Carthage High School student tests positive for COVID-19

(From the Carthage R-9 School District)

 We were notified yesterday (Sunday, August 30) by the Jasper County Health Department that one of our Carthage High School students tested positive for coronavirus (COVID-19).  

The Carthage R-9 School District assisted the health department by providing contact logs, rosters, and other pertinent information for contact tracing purposes to use in the event of potential COVID-19 exposure.  

Some staff and students were asked to stay home from school today until potential quarantine orders were decided.  It has been determined no students or staff will be quarantined beyond today.

The District continues to work closely with health officials to keep the Tiger family safe and informed. As a reminder, if your child is sick; do not send them to school. If you, your student, or a member of your family has COVID-19 symptoms, please contact the Jasper County Health Department or a medical provider.

Visit the following link to review symptoms of coronavirus:  https://bit.ly/3hKG5BL

Joplin confirms 28 COVID-19 cases over weekend, number of cases at Freeman, Mercy remains high

Twenty-eight COVID-19 cases were confirmed in the city of Joplin over the weekend, putting the city's total at 650.

The number of coronavirus patients in Mercy and Freeman hospitals remained steady at 45, which is approximately three-quarters of capacity.

The number under quarantine increased from 162 to 176, while the number of actives cases increased fro 98 to 99 over the weekend.

The city has recorded 21 deaths, all of them residents of Spring River Christian Village.

Oklahoma records 800th COVID-19 death

(From the Oklahoma State Department of Health)

As of this advisory, there are 58,733 confirmed positive cases of COVID-19 in Oklahoma. 

There is one additional death identified to report. No deaths were identified in the past 24 hours. 

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

There are 800 total deaths in the state.

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

Attorney General lawsuit settlement shuts down Marshfield speed trap

(From Attorney General Eric Schmitt)

The Missouri Attorney General’s Office announced today that the Office has reached a settlement with the City of Marshfield after the Office sued the city for allegedly enforcing a traffic ticket quota. The consent judgment, which provides strong injunctive relief, was signed and entered by the judge yesterday afternoon. 

“As a State Senator, I helped pass Senate Bill 5 to fight back against the practice of taxation by citation and restore trust between citizens and municipal courts. Now, as Attorney General, I have a duty to enforce SB5 and related provisions,” said Attorney General Schmitt. 

“I’m pleased with the agreement that my office has reached with the City of Marshfield, which provides strong injunctive relief to ensure that traffic ticket quotas aren’t enforced in the future. My office will continue to enforce SB5 across the state.” 

As part of the consent judgment, the City of Marshfield “concedes that actions taken could be construed as having a policy requiring or encourage employees to issue a certain number of citations for traffic violations.”

The injunctive relief requires: 

The City of Marshfield must develop, establish, and maintain adequate internal policies, procedures, or regulations designed to ensure compliance with laws pertaining to traffic ticket quotas, and the City must certify compliance to the Attorney General’s Office by August 31, 2020 

The City of Marshfield must design and operate a training program to ensure compliance with laws pertaining to traffic ticket quotas. That training must happen by October 1, 2020, and will be attended by the Mayor, the members of the board of aldermen, and the Chief of Police.

Additionally, the City of Marshfield agrees to a review by the Missouri Attorney General’s Office in one year to ensure compliance with the consent judgment and applicable laws. That review will take a look at the City of Marshfield’s ticketing policies and practices and will audit the revenue generated through the City of Marshfield’s municipal court system.

Noncompliance with the consent judgment could result in penalties or further legal action from the Missouri Attorney General’s Office.

Read the full consent judgment here: https://ago.mo.gov/docs/default-source/press-releases/https___www-courts-mo-gov_fv_c__l=smpdb0005_ct30-di=2246481.pdf?sfvrsn=368568ed_2

Missouri reports 22 COVID-19 deaths, 1,042 new cases

One day after recording the highest one-day number of COVID-19 tests to date, 32, Missouri added 22 more victims to the list.

Missouri has reported 1,530 deaths due to COVID-19.

Statistics released by the Department of Health and Senior Services this afternoon show 1,042 new coronavirus cases were confirmed, bringing the state's total to 84,697 cases.

Jasper County's 21st COVID-19 death is woman in her 70s- six deaths in six days

Jasper County reported its 21st COVID-19 death today, according to a news release from the Jasper County Health Department.

The victim was a woman in her 70s who had been hospitalized prior to her death.

The death was the county's sixth death due to COVID-19 in the past six days.

Tracey Martin: No good deed goes unpunished

I used to wonder why it was said, “No good deed goes unpunished.” If you are doing good you should be getting rewarded or at least a reprieve from punishment. Punishment is for bad deeds, not good ones, right? Not always…

Most of us have a real desire to help others or our community in some way. Maybe it is through our employment, our church, friendships or family the opportunity to help presents itself. 

With the best of intentions, we often jump in with both feet to help. We become emotionally invested in helping to solve a problem and we are willing to sacrifice personally or even sometimes financially to be part of the solution.

The decision to help and willingness to sacrifice is usually made almost immediately when someone shares a need. Maybe it is because it is someone very close or a situation that makes you feel an emotional connection. Whatever the reason, you jump right into the deep end of the pool to help. 

Early on in the decision to help, you may not know of all the actual facts and circumstances. Generally, all information is from the person needing your help. Since each person’s perception is their reality, the facts and circumstances may be skewed. In fact, rarely do two sides share the exact same set of facts, the objective truth lies somewhere in the middle. Nonetheless, you are invested and ready to answer the call.

