Report: Trump pressured Roy Blunt to end Senate Russia probe

At an August 30 rally in Springfield, President Donald Trump made his first push for tax reform, beginning with an introduction of all of the Republican dignitaries in the crowd, noting especially Sen. Roy Blunt and Seventh District Congressman Billy Long, who were among those who flew from the nation's capital to Springfield on Air Force One.

After that the glowing words for the Republicans and a few words about lowering taxes, Trump turned his attention to Missouri's other senator, Democrat Claire McCaskill.

And your Senator, Claire McCaskill, she must do this for you. And if she doesn't do it for you, you have to have to vote her out of office. She's got to make that commitment. She's got to make that commitment. If she doesn't do it, you just can't do this anymore, with the obstruction and the obstructionists.

Trump's choice of words was particularly ironic. On the way to Missouri and citing Claire McCaskill for obstruction, the president was involved in something that fit the term much better.

A New York Times report published this evening indicates that on the same day Trump ripped McCaskill for obstruction, he was doing his best to convince her fellow member of Missouri's senatorial delegation, Blunt, to derail the Russia investigation:

One of them was Mr. Blunt, who was flying on Air Force One with Mr. Trump to Springfield, Mo., in August when he found himself being lobbied by the president “to wrap up this investigation,” according to a Republican official familiar with the conversation.

Mr. Blunt was not bothered by Mr. Trump’s comments, the official said, because he did not see them bearing a “sinister motive.’’

The Times article noted that Trump has lobbied both Blunt, a member of the Senate Intelligence Committee and the chairman of that committee, Sen. Richard Burr, R-North Carolina, and that both senators have attempted to keep their distance from Trump because of the investigation.

Agenda posted for Monday Joplin City Council meeting

COUNCIL AGENDA
December 4, 2017
6:00 P.M., Council Chambers

1. Call To Order

Invocation
Pledge of Allegiance of the United States of America

1.

Boy Scout Members Of St. Philip’s Troop 333

2.

Roll Call

3.

Presentations

4.

Finalization Of Consent Agenda

5.

Reports And Communications

6.

Citizen Requests And Petitions

1.

Jerrod Hogan, Tri State Area Contractors Association, Requests To Address Council Regarding The Proposed Fee Schedule.

7.

Public Hearings

1.

Public Hearing Procedures

2.

Public Hearing For COUNCIL BILL NO. 2017- 014 Approving A Supplemental Plan For An Industrial Development Project Consisting Of The Acquisition, Construction, Improvement And Equipping Of A Frozen Foods Manufacturing Facility; Authorizing The City Of Joplin, Missouri To Issue Its Taxable Industrial Development Revenue Bonds In A Principal Amount Not To Exceed $10,035,000 To Finance Additional Project Costs; Authorizing And Approving Certain Documents; And Authorizing Certain Other Actions In Connection With The Issuance Of The Bonds.

3.

COUNCIL BILL NO. 2017-281

AN ORDINANCE amending Ordinance No. 2004-256, passed by the Council of the City of Joplin, Missouri, November 15, 2004, by removing from District C-O and including in District R-3 property as described below and in the City of Joplin, Jasper County, Missouri.

Documents:

1. CB 2017-281 MINUTES.PDF
2. CB 2017-281 REPORT.PDF
3. CB 2017-281 SUMMARY.PDF
4. CB 2017-281.PDF

4.

COUNCIL BILL NO. 2017-282

AN ORDINANCE amending Ordinance No. 2004-256, passed by the Council of the City of Joplin, Missouri, November 15, 2004, by removing from District R-2 and including in District C-3 property as described below and located 1521 S. Broadway in the City of Joplin, Jasper County, Missouri.

Documents:

1. CB 2017-282 MINUTES.PDF
2. CB 2017-282 SUMMARY.PDF
3. CB 2017-282.PDF
4. CB 2017-282 STAFF.PDF

5.

COUNCIL BILL NO. 2017-283

AN ORDINANCE amending Ordinance No. 2004-256, passed by the Council of the City of Joplin, Missouri, November 15, 2004, by designating Memorial Hall as an Historic Landmark and include in a Historic Preservation Overlay District as described below and located 212 West 8th Street in the City of Joplin, Jasper County, Missouri.

Documents:

1. CB 2017-283 STAFF.PDF
2. CB 2017-283 SUMMARY.PDF
3. CB 2017-283.PDF
4. CB 2017-283 MIN.PDF

8.

Consent Agenda

1.

Minutes Of The November 20, 2017 Council Meeting

Documents:

1. CC-NOV 20 MINS-.PDF

9.

Resolutions

1.

RS 2017-011

A RESOLUTION authorizing the City of Joplin to apply to the Missouri Development Finance Board (MDFB) for financing through the State Tax Credit for Contribution Program in support of the Empire Market Building Redevelopment Project.

Documents:

1. RS 2017-011 INFORMATION.PDF
2. RS 2017-011 SUMMARY.PDF
3. RS 2017-011.PDF

10.

Ordinances - Emergency

1.

