68 more reasons why the Joplin area needs the Turner Report

Last week, I posted links to 40 stories from the first six months of 2015 to demonstrate the type of reporting this blog has continued to do for the past several years. Some of the posts featured news that never appeared in any other media outlet. Some appeared here first. This post covers the last six months of the year.

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Those who prefer not to use PayPal or credit cards can send subscriptions or contributions to 2306 E. 8th, Apt. G, Joplin, MO 64801.

Thanks to all of you readers for making 2015 a successful year for the Turner Report/Inside Joplin.

JULY

R-8 pays $1 million for 10 leaders, splits $900,000 among 600 teachers

From Silver Lining: How David Wallace conned CART and his candidacy for Congress

Sources: C. J. Huff arranged for $6,500 stipend for favored teacher

The connection between Billy Long and Taylor Swift

Legislative aide to Rep. Kelley charged with choking woman

R-8 official, fired consultant, claim success at national conference

Missouri taxpayers pay for Bright Futures USA to expand to other states

Donors foot tab as Billy Long makes rounds of Vegas casinos

Will this man be the Joplin R-8 interim superintendent? (He was.)

Carl Junction R-1 settles with Nugent family for $300,000

As audit reveal nears, Woolston prepares for the worst

Suicide victim's mother files lawsuit against Carthage Police Department

August

Remembering Christy White

Joplin Globe raising rates again

Judge denies early release for Jasper High School aide on sex charge

Five more R-9 teachers resign, including three from McKinley

It's time to remove Mike Woolston from the City Council

Bankruptcy court lawsuit: David Wallace made $1 million during 2014

Woolston, Seibert were aware of Wallace Bajjali bankruptcies, lawsuits

Joplin R-8 taxpayers pay for C. J. Huff to tout Bright Futures in Nashville

Chamber president swears he first met Wallace in August 2011; Wallace disagrees

The people of Joplin should sue the Globe for non-support

Former Webb City principal pleads guilty to double murder (Did the Globe ever print anything about this?)

September

It's time to shut down Bright Futures USA

Documents indicate tornado relief money kept Bright Futures USA afloat

New Bright Futures position allows C. J. Huff to continue to soak taxpayers

Couple pleads not guilty as preparations made to fly child to Hawaii for funeral

City Attorney's document details vote on Woolston resignation, joint statement

East Newton cuts ties with Bright Futures

Globe takes different approach in Tupper, Woolston cases

C. J. Huff's last desperate attempts to woo Webb City superintendent

CART documents show how Woolston, Cage pushed for hiring of Wallace Bajjali

The lowdown on why Webb City severed ties with Bright Futures

Bright Futures USA chairman: We're paying C. J. Huff $30,000 for six months

April 2013 letter: Colbert-Kean was concerned about Woolston/Wallace Bajjali relationship

Senator: Give Joplin developer time with his family before he goes to prison

October

The new Bright Futures Missouri- a dodge to keep tax money rolling in

McDonald County drops Bright Futures

Initial study of baseball impact on Joplin deeply flawed

Bright Futures Joplin coordinator filed for bankruptcy in 2013

Five new lawsuits- Wallace owes $25 million, plus cheated neighbor

The decline and fall of Bright Futures

Court documents: Joplin principal fired because he bullied, intimidated teachers

Fifty-two things the unelected Joplin elite is trying to hide from you

Joplin R-8 pays $3,300 so learning coaches can find out what coaches do

How the Bright Futures myth has damaged the Joplin R-8 School District

R-8 officials headed to Denver for three-day conference

In the final days, C. J. Huff gave raises to favored enployees

Lawyers: Webb City teacher had constitutional right to have sex with student

Mommy and Daddy paying David Wallace's attorneys

R-8 executive directors eliminate Academic All-Stars

November

Lawyer: Rowan Ford's killer should be spared because he was drunk

Judge tosses former principal's lawsuit against Huff, Besendorfer

JHS teacher convicted of sex crimes to husband: What's wrong with me?

$150,000 age discrimination lawsuit filed against City of Joplin

Documents: C. J. Huff asked federal government for $4 million for Bright Futures

Joplin R-8 Curriculum Director Sarah Stevens resigns

The Larry Masters lawsuit and why it was important

Wistrom, Republic Board: Why we don't want Joplin in Central Ozark Conference

C. J. Huff: We'll twist FEMA's arm and they'll give us what we need

December

The complete list: How much do Joplin R-8 employees make?

Millions for R-8 technology, but no evidence that it helps students

How did Bud Sexson get hired in the first place?

Sexson removed as East Middle School principal

Court-appointed receiver's message- Joplin will never get a dime out of Bajjali

Former church music minister, father of four arrested on child porn charge

Top Empire District Electic executives have $21 million golden parachute

Cable One: We're not going to pay $1.3 million per subscriber to KODE/KSNF
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Flooding continues across Jasper, Newton, McDonald counties

FLOOD STATEMENT
NATIONAL WEATHER SERVICE SPRINGFIELD MO
409 PM CST TUE DEC 29 2015

KSC021-MOC009-043-077-097-109-119-145-209-301315-
/O.CON.KSGF.FA.W.0107.000000T0000Z-151230T1315Z/
/00000.0.ER.000000T0000Z.000000T0000Z.000000T0000Z.OO/
CHEROKEE KS-CHRISTIAN MO-NEWTON MO-MCDONALD MO-JASPER MO-BARRY MO-
GREENE MO-STONE MO-LAWRENCE MO-
409 PM CST TUE DEC 29 2015

...A FLOOD WARNING REMAINS IN EFFECT UNTIL 715 AM CST WEDNESDAY FOR
CHEROKEE...CHRISTIAN...NEWTON...MCDONALD...JASPER...BARRY...GREENE...
STONE AND LAWRENCE COUNTIES...

AT 404 PM CST...THE DEPARTMENT OF TRANSPORTATION REPORTED FLOODING
ACROSS THE WARNED AREA. NUMEROUS LOW WATER CROSSINGS REMAIN FLOODED
AND CLOSED. CHECK WITH STATE AND COUNTY OFFICIALS CONCERNING THE
LATEST CLOSURES.

CREEKS...STREAMS...AND LOW WATER CROSSINGS WILL BE ESPECIALLY
SUSCEPTIBLE TO THE DANGERS OF FLOODING.

PRECAUTIONARY/PREPAREDNESS ACTIONS...

BE ESPECIALLY CAUTIOUS AT NIGHT WHEN IT IS HARDER TO RECOGNIZE THE
DANGERS OF FLOODING. IF A FLOODED ROAD IS ENCOUNTERED FIND AN
ALTERNATE ROUTE. TURN AROUND DON`T DROWN

Flood warning remains in effect for Barton County

(From the National Weather Service)

A FLOOD WARNING REMAINS IN EFFECT UNTIL 1130 AM CST WEDNESDAY FOR
CRAWFORD...BOURBON...VERNON...BARTON AND ST. CLAIR COUNTIES...

AT 656 PM CST...THE DEPARTMENT OF TRANSPORTATION REPORTED THAT
RESIDUAL FLOODING FROM THE HEAVY RAINS OVER THE WEEKEND CONTINUED
ACROSS THE WARNED AREA. FLOODING OF MAINLY LOW WATER CROSSINGS WILL
CONTINUE THROUGH THE OVERNIGHT HOURS AS WATER LEVELS SLOWLY RECEDE.

CREEKS...STREAMS...AND LOW WATER CROSSINGS WILL BE ESPECIALLY
SUSCEPTIBLE TO THE DANGERS OF FLOODING.

THIS WARNING INCLUDES BUT IS NOT LIMITED TO THE FOLLOWING LOW WATER
CROSSINGS...
ROUTE K AT DRY WOOD CREEK EAST OF ARCADIA...
HIGHWAY 126 AT THE SPRING RIVER 3 MILES NORTH OF JASPER...
ROUTE J AT BRUSH CREEK 6 MILES WEST OF COLLINS...
ROUTE C AT HORSE CREEK EAST OF MILFORD...
AND ROUTE M SOUTH OF HIGHWAY 160.

PRECAUTIONARY/PREPAREDNESS ACTIONS...

BE ESPECIALLY CAUTIOUS AT NIGHT WHEN IT IS HARDER TO RECOGNIZE THE
DANGERS OF FLOODING.

Department of Insurance offers guidelines to those affected by flooding

(From the Missouri Department of Insurance)

Following recent severe weather that impacted parts of the state with flooding, snow and sleet, the Missouri Department of Insurance is reminding Missourians if they have questions or concerns about their insurance coverage to contact the department's Insurance Consumer Hotline at 800-726-7390 or visit insurance.mo.gov.

"If you have questions regarding what your policy covers, we are here to assist," said John M. Huff, director of the department. "We have trained technical experts standing by who can help review policies and assist with claims if needed."