Now the problem solving begins, and you start uncovering additional facts and circumstances. You offer ideas, assistance, time and emotional support. You try to unravel the knot and find a solution that will HELP.

Sometimes that help causes you the most pain. Sometimes you find that the facts and circumstances presented were almost entirely self serving, and you can’t change the facts or solve the problem. Sometimes you have good facts and evidence, but the problem is still not one that can simply be solved.

You offered your help with confidence that you could help solve the problem, and an unwavering belief in the mission. When suddenly you gain more understanding, it becomes clear that you cannot solve the problem – you become the problem. There is no trophy or ribbon for all the emotion, sacrifice and time you spent trying to help. You were not able to reach the desired outcome, you are now the villain.

You are disappointed and upset, maybe with yourself, that you could not solve the problem. You might be upset that someone you trusted did not give you the truth, and that prevented you from making an educated decision about your ability to help.

Life isn’t fair, and we often do not get the outcome we desire. I do not believe it is because the world is corrupt or people are all mean and dishonest, I believe life simply was never designed to be fair. If we always get the outcome we desire that would mean life was perfect. How do you recognize happiness if you have never experienced sadness? 

Maybe that is why they say, “No good deed goes unpunished.” For all your good intentions, you are now being punished by anger, retaliation, emotional distance and discord with someone you care or cared about deeply. Maybe you are embarrassed that you were fooled into helping the wrong person with the wrong mission. 

While your intentions were good and you did your best, in the end there is discord and disappointment – the punishment.

While I agree some good deeds don’t go unpunished, I have a career that offers me a ringside seat to some unimaginable tragedy born from good intentions. I also get to see people truly changed by those who were willing to reach out a hand to help. The gift is that feeling of knowing that you just made someone’s day, week, season, life a little better just out of kindness and an offer to help.

So as we continue to reach out our hands to help, remember that sometimes that help will go unappreciated and you will feel like no good deed goes unpunished. However, more importantly, many times the good deed results in good work with a good result. It is then we get the reward, we see the reward in someone else’s happiness, humbleness and appreciation for a deed well done.

(Tracey Martin is a Joplin attorney. For more of her writing, check out her blog, The Pink Attorney.)

Nancy Hughes: Singing in the shadow

“Because you are my help, I sing in the shadow of your wings.”

Psalm 63:7 (NIV)

My husband was the manager of a propane company for many years and he often filled in for his drivers when they were unable to make deliveries. One customer, an elderly woman, had a small dog that was a constant irritation. Every time my husband would step out of his propane truck, the dog would begin nipping his ankles and legs. 

No amount of kicking at it or yelling would stop it from attacking. Every delivery to her home would result with rips in his workpants and cuts on his legs. 

Finally on one delivery, he grabbed a wrench from the truck seat in complete frustration and thumped the dog on the head. It immediately yipped its way to the back of the house. “I thought that would take care of the problem,” he later told me.

But as soon as he reached the house and started to knock on the front door, he heard the dog yipping again as he came around the corner – with a huge Doberman pincher leading the way and the smaller dog close behind. 

“That little dog danced around under the back legs of the big dog as I stood pinned to the house until the lady could come out to help,” he told me. “I swear it was taunting me and singing ‘Takin’ Care of Business.’ There was no way I could move” he went on.

I can’t help but think of Psalm 63:7 when I think of that story. David understood the feeling of being attacked. But his attacker was King Saul and he didn’t want to simply nip David’s ankle. King Saul wanted to kill him. Even so, David knew that no matter what came his way, God was his deliverer.

He also understood something else: he could sing praises of joy and deliverance in the worst of times because God was his protector watching over him and defending his life. 

Can I just ask you something? What are you facing that is nipping at your ankles every time you turn around? What keeps you awake at night and rolls around in your mind all day? Absolutely nothing is bigger than God’s ability to handle it and to protect you. 

Why call on His name for help? When we allow the Creator of the Universe to fight for us, we too can sing from the shadow and protection of His wings. 

Father, thank you for protecting me in the shadow of your wings as you watch over my every need. In Jesus’ Name. Amen. 

R.A.P. it up . . . 

Reflect

· Have you had a problem or situation that has consumed your every thought?

· Did you call on the Lord to help you? Why or why not?

Apply

· In your journal draw a picture of huge wings.
· List every problem, worry or situation you are facing under the picture.

· Praise the Lord for His protection as you sing in His shadow. 

Power 

Psalm 63:7 (NIV) “Because you are my help, I sing in the shadow of your wings.”
Nahum 1:7 (NIV) “The Lord is good, a refuge in times of trouble. He cares for those who trust in him .”

II Corinthians 4:8-9 (NIV) “We are hard pressed on every side, but not crushed; perplexed, but not in despair; persecuted, but not abandoned; struck down, but not destroyed.”

(For more of Nancy's writing, check out her blog, Encouragement from the War Room.)

Kim Frencken: What I learned from wearing a mask

Masks have not been mandatory where I live so I consider myself fortunate. However, there are many that choose to wear them. That's okay. I don't have a problem with those that choose to wear them or those that don't. I practice distancing and good hygiene. Keep my hands from my face.

In my public excursions I've noticed traits that some masks wearers share. The first is pretty obvious. Maybe you've noticed it too. The lack of smiles. I know you're thinking that I just can't see them behind the mask, but I would beg to differ. Smiles reach the eyes (to be real) and I haven't noticed any smiling eyes. Many turn their heads and look away. Forget the smile, they don't even make eye contact.