COUNCIL BILL NO. 2017-012

AN ORDINANCE approving a Donation Agreement by and between the City of Joplin, Missouri, a Municipal Corporation, and Missouri Southern Foundation, dealing generally with the transfer of the former Joplin Public Library Building and Parking Lot property, by the City of Joplin to the Missouri Southern Foundation for the purpose of redevelopment; authorizing the City Manager to execute said Donation Agreement, and such other documents as may be necessary to complete the conveyance, by and on behalf of the City of Joplin, Missouri; and containing an emergency clause.

Documents:

1. SUMMARY CB2017-012_MISSOURI SOUTHERN FOUNDATION-COJ_DONATION AGREEMENT_FORMER PUBLIC LIBRARY PROPERTY.PDF
2. CB2017-012 DONATION AGREEMENT_MISSOURI SOUTHERN FOUNDATION_COJ RE FORMER PUBLIC LIBRARY.PDF
3. DONATION AGREEMENT - CITY OF JOPLIN_MISSOURI SOUTHERN FOUNDATION (JOPLIN.._.PDF

2.

COUNCIL BILL NO. 2017-013

AN ORDINANCE authorizing the City of Joplin to enter into an Agreement with Barbara J. Gollhofer for the purpose of employing her as City Clerk for the City of Joplin; authorizing the Mayor to execute said Agreement by and on behalf of the City of Joplin, Missouri; and containing an emergency clause.

Documents:

1. SUMMARY_CB2017-013_BARBARA GOLLHOFER_CITY CLERK EMPLOYMENT CONTRACT.PDF
2. CB2017-013_CITY CLERK EMPLOYMENT CONTRACT - BARBARA GOLLHOFER.PDF
3. CB2017-013-GOLLHOFER BARBARA-EMPLOYMENT AGREEMENT AS CITY CLERK-DECEMBER 2017.PDF

3.

COUNCIL BILL NO. 2017-168

AN ORDINANCE       approving a purchase order to G&H Redi Mix of Joplin, Missouri in the amount of Two Hundred Sixty-four Thousand One Hundred Twenty Five and 00/100 Dollars ($264,025.00) in the City of Joplin, Missouri; authorizing the City Manager or his designee to execute the same by and on behalf of the City of Joplin; and containing an emergency clause;

Documents:

1. COUNCIL BILL 2017-168.PDF
2. CB 2017-168 BID TAB.PDF
3. CB 2017-168 RECOMMENDATION LETTER.PDF
4. SUMMARY 2017-168 7TH ILINOIS PRECAST BLOCKS.PDF

11.

Ordinances - First Reading

1.

COUNCIL BILL NO. 2017-014

AN ORDINANCE     APPROVING A SUPPLEMENTAL PLAN FOR AN INDUSTRIAL DEVELOPMENT PROJECT CONSISTING OF THE ACQUISITION, CONSTRUCTION, IMPROVEMENT AND EQUIPPING OF A FROZEN FOODS MANUFACTURING FACILITY;AUTHORIZING THE CITY OF JOPLIN, MISSOURI TO ISSUE ITS TAXABLE INDUSTRIAL DEVELOPMENT REVENUE BONDS IN A PRINCIPAL AMOUNT NOT TO EXCEED $10,035,000 TO FINANCE ADDITIONAL PROJECT COSTS; AUTHORIZING AND APPROVING CERTAIN DOCUMENTS; AND AUTHORIZING CERTAIN OTHER ACTIONS IN CONNECTION WITH THE ISSUANCE OF THE BONDS.

 

Documents:

1. SUMMARY CB2017-014 DEF_AJINOMOTO FROZEN FOODS PLANT - CH 100 BONDS 12 4 17 MEETING.PDF
2. CB2017-014 DEF-AJINOMOTO_TAXABLE REVENUE BONDS 10.035.000 V1.PDF
3. DEF_BOND PURCHASE AGREEMENT BPA V1 FOR CB2017-014.PDF
4. DEF_FIRST SUPPLEMENTAL LEASE AGREEMENT_WITH CB2017-014 SUPP V1.PDF
5. DEF_FIRST SUPPLEMENTAL PERFORMANCE AGREEMENT SUPP V1 FOR CB2017-014.PDF
6. DEF_FIRST SUPPLEMENTAL TRUST INDENTURE SUPP V1_FOR CB2017-014.PDF
7. DEF_NOTICE TO TAXING JURISDICTIONS_PLAN FOR INDDEV - FINAL FOR CB2017-014.PDF

2.

COUNCIL BILL NO. 2017-527

AN ORDINANCE amending Section 26-91, Building Permit fees; re-inspection fee, of Article IV, Permits and Fees, of Chapter 26, Buildings and Building Regulations, of the Code of Ordinances of the City of Joplin, by amending Section 26-91, Building Permit fees; re-inspection fees, of Article IV, Permits and Fees, to implement certain fee changes; and setting a date when this Ordinance shall become effective.

Documents:

1. CB 2017-527 SUMMARY CHAPTER 26 BUILDING REGULATION FEE CHANGES.PDF
2. CB 2017-527 CHAPTER 26 BUILDING REGULATIONS FEE ORDINANCE.PDF

3.