On Dec. 27, Gov. Jay Nixon declared a state of emergency in Missouri as heavy rain, flooding and flash flooding impacted much of the state. More heavy rain and additional flooding is expected through Monday (Dec. 28), and river levels are forecast to continue to rise over the next several days.

Generally, homeowners insurance does not offer protection against flood losses. Homeowners should check their policies for exclusions, such as 'water damage'.

Flood insurance is available through the federal government's National Flood Insurance Program (NFIP). It may be purchased through licensed property and casualty insurance agents or through many private insurance companies. Typically, there's a 30-day waiting period from date of purchase before a policy goes into effect. There are eligibility restrictions to qualify for National Flood Insurance. Consumers should contact the NFIP with eligibility questions at 800-427-4661 or visit the NFIP's website.

If homeowners have lost the contact information for your insurance companies, the department may be able to help locate it. Homeowners can contact the Missouri Department of Insurance at insurance.mo.gov or by calling 800-726-7390.

The department recently released a video podcast that discusses flooding and what a typical homeowner's insurance policy does not cover. The video is posted on the department's website.

Attorney general warns of scams, price gouging after flooding

(From Attorney General Chris Koster)

Attorney General Chris Koster warned consumers to be on the lookout for price gouging and other storm-chasing scams after heavy rains and flooding occurred throughout Missouri.

“My office stands prepared to protect Missouri consumers impacted by severe flooding,” Koster said. “We encourage anyone with flood or other storm-related property damage to be alert for scammers who follow weather disasters and prey on consumers needing repair or cleanup work.”

Storm chasers typically go door-to-door and use high-pressure sales tactics when offering repair or cleanup services. The scammers may arrive from out-of-state and be unable to show local references or prove they are locally bonded or licensed. They may claim to specialize in services like flood repairs or restoration and attempt to convince consumers to sign a contract that lets the scammers negotiate directly with the homeowner’s insurance company. Storm chasers often take payments up front, provide shoddy or no work, then flee the region.

Koster also warned of potential price gouging, the excessive and artificial raising of prices during an emergency for necessities like water, food, gasoline, and cleanup equipment. Price gouging is illegal in the state of Missouri.

Koster offers the following tips to avoid becoming the victim of scams or fraud following natural disasters:

• Beware of fake disaster officials. This is a common ploy for burglars or people pushing expensive or unnecessary repairs. Ask for identification from anyone who claims to be a government official.
• Contact your insurance company before moving ahead with repairs by a contractor. Some insurance companies require an adjuster's pre-approval for work to be covered under their policies.
• Watch out for brokers who promise so-called “guaranteed” loans from FEMA, especially if they ask for payment up front. FEMA does not charge an application fee. Verify the credentials of people offering low-interest government loans, and contact the agency directly to verify the person’s employment.
• Do not prepay for work. Inspect the work and make sure you are satisfied before you pay. A reasonable down payment may be required for some projects, but don’t pay anything without getting a written contract. Avoid paying with cash; use a check or a credit card instead.
• Beware of any contractor who tries to rush you or who comes to your home to solicit work. If an offer is “only good now or never,” find someone else to perform the work.
• Seek recommendations from friends, neighbors, co-workers, and others who have had work performed on their homes in the past. Do not hire any person without asking for, and checking, references.
• Get three written estimates for the work, if possible, and compare bids. Check credentials and contact the Attorney General’s Office and the Better Business Bureau to learn about any complaints against the contractor. Before work begins, make sure you get a written contract detailing all the work to be performed, its costs, and a projected completion date.
• Beware of charity scams that use recent storms to make their phony pleas for donations sound more plausible. If a caller refuses to answer your questions about the charity; offers to come to pick up a donation in person; or calls you and asks for a credit card, bank account, or Social Security number, it may be a scam. To report telemarketing fraud, call the Attorney General's Office.
• Report price gouging.  Missouri law is clear—price gouging is illegal and the Attorney General’s Office will investigate and prosecute price gouging to the full extent of the law. Any person who believes a business has suddenly and artificially raised the prices on necessities should contact the Attorney General’s Office.

Consumers can file and search complaints and check charities online. Consumers also may contact the Attorney General's Consumer Protection Hotline at 800-392-8222 with questions or to file a complaint.

Barry County flags lowered to half-staff today on day of Emory Melton's funeral

(From Gov. Jay Nixon)

Gov. Jay Nixon today ordered that the U.S. and Missouri flags at government buildings in Barry County be lowered to half-staff to honor former state Sen. Emory Melton on Tuesday, Dec. 29, the day of his funeral. Sen. Melton, who represented southwest Missouri for six terms in the state Senate from 1973 to 1996, died on Dec. 26.

“Emory Melton had many titles during his life – longtime state senator, attorney, newspaper publisher and historian, and especially loving husband and father,” Gov. Nixon said. “He had a deep love and respect for the natural beauty of the Ozarks, and was a leader in preserving that beauty for future generations. I was honored to serve alongside him in the state Senate for six years, and to learn from him. My thoughts and prayers, as well as those of the First Lady, are with his family and friends in mourning his passing.”

Nixon activates National Guard to deal with flooding emergency

(From Gov. Jay Nixon)

In response to historic flooding in some areas of the state, Gov. Jay Nixon today activated theMissouri National Guard to protect local communities and support emergency response personnel. The Guard’s responsibilities will include providing security in evacuated areas and directing traffic from road closures.

On Sunday (Dec. 27), Gov. Nixon declared a state of emergency in Missouri due to heavy rain and flooding. As a result of this severe and prolonged storm system, river levels in some locations are predicted to exceed the historic crests during the Great Flood of 1993 and the state is working closely with local officials to prepare and respond.

“As rivers rise to record levels, we are continuing to support Missouri communities and protect public safety during this historic flooding event,” Gov. Nixon said. “These citizen soldiers will provide much-needed support to state and local first responders, many of whom have spent the last several days working around the clock responding to record rainfall and flooding.”

Guard responsibilities will include directing traffic away from road closures and providing security around breached levees and evacuated areas. Flooding has already led to the evacuation of West Alton and caused hundreds of road closures across Missouri, including in St. Louis and all lanes of I-44 at Jerome near Rolla.

The Governor reiterated his call for motorists to never drive around barricades or into standing water on roadways. There have been a total of 13 flood-related deaths in Missouri, 12 of which were caused by vehicles being swept from flooded roadways.

As part of the state’s ongoing emergency response efforts, Gov. Nixon and members of his state emergency management team today met with local officials in Perry County and will meet later with experts at the National Weather Service (NWS) Forecast Office in St. Charles County to prepare for record high river levels.

“All of us remember the devastating impact of the Great Flood of 1993 and that’s why we have been working proactively with our local and federal partners to prepare and respond,” Gov. Nixon said. “Our state emergency management team will continue to work hand-in-hand with local officials to ensure they have the resources they need to protect their communities.”

NWS officials predict the Mississippi River at the Chester, Ill., gauge, across the river from Perry County, will crest at 49.7 feet on Friday – matching the previous record set in 1993. The local levee district in Perryville has been working with the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers to fortify the Bois Brule levee to protect area homes and businesses, including Sabreliner Corporation and Gilster-Mary Lee.

In addition, the Mississippi River at Thebes south of Cape Girardeau is expected to crest at 47.5 feet on Saturday, nearly two feet above the previous record. Other rivers are also predicted to reach historic highs. For example, the Meramec River at Valley Park is forecast to crest at a record 42 feet.

The State Emergency Operations Center continues to monitor conditions and coordinate response activities with local partners. Gov. Nixon has been receiving updates from his emergency management team to assess the current weather situation and address local needs. The team includes senior officials from the Missouri Department of Public Safety,Missouri National Guard, Missouri State Highway Patrol and the State Emergency Management Agency. TheMissouri State Emergency Operations Plan also has been activated, allowing state agencies to coordinate directly with local jurisdictions to provide emergency services.

Missourians who need disaster information, shelter information, and referrals are urged to call 211. The 211 service is now available throughout Missouri.

Ron Richard contributes $10,000 to Catherine Hanaway campaign

Senate President Pro Tem Ron Richard, R-Joplin, contributed $10,000 to Catherine Hanaway's gubernatorial campaign, according to a 48-hour report filed Monday with the Missouri Ethics Commission.

Hanaway, who has received much of her financial support from retired billionaire Rex Sinquefield, is involved in a four-way primary race with Lt. Gov. Peter Kinder, former Navy Seal Eric Greitens, and businessman John Brunner.

Hanaway is a former Speaker of the House and U. S. Attorney.

Public works director: Joplin residents asked to limit water usage to necessity

(From the City of Joplin)

Following a period of 36 hours of limited household chores and activities, Public Works Director Nick Heatherly said citizens can now slowly resume their normal household routine that empties water into the wastewater system.

