Court document: Former Joplin resident ignored protection order, multiple arrests while stalking Joplin woman who feared for her life

A detention motion filed today in U. S. District Court for the Western District of Missouri claims a former Joplin resident ignored a protection order dozens of times terrorizing a Joplin woman, attempting to run her off the road and told her, "I pray nothing happens to you, but the world is a dark and unforgiving place these days."

The government strongly recommended that Zachariah James Garner, 32, Baxter Springs, Kansas, be held without bond while awaiting trial on two counts of interstate stalking and one count of interstate violation of a protection order.

Garner made light of arrests by the Joplin Police Department for stalking the woman, claiming he would be out in 24 hours if he was arrested and told officers he used heroin, methamphetamine and fentanyl and that he wanted to protect the woman from his gang associates in the Universal Aryan Brotherhood.

Garner has been held in the Greene County Jail without bond. His detention hearing is scheduled for 10:30 a.m. August 3 in Springfield.

The government's reasons for wanting Garner to remain behind bars were spelled out in the motion:

On March 30, 2020, A.G., obtained an ex parte order of protection from the Circuit Court of Jasper County, Missouri, case number 20AP-PN00303. The order was served on the defendant on March 30, 2020. 

Subsequent to March 31, 2020, A.G. made dozens of reports with the Joplin, Missouri, Police Department, regarding the defendant’s threats, contact, and continued violation of the order of protection. 

A.G. reported that the defendant was leaving her letters, driving by her residence, attempting to contact her through friends, and repeatedly calling and/or messaging her. 

On April 7, 2020, Joplin Police Officer Chris Dunning spoke with the defendant on the telephone and told him to leave A.G. alone. The defendant stated he understood and said he would make sure this did not happen again. However, the defendant continued his behavior, and the defendant began using applications that provided anonymous telephone numbers when calling A.G. 

The defendant also continued to drive by A.G.’s residence. One example, on April 14, 2020, A.G. reported to JPD Officer Katherine Ivie that she received a text message from the defendant with an attached image of a GPS screen shot. The message stated that the defendant was going to be at her house shortly. 

The GPS image was attached to a text message which stated, “If u won’t answer then I guess I’ll just head on over that way see ya in a bit it’s only 24 hrs in jail then at it again I guess.” 

A.G. reported she had received 22 telephone calls that day from the defendant and received an eight-page letter from him the previous day. A.G. also reported that the defendant had attempted to run her off the road. A.G. repeatedly told law enforcement she was scared for her life. A.G. also told law enforcement that the defendant’s behavior was “like the murder suicide stories you hear about.”

On May 6, 2020, the defendant was arrested during a traffic stop in Joplin, Missouri. On May 7, 2020, FBI Task Force Officer (TFO) Charles Root conducted a post-Miranda interview with the defendant. The defendant stated he lived with his parents at their residence in Cherokee County, Kansas, and he was unemployed. 

The defendant advised he was aware there was an active order against him. The defendant also admitted to using several different types of illegal substances, such as methamphetamine, heroin, and fentanyl. 

During the interview, the defendant admitted to repeatedly violating the order of protection. The defendant also indicated he was trying to “protect” his family from people he associates with. When pressed on this issue, he said the subjects are gang related and associated with the Universal Aryan Brotherhood, otherwise known as the “UAB.” The defendant also admitted to using multiple third-party cellular telephone applications to attempt to conceal his identity while messaging his wife and others.

On May 12, 2020, Homeland Security Investigations (HSI) TFO Larry Roller finished his extraction of A.G.’s cellular phone. TFO Root reviewed the data and confirmed there were hundreds of messages from the defendant to A.G.. Many messages were threatening and many others demanded A.G. speak with him. For example, on March 29, 2020, at 9:31 p.m. The defendant stated, "I pray nothing ever happens to you but the world is a dark and unforgiving place these days.” 

On April 13, 2020, at 3:22 a.m. The defendant wrote, “it ends now A.G. face me and finish this now U got 10mins.” This message has an attached image of what appears to be a male hand holding a key.

On May 14, 2020, TFO Roller finished the examination of the defendant’s device. TFO root reviewed the data and located numerous messages to A.G. The examination included seven image files. Four of the images are the same image. This image depicts A.G. wearing a see-through bra. The message associated with the image included a message stating, “How’s (your workplace's) policy on porn?” dated March 30, 2020. 

A.G. had reported that the defendant had threatened to send explicit images of her to her employer and others. Two of the other images located on the defendant’s phone depicted a close up of a light green handled semiautomatic handgun. One of the images depicted the firearm in a holster, with what appears to be an adult male hand, touching the handgrip. The last image is a close up image of the defendant’s Missouri driver’s license. 

The examination included one bookmarked video. The video is three seconds in length and depicts the same firearm previously described above. The firearm is observed sitting on what appears to be cloth material. 

