Parson signs bill funding National Guard southern border deployment while visiting Texas

(From Gov. Mike Parson)

 Today, Governor Mike Parson visited the Southern Border near Eagle Pass, Texas, to connect with Missouri National Guard (MONG) soldiers deployed to the Southern Border and sign House Bill (HB) 2016 into law. 

HB 2016 passed the Missouri General Assembly with bipartisan support and includes funding for Missouri's Southern Border deployment, aiding Texas Governor Greg Abbott's Operation Lone Star mission, which is helping secure Texas, Missouri, and the nation.

 

"We are proud to be here in Texas today to meet with our soldiers and sign HB 2016, funding Missouri's partnership with Operation Lone Star to secure the border," Governor Parson said. "President Biden and the federal government have failed. They're allowing fentanyl and other drugs, criminals, and even suspected terrorists to flood across the border into our country. States must take a stand, and that's exactly what Missouri is doing. "The more crime we can stop at the Southern Border, the less we have to deal with in Missouri. We appreciate the strong group of bipartisan lawmakers for approving this funding and understanding the need for Missouri to step in when the federal government has failed our citizens."

"We understand there are many good people looking to come to our nation to achieve their American Dream. We respect and welcome that, but there is a process to go through, and it must be done legally," Governor Parson continued.
HB 2016 totals $2.2 million, allocating $2 million to support MONG members deployed to the Southern Border and $206,000 for the Missouri State Highway Patrol's efforts to help secure the border. Governor Parson was joined at the bill signing by MONG Adjutant General Levon Cumpton, MONG soldiers stationed at the border, and Texas Department of Public Safety Regional Director Victor Escalon, who provided those in attendance an update on Operation Lone Star.









To view HB 2016, click here.

Missouri's Southern Border Operations to Date:

On February 20, 2024, Governor Parson issued Executive Order 24-03 activating up to 200 MONG members and 22 MSHP troopers to support Operation Lone Star on the Sothern Border.

Missouri State Highway Patrol Border Deployment:

On March 1, 2024, 11 MSHP troopers traveled to southern Texas to assist the Texas DPS in providing law enforcement services in the area of the U.S. border. The team briefed at the Texas DPS South Region Office (3) in Weslaco, Texas, on March 3 and reported to its first assigned shift on March 4. This team continued to serve in the border area until March 30, 2024.

On March 30, 2024, a second contingent of 11 Missouri State Highway Patrol (MSHP) troopers traveled to southern Texas to assist Texas DPS in providing law enforcement services in the area of the U.S. border. The team briefed at the Texas DPS South Region Office (3) in Weslaco, Texas, on April 1 and reported to its first assigned shifts on April 2.

From March 3 through April 15, MSHP troopers assisting Texas DPS troopers in the area of the U.S. border provided assistance with the following incidents/encounters: Traffic Stops – 1,432
Undocumented Migrants – 519
Undocumented Migrant Turn-Backs – 61
Impaired Driver and Drug Arrests – 69
Other Law Enforcement Assists – 105

Missouri National Guard:

Since March 15, approximately 50 soldiers from the 138th Infantry Regiment, 110th Maneuver Enhancement Brigade have been serving side by side with soldiers from the Texas Army National Guard.

MONG soldiers continue to maintain 24-hour security surveillance operations, with each soldier working shifts alongside Texas Guardsmen. This allows for soldier safety and operational efficiency. Routine calls for service include detecting undocumented migrants coming across the border, helping turn back undocumented migrants to Mexico, and assisting with surrenders. Soldiers routinely intercept undocumented migrants on foot and in vehicles and observe them until U.S. Customs & Border Protection officers respond to take custody and process.

MONG soldiers work daily with their Texas National Guard counterparts and Border Patrol to expand their presence and deter migrant activity within their sixty square miles area of operations on the Rio Grande River.