“Do what you have to do, but please try to limit it to necessity until we are able to completely repair the lift station,” he said. “Our system is still not at full capacity until we can completely evaluate the lift station equipment and make the needed repairs.”

Crews with City of Joplin Public Works Department have worked since Sunday to make repairs to the failed lift station that followed the nine and a half inches of rain that left this area flooded.

“The current water level is still preventing a thorough review of the damage,” said Heatherly. “Citizens can do what they need to do, but we are asking them to minimize their activities if not necessary. We need to move slowly in getting this station back on line.”

Late Sunday evening, the City had requested that households in a southwest area* near the Fillmore Bridge lift station to please limit the use of utilities that causes water to go down drains or toilets, such as washing dishes or laundry, showering or bathing and bathroom use. The lift station is near South Schifferdecker Avenue and Apricot Drive. This station moves wastewater from approximately 1,500 to 2,000 households in the area to the Shoal Creek Plant for treatment.

The City appreciates the cooperation of our residents as we continue to address this issue.

*The approximate area includes houses east of Central City Road, west of Oliver Street, south of 13th Street and north of Shoal Creek area. Please see map for specific locations.

Accused Carthage child killer asks for change of venue, change of judge

The attorney for the 20-year-old Carthage woman accused of second degree murder in connection with the death of two-year-old Emalata Hoeft does not want the trial to be held in Jasper County.

Public defender Larry Maples filed a joint motion for change of judge and change of venue today in Jasper County Circuit Court.

The decision on that motion may be made during the next court date, which is scheduled for 9 a.m. February 8 before Judge David Dally.

Tearra Diane Olsen pleaded not guilty during her December 21 arraignment in Dally's court.
In addition to second degree murder, Olson is charged with felony abuse or neglect of a child. She told police she slammed two-year-old Emalata Hoeft's head against a hard surface three times August 29, resulting in the child's death.

Olson was living with the child's father, Albert Steven O'Conner (pictured with Olson). She told police that Emalata Hoeft was crying and out of frustration she hit the child's head against the hard surface.

O'Conner was charged with felony endangering the welfare of a child A motions hearing is set for 9 a.m. Monday, January 11, before Judge Dally, at which time O'Conner may change his plea, according to court records.

Preliminary hearing set for former Joplin man charged with choking woman

A January 28 preliminary hearing is scheduled in Boone County Circuit Court for a former Joplin resident charged with felony domestic assault.

Kolton M. Babb, 23, was working as a legislative assistant for Rep. Mike Kelley, R-Lamar, at the time of his July 22 arrest. Babb allegedly placed a rag soaked with chemicals in a woman's mouth and choked her until she passed out.

A Columbia Tribune account of the arrest says Babb and the woman were talking about sex at about 4 a.m.when the alleged attack occurred.

A January 13 hearing is scheduled on Babb's request to have the conditions of his bond revised.

Springfield woman pleads guilty in $266,000 theft from Greene County Jail

(From the U. S. Attorney for the Western District of Missouri)

A Springfield, Mo., woman pleaded guilty in federal court today to her role in a conspiracy that illegally diverted more than $266,000 from the commissary account at the Greene County Jail.

Terri Ann Moses, 47, of Springfield, pleaded guilty before U.S. District Judge M. Douglas Harpool to participating in a conspiracy to commit bank fraud.

In October 2011, the Greene County Sheriff’s Department discovered numerous unauthorized debits on its commissary account. A review of the commissary account records showed that there were 731 unauthorized transactions from March 2010 to October 2011 with an approximate loss of $266,423. These transactions were conducted by telephone and over the Internet.

Moses and co-defendant Michaela Sheree Ruble, also known as “Boo,” 33, of Springfield, recruited as many as 175 financially distressed persons by offering to pay their bills in exchange for a payment of 50 percent of each individual bill. Ruble and Moses then diverted funds from the jail’s commissary account to pay those bills.

The commissary account was set up to handle monies earned by Greene County Jail inmates as well as expenses incurred transporting and bonding inmates out of jail. When an inmate was released from the Greene County Jail, the inmate was given a check written from the commissary account for any remaining balance held on the inmate’s books at the time of his/her release. The physical check written against the commissary account included the account’s routing and account number. Ruble was housed in the Greene County Jail in 2011, during the time inmates received a physical check.

Moses admitted that she used the jail’s commissary account without authorization to pay her personal bills and conspired with others to pay bills for profit. The loss amount attributable to Moses is $47,372.

Co-defendants Christine Marie Ash, 46, and Tia Lee Marble, 34, both of Springfield, collected money and gave it to Ruble and Moses. Ruble and Moses paid the bills of Ash and Marble in exchange for their participation in the conspiracy.

Ruble, Ash and Marble have also pleaded guilty and have been sentenced. Ruble was sentenced to four years in federal prison without parole. Ash and Marble were each sentenced to a year and a day, and all three co-defendants were ordered to pay restitution. A sentencing hearing for Moses will be scheduled after the completion of a presentence investigation by the United States Probation Office.

This case is being prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorney Abram McGull, II. It was investigated by the U.S. Secret Service and the Greene County, Mo., Sheriff’s Department.

Man pleads guilty in conspiracy to deface Springfield Islamic Center

(From the U. S. Attorney for the Western District of Missouri)

A former Springfield, Mo., man pleaded guilty in federal court today to violating the civil rights of others by leading a conspiracy to deface The Islamic Center of Springfield with graffiti and burn two copies of the Qur’an.

Adam David Smock, 23, of Edgewater, Calif., formerly of Springfield, waived his right to a grand jury and pleaded guilty before U.S. Magistrate Judge David P. Rush to a federal information that charges him with participating in a conspiracy to oppress, threaten, and intimidate worshippers at the Islamic Center of Springfield in the free exercise and enjoyment of their Constitutional right to the free exercise of their religious beliefs.

The Islamic Center of Springfield, 2151 E. Division St., provides services common to most religious establishments, including regular prayer service, a venue for individuals to pray on their own, community activities and a forum for charitable fund-raising.

Smock admitted that on Jan. 7, 2011, he and two other individuals (one of whom was a 14-year-old minor) spray-painted graffiti on the exterior walls of the Islamic Center of Springfield. The graffiti included explicit and offensive language in addition to such statements as “Bash Back,” “Now is our time!” and “You bash us in Pakistan we bash here.”

Smock also admitted that on April 10, 2011, he and the same two individuals partially burned two copies of the Qur’an (the Muslim holy book) and transported the Qur’ans to the Islamic Center of Springfield. Smock left the burned Qur’ans directly in front of the main doors to the Islamic Center, approximately 30 feet away from the building. A co-conspirator left a computer-printed note on the mat in front of the main doors. The note contained the image of a goat’s or ram’s head, and the following text:

“To: Sincere Followers of Allah,

“Today, we show the Muslim Nation that its oppressive religion won't go without a fight, not from soldiers, but from average citizens willing to fight for America – for there are three (sic) burned Qur'ans that lay spread in the driveway. For we grow tired of Anti-Zionism. The Islamification of Europe. Terroristic regimes. And worst of all, the membership of 1.5 billion Muslims that stain the earth. And we vow one thing: Islam will not survive.

“Death to Islam!”

Smock admitted that it was his idea to commit the acts and that he persuaded his co-conspirators to participate. He also admitted that he selected the Islamic Center of Springfield for vandalism because of the religious nature of the property, in order to threaten and intimidate worshippers, so as to hinder and interfere with the worshippers’ enjoyment of their Constitutional right to the free exercise of religion.

The total cost of restoration and repair of the damage to the Islamic Center of Springfield, including sandblasting and applying anti-graffiti paint, is $15,662

Under the terms of today’s plea agreement, a joint recommendation will be made to the court that Smock be incarcerated for 14 days, followed by a five-year term of supervised release; that Smock must pay $10,440 in restitution; and the Smock must perform 40 hours of community service. If the Islamic Center of Springfield, or an Islamic Center located near Smock’s residence, is willing to have him perform his community service on its premises, then that is the location where Smock should perform his community service. Smock will meet with and personally apologize to the leadership of the Islamic Center of Springfield for his crime. A sentencing hearing will be scheduled after the completion of a presentence investigation by the United States Probation Office.

This case is being prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorney Randall D. Eggert. It was investigated by the FBI and the Springfield, Mo., Police Department.

Video- Joplin residents talks about flooding, flood of '93

Failed lift station affects southwest Joplin residents

(From the City of Joplin)

Due to the excessive stormwater caused by the recent rains, a lift station in the City of Joplin’s wastewater treatment system has failed. Crews are currently working on the Fillmore Bridge lift station, located near Schifferdecker Avenue and Apricot Drive. This station moves wastewater from approximately 1,500 to 2,000 households in the area* to the Shoal Creek Plant for treatment. A map of the affected area is included in this posting.

