Joplin community rallies for Brooke Robinson's family, 12-year-old still missing

The search for 12-year-old East Middle School student Brooke Robinson, who disappeared after falling out of an inner tube while floating on Shoal Creek at Zans Campground Monday, will continue Thursday, according to Newton County Sheriff Chris Jennings.

From KOAM's report:

"You've got swollen water, a lot of debris moving very rapidly," says Newton County Sheriff Chris Jennings. "I'd guess that water is moving eight to 10 miles an hour. Very fast current. A lot of dangers involved."

Those dangers have already proved heartbreaking.

"I can't imagine what the family is going through. The family has all of our sympathy. Prayers go out to them. I just can't begin to imagine what they're going through," says Jennings.

A Go Fund Me campaign started seven hours ago has already raised $2,760 from 35 contributors to help the Robinson family with a goal of $10,000.

Money is also being raised through the sale of "Forever in Our Hearts Brooke Nicole Robinson t-shirts" with all proceeds going to the Robinson family.

Meals are also being provided for the family through a Meal Train, which can be found at this site.

Isolated thunderstorms expected tonight for Joplin area, severe weather not expected

KSZ073-097-101-MOZ055>058-066>071-077>083-088>098-101>106-020030-
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-
730 PM CDT Wed May 31 2017

This Hazardous Weather Outlook is for portions of the Missouri
Ozarks and extreme southeast Kansas.

.DAY ONE...Tonight.

Weather hazards expected...

  Limited Hail risk.
  Elevated Thunderstorm wind damage risk.
  Limited Lightning risk.

DISCUSSION...

 Isolated thunderstorms will impact extreme southeastern Kansas
 and far southwestern Missouri this evening before diminishing.
 Severe weather is not expected this evening.

 Additional thunderstorms may develop late tonight and move into
 portions of central Missouri toward Thursday morning. There will
 be a limited risk for hail up to the size of quarters and
 damaging wind gusts to 60 mph if this activity develops.

 Otherwise frequent lightning and brief heavy rainfall could
 accompany any of these storms.

.DAYS TWO THROUGH SEVEN...Thursday through Tuesday.

  Thunderstorms may persist into Thursday morning across the
  central and eastern Missouri Ozarks with a limited severe
  weather risk. Additional thunderstorms may then develop
  in the afternoon across portions of the Missouri Ozarks.

  More thunderstorms are then expected from later Friday into
  Saturday night or early Sunday as a storm system moves
  across the region.

  Chances for thunderstorms then look low for most of the
  outlook area for early next week.

.SPOTTER INFORMATION STATEMENT...

  Spotter activation will not be needed through tonight.

Missouri Republican Party hires Mississippi woman as communications director

(From the Missouri Republican Party)

Today, the Missouri Republican Party named Keelie Broom as its Communications Director. Broom, a Mississippi native, earned a Bachelor of Arts from Millsaps College, where she was awarded the John F. Kennedy Award for Political Science. Broom then graduated from Tulane University Law School and spent several years in practice as a civil litigator. Recently, Broom was recognized by a national publication as a preeminent attorney.

Prior to her time as an attorney, Broom worked in the United States Senate under the leadership of Senator Trent Lott. There, she assisted in media relations and digital and print media.

"We are pleased to announce the hiring of Keelie Broom and welcome her to the state of Missouri," said Austin Stukins, Executive Director of the Missouri Republican Party. Stukins continued, "Keelie has an impressive background in the courtroom and in politics--she has shown the type of strong communication and leadership it takes to get our message out."

"Missourians deserve strong, principled conservative leadership," said Broom. "I am thrilled to join the Missouri GOP in its efforts to make sure that the people of Missouri get just that."

Arkansas foster parent, 66, sentenced to life in prison for sex with minors

(From the Department of Justice)

Fort Smith, Arkansas – Kenneth Elser, United States Attorney for the Western District of Arkansas, announced that Clarence C. Garretson, age 66, of Van Buren, Arkansas, was sentenced today to a term of LIFE in federal prison for his conviction on one count of transporting a minor in interstate commerce with intent to engage in criminal sexual activity. He was also sentenced to a term of 15 years imprisonment each on four other counts of transporting minors in interstate commerce with intent to engage in criminal sexual activity, with those terms to run concurrently and concurrent with the term of LIFE imprisonment on Count One. The Honorable Chief Judge P.K. Holmes, III presided over the sentencing hearing in the United States District Court in Fort Smith.

According to court records, the Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI) initiated an investigation after a minor female (Minor #1) disclosed in May, 2016 that she had been raped by Garretson when he took her on a multi-state trip two years earlier. Garretson was an over-the-road truck driver for C & T Trucking company in Van Buren and he had requested and received a “rider waiver” from the trucking company so that the minor could accompany him on the trip. The minor was ten-years-old in 2014 and Garretson was 63 years old. Garretson stipulated and agreed in the plea agreement that he transported the minor in interstate commerce with the intent to engage in sexual activity with her and the sexual activity he engaged in with her was Rape, a Class Y felony.

During the course of the investigation, it was learned that in 1998 Garretson and his wife were approved by Arkansas Department of Human Services (DHS) to operate a foster home and later to become an adoptive home. The FBI Special Agent learned that DHS had received a report in 2002 from a foster child then living in the home that she had been sexually assaulted by Garretson. Based on that information, the agent began locating individuals who had been in foster care at the Garretson residence. Minor #2 was interviewed in June, 2016 and was a foster child in the home from 2000 to 2004. She disclosed that Garretson had taken her on over-the-road truck trips when she was his foster child. Garretson stipulated and agreed that he transported the minor in interstate commerce with the intent to engage in sexual activity with her, and that the sexual activity he engaged in with her was Violation of a Minor in the First Degree, a Class C felony. At the time of the offense, she was over 13 years of age, and less than 18 and the conduct engaged in was sexual intercourse. Garretson stipulated and agreed that Minor #2 was a foster child in his care, custody, and control when he transported her in interstate commerce with the intent to engage in sexual activity with her.

In 1999, DHS placed Minor #3 and his two older sisters in the Garretson home, and Minor #3 was legally adopted by them in 2001. Minor #3 was interviewed by the FBI Special Agent in July, 2016 and disclosed that Garretson had taken him on long distance truck trips starting in the summer of 2001 when he was 11 years old and that he had sexually assaulted him on multiple trips during summer vacation from school in 2002 and 2003. Garretson stipulated and agreed that he transported the minor in interstate commerce with the intent to engage in sexual activity with him, that the sexual activity he engaged in with him was Rape, a Class Y felony. Garretson stipulated and agreed that Minor #3 was in his care, custody and control when he transported him in interstate commerce with intent to engage in sexual activity with him.

In 1999, DHS placed Minor #5 and her two siblings in the Garretson home and she remained there until 2004. She was interviewed by the FBI Special Agent in July, 2016 and disclosed that she was sexually assaulted by Garretson on an over-the-road trip to California during the summer of 2000 when she was 13 years old. Garretson stipulated and agreed that he transported Minor #5 in interstate commerce with the intent to engage in sexual activity with her, that the sexual activity he engaged in with her was Rape, a Class Y felony, and that Minor #5 was in his care, custody, and control when he transported her in interstate commerce with intent to engage in sexual activity with her.

Minor #8 was born in 1993 and was interviewed by the FBI Special Agent in September, 2016. She stated that Garretson transported her and her siblings between Arkansas and California as a favor to her family since their parents lived in different states. She disclosed that in 2002 when she was 9 years old, Garretson had her sleep nude or partially nude in the bed with him inside the truck and engage in sexual activity with her. Garretson stipulated and agreed that he transported Minor #8 in interstate commerce with the intent to engage in sexual activity with her, and that the sexual activity he engaged in with her was Rape, a Class Y felony. He stipulated and agreed that Minor #8 was in his care, custody and control when he transported her in interstate commerce with the intent to engage in sexual activity with her.

Garretson was charged in a superseding indictment by a federal grand jury on October 4, 2016 and pleaded guilty on August 9, 2016.

This case was investigated by the Federal Bureau of Investigations (FBI) and assisted by the Van Buren Police Department, Fort Smith Police Department, Crawford County Sheriff’s Office, Social Security Administration Office of Inspector General as well as Law Enforcement Officers in the states of California, Colorado and Oregon. Assistant United States Attorneys Kyra Jenner and Candace Taylor prosecuted the case for the United States.