In addition to their surveillance operation duties, Missouri soldiers assisting Texas Army National Guard members in the area of the U.S. border have provided assistance with the following encounters:Undocumented Migrant Surrenders - 1,195
Undocumented Migrant Detections & Turn Backs - 708

City of Joplin outlines clean-up tips following EF-1 tornado

(From the City of Joplin)

The City of Joplin continues to clean up from the significant storm damage caused on the night of May 6, 2024. 

The National Weather Service has preliminarily determined that an EF-1-rated tornado cut an intermittent damage path 4.49 miles long and up to 100 yards wide from southeast Joplin into Duquesne.

“Now we know people are safe, the City is past the emergency rescue phase, and roads are clear, our top priority has shifted to helping our citizens clean up a tremendous amount of downed trees and vegetation debris,” said Mayor Cortez. “Your City staff are actively serving the public the best they can while also planning the best way to finish the clean-up in an efficient manner. I am incredibly proud of City staff, community members, and volunteers who have stepped up to begin this clean-up effort. When nature makes a mess, this community rolls up its sleeves and gets to work. Ad omnia parata. Together, we are ready for anything!”

Tree Damage/Vegetation Clean-Up Plan and How You Can Help:

INSURANCE: If your property is insured, contact your insurance company as soon as possible. Your insurance company may give you specific instructions regarding how to document your claim, clean up, and recover the costs of clean-up. NOTE: This will be the fastest way for you to ensure your property is cleaned up quickly.

VEGETATION DROP-OFF: The City has opened the FREE Tree Limb and Foliage Drop-Off Facility at 1702 N. Schifferdecker Ave. It is open daily, Monday through Sunday, from 7 a.m. to 7 p.m. through Sunday, May 19. PLEASE DO NOT leave tree limbs at the gate of the facility if arriving after the facility has closed for the day. This is for tree limbs and foliage only. Building and construction debris will not be accepted at this site.

DON’T PUT VEGETATION IN STREETS: Please DO NOT move tree limbs into the streets. Our crews have already cleared the streets and cannot continue to do this as we need to move on to the next phases of clean-up. You may stack debris at the curb or along the street (out of the street and off of sidewalks but within public right-of-way) so long as you are not blocking drainage areas or access to utilities which Liberty Utilities, Spire Gas, Missouri American Water, or the City may need to access.

COUNCIL TO DECIDE NEXT STEPS: The City Council will discuss the next phases of the vegetation clean-up plan during the Monday, May 13 work session. The remaining phases of the plan may come with significant costs to the City and could delay other operations. The council will discuss the best way to balance normal operations, clean up remaining tree limbs and foliage over the next couple of months, and how to manage the costs associated with these efforts. The City’s clean-up process may last multiple months, which is why going through your insurance is the best way to ensure your property is cleaned quickly.

YOU MAY BURN TREE AND VEGETATION PILES: The Joplin Fire Department has lifted the burn ban within Joplin city limits effective now through May 25, 2024. The City will not require a fee or a burn permit for these burns during this time. To determine if the fire department allows burning on that day (according to weather conditions), please call 417-623-0403 and give the address of the planned burn to Fire Department officials. Only residential vegetative material allowed: tree branches and leaves may be burned in piles that are less than six (6) feet in diameter by four (4) foot high.

VOLUNTEER ASSISTANCE: Those unable to move their own tree limbs (elderly, disabled, etc.) may call the City’s Planning, Development and Neighborhood Services to request assistance by volunteers at 417-624-0820, ext. 1542 or 1539.

 
SMALL LIMBS TRASH REMOVAL: For smaller, manageable amounts of debris, Joplin residents may place tree limbs with their trash on the regular trash pick-up day with Republic Services. Limbs should be cut to a maximum of four feet and tied in a bundle that weighs no more than 50 pounds. The diameter of each tree limb cannot be larger than four inches.

City Manager Nick Edwards says, “We are grateful to the community for jumping into action already, and we recognize this as an opportunity for the City to step up and provide a high quality of service to our citizens. We are proud to serve you and thank all those volunteering to help their neighbors.”