Some mask wearers glare at those not wearing a mask. They stare and give a nod of disapproval until the rebel is out of sight. Then they look at you to see if you'll join in their coalition. I call this the stare down. Usually I just smile back at them. If I'm not masked up, I get the glare. I guess they're trying to make me feel guilty. It doesn't work. 

Masks tend to give some people a sense of security- not safe from the virus security- safe from people. If they're wearing a mask, they feel somewhat empowered. Braver. Invincible. Or maybe they feel invisible. Either way the result is the almost the same. They go about their business like they are the only ones there and ignore everyone around them.

Regardless of whether or not you are a mask wearer, we can still be kind and courteous. We can still make eye contact and smile. Our manners don't have to be put on a shelf just because we have half of our faces hidden. We can still help the elderly (or vertically challenged) person who can't reach an item on the top shelf. We can still wish people a good morning or afternoon. We can still hold the door open for others. We can still respect the opinions and feelings of others. Even if they differ from your own.

And that goes for anywhere that you are- not just the store. Being respectful and kind should never be socially unacceptable. 

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

Golden City elementary student tests positive for COVID-19

(From the Golden City R-3 School District)

Golden City schools has had a positive test for Covid in the elementary. 

The student was last at school on Wednesday and was asymptomatic. The student was not at school on Thursday. 

We are working with the Health Department to help trace any possible exposures. We are confident that our safety procedures are effective and we will continue to work extremely hard to keep our guards up and be as safe as possible. 

If you have any questions please call the school on Monday.

Barton County Health Department News Release

The Barton County Health Department is announcing that a student at Golden City Elementary School has tested positive for COVID-19. 

The student was last in class on August 26th and was asymptomatic while at school. 

The BCHD is working closely with the school district to identify all close contacts. Those who are identified as close contacts will be contacted by health department representatives and advised on how to proceed. 

To protect the privacy of the individual and their family, we will not release individually identifiable details. The individuals are quarantined and being monitored closely by the Barton County Health Department.

Number of Joplin residents hospitalized with COVID-19 grows, Mercy, Freeman now have 45 patients

The number of Joplin people hospitalized due to COVID-19 had remained at two or three for a considerable amount of time, but that number is up to seven, according to statistics posted Friday on the city's COVID-19 dashboard.

The latest statistics also show the combined number of coronavirus patients at Mercy and Freeman hospitals at 45 or about 75 percent of the estimated capacity those facilities have for handling COVID-19 patients before having to consider transferring them somewhere else.

The number of confirmed cases in Joplin is at 622 with 98 active cases and 162 people under quarantine.

Missouri sets new one-day record as 32 COVID-19 deaths reported

The state of Missouri set a new one-day record for COVID-19 deaths, as 32 were added to the total today, according to statistics released by the Department of Health and Senior Services this afternoon.

The previous record was 30.

The state's death total stands at 1,496.

A total of 1,198 new cases were confirmed, or 82,190 overall.

The number of people who are hospitalized, which had slipped past the 1,000 mark in statistics released 24 hours earlier, dropped to 976.

Man in his 40s, woman in her 80s are 19th, 20th Jasper County COVID-19 deaths

A man in his 40s and a woman in her 80s are the 19th and 20th Jasper County deaths due to COVID-19, according to a news release issued Friday night by the Jasper County Health Department.

Both had been hospitalized prior to their deaths.

The department has reported five deaths this week.

Forty-seven new coronavirus cases were confirmed in the 48-hour period between Wednesday and Friday, according to statistics posted on the Health Department Facebook page Friday night.

The number of people who are hospitalized increased from 13 to 16 and the number of people under isolation went from 158 to 168.

Eight COVID-19 deaths reported in Oklahoma

(From the Oklahoma State Department of Health)

As of this advisory, there are 56,260 confirmed positive cases of COVID-19 in Oklahoma. 

There are 8 additional deaths identified to report. One death was identified in the past 24 hours.

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

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

Three in Oklahoma County, one female in the 50 - 64 age group and one female and one male in the 65 or older age group.
One in Pontotoc County, one female in the 36 - 49 age group.
One in Sequoyah County, one female in the 65 or older age group.

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

There are 786 total deaths in the state.

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

Graves: Incredible leadership of Trump, Parson enabling us to fight virus, put Missourians back to work

(From Sixth District Congressman Sam Graves)

The numbers are in and Missouri added back more than 52,000 jobs last month. That might seem small, since we’re so used to talking about national jobs numbers, but in Missouri that’s huge news. It drove our unemployment rate down to 6.9 percent, one of the lowest rates in the country.

These aren’t “new” jobs though, by and large. These are folks getting back to work after being laid off early in the COVID-19 pandemic. 

When this first hit months ago, the idea was that these shutdowns and new guidance would help bend the curve and slow the rate of new infections long enough to buy our healthcare providers time to stock up and avoid overloading our hospitals. We did that, but in the process millions of Americans lost their jobs.

Parents struggled to provide for their families as the economy took a nosedive, going from the best we’ve seen in my lifetime, to the worst America has seen since the Great Depression. Congress took quick action to help folks who lost their jobs, get critical resources to our healthcare professionals, and rapidly expand COVID-19 testing. These efforts were important, but only a temporary stopgap in a time of extreme crisis.

The reality is that these shutdowns, slowdowns, and new government mandates were never going to eradicate the COVID-19 virus. It just isn’t possible to defeat a virus with legislation and mandates. It takes science and medicine, cures, treatments, and vaccines to do that.