Federal grand jury indicts former director, bookkeeper of Vernon County Ambulance District for embezzling

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

The former director and the former bookkeeper of the Vernon County Ambulance District have been indicted by a federal grand jury for embezzling more than $260,000 from the district.

Tina L. Werner, 51, and James D. McKenzie, 51, both formerly of Nevada, Mo., were charged in a nine-count indictment returned by a federal grand jury in Springfield, Mo., on May 11, 2017.

McKenzie and Werner were employed with the ambulance district until October 2015, McKenzie as the director and Werner as a bookkeeper. McKenzie’s duties as director included managing the daily operations of the district, including the personnel and financial management of the district. McKenzie began his employment with the ambulance district in 1987. Werner’s duties as bookkeeper included managing payroll, conducting financial transactions and managing the accounts receivable. Werner began her employment in 2000.

The federal indictment alleges that Werner, utilizing her position as bookkeeper, began electronically transferring money from the ambulance district’s bank accounts into personal bank accounts held by herself and McKenzie in January 2013. Additionally, Werner allegedly initiated electronic bill payments from ambulance district bank accounts to pay the personal credit cards held by herself and McKenzie. Werner and McKenzie did not have authorization to conduct such payments and their actions caused the ambulance district to suffer financial loss.

Additionally, the indictment says, from January 2013 until October 2015, Werner and McKenzie issued payments from an ambulance district credit card account for the purpose of paying McKenzie’s personal utility bills and those of a McKenzie family member, resulting in the ambulance district suffering additional financial loss. Werner and McKenzie did not have authorization to conduct such payments.

Werner also allegedly falsified electronic payroll records and recorded additional overtime hours worked for herself and McKenzie. As a result, the ambulance district issued electronic payments to Werner and McKenzie for overtime hours that were not actually worked, resulting in the district falsely overpaying Werner and McKenzie, thereby suffering additional financial loss.

McKenzie and Werner allegedly embezzled a total of $260,265 from the ambulance district from January 2013 to October 2015.

According to the indictment, Werner attempted to conceal the embezzlement by entering a false deposit of $130,000 in the QuickBooks application, and by obtaining a $20,000 line of credit from OnDeck without the knowledge or authorization of the ambulance district’s board of directors. McKenzie and Werner allegedly destroyed financial and business documents belonging to the ambulance district while they were in the district’s office on Oct. 23, 2015, in an effort to conceal their embezzlement.

In addition to the conspiracy, McKenzie and Werner are charged together in three counts of wire fraud related to thefts from the district’s Christmas account (into which employees deposited money throughout the year, then withdrew during the Christmas shopping season) to pay McKenzie’s and Werner’s credit cards.

McKenzie and Werner are also charged together in two counts of wire fraud related to thefts from the district’s toy drive bank account, which was transferred to the bank account of McReed Construction, a business owned by McKenzie.

McKenzie and Werner are also charged together in one count of wire fraud related to theft from an ambulance district credit card to pay the personal utility bills of McKenzie and a family member.

McKenzie and Werner are also charged together in one count of wire fraud related to McKenzie receiving compensation to which he was not entitled due to being paid for overtime that he did not actually work. Werner is also charged with one count of wire fraud related to her receiving compensation to which she was not entitled due to being paid for overtime that she did not actually work.

Larson cautioned that the charges contained in this indictment are simply accusations, and not evidence of guilt.

This case is being prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorneys Patrick Carney and Casey Clark. It was investigated by the FBI and the Missouri State Highway Patrol.

Joplin R-8 Board hires EMS assistant principal, 26 teachers, accepts 15 resignations

The Joplin R-8 Board of Education hired 26 teachers and accepted 15 resignations during a May 23 closed session.

The board also hired Paul Gipson as East Middle School assistant principal. Gipson replaces Jason Weaver, who is the new principal at Jefferson Elementary.

Teachers who were hired included the following:

Shantel Barker, Heather Bennett, Eric Blackford, Marissa Blevins, Patrick Bromley, Karen Fitzsimmons, Joseph Flynn, Makayla Fuller, Casey Funk, Linda Gooch, Shelly Greninger, Betsy James, Jessica Lawyer, Katie Moore, Robin Nelson, Alexia Ohnemus, Mary Pace, Beverly Saneman, Courtney Throener, Travis Trueblood, Katherine Wilson, Ariel Adams, Elizabeth Arnold, Morgan Doyle, Jessica Rogers, and Kyle Wolf.

Two classified employees, Tara McCoy and Dimitra Summers, were also hired.

Resignations were accepted from the following:

Elizabeth Arnold-Enslow, Baily Austin, Jessica Broaddus, Chad Brooks, Caryn Deckard, Caleb Frakes, Kristi Mascher, Taylor Quezada, Jason Vance, Stephanie Wellesley, Earlene White, Victoria Wiley, April Wilson, Jamie Eggerman, and Stephanie Taylor.

Significant weather advisory issued for Jasper and northwestern Newton counties

...SIGNIFICANT WEATHER ADVISORY FOR CHEROKEE...SOUTH CENTRAL
CRAWFORD...NORTHWESTERN NEWTON AND JASPER COUNTIES UNTIL 300 PM
CDT...

At 212 PM CDT, Doppler radar was tracking a strong thunderstorm near
West Mineral, or near Columbus, moving east at 40 mph.

Nickel size hail and wind gusts of 50 to 55 mph will be possible with
this storm.

Locations impacted include...
Joplin...                         Carthage...
Webb City...                      Carl Junction...
Baxter Springs...                 Columbus...
Galena...                         Oronogo...
Carterville...                    Duquesne...
Duenweg...                        Loma Linda...
Cherokee...                       Airport Drive...
Weir...                           Leawood...
Lowell...                         Silver Creek...
Alba...                           Sherman...

This includes Interstate 44 between mile markers 0 and 15.

PRECAUTIONARY/PREPAREDNESS ACTIONS...

Frequent cloud to ground lightning is occurring with this storm.
Lightning can strike 10 miles away from a thunderstorm. Seek a safe
shelter inside a building or vehicle.

This storm may intensify, so be certain to monitor local radio
stations and available television stations for additional information
and possible warnings from the National Weather Service.

&&

A severe thunderstorm watch remains in effect until 800 PM CDT for
southeastern Kansas...and southwestern Missouri.

Severe thunderstorm watch issued for Joplin area

SEVERE THUNDERSTORM WATCH OUTLINE UPDATE FOR WS 301
NWS STORM PREDICTION CENTER NORMAN OK
140 PM CDT WED MAY 31 2017

SEVERE THUNDERSTORM WATCH 301 IS IN EFFECT UNTIL 800 PM CDT
FOR THE FOLLOWING LOCATIONS

MOC009-011-013-015-037-039-043-057-059-077-083-085-097-109-119-
145-167-185-209-213-217-225-010100-
/O.NEW.KWNS.SV.A.0301.170531T1840Z-170601T0100Z/

MO
.    MISSOURI COUNTIES INCLUDED ARE

BARRY                BARTON              BATES
BENTON               CASS                CEDAR
CHRISTIAN            DADE                DALLAS
GREENE               HENRY               HICKORY
JASPER               LAWRENCE            MCDONALD
NEWTON               POLK                ST. CLAIR
STONE                TANEY               VERNON
WEBSTER

Elevated risk of hail, lightning, wind damage tonight in Southwest Missouri

Hazardous Weather Outlook
National Weather Service Springfield MO
1020 AM CDT Wed May 31 2017

KSZ073-097-101-MOZ055>058-066>071-077>083-088>098-101>106-011530-
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-
1020 AM CDT Wed May 31 2017

This Hazardous Weather Outlook is for portions of the Missouri
Ozarks and extreme southeast Kansas.

.DAY ONE...Today and Tonight.

Weather hazards expected...

  Elevated Hail risk.
  Elevated Thunderstorm wind damage risk.
  Elevated Lightning risk.

DISCUSSION...

  An area of showers and isolated thunderstorms continue to track
  south across portions of southeastern Kansas and southwestern
  Missouri late this morning. This activity is weakening and no
  severe weather is expected. Occasional cloud to ground lightning
  strikes will occur with the storms before the completely
  diminishing around midday.