In relation to the history and characteristics of the defendant, the defendant committed the instant offense while under court orders in an active order of protection. The defendant continued to violate the order even after the state continued to file charges against the defendant for violating the order of protection: 

On April 15, 2020, he defendant was charges with three counts of violation of an order of protection for conduct occurring on March 31, 2020, April 5, 2020, and April 14, 2020, in Jasper County Circuit Court case number 20AOCR00440. 

On April 27, 2020, he defendant was charges with three counts of violation of an order of protection for conduct occurring on April 19, 2020, April 21, 2020, and April 21, 2020, in Jasper County Circuit Court case number 20AOCR00473.

On May 6, 2020, he defendant was charges with two counts of violation of an order of protection for conduct occurring on April 28, 2020, and April 29, 2020, in Jasper County Circuit Court case number 20AO-CR00507; and 4. 

On May 6, 2020, he defendant was charges with two counts of violation of an order of protection for conduct occurring on May 1, 2020, and May 1, 2020, in Jasper County Circuit Court case number 20AO-CR00508.  

This behavior clearly demonstrates that the defendant has little regard for not only conditions placed upon him by the court, but also the law. Furthermore, the defendant noted his involvement with the UAB during his interview with TFO Root.

Billy Long: Conserving nature is always a good thing

(From Seventh District Congressman Billy Long)

Last week, Congress passed the Great American Outdoors Act, a bipartisan once-in-a-generation conservation effort that improves our national park infrastructure and permanently secures funding for the Land and Water Conservation Fund (LWCF). 

As an avid outdoorsman, I am proud to have cosponsored this critical legislation because I recognize the profound impact it will have on the Roaring River State Park, the Ozark Greenway trail, and countless other natural resources across Missouri’s 7th congressional district. 

This bill will have a wide-reaching impact that will enhance thousands of treasured sites across the country and better position our nation to recover from the economic impacts of COVID-19. 

A long time ago, in a galaxy (Arizona) far, far away, I was a Muleskinner at the Grand Canyon. I had the good fortune of getting paid to make daily trips down into the canyon by muleback. I was able to experience the majestic nature of one of our true national treasures in my job as a guide on the famous mule rides into the Grand Canyon. I know how important our parks are to the more than 300 million people that flock to enjoy them every year. 

With this volume of traffic, the need for routine maintenance and repairs are exponential. Unfortunately, data from 2018 suggests that national parks have an estimated $12 billion worth of maintenance projects, including urgent issues that have been delayed at least a year due to a lack of funding. 

This legislation addresses this problem head on by establishing the National Park and Public Lands Legacy Restoration Fund, which directs revenue from energy developments on federal lands and waters to address the billions of dollars in deferred maintenance projects. The bill will also provide additional support, if necessary, to make up for lost revenue due to coronavirus so that funding is not interrupted.

In 1964, Congress established the Land and Water Conservation Fund to protect endangered species’ habitats and develop parks and outdoor recreation sites, but its funding was never guaranteed. The Great American Outdoors Act fixed that by providing $900 million annually to ensure the program is fully funded.

This Act will solidify our nation’s conservation legacy, and the funding couldn’t come at a better time. The coronavirus has inspired Americans to get outside to stay active and reduce stress. 

In my view, there are no better places to do this than in our national parks. With the increase in visitors throughout our parks, now more than ever, we must make sure our parks are in good repair. The Great American Outdoors Act puts us in the best position to do that.

This bill is a big win for bipartisan conservation efforts, and I look forward to President Trump signing it into law. The Great American Outdoors Act is a monumental conservation achievement that will have a lasting impact on generations to come, and I am proud to join my colleagues in our efforts to preserve and maintain our most prized American landscapes.

Oklahoma records five COVID-19 deaths

(From the Oklahoma State Department of Health)

As of this advisory, there are 36,487 confirmed positive cases of COVID-19 in Oklahoma. 

There are 5 additional deaths identified to report. 3 deaths were identified in the past 24 hours. 

-Two in Cleveland County, two female in the 36 - 65 or older age group. 

-One in Creek County, one male in the 65 or older age group.

-One in Oklahoma County, one male in the 50 - 64 age group.

-One in Rogers County, one female in the 65 or older age group.

There are 541 total deaths in the state.

For more information, visit coronavirus.health.ok.gov.

Newton County reports 17 COVID-19 cases over past two days, number under isolation falls dramatically

The Newton County Health Department reported 17 new coronavirus cases over the previous 48 hours, according to statistics posted on its Facebook page Thursday night.

The county has recorded 833 cases, but the number isolation has fallen from 387 to 287.

The number of people hospitalized remains at five.

The county has had six COVID-19 deaths.

The statistics do not include the portion of Newton County that is located in the Joplin city limits.

Ribbon cutting, informational meeting set at Truman Birthplace in Lamar

An informational meeting will be held 10 a.m. August 15 at the Harry S. Truman Birthplace Historic Site in Lamar, following a ribbon cutting commemorating the recent replacement of the 137-year-old deteriorating foundation. (The photo from the Lamar MO Facebook plage was taken during that process.