With that reality in mind, our goal in reopening our country should not be to stay closed until this virus goes away. That just isn’t practical or even possible. Such a shutdown would destroy our economy, cost working families dearly, and ultimately lead to unfathomable pain, suffering, and even death as a result. We might never fully understand the toll such a drastic action would inflict upon our country.

What we can do is reopen safely and responsibly to make sure our healthcare system remains ready to fight this virus while getting millions of Americans back to work. Thanks to the incredible leadership of President Trump and Governor Mike Parson, we’re doing just that. Together, they’ve led the way in reopening our country and our state responsibly and safely, allowing millions of Americans to get back to work and provide for their families.

Man in his 80s is Greene County's 19th COVID-19 death this month

(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. This individual was associated with long-term care.

Our community lost a man in his 80s with underlying medical conditions.

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

“It’s not unexpected to have a number of deaths follow a case surge in long-term care facilities—but that does not make these losses any less tragic,” Director of Health Clay Goddard reiterated.

“COVID-19 doesn’t get into these facilities on its own—it’s sneaking in with workers and visitors. We all have to be vigilant about masking and all of our prevention tools, including one of our most important: staying home when we are sick to protect our neighbors and our vulnerable loved ones.”

Long-term care facilities are required to notify the families of all residents when there is a positive case in the facility as well as when a death occurs.

Institutional settings, like long-term care, are environments where a respiratory illness can easily spread. This can be especially devastating in a long-term care facility, where residents are more susceptible to disease.

There have been 19 deaths from COVID-19 in August. A total of 30 Greene County residents have died from COVID-19.

Missouri passes 80,000 COVID-19 cases with 1,418 new cases confirmed, hospitalizations increasing

The state of Missouri passed 80,000 COVID-19 cases today, according to statistics released this afternoon by the Department of Health and Senior Services.

An additional 1,418 cases were confirmed, putting the total at 80,992.

The state has recorded 1,464 deaths with 14 added within the past 24 hours.

The positivity rate for tests remains high at 12.3 percent, while hospitalizations rose above the 1,000 mark at 1,007.

Billy Long: Nancy Pelosi manufactured Postal Service crisis (his packages arrived on time)

(From Seventh District Congressman Billy Long)

On Friday, August 21st, I had the occasion to mail three small boxes in Springfield, Missouri, two were going 1,100 miles and one was going 500 miles. I was assured that for the normal First Class Postage of $5.25 each I could expect them to be delivered on Monday August 24th. 

With all I’ve seen and read recently about how slow and gummed up the postal service is, I thought, “yeah, right.” I was surprised it only cost $5.25 each to mail them and figured they might make it in a week, but certainly not in less than 72 hours. Guess what? 

All three arrived at their destination on Monday, August 24 as promised. I have always been a strong supporter of the US Postal Service (USPS); I believe they provide a critical service to the American people, especially in rural areas like much of Missouri’s 7th Congressional District. 

When they tried to stop Saturday deliveries, I knew many of my constituents relied on six-day delivery to receive their medications, so I fought against it. 

Next they were threatening to shutter smaller post offices in my district which would have forced many hard-working taxpayers and elderly citizens to drive several miles to mail a package or pick up their medications - I said no way! 

When they wanted to move the mail handling facility out of Springfield, I attended a very heated and contentious public meeting and did everything I knew how to do to prevent it. I have consistently worked with colleagues on both sides of the aisle to pass legislation that actually helped the USPS. My record speaks for itself, and I will continue to offer my support to the USPS when it is legitimately warranted. 

This time around it was a horse of a different color. Last weekend, Speaker Pelosi called members back to Washington for an “emergency” vote, but it was not for a much needed COVID-19 relief package that Americans have been anticipating and waiting for. 

Instead, Pelosi hosted a rare Saturday vote for a manufactured crisis that’s nothing more than a thinly veiled messaging strategy she and other House Democrats will use to scare Americans into believing their mail and absentee ballots may not arrive on schedule. Unfortunately for Pelosi and Congressional Democrats, the facts paint a far different picture.

Contrary to the Democrats’ assertions, President Trump is not “defunding” the USPS as it is a largely self-funding, independent agency that typically doesn’t rely on Congress for financial support, and while Democratic Members of Congress were theatrically chaining themselves to mailboxes so they’re not removed, the Postal Service has routinely moved mailboxes that received little use for decades; the Obama administration removed more than 14,000. 

The Coronavirus has affected the USPS just as it has affected industries across the nation, but the horror stories circulating about mail delivery are mostly anecdotal and exaggerated by the press. 

Even amid a global pandemic, a June financial report issued by the USPS indicates that they are fiscally viable until at least August of 2021, long after the presidential election takes place. What’s more, Congress recently included $10 billion of borrowing power in the COVID-19 relief packages for the Postal Service, but the USPS has yet to draw on it because they simply do not need the funds. 

In fact, the USPS reported that they have $13 billion cash on hand. Despite Democrats’ hysterics, the USPS is not in dire financial straits and does not urgently need $25 billion in funding.

Democrats would also have you believe that the USPS will be overrun by mail-in ballots and that yours could possibly get lost in the mail and go uncounted, but simple math would tell you otherwise. 

The Postal Service successfully processes and delivers 470 million pieces of mail a day – over 2.7 billion pieces of mail every week. The USPS is more than capable of handling an increase of mail volume due to mail-in voting.

We have pressing matters that should be brought before the House rather than a manufactured crisis, but Congressional Democrats are too busy blocking bills that would bring critical relief for Americans actively struggling due to COVID-19. 