  Additional scattered thunderstorms will then develop this
  afternoon into this evening, especially north of the U.S. 60
  corridor. Some of these storms may become severe, with hail up
  to the size of ping pong balls, damaging wind gusts to 60 mph,
  and frequent lightning being the primary potential hazards. The
  greatest risk for severe storms will be west of U.S. 65 and
  north of U.S. 60.

  A complex of thunderstorms is then expected to develop late
  tonight and shift into portions of central Missouri. There
  is a limited risk for hail up to the size of quarters and
  damaging wind gusts to 60 mph as these storms shift
  southeast across central Missouri. Frequent lightning and
  brief heavy rainfall can also be expected with these storms.

.DAYS TWO THROUGH SEVEN...Thursday through Tuesday.

  Thunderstorms may persist into Thursday morning across the
  central and eastern Missouri Ozarks with a limited severe
  weather risk. Additional thunderstorms may then develop
  in the afternoon across portions of the Missouri Ozarks.

  More thunderstorms are then expected from later Friday into
  Saturday night or early Sunday as a storm system moves
  across the region.

  Chances for thunderstorms then look low for most of the
  outlook area for early next week.

.SPOTTER INFORMATION STATEMENT...

  Spotter activation may be needed for this afternoon and
  tonight, mainly west of U.S. 65 and north of U.S. 60.

Turner Report beats Kansas City Star on Greitens contributions story- by seven and a half months

The investigative reporters of the Kansas City Star revealed to their readers today that Gov. Eric Greitens received $370,000 from members of Secretary of Education Betsy DeVos' family and other voucher/charter school supporters.

it is a great story and might have had more impact if the Star had done its research before the election when all of that information was already available.

And the number is not $370,000, but at least $700,000 as the Turner Report revealed when this blog broke the story on October 8, a full month before the election.

Actually, though the Star story features the bylines of two reporters,  Kelsey Ryan and Jason Hancock, the newspaper's research came from the National Institute on Money in State Politics and was inspired by an Associated Press article.

According to the data of top school-choice proponent donations in 2016, Greitens received:

▪ $40,000 from Betsy and Richard DeVos.

▪ $55,301 from venture capitalist William Draper III.

▪ $275,000 from Home Depot co-founder Bernie Marcus.

The data show the $275,000 Greitens received from Marcus was the second-largest donation to any individual candidate from top school-choice supporters in 2016.

As it turns out, the Turner Report missed Draper's contributions, meaning that the actual amount of money Greitens received from voucher supporters was closer to $750,000.

The Kansas City Star and apparently the other organizations whose work inspired the Star's article missed an additional $60,000 from members of the DeVos family. It is obvious from the article that no one from the Star ever looked through the actual Missouri Ethics Commission documents.

This is what I wrote in the October 8, 2016 Turner Report:

While much publicity has been given to the amount of money Republican gubernatorial candidate Eric Greitens has received from proponents of right to work laws, the former Navy SEAL has also been receiving sizable contributions from anti-public school sources, including longtime voucher and charter school proponents.

A search of Missouri Ethics Commission documents shows that Greitens has received at least $695,000 with a record of attacking public schools and teachers while pushing for charter schools and privatization.

Among those contributing to Greitens:

$275,000 from Bernard Marcus, founder of Home Depot. Marcus gave $250,000 to the misnamed Families for Better Public Schools, a pro-charter committee in Georgia. (The only thing public about charter schools is that they drain taxpayer money from public schools. The public has no say in how the schools are operated, they do not have publicly elected boards, and board meetings are seldom, if ever, open to the public.)

$50,000 from Ron Weiser, one of the top contributors to the Great Lakes Education Project, an advocacy group for expanding so-called school choice and charter schools.

$10,000 from Linda McMahon, former CEO of World Wrestling Entertainment (WWE)

$125,000 from Julian Robertson, founder of Tiger Management, who gave $25 million to the Success Academy charter schools.

$100,000 from Illinois Gov. Bruce Rauner, a private equity multi-millionaire who started the Rauner College Prep Charter Schools. Rauner recently said, "Half of Chicago Public School teachers are virtually illiterate."

$100,000 (five $20,000 contributions) from the DeVos family of Michigan, which originally found the pro-voucher group All Children Matter and Amway. Dick DeVos began the effort to undermine public schools by calling them "government schools."

$10,000 from Bill Bloomfield, chairman of Baron Real Estate, who spent more than three million dollars trying unsuccessfully to elect former charter school executive Marshall Tuck as state superintendent of public instruction in California and contributed $2.1 million to Ed Voice, which fights teacher tenure laws.

$25,000 from Marlene Ricketts, Chicago Cubs owner. The Cubs charity contributes considerable money to Chicago charter schools.

The amount of money Greitens has received from public education foes may be far greater than the contributions listed above.

The Republican Governors Association-Missouri has contributed $6 million to Greitens, funneling money from the Republican Governors Association a 527c organization that does not reveal its donors.

At this point, Missourians also have no way of knowing who contributed to the $1,975,000 Greitens received from a group calling itself Seals for Truth, though that group is not 527c and will have to list its donors on its quarterly financial report which is due to the FEC by October 15. The contribution was the largest in Missouri history, until Greitens received $2.5 million from Republican Governors Association-Missouri, the largest of five contributions from the committee.

Greitens' website lists a one-paragraph statement on his beliefs on education:

Too many Missouri children and parents are trapped in failing schools. I’ll lead efforts to provide more choices and opportunities for kids who need it most.

Ironically, the tens of millions Greitens has received from out-of-state sources would go a long way toward alleviating the poverty that is responsible for many of the ills that face public education.

PRI report details how Joplin people of all faiths came together after 2012 mosque fire

Public Radio International broadcast a report Monday on its program "The World" detailing how Joplin people of all faiths came together after the burning of Joplin Islamic Society Mosque in 2012.

From the report:

Today, Joplin’s mosque is housed in a plain building surrounded by a black gate and a fluttering American flag. One afternoon last month, kids were running around there, getting ready for an Arabic lesson. On the wall, posters explained the similarities between Islam, Christianity and Judaism.

(Imam) Lahmuddin said on the day the new mosque opened, he felt deep gratitude. “Many of our Christian friends said that when God takes something from you, he will give you a better one. They believe in that. And we do, too. Now we have a mosque that’s better than the one that was burnt.”

Greitens to sign anti-union bill today, Scott Walker to attend

(From Gov. Eric Greitens)

Today, Governor Eric Greitens will sign SB 182, an important labor reform bill that eliminates special advantages for union bosses when negotiating government contracts. These advantages decrease competition and drive up the costs of construction for the taxpayer.

"Project Labor Agreements drive up the cost of construction and kill jobs," said Governor Greitens. "Our top priority is more jobs for the people. We're eliminating this sweetheart deal for special interests, protecting taxpayers, and creating more opportunity for all workers in Missouri."

Governor Scott Walker of Wisconsin will attend this afternoon's signing at Automation Service in Earth City. Rep. Rob Vescovo and Sen. Bill Onder, the bill's sponsors, will also be in attendance.

Politicians and government officials across the state of Missouri have worked with union bosses to create special privileges and advantages for union contractors on taxpayer-funded construction projects. This reform ensures that all contractors are able to fairly bid on taxpayer-funded projects to ensure more work for workers and less waste for taxpayers.

McCaskill: Remembering our fallen heroes and a thank you to those who have served

(From Sen. Claire McCaskill)

As the daughter of a World War II veteran, I grew up thinking that my dad was just about the bravest man in the world. Early on, he made sure I understood the incredible sacrifices our men and women in uniform make – and that every single one of them was a beloved father, mother, son or daughter, too.

We’ll never be able to repay our debt to these heroes or express our full gratitude for their service. But taking the time today to think about those who’ve come before us – who’ve given up everything for a set of ideals – is a good start.

And finally, as we remember these fallen heroes, I encourage you to consider donating in their honor to organizations that support vets who are still with us. One of my personal favorites is Paralyzed Veterans of America, which provides care for veterans living with a severe spinal cord injury. Here’s the link if you’d like to make a contribution: https://secure.pva.org/default.aspx?tsid=8654&ovr_acv_id=2886

Today and every other day, too, I want to say a big thank you to all those who’ve served or have supported a service member. I’ve always been awed by your bravery and grateful to be your senator, friend, and – in one case – daughter.