As the City works on the station for a solution, we encourage residents to please be conservative with the use of utilities. This includes washing dishes, washing laundry, showering, bathing and bathroom use.

We remind the public that this does not affect the drinking water system, and there is no immediate danger to our citizens. The City appreciates the cooperation of our residents as we address this issue.

*The approximate area includes houses east of Central City Road, west of Oliver Street, south of 13th Street and north of Shoal Creek area. Please see map for specific locations.

This map shows the geographic area affected by the failure of Fillmore Bridge lift station.

Flood warning still in effect for Barton, Vernon counties

NATIONAL WEATHER SERVICE SPRINGFIELD MO
503 PM CST MON DEC 28 2015

KSC011-037-MOC011-185-217-291430-
/O.CON.KSGF.FA.W.0110.000000T0000Z-151229T1430Z/
/00000.0.ER.000000T0000Z.000000T0000Z.000000T0000Z.OO/
CRAWFORD KS-BOURBON KS-VERNON MO-BARTON MO-ST. CLAIR MO-
503 PM CST MON DEC 28 2015

...A FLOOD WARNING REMAINS IN EFFECT UNTIL 830 AM CST TUESDAY FOR
CRAWFORD...BOURBON...VERNON...BARTON AND ST. CLAIR COUNTIES...

AT 501 PM CST...THE DEPARTMENT OF TRANSPORTATION REPORTED NUMEROUS
ROAD CLOSINGS...INCLUDING STATE HIGHWAYS...DUE TO FLOODING.

EVEN THOUGH RAIN HAS ENDED...CREEKS...STREAMS...AND LOW WATER
CROSSINGS WILL REMAIN FLOODED THROUGH THE NIGHT.

PRECAUTIONARY/PREPAREDNESS ACTIONS...

A FLOOD WARNING MEANS THAT FLOODING IS IMMINENT OR HAS BEEN REPORTED.
STREAM RISES WILL BE SLOW AND FLASH FLOODING IS NOT EXPECTED.
HOWEVER...ALL INTERESTED PARTIES SHOULD TAKE NECESSARY PRECAUTIONS
IMMEDIATELY.

BE ESPECIALLY CAUTIOUS AT NIGHT WHEN IT IS HARDER TO RECOGNIZE THE
DANGERS OF FLOODING. BE PREPARED TO STOP AND TURN AROUND IF YOU
ENCOUNTER FLOODED ROADWAYS.

Flood warning remains in effect for Jasper, Newton, McDonald counties

FLOOD STATEMENT
NATIONAL WEATHER SERVICE SPRINGFIELD MO
507 PM CST MON DEC 28 2015

KSC021-MOC009-043-077-097-109-119-145-209-291315-
/O.CON.KSGF.FA.W.0107.000000T0000Z-151229T1315Z/
/00000.0.ER.000000T0000Z.000000T0000Z.000000T0000Z.OO/
CHEROKEE KS-CHRISTIAN MO-NEWTON MO-MCDONALD MO-JASPER MO-BARRY MO-
GREENE MO-STONE MO-LAWRENCE MO-
507 PM CST MON DEC 28 2015

...A FLOOD WARNING REMAINS IN EFFECT UNTIL 715 AM CST TUESDAY FOR
CHEROKEE...CHRISTIAN...NEWTON...MCDONALD...JASPER...BARRY...GREENE...
STONE AND LAWRENCE COUNTIES...

AT 505 PM CST...THE DEPARTMENT OF TRANSPORTATION REPORTED THAT
NUMEROUS ROADWAYS AND STATE HIGHWAYS REMAIN FLOODED ACROSS THE
WARNED AREA.

EVEN THOUGH RAIN HAS ENDED...MANY CREEKS...STREAMS...AND LOW WATER
CROSSINGS WILL REMAIN FLOODED FOR THE NEXT SEVERAL DAYS.

PRECAUTIONARY/PREPAREDNESS ACTIONS...

A FLOOD WARNING MEANS THAT FLOODING IS IMMINENT OR HAS BEEN REPORTED.
STREAM RISES WILL BE SLOW AND FLASH FLOODING IS NOT EXPECTED.
HOWEVER...ALL INTERESTED PARTIES SHOULD TAKE NECESSARY PRECAUTIONS
IMMEDIATELY.

BE ESPECIALLY CAUTIOUS AT NIGHT WHEN IT IS HARDER TO RECOGNIZE THE
DANGERS OF FLOODING. BE PREPARED TO STOP AND TURN AROUND IF YOU
ENCOUNTER FLOODED ROADWAYS.

Reiboldt explains opposition to the Real ID Act

(From Rep. Bill Reiboldt, R-Neosho)

The United States Department of Homeland Security (DHS) last week notified Missouri officials that the state exemption from enacting the federal Real ID requirement would end on January 10, 2016.

The Real ID Act passed the U.S. congress and was signed into law by President George W. Bush in May of 2005. Provisions in the Act required every state to issue driver’s licenses that would comply with a national standard. The Act came about in response to the September 11, 2001 terrorist attack on the United States. The Muslim terrorists who hijacked the airplanes had obtained fraudulent identification, including driver’s licenses that helped them to board the planes they flew into the Pentagon and the World Trade Center. Many states responded negatively to the implementation of the Real ID Act and opposed it.

So far, twenty-four states have enacted anti-Real ID bills or resolutions. Fifteen of those states—including Missouri—enacted binding legislation which prohibits state officials from any participation in the Real ID program. It was a concern in Missouri that the Department of Revenue had given a list of conceal carry holders’ names to the database created by the Real ID law, an act that is still under investigation in our state. In response, the legislature took away from the Department of Revenue the ability to issue conceal carry permits and gave that responsibility to local county sheriffs, fearing that the conceal and carry list in the possession of the Departments of Revenue was somehow transferred to the Real ID database, contrary to state law.

Under the original Real ID Act, states had until May of 2008 to come into compliance or the drivers’ licenses of their citizens would no longer be accepted for federal purposes or for boarding an airplane. Consequently, the DHS, realizing the impossible demand of this Act could not be met by May of 2008, agreed to issue extensions to the states who had taken steps to begin the implementation of it. Federal authorities then asked the states to sign “memorandum of understanding” which indicated their intent to comply with the Real ID Act. Several states refused to sign the memorandum while others responded with letters saying their state was legally prohibited from any implementation of the Act. Thus the DHS issued all fifty states extensions through December 31 of 2009. These extensions have not been challenged, so the DHS, growing impatient, has announced its intention of enforcement of the Real ID Act, telling the states that continued non-compliance will carry greater consequences for their state’s citizens, primarily involving boarding airplanes and entering any federal government facility that requires identification. Passports will still be an acceptable form of ID when boarding airplanes, even if the state is not presently in compliance with the federal Real ID laws.

There are several reasons why the Real ID Act is so controversial:

1) It was not passed through a true democratic process in the U.S. Congress. It was amended onto a must-pass piece of legislation and there was not sufficient time to consider the Act and its implications upon individuals and state governments.

2) The Real ID law cannot go into effect without actions by the states. State legislatures must appropriate the money and, in some cases, change existing laws to come into compliance with it.

3) There is broad-based bipartisan opposition to the Act from privacy and civil liberty organizations as well as from conservative groups and immigration groups.

So, what is wrong with the Real ID Act? Acceptance of this law by the states would turn state drivers’ licenses into a national identity card. It would impose numerous new burdens on taxpayers, citizens, immigrants, and state governments. It would mandate states to standardize driver’s licenses into a single national identity card with the driver’s personal information going into a national database.

The construction of the fifty-state inter-linking database would make all information on each person’s file available to every other state as well as to the federal government. It would require all states to remake their driver’s licenses and to restructure their own state’s computer systems. The state would then have to expand their individual security systems, with the requirement that states set up an inter-state data sharing network. This again creates additional administrative, technical, financial, and security issues. The DHS’s initial estimate of the nationwide cost to implement this law was $23 billion. New DHS cost estimates have been scaled down to approximately $10 billion; however, a closer look shows that the division of DHS is “practicing fuzzy math and is grossly underestimating the real cost.”

It’s becoming obvious that the cost of securing our nation’s citizens from future terrorist attacks carries a high price tag. What it really comes down to is this, though: how willing are we to give up personal information for safety and security?