The facts are clearly not on their side here, and this bill is nothing more than partisan fear mongering at its finest. The Democrats are trying to sell some ocean front property in Arizona, but unfortunately for them, the American people just aren’t buying it.

Webb City R-7 extends closure of Madge T. James Kindergarten Center

(From the Webb City School District)

Let us start by thanking you for being our vital partner in education during these uncertain and difficult times. You have had to manage work and personal responsibilities along with your child's instruction and child care.

As you know, the Madge T. James Kindergarten campus has been closed over the past few days to help prevent the further spread of COVID-19 in our community.

On Friday, August 28, after consulting with Jasper County Health Department, the district will be extending the school closure at Madge T. James Kindergarten.

The current plan is to keep this building closed until Tuesday, September 8.

This closure will continue to affect all after school programming, as well. During this closure, the district has contracted with an outside cleaning service to deep clean all aspects of the building.

Our teachers and staff are dedicated to providing a quality education to each student as well as a safe and healthy environment. We are prepared to continue learning during this time by mailing homework the students would have completed in the classroom for the week. If you have any questions, please contact your child's teacher through their classroom communication system or their school e-mail.

I want to thank you for your understanding and support as we manage this unprecedented situation. Webb City School District remains focused on and committed to our educational mission. We will continue to keep our community updated through our social media platforms and district website. By working together, we will get through this challenging time.

Anthony Rossetti

Superintendent

Highway Patrol offers capsule summary of new laws going into effect Saturday

(From the Missouri State Highway Patrol)

The abbreviated descriptions below are intended to make the public aware of some of the new legislation enacted by the Missouri General Assembly which is related to crime and motor vehicles. 

The listed legislation has been signed into law. Unless otherwise noted, these laws will go into effect August 28, 2020. 

The Patrol wishes to make the public aware of several of these new laws or changes to increase public awareness and education. For a complete description of these newly enacted laws, visit the Missouri House of Representatives or Missouri Senate websites.

HB 1682

MEDICAL MARIJUANA EDIBLES (Section 195.805 RSMo.)

This act prohibits the sale of edible marijuana-infused products, packaging, or logos in the shape of a human, animal, or fruit, but geometric shapes shall be permitted. 

Each package, or packages within a package, containing 10 or more milligrams of tetrahydrocannabinols (THC) shall be stamped with a universal symbol and the amount of THC, as described in the act.

Any medical marijuana licensed or certified entity regulated by the Department of Health and Senior Services found to have violated this provision shall be subject to sanctions, including an administrative penalty. 

The department shall promulgate rules regarding prohibiting edible marijuana-infused products designed to appeal to persons under 18 years of age, as well as developing a process by which a licensed or certified entity may seek approval of a product design, package, or label prior to manufacture or sale to determine compliance with these provisions.

HB 1896

DRUG TRAFFICKING (Sections 579.065 and 579.068 RSMo.)

This act adds to the offense of trafficking drugs in the first degree knowingly distributing, delivering, manufacturing, or producing or attempting to distribute, deliver, manufacture, or produce more than 10 milligrams of fentanyl or any derivative thereof, or any mixture or substance containing more than 10 milligrams of fentanyl or carfentanil, as a Class B felony and a Class A felony when the amount is 20 milligrams or more. 

Additionally, trafficking in the first degree of one or more grams of flunitrazepam or any amount of gamma-hydroxybutyric acid for the first offense shall be a Class B felony and a Class A felony for any second or subsequent offense.

This act adds to the offense of trafficking drugs in the second degree knowingly possessing or having under one's control, purchasing or attempting to purchase, or bringing into the state more than 10 milligrams of fentanyl or any derivative thereof, or any mixture or substance containing a detectable amount of fentanyl or carfentanil as a Class C felony and a Class B felony when the amount is 20 milligrams or more. 

Additionally, trafficking in the second degree of less than one gram of flunitrazepam shall be a Class C felony for the first offense and a Class B felony for any second or subsequent offense.

Finally, this act modifies current law for the Class B felony offense of trafficking of drugs in the first degree and the Class C felony offense of trafficking drugs in the second degree by removing the ceiling of the ranges of grams or milligrams of various controlled substances, including heroin, cocaine, LSD, PCP, phencyclidine, marijuana, and amphetamines and methamphetamines.

HB 1963

COMPOSITION OF OFF-HIGHWAY VEHICLES (Sections 300.010, 301.010, 407.815, 407.1025, and 577.001 RSMo.)

This act provides that in addition to the other requirements specified in the definition, a vehicle need only meet the seating and handlebar requirements "or" the maximum width requirement to meet the definition of "all-terrain vehicle," and specifies that the width shall be measured from the outsides of the tire rims. These definitions are also modified to specify a maximum weight of 1,500 pounds rather than 600 pounds or rather than 1,000 pounds.

The act modifies the definition of "recreational off-highway vehicle" by specifying a maximum width of 80 inches, rather than 67 inches. 

The act provides that the width shall be measured from the outsides of the tire rims, and specifies a maximum unladen dry weight of 3,500 pounds rather than 2,000 pounds.

The definition of "utility vehicle" is modified to specify a maximum width of 80 inches, rather than 67 inches. The act also provides that the width shall be measured from the outsides of the tire rims, and specifies a maximum unladen dry weight of 3,500 pounds rather than 2,000 pounds.

TRANSFER OF MOTOR VEHICLES (Sections 301.010, 301.140, 301.190, 301.210, 301.213, 301.280, and 301.560 RSMo.)

