DISCUSSION...

  SOUTHERLY WINDS WILL BE BREEZY TODAY ACROSS MUCH OF EXTREME
  SOUTHEASTERN KANSAS AND THE MISSOURI OZARKS WITH OCCASIONAL
  GUSTS IN EXCESS OF 30 MPH.

  THUNDERSTORMS WILL DEVELOP ACROSS KANSAS AND OKLAHOMA THIS
  AFTERNOON AND EVENING. THIS ACTIVITY WILL ORGANIZE INTO A LINE
  AND MOVE INTO EXTREME SOUTHEASTERN KANSAS AND PORTIONS OF THE
  MISSOURI OZARKS ALONG AND WEST OF THE HIGHWAY 65 CORRIDOR LATE
  THIS EVENING INTO THE OVERNIGHT HOURS. HAIL TO THE SIZE OF
  QUARTERS AND DAMAGING WIND GUSTS ARE THE PRIMARY HAZARDS
  EXPECTED WITH THIS LINE OF THUNDERSTORMS. THERE IS A LOW RISK
  FOR AN ISOLATED TORNADO ACROSS EXTREME SOUTHEASTERN KANSAS AND
  PORTIONS OF WEST CENTRAL MISSOURI.

.DAYS TWO THROUGH SEVEN...THURSDAY THROUGH TUESDAY.

  MULTIPLE ROUNDS OF STRONG TO SEVERE STORMS ARE FORECAST FROM
  THURSDAY INTO SATURDAY. AN ELEVATED RISK FOR DAMAGING WIND
  GUSTS...LARGE HAIL...AND TORNADOES WILL EXIST WITHIN THIS
  PERIOD. A WIDESPREAD 2 TO 4 INCHES OF RAINFALL IS EXPECTED
  RESULTING IN A RISK FOR FLOODING ACROSS THE ENTIRE OUTLOOK AREA
  FRIDAY AND SATURDAY.

  SOUTH WINDS WILL GUST TO 30 MPH AT TIMES THURSDAY AND FRIDAY
  ACROSS EXTREME SOUTHEASTERN KANSAS AND PORTIONS OF SOUTHWESTERN
  MISSOURI.

PoliticMo blog returning

Jo Mannies of St. Louis Beacon reports that Eli Yokley, Webb City, the University of Missouri student who has been serving as editor of Rod Jetton's Missouri Times political newspaper since the beginning of the year is returning to his blogging roots and relaunching PoliticMo:

Yokley, a native of Joplin, said in an interview Tuesday night that his departure was “a mutual thing.”

He, Jetton and publisher Scott Faughn “had always said we would reexamine my role after the session,’’ Yokley said. “This was a good time to part ways.”

Yokley plans to resurrect his blog,  PoliticMo, within the next few weeks.  PoliticMo previously had attracted national attention for some of its coverage.

 Yokley also had been writing periodically for the Joplin Globe and the now-defunct News Horizon news service.

He will be a senior this fall at the University of Missouri-Columbia.

Grand opening for Coca-Cola Joplin distribution center set for Wednesday

Under normal circumstances, Coca-Cola would have already settled into its new distribution center at Crossroads Center in Joplin.

The building that originally was planned for that purpose is being used as East Middle School following the May 22, 2011, Joplin Tornado.

The distribution center, now in another site in the industrial park, will have its grand opening 9:30 a.m. to 11 a.m. Wednesday morning (tomorrow). The event is not open to the public

Dignitaries scheduled to attend, according to a media advisory issued by Coca-Cola include Gov. Jay Nixon, Sen. Ron Richard, R-Joplin, Rep. Charlie Davis, R-Webb City, Joplin Mayor Melodee Colbert-Kean, Joplin City Council members, and Joplin Schools Superintendent C. J. Huff. Music will be provided by the Joplin High School Band.                          