MORE INFO: For more information on general storm clean-up, call the City of Joplin at 417-624-0820, ext. 1564, 1566, or 1204, or visit the City’s website at www.joplinmo.org/storm-clean-up

Missouri bill protecting rural neighbors from meatpacking sludge nears passage

By Allison Kite

Missouri Independent

Meatpacking sludge storage lagoons that have drawn the ire of rural neighbors because of their foul stench would face stricter state regulations under legislation that passed the Missouri Senate Tuesday.

Senators voted 30-1 to require the facilities to obtain water pollution permits, be set back from nearby homes, follow certain design requirements and monitor groundwater in certain areas. The legislation now heads back to the House, which overwhelmingly approved an earlier version of the bill in February.

(Photo- Denali Water Solutions operates storage basins for meatpacking sludge in Missouri. Legislation in the Missouri House would impose regulations to help rural residents who complain of unbearable smells from the facilities- USGAO/Wikipedia).

The bill was combined in a Senate committee with legislation meant to protect Missouri’s water from being exported to other states out of fear parts of the country impacted by worsening drought brought on by climate change would look to Missouri’s abundant rivers for a solution. But the provision was removed before the full Senate vote.

 

State Sen. Jill Carter, who carried the legislation in the Senate, said companies that store meatpacking sludge and apply it as fertilizer aren’t required to follow any standards to ensure the health of soil and water in rural Missouri.

“When I’ve been out, there’s six inches of this ‘industrial waste sludge,’ they call it, and the cows are out there eating it,” said Carter, a Republican from Granby.

The meatpacking sludge legislation was introduced in response to an abrupt switch in state agencies that regulate fertilizer. It primarily targets Denali Water Solutions, which collects waste from meatpacking plants and holds it in lagoons in McDonald, Newton and Macon counties before spreading it on farmers’ fields as free fertilizer.

Until last year, Denali held permits from the Missouri Fertilizer Control Board, which exempted it from having to get a permit from the Missouri Department of Natural Resources. Because of that, Denali was free from regulation by the Missouri Department of Natural Resources unless the meatpacking sludge polluted the state’s waterways.

Last year, the Missouri Fertilizer Control Board decided it didn’t have authority over Denali since it gives away its product rather than selling it as a commercial fertilizer. Without a fertilizer permit, Denali had to get a permit from the Department of Natural Resources.

 

The company has sued the fertilizer board in an attempt to have its previous permit reinstated.

After the fertilizer board’s decision, Missouri environmental regulators allowed the company to keep operating in the interim. But last fall, the company applied so much sludge to a field just before a storm that regulators changed their minds.

The Missouri Department of Natural Resources visited a site following residents’ complaints and found Denali had applied so much waste it resulted in “standing pools of liquids and solids” covering vegetation on the fields.

The state and Denali reached an agreement prohibiting the company from applying waste to fields in Missouri and requiring it to drain its lagoons and pay fines.

To resume its operations, Denali still needs a permit from the state. Until then, it must take its waste to a treatment facility or haul it out of Missouri.

 

Denali was not immediately available to comment on the legislation.

Steven Jeffery, an attorney representing two separate resident groups fighting Denali lagoons in their areas, applauded the legislation. While “no one ever gets everything they want in developing legislation,” he said, the bill would be far more protective of rural communities than the status quo.

Missouri joins five other states in federal lawsuit over Title IX transgender protections

By Mary Hennigan

Arkansas Advocate

Arkansas Attorney General Tim Griffin on Tuesday filed a lawsuit with five other states, including Missouri, against the U.S. Department of Education’s change to Title IX that codifies protections for LGBTQ students.

(Photo- Amelia Ford, 15, speaks at a press conference in Little Rock on May 7, 2024, where Arkansas Attorney General Tim Griffin announced he and five other state attorneys general are suing the U.S. Department of Education over an expansion of federal Title IX protections to transgender students. Amelia and her mother are also plaintiffs in the litigation- Mary Hennigan/Arkansas Advocate).