COUNCIL BILL NO. 2017-528

AN ORDINANCE repealing Section 58-68, Schedule of Fees, Article II, Fire Prevention Code, Division 2, International Fire Code, of Chapter 58, Fire Prevention and Protection, of the Code of Ordinances of the City of Joplin and enacting in lieu thereof a new Section 58-68, Schedule of Fees, Article II, Fire Prevention Code, Division 2, International Fire Code, of Chapter 58, Fire Prevention and Protection, of the Code of Ordinances of the City of Joplin to implement certain fee changes; and setting a date when this Ordinance shall become effective.

Documents:

1. CB 2017-528 SUMMARY CHAPTER 58 FIRE PREVENTION FEE CHANGES.PDF
2. CB 2017-528 CHAPTER 58 FIRE PREV AND PROT FIRE CODE LICENSE FEE CHANGES.PDF

4.

COUNCIL BILL NO. 2017-529

AN ORDINANCE repealing Section 106-62, Inspection and Permit Fees, Article III, Improvement Permits, and Section 106-93, Fees and Charges, Article IV, Excavations, of Chapter 106, Streets, Sidewalk and Other Public Places, of the Code of Ordinances of the City of Joplin and enacting in lieu thereof a new Section 106-62, Plan Review and Permit Fees, Article III, Improvement Permits, and Section 106-93, Fees and Charges, Article IV, Excavations, of Chapter 106, Streets, Sidewalks and Other Public Places, of the Code of Ordinances of the City of Joplin to implement certain fee changes; and setting a date when this Ordinance shall become effective.

Documents:

1. CB 2017-529 SUMMARY CHAPTER 106 STREETS SIDEWALKS FEE CHANGES.PDF
2. CB 2017-529 CHAPTER 106 STREETS SIDEWALKS AND OTHER PUBLIC PLACES FEE CHANGES.PDF
3. HBA LETTER CB 2017-529.PDF

5.

COUNCIL BILL NO. 2017-530

AN ORDINANCE repealing Section 29A-2514, Fees, Article II, of Appendix 29A, of the Zoning Regulations of the City of Joplin and enacting in lieu thereof a new Section 29A-2514, Fees, of Appendix 29A, of the Zoning Regulations of the Code of Ordinances of the City of Joplin to implement certain fee changes; and setting a date when this Ordinance shall become effective.

Documents:

1. CB 2017-530 SUMMARY ZONING REGULATION FEE CHANGES.PDF
2. CB 2017-530 ZONING REGULATION FEE CHANGES.PDF

6.

COUNCIL BILL NO. 2017-531

AN ORDINANCE repealing Section 34-2, Prices of lots and grave rights; charge for setting stones, of Chapter 34, Cemeteries, of the Code of Ordinances of the City of Joplin and enacting in lieu thereof a new Section 34-2, Prices of lots and grave rights; charge for setting stones, of Chapter 34, Cemeteries, of the Code of Ordinances of the City of Joplin to implement certain fee changes; and setting a date when this Ordinance shall become effective.

Documents:

1. CB 2017-531 SUMMARY CHAPTER 34 CEMETERIES FEE CHANGES.PDF
2. CB 2017-531 CHAPTER 34 CEMETERIES FEE CHANGES.PDF

7.

COUNCIL BILL NO. 2017-532

AN ORDINANCE repealing Section 30-121, License Classifications and Fees, of Article III, Licenses, Division 2, Schedule of Fees, of Chapter 30, Businesses, of the Code of Ordinances of the City of Joplin and enacting in lieu thereof a new Section 30-121, License Classifications and Fees, of Article III, Licenses, Division 2, Schedule of Fees, of Chapter 30, Businesses, of the Code of Ordinances of the City of Joplin to implement certain fee changes; and setting a date when this Ordinance shall become effective.

Documents:

1. CB 2017-532 SUMMARY CHAPTER 30 BUSINESS LICENSE FEE CHANGES.PDF
2. CB 2017-532 CHAPTER 30 BUSINESS LICENSE FEE CHANGES.PDF

8.

COUNCIL BILL NO. 2017-533

AN ORDINANCE repealing Section 86-5, Fees at Schifferdecker Golf Course, of Article I, In General, and Section 86-6, Fees for Parks Programs and Parks Facilities, of Article I, In General, and Section 86-152, Admission Fee, of Article V, Swimming Pools, of Chapter 86, Parks and Recreation, of the Code of Ordinances of the City of Joplin and enacting in lieu thereof a new Section 86-5, Fees at Schifferdecker Golf Course, of Article I, In General, and Section 86-6, Fees for Parks Programs and Parks Facilities, of Article I, In General, and Section 86-152, Admission Fee, of Article V, Swimming Pools, of Chapter 86, Parks and Recreation, of the Code of Ordinances of the City of Joplin to implement certain fee changes and make other changes; and setting a date when this Ordinance shall become effective.

