DISH Network extends negotiations with KOAM to 6 p.m. Monday

(From KOAM)

November 30 Update

 DISH has accepted KOAM-TV’s offer of an 18th extension. 

Our agreement has been extended to Monday at 6 p.m. 

Time and time again over four months, KOAM-TV has granted extensions so we can work out a fair deal without affecting viewers. 

Both sides know what’s fair and KOAM-TV is committed to reaching a deal.

Parson signs executive order giving state employees Christmas Eve off

(From Gov. Mike Parson)

Today, Governor Parson signed Executive Order 18-11 declaring state offices closed on December 24, 2018.

“As we begin the Christmas season with the lighting of the People’s Mansion, let us take time to rejoice, give thanks, and help those in need. May we also pause to reflect on the important relationships that we have in our lives. For it is our family and friends close to our hearts who make this a joyful season.

"With Christmas Eve falling on a Monday, I have signed Executive Order 18-11 declaring state offices to be closed on December 24, 2018, so that our state employees will have time to celebrate and be with their loved ones. 

From my family to yours, we wish everyone peace, joy, goodwill, and a very Merry Christmas,” said Governor Parson.

Governor Parson on trade agreement: President Trump continues to deliver on promises

(From Gov. Mike Parson)

Today, Missouri Governor Mike Parson issued the following statement regarding the signing of the new trade pact, the United States-Mexico-Canada Agreement (USMCA), and applauded the President for delivering on promises made to advocate for fairer trade deals:

"Despite skeptics saying NAFTA could never be fixed, President Trump has continued to deliver on promises made to bring about bold and necessary reforms for our economy.”

“The USMCA trade deal is a positive move for our farmers and for the first time provides support for 21st century innovations in agriculture and biotechnology. Missouri is home to the best American farmers, ranchers, and innovators - and we're glad President Trump continues to stand up and fight for better and fairer trade deals.”

“President Trump has fulfilled his promise and we now need Congress to follow suit. The new deal with Canada and Mexico should soon prove to be a big win for Missouri farmers," said Governor Parson.

BIlly Long: Ozark Center in Joplin is proof that investing in mental health works

(From Seventh District Congressman Billy Long)

In a cost cutting move a few years ago, the Missouri Department of Transportation (MoDOT) decided to close one of its district offices in Joplin, Missouri. The former MoDOT building has since been transformed into the Ozark Center, a state-of-the-art behavioral health facility that I toured in November. The Ozark Center, unlike some behavioral health facilities, focuses on treating the whole person rather than just the mental illness. It has become a great asset for the Joplin area.

Unfortunately, folks with mental illnesses live 25 years less on average than the general population. They can expect to live a quarter of a century less than their neighbors. But the reason for this startling statistic is just as surprising. This shortened life span, it turns out, is due to medical conditions that could be easily treated if given access to adequate resources. That’s why providing more resources for mental health is crucial.

In 2014, Congress created a pilot program expanding access to mental health services and strengthening quality of care. Missouri was one of eight states picked to take part in the Certified Community Behavioral Health Centers (CCBHC) program. The CCBHC program aims to integrate behavioral health with physical health by providing services such as crisis care, wellness services, screenings and treatment.

The Ozark Center focuses on comprehensive behavioral health services. This facility is one of three clinics in southwest Missouri picked to participate in the CCBHC program.

This program launched in July of 2017 and has been nothing short of a tremendous success. Like many health care clinics throughout the country, the Ozark Center has only a limited number of resources to work with. However, thanks to the pilot program, many of these resources are much more sustainable. Unlike previous years, the Ozark Center has been able to increase their scope of services, provide a safety net for their patients, reduce wait times and increase access to care.

During my tour of the Ozark Center, I was shown firsthand the resources made available to patients struggling with mental illnesses. One resource in particular was transcranial magnetic stimulation (TMS) therapy, which is used for patients with severe depression. This non-invasive treatment is fairly new to the Ozark Center, but according to some patients they are already seeing improvements. Before starting TMS therapy one patient at the Ozark Center had tried a number of antidepressants, but none seemed to work. It wasn’t until he started TMS therapy that he saw improvements, such as sleeping better and eating more.

The Ozark Center is proof that investing in mental health works. It’s among many reasons I have supported legislation, such as the 21stCentury Cures Act and the SUPPORT for Patients and Communities Act, that provide more resources for mental health and targeted care. I look forward to continuing to support the Ozark Center and its work to help those suffering.

Vinita sex offender pleads guilty to failing to notify authorities of international travel

(From the U. S. Attorney for the Northern District of Oklahoma)

A 36-year old convicted sex offender has entered a guilty plea for failing to notify authorities of international travel, announced U.S. Attorney Trent Shores.

On Oct. 25, the U.S. Marshals Northern Oklahoma Violent Crimes Task Force apprehended Kaylynn Dee Meyer, of Vinita, in Puerto Vallarta, Mexico. Today she pleaded guilty in U.S. District Court to failure to report information required by the Sex Offender Registration and Notification Act that she intended to and did, in fact, travel outside the United States.