The federal rule, announced in April, protects students and employees from sex-based discrimination, requires schools to offer support for people who make complaints, sets guidelines for schools and codifies protections for transgender students. It is expected to go into effect on Aug. 1.

The 60-page lawsuit, filed in U.S. District Court for the Eastern District of Missouri, alleges the education department exceeded its authority by rewriting the law. It also claims the rule is unconstitutional through a violation of the First Amendment, goes against decades of understanding of Title IX making it arbitrary and capricious, and presents “an actual controversy” by redefining “sex” to include gender identity.

The suit seeks to ultimately stop the federal rule’s effective date.

Though Title IX applies broadly, Griffin’s press conference Tuesday largely focused on transgender students joining girls’ sports teams.

Missouri Attorney General Andrew Bailey and Arkansas Solicitor General Nicholas Bronni joined Griffin at the press conference, as did Amelia Ford, a 15-year-old sophomore at Brookland High School near Jonesboro. Amelia and her mother Sara are plaintiffs in the suit, along with Missouri, Nebraska, Iowa, North Dakota and South Dakota.

Amelia, a basketball player, said she’s worked hard to earn her spot on the team and doesn’t want that opportunity taken away from her. She also expressed concerns about the possibility of having “a boy who identifies as a girl” in her bathroom, locker room or hotel room during overnight sports trips.

“You don’t just become a girl by what you feel or by what you think,” Amelia said. “The government should not force us to disregard common sense and reality.”

The lawsuit mentions Ford’s faith several times and states it would be a violation of her Christian beliefs to refer to someone using pronouns that don’t align with the person’s biological sex.

Bailey referred to the Title IX rule as being “in favor of a radical transgender ideology,” and Griffin seemed baffled by the idea of such a proposed change.

“For a legal suit, it can’t just be ridiculous, nonsensical, hard to believe, outrageous — there has to be a legal basis,” said Griffin, who also added that he thinks “nationally, a vast majority of people think this whole thing is nonsensical.”

Asked whether he saw the lawsuit as harmful to transgender students, Griffin said, “No, I see it as following the law.”

Griffin’s lawsuit comes days after Arkansas Gov. Sarah Huckabee Sanders signed an executive order instructing public schools to follow state law instead of the federal Title IX rule when it goes into effect in August.

“My message to Joe Biden and the federal government is that we will not comply,” Sanders said during a press conference.

A number of other states have also filed suit against the Title IX rule in their own federal circuit courts, and more are expected.

Carthage man arrested in Michigan sting on child sex predators

A Carthage man was one of four people arrested in a child predator operation May 2 and 3.

Crispher A. Medina, 20, Carthage, and three other men, Holt High School basketball coach Muhammad El-Amin, 36, Aubrey Davon Houck, 33, and Chad Allen Gober, 46, were charged with child sexually abusive material, using a computer to commit a crime (child sexually abusive material) and using a computer to commit a crime related to accosting a minor for immoral purposes.

All three charges are felonies.

The men were captured as part of a child sex sting by the Lansing Police and other area law enforcement agencies, who posted ads on a prostitution website.

From the probable cause affidavit:

Officers report a man later identified as Christher Medina reached out to the ad (hereinafter referred to as the decoy as it was actually a police officers receiving the texts and calls) via phone.

Medina agreed to pay the decoy $100 in cash for sexual intercourse. The decoy stated she was 15 years old to which Medina responded, "Yeah, yeah, that's fine as long as we don't involve any police. That's fine with me." Medina agreed to bring $100 in cash and a cherry Pepsi to the decoy.

The police arrested Medina when he arrived in the car he said he would be driving. He also had the cherry Pepsi.

Parson signs bill increasing teacher pay

(From Gov. Mike Parson)

Today, Governor Mike Parson signed Senate Bill (SB) 727 and House Bill (HB) 2287 into law. Together, the bills permanently increase baseline teacher pay to at least $40,000 per year, incentivize 5-day school weeks, increase support for early childhood education programs, and increase funding for small schools, among other provisions.