Documents:

1. CB 2017-533 SUMMARY CHAPTER 86 PARKS FEE CHANGES.PDF
2. CB 2017-533 CHAPTER 86 PARKS FEE CHANGES.PDF

9.

COUNCIL BILL NO. 2017-534

AN ORDINANCE repealing Section 9, Filing Fees, of the Subdivision Regulations, Appendix 29B as adopted by Ordinance No. 97-161 of the City of Joplin and enacting in lieu thereof a new Section 9, Filing Fees, of the Subdivision Regulations, Appendix 29B of the City of Joplin to implement certain fee changes; and setting a date when this Ordinance shall become effective.

Documents:

1. CB 2017-534 SUMMARY SUBDIVISION REGULATION FEE CHANGES.PDF
2. CB 2017-534 SUBDIVISION REGULATIONS FEE CHANGES.PDF

10.

COUNCIL BILL NO. 2017-535

AN ORDINANCE repealing Section 6-35, Permit, Article II, Signs, of Chapter 6, Advertising, of the Code of Ordinances of the City of Joplin and enacting in lieu thereof a new Section 6-35, Permit, Article II, Signs, of Chapter 6, Advertising, of the Code of Ordinances of the City of Joplin to implement certain fee changes; and setting a date when this Ordinance shall become effective.

Documents:

1. CB 2017-535 SUMMARY CHAPTER 6 ADVERTISING FEE CHANGES.PDF
2. CB 2017-535 CHAPTER 6 ADVERTISING SIGN PERMIT FEE CHANGES.PDF

11.

COUNCIL BILL NO. 2017-536

AN ORDINANCE repealing Section 118-211, Hauled Wastewater Fee, of Article II, Sewers and Sewage Disposal, of Division 6, Rates and Charges, and Section 118-235, Permit fee, Connection Fee, and other Sewer Fees, of Article II, Sewers and Sewage Disposal, of Division 7, Building Sewers, of Chapter 118, Utilities, of the Code of Ordinances of the City of Joplin, and enacting in lieu thereof a new Section 118-211, Hauled Wastewater Fee, of Article II, Sewers and Sewage Disposal, of Division 6, Rates and Charges, and Section 118-235, Permit Fee, Connection Fee, and other Sewer Fees, of Article II, Sewers and Sewage Disposal, of Division 7, Building Sewers, of Chapter 118, Utilities, of the Code of Ordinances of the City of Joplin to implement certain fee changes; and setting a date when this Ordinance shall become effective.

Documents:

1. CB 2017-536 SUMMARY CHAPTER 118 UTILITIES FEE CHANGES.PDF
2. CB 2017-536 CHAPTER 118 UTILITIES FEE CHANGES.PDF

12.

COUNCIL BILL NO. 2017-616

AN ORDINANCE      to enable the City of Joplin, Missouri, to join Show Me PACE, pursuant to Sections §67.2800 to §67.2835, RSMo., the “Property Assessment Clean Energy Act,” and stating the terms under which the City of Joplin will conduct activities as a member of such district.

Documents:

1. CB 2017-616 SUMMARY.PDF
2. CB 2017-616 ORD AND AGMT.PDF
3. CB 2017-616 SUPPLEMENTAL - BYLAWS.PDF

12.

Ordinances - Second Reading And Third Reading

13.

Unfinished Business

14.

New Business

1.

News From The PIO

2.

CLOSED SESSION

Vote to go into closed session, which shall pertain to the hiring, firing, disciplining, or promotion of an employee or particular employees of a governmental body involving personal information as set forth in Section 610.021(3) RSMo, as amended, 2016, more specifically for the purpose of evaluating certain Council employees.  This meeting, record, and vote to be closed to the extent provided by law. The City Council shall adjourn at the end of the session.

McCaskill: I am determined to restore DEA's ability to combat the opioid crisis

(From Sen. Claire McCaskill)

Earlier this week, I brought in national experts to share their perspectives on a very important piece of the opioid crisis.

Last year, Congress passed a bill that tied a key law enforcement agency's hands when it comes to holding drug distributors accountable for bad behavior.

I've introduced a bill in the Senate to repeal that law and correct the problem—an effort which has received the support of more than 40 state attorneys generals, and has bipartisan support. I knew it was important to hear from the men and women on the ground on this issue, and so I invited former officials from the Drug Enforcement Administration (DEA) to speak to the Senate and share how important enforcement capabilities are to addressing our nation's opioid epidemic.

I'm determined to restore the DEA's ability to combat this crisis, and make sure our law enforcement has the tools they need to do their jobs effectively. Learn more about my fight against the opioid crisis.

McCaskill rips Senate tax plan, says it is time for real bipartisan approach

Sen. Claire McCaskill and other Democratic Senators blasted the GOP tax proposal Wednesday.

"We want to reform the tax code," McCaskill said, adding that the continually changing Senate Republican plan does not do that.

We need to "start fresh with a real bipartisan approach."

Oronogo man sentenced to six years on child pornography charge

Brian G. Long, 39, Oronogo, was sentenced to six years in prison for receiving and distributing child pornography between June 5 and August 31, 2016.