In 2013, Meyer was convicted of enabling child sexual abuse in Pawnee County. She was sentenced to 15 years in prison, with all but the first six months suspended. A warrant for her arrest was subsequently issued in 2017 in Craig County for failure to register as a sex offender and for a new accusation of child abuse by injury. Authorities had been unable to locate Meyer until she was discovered in Mexico.

“Convicted sex offenders do not get to avoid registration. Communities should be aware when a convicted sexual predator is residing, working, or going to school in their neighborhood. The defendant in this case, Kaylynn Meyer, repeatedly violated her requirements to register under the Sex Offender Registration and Notification Act. Fleeing to Mexico could not stop the wheels of justice from turning. Thanks to the United States Marshals Northern Oklahoma Violent Crimes Task Force and our partners in the Craig and Pawnee County Sheriff’s Offices, Kaylynn Meyer will not escape accountability,” said U.S. Attorney Trent Shores. “Ensuring the timely and updated registration of sex offenders is an important duty to protecting our families and our community at large.”

U.S. District Judge Claire V. Eagan scheduled Meyer’s sentencing for March 6. Meyer will remain in custody until that time when she potentially faces a maximum sentence of 10 years in prison and a $250,000 fine.

The U.S. Marshals Service and the Craig and Pawnee County Sheriff’s Offices are the investigative agencies. Assistant U.S. Attorney Victor A.S. Régal is prosecuting the case.

This case was brought as part of Project Safe Childhood, a nationwide initiative to combat the growing epidemic of child sexual exploitation and abuse launched in May 2006 by the Department of Justice. Led by United States Attorney’s Offices and the Criminal Division's Child Exploitation and Obscenity Section (CEOS), Project Safe Childhood marshals federal, state and local resources to better locate, apprehend and prosecute individuals who exploit children via the Internet, as well as to identify and rescue victims. For more information about Project Safe Childhood, please visit www.projectsafechildhood.gov

Ashcroft, circuit judges certify results of November 6 general election

(From Secretary of State Jay Ashcroft)

Today, Secretary of State Jay Ashcroft, along with 19th Circuit Judges Daniel Green and Thomas Sodergren, certified the results of the Nov. 6, 2018, general election.

“We owe the success of November’s election to the countless hours worked by local election authorities, boards of election and thousands of poll workers across the state,” Ashcroft said. “We’re grateful to the many Missourians who went out and made their voice heard on Election Day.”

More than 2.4 million Missourians exercised their right to vote in November, roughly 57.9 percent of registered voters.

Results of the constitutional amendments and propositions put before voters are as follows:
Constitutional Amendment No. 1 (General Assembly) … Yes 62.02%, No 37.98% (Passed)
Constitutional Amendment No. 2 (Medical Marijuana) … Yes 65.59%, No 34.41% (Passed)
Constitutional Amendment No. 3 (Medical Marijuana) … Yes 31.50%, No 68.50% (Failed)
Constitutional Amendment No. 4 (Bingo Games) ……… Yes 52.39%, No 47.61% (Passed)
Proposition B (Minimum Wage) ………………………….. Yes 62.34%, No 37.66% (Passed)
Proposition C (Medical Marijuana) ………………………. Yes 43.57%, No 56.43% (Failed)
Proposition D (Gas Tax) …………………………………... Yes 46.40%, No 53.60% (Failed)

Certified election results can be viewed online at enr.sos.mo.gov.

DISH subscribers may lose KOAM this afternoon

DISH network customers tuning in to KOAM for the evening news tonight may have to try another channel.

The satellite network's contract with KOAM expires at 6 p.m.


KOAM offers an FAQ page on its website to explain just what may happen and why.

We are simply asking for a fair fee, just as we have with the agreements we have with all other cable and satellite systems. This fee helps us offset significant costs charged to us by CBS for its programs and the most important operation expense of all, the responsibility of covering the news, weather, sports, emergency and community service information in the Four State Area.

Hartzler applauds Trump signing of trade agreement with Mexico, Canada

(From Fourth District Congresswoman Vicky Hartzler)

Congresswoman Vicky Hartzler (MO-04) today made the following statement about the President’s signing of the U.S.- Mexico-Canada Free Trade Agreement (USMCA) at the G20 Summit in Argentina.

“I am pleased with the President’s signing today of the U.S.-Mexico-Canada Free Trade Agreement. We are moving in the right direction in providing certainty for our farmers, consumers, businesses and workers across the nation. There are several important wins in the agreement for producers back home, including the manufacturing and dairy industries.

“Autoworkers will benefit from updated rules of origin and higher wages. Dairy will benefit from increased market access and the elimination of Class 6 and 7 milk pricing while businesses in general will thrive with stronger intellectual property right protections.

“Throughout this negotiation process I have worked with Ambassador Lighthizer to help ensure our agriculture sector is empowered by this new deal. The administration should be given credit for working with our two closest trading partners to provide a deal at a time when our producers needed it most.

“I look forward to studying this agreement further and seeing Congress swiftly review and vote on it in the new year.”

Agenda posted for Monday Joplin City Council meeting

JOPLIN CITY COUNCIL AGENDA
Monday, December 3, 2018
6:00 P.M., Council Chambers

1.

Call To Order

Invocation
Pledge of Allegiance of the United States of America

2.

Roll Call

3.