Representatives from Missouri State Parks will open the meeting on the lawn west of the home at 10 a.m. following the 9:45 a.m. ribbon cutting.

A tour of Harry S Truman Birthplace State Historic Site where the future President of the United States was born on May 8, 1884 will be offered following the public meeting.

Video- Complete Carthage High School Graduation

Carthage R-9 Board approves reopening plan with student option for in-person or online learning

During a special session Thursday night, the Carthage R-9 Board of Education unanimously approved a return to school plan that offers students the option of attending school in person five days a week with health and safety precautions in place or taking classes online.

Families choosing the online/virtual learning option must notify their child's school by Friday, August 7, according to a district news release.

Watch live- Arkansas Governor's COVID-19 Briefing at 1:30 p.m.

Jasper County Health Department reports 13 COVID-19 cases in 48 hours, fewer people under isolation

Thirteen COVID-19 cases were recorded in Jasper County during a 48-hour period, according to statistics posted on the Jasper County Health Department Facebook page Thursday evening.

The county has 1,263 coronavirus cases, but the statistics show a reduction of people under isolation from 76 to 62 during the reporting period.

The number of people hospitalized has remained steady at 19 for the past week. The county has had six COVID-19 deaths.

The statistics do not include the portion of Jasper County that is located in the Joplin city limits.

Joplin COVID-19 cases at 382, number under isolation, quarantine continues to decrease

The city of Joplin has had 12 COVID-19 cases confirmed since the beginning of the week, bringing the total to 382, but the number of people under isolation continues to decrease.

Statistics posted Monday showed 55 people under isolation while information posted on the city's COVID-19 dashboard indicates that through Thursday the number was at 39.

The number of people under quarantine has dropped from 120 to 101.

Agenda posted for Joplin City Council meeting

JOPLIN CITY COUNCIL
REGULAR MEETING
MONDAY, AUGUST 3, 2020, 6 p.m.
5th FLOOR COUNCIL CHAMBERS
602 S. MAIN ST. JOPLIN MO

This meeting can be viewed live on KGCS-TV channel 21 and regional cable television systems including Sparklight in Joplin; or livestream at http://www.joplinmo.org/182/Video-Multimedia
In compliance with the social distancing requirement of six feet, the number of guests in the
Council Chambers is limited to 45

AMENDED AGENDA
1. Call to Order
Invocation
Pledge of Allegiance of the United States of America

2. Roll Call

3. Presentations

4. Finalization of Consent Agenda

5. Reports and Communications

6. Citizen Requests and Petitions

1. Kenneth Meisinger, One Joplin Neighborhood Council- 705 Illinois Ave., would like to speak on Safe and Healthy Neighborhoods 

2. Brian Evans, 4308 W. 28th Place, Joplin, wants to speak on the effect of the mask ordinance on local small businesses.

3. Stephen Evans, 3303 S. Moffet Ave. Joplin, wants to speak on the mask mandate.

7. Public Hearings

1. Public Hearing Procedures

Documents:
Public Hearing Proc.pdf

2. COUNCIL BILL NO. 2020-268

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-1 and including in District R-2 property located 902 W. 26th St., City of Joplin, Jasper County, Missouri.

Documents:
CB 2020-268 Minutes.pdf
CB 2020-268 Summary.pdf
CB 2020-268.pdf

CB 2020-268 Staff Report.pdf

 

3. COUNCIL BILL NO. 2020-269
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-1 and including in District R-2 property as described below and located 2701 S. Virginia Avenue, City of Joplin, Jasper County, Missouri.

Documents:
CB 2020-269 Minutes.pdf
CB 2020-269 Staff Report.pdf
CB 2020-269 Summary.pdf

CB 2020-269.pdf

 

8. Consent Agenda

1. Minutes of the July 20, 2020 City Council Meeting.

Documents:

Mins. July 20, 2020.pdf

 

9. Resolutions

10. Ordinances - Emergency

1. COUNCIL BILL NO. 2020-147
AN ORDINANCE approving an agreement and work authorization with Olsson in the not to exceed amount of Three Hundred Twenty-Three Thousand Nine Hundred Sixty-One and 00/100 Dollars ($323,961.00) for professional engineering consulting services for the update of the City of Joplin’s Storm Water Masterplan; and 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:
Olsson Masterplan update Work authorization GS.pdf
City of Joplin Stormwater Masterplan Agreement-signed-signed.pdf
20-07-07_City of Joplin Stormwater Masterplan Work Auth and Scope-signed.pdf

Olsson Masterplan update work authorization CB.pdf

 

2. COUNCIL BILL NO. 2020-404

AN ORDINANCE approving an Agreement between the City of Joplin, Missouri, and Joplin Economic Housing Development Initiative that pertains to 2016, 2017, and 2018 HOME funds in the total amount not to exceed $459,900.00; authorizing the City Manager or his designee to execute same on behalf of the City of Joplin; and containing an emergency clause. 

