Sentencing on meth trafficking charge set in federal court for killer of Joplin couple

Sentencing for Rita Michelle Glasgow, 32, Joplin, for her role in a meth trafficking conspiracy is scheduled for 9:30 a.m. Thursday, June 8, in U. S. District Court in Springfield.

Glasgow, who is already serving a 23-year sentence for her role in the DWI crash that took the life of Terry and Rhonda Copple, pleaded guilty February 22 to the meth conspiracy charge under a plea agreement with the U. S. Attorney's office that calls for her to receive a 10-year-sentence and dismisses two additional charges, possession and distribution of a controlled substance.

Judge David P. Rush, who ordered a presentence investigation that has been filed with the court, does not have to accept the agreement.

Glasgow's crimes, described in the plea agreement, included being arrested by the Joplin Police Department July 2, 2019 at Love's Truck Stop with a camera case that contained 20 pounds of meth. A search of Glasgow after she was taken into custody revealed another 51.2 grams of meth in her underwear.

Glasgow told officers she had conspired with Joplin businessman Joshua Davenport, owner of Davenport Auto Sales to distribute meth.

The Newton County Sheriff's Office arrested Glasgow September 28, 2019 after a deputy saw that her registration was expired. When a deputy tried to stop her, Glasgow took off traveling at more than 75 miles per hour in a 45 mile per hour zone, until she lost control and the car went into a ditch.

The Turner Report: Driver who killed Terry and Rhonda Copple while high on meth pleads guilty (rturner229.blogspot.com)

Grand jury indicts Missouri, Tennessee, men who planned to shoot immigrants crossing border, murder Border Patrol agents

(From the U. S. Department of Justice)

Two members of the self-styled 2nd American Militia who conspired to go “to war with border patrol” have been indicted by a federal grand jury on charges related to a conspiracy to murder Border Patrol officers, which ended in a shootout with FBI agents who arrested them on the eve of their planned trip to the United States – Mexico border.

Bryan C. Perry, 37, of Clarksville, Tennessee, and Jonathan S. O’Dell, 33, of Warsaw, Mo., were charged in a 44-count second superseding indictment returned by a federal grand jury in Jefferson City on Wednesday, May 30. The second superseding indictment replaces prior charges filed against Perry and O’Dell and contains additional charges. Perry and O’Dell remain in federal custody without bond following separate detention hearings in which the court ruled they pose a danger to the community.

The indictment alleges that Perry and O’Dell participated in a conspiracy to murder officers and employees of the United States government. They allegedly planned to travel to Texas to shoot at illegal immigrants crossing the United States – Mexico border. According to the indictment, they also planned to murder officers and employees of the U.S. Border Patrol who would attempt to stop them.

In addition, the indictment also alleges that Perry and O’Dell participated in a conspiracy to assault federal officers and employees and a conspiracy to injure federal officers and employees. The indictment also charges them together in seven counts of the attempted murder of FBI special agents, seven counts of assaulting FBI special agents with a deadly weapon, three counts of assaulting FBI special agents, 14 counts of using a firearm in furtherance of a crime of violence, and one count of damaging federal property.

Perry is also charged with two counts of being a felon in possession of a firearm, one count of possessing a firearm with an obliterated serial number, one count of the possession of body armor by a violent felon, one count of possessing an explosive, and one count of threatening to injure another person.

O’Dell is also charged with one count of possessing a firearm while subject to a court order of protection, one count of threatening to injure another person, and one count of making a false statement to the FBI.

Throughout the spring, summer, and fall of 2022, the indictment says, Perry and O’Dell recruited and attempted to recruit other individuals to join their militia group. They advertised a recruitment event in Warsaw prior to leaving for the United States – Mexico border.

On Sept. 5, 2022, Perry traveled from Tennessee to Warsaw to live with O’Dell. They allegedly used O’Dell’s residence as a staging site as they prepared for their trip to the border and collected firearms, paramilitary gear, ammunition, and other supplies.

The federal indictment cites a series of social media posts from Perry. On Sept. 12, 2022, Perry posted a video on TikTok in which he discussed illegal immigrants coming into the United States from Mexico. Perry stated that the U.S. Border Patrol was committing treason by allowing these illegal immigrants to enter the United States, and that the penalty for treason was death. Perry posted another video on TikTok the next day in which he stated that he was “ready to go to war against this government.”

On Sept. 22, 2022, Perry posted a video on TikTok in which he stated, “we’re out to shoot to kill” and that “our group is gonna go protect this country.” On Oct. 3, 2022, Perry posted a video on TikTok in which he stated, “we were going out huntin’,” that his group was taking their “full kits,” and that they were leaving for the United States – Mexico border on Oct. 8, 2022.

On Oct. 3, 2022, Perry held a phone conversation with an unidentified individual in which Perry stated they were going to go down to the United States – Mexico border to “start a war.” Perry expressed their plan to shoot people coming across the border and to shoot “federal agents” who would oppose them. Perry also stated they would acquire gear and supplies from federal agents after they “take a couple of ’em out.”