"I have and always will support Missouri teachers. Since the beginning of our administration, we've looked at ways to increase teacher pay and reward our educators for the hard work they do, and this legislation helps us continue that progress," Governor Parson said. 

"We ask a lot of our educators when it comes to teaching and caring for our children. Together, this legislation supports Missouri students, teachers, and families with more educational opportunities to succeed – including additional investments in pre-k – while ensuring our teachers earn a better wage."

SB 727 and HB 2287 contain provisions relating to the following subjects:

-Permanently raises starting teacher pay to at least $40,000 per year. Increases salaries for teachers with a master's degree and 10+ years experience to a minimum of $48,000 per year by 2027.

 
-Increases all Missouri teachers' salaries by the January Consumer Price Index report, with a cap of 3 percent annually.

 
-Increases state funding for early childhood education programs.

 
-Increases the funding limit and expands access for Missouri's Empowerment Scholarship Accounts.

-Incentivizes school districts in municipalities larger than 30,000 inhabitants to have 5-day school weeks.

 
-Establishes the Elementary Literacy Fund.

 
-Increases the small school grant funding program from $15 million to $30 million per year.

 
-Protects retirement benefits for educators who continue teaching after retirement.

 
-Establishes the Teacher Recruitment and Retention State Scholarship Program.

For more information on SB 727, click here. For more information on HB 2287, click here.

Doctor's lawsuit allegation: Freeman nurses spread details about embarrassing operation

A cover story created for a Freeman doctor who underwent emergency surgery that resulted from an embarrassing situation was blown when two nurses who were not involved in his case looked at his file then spread the story around the hospital.

That is the allegation made by former Freeman doctor Nathan Box in a lawsuit filed January 4 in Jasper County Circuit Court.

Those alleged HIPAA violations were also noted by Box in an employment discrimination lawsuit filed May 1 in Jasper County Circuit Court. More details on that case can be found at the link below.

The Turner Report: Doctor's lawsuit accuses Freeman Health of age, sex discrimination, HIPAA violations (rturner229.blogspot.com)

The HIPAA violations, though mentioned in the most recent lawsuit, were not included in the lawsuit, except by reference.

In the HIPAA violation suit, Box is referred to as N. B. and filed a motion in April for an order to keep his identity private. Judge Gayle Crane issued the order, which means little at this point since Box's attorney, Aaron Joseph Hadlow, Aurora, who was not the same attorney he used in the January 4 lawsuit, included both his name and details of his operation in the May 1 lawsuit. The lawyer filed a motion late this week to have the personal information redacted from the lawsuit.

From the lawsuit:

N.B. was a patient at Freeman. N.B. is also a prominent doctor and known member of the medical community. On August 1, 2022, N.B. underwent a significant and life-altering injury of his pelvic area at Freeman. 

In an effort to avoid the mortification of his colleagues, and subordinates, finding out the true nature of his surgery, N.B. told them he was undergoing surgery for “kidney stones.” 

Subsequent to surgery, on August 2, 2022, nurse Sheri Morris, employee of Freeman but not a member of Plaintiff’s care team, accessed N.B.’s records without a working need to do so. 

Additionally, on August 16, 2022, Milissa Folk, an employee with Freeman Orthopedics, but not a member of Plaintiff’s care team, accessed N.B.’s records without a working need to do so. Beginning on August 2, 2022 Defendant disclosed Plaintiff’s PHI and PII to unauthorized third parties. 32. Both Nurse Morris and Nurse Folk shared the information they learned about Plaintiff with others in the medical and general communities. 

Specifically, N.B.’s nurse practitioner mentioned specifics of N.B.’s surgery to another physician in town. In addition, several employees with Freeman were talking about the surgery the next day.

Defendant’s privacy policy, states, in part, “[g]enerally, we are required by law to ensure that medical information that identifies you is kept private.” In addition, “[w]ith a few exceptions, we are required to obtain your authorization for the use or disclosure of the information.”1 None of the listed exceptions apply to the case at hand. 