Documents:
CB 2020-404 Contract.pdf
CB 2020-404 Summary.pdf

CB 2020-404.pdf

 

3. COUNCIL BILL NO. 2020-507
AN ORDINANCE approving a Tax Increment Financing Funding Agreement by and between Woodsonia Joplin, LLC., a Nebraska limited liability company, and the City of Joplin, Missouri; authorizing the City Manager to execute said Agreement on behalf of the City of Joplin; and containing an emergency clause.
Documents:
CB 2020-507 Summary TIF Funding Agreement.pdf
CB 2020-507 TIF Funding Agreement Ordinance.pdf

CB 2020-507 Exhibit A TIF Funding Agreement.pdf

 

4. COUNCIL BILL NO. 2020-518
AN ORDINANCE approving a Petition to Establish the 32nd Street Place Community Improvement District and creating the 32nd Street Place Community Improvement District; and containing an emergency clause.
Documents:
CB 2020-518 Summary 32nd Street Place CID.pdf
CB 2020-518 Ordinance approving 32nd Street Place CID.pdf
CB 2020-518 Exhibit A CID Petition.pdf

CB 2020-518 Blight Study 32nd St Place CID.pdf

 

11. Ordinances - First Reading

1. COUNCIL BILL NO. 2020-005
AN ORDINANCE re-adopting Chapter 2, Administration, of the Joplin City Code, Section 2-107, "Financial interest disclosure", requiring certain officials and employees of the City of Joplin to file Financial Interest Disclosure Statements as described herein.
Documents:
Summary_CB2020-005_ETHICS - readopting Chapter 2_Sec 2-107_Financial interest disclosure due 9-15-2020.pdf

CB2020-005_ETHICS_Re-adoption Sec 2-107_Financial Interest Disclosure due 9-15-2020.pdf

 

2. COUNCIL BILL 2020-141
AN ORDINANCE approving a pedestrian crossing license agreement by and between the City of Joplin and Missouri & Northern Arkansas Railroad Company, Inc, as it pertains to construction of sidewalk improvements on 3rd and 4th street related to the 4th and School Stormwater Project (TS0612); and authorizing the City Manager or his designee to execute the same by and on behalf of the City of Joplin.
Documents:
MNA Pedestrian Crossing Agreement GS.pdf
CITY OF JOPLIN PEDESTRIAN CROSSING 7-23-20.pdf
Pedestrian Crossing Location Map.pdf

MNA Pedestrian Crossing Agreement CB.pdf

 

3. COUNCIL BILL NO. 2020-149
AN ORDINANCE amending Chapter 118, Utilities, Article 2, Sewers and Sewage Disposal, Division 9, Illicit Discharge Detection and Elimination.

Documents:
Illicit Discharge Update Summary Sheet.pdf
Amended Illicit Discharge Ordinance Final Draft 7-27-20.pdf

Illicit Discharge Update CB.pdf

 

4. COUNCIL BILL 2020-151

AN ORDINANCE approving a Work Authorization AMA-OC20-016 with Allgeier, Martin and Associates in the not to exceed amount of Eighty-One Thousand Five Hundred and 00/100 Dollars ($81,500.00) for professional engineering consulting services for the design of Murphy Boulevard and Lone Elm storm water improvements; and authorizing the City Manager or his designee to execute the same by and on behalf of the City of Joplin. 

Documents:
AMA Lone Elm work authorization GS.pdf
Complete Joplin Construction Work Authorization Murphy Blvd.pdf
EXHIBIT.pdf

AMA Lone Elm work authorization CB.pdf

 

12. Ordinances - Second Reading and Third Reading

13. Unfinished Business 

14. New Business 

1. Set the public hearing date for the FY2021 Proposed Budget for August 17, 2020.

2. Set the public hearing date for the 2020-2021 property tax rate for August 24, 2020.

3. Health Dept. Update/Discussion of Covid-19 Recovery Plan.

4. News from Public Information Officer Lynn Onstot.

Greene County announces third COVID-19 death in July

(From the Springfield-Greene County Health Department)

The Springfield-Greene County Health Department is heartbroken to announce the death of a Greene County resident from COVID-19.

Our community’s eleventh death is a man in his 80s who was immunocompromised. He was not associated with a long-term care facility.

The Health Department extends our condolences to loved ones at this tragic time.

This is the third COVID-19 death in July.

Neosho Daily News pays tribute to long-time columnist/reporter Kay Hively

Neosho Daily News Editor Lea Ann Murphy posted a fitting tribute to the newspaper's long time columnist and reporter Kay Hively this evening, which includes some comments from former Daily editors John Ford and Todd Higdon.

John Ford shared about Hively. “My mind is sifting through the many hundreds of memories I have out there. Foremost, she loved her family -- including a circle of friends she considered family -- with all of her heart. Always there to lend an ear and extend a helping hand. And always, her faith shined through. I love her like another mother, and have no doubt she is currently reuniting with old friends and loved ones.”

 

Murphy's article goes into the numerous books she wrote on varied subjects, including Camp Crowder, the Neosho Fish Hatchery, the history of Newton County churches and a biography of songwriter Al Brumley, who wrote the standard "I'll Fly Away."