A federal grand jury indicted Long in November 2016.

After Long finishes his sentence, he will be placed under supervised probation for 10 years.

Carl Junction man pleads guilty to child pornography charge

A Carl Junction man pleaded guilty today in U. S. District Court in Springfield to charges of receiving and distributing child pornography.

A federal grand jury indicted Martin Vern Ellis, 27, in November 2016 after a Southwest Missouri Child Crimes Task Force uncovered more than 3,000 images and 200 videos of child pornography on his computer.

Ellis told police he had a preference for seven-year-old girls and told the investigators he did not remember the last time he had looked at child pornography "but it may have been last week."

No date has been set for Ellis' sentencing.

Blake Altman sentenced to six years in prison on child pornography charge

A federal judge sentenced Neosho businessman Blake Altman to six years in prison today during a 41-minute hearing at U. S. District Court in Springfield.

Altman, the former manager of Sam's Cellar, admitted in open court that he had received and distributed child pornography.

A federal grand jury indicted Altman June 16, 2015 after law enforcement officer executed a search warrant at Altman's home after he was identified in an undercover investigation into child pornography distribution through file sharing software. Officers seized Altman's laptop, which contained child pornography images and videos. 

Altman will serve his sentence at a prison in Littleton, Colorado. After he is released, he will be under supervised probation for 10 years, according to court records.

Previous Posts

Sentencing memorandum: Blake Altman told investigators he looked at child pornography to "ger in the mood."

Lawyer asking for probation for Neosho businessman: Child pornography offenders don't molest children.

Neosho businessman pleads guilty to child pornography charge

Neosho man sentenced to 40 years in prison for producing child pornography

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

A Neosho man was sentenced in federal court today for producing child pornography.

James Lyndon McFadin, Jr., 34, of Neosho, was sentenced by U.S. District Judge Beth Phillips to 40 years in federal prison without parole. McFadin has been incarcerated in federal custody since his arrest on Dec. 21, 2015.

On July 7, 2017, McFadin pleaded guilty to six counts of enticing a minor to engage in sexually explicit conduct for the purpose of producing child pornography and one count of receiving and distributing child pornography.

McFadin used six children – four females and two males, who ranged in age from approximately 5 to 16 years old – to produce child pornography between Jan. 1 and Dec. 19, 2015. McFadin video-recorded illicit sexual activity between himself and one of the child victims, identified as “Jane Doe 1” in court documents. McFadin also had Jane Doe 1 to send him sexually explicit images of herself and the other child victims.

Law enforcement officers executed a search warrant at McFadin’s residence and seized a laptop computer, a computer hard drive and a computer tower. Investigators discovered multiple videos and photos of child pornography, including the child victims, on McFadin’s devices and cell phone.

This case was prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorney Ami Harshad Miller. It was investigated by the FBI, the Southwest Missouri Cyber Crime Task Force and the Neosho Police Department.

State treasurer: I support President Trump's call for Congress to get tax reform done

(From State Treasurer Eric Schmitt)

Missouri State Treasurer Eric Schmitt today released the following statement after attending the president’s tax reform event in St. Charles.

“Tax reform will deliver higher wages, more take-home pay and thousands of new jobs for hardworking Missourians who have waited far too long for economic relief. It’s time for Congress to fix America’s broken and outdated tax code and I support the president’s call for lawmakers to get it done.”

Schmitt met with White House officials, including Vice President Mike Pence, earlier this month to urge the passage of substantive reform that benefits middle class families and small businesses. In September, Schmitt published an op-ed in the Daily Caller calling on Congress to pass tax reform this year.

Graves: Our plan brings a clear vision of tax reform and prosperity to Missouri

One of the many reasons I am thankful to be your Representative in Congress is that it gives me the opportunity to travel throughout our great state and meet with Missourians from all walks of life.

Today, I was honored to share this experience with President Trump as we visited with small business owners in Eastern Missouri. Missouri has suffered tremendously due to our out-of-date tax system and this trip provided a unique opportunity for the President to see first-hand the positive effects that meaningful tax reform will have on family-owned businesses in Missouri and throughout the United States.

As the former chairman of the House Small Business Committee, I could not stress enough that our small businesses are the engines that drive our nation’s economy. Simplifying the tax code and lowering taxes across the board has always been a goal of mine to ensure that small businesses are allowed to grow, thrive and create stronger local economies.

The number one concern among small business owners that I’ve spoken with in Missouri is the harm caused to them by our costly and complex tax code. The current code simply stacks the odds against them when it comes to cost, compliance, and filing.

The House Republican tax bill will ease the burdens small businesses will face and ensure that they keep more of their hard-earned money to invest, grow and create jobs.

Our country is built on big dreams and unshackling our small businesses is why tax reform needs to become a reality.

Our plan brings a clear vision for tax reform and prosperity to Missouri. I look forward to joining the President in bringing much-needed relief to small business owners across the country and building for a stronger America.