On Oct. 7, 2022, according to the indictment, Perry and O’Dell had amassed six firearms, 23 magazines filled with ammunition, 1,770 rounds of various other ammunition, two sets of body armor with corresponding plate carrier vests, a handheld radio, two sniper rests, two gas masks, two items that appeared to be ballistic helmets, and multiple containers of a binary explosive mixture commonly sold as an exploding target.

On Oct. 7, 2022, the FBI executed a search warrant at O’Dell’s residence and took O’Dell and Perry into custody. Federal agents approached the property in vehicles with red and blue lights activated. As the FBI approached, an agent utilized a loudspeaker on one of the vehicles, stating that they were with the FBI and that they had a search warrant for the residence. The FBI agent began to repeat the announcement, again stating that they were with the FBI, when gunshots were fired from a front window at the lead FBI vehicle. Several rounds hit the lead FBI vehicle. According to the indictment, Perry fired 11 shots from his Voodoo Innovations multi-caliber rifle with an AM-15 lower receiver. FBI special agents did not return fire and, after the gunshots ceased, the FBI established a perimeter and began communicating with the persons inside the residence to come out.

The charges contained in this indictment are simply accusations, and not evidence of guilt. Evidence supporting the charges must be presented to a federal trial jury, whose duty is to determine guilt or innocence.

This case is being prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorneys Casey Clark and Ashley Turner. It was investigated by the FBI and the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives.

Parson signs executive order declaring drought alert in Missouri

(From Gov. Mike Parson)

Today, Governor Mike Parson signed Executive Order 23-05 declaring a Drought Alert in the State of Missouri in accordance with the Missouri Drought Mitigation and Response Plan.

"With the summer months fast approaching, we want to be proactive to help mitigate the impacts of drought conditions we are experiencing," Governor Parson said. 

"Missouri farmers and ranchers often bear the brunt of the consequences of drought, and we are already starting to see early effects on crops and livestock. While we cannot control the weather, we are committed to doing everything we can to alleviate the strain drought causes for our agricultural families and protect our food supply chains."

A Drought Alert, part of Missouri’s Drought Plan, is the first step for the Governor to direct state agencies to work together to provide as many resources and as much assistance as possible.

The Executive Order directs the Director of the Missouri Department of Natural Resources (DNR), Dru Buntin, to activate Missouri's Drought Assessment Committee and requests that all Missouri and federal agencies participate as needed. The Committee's first meeting will be held next Wednesday, June 7 at 2 p.m. DNR will coordinate additional meeting details.

Missouri agencies participating on the Drought Assessment Committee include the Department of Conservation, Department of Agriculture, Department of Transportation, Department of Natural Resources, Department of Economic Development, Department of Health and Senior Services, and Department of Public Safety.

The Committee will further assess drought conditions and make preliminary recommendations to Governor Parson by Friday, June 9. Recommendations could include actions similar to those taken in the past, including a hay lottery program, opening public waters for livestock, easing hay hauling restrictions, etc.

Currently, the U.S. Drought Monitor indicates that all or portions of 60 Missouri counties are experiencing moderate, severe, or extreme drought conditions. The Executive Order declares a Drought Alert in these Missouri counties and any other county that begins experiencing drought conditions.

In a fast-moving drought, local condition reports are crucial to understanding impacts to provide timely and appropriate assistance. Citizens can submit information about local drought conditions at Condition Monitoring Observer Reports (CMOR).

A variety of helpful resources are online at www.dnr.mo.gov/drought. The Department of Natural Resources is adding information on drought mitigation and assistance opportunities daily as it becomes available. The one-stop drought website features a link to CMOR, current drought-related news, the current United States and Missouri drought maps, the Missouri Drought Plan, and other resources, including information on previous droughts.

The Missouri Department of Conservation also warns of the increased risk for wildfires that drought conditions can cause. For more information on how best to prevent wildfires, visit MDC's wildfire prevention website: www.mdc.mo.gov/your-property/fire-management/wildfire-prevention.

Executive Order 23-05 will expire on December 1, 2023, unless otherwise extended. To view the Order, click here.

 

Missouri rule takes effect putting library funds in jeopardy over ‘obscene’ material

By Rudi Keller

Missouri Independent

Missouri public libraries survived a legislative fight over state aid but now face a new hurdle to obtain the money – they must certify to the Secretary of State that they have policies in place that put parents in charge of what their children read and see.

The most likely response from libraries, leaders of the Missouri Library Association said Tuesday, is to give parents a choice – either allow their child to have a library card, with full access to books and other materials, or monitor the selections in person and check out with the parent’s card.

“If you are that concerned, you need to be in the library helping them select materials,” said Cody Croan, chair of the association’s legislative committee.

On Tuesday, a new rule took effect intended to prevent youths under 18 from accessing “obscene” materials at public libraries. Districts must have a written policy defining what materials are “age-appropriate,” keep non-appropriate materials and displays out of areas designated for minors and post whether events and presentations are suitable for some or all age groups.

The policy must allow the parent or guardian of a child to challenge the designation of any material or event. The rule, first proposed by Secretary of State Jay Ashcroft in October as he was mulling a bid for governor, would deny state funding to any library that does not submit a written policy by July 31.

There are 160 public library districts in the state.