Winter weather advisory issued for Joplin area

URGENT - WINTER WEATHER MESSAGE
NATIONAL WEATHER SERVICE SPRINGFIELD MO
1000 AM CST MON DEC 28 2015

MOZ067-077-078-088-089-093-094-101-290000-
/O.EXA.KSGF.WW.Y.0011.000000T0000Z-151229T0000Z/
ST. CLAIR-BARTON-CEDAR-JASPER-DADE-NEWTON-LAWRENCE-MCDONALD-
INCLUDING THE CITIES OF...TIFFIN...APPLETON CITY...JOHNSON CITY...
KENOMA...LAMAR...CEDAR SPRINGS...EL DORADO SPRINGS...FILLEY...
ARNICA...CAPLINGER MILLS...STOCKTON...JOPLIN...CARTHAGE...
GREENFIELD...LOCKWOOD...MEINERT...NEOSHO...AURORA...
MOUNT VERNON...MARIONVILLE...ANDERSON...NOEL...GOODMAN...
SOUTH WEST CITY...PINEVILLE...ROCKY COMFORT
1000 AM CST MON DEC 28 2015

...WINTER WEATHER ADVISORY IN EFFECT UNTIL 6 PM CST THIS
EVENING...

THE NATIONAL WEATHER SERVICE IN SPRINGFIELD HAS ISSUED A WINTER
WEATHER ADVISORY FOR SLEET...SNOW...AND FREEZING DRIZZLE...WHICH
IS IN EFFECT UNTIL 6 PM CST THIS EVENING.

* TIMING...RAIN WILL TRANSITION TO A MIXTURE OF SLEET...SNOW...AND
  FREEZING DRIZZLE FROM LATE THIS MORNING INTO EARLY THIS AFTERNOON.
  MIXED PRECIPITATION WILL THEN PERSIST INTO LATE THIS AFTERNOON.

* MAIN IMPACTS...LIGHT SNOW AND ICE PELLET ACCUMULATIONS OF A
  HALF INCH OR LESS WILL OCCUR ACROSS THE ADVISORY AREA. A VERY
  THIN GLAZE OF ICE WILL ALSO BE POSSIBLE ON ELEVATED AND EXPOSED
  SURFACES. SLICK SPOTS WILL BE POSSIBLE ON AREA ROADWAYS.

* OTHER IMPACTS...DRIVERS SHOULD BE PREPARED FOR OCCASIONAL SLICK
  SPOTS ON AREA ROADS. IN ADDITION...PRECIPITATION TYPE... AND
  ASSOCIATED IMPACTS...COULD CHANGE QUICKLY OVER SHORT DISTANCES.

  ADDITIONALLY...WIND CHILLS WILL FALL THROUGH THE TWENTIES AND
  INTO THE UPPER TEENS BY SUNSET.

PRECAUTIONARY/PREPAREDNESS ACTIONS...

A WINTER WEATHER ADVISORY MEANS THAT PERIODS OF SLEET...SNOW...AND
FREEZING DRIZZLE WILL CAUSE TRAVEL DIFFICULTIES. BE PREPARED FOR
SLIPPERY ROADS AND LIMITED VISIBILITIES...AND USE CAUTION WHILE
DRIVING.

Joplin city manager provides weekly update to City Council

(Joplin City Manager Sam Anselm sent the following report to the City Council last week.)

Good afternoon, everyone. Please see below for this week’s update.

Key Meetings

-On Monday, I participated in a conference call with a representative from the St. Bernard Project, to identify some possible dates for disaster resilience training that they would like to offer to the Joplin community. SBP is working with other entities (university, school district, the Chamber) to identify dates and times to have the training, and once a schedule is complete we will share that with you and the public.

-Tuesday, I met with representatives from the Joplin Proud committee, which was formed to put together plans/events surrounding the five-year anniversary of the tornado. You can visit their website at www.joplinproud.org to learn more about the events being planned, but they have indicated a desire to make a presentation to the city council early next year. More information on that request will be forthcoming.

-On Wednesday, I participated in a conference call to plan our 2016 Missouri City/County Manager’s Association annual conference, which will take place next May.

Miscellaneous

-On Tuesday we received the final insurance settlement from the 2011 tornado, in the amount of $836,733.66. The proceeds will go back into the funds where the dollars were originally spent, so we’re looking at putting $782,862.67 back into the general fund, and $53,870.99 back into the parks fund. Director Haase has informed me that she is still working on the FEMA reimbursements, and hopes to have those completed by the end of January, 2016. The timetable for receipt of those proceeds is uncertain.

-Finance staff is nearing completion of entering the data needed to present the Center for Priority Based Budgeting’s Financial Health Diagnostic tool, which will give you and our citizens a clearer picture of our overall financial health, so that we can start having more meaningful conversations about our revenues and expenditures, and how those line up with the priorities for our community.

-Finally, Assistant to the City Manager Brian Kelly has been in contact with those organizations that receive city funding, including the museum, Wildcat Glades, the Joplin Sports Authority, and the Chamber of Commerce, to have them participate in the PBB process as well. Internally, most departments are now in the process of scoring their programs against certain attributes, which include:

* Whether the city is mandated to provide the program
* Reliance on the city/county to provide the program
* Cost recovery of the program
* Portion of community served by the program
* Change in demand for the program

Our departments are doing a fantastic job so far, and they should be commended for the amount of work they have put into this process. Similar to constructing a building, we are doing a lot of sub-surface work right now that you and the community cannot see, but it’s important that we have the right foundation to build upon, and we are doing just that.

In the Pipeline

-As previously indicated, staff is working on change orders to present to you on the public park project at the corner of 26th and McClelland, by no later than January 4th. At that meeting, or during a possible work session, I would also like to get your input on drafting our change order policy, which you will recall was an item of concern in the state audit. Most cities we have reached out to either don’t have a formal policy, or it merely sets the dollar limit or percentage before a change order would require the governing body’s approval. If you could give some thought to this topic prior to our next regular meeting, I would appreciate it. It will be an open discussion, and staff would welcome your comments and suggestions.

State auditor gives Joplin municipal court "poor" rating

Joplin continues to fare poorly in state audits.

First, the Joplin R-8 School District received a "fair" rating, the next to lowest rating possible, then the City of Joplin went one better and received a "poor" rating, the lowest possible.

Today, State Auditor Nicole Galloway released a state audit of the Joplin Municipal Court, and it, took, received a "poor" rating.

The news release from the state auditor's office is printed below:

State Auditor Nicole Galloway today released an audit of the Joplin municipal court, highlighting the need for stronger oversight of clerks' actions and increased measures to ensure the security of the court's electronic data.

"For many Missourians, municipal courts provide the most day-to-day interaction they have with local government. It's essential people understand and trust the work these courts do," Galloway said. "In Joplin, the municipal court can take steps recommended in my report to ensure they're protecting citizens' confidential information and maintaining reliable records."

The audit identified 120 users that had improper access to the court's electronic data. Eighty-nine of those users were former employees who no longer worked for the city or the court. The report also found the court fails to comply with state law or Joplin's city code in assessing fees totaling approximately $145,000. For example, the division assesses a $25 failure to appear fee without filing charges for a violation. Court officials also fail to review changes made by clerks to the case management system, causing incomplete records and increasing the risk of abuse.

The complete audit report, which received an overall performance rating of "poor," can be found online here.

Southern Joplin residents asked to conserve water due to lift station failure

(From the City of Joplin)

City of Joplin’s Shoal Creek Wastewater Treatment Station has experienced a great deal of stormwater infiltration during this recent rain event. This has impacted one of the lift stations that moves wastewater through the treatment plan. This plant is located in the southern portion of Joplin, and manages wastewater for an estimated 1,500 to 2,000 households*.

The City is still assessing the situation, but the late hour and the weather conditions are not conducive for onsite work. In the meantime, we are asking residents to please be conservative with the use of utilities. This includes washing dishes, washing laundry, showering, bathing and bathroom use.

As we get more details on the impact of the floodwaters to plant, the City will update the public. There is no immediate danger to our citizens. The City appreciates the cooperation of our residents in addressing this issue.

*An approximate boundary of the area includes Central City Road to the west, Oliver Street to the east, 13th Street to the north and the Shoal Creek area to the south.

Cable One: We're not going to pay $1.3 million per subscriber to KSNF/KODE

(Cable One issued the following news release December 10 about its negotiations with Nexstar Broadcasting. This message indicates that KODE may also be pulled off Cable One in three days.)


Nexstar Broadcasting Corp. (NXST) plans to pull three local broadcast affiliates from Cable ONE because it will not agree to pay a new per-subscriber charge of $1.3 million over the next four years. Current carriage rights end on December 31. 

 "This is an unfair burden that would have to be passed along to our customers," said Tom Basinger, vice president of Cable ONE's central division. "Clearly, this is not fair to the consumer and it is a new charge that they are trying to force us to pay. Cable ONE will not consent." 

 Stations affected are KSNF (NBC) and KODE (ABC) in Joplin, MO, and KTAL (NBC) covering Texarkana, TX. "For Nexstar, Cable ONE subscribers represent a substantial percentage of the viewers for these stations," Basinger said. Basinger said, 

"Given that local affiliate advertising rates are based on viewership, it's difficult to understand why Nexstar would risk the numbers our Cable ONE viewers provide in these regions -- particularly with the numerous high-profile national sporting events occurring at year-end and into January." He added, 

"This is the first time Nexstar has indicated that it will not settle for any alternative other than money. In the past, Cable ONE purchased advertising from the stations, rather than for paying a fee for carriage rights." "If Nexstar pulls these stations, nobody wins," Basinger said. 