Presentations

1.

Recognition Of Board/Commission/Committee Members Who Completed Their Terms In 2018.

Documents:

1. B-C COMP TERMS 2018-RECOG 12-3-18.PDF

2.

Continue Discussion Of The Finance Committee’s Revenue Options Report

4.

Finalization Of Consent Agenda

5.

Reports And Communications

6.

Citizen Requests And Petitions

1.

Brian Handshy Would Like To Speak In Consideration Of The City Of Joplin Joining The Missouri Clean Energy District To Allow Commercial Property Owners To Utilize PACE Finance.

2.

Charles Copple Would Like To Address The City Council Regarding Upcoming Tax Proposals.

7.

Public Hearings

1.

Public Hearing Procedures

Documents:

1. PUBLIC HEARING PROCEDURES.PDF

2.

COUNCIL BILL NO. 2018-273

AN ORDINANCE approving the voluntary annexation by the Council of the City of
Joplin, Missouri, of approximately 22 acres of property, located immediately south of I-44
at Exit 13 and west of Prigmore Avenue, Jasper County, Missouri. 

Documents:

1. CB 2018-273 MINUTES.PDF
2. CB 2018-273 STAFF REPORT.PDF
3. CB 2018-273 SUMMARY.PDF
4. CB 2018-273.PDF

3.

COUNCIL BILL NO. 2018-274

AN ORDINANCE approving approximately 26 acres, located immediately south of I-44 at
Exit 13 and west of Prigmore Avenue to include in District C-3 (Commercial District), Jasper
County, Missouri.

Documents:

1. CB 2018-274 MINUTES.PDF
2. CB 2018-274 STAFF REPORT.PDF
3. CB 2018-274 SUMMARY.PDF
4. CB 2018-274.PDF

8.

Consent Agenda

1.

Minutes Of The November 19, 2018 Council Meeting

Documents:

1. MINS -NOV 19, 2018.PDF

9.

Resolutions

10.

Ordinances - Emergency

1.

COUNCIL BILL NO. 2018-275

AN ORDINANCE approving the Redevelopment Plans for properties known as the Muir Building and Willard Hotel located at 901 S. Main St. through 907 S. Main St.; by Jeremy and Lori Haun in accordance with the Redevelopment Plans as approved by the Joplin Redevelopment Corporation, Inc; approving and authorizing the abatement of ad valorem real estate taxes on the improvements to properties located at 901 S. Main St. through 907 S. Main St., Joplin, Missouri; taxes on the improvements to the real property will be abated at the rate of one hundred percent (100%) for ten (10) years, commencing January 1, 2019 and fifty (50%) for the following fifteen (15) years, ending after December 31, 2043; authorizing the City Manager to execute all instruments approved herein and any other instruments necessary to effectuate the intent of the Council as described herein upon recommendation of the City Attorney; and containing an emergency clause.

Documents:

1. CB 2018-275.PDF
2. CB. 2018-275 SUMMARY.PDF
3. EXHIBIT A.PDF
4. EXHIBIT B.PDF

2.

COUNCIL BILL NO. 2018–371

AN ORDINANCE approving the contract by and between the City of Joplin and Jordan Disposal for the demolition of the structure(s) and clearing of lot area located at 312 S. Oak. in the City of Joplin, Missouri, for Two Thousand Four Hundred and 00/100 Dollars ($2,400.00); providing how the cost thereof shall be paid; how the assessment thereof shall be made; and containing an emergency clause. 

Documents:

1. CB 2018-371 BID.PDF
2. CB 2018-371 PICTURES.PDF
3. CB 2018-371 SUMMARY.PDF
4. CB 2018-371.PDF

3.

COUNCIL BILL NO. 2018-372

AN ORDINANCE approving the contract by and between the City of Joplin and Jordan Disposal for the demolition of the structure(s) and clearing of lot area located at 1821 S. Pearl Ave. in the City of Joplin, Missouri, for Two Thousand Seven Hundred Thirty-Three and 00/100 Dollars ($ 2,733.00); providing how the cost thereof shall be paid; how the assessment thereof shall be made; and containing an emergency clause.

Documents:

1. CB 2018-372 BID.PDF
2. CB 2018-372 PICTURES.PDF
3. CB 2018-372 SUMMARY.PDF
4. CB 2018-372.PDF

4.

COUNCIL BILL NO. 2018-617

AN ORDINANCE authorizing the City of Joplin to enter into an agreement with Missouri Place Properties, LLC for the purpose of leasing real estate for a police station for the not to exceed annual price of Seven Thousand Eight Hundred and 00/100 Dollars ($7,800); authorizing the City Manager to execute the same by and on behalf of the City of Joplin; and containing an emergency clause.

Documents:

1. COJ JPD MISSOURI PLACE PROPERTIES LLC RE 712 E 32ND ST OFFICE SUITE 1.PDF
2. SUMMARY SHEET CB 2018-617.PDF
3. CB 2018-617 COJ MISSOURI PLACE PROPERTIES LEASE FOR POLICE STATION.PDF

11.

Ordinances - First Reading

1.