The rule covers all funds distributed through the State Library, a branch of Ashcroft’s office. This year, that would be $4.5 million for direct aid, much of it distributed on a per-capita basis, as well as $3.35 million for computer networks, $3.1 million to support access to materials available online, and $4.1 million in anticipated federal library grants.

“As the keeper of the funds, they have to make an application for those grants through our office,” said JoDonn Chaney, spokesman for Ashcroft. “They have always had steps to follow.”

There is one other rule governing library materials that also deals with obscene materials. Since 2003, libraries have been required to block minors from accessing pornographic material via the internet at public terminals.

The rule doesn’t specify any particular structure for any library to follow, Chaney said.

“What Secretary Ashcroft is saying is, ‘you guys need a policy, you write that policy, and have it in place for people to see,’” Chaney said. “We are not saying what you have to put in the policy, just that you have to have it accessible, and have a way for parents to challenge the policy.”

There have been two significant changes from the original proposal to the final rule. The first was to narrow the definition of what could not be purchased with state funds from obtaining “materials in any form that appeal to the prurient interest of any minor” to materials defined as obscene and forbidden to minors in state law.

The other was to limit those who could challenge the policies from “any person” to “any parent or guardian” of a child who lives in the area served by the library district.

When it was introduced, public comments were mainly negative and denounced the rule as an attempt at censorship.

While libraries vary widely in the share of their total budget from state funding, Croan said he wasn’t aware of any districts intending to deliberately challenge the rule. Most districts already had written policies on how to select materials based on the age of the user, he said.

Kimberly Moeller, president-elect of the association, said the big challenge of the rule is making sure no minor obtains material that their parent or guardian has not approved.

Many libraries around the state allow access to their collections – and the collections of other libraries – remotely, she said.

“The libraries can’t control what a child has access to in their own home,” Moeller said.

Library computer check-out systems aren’t set up for parents to insert lists of forbidden books or topics, Moeller said. That is why many parents will be receiving revocation notices for their child’s library card.

Parents need to explicitly agree to a library’s policy governing general access to materials by minors and their rights to challenge the age-appropriate designation for any item. Having them renew their child’s card is the simplest way to accomplish it, Moeller said.

“It is unfortunate it is starting just as school ends and summer reading programs are beginning,” Moeller said. “It is just an additional barrier, an additional hoop that community members have to go through.”

The funding at stake for any district that fails to submit its certification of compliance almost didn’t make it into the budget.

House Budget Committee Chairman Cody Smith, R-Carthage, cut the $4.5 million line of general aid to zero. Smith was upset because the Missouri Library Association joined the ACLU and the Missouri Association of School Libraries in a suit challenging a new state law limiting the materials available in school libraries.

That lawsuit, in Jackson County, is in its early stages. Schools have removed hundreds of books, PEN America reported. Lee’s Summit spent $19,000 through mid-April reviewing about half of 90 challenged books, the Kansas City Star reported.

The law allowing school library books to be challenged and the new rule for public libraries flows from the same source, Moeller said.

“It is weird because there are so many different pieces related to the same idea, that there needs to be protection from libraries, that libraries are providing these explicit materials,” Moeller said.

The most difficult part of the new rule is allowing parents to challenge the aged designation of any item in the library. Some libraries are receiving lists of 100 or more books and challenges overall are increasing, Moeller said.

“Most of the items being included in these lists relate to identity, race or sexual orientation,” she said. “What we really seeing is the ones that relate to identity are being called ‘inappropriate.’”

State Board expected to revoke license of G.C. teacher who had sex with student

The State Board of Education is expected to revoke the teaching license of a former Golden City teacher who pleaded guilty May 1 in Jasper County Circuit Court to a misdemeanor charge of endangering the welfare of a child.

The revocation of Jacey Stahl's license is among the topics on the agenda for the Tuesday, June 6 board meeting.

Stahl is surrendering her license as part of the plea bargain agreement with the Jasper County Prosecuting Attorney's office in which a felony sex with a student charge was dismissed in exchange for Stahl's plea to the misdemeanor charge. She was placed on unsupervised probation for two years.

State Department officials are recommending that the board accept the surrender of Stahl's license.

Stahl's written statement to the board dated May 16 contains no mention of the original charge or details of the plea bargain charge, which included having sex with a 15-year-old boy and attempting to tamper with evidence.

I was charged in Jasper County, Missouri with the Class A misdemeanor offense of endangering the welfare of a child, second degree in violation of Section 568.050 RSMo.

On May 1, 2023, a judgment was entered against me in the Circuit Court of Jasper County, Missouri finding me guilty of the above offense. As part of the disposition of the criminal charge, I agreed to surrender my certificate of license to teach.

I hereby give notice of my intent and request that my teaching certificate and any indicia of my teaching certificate be revoked by the State Board of Education. I hereby voluntarily waive all rights to any hearing, appeal, and all other procedural hearings that may be available to me in regard to my certificate to teach.

I hereby voluntarily grant my consent for the office of the Jasper County Prosecuting Attorney to release any information in its possession pertaining to the above criminal offense for which I have been found guilty to the Department of Elementary and Secondary Education for the purpose of facilitating  the revocation of my teaching certificate.