"Our subscribers would lose ABC and NBC programming and the clear picture signal we provide when these stations are carried on Cable ONE." "We'd be very disappointed if we can't continue to carry KSNF, KODE and KTAL," he added. "We were planning to freeze our cable video rates in 2005, just as we did in 2003, so we simply cannot pay this unreasonable demand by Nexstar." 

 Since 1992, television stations have been authorized by the U.S. Congress to grant or deny permission for cable television systems to carry their signals. This right comes up for renewal every three years, with Nexstar's current agreement with Cable ONE expiring at the end of the year. "There doesn't appear to be any good reason why these charges should start now," Basinger said. "Cable ONE remains willing to continue the financial arrangements we've previously had with Nexstar, which involves advertising we place with the station. We can't imagine why they'd want to end that or lose our viewers." Cable ONE, the cable division of The Washington Post Company, operates 52 cable systems serving 720,000 subscribers in 19 states. Nexstar has indicated to Cable ONE that additional fees will eventually be charged for high-definition television (HDTV) broadcasts, although Nexstar does not currently offer the HDTV option.

Cable One may drop KSN in three days

(The following message has been posted on the Four States Home Page (KSNF and KODE) website.)

To our viewers who subscribe to CableOne:

We regret to inform you that you may lose access to station KSNF at 11:59 p.m. on December 31, 2015.

Nexstar has successfully reached agreements with all major carriers prior to now and we have been diligently negotiating with CableOne to secure a new agreement for continued carriage of KSNF by CableOne.

Did you know CableOne pays more than $7.00 for carriage of ESPN and more than $1.65 for TNT? All Nexstar is requesting is that CableOne pay fair market value for the NBC and local programming we bring to you, our viewers, everyday. We expected that we would reach an agreement to allow you – our viewers – to continue receiving KSNF on an uninterrupted basis from CableOne

Unfortunately, despite our best efforts we may not come to an agreement and you may lose KSNF on December 31, 2015.

In addition to all of the great NBC including The Voice, The Blacklist, NFL Sunday Night Football and the 2016 Summer Olympics, KSNF provides more than 25 hours of news and local programming to the four-state area. We are disappointed that CableOne has elected not to pay a fair price for KSNF and regret that we have not be able to reach an agreement.

 If you would like to be ensured of continuing to receive KSNF after December 31, below are a few providers who will be serving our community after that date: DirecTV: 417-782-4222 DISH: 417-782-4222

Video- Record-setting flooding hits Carthage

Flood waters derail railroad cars near Neosho

(From the City of Neosho)

It has been confirmed that the Burlington Northern Railroad train cars that have derailed and detached due to flood waters in the Keeling Flats area along US Business 60 north of Neosho were not transporting any hazardous materials. Burlington Northern officials are on site.

If you live in a low lying area, continue to monitor water levels and make the decision to evacuate sooner rather than later, as emergency resources are stretched thin.

Wind chill to drop to single digits tonight for Joplin area

HAZARDOUS WEATHER OUTLOOK
NATIONAL WEATHER SERVICE SPRINGFIELD MO
421 AM CST MON DEC 28 2015

KSZ073-097-101-MOZ055>058-066>071-077>083-088>098-101>106-291030-
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-
421 AM CST MON DEC 28 2015

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

.DAY ONE...TODAY AND TONIGHT.

WEATHER HAZARDS EXPECTED...

  EXTREME FLOODING RISK.
  LIMITED EXCESSIVE COLD RISK.
  ELEVATED NON THUNDERSTORM WIND RISK.
  ELEVATED ICE ACCUMULATION RISK.
  LIMITED SNOW RISK.

DISCUSSION...

  MODERATE TO AT TIMES HEAVY RAIN WILL CONTINUE ACROSS PORTIONS
  OF SOUTH CENTRAL MISSOURI AND THE EASTERN OZARKS THIS MORNING.
  THIS RAIN WILL LIKELY EXACERBATE ONGOING FLOODING ACROSS THIS
  REGION.

  ELSEWHERE...AREAL FLOODING AND SIGNIFICANT RIVER FLOODING WILL
  CONTINUE. MANY RIVERS WILL CONTINUE TO RISE TODAY...EXCEEDING
  MAJOR...OR IN SOME CASES...RECORD FLOOD STAGE. SIGNIFICANT
  FLOOD IMPACTS WILL CONTINUE IN MANY PLACES TODAY...EVEN AFTER
  THE HEAVY RAIN COMES TO AN END.

  LATER THIS MORNING...SURFACE TEMPERATURES WILL BEGIN TO FALL TO
  OR JUST BELOW FREEZING...INITIALLY OVER FAR SOUTHEASTERN
  KANSAS. AS THIS OCCURS...PRECIPITATION WILL TRANSITION
  FROM RAIN TO A MIX OF RAIN...FREEZING RAIN...AND LIGHT SNOW. A
  WINTER WEATHER ADVISORY IS IN EFFECT FOR PORTIONS OF
  SOUTHEASTERN KANSAS...WHERE UP TO TWO TENTHS OF AN INCH OF
  ICE...AND A DUSTING OF SNOW CAN BE EXPECTED.

  FURTHER TO THE EAST...TEMPERATURES ARE THE SURFACE ARE NOT
  EXPECTED TO FALL BELOW FREEZING UNTIL PRECIPITATION HAS ALMOST
  COME TO AN END. WHILE A BRIEF PERIOD OF LIGHT SNOW OR FREEZING
  DRIZZLE WILL BE POSSIBLE...MAJOR WINTER WEATHER IMPACTS ARE NOT
  EXPECTED AT THIS TIME.

  NORTH WINDS WILL REMAIN VERY GUSTY THIS MORNING...AND THEN
  BECOME NORTHWESTERLY TO WESTERLY THIS AFTERNOON...WITH STRONG
  GUSTS CONTINUING. WIND CHILL VALUES WILL DROP INTO THE SINGLE
  DIGITS AT TIMES LATE TONIGHT.

.DAYS TWO THROUGH SEVEN...TUESDAY THROUGH SUNDAY.

  AREA CREEKS...STREAMS...RIVERS...AND LOW WATER CROSSINGS WILL
  LIKELY REMAIN FLOODED THROUGH MOST OF THE WEEK.

Oronogo Fire Department responds to multiple search and rescue calls

(From the Oronogo Fire Department)

The OFD has had to respond to multiple water search and rescue missions last night, today & into tonight. 

We urge all drivers to use caution & give your self extra drive time & plan on alternative routes. Also if u your house is threatened with flooding please have a evacuation plan before the water arrives.

1st Street closed in Lamar

(From the Lamar Police Department)

1st Street is now closed. Ambulance service is still available with in the city. Barton County deputies have advised us that to get to the hospital the following route is still clear:160 to A highway to EE to I-49 (71).

Updates will be posted when available. Information may also be obtained by calling the nonemergency line: 417–682–3546.

CJ officials monitoring 171, water within a couple of feet of the bridge

(From the Carl Junction Police Department)

The floodwaters in the City continue to rise. If you are in any low lying areas, please pay attention. The CJ Fire Departrment has made several rescues. Please, unless you are helping family or friends evacuate, please do not come into town. Center Creek is expected to rise another 5 feet before this the water recedes. We will continue to monitor 171 Highway, the water is within a couple of feet of the bridge. It may become necessary to close the highway. We will keep you informed.

The Carl Junction Christian Church has opened the gymnasium as a shelter. If you are dispalced and have nowhere to go, please go there.

We have opened the Emergency Operation Center in the Carl Junction Police Department. If you need assistance, please call 649-7070.

Newton County prosecutor arrested for DWI

Her arrest was featured on the Inside Joplin blog earlier this month, but it took KOAM News to realize what I didn't- Kathleen Miller, 46, who was cited by the Highway Patrol for driving while intoxicated December 17, is the assistant prosecuting attorney for Newton County.

KOAM posted the following on Thursday:

According to MHP the Jasper County Prosecutor has the case. No charges have been filed against the assistant prosecutor according court records. Due to the Holidays offices to both Newton and Jasper County prosecutors are closed.

Nixon: Emory Melton exemplified the best of Missouri

(From Gov. Jay Nixon)

Gov. Jay Nixon today issued the following statement regarding the passing of former state Sen. Emory Melton.