Graves: Remembering those who have made the ultimate sacrifice

(From Sixth District Congressman Sam Graves)

Memorial Day is a time to honor all of those who have given their lives in defense of this country. It reminds us how lucky we are to live free in a land of democracy and opportunity. It also reminds us that this freedom has come at an extraordinarily high cost.

Nothing we do on Memorial Day will bring back those we lost in battle. Scars of families torn about by war fade, but they never heal.

At the very least, though, Memorial Day is a time to think about how truly fortunate we all are to call this place home. To have the freedoms and rights guaranteed at birth that so many have died fighting for throughout history.

This Memorial Day, join me in remembering those who have made the ultimate sacrifice defending the greatest beacon of hope this world has ever known. And please say a prayer for all of those still fighting for that cause.

Count your blessings today, and remember how important it is for God to continue blessing the United States of America.

Severe thunderstorm warning issued for Jasper, Newton counties; baseball-sized hail possible

Severe Thunderstorm Warning
National Weather Service Springfield MO
1149 PM CDT SAT MAY 27 2017

The National Weather Service in Springfield has issued a

* Severe Thunderstorm Warning for...
  Cherokee County in southeastern Kansas...
  Northwestern Newton County in southwestern Missouri...
  Southwestern Jasper County in southwestern Missouri...

* Until 1245 AM CDT

* At 1147 PM CDT, a severe thunderstorm was located over Commerce, or
  near Miami, moving northeast at 45 mph.

  This is a very dangerous storm.

  HAZARD...Baseball size hail and 60 mph wind gusts.

  SOURCE...Trained weather spotters. This storm has produced
           baseball size hail in Craig and Ottawa counties.

  IMPACT...People and animals outdoors will be severely injured.
           Expect shattered windows, extensive damage to roofs,
           siding, and vehicles.

* Locations impacted include...
  Joplin...                         Carthage...
  Neosho...                         Webb City...
  Carl Junction...                  Baxter Springs...
  Columbus...                       Galena...
  Oronogo...                        Seneca...
  Granby...                         Carterville...
  Duquesne...                       Duenweg...
  Diamond...                        Loma Linda...
  Airport Drive...                  Leawood...
  Lowell...                         Silver Creek...

This includes Interstate 44 between mile markers 0 and 25.

PRECAUTIONARY/PREPAREDNESS ACTIONS...

For your protection move to an interior room on the lowest floor of a
building.

This is a dangerous storm. Prepare immediately for large destructive
hail capable of producing significant damage. People outside should
move to shelter inside a strong building,  and stay away from
windows.

Posts about Will Norton, Donald Trump, Paul Barr among most visited on Turner Report/Inside Joplin this week

The top 10 posts for the Turner Report this week are a mixed bag of all kinds of different stories topped by assault charges filed against a Neosho man.

The most unusual posts this week came in at numbers six and seven.

Number six was a post from June 2011 as I noted a few Turner Report posts from six years ago to observe the sixth anniversary of the Joplin Tornado. The post featured my coverage of the funeral of Joplin High School graduate Will Norton, one of the 161 tornado victims.

At number seven was the transcript and video of the only comments on record by President Donald Trump about the Joplin Tornado, though he never mentions Joplin.

The Turner Report

1. 255-pound man says he punched woman behind Sam's Cellar in self-defense

2. Please don't ask me not to print public records

3. Preliminary hearing for Joplin doctor charged with statutory rape, sodomy set for next week

4. Judge: It's unfortunate taxpayer dollars will be used to pay for (C. J. Huff's) failure

5. Joplin R-8 to announce Paul Barr's retirement today

6. Life of Will Norton celebrated

7. Donald Trump from 2011: Billions for Iraq, Afghanistan, but nothing for tornado victims

8. Former East Middle School nurse sues Joplin R-8 for age, disabilities discrimination

9. Joplin residents, Lamar man indicted on meth conspiracy, trafficking charges

10. Joplin R-8 Board approves salary schedule on 4-3 vote

Inside Joplin

1. Barton County Sheriff's Office Arrests

2. Moving violation check point to be held in Jasper County, DWI saturation in McDonald County

3. Video- Complete Joplin High School Graduation

4. Jasper County Sheriff arrests Carl Junction man for kidnapping, assault 

5. Joplin Police Department Arrests May 24-25

6. Joplin Police: No evidence to support rumor of child abduction at Lowe's

7. Joplin Police Department Arrests May 23-24

8. Jasper County Dissolutions of Marriage Petitions

9. Joplin Police Department Arrests May 22-23

10. Sheriff's office arrests Joplin man for driving while intoxicated

Inside Joplin Obituaries

1. Maynard Barnabas

2. Max Clevenger

3. Edward Hembree

4. Bob Larson

5. Jerry Hatfield

6. Hermy Passley

7. Judy Miller

8. Eula Hall

9. Lois Wells

10. Charles Fitzjohn

Some thoughts about my 40-year anniversary

I am not quite sure of the date, but it was either May 23, 1977,  or right around that time that I had my first automobile accident.

I was driving Mom's car in Neosho and I accidentally turned down a road that I had never driven before. As I reached an intersection and drove it through it, I saw a car barreling in on me and there was nothing I could do. It slammed into the passenger side door.

We both got out of our cars to assess the damage.

The other driver appeared to be in his late 30s or early 40s and shouted at me, "You ran the stop sign."

"What stop sign?" I asked. I looked over and I could barely see a stop sign because it was almost thoroughly obscured by tree branches.

A number of people had been outside and a few had seen the crash. When the Neosho Police arrived, no tickets were written. The police officer acknowledged that someone who was unfamiliar with the street would not have known there was a stop sign there. He did give me a well-deserved lecture on being cautious as I approached intersections.

That was the first time I had ever been in any kind of traffic accident- and it was also the first day of my journalism career. 

When I had my accident, I was driving home from an interview at the Neosho Daily News, where I was hired to be the editor of the weekly Newton County News.

Why I had the nerve to apply for a job as editor of a newspaper when I had no experience, other than writing a column for the East Newton Fife and Drum (and publishing an underground newspaper when I was a freshman in high school and getting suspended for it, but I didn't mention that during the interview).

Now at 21, I was the editor of the Newton County News. Actually, I was the co-editor of the newspaper along with recent East Newton High School graduate Karen Sapp, who had been the editor of the Fife and Drum.

Karen was the one who knew what she was doing. I didn't have the slightest idea.

We were hired because we were the only ones who applied for the job.

When school started that fall, Karen left, and for the next six months, readers in the Granby and Diamond area were forced to endure the person who was not only the youngest editor of a Missouri newspaper at that time, but also the worst.

The publisher, Richard Bush, finally fired me by mail in February. In addition to being editor, I was also the advertising sales person. Bush might have been able to tolerate a thoroughly incompetent editor, but not an ad sales person who couldn't sell any ads.

Still, my nine months at the Newton County News made me determined to somehow get another newspaper job and learn how to do the job right, so despite my complete failure there, I still celebrate the day I was hired, despite the accident.

A couple of months after my time at the Newton County News ended, I saw an advertisement for a reporter at the Lamar Democrat, which at that time was the smallest daily newspaper in Missouri.

I was still attending Missouri Southern, so I could not take a job, but I called the Democrat editor, Lou Nell Clark, and told her I could not apply for the job, but that I was interested in learning about newspapers and hoped to be able to land a newspaper job when the semester ended at Southern.

For some reason, she asked me to come to Lamar and talk with her. I did and in May, the sports editor position opened up at the Democrat and I was back in the newspaper business.

During my eight months at the Democrat, I made it a point to learn as much as I could from the people who worked there, primarily Lou Nell, who taught me about reporting, the production manager Russell Pierson, and the proofreader/typesetter Dorothy Parks, who drilled home the importance of accuracy.

Budget cuts ended my time there in December 1978, but a month later, the company hired me as editor of the weekly Lockwood Luminary-Golden City Herald. This time, I knew how to write and edit for a weekly newspaper.

I loved that job and hated it when Boone Newspapers decided to shut the newspaper down in October 1979.

I returned to Missouri Southern after that and earned my teaching degree, doing my student teaching at Diamond Junior High, while working for Editor Emery Styron at the Newton County News. When he left, I once again became editor of that publication. After that, I returned to the Democrat as managing editor from 1982 through the early part of 1990, when I left to become a general assignment reporter for the Carthage Press. Three years later, I became managing editor, a position I held until May 1999.