I hereby acknowledge that I am represented by Attorney, Erica Mynarich and have had adequate time to review this document and discuss my rights with them before executing this document and acknowledge that I have been fully advised and understand its contents and the consequences of executing this Statement of Surrender.

Jasper County Circuit Court records indicate DESE requested Stahl's files May 9 and they were mailed May 11.

Plea deal: Former Golden City teacher who had sex with student receives suspended sentence, unsupervised probation

Jacey Stahl State Board of Education Document

Appeals court upholds dismissal of manslaughter charges against duck boat captain, company managers

The Eighth District Court of Appeals today upheld the U. S. District Court's dismissal of manslaughter charges against duck boat captain Kenneth McKee and managers Charles Baltzell and Curtis Lanham in connection with their roles in the 2018 accident on Table Rock Lake that killed 17 people.

State charges were dismissed against the three April 5, 2022 with Circuit Court Judge Alan Blankenship saying the court did not find probable cause that the three acted "recklessly" or "knowingly."

“This court feels great sadness for this needless loss of life, and the impact on the victims’ family and friends. However, because the court does not find sufficient evidence to support the mens rea or intent required for the charges at issue, as defined by Missouri law, the court dismisses each count against each defendant.”

In the federal indictment, prosecutors attempted to charge the three under admiralty law claiming Table Rock Lake could be considered navigable waters. The appellate agreed with the district court judge in rejecting that notion. 

Court Opinion

Carthage man pleads not guilty to child pornography charges

A Carthage man waived the reading of his indictment and pleaded not guilty to child pornography charges during a hearing in U. S. District Court in Springfield.

James Allen Beam, 35, allegedly received and distributed child pornography between January 1, 2021 and April 20, 2023.

According to the probable cause affidavit filed in April after his arrest, attention was focused on Beam after a KIK discussion he had with a Fresno, California FBI undercover agent in which Beam said he a sexual interest in children.

Beam also allegedly told the undercover agent he wanted to abduct and rape a child.

Grand jury indicts Carthage man who told undercover FBI agent he wanted to abduct, rape child

Sarcoxie man pleads guilty to sexual exploitation of 11-year-old Joplin girl

A Sarcoxie man pleaded guilty this afternoon in U. S. District Court in Springfield to sexual exploitation of a child.

Judge Douglas Harpool ordered a presentence investigation for Brian Florian-Palma, 43. No date has been scheduled for sentencing.

Florian-Palma pleaded guilty to the only count in a superceding indictment- the sexual exploitation of an 11-year-old Joplin girl.

Florian-Palma was reported to authorities by his girlfriend, a Joplin woman, after she discovered suspicious photos on his phone, according to the plea agreement. 

Mom, they've got my meth; Grandma, that gun is in there, too

There are some things you should never say when you are sitting in a Highway Patrol car.

Using your phone to call your mother and provide an update on the situation is generally considered to be unwise.

Telling your mother "the police found all the meth," is on the list of things you are never supposed to do.

It really didn't matter. 

Devion K. J. Boykin, 26, making his telephone call while the Highway Patrol trooper was otherwise occupied, had already told the first woman he talked to (he said it was his grandmother) "there's a hundred pounds of meth," and "that gun is in there, too."

While Boykin was talking to the women in his life in a conversation that was picked up by the audio/video in the Patrol cruiser, the trooper, backed up by a Sarcoxie police officer was already discovering the presence of the methamphetamine and the gun.

A charge of possession of methamphetamine with intent to distribute was filed this morning in U. S. District Court for the Western District of Missouri.

During an interview at the Troop D satellite office, Boykin said on May 26 he traveled from Erie, Pennsylvania to Phoenix, Arizona where he met with a Hispanic male who took him to another Hispanic male who gave him a blue suitcase and a Versace bag. Boykin said he knew the items contained drugs, but he did not know whether he was carrying meth, cocaine or heroin. When he returned to Erie, he said, he was supposed to deliver the drugs to someone at a motel where he would be paid $7,000.

Judge rules former Missouri AG had no authority to order end of school mask mandates

By Jason Hancock

Missouri Independent

Former Missouri Attorney General Eric Schmitt lacked any legal authority to order school districts to end COVID-19 mitigation measures, a Jackson County judge ruled Friday.

In his 18-page decision, Judge Marco Roldan concluded that the attorney general’s office did not follow Missouri law when it demanded last year that Lee’s Summit R-7 School District rescind the measures put in place to mitigate the spread of COVID-19.







Schmitt sued Lee’s Summit, along with 46 other school districts, then amplified his attacks on social media, “encouraging parents and students to defy the authority granted to the board of education by Missouri law,” Roldan wrote.

That led to “even greater confusion than the pandemic had already caused.”

“The attorney general lacked any legal authority to insert himself into the school district’s efforts to manage the COVID-19 pandemic,” Roldan wrote.

Schmitt was elected to the U.S. Senate last year, and his lawsuits challenging mask mandates were a major part of his campaign messaging. A spokeswoman for his successor, Attorney General Andrew Bailey, did not respond to a request for comment on Friday’s ruling.

The mask mandate lawsuits were filed in early 2022. Eventually, all were dropped by the attorney general’s office or dismissed by the courts.