COUNCIL BILL NO. 2018-026

AN ORDINANCE APPROVING A PLAN FOR AN INDUSTRIAL DEVELOPMENT PROJECT CONSISTING OF THE ACQUISITION AND INSTALLATION OF MANUFACTURING EQUIPMENT, AUTHORIZING THE CITY OF JOPLIN, MISSOURI TO ISSUE ITS TAXABLE INDUSTRIAL REVENUE BONDS IN A PRINCIPAL AMOUNT NOT TO EXCEED $67,215,000 AND APPROVING CERTAIN RELATED DOCUMENTS AND ACTIONS.

Documents:

1. SUMMARY_CB2018-026_SCHAEFFLER GROUP - CH 100 BONDS V1.PDF
2. CB2018-026_SCHAEFFLER FAG_TAXABLE INDUSTRIAL REVENUE BONDS PROJECT-ORDINANCE V1.PDF
3. WITH CB2018-026_BOND PURCHASE AGREEMENTBPA V1.PDF
4. WITH CB2018-026_SCHAEFFLER LEASE AGREEMENT V1.PDF
5. WITH CB2018-026_SCHAEFFLER PERFORMANCE AGREEMENT V1.PDF
6. WITH CB2018-026_SCHAEFFLER PLAN FOR INDDEV V1.PDF
7. WITH CB2018-026_SCHAEFFLER TRUST INDENTURE V1.PDF

12.

Ordinances - Second Reading And Third Reading

13.

Unfinished Business

14.

New Business

1.

News From The Public Information Officer, Lynn Onstot

2.

Vote To Go Into Closed Session, Which Shall Pertain To Leasing, Purchasing Or Sale Of Real Estate By A Public Governmental Body Where Public Knowledge Of The Transaction Might Adversely Affect The Legal Consideration Therefore As Set Forth In Section 610.021 (2) RSMo, As Amended, 2017. 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.

Ace Mohr pleads not guilty to armed robbery, assault charges, public defender appointed

Ace Mohr, 25, Carthage, pleaded not guilty to felony armed robbery and assault charges this morning during a video arraignment in Jasper County Circuit Court.

Judge Joseph Hensley appointed a public defender to handle Mohr's case.

Mohr allegedly beat a Carthage man with brass knuckles and stole his wallet, phone and watch on October 27.

At the time the Carthage Police Department arrested him, Mohr was already awaiting trial on a felony domestic assault charge.


At the time of all of the alleged crimes, Mohr was on probation after pleading guilty earlier this year to felony receiving stolen property and heroin trafficking charges.

Mohr is being held without bond in the Jasper County Jail.

His next hearing is scheduled for December 12.

Incoming Attorney General Schmitt announces transition team

(From Incoming Attorney General Eric Schmitt)

Incoming Attorney General Eric Schmitt today announced his Transition Team. The Transition Team will focus on reviewing the Attorney General's Office and gathering information relevant to Schmitt’s top priorities as Attorney General.

“As the state’s next Attorney General, I look forward to serving as the lawyer for all six million Missourians,” said Schmitt. “I am grateful to the exceptional group of leaders who are assisting with this transition and are committed to protecting Missouri’s families.”

Chairs

Todd Graves
Todd Graves is a partner with the law firm of Graves Garrett. Before forming Graves Garrett, Graves served as the United States Attorney for the Western District of Missouri. Graves was appointed United States Attorney from his position as Platte County Prosecuting Attorney.

Jerry Hunter
Jerry Hunter is a partner with the law firm of Bryan Cave Leighton Paisner. Hunter previously was general counsel of the National Labor Relations Board in Washington, D.C., and served as the director of the Missouri Department of Labor and Industrial Relations.

Honorary Co-Chairs

John Ashcroft, former United States Attorney General and former Missouri Attorney General

John Danforth, former United States Senator and former Missouri Attorney General

“Incoming Attorney General Schmitt has established a well-qualified team with strong experience within the legal and law enforcement community to ensure a successful transition,” said Hunter. ”I am honored to assist with this effort.”

Advisors

Amy Boxx, Barry County Prosecuting Attorney

Ben Butler, Cass County Prosecuting Attorney

Bill Corrigan, Partner at Armstrong Teasdale LLP

Blake Hurst, Missouri Farm Bureau President

Daniel Isom, Executive Director of the Regional Justice Information Service Commission and former Chief of Police for the St. Louis Metropolitan Police Department

Tim Lohmar, St. Charles County Prosecuting Attorney

Brian Munzlinger, Farmer and former Chair of the Missouri Senate Agriculture Committee

Kathy Osborn, Regional Business Council Executive Director

Joe Patterson, St. Louis County Police Detective and President of St. Louis County Police Association

Rev. B.T. Rice, Pastor of New Horizon Christian Church

Mark Woolbright, 2nd District International Association of Firefighters Vice-President

Danny Whiteley, City of Poplar Bluff Police Chief

Joplin City Council expected to approve rezoning to make room for travel plaza, hotel, restaurant near Prigmore Avenue

A major commercial project involving construction of a truck stop and travel plaza, with future plans for a hotel, restaurant and truck wash will be placed before Joplin City Council when it meets 6 p.m. Monday at City Hall.