“Emory Melton was a profoundly dedicated public servant, accomplished statesman, and an inspiration to all who were fortunate enough to know him. As an author, lawyer, publisher and senator, Melton was driven throughout his life by his abiding faith, integrity, and love for this great state. I was honored to serve alongside Melton in the Missouri Senate and will never forget the lessons I learned from his example – not the least of which was to read every bill before voting on it.

“Melton was committed to leaving Missouri better than he found it, and in so many ways that is exactly what he did. Among Melton’s proudest achievements was leading the effort to build an inn and conference center at his beloved Roaring River State Park, which Missouri families and visitors will enjoy for generations to come.

“Emory and his wife of 61 years, Jean, will always be remembered for exemplifying the very best of Missouri. The First Lady and I send our heartfelt condolences to his family and loved ones, and join all Missourians in celebrating his life and accomplishments.”

Nixon declares state of emergency for Missouri

(From Gov. Jay Nixon)

Gov. Jay Nixon today declared a state of emergency in Missouri as heavy rain, flooding and flash flooding continue to impact much of the state. Heavy rains have led to widespread flooding and at least eight fatalities have been reported. More heavy rain and additional flooding is expected through Monday, and river levels are forecast to continue to rise over the next several days.

Since the latest round of severe weather began, the Missouri State Highway Patrol has conducted dozens of water rescues, and assisted in the evacuation of residents from flooded areas.  Multiple roadways have been closed due to floods and the Governor urged Missourians in flood-affected areas to avoid travel if possible.

“Widespread flooding and continued rainfall are causing very dangerous conditions across much of central and southern Missouri,” said Gov. Nixon. “Multiple fatalities due to flash flooding have already been reported, and I urge Missourians in flood-affected areas to stay alert, avoid travel if possible and never drive into a flooded roadway. With more heavy rain expected tonight and tomorrow, state emergency management personnel will be working around the clock to keep Missourians safe.”

The Governor also urged residents to use caution in northern Missouri, where snow and freezing rain are expected as temperatures drop and wind gusts increase.  

The State Emergency Operations Center has been actively monitoring the storm system, and Gov. Nixon has been receiving updates from his emergency management team to assess the current weather situation and address local needs. The team includes senior officials from the Missouri Department of Public Safety, Missouri National Guard, Missouri State Highway Patrol and the State Emergency Management Agency. The Missouri State Emergency Operations Plan also has been activated, allowing state agencies to coordinate directly with local jurisdictions to provide emergency services.

The Governor urged residents of flood-affected areas of Missouri to pay close attention to weather warnings and follow the safety instructions of local officials as the potential for additional dangerous flooding continues. Missourians, especially motorists, are encouraged to remember these important safety tips on flooding and high water:

• Do not walk through moving water. Six inches of moving water can make you fall. If you have to walk in water, walk where the water is not moving. Use a stick to check the firmness of the ground in front of you.
• Do not drive into flooded areas. If floodwaters rise around your car, abandon the car and move to higher ground if you can do so safely. You and the vehicle can be quickly swept away. Six inches of water will reach the bottom of most passenger cars, causing loss of control and possible stalling.
• A foot of water will float many vehicles. Two feet of rushing water can carry away most vehicles, including sport utility vehicles and pick-ups. Even if the water appears shallow enough to cross, don’t try it. Water hides dips in the road. Worse yet, there may be no road at all under the water. Flooding can scour away the entire road surface and a significant amount of ground beneath.

Missourians who need disaster information, shelter information, and referrals are urged to call 211. The 211 service is now available throughout Missouri.

Flash flood warning extended for McDonald County

(From the National Weather Service)

THE NATIONAL WEATHER SERVICE IN SPRINGFIELD HAS EXTENDED THE

* FLASH FLOOD WARNING FOR...
  MCDONALD COUNTY IN SOUTHWESTERN MISSOURI...

* UNTIL 530 AM CST MONDAY

* AT 516 PM CST...DOPPLER RADAR INDICATED A THUNDERSTORM PRODUCING
  HEAVY RAIN ACROSS THE WARNED AREA. EIGHT TO ELEVEN INCHES OF RAIN
  HAS ALREADY FALLEN ACROSS THE COUNTY. FLASH FLOODING WILL LIKELY
  CONTINUE THROUGH MUCH OF THE NIGHT.

* CREEKS...STREAMS...AND LOW WATER CROSSINGS WILL BE ESPECIALLY
  SUSCEPTIBLE TO THE DANGERS OF FLASH FLOODING.
  LOCATIONS IN THE WARNING INCLUDE...
  BIG SUGAR CREEK STATE PARK...     ANDERSON...
  NOEL...                           GOODMAN...
  SOUTH WEST CITY...                PINEVILLE...
  LANAGAN...                        POWELL...
  ROCKY COMFORT...

THIS WARNING INCLUDES BUT IS NOT LIMITED TO THE FOLLOWING LOW WATER
CROSSINGS...
ROUTE DD AT THE ELK RIVER JUST NORTH OF NOEL...
HIGHWAY 76...3 MILES WEST OF ANDERSON...
AND HIGHWAY 90 AT LITTLE SUGAR CREEK NEAR JANE.

ADDITIONAL RAINFALL AMOUNTS OF ONE TO THREE INCHES ARE POSSIBLE IN
THE WARNED AREA.

MODOT graphic shows areas where roads are closed

The accompanying graphic shows areas in the state of Missouri in which roads are closed.

The circles with the lower part a reddish color and the top part white have roads closed.

Flash flood risk continues for Joplin area, rain to total 6-12 inches

(From the National Weather Service)

...FLASH FLOOD RISK CONTINUES ACROSS THE REGION...

.WIDESPREAD LIGHT TO MODERATE RAIN WILL CONTINUE TONIGHT ACROSS
THE WATCH AREA...WITH THE POTENTIAL FOR ADDITIONAL ROUNDS OF
MODERATE TO HEAVY RAIN AFFECTING THE REGION. ONGOING MAJOR TO
HISTORIC FLOODING IS LIKELY TO CONTINUE IN MANY AREAS...WITH
ADDITIONAL FLASH FLOODING LIKELY WHERE MORE HEAVY RAIN FALLS
THOUGH TONIGHT.

FOR MANY LOCATIONS ACROSS SOUTHEASTERN KANSAS...AND SOUTHERN AND
SOUTHWESTERN MISSOURI...AN ADDITIONAL 2 TO 4 INCHES OF RAIN IS
EXPECTED BEFORE RAIN FINALLY ENDS MONDAY. STORM TOTAL RAINFALL
WILL LIKELY BE BETWEEN 6 AND 10 INCHES...WITH LOCALLY HIGHER
AMOUNTS IN EXCESS OF 12 INCHES POSSIBLE.

KSZ073-097-101-MOZ055>058-066>071-077>083-088>098-101>106-281800-
/O.CON.KSGF.FF.A.0014.000000T0000Z-151228T1800Z/
/00000.0.ER.000000T0000Z.000000T0000Z.000000T0000Z.OO/
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-
INCLUDING THE CITIES OF...FORT SCOTT...PAWNEE STATION...
CHICOPEE...LONE OAK...PITTSBURG...BAXTER SPRINGS...LOWELL...
RIVERTON...COLUMBUS...NEUTRAL...SHERWIN...STIPPVILLE...WARSAW...
WHITAKERVILLE...COLE CAMP...CROCKERVILLE...MORA...EDMONSON...
LINCOLN...VERSAILLES...ROCKY MOUNT...STOVER...LAURIE...
AURORA SPRINGS...ELDON...LAKE OZARK...VICHY...NEVADA...TIFFIN...
APPLETON CITY...JOHNSON CITY...WEAUBLEAU...HERMITAGE...QUINCY...
WHEATLAND...CROSS TIMBERS...OSAGE BEACH...CAMDENTON...
DECATURVILLE...ROACH...VILLAGE OF FOUR SEASONS...
FORT LEONARD WOOD...LAQUEY...WAYNESVILLE...NORTHWYE...ROLLA...
KENOMA...LAMAR...CEDAR SPRINGS...EL DORADO SPRINGS...FILLEY...
ARNICA...CAPLINGER MILLS...STOCKTON...BOLIVAR...BUFFALO...
CHARITY...FOOSE...MARCH...PLAD...WINDYVILLE...OLIVE...LYNCHBURG...
LEBANON...PLATO...ROBY...BENDAVIS...HUGGINS...LAKE SPRING...
BANGERT...DARIEN...GLADDEN...HOWES...JADWIN...SALEM...JOPLIN...
CARTHAGE...GREENFIELD...LOCKWOOD...MEINERT...SPRINGFIELD...
MARSHFIELD...NORTHVIEW...SEYMOUR...ROGERSVILLE...DAWSON...GRAFF...
MOUNTAIN GROVE...DUNCAN...MANSFIELD...NEOSHO...AURORA...
MOUNT VERNON...MARIONVILLE...NIXA...CHRISTIAN CENTER...OZARK...
SELMORE...VANZANT...AVA...GOODHOPE...ROME...SQUIRES...DOGWOOD...
POMONA...POTTERSVILLE...SILOAM SPRINGS...SOUTH FORK...
WEST PLAINS...WHITE CHURCH...TERESITA...WINONA...BIRCH TREE...
MONTIER...ANDERSON...NOEL...GOODMAN...SOUTH WEST CITY...
PINEVILLE...ROCKY COMFORT...MONETT...MADRY...CASSVILLE...
KIMBERLING CITY...CRANE...ELSEY...INDIAN POINT...
SILVER DOLLAR CITY...BRANSON...HOLLISTER...KIRBYVILLE...
EDGEWATER BEACH...FORSYTH...OZARK BEACH...POWERSITE...WASOLA...
THAYER...ALTON...COUCH...GREER...THOMASVILLE...WILDERNESS
319 PM CST SUN DEC 27 2015

...FLASH FLOOD WATCH REMAINS IN EFFECT THROUGH MONDAY MORNING...