Only the Lee’s Summit case survived, as the school district refused to let Schmitt dismiss the case and instead filed its own counterclaim demanding Roldan establish the extent of the attorney general’s authority over local school districts.

In his Friday ruling, Roldan concluded that Schmitt wrongly assumed he had any authority over school districts by relying on a 2021 ruling in Cole County Court that deemed health orders designed to stop the spread of COVID-19 that were issued by local health departments violated the Missouri Constitution.

Roldan noted that no school districts were involved in the 2021 case and the court’s ruling said nothing about the authority of local boards of education under Missouri law.

After ordering school districts to end COVID mitigation measures, Schmitt publicly invited parents across the state to report to him school districts who were in violation of the 2021 court order.

This caused unnecessary confusion, Roldan wrote, by wronging convincing students and parents that their school districts were violating the law.

They were not.

 

Local school boards should have been able to exercise their authority “free from unlawful interference by the attorney general.”

“There exists no Missouri law allowing the attorney general to involve himself in a school district’s efforts to manage COVID-19 or other disease within its schools,” Roldan wrote. “He had no authority even to issue an opinion on those matters to the school district. In neither of his orders nor in his social media communications did he identify a valid legal basis for asserting that the school district was acting contrary to Missouri law.”

Preliminary hearing set for former JHS Project Graduation president on embezzling charge

A 1:30 p.m. June 26 preliminary hearing is scheduled in Newton County Circuit Court for former Joplin High School Project Graduation President Melanie Dawn Patterson, 42, Joplin, on felony stealing charges.

According to the probable cause statement, Patterson allegedly stole $1,400 from the Project Graduation bank account through withdrawals from the Southwest Missouri Bank ATM at 1102 E. 32nd Street. 

The withdrawals were made on September 15, September 30, October 12 and October 13, 2022.

From the probable cause statement:

Melanie D. Patterson was the president of Joplin High School Project Graduation Inc. Class of 2023 and was issued a Debit Card (last #9478) through Southwest Missouri Bank.

The treasurer for Joplin Project Graduation noticed suspicious activity on the account and upon going through bank records noticed five withdrawals that had not been approved by the organization. The withdrawals had been made with card #9478 at the ATM located at 1102 E 32nd St on the following dates for the following amounts:

1. 09-15-2022 for $150 at 1244 hours

2. 09-30-2022 for $150 at 1731 hours

3. 10-12-2022 for $500 at 1356 hours

4. 10-13-2022 for $300 at 1738 hours

5. 10-20-2022 for $300 at 1214 hours

Video obtained from the ATM confirmed that Melanie D. Patterson withdrew money on each occasion as she exited her vehicle registered to her, and she was the only one present during each transaction.

Patterson was contacted via phone and stated that the debit card in question was stolen a while back and she had nothing to do with the thefts and refused to speak with officers further on the matter.

Nancy Hughes: Who has the answers?

“Call to me and I will answer you and tell you great and unsearchable things you do not know.”

Jeremiah 33:3 (NIV)

Nursing school was a fantastic experience for me. No two days were ever the same. As students, we rotated through different aspects of the medical profession, from pediatrics to geriatrics, from surgery to emergency rooms. All areas were important in our training to become the most competent nurses that we could be.

Early one morning we were observing a procedure and the physician was explaining through a protective mask what he was doing. I was at the back of the viewing area and could not clearly understand him, so I whispered to the classmate on my left “What did he call that type of suture?”

Her answer did not make sense to me, so I turned to the right with the same question. That response was completely opposite from what I had just heard. I asked 3 or 4 more classmates and their answers were just as varied.

Shaking my head, I turned to see our nursing instructor looking directly at me. “Now that you have asked everyone else, why don’t you ask the one who knows the answer?” she gently corrected me. And she was right. I had the expert - my instructor - in front of me and yet I tried to get my answer from everyone else.

I hate to admit it, but there are times when I do that very thing in my spiritual life. I am faced with a situation or problem and instead of going directly to the One who has every answer, I instead look at other sources to help me.

Here’s the question: would I do that with anything else in my life? For example, if my father was Mario Andretti and my car started making funny noises, who would I turn to for help? Or what if my father was Bill Gates and my computer crashed? Who would I trust with my computer files?

In the same way, my Father is God and He should be my first source to find answers for everything I am facing. Yes, I know that great Christian resources are an encouragement, and the Holy Spirit will often nudge me to share with a Christian friend and prayer warrior. But my first thought should be one of “I need to take this to my Father.”

Jeremiah 33:3 is a promise from the Lord. When He says “Call to me and I will answer you . . .” He encourages us to bring all our seemingly unsolvable problems and tough situations to Him because He has the answers. The right answers.

 

Jeremiah must have found that promise to be true in his own life because he spent more than 40 years faithfully going before God and then sharing His truth with a world that did not want to listen or believe.

Just as I should have taken my medical question to my nursing instructor, I need to bring all my problems before my Father. He truly is the One who knows the answer.

Father, there is no problem too big for you. Thank You for wanting me to share everything in my life with you and thank you for your answers. In Jesus’ Name. Amen.

R.A.P. it up . . .