The act modifies the definition of "owner" of a vehicle to include a person who has executed a buyer's order or retail installment sales contract with a licensed motor vehicle dealer when there is an immediate right for the buyer to possess the vehicle.

Operation of a motor vehicle with temporary license plates or license plates transferred from a trade-in shall be legal for no more than 60 days when a dealer sells the vehicle with an agreement for the delayed transfer of title as provided in the act.

Vehicle owners obtaining a vehicle as specified in the act shall apply for a certificate of title within 30 days of receiving title from the dealer.

A vehicle transfer shall be "presumed" fraudulent and void unless the vehicle's title is assigned and passed to the buyer at the time of transfer, or unless the parties have agreed to delayed delivery of title as provided in the act.

The act specifies that licensed motor vehicle dealers may deliver a motor vehicle or trailer to a purchaser with a written agreement to pass the certificate of ownership with an assignment to the purchaser within 30 days after delivery. 

The agreement shall be in a form prescribed by the Director of the Department of Revenue, shall provide that if the dealer does not pass the assigned certificate of ownership to the purchaser within 30 days, the purchase shall be voidable at the purchaser's option, and the dealer shall re-purchase the vehicle as provided in the act.

MOTOR VEHICLE REGISTRATION PERIODS (Section 301.030 RSMo.)

This act specifies that fees for the renewal of noncommercial motor vehicle registrations shall be payable no later than the last day of the month that follows the final month of the expired registration period. No renewal penalty shall be assessed, and no violation for expired registration shall be issued, until the second month that follows the expired registration period.

FLEET VEHICLE REGISTRATIONS (Section 301.032 RSMo.)

This act provides that the registration for fleet vehicles shall be fully payable at the time the license plates are ordered, except that when the plates are ordered after the first month of registration, the fees shall be prorated.

RESPONSIBILITIES OF THE HIGHWAY PATROL (Sections 301.560 and 301.564 RSMo.)

This act replaces certain references to officers of the Missouri State Water Patrol with references to "authorized or designated employees" of the Missouri State Highway Patrol.

The act makes this change in a statute regarding the certification of a boat manufacturer's or boat dealer's bona fide place of business (Section 301.560 RSMo.), and in a statute regarding the inspection of certain documents and records (Section 301.564 RSMo.).

MOTORCYCLE HELMET LAW (Sections 302.020 and 302.026 RSMo.)

This act provides that persons under the age of 26 who are operating or riding as a passenger on a motorcycle or motortricycle shall wear a helmet when the vehicle is in motion. 

Similarly, a person who is 26 or older, is operating a motorcycle or motortricycle, and who has been issued an instruction permit shall wear a helmet when the vehicle is in motion. No political subdivision of the state shall impose a protective headgear requirement on the operator or passenger of a motorcycle or motortricycle. No person shall be stopped, inspected, or detained solely to determine compliance with these provisions.

The act also provides that qualified operators who are 26 or older may operate a motorcycle or motortricycle without a helmet if he or she is covered by a health insurance policy or other form of insurance which will provide the person with medical benefits for injuries incurred as a result of a motorcycle or motortricycle accident. 

Proof of such coverage shall be provided on request of law enforcement by showing a copy of the qualified operator's insurance card. No person shall be stopped, inspected, or detained solely to determine compliance with these provisions. (Section 302.026)

DIGITAL DRIVER'S LICENSES (Section 302.181.10 RSMo.)

This act authorizes the Department of Revenue to design and implement a secure digital driver's license program that allows license applicants to obtain a digital driver's license in addition to a card-based license. 

The digital license shall be accepted for all purposes for which a card-based license is used. Department of Revenue contracted entity(ies) may develop a mobile software application capable of being utilized through a person's electronic device to access the person's digital driver's license. 

The Department shall suspend, disable, or terminate a person's participation in the digital driver's license program if the driver's driving privilege is suspended, revoked, denied, withdrawn, or cancelled as provided by law, or if the person reports their electronic device has been lost, stolen, or compromised.

COMMERCIAL DRIVER'S LICENSES (Sections 302.720 and 302.723 RSMo.)

This act provides for a process by which commercial driver's license applicants with disabilities may request testing accommodations for the written and driving tests, and specifies that the accommodations shall state that a hearing test shall not be required for applicants who are deaf or hard of hearing. These provisions shall be null and void if the United States Secretary of Transportation determines they will result in a loss of federal highway funding.

The act also specifies that any entity providing training to persons preparing to apply for a CDL shall provide reasonable accommodations for persons who are deaf or hard of hearing. 

These provisions shall be null and void if the United States Secretary of Transportation determines they or the provisions relating to disabled applicants requesting testing accommodations will result in a loss of federal highway funding.

TEMPORARY BOATING SAFETY IDENTIFICATION CARDS (Section 306.127 RSMo.)

This act extends, from December 31, 2022, to December 31, 2032, the sunset date for provisions regarding the issuance of temporary boating safety identification cards.

MUD FLAP REQUIREMENTS (Section 307.015 RSMO.)

This act raises, from eight inches to 12 inches, the maximum distance from the ground to which the bottom edge of dump trucks' mud flaps is required to extend.

Senate Bill 569

The "JUSTICE FOR SURVIVORS ACT" (Sections 192.2520 and 197.135 RSMo.) directs the Department of Health and Senior Services to establish a statewide telehealth network for forensic examinations of victims of sexual offenses by July 1, 2022. 