The council will be asked to designate 26 acres immediately south of I-44 at Exit 13, west of Prigmore Avenue as commercial property. Presently, it is zoned for residential use, though most of th property in that area has been rezoned for industrial usage over the past few years.

The city's Planning and Zoning Commission recommended the change following testimony at its November 12 meeting.


That portion of the Commission meeting is included among the documentation provided to the council:

John Bolte, Small Arrow Engineering, 216 S Main Street, Joplin, MO. Skyline Travel Plaza, LLC is trying to develop a C-Store, Travel Plaza, and a Truck Stop complex at the interchange by the Industrial Park. 

The triangle tract on the west end of the property has been acquired from Smith & Smith Investment. The initial use for the property under C-3 designation would be the truck stop, which is under construction. 

There will be a roughly 14-thousand square foot C-Store near Prigmore Avenue with a light fueling island in the front and a diesel fueling island in the rear. Parking would be for roughly 100 trucks in the back. 

On the west side there is a parcel of land that has been designated as a future truck wash. The parcel that is on the northeastern portion of the tract is slated for a future hotel site. The C-Store has room for expansion to add a restaurant in the future.

Though Skyline Travel Plaza is the name that was used for the limited liability company that is undertaking the project, Planning and Zoning Commission members were told it will likely be renamed Joplin Travel Plaza.

Bill White: Amendment 1 makes constituent e-mails to legislators accessible to the public

Graves: Build the wall or Nancy Pelosi and her friends will bring in more illegals

(From Sixth District Congressman Sam Graves)

Earlier this week, a caravan of Central American immigrants tried to storm the United States border after making their way across Mexico. The point all along was to demand asylum from the United States or simply try to cross the border illegally. They know our laws well enough to exploit the loopholes to gain entry.

President Trump responded to caravan members rushing one of the busiest border crossings by threatening to close the border permanently. In fact, one of our border crossings was closed for a while after our Border Patrol Agents were reportedly hit by rocks thrown by caravan members. Sometimes drastic times call for drastic measures.

As long as we don’t have a wall on the border and our immigration laws aren’t fixed, immigrants will continue to try to find ways to get across the border illegally and stay here. We are encouraging folks to break the law. It’s not sustainable.

Certainly, these Central American countries have problems and I understand that our country offers a better life. However, that isn’t what this is about. If we are to maintain the sovereignty of our nation, we cannot just allow countless folks from other countries to enter our country without going through the legal process that we have in place.

Because of the catch and release loopholes we currently have in place, more than 94,000 Central Americans were apprehended and released into the country last year. Many of them remain in the country today! This is de facto amnesty and it only makes our illegal immigration problem that much worse.

Allowing these catch and release loopholes to remain in place is just another step towards open borders. It should come as no surprise that Nancy Pelosi and her friends are just itching to make these ridiculous loopholes even more generous when she gets power in January. This simply cannot happen and I will join my colleagues in blocking any attempt to loosen our immigration laws. Our immigration laws must strengthen the legal immigration process, not aid lawbreakers.

In the meantime, I’ve got a simple solution. You may have heard of it. It’s known as “the WALL.”

We need to build it right now. No more games, no more dragging our feet - let’s get it built. And while we’re building it, we need to fix the loopholes that force us to spend resources on catching illegals just so we can turn them loose, instead of sending them back to their country.

In North Missouri, illegal still means illegal and I will continue fighting to make sure our broken immigration laws are fixed.

Joplin man pleads guilty, sentenced to 120 days shock time for resisting arrest, assaulting police officer, K9

A Joplin man was sentenced to four years in prison in Jasper County Circuit Court today for resisting arrest, but will spend only 120 days behind bars.

The shock incarceration was part of the plea agreement Tucker Hall, 22, reached with the Jasper County Prosecuting Attorney's office.

Judge Dean Dankelson also sentenced Hall to 120 days for assaulting a police officer and 15 days for assaulting a police animal.

The crimes occurred following a July 23 altercation at Casey's General Store, 2808 W. 7th. Police were called to Casey's about a suspicious vehicle in the parking lot, according to the probable cause statement.

When Joplin Police Department officer Jason Sandbothe approached the vehicle, the officer saw Hall, who was on the passenger side, putting something under the driver's seat, according to the probable cause statement.

Being aware that Hall had two outstanding felony probation violation warrants and a domestic assault warrant, Sandbothe asked Hall to get out of the car so he could take him into custody.

"Tucker then assaulted me by shoving me with both hands and fled on foot. I grabbed ahold of Tucker's t-shirt, but the shirt ripped and he continued to flee."

Sandbothe called out for Hall to stop, but he continued running.

"I chased Tucker to a wooded area where I lost sight of him and asked for assistance from a K9 officer."

The K9, Pax, located Hall. hiding between a concrete wall and fence at 815 S. Schifferdecker Avenue. Hall put his arms around the dog's neck and tried to choke him before Hall was taken into custody, according to the statement.

The item Hall is alleged to have placed under the driver's eat was a Glock 22 .40 handgun.

Hall has prior felony convictions for theft and vehicle tampering.

Joplin R-8 Board hires three teachers, accepts three resignations

During a closed session November 20, the Joplin R-8 Board of Education hired three teachers, accepted resignations from three certified employees, approved 18 substitutes, hired 17 classified employees and approved 18 "classified separations."