Reflect

When you are confronted with a situation that needs a solution, where do you turn first for answers?

Do you ever think that your problem is too big for God to handle? Why or why not?

Apply

Journal a situation or problem that you are facing today.

Beside that problem, journal three promises from the Lord in His Word that tell you He is able to handle everything that you face. Praise Him for His answers.

Power

Jeremiah 33:3 (NIV) “Call to me and I will answer you and tell you great and unsearchable things you do not know.”

Psalm 34:17 (NIV) “The righteous cry out, and the Lord hears them; he delivers them from all their troubles.”

Ephesians 3:20 (NIV) “Now to him who is able to do immeasurably more than all we ask or imagine, according to his power that is at work within us . . .”

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

Fifteen Carthage R-9 employees retiring

 

(From the Carthage R-9 School District)

Fifteen Carthage staff members will be retiring at the end of this school year. Together they have given 259 years of service to Carthage Schools.

Join us in thanking these dedicated staff members for all that they have done for our students and school!

Enjoy your retirement!

• Carthage R-9 School District, Dr. Mark Baker served 25 years

• Steadley Elementary, Dr. Tom Barlow served 13 years

• Columbian Elementary, Lori Harter served 12 years

• CHS, Debbie Hensley served 13 years

• Carthage R-9 Transportation, Jeff Kasperski served 11 years

• Fairview Elementary, Leesa Loggains served 26 years

• CHS, Laura McClary served 6 years

• CJHS, Betsi McCrary served 16 years

• Carthage 6th Grade Center, Renea Mills served 22 years

• Fairview Elementary, Betty Pritchard served 21 years

• CJHS, Kevin Provins served 5 years

• CHS, April Sheets served 27 years

• Carthage R-9 Bus Driver, Lorene Thorn served 33 years

• CIC, Christine Weeks served 3 years

• Fairview Elementary, Pam Whiteley served 26 years

Retiring Joplin Police Chief Sloan Rowland honored

 

(From the Joplin Police Department)

Today we were privileged to honor Joplin Police Chief Sloan Rowland as he closes this chapter on his law enforcement career. 

Chief Rowland will be retiring from the City of Joplin on June 1st after serving 35 years in law enforcement, with the last 20 years being at the Joplin Police Department. 

Chief Rowland was celebrated for his leadership and devotion and received several gifts, proclamations, and symbols of appreciation, including recognitions from Mayor Doug Lawson, State Representative Lane Roberts, State Senator Jill Carter, U.S. Representative Eric Burlison, the Joplin Fraternal Order of Police, Deputy Director of Public Works Lynden Lawson, members of the JPD Command Staff, as well as several members of the Chiefs Advisory Committee and citizens of Joplin.

 
We want to thank Chief Rowland for his leadership, dedication, and service to the citizens of Joplin and to the men and women of the Joplin Police Department. We wish you the best, hope you enjoy your retirement, and pray protection over you and your family as you embark on this new journey.

Revocation hearing set for Noel man on probation for child pornography charges

A final hearing to determine whether a Noel man's probation after serving his sentence on child pornography charges will be held 11:30 a.m. June 23 in U. S. District Court in Springfield.

When Edward S. Hetherington, 63, was sentenced by U. S. District Judge Beth Phillips to eight years and one month in prison in 2015, a news release from the U. S. Attorney for the Western District of Missouri said he had "a massive library of child pornography."

Hetherington pleaded guilty on August 12, 2014. His criminal conduct took place over a period of 25 years, during which time he collected more than 100,000 images of sexual violence against children.

Hetherington is being held without bond in the Greene County Jail following an alleged probation violation.

So you want to be a Joplin police chief

The City of Joplin is looking for a new police chief to replace Sloan Rowland who is retiring.

Here's what city officials want:

The City of Joplin is seeking an exceptional Police Chief with a proven track record of leadership, integrity, and accountability. In addition to in-depth knowledge of existing federal, state, and local law, the next chief should be committed to staying up-to-date with the latest trends, best practices, and technologies in the law enforcement field, integrating innovative strategies and tools to enhance the department’s effectiveness and efficiency. 

They should also be proactive in building strong relationships, inspiring trust, and encouraging collaboration with internal and external stakeholders to address community concerns and develop effective crime prevention strategies.

 

EDUCATION AND EXPERIENCE

This position requires graduation from an accredited college or university with a bachelor’s degree in law enforcement, criminal justice, or a related discipline, with a master’s degree preferred. Candidates must also have at least seven (7) years of experience in a command position with a law enforcement agency of equivalent or larger size and scope. Command experience with a smaller organization will be considered with additional years of experience.

COMPENSATION AND BENEFITS

The City of Joplin is offering a salary range of $97,405 to $148,214 for this position, commensurate with experience and qualifications. The organization also provides a comprehensive benefits package, including health, dental, vision, and life insurance; 12 paid holidays in addition to vacation and sick leave; longevity pay and tuition reimbursement; care leave and wellness programs; and health club reimbursement. This position also receives a cell phone allowance. Joplin participates in the Missouri Local Government Employees’ Retirement System and offers a choice of supplemental retirement plans.