Even though I spent the next 14 years as a classroom teacher, first at Diamond and then Joplin, I continued journalism, at first through a Turner Report website, which may have had 20 readers at most, and later with the Turner Report and Inside Joplin blogs. During that time, I also wrote columns and occasionally provided school and sports coverage for the Newton County News, briefly wrote a column for KY3's website, and provided blogs and columns for the Huffington Post and Daily Kos.

It all started 40 years ago and I have never grown tired of reporting.

(The photo was taken shortly after I began working as editor of the Lockwood Luminary-Golden City Herald in January 1979.)

Flash flood warning issued for Neosho, Goodman, Anderson

Flash Flood Warning
MOC009-043-109-119-145-209-213-280530-
/O.NEW.KSGF.FF.W.0054.170528T0025Z-170528T0530Z/
/00000.0.ER.000000T0000Z.000000T0000Z.000000T0000Z.OO/

BULLETIN - EAS ACTIVATION REQUESTED
Flash Flood Warning
National Weather Service Springfield MO
725 PM CDT SAT MAY 27 2017

The National Weather Service in Springfield has issued a

* Flash Flood Warning for...
  Southern Newton County in southwestern Missouri...
  Christian County in southwestern Missouri...
  Northern Taney County in southwestern Missouri...
  Stone County in southwestern Missouri...
  Northern McDonald County in southwestern Missouri...
  Barry County in southwestern Missouri...
  Southeastern Lawrence County in southwestern Missouri...

* Until 1230 AM CDT

* At 725 PM CDT, Doppler radar indicated thunderstorms producing
  heavy rain across the warned area. Up to two inches of rain has
  already fallen. Flash flooding is expected to begin shortly.

* Creeks, streams, and low water crossings will be especially
  susceptible to the dangers of flash flooding.
  Locations in the warning include...
  Nixa...                           Ozark...
  Neosho...                         Branson...
  Big Sugar Creek State Park...     Roaring River State Park...
  Monett...                         Aurora...
  Cassville...                      Silver Dollar City...
  Kimberling City...                Forsyth...
  Anderson...                       Merriam Woods...
  Sparta...                         Crane...
  Shell Knob...                     Goodman...
  Purdy...                          Reeds Spring...

This warning includes but is not limited to the following low water
crossings...
Highway 43 at Buffalo Creek west of Anderson...
Highway 13 at Railey Creek near Reeds Spring...
Highway 13 at Pine Run northwest of Galena...
Route U at Pedelo Creek northeast of Sparta...
and Route Y at Flat Creek just northeast of Cassville.

PRECAUTIONARY/PREPAREDNESS ACTIONS...

A Flash Flood Warning means that flooding is imminent or occurring.
If you are in the warned area move to higher ground immediately.
Residents living along streams and creeks should take immediate
precautions to protect life and property.

Tornado watch for Joplin area extended until 2 a.m.

TORNADO WATCH OUTLINE UPDATE FOR WT 284
NWS STORM PREDICTION CENTER NORMAN OK
700 PM CDT SAT MAY 27 2017

TORNADO WATCH 284 IS IN EFFECT UNTIL 200 AM CDT FOR THE
 FOLLOWING LOCATIONS

MOC009-023-035-043-067-069-077-091-097-109-119-143-145-149-153-
155-181-203-207-209-213-215-223-225-229-280700-
/O.NEW.KWNS.TO.A.0284.170528T0000Z-170528T0700Z/

MO
.    MISSOURI COUNTIES INCLUDED ARE

BARRY                BUTLER              CARTER
CHRISTIAN            DOUGLAS             DUNKLIN
GREENE               HOWELL              JASPER
LAWRENCE             MCDONALD            NEWTON
NEW MADRID           OREGON              OZARK
PEMISCOT             RIPLEY              SHANNON
STODDARD             STONE               TANEY
TEXAS                WAYNE               WEBSTER
WRIGHT

Hail, wind damage expected as severe thunderstorm warning extended again for Newton County

BULLETIN - IMMEDIATE BROADCAST REQUESTED
Severe Thunderstorm Warning
National Weather Service Springfield MO
644 PM CDT SAT MAY 27 2017

The National Weather Service in Springfield has issued a

* Severe Thunderstorm Warning for...
  Newton County in southwestern Missouri...

* Until 730 PM CDT

* At 644 PM CDT, a severe thunderstorm was located near Seneca, or 11
  miles east of Miami, moving east at 40 mph.

  HAZARD...60 mph wind gusts and quarter size hail.

  SOURCE...Radar indicated.

  IMPACT...Hail damage to vehicles is expected. Expect wind damage
           to roofs, siding, and trees.

* Locations impacted include...
  Southern Joplin...                Neosho...
  Seneca...                         Granby...
  Duquesne...                       Diamond...
  Loma Linda...                     Leawood...
  Silver Creek...                   Fairview...
  Shoal Creek Drive...              Saginaw...
  Newtonia...                       Stella...
  Redings Mill...                   Wentworth...
  Stark City...                     Grand Falls Plaza...
  Shoal Creek Estates...            Ritchey...

This includes Interstate 44 between mile markers 1 and 9.

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 700 PM CDT for southwestern
Missouri.

Flash flood warning issued for Jasper, Newton counties

Flash Flood Warning
MOC009-043-077-097-109-145-280330-
/O.NEW.KSGF.FF.W.0053.170527T2329Z-170528T0330Z/
/00000.0.ER.000000T0000Z.000000T0000Z.000000T0000Z.OO/

BULLETIN - EAS ACTIVATION REQUESTED
Flash Flood Warning
National Weather Service Springfield MO
629 PM CDT SAT MAY 27 2017

The National Weather Service in Springfield has issued a

* Flash Flood Warning for...
  Newton County in southwestern Missouri...
  Northwestern Christian County in southwestern Missouri...
  Northwestern Barry County in southwestern Missouri...
  Lawrence County in southwestern Missouri...
  Greene County in southwestern Missouri...
  Southeastern Jasper County in southwestern Missouri...

* Until 1030 PM CDT

* At 629 PM CDT, Doppler radar indicated thunderstorms producing
  heavy rain across the warned area. Up to two inches of rain has
  already fallen. Flash flooding is expected to begin shortly.

* Creeks, streams, and low water crossings will be especially
  susceptible to the dangers of flash flooding.
  Locations in the warning include...
  Springfield...                    Southern Joplin...
  Nixa...                           Ozark...
  Republic...                       Carthage...
  Neosho...                         Monett...
  Aurora...                         Battlefield...
  Willard...                        Mount Vernon...
  Strafford...                      Seneca...
  Marionville...                    Clever...
  Granby...                         Duquesne...
  Fair Grove...                     Sarcoxie...

This warning includes but is not limited to the following low water
crossings...

Business Highway 60 just north of Neosho...
Highway 97 at The Spring River north of Stotts City...
Highway 37 at The Spring River southwest of Avilla...
Scenic Avenue in southwest Springfield...
and Route F, 3 miles northeast of Reeds.

PRECAUTIONARY/PREPAREDNESS ACTIONS...

A Flash Flood Warning means that flooding is imminent or occurring.
If you are in the warned area move to higher ground immediately.
Residents living along streams and creeks should take immediate
precautions to protect life and property.

Severe thunderstorm warning remains in effect for Ottawa, Craig counties

The National Weather Service in Tulsa has issued a

* Severe Thunderstorm Warning for...
  Northeastern Craig County in northeastern Oklahoma...
  Northern Ottawa County in northeastern Oklahoma...

* Until 630 PM CDT

* At 555 PM CDT, severe thunderstorms were located along a line
  extending from 3 miles east of Quapaw to 5 miles west of
  Bluejacket, moving east at 50 mph.

  HAZARD...60 mph wind gusts and quarter size hail.

  SOURCE...Radar indicated.

  IMPACT...Hail damage to vehicles is expected. Expect wind damage
           to roofs, siding, and trees.

* Locations in or near the path include...
  Miami...                          Commerce...
  Quapaw...                         Welch...
  Treece...                         Picher...
  Ottawa...                         Peoria...
  Cardin...

This includes Interstate 44 between mile markers 308 and 324.