(From Coca-Cola)

WHAT:               Grand opening of Coca-Cola Refreshments’ new home in Joplin.  This state-of-the-art, 56,000 sq. foot distribution center will serve as a hub for sales and distribution operations across parts of Southwest Missouri and Southeast Kansas.   Coca-Cola has located 50 jobs to the facility, bringing the company’s total workforce in Joplin to more than 100 people. 

                                Coca-Cola has been a vital part of the Joplin community for more than 100 years, longer than any other local company.  Coca-Cola had intended to open a new Joplin distribution center in 2011.  However, in the aftermath of the May 22 tornado, Coca-Cola chose to delay plans and offered the facility for the temporary use of the Joplin School District.

5:41: Stories from the Joplin Tornado tops Amazon rankings

Books about the Joplin Tornado drew more interest than usual this week with all of the activity surrounding the second anniversary of the event that ripped this city apart, but couldn't keep it down.

Topping the Amazon charts for Joplin Tornado books was 5:41: Stories from the Joplin Tornado by Carthage Press Managing Editor John Hacker and me, followed by the Kansas City Star's Joplin 5:41, and Scott Hettinger's 5/22: Stories of Survival, Stories of Faith. The complete list is featured below:

1. 5:41: Stories from the Joplin Tornado, Randy Turner and John Hacker, 141.040
2. Joplin 5:41, Kansas City Star, 217,370
3. 5/22, Stories of Survival, Stories of Faith, Scott Hettinger, 262,673
4. When the Storm Passes, Julie Jett, 309,411
5. Spirit of Hope: The Year After the Joplin Tornado, Randy Turner and John Hacker, 390,911
6. 32 Minutes in May, Joplin Globe, 514,409
7. Scars from the Tornado, Randy Turner, 593,059
8. Miracle of the Human Spirit, Mark Rohr, 1,176,719
9. Joplin Tornado House of Hope, Tim Bartow, 1,642,213
10. Singing Over Me, Danielle Stammer, 2,012,434
11. EF5 at 5:35, Kathryn Sandlin, 3,804,683
12. Mayday in Joplin, Donald Clugston, 3,925,386

Let Teachers Teach available as a free download today and tomorrow

My new book Let Teachers Teach, a collection of some of my essays on education is available today and tomorrow (Tuesday, May 28, and Wednesday, May 29, as a free Amazon Kindle download.

Along with the essays are updates, additional commentary and a newly-written introduction.I

The book includes the following essays:

1. Violence, Statistics, and American Education- This one, written just after Sandy Hook, is the one that is being used against me by the joplin School District because I posted a link to my book No Child Left Alive from it when I copied and pasted it onto Room 210 Discussion.

2. The Writers' Wall of Fame- A more personal essay, this one describes the Writers' Wall oF Fame I use to reward my students for excellent work and some memories of it.

3. The House of Bricks- One of my Joplin Tornado essays, includes the hunt for one of my eighth graders in the apartment complex behind the 15th St. Wal-Mart.

4. Missouri's Newest Lobbyist, Michelle Rhee- My examination of the StudentsFirst organization and how its name does not go along with its views.

5. A Seventh Grader's Gift That Keeps On Giving- The effect of a New York teenager's gift to my class after the tornado

6. A Day of Miracles- A return to school after the tornado

7.Joplin's Apocalypse Now- Another tornado essay

8. Returning to My Tornado-Ravaged School- My first visit to East Middle School, two days after the tornado

9. Sanitizing of Huckleberry Finn- My thoughts on a new version of Mark Twain's classic that removes the N word, plus remembering my sixth and seventh grade teacher Mrs. Jean Rowe, who read the book to me and my classmates.

10. Speaking for Victims of a School Shooting- Looking back at the shooting at Memorial Middle School. So many people were sympathizing with the shooter. I wrote this one for the other students.

11. The Dangers of Data-Driven Education- No wonder the people in administration have a problem with me.

12. The Lies They Tell About Teachers- The next few essays are all written as a response to the ongoing attacks on classroom teachers.