APPLICATION PROCESS

Please apply online https://www.governmentresource.com/recruitment-employer-resources/open-recruitments/joplin-mo-police-chief

For more information, contact: Kurt Hodgen, Senior Vice President at KurtHodgen@GovernmentResource.com or 1-540-820-0531. The City of Joplin is an Equal Opportunity Employer. All applicants and employees have equal opportunity in the application and employment process, including promotion, demotion, transfer, dismissal, performance measurement and pay increases without regard to race, color, religion, sex, gender, gender identity, pregnancy, sexual orientation, national origin, age, disability, veteran status, or status as a special disabled veteran. Applicants selected as finalists will be subject to a comprehensive background check.

Joplin R-8 Board accepts resignations from 13 teachers, 40 classified employees

During a closed session Tuesday, the Joplin R-8 Board of Education accepted resignations from 13 teachers and 40 classified employees.

The resignations included three teachers, Jessica Gilmet, Laura Phillips and Joseph Mann who had already signed contracts for the 2023-2024 school year. The resignations for those teachers had to be done individually with Gilmet and Mann's resignations accepted unanimously and Phillips being accepted on a 6-0 vote with board member David Weaver abstaining.

Classified Separations: Justin Henson, Christina Barron, Reagan Broaddus, Kimberly Bronson, Abigail Brower, Charlene Campbell, Larry Coleman, Grace Dailing, Mathew Ebbs, Carol Fartash, Steven Gartin, Krystal Hager, Darla Hightower, Dilyn Hunt, Morgan James, Elin Johnson, Herman Lambert, Lauren Lankford, Dana Newman, Johnny Osborne, Michele Palisay, Elijah Pearson, Doris Powell, Emily Renolds, Carolyn Richins, Melissa Riley, Robin Root, Chuck Sexson, Nicole Shelley, Judith Smith, Elizabeth Tymeson, Hayden VanDorien, Dianne Vlasin, Patricia Waldo, Laura Washburn, Jesse Zajac, Nichole Valenti, Hannah Arnold, Ashley Harris, Darren Sill.

Certified Separations: Larissa Harry, Sara Jackson, Lisa Jolley, Shannon Neil, Tammy Struthers, Jessica Woods, Timothy Gubera, Angie Malcom, Abby Rodgers, Grant Bennett.

Classified Hires: Jennifer Clark, William Berry, Becky Fife, Tracy Fox, Patrick Franklin, Kaley Gunnet, Joan Hagan, Darren Helms, Melanie Johnson, Kayla Ledord, Jennifer Russow, Kassie Schwarting, Ashley Sharp, Robert Sherwood, Abbie Smith, Crystal Soles, Ginnie Hudspeth, Billy Gray, Amanda Pulliam, Erin Bartmess, Gina Brown, Adrianna Hendrix, Sarah Mayfield, Lisa Bromley, Nicole Junge, Robin Yarrington, Cristina Mayfarth.

Certified Hires: Manhattan Caldwell, Kari Dietrich, McCade Gordon, Heidi Hedrick, Kadie Henderson, Nicole Hubbard, Kyle Jones, Lauren LaMaster, Haleigh Leisure, Juneau Lopez, Catherine McCombs, Miranda Mordica, Diana Nolan, Rena Selvey, Eric Severson, Maria Socha, Hailey Stamper, Taylor Tyrrell, Megan Welch, Anna Wieneke, Joshua Wilkins.

Stipend Hires: Sara Harbaugh, Doug Barto, Kira McKechnie, Kaitlyn Welch, Payton Wells, Manhattan Caldwell, Lauren Lant, Bradley Cox. Dora Eastin, Parker Howard, Aaron Ketcher, James Spencer.

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Mike Landis company buys Miami radio stations for $100,000

Radio Insight reports that Land Go Radio Group, owned by Mike Landis, Joplin, bought two Miami, Oklahoma radio stations for $100,000.

Taylor Made Broadcasting sold AC 100.9 KGLC and Country 910 KVIS to Land Go.

Land Go Radio Group now owns four stations, including SOMO Sports Radio WMBH 1560 in Joplin and Oldies 101.3 KHST in Lamar.

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Consider supporting the Turner Report/Inside Joplin/Inside Joplin Obituaries with a voluntary subscription or with a contribution of any amount at one of the PayPal buttons below or by sending your contribution to Randy Turner, 2306 E. 8th, Apt. A, Joplin, MO 64801.

Payment options

Option 1 : $30.00 USD - yearly Option 2 : $3.00 USD - monthly Option 3 : $1.00 USD - weekly

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So you want to be a Joplin High School head boys basketball coach

The Joplin R-8 School District posted an opening for head high school boys basketball coach today on its website.

Here's what they are looking for.

Position:                    Head Boys Basketball Coach 

 

Term:                        Supplemental Position for 2023-2024 School Year

 

Location:                    Joplin High School

 

Classification:             Exempt

 

Reports to:                 Athletic Director

 

Joplin Schools is looking for a highly qualified, energetic individual that enjoys working with high school age students and has the ability to teach those students the skills needed to succeed in basketball.  In addition, previous successful head basketball coaching experience is preferred.