PRECAUTIONARY/PREPAREDNESS ACTIONS...

For your protection move to an interior room on the lowest floor of a
building.

Severe thunderstorm warning extended for Jasper, Newton counties

BULLETIN - IMMEDIATE BROADCAST REQUESTED
Severe Thunderstorm Warning
National Weather Service Springfield MO
601 PM CDT SAT MAY 27 2017

The National Weather Service in Springfield has issued a

* Severe Thunderstorm Warning for...
  Northeastern Newton County in southwestern Missouri...
  Southern Jasper County in southwestern Missouri...

* Until 645 PM CDT

* At 601 PM CDT, a severe thunderstorm was located near Sarcoxie, or
  9 miles southeast of Carthage, moving east at 60 mph.

  HAZARD...60 mph wind gusts and quarter size hail.

  SOURCE...Radar indicated.

  IMPACT...Hail damage to vehicles is expected. Expect wind damage
           to roofs, siding, and trees.

* Locations impacted include...
  Joplin...                         Carthage...
  Webb City...                      Carterville...
  Duquesne...                       Sarcoxie...
  Duenweg...                        Diamond...
  Leawood...                        Silver Creek...
  Shoal Creek Drive...              Saginaw...
  Fidelity...                       Wentworth...
  Avilla...                         La Russell...
  Brooklyn Heights...               Reeds...
  Ritchey...                        Dennis Acres...

This includes Interstate 44 between mile markers 7 and 31.

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 700 PM CDT for southwestern
Missouri.

Tornado safe rooms open at Joplin Schools following Ottawa County warning

(From Joplin Schools)

5:30 PM- Because of an actual tornado warning in Ottawa County, OK we will be opening the Community Safe Rooms for Joplin Schools.

Severe thunderstorm warning issued for western Newton County

Severe Thunderstorm Warning
KSC021-MOC145-272330-
/O.NEW.KSGF.SV.W.0232.170527T2239Z-170527T2330Z/

BULLETIN - IMMEDIATE BROADCAST REQUESTED
Severe Thunderstorm Warning
National Weather Service Springfield MO
539 PM CDT SAT MAY 27 2017

The National Weather Service in Springfield has issued a

* Severe Thunderstorm Warning for...
  Southeastern Cherokee County in southeastern Kansas...
  Western Newton County in southwestern Missouri...

* Until 630 PM CDT

* At 538 PM CDT, severe thunderstorms were located along a line
  extending from near Galena to near Commerce, moving southeast at 15
  mph.

  HAZARD...60 mph wind gusts and quarter size hail.

  SOURCE...Radar indicated.

  IMPACT...Hail damage to vehicles is expected. Expect wind damage
           to roofs, siding, and trees.

* Locations impacted include...
  Southern Joplin...                Neosho...
  Baxter Springs...                 Galena...
  Seneca...                         Diamond...
  Loma Linda...                     Leawood...
  Lowell...                         Silver Creek...
  Shoal Creek Drive...              Saginaw...
  Redings Mill...                   Treece...
  Grand Falls Plaza...              Shoal Creek Estates...
  Dennis Acres...                   Cliff Village...
  Racine...

This includes Interstate 44 between mile markers 0 and 8.

PRECAUTIONARY/PREPAREDNESS ACTIONS...

For your protection move to an interior room on the lowest floor of a
building.

Tornado warning issued for Ottawa, Craig counties

BULLETIN - EAS ACTIVATION REQUESTED
Tornado Warning
National Weather Service Tulsa OK
525 PM CDT SAT MAY 27 2017

The National Weather Service in Tulsa has issued a

* Tornado Warning for...
  Northeastern Craig County in northeastern Oklahoma...
  Northern Ottawa County in northeastern Oklahoma...

* Until 600 PM CDT

* At 525 PM CDT, a severe thunderstorm capable of producing a tornado
  was located 5 miles northeast of Welch, moving east at 45 mph.

  HAZARD...Tornado and golf ball size hail.

  SOURCE...Radar indicated rotation.

  IMPACT...Flying debris will be dangerous to those caught without
           shelter. Mobile homes will be damaged or destroyed.
           Damage to roofs, windows, and vehicles will occur.  Tree
           damage is likely.

* Locations in or near the path include...
  Miami...                          Commerce...
  Quapaw...                         Picher...
  Peoria...                         Cardin...

This includes Interstate 44 between mile markers 308 and 324.

PRECAUTIONARY/PREPAREDNESS ACTIONS...

TAKE COVER NOW! Move to a basement or an interior room on the lowest
floor of a sturdy building. Avoid windows. If you are outdoors, in a
mobile home, or in a vehicle, move to the closest substantial shelter
and protect yourself from flying debris.

Severe thunderstorm warning issued for Jasper County

Severe Thunderstorm Warning
KSC021-MOC097-272300-
/O.NEW.KSGF.SV.W.0230.170527T2209Z-170527T2300Z/

BULLETIN - IMMEDIATE BROADCAST REQUESTED
Severe Thunderstorm Warning
National Weather Service Springfield MO
509 PM CDT SAT MAY 27 2017

The National Weather Service in Springfield has issued a

* Severe Thunderstorm Warning for...
  Southeastern Cherokee County in southeastern Kansas...
  Jasper County in southwestern Missouri...

* Until 600 PM CDT

* At 508 PM CDT, a severe thunderstorm was located over Carl
  Junction, or 9 miles northwest of Joplin, moving east at 35 mph.

  HAZARD...60 mph wind gusts and quarter size hail.

  SOURCE...Radar indicated.

  IMPACT...Hail damage to vehicles is expected. Expect wind damage
           to roofs, siding, and trees.

* Locations impacted include...
  Joplin...                         Carthage...
  Webb City...                      Carl Junction...
  Galena...                         Oronogo...
  Carterville...                    Duquesne...
  Sarcoxie...                       Duenweg...
  Jasper...                         Airport Drive...
  Alba...                           Purcell...
  Carytown...                       Fidelity...
  Asbury...                         Neck City...
  Avilla...                         Brooklyn Heights...

This includes Interstate 44 between mile markers 10 and 31.

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 700 PM CDT for southeastern
Kansas...and southwestern Missouri.

Flash flood warning issued for Barton County

Flash Flood Warning
KSC021-037-MOC011-272215-
/O.NEW.KSGF.FF.W.0052.170527T1822Z-170527T2215Z/
/00000.0.ER.000000T0000Z.000000T0000Z.000000T0000Z.OO/

BULLETIN - EAS ACTIVATION REQUESTED
Flash Flood Warning
National Weather Service Springfield MO
122 PM CDT SAT MAY 27 2017

The National Weather Service in Springfield has issued a

* Flash Flood Warning for...
  Northern Cherokee County in southeastern Kansas...
  Crawford County in southeastern Kansas...
  Barton County in southwestern Missouri...

* Until 515 PM CDT

* At 121 PM CDT, Doppler radar indicated thunderstorms producing
  heavy rain across the warned area. Two to three inches of rain has
  already fallen. Flash flooding is expected to begin shortly.

* Creeks, streams, and low water crossings will be especially
  susceptible to the dangers of flash flooding.
  Locations in the warning include...
  Pittsburg...                      Prairie State Park...
  Lamar...                          Frontenac...
  Girard...                         Arma...
  Golden City...                    Liberal...
  Cherokee...                       Weir...
  Mulberry...                       Scammon...
  Chicopee...                       Mccune...
  Nashville...                      Mindenmines...
  Franklin...                       Arcadia...
  Walnut...                         West Mineral...

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 C at Horse Creek east of Milford...
and Route M south of Highway 160.

PRECAUTIONARY/PREPAREDNESS ACTIONS...

A Flash Flood Warning means that flooding is imminent or occurring.
If you are in the warned area move to higher ground immediately.
Residents living along streams and creeks should take immediate
precautions to protect life and property.

Severe thunderstorm warning issued for northeastern Jasper, Barton counties

BULLETIN - IMMEDIATE BROADCAST REQUESTED
Severe Thunderstorm Warning
National Weather Service Springfield MO
130 PM CDT SAT MAY 27 2017

The National Weather Service in Springfield has issued a

* Severe Thunderstorm Warning for...
  Northeastern Cherokee County in southeastern Kansas...
  Southeastern Crawford County in southeastern Kansas...
  Barton County in southwestern Missouri...
  Northwestern Jasper County in southwestern Missouri...