Certified Employments: Chad Cruise, Cindy Land, and Jill Riley

Certified Resignation: Jaclyn Prater, Barbara Brown, and Quentin Virden

Classified Employments: Jami Chaligoj, Brenda Cogbill, Shiree Dodson, Pamela Falkensen, James Foglesong, Sarah Gordon, Liesel Huffan, Thomas Hutchens, Brandy Leavitt, Katie Scheurich, Caroline Underwood, Patty Wald, Deborah Harryman, Justin Henson, Robert Lee, David Rainey, and Sydney Stever,

Substitutes: Morgan Robertson, JoAnn Edwards, Heather Hawn, Robert Parsons, Gwen Erisman, Justin Larsen, Courtney Rasmussen, Desiree Breidenstein, Camille Redmond, Mary Hukill, Michael Huie, Kreg Selvey, Rebecca Meier, Kimberly Brewer, Angel Garcia, Angela Beaver, Darrell Standlee, and Greg Crawford

Classified Separations: Adam Bell, Marline Bryan, Amos Cupp, Edith Garcia, Kay Lynn Johnson, Taylor Maberry, Jessica Parker, Jennifer Rucker, Ellen Thieme, Stephanie Vaughan, Sarah Vazquez, Angela Ward, Scott Webb, Camille Blake, Stephen Fuller, Tracie Buck, Tammy Collier, and Marvis Holbert

The board also discussed legal matters during the closed session.

Arraignment scheduled for Ace Mohr

An 8:30 a.m. Thursday arraignment is scheduled for Ace Mohr, 25, Carthage, on his most recent felony charges of armed robbery and assault.

Mohr allegedly beat a Carthage man with brass knuckles and stole his wallet, phone and watch on October 27.

At the time the Carthage Police Department arrested him, Mohr was already awaiting trial on a felony domestic assault charge.


At the time of all of the alleged crimes, Mohr was on probation after pleading guilty earlier this year to felony receiving stolen property and heroin trafficking charges.

Mohr is being held without bond in the Jasper County Jail.

Newsmakers program focuses on Gary Nodler

Former State Senator Gary Nodler, R-Joplin, is the focus of the latest Newsmakers program from KGCS.

Host Judy Stiles interviews Nodler about the recent honor he received when Missouri Southern State University presented him with the Richard M. Webster Medallion, as well as his long career in politics and public service.

Galloway to act on governor's request, audit Department of Public Safety

(From State Auditor Nicole Galloway)

State Auditor Nicole Galloway today released the following statement in response to the request by Gov. Mike Parson to audit administrative practices within the Missouri Department of Public Safety:

Upon review of the Governor's request, I have committed to performing an independent audit of the administrative practices of the Department of Public Safety. As with any review, we will determine the scope of the audit to appropriately address any concerns brought forward throughout the process. I encourage anyone with information about questionable use of taxpayer dollars by the Department of Public Safety to contact my Whistleblower Hotline.

Citizens can contact the State Auditor's Whistleblower Hotline at moaudit@auditor.mo.gov or by calling 800-347-8597. Concerns may also be submitted anonymously online at auditor.mo.gov/hotline.

Governor requests audit of Missouri Department of Public Safety

(From Gov. Mike Parson)

Today, Missouri Governor Mike Parson requested a state audit of the Missouri Department of Public Safety (DPS) Director’s Office.

On August 27, 2018, Governor Parson appointed then Missouri State Highway Patrol Colonel Sandy Karsten as DPS Director. Upon her appointment, Karsten proactively requested that the Office of Administration conduct an initial review of the DPS Director’s office.

“Our initial review raised concerns that warranted a more in-depth examination of past public safety administration practices,” Director Karstensaid. “The previous state audit of the DPS Director’s Office was completed nearly five years ago. A state audit is the appropriate next step to ensure the DPS Director’s office is fulfilling its obligations to the people of Missouri.”

“Anytime a department director raises concerns about questionable use of taxpayer dollars, we take them very seriously– that’s why under these circumstances we have requested a state audit,” Governor Parson said. “Director Karsten is doing a great job leading DPS and has a clear understanding about the importance of keeping government accountable to the people of Missouri.”

On Tuesday afternoon, the Governor submitted a formal request to State Auditor Nicole Galloway to conduct the audit.

Jury trial slated today for Joplin woman charged with drugging, raping 16-year-old boy

The jury trial for a Joplin woman charged with drugging and raping a 16-year-old boy was scheduled to start today in Jasper County Circuit Court and last two days.

According to the probable cause statement, Carin Sue Timmerman, 45, allegedly molested the boy three times, twice by crushing Benadryl tablets in his drink which left the boy in a daze and the third time fondling him while he was sleeping.

The crimes allegedly took place between August 15, 2012 and May 24, 2013.


Timmerman is charged with two felonies, forcible rape and forcible sodomy.

Missouri minimum wage to increase to $8.60 beginning January 1

(From the Missouri Department of Labor)

The Missouri Department of Labor announces the state minimum wage rate for 2019 has been established, according to state law, at $8.60, effective January 1, 2019.