THE FLASH FLOOD WATCH CONTINUES FOR

* PORTIONS OF SOUTHEAST KANSAS AND MISSOURI...INCLUDING THE
  FOLLOWING AREAS...IN SOUTHEAST KANSAS...BOURBON...CHEROKEE AND
  CRAWFORD. IN MISSOURI...BARRY...BARTON...BENTON...CAMDEN...
  CEDAR...CHRISTIAN...DADE...DALLAS...DENT...DOUGLAS...GREENE...
  HICKORY...HOWELL...JASPER...LACLEDE...LAWRENCE...MARIES...
  MCDONALD...MILLER...MORGAN...NEWTON...OREGON...OZARK...
  PHELPS...POLK...PULASKI...SHANNON...ST. CLAIR...STONE...
  TANEY...TEXAS...VERNON...WEBSTER AND WRIGHT.

* THROUGH MONDAY MORNING

* AN ADDITIONAL 2 TO 4 INCHES OF RAIN CAN BE EXPECTED TODAY AND
  TONIGHT ACROSS THE WATCH AREA...WITH THE HEAVIEST RAIN FALLING
  THIS AFTERNOON AND THIS EVENING. BY THE TIME RAIN ENDS MONDAY
  MORNING...STORM TOTALS ARE EXPECTED TO RANGE FROM 6 TO 10 INCHES...WITH
  LOCALLY HIGHER AMOUNTS IN EXCESS OF 12 INCHES POSSIBLE.

* RAPID RISES ON AREA CREEKS...STREAMS AND RIVERS ARE OCCURRING
  AND EXPECTED TO CONTINUE. AREAS THAT DO NOT NORMALLY FLOOD COULD
  EXPERIENCE FLOODING DURING THIS EVENT. FOR SOME LOCATIONS ACROSS
  SOUTHERN AND SOUTHWESTERN MISSOURI...FLOODING COULD EXCEED THAT
  SEEN DURING THE SPRING 2008 AND 2011 FLOODS. MANY AREAS WILL SEE
  HISTORIC FLOODING.

Flood warning continues for Shoal Creek

(From the National Weather Service)

The Flood Warning continues for the following rivers in
Missouri...

  Shoal Creek near Joplin affecting Jasper and Newton Counties

.Very heavy rainfall has caused Shoal Creek near Joplin to hit a record crest.

PRECAUTIONARY/PREPAREDNESS ACTIONS...

Do not drive through flowing water. Nearly half of all flood
fatalities are vehicle related. As little as 6 inches of water may
cause you to lose control of your vehicle. Two feet of water will
carry most vehicles away.

Winter storm warning issued for Kansas City area; 10 inches of snow possible

URGENT - WINTER WEATHER MESSAGE
NATIONAL WEATHER SERVICE KANSAS CITY/PLEASANT HILL MO
344 PM CST SUN DEC 27 2015

...FIRST SIGNIFICANT WINTER STORM OF THE SEASON TO ARRIVE
TONIGHT...

.A STRONG AREA OF LOW PRESSURE WILL LIFT NORTH FROM THE SOUTHERN
PLAINS THIS EVENING...AND GRADUALLY OVERSPREAD THE LOWER MISSOURI
VALLEY THROUGH THE DAY ON MONDAY. COLD AIR ALREADY IN PLACE
FOLLOWING THE PASSAGE OF A COLD FRONT YESTERDAY WILL RESULT IN A
MIX OF SNOW...SLEET...AND FREEZING RAIN ACROSS MUCH OF THE AREA
LATER TONIGHT AND MONDAY. THE POTENTIAL EXISTS FOR 4 TO 8 INCHES
OF NEW SNOW ACROSS FAR NORTHWESTERN MISSOURI AND NORTHEAST
KANSAS...WITH ICE ACCUMULATIONS OF UP TO A QUARTER INCH POSSIBLE
ALONG AND NORTHWEST OF INTERSTATE 35.

KSZ025-057-102>105-MOZ001>008-011>017-020>023-028>030-037-281130-
/O.CON.KEAX.WS.W.0004.151228T0000Z-151229T0300Z/
ATCHISON KS-MIAMI-DONIPHAN-LEAVENWORTH-WYANDOTTE-JOHNSON KS-
ATCHISON MO-NODAWAY-WORTH-GENTRY-HARRISON-MERCER-PUTNAM-SCHUYLER-
HOLT-ANDREW-DE KALB-DAVIESS-GRUNDY-SULLIVAN-ADAIR-BUCHANAN-
CLINTON-CALDWELL-LIVINGSTON-PLATTE-CLAY-RAY-JACKSON-
INCLUDING THE CITIES OF...ATCHISON...PAOLA...TROY...LEAVENWORTH...
KANSAS CITY KS...OVERLAND PARK...OLATHE...TARKIO...ROCKPORT...
MARYVILLE...GRANT CITY...ALBANY...STANBERRY...BETHANY...
PRINCETON...UNIONVILLE...LANCASTER...DOWNING...MOUND CITY...
OREGON...SAVANNAH...CAMERON...GALLATIN...JAMESPORT...TRENTON...
MILAN...GREEN CITY...KIRKSVILLE...ST. JOSEPH...PLATTSBURG...
KINGSTON...HAMILTON...POLO...CHILLICOTHE...PARKVILLE...
PLATTE CITY...WESTON...LIBERTY...EXCELSIOR SPRINGS...RICHMOND...
KANSAS CITY...INDEPENDENCE
344 PM CST SUN DEC 27 2015

...WINTER STORM WARNING REMAINS IN EFFECT UNTIL 9 PM CST MONDAY...

A WINTER STORM WARNING REMAINS IN EFFECT UNTIL 9 PM CST MONDAY.

* TIMING...RAIN CURRENTLY LIFTING INTO THE REGION WILL BEGIN TO MIX
  WITH AND TRANSITION TO SLEET AND FREEZING RAIN AFTER 6 PM...AND
  THEN WILL CHANGEOVER TO SNOW EARLY MONDAY AFTERNOON...BEFORE
  DIMINISHING AROUND 9 PM MONDAY EVENING. THE GREATEST ICE
  ACCUMULATION WILL OCCUR BETWEEN 6 AM AND NOON MONDAY...WHILE THE
  HEAVIEST SNOW IS EXPECTED MID MONDAY MORNING THROUGH THE LATE
  AFTERNOON.

* ACCUMULATIONS...TOTAL SNOW ACCUMULATIONS OF 4 TO 8 INCHES...
  POSSIBLY REACHING 10 INCHES IN EXTREME NORTHWEST MO...AND ICE
  ACCUMULATIONS OF UP TO A QUARTER INCH ARE EXPECTED.

* WINDS...VERY STRONG NORTHEAST WINDS ARE EXPECTED LATE THIS EVENING
  THROUGH EARLY MONDAY AFTERNOON. SUSTAINED SPEEDS MAY EXCEED 30
  MPH...AND GUSTS COULD REACH 45 MPH AT TIMES.

* IMPACTS...POWER OUTAGES AND TREE DAMAGE ARE POSSIBLE DUE TO THE
  ICE. VERY SLIPPERY DRIVING CONDITIONS WILL MAKE TRAVEL QUITE
  HAZARDOUS...INCLUDING DURING THE MORNING COMMUTE ON MONDAY.

PRECAUTIONARY/PREPAREDNESS ACTIONS...

A WINTER STORM WARNING MEANS SIGNIFICANT AMOUNTS OF SNOW...
SLEET...AND ICE ARE EXPECTED. STRONG WINDS ARE ALSO POSSIBLE.
THIS WILL MAKE TRAVEL VERY HAZARDOUS OR IMPOSSIBLE. THE LATEST
ROAD CONDITIONS FOR THE STATE YOU ARE CALLING FROM CAN BE
OBTAINED BY CALLING 5 1 1.