The tribute also notes Hively's songwriting success, including writing a song that was recorded by Merle Haggard.

Joplin R-8 Board approves split schedule for Joplin High School, start date pushed back to August 24

Following a heated session that lasted more than an hour and a half, the Joplin R-8 Board of Education voted moments ago to approve the split schedule recommended by R-8 administrators for Joplin High School students.

Students will attend school in person every other day and participate in virtual learning every other day to cut down on the number of students in the classroom and hallways and permit more social distancing.

The vote was necessitated when the board deadlocked on the proposal during its regular meeting Tuesday night with Board President Sharrock Dermott and board members Lori Musser and Michael Joseph backing the administrators' proposal and board members Derek Gander, Brent Jordan and Jeff Koch casting no votes. Board member Debbie Fort was on vacation and attempted to call in, but was unsuccessful.

Fort cast the deciding vote this evening, with the other board members' votes remaining the same. Both she and Joseph participated in the meeting via Zoom.

The board rejected, by the same 4-3 margin, an amendment that would return the high school to the five-day schedule beginning Monday, September 28.

Earlier in the meeting, board members agreed to push the district's starting date back to August 24.

Oklahoma reports 13 COVID-19 deaths

(From the Oklahoma State Department of Health)

As of this advisory, there are 35,740 confirmed positive cases of COVID-19 in Oklahoma. 

There are 13 additional deaths identified to report. No deaths were identified in the past 24 hours. 

-One in Caddo County, one male in the 65 or older age group.

-Two in Cleveland County, one male and one female both in the 65 or older age group.

-One in Mayes County, one male in the 65 or older age group. 

-Two in McCurtain County, one male and one female both in the 65 or older age group.

-Two in Oklahoma County, two males in the 65 or older age group.

-One in Okmulgee County, one male in the 65 or older age group.

-Four in Tulsa County, two males and two females all in the 65 or older age group. 

There are 536 total deaths in the state.

For more information, visit coronavirus.health.ok.gov.

Best Buy to close on Thanksgiving

(From Best Buy)

We can all agree that, so far, 2020 has turned out differently than what we might have expected. And now, the holiday season at Best Buy, including Thanksgiving Day, is going to look different, too.

To meet our customers’ changing lives this holiday, we’re enhancing the way we fulfill orders, from offering more convenient pickup options at our stores to making sure BestBuy.com orders arrive at the right time. We’re also going to start offering some of the hottest deals of the season earlier than ever, to make it even easier for our customers to check off their gift lists. 

With these changes, we’ve also decided to close our stores on Thanksgiving Day. As always, customers will still be able to shop on BestBuy.com and via the Best Buy app.

Although this holiday season may certainly look different, we’re ready to once again be there for our customers how, when and where they need us, during the most exciting time of the year.

Parson backs Springfield Public Schools' plan to reopen, appears ready to back any plan anyone comes up with

Gov. Mike Parson, (the gray-haired masked person in the News-Leader photo) following a meeting with Superintendent John Jungmann and other district officials Wednesday, backed Springfield Public Schools' plan to reopen with a combination of in-person and virtual learning, according to a page-one article in today's Springfield News-Leader.

The Springfield plan, which provides two days of in-person schooling and three days of virtual learning per week, with half of the students attending in-person Mondays and Tuesdays and the other half on Thursdays and Fridays, has received growing opposition.

The district is also requiring all students to wear masks.

Parson offered the following quote to the News-Leader:

"I'm confident in the administrators across this state, I'm confident in the school boards that are around here," he said. "They got elected to make decisions for their communities and they're going to know what best suits their communities."

It appears likely Parson will have the same comment about all Missouri school districts' plans.

Watch live- Arkansas Governor's COVID-19 Briefing at 1:30 p.m.

Former KY3 reporter's scoop: Trump campaign pulling all radio, TV ads in Michigan

Former KY3 political reporter David Catanese, now a national political correspondent for McClatchy, landed a scoop Wednesday, revealing that both the Trump campaign and the super PAC supporting the president, have pulled all radio and television advertising in Michigan.

While sometimes that can be a sign that a campaign is confident it will win the state and wants to steer its resources elsewhere, recent polls have shown former Vice President Joe Biden with double digit leads over Trump in Michigan.

“The numbers speak for themselves and the advertising dollars speak for themselves,” said a Trump administration official who was involved with the 2016 campaign. “The campaign thinks they have a better shot in Pennsylvania and that’s why they are matching Biden on advertising there.”

 

Read more here: https://www.mcclatchydc.com/news/politics-government/election/article244567752.html?#storylink=cpy

Tyson Foods increasing COVID-19 testing, monitoring program, expanding occupational health staff

(From Tyson Foods)

As part of its commitment to team member safety and continually evolving efforts to protect workers from COVID-19, Tyson Foods, Inc. (NYSE: TSN) is launching a new, industry-leading monitoring program and expanding its occupational health staff, including a new chief medical officer position.