Watch President Trump speaking live at St. Charles

Major Greitens donor is bankrolling Roy Moore PAC

An Illinois businessman who contributed $360,000 to Missouri Gov. Eric Greitens' campaign is bankrolling the political action committee that is paying for most of the advertising backing controversial Alabama Senate candidate Roy Moore.

Moore has been under fire after a number of women stepped forward to claim he pursued teenage girls when he was in his 30s and serving as an assistant district attorney and district attorney. One woman accused Moore of sexual misconduct with her when she was only 14.

Dick Uihlein, Lake Front, Illinois, the CEO of Uline, gave $100,000 to the Proven Conservative PAC, which is backing Moore, according to Federal Election Commission documents. The contribution was made in two $50,000 chunks and makes Uihlein Moore's biggest financial supporter by a wide margin.

Even so, the money Uihlein has given to Proven Conservative PAC pales in comparison the amount he poured into the Greitens campaign in 2015 and 2016, according to Missouri Ethics Commission records.

Uilhlein contributed $35,000 to Greitens in 2015, with a $25,000 donation on October 30 and $10,000 on November 10.

His 2016 contributions include $10,000 March 15, $25,00 March 28, $40,000 July 27 and a whopping $250,000 on October 20.

Uihlein also contributed $10,000 to the successful campaign of Attorney General Josh Hawley.

Mother's claim in lawsuit: North Middle School teacher groomed my son and had sex with him

The mother of a former North Middle School student who was allegedly the victim of a statutory rape by one of his teachers filed a lawsuit on the boy's behalf November 3 in Jasper County Circuit Court.

In the petition, the lawyers for the woman and son claim reading teacher Amanda Schweitzer, 37, groomed the 13-year-old boy through text messages and social media, creating an atmosphere that led to the two having sex on March 29.

Schweitzer's trial on a statutory rape charge is scheduled to begin April 11 in Jasper County Circuit Court with Judge Dean Dankelson presiding and is expected to last three days.

The civil suit details the events that stage for the boy, who is referred to as C. A. in the petition, to have sex with his teacher at her home:

In early 2017, Schweitzer began grooming C.A. via social media and text message in violation of JSD policies. On or about March 29, 2017, C.A. was late for the bus and subsequently missed school. 

Schweitzer messaged C.A. when she noticed he was not at school. Schweitzer subsequently drove to his home and picked him up without the consent of his mother. 

While at her home, Schweitzer engaged in sexual intercourse with C.A. As a result of the encounter, C.A. has been sustained emotional injuries. In addition, C.A. was forced to finish the semester off campus after the encounter with Schweitzer came to light. He subsequently transferred schools. 

The lawsuit alleges "negligent infliction of emotional distress." The plaintiffs are asking for a jury trial.

The lawyer for the woman and son is Michael Fleming of the Kapke & Willerth firm of Lee's Summit.

The local law firm involved is Elizabeth Turner Law, LLC.

Former Neosho resident pleads guilty to sexually exploiting child In Joplin

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

A West Virginia man pleaded guilty in federal court today to sexually exploiting a minor in the Joplin, Mo., area.

Shannon Calhoun, 32, of Philippi, W. Va., formerly of Neosho, Mo., pleaded guilty before U.S. Magistrate Judge David P. Rush to the sexual exploitation of a child.

By pleading guilty today, Calhoun admitted that he induced a child to engage in sexually explicit conduct for the purpose of producing child pornography. Co-defendant Ronald Lee Fields, 56, of Joplin, pleaded guilty to the same charge involving the same child victim on Nov. 21, 2017.

According to court documents, law enforcement officers executed a search warrant at Fields’ residence in Joplin on Jan. 30, 2017, and seized a desktop computer, an iPhone 5, two tablet computers, a digital camera, an SD card and a compact disk containing photos. Investigators discovered some pornographic photos of Fields with an approximately 5-year-old child, including photos taken at a motel and at his residence. Data on the photos indicated they were created using Fields’s camera.

Calhoun was identified as the adult performing sexual acts on the child victim in numerous images of the child being sexually abused over a period of several years.

Investigators also interviewed Benjamin Goodwin, 28, of Springfield. Goodwin, a former Springfield YMCA employee who pleaded guilty in a separate case to receiving and distributing child pornography over the Internet, told investigators that he had traded images of child pornography with Fields.

Under federal statutes, Calhoun and Fields are each subject to a mandatory minimum sentence of 15 years in federal prison without parole, up to a sentence of 30 years in federal prison without parole. The maximum statutory sentence is prescribed by Congress and is provided here for informational purposes, as the sentencing of the defendant will be determined by the court based on the advisory sentencing guidelines and other statutory factors. 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 James J. Kelleher. It was investigated by Immigration and Customs Enforcement's (ICE) Homeland Security Investigations (HSI) and the Southwest Missouri Cybercrimes Task Force.

Previous post

Joplin man pleads guilty to child porn charge; Affidavit indicates Neosho man molested 7-year-old for years

Nancy Hughes: The best reunion ever

“For the Lord himself will come down from heaven, with a loud command, with the voice of the archangel and with the trumpet call of God, and the dead in Christ will rise first. After that, we who are still alive and are left will be caught up together with them in the clouds to meet the Lord in the air. And so we will be with the Lord forever.”
I Thessalonians 4:16-17 (NIV)

The videos showing a family member coming home from the military to surprise those they love get to me every time. I automatically get out the tissues when one pops up on the internet or on television.

