There were times during the year, when I felt like I was slacking off, but after reviewing the entire year, I can see that the only time that I took it easy was when I was flat on my back in a room at Freeman.
The rest of the year featured one big story after another. For those people who like to criticize this blog by saying it is just one attack against C. J. Huff after another, these year-in-review posts should have put that completely to rest (though I am certain it won't because these people never admit when they are wrong). There were some Huff stories and there should be. The actions he has taken have had a devastating effect on the Joplin R-8 School District and will have for years to come. Plus, it was only 15 days ago, that he received his last check from R-8 taxpayers.
But there have been so many other things that have happened and so many other stories that have been spotlighted, the idea that the Turner Report is a one trick pony is easily put to rest.
That being said, anyone who criticizes me because I dwell in the past will have ample ammunition among the Top 10 posts for December 2016.
The list is filled with people who have jumped back into the news, including the aforementioned C. J. Huff.
Whether it be Edward Meerwald, the drunk driver who killed a Joplin girl and a Neosho man in 2004, former Joplin City Manager Mark Rohr, former Joplin R-8 Assistant Superintendent Angie Besendorfer, Jarub Baird, the man who was convicted for manslaughter in connection with the 2006 death of 15-year-old Hannah Smallwood, or Huff, most of the top posts featured people who had, for the most part, been out of the news here for some time.
Since this post covers the last month of 2016, it will also be the last of my efforts to persuade you to donate or subscribe to the Turner Report/Inside Joplin/Inside Joplin Obituaries (and more).
The Joplin Globe recently inserted a subscription pitch offering its publications for what it described as a bargain price of $20.98 a month. If my math is correct, that would be $251.76. Of course you can get the newspaper on Sunday only (and get to read Geoff Caldwell and Anson Burlingame) for $10 a month, which would be $120 a year for 52 newspapers.
If you buy the newspaper at the grocery store or a convenience store, it now costs $1.50 a day. I am not going to do the math here, because I can't remember how much the Sunday edition costs, but we are talking well over $500 if you buy it one copy at a time.
My price is better and the amount of news being included on the Turner Report and the Inside Joplin blogs has continued to grow, something that cannot be said for the Globe, which has decreased its coverage, produced smaller newspapers, and has far less experienced reporters handling it while drastically increasing its prices.
Those who take a subscription, to the Turner Report have three choices, $30 a year, $3 a month, or $1 a week.
Readers who feel this news operation has been beneficial to you and to the community also have the option of donating any amount, no matter how big or small.
Why should you pay for something that you can get for free?
You certainly do not have to pay. I don't plan on making any threats to quit unless I receive more subscriptions. I intend to keep on working and digging up information that will benefit you or be of interest to you. This is more along the lines of the PBS and NPR fundraisers.
Thanks to all of you who have contributed. Your faith in this news operation is much appreciated.
Those who wish to contribute or subscribe can do so at the PayPal buttons below. If you prefer not to use PayPal or a credit card, you can mail your contribution to Randy Turner, 2306 E. 8th, Apt. G, Joplin, MO 64801.
The Top 10 Posts for December 2016, a few extras, and the top 10 lists and links for January through November 2016 are featured below the PayPal buttons. Thanks for reading.
1 comment:
Usually people's heads suggest a vertical line of symmetry, straight up and down, aligned with the middle of a person's nose.
In this photo, Rohr's head appears to possess a rare horizontal line of symmetry....
Post a Comment