The comprehensive COVID monitoring strategy was designed with the assistance of outside medical experts and includes ongoing, data driven COVID testing of workers without symptoms, as well as those who exhibit certain symptoms or have been in close contact with someone who has the virus.

“While the protective measures we’ve implemented in our facilities are working well, we remain vigilant about keeping our team members safe and are always evaluating ways to do more,” said Donnie King, Tyson Foods group president and chief administrative officer. 

“We believe launching a new, strategic approach to monitoring and adding the health staff to support it will help further our efforts to go on the offensive against the virus,” he said. “Adding more resources and technologies reinforces our commitment to protecting our team members, their families and plant communities.”

Tyson Foods has been using testing as a tool to protect workers and has likely been involved in more testing than any other company in the country. Already having tested nearly a third of its workforce, the company plans to test thousands of workers every week across all of its facilities. Currently, less than one percent of Tyson Foods’ U.S. workforce of 120,000 team members has active COVID-19. The company is continually tracking active COVID-19 cases involving company team members as well as the case levels in the communities where the company operates.

The new monitoring strategy Tyson Foods is implementing was designed with input from Matrix Medical and is consistent with CDC guidance.

To support the effort, Tyson Foods has created a chief medical officer position and plans to add almost 200 nurses and administrative support personnel to supplement the more than 400 people currently part of the company’s health services team. The additional nurses will conduct the on-site testing and assist with case management, coordinating treatment for team members who contract the virus.

“What we’re adopting is a strategic, ongoing approach to combatting COVID-19,” said King. “It involves weekly testing of team members at our facilities to monitor for the presence of the virus. By using data science to test a statistically sound sample of team members, we have a better chance of staying ahead of any potential virus spread and protecting our teams and communities.” 

“As the largest union for America's meatpacking workers, we welcome this important step by Tyson Foods, which demonstrates the leadership needed to strengthen COVID monitoring across the industry,” said United Food and Commercial Workers (UFCW) International President Marc Perrone. “UFCW is urging all companies in the industry to follow Tyson's lead and take immediate action to expand COVID monitoring as we work to flatten the curve. Together, we will continue to look for new and better ways to protect the health and safety of the brave frontline workers who are so important to the nation’s food production system.”

The testing program includes three categories:
Strategic, always-on monitoring. Team members who have no symptoms may be selected for testing based on an algorithm-based selection process. The number tested each week will be dynamic and adjusted based on factors, such as the number of positive cases involving plant workers as well as people in the community.
Symptomatic team members. The company conducts health screenings daily as team members arrive for work. Those found to have symptoms will be tested using CDC guidance.
Close contacts. Team members who have come into close contact with co-workers (or non-Tyson personnel in the workplace) who have symptoms or have tested positive will be tested according to CDC guidance.

“We’ve been piloting this program at several of our facilities and have seen great success,” said King. “Our team members tell us they feel especially supported by this scientifically sound combination of testing and monitoring.”

Medical experts believe this monitoring approach is the best way to screen for COVID-19 in an ongoing way that helps determine the prevalence of the virus and how to keep it under control. It will especially be helpful in identifying team members who have the virus but are not showing any symptoms.

“The new monitoring program we helped Tyson create is a science-first approach that’s really on the cutting edge of how workplaces can best mitigate the risk of the virus,” said Dr. Daniel Castillo, chief medical officer for Matrix Medical Network, which has assisted in the development of the advanced testing protocols. “You’ll likely see many others adopt a similar approach in the coming months because it’s a process that looks both at people showing symptoms as well as those who do not.”

Worker health and safety is Tyson Foods’ top priority. The company formed a coronavirus task force in January and has since transformed its food production facilities with protective measures, from symptom screenings and face masks, to workstation dividers and social distance monitors.

Tyson Foods has given plant tours to government leaders, and officials from the CDC and LULAC, the nation’s largest and oldest Hispanic organization, so they could see the measures the company has put place. LULAC has acknowledged that Tyson Foods has “made significant strides.”

Joplin Globe Editorial Board backs R-8 administrators' plan to reopen Joplin High School

In an editorial this morning, the Joplin Globe Editorial Board backed R-8 administrators' plan to reopen Joplin High School with a combination of in-person and virtual learning that would see students at the high school every other day.

We trust our local school officials — particularly the high school principal, Steve Gilbreth — who are in the building every day and who are telling us that they cannot ensure social distancing with the sheer number of students they have. 

We trust that they have studied this problem all summer long, that they have reviewed countless scenarios and have come up with what they believe to be the best solution in a difficult situation.

No, a split schedule is not ideal — but nothing about the coronavirus pandemic is ideal. We must adapt to the new normal, and the new normal asks that we social distance from one another to stay safe and healthy. Students should not be forced to go back to school in an environment where social distancing is impossible, and for their safety — and the safety of their teachers and staff as well — the district should proceed with its split schedule idea.