This act requires any licensed hospital, by January 1, 2023, to perform a forensic examination using an evidentiary collection kit upon the request and consent of a victim of a sexual offense 14 years of age or older or the victim's guardian. 

Victims under 14 years of age shall be referred to a SAFE CARE provider. Nothing in this act shall be interpreted to prevent a hospital from performing a forensic examination for a minor under 14 years of age upon the minor or guardian's request in accordance with state law and regulations.

The "SEXUAL ASSAULT SURVIVORS’ BILL OF RIGHTS" (Section 595.220 RSMo.) provides certain specified rights to survivors of sexual assault during any forensic examination and during any interview by a law enforcement official, prosecuting attorney, or defense attorney, including the right to consult with employees or volunteers of rape crisis centers during any examination or interview, the right to receive notice of these rights prior to an examination or interview, the right to a prompt analysis of the forensic evidence, and other specified rights.

"MISSOURI RIGHTS OF VICTIMS OF SEXUAL ASSAULT TASK FORCE" (Section 595.202 RSMo.) is created and membership set forth in the act. The task force shall make certain recommendations; collect data regarding sexual assault reporting, arrest, prosecution rates, access to sexual assault victims’ services, and any other important data; and collect feedback from stakeholders, practitioners, and leadership throughout the state and local law enforcement, victim services, forensic science practitioners, and health care communities.

EVIDENTIARY COLLECTION KITS (Section 595.220 RSMo.)

This act modified current law regarding procedures for tracking evidentiary collection kits. This act requires such victims to register with the system to track and obtain reports on the status and location of their kits through a secure web-based or similar system. 

Appropriate medical providers, law enforcement agencies, laboratories, court personnel, persons or entities involved in the final disposition or destruction of the kits, and all other entities and persons having custody of the kits shall participate in the tracking system.

Unreported kits shall be retained for five years, except in the case of minor victims, which sets the retention period as until five years after the victim reaches 18 years of age. Finally, records entered into the electronic tracking system shall be confidential and not subject to disclosure under state law.

Senate Bill 600

This bill modifies and creates provisions relating to dangerous felonies. If two or more defendants are charged with being joint participants in a conspiracy, it is presumed there is no substantial prejudice in charging both defendants in the same indictment or being tried together. A person cannot be convicted of an offense based upon a conspiracy to commit the offense unless he or she committed an overt act. (Refer to Chapter 2 of the Missouri Criminal Code for further guidance definitions on crimes involving conspiracy.)

This act modifies provisions regarding conspiracy to create the offense of conspiracy if a person agrees, with one or more persons, to commit any Class A, B, or C felonies, or any unclassified felonies that exceed 10 years of imprisonment, and one or more persons do any act in furtherance of the agreement. The offense of conspiracy to commit an offense is a Class C felony.

Additionally, this act repeals the provisions barring a person from being charged, convicted, or sentenced for both the conspiracy to commit the offense and the actual offense.

Senate Bill 600 adds to the definition of "dangerous felony" the offense of armed criminal action, the offense of conspiracy to commit an offense when the offense is a dangerous felony, and the offense of vehicle hijacking when punished as a Class A felony.

OFFENSE OF VEHICLE HIJACKING (Section 570.027 RSMo.)

This act creates the offense of vehicle hijacking, which is committed when an individual knowingly uses or threatens the use of physical force upon another individual to seize or attempt to seize possession or control of a vehicle. 

This offense is punished as a Class B felony unless one of the aggravating circumstances listed in the act was present during the commission of the offense, in which case it is punished as a Class A felony.

Senate Bill 600 changes the prison term for armed criminal action to three to 15 years for the first offense, five to 30 years for the second offense, and at least 10 years for any subsequent offense. 

These prison terms shall be served in addition to and consecutive to any punishment for the crime committed with the use of a deadly weapon. Additionally, this act provides that if the person convicted of armed criminal action is unlawfully possessing a firearm, the minimum prison term for the first offense is five years and the second offense and third offense is 15 years.

Senate Bill 600 increases the penalty for unlawful possession of a firearm by a person convicted of a dangerous felony from a Class D to a Class C felony.

CRIMINAL STREET GANGS (Sections 578.419 to 578.439 RSMo.)

Senate Bill 600 establishes the "Missouri Criminal Street Gangs Prevention Act."

The act modifies the definition of a "criminal street gang" by defining such an organization to have as one of its motivating, rather than primary, activities the commission of one or more criminal acts. The definition of "pattern of criminal street gang activity" is modified to include "dangerous felony" as one of the offenses that would constitute a pattern.

This act changes the mental state and penalty for any person who is convicted of a felony or misdemeanor which is committed for the benefit of, at the direction of, or in association with, a criminal street gang. This act provides that such action must be with the purpose, rather than specific intent, to promote, further, or assist in any criminal conduct by gang members. The act repeals the applicability of this provision to a misdemeanor.

A person convicted under this act shall serve a term in addition and consecutive to the punishment for the felony conviction a term of two years, unless the felony is committed within 1,000 feet of a school then the term shall be three years. Finally, if a person is convicted of a dangerous felony under this act, he or she shall be punished by an additional five years.

SENATE BILL 656

PURPLE HEART SPECIAL LICENSE PLATES (Section 301.451 RSMo.)

A recipient of the Purple Heart medal may acquire a Purple Heart special license plate at no charge for the first set of license plates issued. The Purple Heart recipient will be charged only regular registration fees for a second or subsequent set of such plate. Under the act, any registered co-owner of the vehicle shall be entitled to use and renew the plates until he or she remarries, or for the rest of his or her life if he or she does not remarry.