* Until 215 PM CDT

* At 130 PM CDT, severe thunderstorms were located along a line
  extending from near Liberal to Cherokee, moving east at 20 mph.

  HAZARD...60 mph wind gusts and quarter size hail.

  SOURCE...Radar indicated.

  IMPACT...Hail damage to vehicles is expected. Expect wind damage
           to roofs, siding, and trees.

* Locations impacted include...
  Pittsburg...                      Prairie State Park...
  Lamar...                          Frontenac...
  Jasper...                         Liberal...
  Cherokee...                       Weir...
  Mulberry...                       Scammon...
  Chicopee...                       Nashville...
  Mindenmines...                    Carytown...
  Asbury...                         Neck City...
  Lamar Heights...                  Roseland...
  Burgess...                        Yale...

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 700 PM CDT for southeastern
Kansas...and southwestern Missouri.

Two to four inches of rain expected for Joplin area, flash flood watch issued

...Excessive Rainfall Possible This Afternoon and Tonight...

.At midday...Showers and thunderstorms had begun to develop along
a warm front currently situated across southern Missouri. Given
the upper level pattern...the potential exists for these storms to
begin training along the front from west to east later this
afternoon into tonight. Overall...the area can expect rainfall
amounts in the one to two inch range with localized amounts of up
to 4 inches possible.

KSZ073-097-101-MOZ055>058-066>071-077>083-088>098-101>106-280030-
/O.NEW.KSGF.FF.A.0006.170527T1800Z-170528T1200Z/
/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, and Wilderness
1121 AM CDT Sat May 27 2017

...FLASH FLOOD WATCH IN EFFECT THROUGH 7AM CDT SUNDAY MORNING...

The National Weather Service in Springfield has issued a

* Flash Flood Watch 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 7 AM CDT Sunday morning

* Multiple rounds of showers and thunderstorms will track along a
  frontal boundary situated across the region this afternoon into
  tonight. Rainfall amounts of 1 to 2 inches are likely with
  localized heavier amounts of up to 4 inches possible.

* This rainfall will lead to the potential for flash flooding of
  low-lying areas including low water crossings as well as rapid
  rises on creeks and streams. Those camping on gravel bars or
  floating area rivers should be especially cautious as streams
  and rivers can rise very quickly.


PRECAUTIONARY/PREPAREDNESS ACTIONS...

A Flash Flood Watch means that conditions may develop that lead
to flash flooding. Flash flooding is a VERY DANGEROUS SITUATION.

You should monitor later forecasts and be prepared to take action
should Flash Flood Warnings be issued.

Tornado watch issued for Joplin area

TORNADO WATCH 275 IS IN EFFECT UNTIL 700 PM CDT FOR THE
 FOLLOWING LOCATIONS

MOC009-011-013-015-017-019-023-027-029-035-037-039-043-051-053-
055-057-059-065-067-071-073-077-083-085-089-091-093-095-097-099-
101-105-107-109-119-123-125-131-135-139-141-145-149-151-153-157-
159-161-167-169-179-181-185-186-187-195-203-209-213-215-217-219-
221-223-225-229-280000-
/O.NEW.KWNS.TO.A.0275.170527T1715Z-170528T0000Z/

MO
.    MISSOURI COUNTIES INCLUDED ARE

BARRY                BARTON              BATES
BENTON               BOLLINGER           BOONE
BUTLER               CALLAWAY            CAMDEN
CARTER               CASS                CEDAR
CHRISTIAN            COLE                COOPER
CRAWFORD             DADE                DALLAS
DENT                 DOUGLAS             FRANKLIN
GASCONADE            GREENE              HENRY
HICKORY              HOWARD              HOWELL
IRON                 JACKSON             JASPER
JEFFERSON            JOHNSON             LACLEDE
LAFAYETTE            LAWRENCE            MADISON
MARIES               MCDONALD            MILLER
MONITEAU             MONTGOMERY          MORGAN
NEWTON               OREGON              OSAGE
OZARK                PERRY               PETTIS
PHELPS               POLK                PULASKI
REYNOLDS             RIPLEY              SALINE
SHANNON              ST. CLAIR           ST. FRANCOIS
STE. GENEVIEVE       STONE               TANEY
TEXAS                VERNON              WARREN
WASHINGTON           WAYNE               WEBSTER
WRIGHT

Cleaver: Trump's budget is a budget that will hurt America

(From Fifth District Congressman Emanuel Cleaver)

President Trump released his fiscal year 2018 budget and with every line that I read, a sickening feeling began stirring at the thought of all of the Americans who will be harmed by this budget.

The President’s budget hurts American families and particularly hurts rural Americans the most - the very same rural working-class supporters who propelled him into office. The budget calls for $3.6 trillion dollars in cuts, the steepest proposed by any U.S. president.

President Trump proposes to cut SNAP, the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program, by almost one-third. This federal nutrition program helps families stretch their food budget, helping 44 million Americans last year. In previous years in Missouri, over 844,000 people were helped each month by SNAP. In the Fifth District of Missouri alone, 25,000 households receive SNAP benefits. Cuts to this program would leave children in our community hungry and without assistance. The budget also proposes funding cuts to the Meals on Wheels program. How could we intentionally let people go hungry?

President Trump would decimate programs that ensure children get the education and health care they need. The budget would cut rural health programs by 53 percent and cut the Children’s Health Insurance Program (CHIP) by 20 percent over the next two years. CHIP provides health insurance for the children of lower-working class families – currently insuring more than 5.6 million children.

The President’s budget would slash Medicaid, which provides health care for mothers with children and many people in nursing homes. Over 10 years, Medicaid funding would be cut by more than $800 billion.

Did I mention how this budget affects our farmers and those in agriculture? The budget calls for a 21 percent cut from the Department of Agriculture and puts crippling limitations on certain farm bill subsidies. It cuts Rural Business Cooperative Service by $95 million and cuts $498 million from Rural Water & Wastewater Program.

This is a budget I cannot support and will do everything in my power to see that Americans aren’t further harmed by this proposal.

St. Louis Democrat: Meanness prevails during 2017 legislative session

(From Rep. Stacey Newman, D-St. Louis)

END OF 2017 SESSION: MEAN-NESS PREVAILS

We adjourned regular session sine die at 6pm on the dot Friday May 12th, per state constitution, after a contentious week. Before I could barely move my belongings home, say hi to my family and catch my breath, Governor Greitens called for a special session.  

His official message:

“We are fighting to bring more jobs to the people of Missouri. Some career politicians failed to do their jobs and then went home. That’s wrong. We’re canceling their summer vacations and calling a special session to get this done.”

Yes...we termed legislators are "career politicians" and just spent 5 months on the governor's agenda with his party's super majority in the legislature.

The cost to taxpayers?  The Missouri House with 163 members estimates the session to cost $50,000 to $100,000 a week. The Senate with one vacancy estimates it to cost $28,000 a week. These costs reflect our daily per diem, mileage to and from the Capitol and costs of supporting session-only staff.

Sound ok to you?  

UPDATE:  HB1, which would authorize Ameren Missouri to offer discounted electric rates for a company willing to reopen the Noranda Aluminum smelter in New Madrid County and a proposed nearby steel mill - passed the House Wednesday 120-17 and the Senate Friday 24-10.  I voted NO because 1) the proposed company was not revealed 2) promise of "jobs" was speculative and not confirmed3) concern about poverty in the Bootheel is disingenious with the persistant GOP anti-poor agenda and 4) Ameren consumer rates are projected to increase around the state.

------------------------------------------

WHAT MADE GOV. GREITENS UNHAPPY THE LAST WEEK OF SESSION?

One of the ugliest bills sent to the Governor reared its head in the last week. SB43, making it more difficult for victims of illegal employee discrimination to hold wrongdoers accountable popped up for final House debate after languishing several weeks on the calendar.

Sen. Gary Romine, the bill sponsor, faces a pending lawsuit for alleged acts of racial dscrimination in violation of the Missouri Human Rights Act, the very law he wants to weaken. In this lawsuit, an African-American accounts manager who had worked at Sen. Romine's company, Show-Me Rent-to-Own, alleged that a white supervisor targeted him with racial slurs, including use of the "n" word.