The board split 3-3 on the proposal when it was presented Tuesday night with Board President Sharrock Dermott and board members Lori Musser and Michael Joseph supporting it with board members Jeff Koch, Brent Jordan and Derek Gander opposed.

Board member Debbie Fort, who was absent Tuesday night, will cast the deciding vote when the board meets 6:30 p.m. today in the Memorial Administration Building.

Jasper County reports eight new COVID-19 cases, number under isolation continues to drop

Eight new COVID-19 cases were confirmed in Jasper County during the last 24 hours, according to statistics posted this evening on the Jasper County Health Department Facebook page.

The county's total stands at 1,250.

The number of people under isolation fell from 82 to 76 while the number hospitalized remained at 19.

The county has recorded six coronavirus deaths.

The statistics do not include the portion of Jasper County located in the Joplin city limits.

No new COVID-19 cases today in Barton County

(From the Barton County Health Department)

Barton County, Missouri COVID-19 Update as of 5:00 pm July 29, 2020:

Total Number of Positive Cases: 72
Total Number of New Cases Since Last Report: 0
Number of Active Cases: 5
Total Number of Recovered Cases: 67
Total Number of Hospitalizations: 3

Total Number of COVID-19 Related Deaths: 0

No new COVID-19 cases in McDonald County today

Missouri confirms record 1,927 COVID-19 cases, seven deaths recorded

For the second straight day, the state of Missouri recorded a one-day record for newly confirmed COVID-19 cases with 1,927, bringing the state's total to 46,750, according to statistics released this afternoon by the Missouri Department of Health and Senior Services.

Seven deaths were recorded. The state now has 1,220 COVID-19 deaths.

The 1,927 surpassed the previous high, the 1,773 confirmed Tuesday.

The state statistics show Jasper County as the county with the sixth most recorded cases, 1,166, and that is not including the portion of the city that is located in the Joplin city limits.

St. Louis County, with 11,839 is at number one, followed by Kansas City 5,428, the city of St. Louis 4,221, St. Charles County 3,111 and Jackson County 2,957.

Federal grand jury indicts Baxter Springs man for terrorizing Joplin woman- Joplin Police had arrested him on eight counts of violating full protection order

Rather than winding his way through the Jasper County judicial system and remaining free while awaiting trial, a Baxter Springs, Kansas man, arrested by the Joplin Police Department on eight counts of violating a protection order by stalking a Joplin woman, is being held in the Greene County Jail on no bond.

A federal grand jury indictment against Zachariah James Garner, 32, was unsealed July 15 in U. S. District Court for the Western District of Missouri, charging him with two counts of interstate domestic violence and one count of interstate violation of a protection order.

The government moved for a detention hearing for Garner, a former Joplin resident, during his initial court appearance this morning in Springfield. The hearing has been scheduled for 10 a.m. August 3.

R-8 Board to decide on Joplin High School re-entry plan during special meeting Thursday

The tiebreaking vote on the proposed Joplin High School reentry plan is expected to be cast when the Joplin R-8 Board of Education meets in special session 6:30 p.m. Thursday at the Memorial Administration Building.

The special session became necessary when the board deadlocked 3-3 on the proposal from district administrators that would combine in-person learning with a virtual learning experience, alternating the days students are in classes.

The officials maintain that with approximately 2,300 students and some classes that have as many as 30 to 40 students, it would be impossible to maintain anything close to proper social distancing.

The approach was favored by Board President Sharrock Dermott and board members Lori Musser and Michael Joseph.

Board members Derek Gander, Brent Jordan and Jeff Koch preferred having the students at the high school every day.

Board member Debbie Fort was absent.

The preliminary agenda also includes revising the district's 2020-2021 calendar.

The plans for the high school and for the rest of the district can be found at this link.

Remembering Kay Hively

When I wrote the post a few weeks back on the death of Carl Reiner, I noted that Reiner was stationed at Camp Crowder in Neosho during World War II and used some of his experiences in his scripts for the Dick Van Dyke Show, which did several flashback episodes featuring Van Dyke's character Rob Petrie stationed at Camp Crowder.

In the Facebook discussion that followed, someone asked if Van Dyke had been stationed at Camp Crowder and former Springfield News-Leader editor and long time reporter Mike O'Brien said emphatically that Van Dyke served at Camp Crowder.

That caught my attention.

I wrote about Vice President Harry S. Truman's August 31, 1944 visit to Camp Crowder in my book last year and offered some background and history on the base, including Reiner, but even though I had always heard Van Dyke was stationed there, I found no evidence to back that up.

Van Dyke wrote about his military service in his autobiography and did not have a word about Camp Crowder and other sources on the base's history did not offer any evidence he had been there.

I messaged Mike, explained the difficulty I had confirming that and asked how he knew.

He told me he had written a feature on Camp Crowder and got the information from an expert.

Kay Hively.

I felt like an idiot. Of course he got the information from Kay Hively. 

Kay was well-versed in the history of Neosho and in the 1980s wrote the well-received book Red Hot and Dusty: Tales of Camp Crowder.

And Kay always did her research.