CENTRAL MISSOURI HONOR FLIGHT SPECIAL LICENSE PLATES (Section 301.3069 RSMo.)

This act establishes a "Central Missouri Honor Flight" special license plate. The plate requires an annual emblem-use fee of $25, paid to Central Missouri Honor Flight and to be used for financial assistance to transport veterans to Washington, D.C., to view veteran memorials, in addition to the $15 special personalized license plate fee and other requirements and fees as provided by law.

MERITORIOUS SERVICE MEDAL SPECIAL LICENSE PLATES (Section 301.3159 RSMo.)

This act establishes a "Meritorious Service Medal" special license plate. Applicants shall provide proof of having been awarded the medal as required by the director of the Department of Revenue. There shall be an additional fee for issuance of the plates equal to the $15 special personalized license plate fee. Meritorious Service Medal license plates shall not be transferable to any other person, except that any registered co-owner of the motor vehicle shall be entitled to operate the motor vehicle with such plates for the duration of the year licensed in the event of the death of the qualified person.

Humphreys not making political contributions this year, says nation too divided, now is time we should all come together

The St. Louis Post-Dispatch reports Joplin businessman David Humphreys, president and CEO of TAMKO Building Products, will not be making political contributions this year.

Humphreys has been a major contributor to Republican candidates over the year.

“During the pandemic and economic crisis, David’s full-time attention and resources have been focused on his business and helping his community and charities that he and his family support,” said Kim Eckerman, communications chief for TAMKO Building Products, a roofing material business that Humphreys owns.

In addition, Eckerman said Humphreys, who did not support President Donald Trump’s 2016 election, said the nation is too divided.

“He also believes that now is a time we should all come together. Accordingly, he is not allocating resources to the presidential or state political campaigns,” she said.

Missouri Southern launches COVID-19 dashboard, announces changes for recreation center, library

(From Southern News Service)

Missouri Southern State University has created an online dashboard to help monitor the number of COVID-19 cases throughout the campus community.

Students, employees and community members can now check for updates regarding COVID-19 on the Missouri Southern campus at https://emergency.mssu.edu/coronavirus-dashboard/.

The dashboard will be updated every Monday. Information is compiled from data provided by the university’s Willcoxon Health Center and Human Resources, but may not include results from campus-connected individuals who were tested at non-Missouri Southern sites.

Due to positive COVID-19 cases increasing in the community, Missouri Southern is taking preventive steps to keep our campus safe. 
Effective immediately, the following updates to operations are being made:

Beimdiek Recreation Center

· Maximum 25% capacity in the Rec Center

· Basketball/volleyball courts will be closed

· Free weights area will be closed

· Fitness classes will be cancelled

· Intramurals will be cancelled

George A. Spiva Library

· The first-floor entrance will be closed Friday, Aug. 28, through Monday, Aug. 31. (The library is closed on Saturdays.)

· The entrance facing the Oval will remain open and access will be granted to current MSSU students and employees

· Students and employees will be required to show MSSU identification at the library-staffed table as they enter

· Community borrowers will not be permitted access regardless if they present valid government-issued identification

· Signs will be posted that state access is only for current students and employees

· The Circulation 2 phone number (625-9862) will be included on signage for current employees and students to call to request assistance to enter the library for handicap access.

· Library hours are posted on their main page.


All positive COVID-19 tests are reported to the Joplin Health Department by the MSSU Willcoxon Health Center. The offices will work together to notify other health officials as well as impacted faculty, staff, and students based on contact tracing while maintaining confidentiality in accordance with the Americans with Disabilities Act, FERPA and other applicable laws and regulations.

For more information on how Missouri Southern is working to protect students, faculty and staff from exposure, visit https://emergency.mssu.edu or email COVID19hc@mssu.edu.

Greene County reports 112 COVID-19 cases in 24-hour period

(From the Springfield-Greene County Health Department)

Wednesday, August 26, we received 112 confirmed COVID-19 cases in Greene County citizens. Our current total is 2,805 confirmed cases.

As of Thursday morning, there were 86 COVID-19 positive individuals hospitalized at either CoxHealth or Mercy Hospital Springfield. 

Twenty-seven of those individuals are Greene County residents. 

McDonald County reports three COVID-19 cases

Updated statistics on the McDonald County Health Department Facebook page Thursday night show three new COVID-19 cases have been confirmed putting the county's total at 1,043.

No further information was posted. On Wednesday night, the department reported 58 active cases and three people who were hospitalized.

McDonald County has recorded 10 deaths to the coronavirus.

Oklahoma reports 15 COVID-19 deaths

(From the Oklahoma State Department of Education)

As of this advisory, there are 55,550 confirmed positive cases of COVID-19 in Oklahoma. 

There are 15 additional deaths identified to report. No deaths were identified in the past 24 hours.

One in Creek County, one male in the 65 or older age group.
One in Garfield County, one female in the 65 or older age group.
One in Haskell County, one male in the 50 - 64 age group.

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

One in Kingfisher County, one female in the 65 or older age group.
Two in Le Flore County, two males in the 65 or older age group.
Three in Lincoln County, two females and one male in the 65 or older age group.
Two in Oklahoma County, one female in the 36 - 49 age group and one male in the 65 or older group.
Two in Rogers County, two males in the 65 or older age group.

One in Tulsa County, one female in 65 or older age group. 

There are 778 total deaths in the state.

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