You should also know this about SB43:

Enterprise-Rent-A-Car fought tooth and nail for discriminatory bills like SB43 since it lost its whistleblower case Dunn v. Enterprise in 2005. Thomas Dunn, an executive at Enterprise, blew the whistle on Enterprise as the company committed actions Dunn believed would violate federal securities laws. Instead of correcting their behavior, Enterprise fired Dunn in retaliation. Dunn sued and won- demonstrating the ability of workers to balance the scales of justice. Since 2005, Enterprise and its lobbyists have fought to silence workers and sweep unethical business practices under the rug. 

Enterprise was the major force behind the MO Chamber of Commerce which successfully and ruthlessly lobbied for SB43 this past session.

Missouri NAACP President Rod Chapel attempted to testify against the House related bill in February but Special Committee on Litigation Reform Chair Bill Lant cut off his testimony and abruptly ended the packed hearing. 

Several weeks later, Missouri NAACP, Empower Missouri, Missouri Faith Voices, PROMO, Planned Parenthood and Missouri ACLU hosted a press event denouncing SB43 and the House Black Caucus followed with their own press event.  

The House brought up SB43 on Monday May 8th unexpectedly for a contentious 6 hour debate that went late into the night. 

Rep. Kevin Engler (R-Farmington) brought up the Missouri Non-Discrimination Act as an amendment - the first time in two decades the legislation had been debated on the House floor. Before the amendment was withdrawn to avoid a GOP embarrassing roll call vote, this was actually said in debate by Rep. Rick Brattin (R-Harrisonville):

 I am not making any of this up.

32 of us Democrats decided in solidarity to refuse to vote on SB43 even though our House rules require a mandatory vote if we are on the House floor.  Read our Constitutional Objection statement in the House Journal.  Check out final State Rep Votes on SB43 HERE which was Truly Agreed and Finally Passed by a vote of 98-30 with 34 absent/not voting.

PLEASE HELP US DEMAND A #HERO-VETO OF SB43 BY GOVERNOR GREITENS.  He has until July 14th to take action. 

In case you missed it previously, see the ST. LOUIS POST DISPATCH OP-ED: "TROUBLING BILL WOULD CRIPPLE MISSOURI HUMAN RIGHTS ACT".

------------------------------------------

MEAN-NESS AT IT'S ABSOLUTE WORST

To top it off, the House and Senate pulled the cruelest stunt you can imagine in the last hours of session on Friday May 12th.  First, the Speaker refused to allow ANY DEBATE on a series of bills, slamming us right and left and stoking our fury.

The Senate filibustered for several hours the Minimum Wage Pre-emption Bill which would pre-empt or nullify any local municipalities from setting a minimum wage higher that the statewide wage of $7.70 per hour, HB1194. The rare PQ motion was used, ending Senate debate and HB1194 passed 23-10, sending it back to the House for one final vote.

• St. Louis City had passed a minimum wage increase  of $10.00 per hour which went into effect on May 5th (it would incrementally rise to $11.00 per hour). Their low wage workers had just seen an increase in their paychecks.   
• In Kansas City a grassroots effort put a minimum wage increase on the August ballot. It would boost the minimum wage in our city to $10.00 per hour by 9/1/17 and incrementally raise it to $15.00 an hour by 2022.
• In addition the KC council voted to incrementally increase the minimum wage to $13.00 per hour by 1/1/23. 

The House recessed briefly for the required Fiscal Review Committee to pass out HB1194 before final debate on the floor (again with NO DISCUSSION or even review of the fiscal note allowed).

With less than 30 minutes remaining of session, we Democrats filled every microphone on our side, mad as hell - loud, boisterous and in full fighting mode to protect low wage workers. There is NO state benefit to reduce their wages.  Not ONE Democrat was allowed to speak and HB1194 passed with the clock ticking fast, 109-43.

In further insult, an emergency clause was brought up which would make the law effective immediately instead of the traditional late August 2017 date.  I can think of NO REASON in which it was an emergency to take away wages from miminum wage workers, can you?  

HALLELUJAH - the emergency clause failed by JUST ONE VOTE, with mere minutes left.

The Kansas City Star wrote: "The House cut off debate on the measure just a few minutes after it debated a bill naming a state historical dog.  That should shame every member of the General Assembly and outrage everyone in Missouri.  Everyone."

Go ahead.  Call Gov. Greitens and ask for his #Hero-Veto on HB1194 also.  It can't hurt for him to hear your disgust.

------------------------------------------

MORE GOOD, BAD, UGLY BILLS SENT TO THE GOVERNOR

BAD/UGLY BILLS WHICH MAKE IT HARD FOR YOU TO ACCESS OUR JUSTICE SYSTEM IF EVER NEEDED

CRIMINAL OFFENSES (SB 34): Makes various changes relating to criminal offenses and establishes a “blue alert” system to inform the public when a suspect alleged to have attacked a police officer is at large. Also creates a crime of attacking law enforcement (many believe it further targets minority communities) and allows Missouri to be involved in immigration offenses (unconstitutional).  Passed 117-27  I WAS ONE OF ONLY 19 DEMS VOTING NO.  

EXPERT WITNESSES (HB 153): Increases the standards for admitting expert witness testimony in state court. I VOTED NO.

TORT CLAIMS (HB 339): Modifies statutory provisions relating to tort claims, making it harder to access the legal system. I VOTED NO.

COLLATERAL SOURCE (SB 31): Modifies the collateral source rule and allows litigants to introduce evidence of the actual cost, rather than the value, of medical care rendered.  I VOTED NO.

PROJECT LABOR AGREEMENTS (SB 182): Prohibits local governments from entering into project labor agreements on public works projects. Under a project labor agreement, a government entity agrees to follow union labor standards on public construction projects. I VOTED NO.

GOOD BILLS (REALLY!) 

REAL ID (HB 151): Attempts to bring Missouri driver’s licenses and non-driver identification into compliance with the federal REAL ID of 2005.  YOU FINALLY GET TO LEGALLY FLY WITH YOUR DRIVERS LICENSE JUST IN TIME. I VOTED YES.

FUND SWEEP (HCB 3, SENATE VERISON): Authorizes excess revenue sitting unused in various special state funds to be redirected for in-home and nursing home care in order to prevent more than 8,000 disabled or elderly Missourians losing their services. NOTE: The enacted Senate version replaced the original “bad” House version that sought to eliminate the modest “circuit breaker” for elderly and disabled Missourians who rent their homes.  I VOTED YES

UMKC CONSERVATORY (HCR 19): Authorizes the sale of $48 million in public revenue bonds for new music and dance conservatory building at the University of Missouri-Kansas City. I VOTED YES.

PENSIONS (SB 62): Allows pensions for state employees to vest after five years of service instead of 10 years, returning the time period for vesting to what it was prior to 2011. I VOTED YES.

LEGAL EXPENSE FUND (SB 128): Requires the attorney general and state commissioner of administration to report all settlements and judgments paid from the State Legal Expense Fund on a monthly basis. I VOTED YES.

BAD BILLS THAT DIDN’T PASS – THANK YOUR LUCKY STARS (including NO abortion or gun bills which is very unusual but, I'll take it - I was a NO on them all):

PREVAILING WAGE (HB 104): Sought to prohibit contractors and subcontractors on public works projects to being required to pay workers the local prevailing wage.

ABORTION (HB 194, SB 194): Sought to impose various new restrictions relating to abortion.

PROTECTION OF FAKE PREGNANCY CENTERS (HB174): Sought unnecessary freedoms of speech for alternatives to abortion centers which have no state regulation and receive millions in state tax credits.

GUNS (HB630):  Sought to expand locations where firearms are legal, including hospitals, childcare, places of worship, casinos, amusement parks, polling locations, police stations, public schools and universities, stadiums and sports arenas and the General Assembly.

PAYCHECK DECEPTION (HB 251): Sought to impose new procedural barriers to the efficient and timely collection of union dues.

UNEMPLOYMENT BENEFITS (HB 288): Sought to cut the maximum weeks of unemployment benefits from 20 weeks to as low as 13 weeks, depending on the statewide unemployment rate.

PRIVATE SCHOOL VOUCHERS (SB 313): Sought to authorize $25 million a year in tax credits to pay for private school tuition.

SEE ALL BILLS PASSED THIS SESSION HERE.