All private businesses are required to pay at minimum, the $8.60 hourly rate, except retail and service businesses whose annual gross sales are less than $500,000. Pursuant to Proposition B, which was approved by Missouri voters November 6, 2018, the minimum wage will increase 85 cents per hour each year through 2023. Missouri law does not apply to public employers, nor does it allow the state’s minimum wage rate to be lower than the federal minimum wage rate.

Compensation for tipped employees must also total at least $8.60 per hour. Employers are required to pay tipped employees at least 50 percent of the minimum wage, plus any amount necessary to bring the employee’s total compensation to a minimum of $8.60 per hour.

A printable version of the updated poster is available for businesses at labor.mo.gov/posters.

To learn more about minimum wage, visit labor.mo.gov/DLS/MinimumWage.

Nancy Hughes: Quiet on the set

“Be still before the Lord and wait patiently for him . . ."
Psalm 37:7 (NIV)

I was watching a documentary on how movies are made, from beginning to end. But what was most interesting to me was what happened before the actual taping of each scene.

Activity on the set was crazy! There were last minute makeup and hair touch ups as one person ran over to straighten a collar on an actor while lighting was corrected and props moved to their correct position by two more workers. It reminded me of ants scurrying to find cover as rain began to pour on their home.

Then, suddenly, four short words were spoken and everything immediately changed: “Quiet on the set!” Instantly there was complete silence. After several seconds, an assistant yelled “Action!” and everyone focused on one goal: to film the scene.

It reminded me of how my life is - a lot of the time. There are Bible studies and speaking engagements and writing deadlines and retired teacher meetings and doctor appointments and meals to prepare and laundry to wash.

There are groceries to buy and a lawn to be mowed and oil to be changed in my car. There are walls to paint and kids to pick up from school and ball games and email and Facebook. And on and on and on . . .

None of those activities are bad but when I do not take the time to first simply stop and listen to the Lord – to be “Quiet on the set!” and acknowledge Him as the Creator of the Universe – then I completely miss what His “Action!” is for me for the day.

Friends, my plea to you today is this: before one activity is begun, before you make your to-do list with everything that has to be addressed, climb out of your bed and kneel down and simply say “Lord, here I am…still before you, acknowledging you as my God, my Father, my Daddy, my Creator. I am yours. My day is yours. Please direct my day to focus on you.”

I promise you that God will give you clear direction as you look to Him and become “quiet on the set.”

Lord, each day is yours, from beginning to end. I am still before you now, asking that you direct my every thought and action this day and always. In Jesus’ Name. Amen.

R.A.P. it up . . .

Reflect

Do you ever have those days where your list of activities to get done gets longer instead of shorter and you don’t seem to accomplish anything?

Did you seek the stillness of the presence of the Lord before you addressed that list?

Application

Make your list of activities for the day and lay it on your kitchen table and lay your Bible on top of it.

Sit silently before the Lord for two minutes as you ask Him to direct those activities and your path for the day. Listen for His answers through His Word.

Power Verses

Psalm 37:7 (NIV) “Be still before the Lord and wait patiently for him…”

Psalm 46:10 (NIV) “Be still and know that I am God.”

Philippians 4: 6 (NIV) “Do not be anxious about anything, but in everything, by prayer and petition, with thanksgiving, present your requests to God.”

***

Nancy Hughes' latest book- Healing From the Heart: The Journey Continues- is available at Amazon. The book features women telling their stories about becoming widows and how they have dealt with the pressures.

Thoughts about predictable news coverage, my Ace Mohr "obsession" and top Turner Report/Inside Joplin posts for the week

There are times when a certain amount of predictability is a good thing for a newspaper and often that comes right around holidays and annual events.

When I was editor at the Carthage Press and Lamar Democrat, nearly all of page one on the Veterans Day newspaper (or the closest one to that date) featured photos and news coverage of community events honoring veterans.

Everyone knew we were going to do it every year, but it was the kind of predictability that let people know what our newspaper considered important.

The same type of coverage was featured on Memorial Day, as I covered the annual observance at Park Cemetery.

Important annual community events, including big ticket items like Maple Leaf Week and Marian Days, received extensive coverage. When it is the biggest thing going on in town, it deserves the blanket treatment.


On the other hand, predictability is also a curse for both newspapers and television stations. Black Friday stories bore me to death and so due tax day stories on April 15. They have a place, but not leading the coverage. If that is all you have on page one or at the top of your newscast, you are falling asleep on the job.

While I always provided coverage of those "events," I never carried it on page one.

In other words, I don't want to hear anything else about Black Friday.

And a month from now, I will feel the same way about the returning Christmas gifts stories on December 26.

Newton County Memories

A reminder that signed copies of Newton County Memories are available as holiday gifts at Granby Auto Supply, Always Buying Books, Changing Hands Book Shoppe and Pat's Books in Carthage.

Or you can order them directly from me for $22, including sales tax and postage by sending your money to Randy Turner, 2306 E. 8th, Apt. A, Joplin, MO or by using the PayPal button below.

If you use the PayPal button, be sure to leave your address in the message form.

My "obsession" with Ace Mohr

A couple of years ago, two readers told me I needed to find out about a man named Ace Mohr, who had been arrested for various crimes, but never seemed to spend much time behind bars.