 

General Expectations:

• Supports the mission of Joplin Schools.
• Supports the value of education.
• Complies with the privacy rights of students.
• Safeguards confidential and/or sensitive information.
• Communicates effectively with all the members of the school district and community.
• Provides excellence in customer service both internally and externally.
• Reacts to change productively.
• Keeps abreast of new information, innovative ideas and techniques.
• Maintains accurate records and filing systems for accountability and audit purposes.
• Ensures that all activities conform to district and state guidelines.

 

Supervisory Duties

Supervise students at all times

  

Attendance

Regular and consistent attendance is an essential function of this position. 

 

The work conditions and environment described here are representative of those that an employee encounters while performing the essential functions of this job.  Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform essential functions.

 

Conditions and Environment

The individual who holds this position will regularly work in a school environment that is noisy and active.  

 

Note:  The statements herein are intended to describe the general nature and level of work being performed by employees, and are not to be construed as an exhaustive list of responsibilities, duties, and skills required of personnel so classified.  Furthermore, they do not establish a contract for employment and are subject to change at the discretion of the employer.

Sarcoxie Police Chief apologizes for inappropriate Facebook post

 

Sarcoxie Police Chief Brandy Corum issued an apology today for remarks she made April 20 on her personal Facebook page.

In a letter that was posted on the Sarcoxie Police Department Facebook page, Corum apologized to a woman who was trying to sell her car to raise money for her daughter's legal expenses.

According to the letter, Corum wrote the following in the April 20 post:

"Perfect car if you want to be tied to felony kidnapping, felony child endangerment and an Amber Alert...Only driven into Oklahoma with a missing 7-year-old in the backseat."

In her apology, Corum wrote, "As the police chief for the City of Sarcoxie, this was unbecoming of me and my role with the Sarcoxie Police Department. 

"Such a post is a betrayal of the trust of a community member. I should, and will, hold my (sic) to a higher standard to not cause any unnecessary drama or discontent against the City of Sarcoxie and the Sarcoxie Police Department."

The apology comes only a few days after Corum completed a two-week suspension for what Mayor Don Triplett termed "improper use of social media," as well as Corum not showing proper respect to him.

Agenda posted for Joplin City Council meeting

JOPLIN CITY COUNCIL REGULAR MEETING AGENDA
MONDAY, JUNE 5, 2023
5th FLOOR COUNCIL CHAMBERS
602 S. MAIN ST. JOPLIN MO
6:00 P.M.

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

7.

Public Hearings

1.

Public Hearing Procedures

Documents:

1. PUBLIC HEARING PROCEDURES.PDF

2.

COUNCIL BILL NO. 2023-510

AN ORDINANCE approving a Petition to Establish the 32nd Street Theatre Community Improvement District and creating the 32nd Street Theatre Community Improvement District; approving a Cooperative Agreement among the City of Joplin, Missouri, the 32nd Street Theatre Community Improvement District, the 32nd Street Place Community Improvement District, Woodsonia Joplin, LLC, and 32nd Street Entertainment, LLC; authorizing the City Manager to execute the Agreement on behalf of the City of Joplin; and containing an emergency clause.

Documents:

1. 2023-510 ORDINANCE APPROVING 32ND STREET THEATRE CID COOPERATIVE AGREEMENT.PDF

8.

Consent Agenda

9.

Resolutions

10.

Ordinances - Emergency

1.

COUNCIL BILL NO. 2023-509

AN ORDINANCE approving the Second Amendment to the 32nd Street Place Tax Increment Financing Redevelopment Plan; approving a Side Letter Agreement for the Implementation of Redevelopment Project 4; approving a Side Letter Agreement for the Implementation of Redevelopment Project 5; authorizing the City Manager to execute the Agreements on behalf of the City of Joplin; and containing an emergency clause.

Documents:

1. 2023-509 ORDINANCE APPROVING SECOND AMENDMENT TO 32ND STREET TIF PLAN.PDF

2.

COUNCIL BILL NO. 2023-510

AN ORDINANCE approving a Petition to Establish the 32nd Street Theatre Community Improvement District and creating the 32nd Street Theatre Community Improvement District; approving a Cooperative Agreement among the City of Joplin, Missouri, the 32nd Street Theatre Community Improvement District, the 32nd Street Place Community Improvement District, Woodsonia Joplin, LLC, and 32nd Street Entertainment, LLC; authorizing the City Manager to execute the Agreement on behalf of the City of Joplin; and containing an emergency clause.

Documents:

1. 2023-510 ORDINANCE APPROVING 32ND STREET THEATRE CID COOPERATIVE AGREEMENT.PDF

3.

COUNCIL BILL NO. 2023-511

AN ORDINANCE approving the Amended and Restated Cooperative Agreement among the City of Joplin, Missouri, the 32nd Street Place Community Improvement District, and Woodsonia Joplin, LLC; authorizing the City Manager to execute said Amendment on behalf of the City of Joplin; and containing an emergency clause.

Documents:

1. 2023-511 ORDINANCE APPROVING AMENDED AND RESTATED COOPERATIVE AGREEMENT 32ND STREET PLACE.PDF

11.

Ordinances - First Reading

12.

Ordinances - Second Reading And Third Reading

13.

Unfinished Business

14.

New Business