They all make me cry. The son who thinks he is throwing a pitch to his catcher, when the catcher’s mask is suddenly pulled off to reveal Dad. The wife who has been told she is to receive an award for her husband in his absence, only to turn around and see him running toward her. The child in class who looks up from her deskwork and yells “Mommy, you’re back!” as her mother peeks in the door and falls to her knees to scoop up her daughter.

The stories behind those beautiful reunions are similar. Family members have been gone for several weeks or months – apart from their loved ones, serving their country in the military. Some have been able to Skype occasionally as well as talk on the phone; others have not been able to communicate with each other except through mail.

They also share one common bond: none of those getting the surprise reunion had any idea it was being planned. They knew they would see each other again but had no idea exactly when it would occur.

The Scripture from I Thessalonians has become sweeter than ever to me recently. Paul is speaking about Christ’s return and he is explaining what will happen. From this passage we learn that Jesus will be the one leading the glorious get-together.

First He will collect His children who have passed away and then those who are still alive. Both groups “will be caught up together . . . in the clouds.” Wow!

Can you imagine it? Hugging a spouse or child again! Smiling as you once again see a parent or grandparent! I can imagine the hugs and laughter that will roar through the clouds at that glorious reunion.

Do this for me: think of those special people in your life who have passed away. Now, picture meeting them again face to face.

Just as the military families don’t know when the reunion will take place, we Christians do not know the exact date.

But we DO know it’s going to happen one day. And when it does, we are going to shout “best reunion ever!”

Father, oh the hope that you give with your promise that we will be together with our loved ones who knew you. Thank you for that joyful reunion. In Jesus’ Name. Amen.

R.A.P. it up . . .

Reflect

Have you had doubts about seeing a loved one again?

Application

Re-read today’s Power Verses and picture in your mind what the beautiful reunion will be like with loved ones who have passed away.

Praise the Lord for His death and resurrection that make heavenly reunions possible.

Power Verses

I Thessalonians 4:16-17 (NIV) “For the Lord himself will come down from heaven, with a loud command, with the voice of the archangel and with the trumpet call of God, and the dead in Christ will rise first. After that, we who are still alive and are left will be caught up together with them in the clouds to meet the Lord in the air. And so we will be with the Lord forever.”


John 14:2-3 (NIV) “In my Father’s house are many rooms; if it were not so, I would have told you. I am going there to prepare a place for you. And if I go and prepare a place for you, I will come back and take you to be with me that you also may be where I am.”


I Corinthians 2:9 (NIV) “ . . . No eye has seen, no ear has heard, no mind has conceived what God has prepared for those who love him . . .”


I Corinthians 15:55 (NIV) “Where, O death, is your victory? Where, O death, is your sting?”


Psalms 147:3 (NIV) “He heals the brokenhearted and binds up their wounds.”

(For more of Nancy Hughes' writing and information about her books, check out her blog, Encouragement From the War Room.)

Kim Frencken: Things a veteran teacher is thankful for

Veteran. Seasoned. Experienced. All synonyms for teachers who have been around a block or two. Seasoned makes me feel like a fry so I'll just stick with veteran. We all seem to have some things in common. Or at least we can identify with similar things. Things from the good ole days.

We're thankful for parents that gave us the benefit of the doubt. We had them. They believed the teacher. Yep! That mean old teacher who picked on me was innocent in my parent's eyes. She was the hero. I was the convicted.

We're thankful that we have (or have had) administrators that support us. I've got your back has taken on a whole new meaning today. Back in the day if a principal said they would support you, they meant it. They didn't mean, "I"ll support you if......" In many schools support has become conditional. I am thankful I teach in a place where the administration still has my back. That's called integrity, by the way.

Ask a veteran teacher how they feel about parents who volunteer. Over the years, I've been blessed with parents who have volunteered to help with difficult projects, help prepare materials for the classroom, or help decorate. Some have offered to read to students who needed some extra assistance, or became a buddy to a lonely child. Awesome. I realize that laws have changed because of those who harm children, making it more difficult to accept outside help, but it is still doable in so many ways. If coming into the classroom isn't an option, there are always things that need to be done outside of school: preparing crafts, making bulletin board items, or picking up class treats.

So what else are we thankful for??? Weekends, holidays, and summers off to recharge our batteries. Peers, Parents, and Principals that listen. A laminator that works. Lessons that knock it out of the ballpark. The lightbulbs that go off. And, the joy that comes with each new day.

(For more of Kim Frencken's writing and information about her educational products, check out her blog, Chocolate For the Teacher.)

Links provided for top Turner Report/Inside Joplin posts for the week

The response of the owners of the Exploration Station pre-school to a lawsuit filed by the parents of a two-year-old who was allegedly abused while staying there was the top post for the Turner Report this week, while the Top 10 also featured three posts about Gov. Eric Greitens' unsuccessful attempt to get rid of Margie Vandeven as Missouri's Commissioner of Education.