I told Mike I would have to talk with Kay about that, but even then I knew that conversation would never take place.

I received an e-mail from Kay late last month in which she said that, regretfully, she could no longer do the weekly column she has been writing this past year, which had become a Sunday staple on the Turner Report. She said her health "had become quite bad."

Having known Kay for 45 years, I took that message to mean that she would not be with us much longer. She loved writing too much to give it up unless there was no way she could continue.

I returned her e-mail, thanked her for allowing me to share her column with my readers and said her columns would always be welcome on the Turner Report once she was able to return.

I received the notification earlier this week that Kay had passed away at age 76.

I first met Kay when I attended Crowder College in the spring of 1975 and taking the same history and political science classes with her, it did not take long to become aware of her keen interest in history and in her community.

At the time, she was preparing to run for Neosho City Council. With the passing of four plus decades, I can't recall the outcome of that race, but the memories of her enthusiasm for the prospect of increasing her involvement in the Neosho community remain vivid today.

In the ensuing years, she became heavily involved in preserving the history of this area. She was a driving force in the Newtonia Battlefield Association, promoted knowledge of the history of Camp Crowder through her book and was perhaps the biggest booster of the National Fish Hatchery in Neosho.

For years, her columns and articles were staples in the Neosho Daily News and later when the owners of the Daily bought out the Neosho Post, she was handed the reins and provided a paper that emphasized rural and farm-related news, as a complement to the Daily.

I kept in touch with Kay via e-mail over the years and was pleasantly surprised several months ago when she asked if I would be interested in running her columns.

I jumped at the opportunity.

I will miss the joy of seeing the weekly e-mail with just "Column" as the message line and then reading  Kay's take on whatever subject she chose to gift with her unfailingly positive approach and her signature closing line.

Just between you and me, Kay Hively will be missed.

Oklahoma reports 14 COVID-19 deaths

(From the Oklahoma State Department of Health)

As of this advisory, there are 34,623 confirmed positive cases of COVID-19 in Oklahoma. 

There are 14 additional deaths identified to report. No deaths were identified in the past 24 hours. 

-One in Caddo County, one female in the 50 - 64 age group. 

-Three in Cleveland County, two males in the 50 - 64 age group and one male in the 65 or older age group. 

-One in Comanche County, one male in the 65 or older age group. 

-Two in McCurtain County, one male in the 50 - 64 age group and one female in the 65 or older age group.

 

-Two in Oklahoma County, one male in the 50 - 64 age group and one male in the 65 or older age group.

-One in Okmulgee County, one male in the 65 or older age group.

-One in Osage County, one male in the 65 or older age group.

-One in Sequoyah County, one male in the 65 or older age group.

-One in Tulsa County, one male in the 65 or older age group.

-One in Wagoner County, one male in the 65 or older age group. 

There are 523 total deaths in the state.

For more information, visit coronavirus.health.ok.gov.

Barton County COVID-19 count at 72 cases, six under isolation

(From the Barton County Health Department)

Barton County, Missouri COVID-19 Update as of 5:00 pm July 28, 2020:

Total Number of Positive Cases: 72
Total Number of New Cases Since Last Report: 1
Number of Active Cases: 6
Total Number of Recovered Cases: 66
Total Number of Hospitalizations: 3

Total Number of COVID-19 Related Deaths: 0

Two new COVID-19 cases reported in McDonald County, six currently hospitalized

The McDonald County Health Department posted the following COVID-19 statistics on its Facebook page Tuesday evening:

Total Positives: 974
New Positives: 2
Released as of 7/28/2020: 860
Currently in Hospital: 6

Total Deaths: 7

Cherokee County COVID-19 count at 68 cases, seven currently under isolation

Free masks available for Carthage residents at multiple locations

(From the City of Carthage)

Cloth masks will be available to residents of Carthage, free of charge, beginning Wednesday morning, 7-29-2020. There is a limit of five masks per individual family. Masks will be available for pickup at multiple locations throughout Carthage.

There will be masks available at various city offices, including City Hall (237-7000), Carthage Police Department (237-7200), Carthage Fire Department (237-7100), the Carthage Parks and Recreation Department (237-7035), and the Public Works office (237-7010). 

The Fair Acres Family YMCA will have masks available at their main campus location, 2600 South Grand (358-1070). Pastor Franciso Bonilla will have them available, and will be announcing times and locations via his radio broadcast throughout this week. 

The Carthage High School will have them available at the High School Graduation Ceremony, Thursday 7-30.

These masks have been provided by the Jasper Health Department to cities, in order to help reduce the spread of the COVID 19 virus.

Missouri sets record for most new COVID-19 cases in a day with 1,773, 12 deaths recorded

Twelve more Missourians died from COVID-19 during the past 24 hours, according to statistics released Tuesday afternoon by the Department of Health and Senior Services.

The state has had 1,213 deaths.

The state established a new record for most coronavirus cases in one day with 1,773 breaking the record of 1,652 set Friday.

Missouri has had 44,823 cases.