I checked out the online court records and filed the name away for future reference.

It was just a couple of weeks later that a Joplin Police Department news release said Ace Mohr had been charged with an armed robby at 7th and Moffet.

I went back through the online records and also chccked old newspaper reports about armed robberies that he had allegedly committed, but the charges were filed, then quietly dropped.

I wrote my first post on Ace Mohr and discovered there was far more interest in him than I had anticipated and that has continued to be the case.

Ever since I began writing about him, there have been a few fools (and I am sorry for using the term, but I can't see what else you can call people who do not understand why this story is important). The stories have involved one crime after another, second chances, followed by third, fourth and fifth chances and a judicial system that has bent over backwards to keep him on the streets, creating a danger to the community, not to mention the extra strain it puts on our local law enforcement agencies.

I have no problem with giving someone a chance to start anew, but when these starts continue to reflect the same behavior, someone is not getting the message, and I am not talking about Ace Mohr.

I have written a number of posts about Mohr in the past couple of years and it is likely I will be writing more. I would prefer not to have to write any.

From your comments, it appears most of you understand why I have devoted so much space to this story.

The question that needs to be asked is why no one else has even mentioned it.



The top posts for the Turner Report, Inside Joplin and Inside Joplin Obituaries are featured below with links to each one.


The Turner Report

1. New armed robbery, felony assault charges filed against Ace Mohr, Carthage man held without bond

2. Police to KODE: No unusual problem with missing people in Joplin

3. The woman who made me take my belt off, the officer who checked it out and how my pants defied gravity

4. Attorney general launches investigation into Neosho City Council secrecy

5. Cynthia Davis: Judge's decision was wrong: CNN should have sent a reporter with better manners

6. So you want to be a Webb City R-7 assistant superintendent for curriculum and instruction

7. Former Joplin Globe reporter was first to tell the nation of President Kennedy's death

8. Thank God for the First Amendment- Politicians don't get to pick which reporters cover them

9. Creve Coeur Democrat to pre-file seven bills to prevent gun violence

10. Arraignment set for Carthage man charged with making terroristic threat to get out of ticket

Inside Joplin

1. Carthage woman injured in accident north of Carl Junction

2. Man slumped over wheel at 7th and Maiden Lane arrested on DWI, felony meth charges

3. Three arrested, meth, weapon, stolen pickup confiscated during JPD raid at 2102 S. Kensington

4. Five arrested, meth, stolen car confiscated in afternoon raid at Carthage home

5. Jasper County Dissolution of Marriage Petitions

6. Jasper County Sheriff's Office Arrests

7. Newton County Dissolution of Marriage Petitions

8. Joplin Police Department Weekend Arrests

9. Joplin Police Department Arrests November 19-20

10. Carthage Police: Do you know these people?

Inside Joplin Obituaries

1. Brenda Holmes

2. Greg Asbell

3. Pistol Baugh

4. Cynthia Hall

5. Jeffrey Timmons

6. Richard Betz

7. Nicole Shrock

8. Patty Wilson

9. Shirley Carter

10. Jay Mitchell

Billy Long: President Trump working to protect religious freedom

(From Seventh District Congressman Billy Long)

As we kick off the holiday season, it’s easy to take for granted the many things we are thankful for in a country as great as ours. One that is often overlooked is religious freedom. President Trump’s administration has implemented many policies to defend this freedom and protect religious institutions from being forced to do things against their moral code. However, that hasn’t always been the case.

In 2011, the Obama administration’s Department of Health and Human Services mandated that all employers must provide contraceptive services through their insurance plans. Organizations such as Little Sisters of the Poor, a religious non-profit, were outraged at the Obama administration’s disregard for religious values and asked for an exemption from the mandate. Fearing excessive fines that would come along with not complying, Little Sisters of the Poor asked the courts for protection. In 2016, the Supreme Court ruled in favor of Little Sisters of the Poor, allowing religious institutions to follow their moral code when offering health care services.

More recently, President Trump issued a formal rule protecting organizations with deeply held moral or religious objections to the Obama-era contraceptive mandate. This rule finally allowed organizations like Little Sisters of the Poor the protections they are guaranteed under the First Amendment.

Instead of mandating rules and regulations that harm religious freedom, President Trump has spent his time working to enhance religious freedom and protect religious institutions. Seeing a double standard in the aftermath of Hurricane Harvey, President Trump reversed an Obama-era rule that denied houses of worship disaster aid that they rightly deserved. Unlike non-religious organizations, churches were not allowed to apply for disaster grants, even though they spent just as much time and money helping those affected by the hurricane.

While defending religious freedom in the U.S. has been a top priority for President Trump, he has also worked hard to protect it abroad. In January of this year, President Trump placed Pakistan on a “Special Watch List” for its violations of religious freedom while also placing 10 other countries on a list of particular concern. These lists were created under the International Religious Freedom Act and serve as a tool to hold countries accountable for their religious intolerances.

Our country was founded on the principle of religious freedom. President Trump has worked tirelessly to ensure that our country continues to be a place where all can come and worship. America must always strive to protect those who wish to exercise their First Amendment right to religious expression.