13. The Changing Expectations of Teachers- I tell the story of a student who came by after school just to talk and I found out years later that innocuous conversation had driven thoughts of suicide out of her mind. Now, with a culture of highly scripted, micromanaged meetings disguised as "collaboration" and "professional development," I wonder if a teacher will even be available for the next young person contemplating killing himself or herself.

14. A Teacher Witch Hunt

15. Glenn Beck and Public Education

16. Tribute to an Inspirational Teacher- Each year, until this one, I have asked my students to write essays describing an East Middle School teacher who has inspired them. The students vote on the Most Inspirational Teacher, not based on which teacher is the most popular, but on which student wrote the best paper. In this essay, I write about when this award was received by one of my favorite East colleagues, Kim Frencken, because of a paper written by one of my favorite former students, Taryn Parker.

17. To Sir With Love Revisited- Usually every year, again not this one, I show the Sidney Poitier movie To Sir With Love. In this essay, I talk about the difficulties his character, teacher Mark Thackeray, would have with today's soulless data-driven education.

18. Remembering Ryan Baker- One of the most difficult essays I have ever written. This is a tribute to one of my Diamond students after he committed suicide.

19. There Is No Crisis In Public Education- I make the case for public education

20. Tribute to a Middle School Principal- The essay I wrote after former East Middle School Principal Ron Mitchell was forced out.

21. A Warning to Young People: Don't Become a Teacher- Ironically, I wrote this one the day before I was removed from East by a police officer in front of my students and it was published on Huffington Post the next day.

22. Mr. President, My Students Deserve Better- After the State of the Union Address, I expressed my disagreement with the president over this goals for education.

23. When Technology Isn't the Answer- What happens when the lights go out? This essay was based on an experience that occurred this year while my students were working on their third quarter research project.

24. StudentsFirst Report Cards to Fail to Mention, Crime, Poverty- According to this organization, the only thing that has an affect on education is teachers. Strangely, their report card also grades states down if they actually have pensions for teachers.

25. No Guns for This Teacher- Written after Sandy Hook when arming teachers was the fad.

26. An Argument for Teacher Tenure- I would think my own case would be a convincing argument for teacher tenure.

27. It's Not Bad Teachers; It's the Economy, Stupid- My thoughts on how the state of the economy affects education.

28. Teachers Do Not Have to be Political Eunuchs- Teachers can reveal how they think about issues without forcing students to follow those beliefs.

29. Message to a First-Year Teacher- I wrote this after seeing on Facebook how my former Diamond student Stephanie Taylor was preparing for her first year at Carl Junction. It offers advice for any young teacher.

30. Pray for Those Godless Public School Teachers- An argument against those who claim we are pushing secular humanism.

31. It's Time to Use Test Scores to Determine Teacher Pay- If you can't tell, I was being sarcastic.

32. My New Pacemaker- A personal essay, about my missing class and MAP tests to have my pacemaker implanted last year.

33. The Crisis in American Education is a Myth

34. A New Hope High School for Joplin- This one was written after the bond issue passed.

35. Saying Goodbye to the Forgotten School- My final trip to the old South MIddle School before it was torn down after the tornado.

36. I'll Miss Arne Duncan's Visit; We're Testing That Day- We were giving the Acuity practice tests when Secretary of Education Arne Duncan came to Joplin.

37. My Students Don't Remember 9-11

38. All Public Schools Left Behind

39. Finding Hi in My Joplin Classroom- One of my favorite stories from the Turner Report and 5:41, about a student's gift to me.

40. Tornado Ends School Year for Most Inspirational Teacher- An essay about former EMS reading teacher Andrea Thomas, who should still be teaching there.

41. Gutless Media Has Failed American Schools- The media's poor coverage of education has allowed this ridiculous "reform" momvent to flourish.

42. Kick Me, I'm a Public Schoolteacher

43. Teaching to the Test

44. The Failure of American Teachers (my first Huffington Post blog)