The untimely death of Missouri Southern State University student and Joplin High School graduate Vivian Vu in an eight-vehicle accident while she and other MSSC students were returning from a model United Nations competition in Chicago was the most visited post on Inside Joplin.


The Turner Report

1. Exploration Station owners: Two-year-old was at fault

2. Greitens lashes out after State Board of Education fails to fire Vandeven

3. Settlement reached in Nicodemus family wrongful death lawsuit

4. Joplin man pleads guilty to child porn charge; Affidavits indicate Neosho man molested 7-year-old for years

5. Greitens move to fire Vandeven, privatize education fails

6. UPI reporter who told the world of JFK's death got his start at the Joplin Globe

7. Arraignment set for Joplin man accused of abusing 3-year-old boy who died from injuries

8. Vote to fire Commissioner of Education could be happening now; Greitens makes power move

9. Trial date set for former North Middle School reading teacher on statutory rape charge

10. Missouri Department of Revenue officers to carry firearms

Inside Joplin

1. Missouri Southern sophomore/Joplin High School graduate dies from injuries suffered in eight-vehicle crash

2. Joplin Police Department arrests man with 10 outstanding warrants, disguised Claritin pills

3. Jasper man, Carthage woman injured in accident on 171

4. Jasper County Dissolution of Marriage Petitions

5. MSSU student in critical condition, five others, professor injured in eight-vehicle crash near St. Louis

6. Joplin Police Department Arrests November 21-22

7. U. S. Bankruptcy Court Petitions- Joplin

8. Runaway juvenile may be in Joplin

9. Diamond woman injured after swerving to avoid another vehicle

10. Ten thousand dollar bond set for Neosho man charge with Range Line Econolodge arson

Inside Joplin Obituaries

1. Debra Pope

2. Kadyn Couch

3. Cory Ward

4. Micheal Christensen

5. Ryan Moore

6. Sally Mason

7. Larry Pounds

8. Tim Harris

9. Dean Stratton

10. Seth Cupp

***

My holiday book signing will be held next Saturday, December 2, 1 p.m. to 3 p.m. at Changing Hands Book Shoppe in Joplin.

Stop by and pick up one of my books or a Turner Report t-shirt at bargain prices.

See you there.

Billy Long: It's up to the Senate to work with us to pass a tax reform bill

(From Seventh District Congressman Billy Long)

A lot has changed since 1986, but our tax code isn’t one of them. Ronald Reagan was president and Top Gun, along with its theme song,“Take My Breath Away,” just hit the big screen. Springfield’s own Tommy Whitlock penned that famous theme song. Times were good. Yet, 31 years later, hardworking Americans are living in an era characterized by stagnant wages and businesses moving overseas at the expense of the middle-class. It’s a reality House Republicans understand all too well and one we are working to alleviate. With the passage of H.R. 1, the Tax Cuts and Jobs Act, our bill simplifies an archaic tax code by expanding standard deductions, consolidating tax brackets and closing special-interest loopholes.

Under the House Republicans’ pro-growth tax plan, the number of tax brackets would be decreased by nearly half. In the current code, there are seven tax brackets. Our plan lowers that number to just four: zero, 12, 25 and 35 percent while still maintaining the 39.6 percent. For example, a person making $48,000 could drop from a 25 percent top marginal tax rate to 12 percent under the proposed changes. In dollars, that’s an increase of almost $6,000 to their individual standard deduction — a change that means more take-home money and less government overreach. After all, people know what to do with their money better than the government does.

But individuals aren’t the only ones that win based on the House bill. Not only does this bill create a new Family Credit, which expands the Child Tax Credit, but it keeps the Child and Dependent Tax Credit — reductions that make a difference for working families. The new Family Credit would increase the Child Tax Credit from $1,000 to $1,600. For a family barely getting by, that’s a big difference.

This code works for everyone from Missouri’s working families to its small business owners. As a former small businessman, I know firsthand the challenges small businesses face when it comes to our complex tax code. Missouri is home to over 500,000 small businesses employing 1.1 million workers. But in order to succeed, we need to create an environment that encourages innovation, instead of forcing it overseas to a more favorable tax code. According to the Tax Foundation, the Tax Cuts and Jobs Act would create 975,000 news jobs — 18,000 in Missouri alone. It’s a recipe for success.

Everyone deserves a tax code they can understand. Our current tax code is not only outdated, but unnecessarily complex. Americans spend almost 9 billion cumulative hours a year filing their taxes and $100 billion annually to comply with the individual income tax. There is a reason nine out of 10 Americans have to use some type of software to file their taxes. Under the Tax Cuts and Jobs Act, 90 percent of Americans would need just a postcard (not a PhD) to file their taxes.

The passage of the Tax Cuts and Jobs Acts gets us one step closer to giving hardworking Americans an overdue break. Now it’s up to the Senate to work with the House and pass a tax reform bill worth the president’s signature.