Had Freeman told Plaintiff that his privacy would not be protected he would not have sought treatment with Freeman and would not have provided his PHI and PII to Freeman. 

On August 29, 2022, Freeman sent N.B. a letter, stating, in part, there was, “…an inappropriate access of your electronic health information in violation of Freeman Health System policy [that] occurred on August 2, 2022. The incident involved an employee inappropriately accessing your electronic health record.” 

The letter Plaintiff received from Freeman stated, in part, “[w]e are very sorry this occurred and feel there is no risk of misuse of your information [sic] due to this incident.” 

However, the letter offered no explanation of how Defendant Freeman intended to or put into action any policies and/or procedures regarding avoiding future breaches regarding its patients’ PHI. 

Additionally, the misuse of N.B.’s health information already occurred. Due to the immense humiliation N.B. suffered at the expense of his colleagues, he has since left his place of employment (at Freeman) and is now employed by Nevada Regional Medical Center.

The lawsuit accuses Freeman of breach of implied contract, negligence, invasion of privacy, breach of fiduciary duty of confidentiality and negligent training and supervision.

Box is asking for damages and attorney fees and is requesting a jury trial.

It's my fault- Turner Report comments are out of control and I'm making changes

There's no way of getting around it.

It's my fault the comments on Turner Report posts are out of control

I have excused my role in the matter numerous times by using the dodge "if you think those comments are bad, you should see the ones I deleted."

And while it is true I have deleted racist comments and others filled with hate for one minority or another, I have allowed comments that threaten to turn this blog into another KZRG.

No more.

Over the past several months, Turner Report readers have seen an increasing number of the following types of comments:

-Commenters who feel the need to insert politics into posts that have nothing whatsoever to do with politics. That has especially been the case with posts about sex crimes. I haven't seen any reliable evidence that more Republicans or more Democrats commit sex crimes. For the most part, I am sure the commenters don't know the people who have been charged and have no idea what their political affiliations are.

-Commenters who attack other commenters and don't offer opinions on the posts. Sometimes, I get the feeling they haven't even read the posts. Offer an opinion. If you're responding to another commenter's opinion, do so without name calling. If your argument isn't good enough to persuade anyone, you're not going to help it by calling names.

-People who copy and paste long comments on numerous posts. If you didn't make your point the first time, the 32nd time is hardly going to do the trick.

-People who feel the need to put profanity in their comments. For the most part, I've deleted these posts, but I have published some profane comments. Usually, the profanity isn't even necessary and often, the comments are excellent, so I went ahead and published them. My inclination now is to simply delete the comments. I would love to be able to contact the commenters and tell them what they need to do in order to have their comments published, but nearly all of them are anonymous.

-Trolls. These commenters have only one goal- to provoke readers. I don't mind provocative comments- at least not when the opinions provoke thought. The comments I am citing are ones that come from people who make themselves feel good by bringing down others. These comments, almost always made anonymously, are the kind that make many news organizations' Facebook page comments unreadable.

As of this moment, I am doing what I should have done along ago and what many of you have been telling me for months.

If a comment adds to the conversation and follows these guidelines, I'll publish it. If not, it's gone.

Now to address a couple of things I expect to hear.

This will not violate anyone's First Amendment rights. The First Amendment prohibits the government from infringing on your freedom of expression- this is my personal blog. I love to have comments, even when the viewpoints that are expressed are completely opposed to my own. But I have every right to have guidelines for the comments.

Also, I'm sure some of you will suggest that I stop allowing anonymous comments. That's not going to happen.

While it's true that it's easier for people to make comments when their name isn't attached to them, I am hoping the steps I outlined above will take care of many of the problems associated with anonymous comments.

Another reason, however, is that it has been my experience that often people are unable to comment under their own names because they have a legitimate fear of losing their jobs or causing problems for their families, but they have information that needs to reach the public.

Additionally, as national events have made clear, there are people out there who have no qualms about targeting people whose views, whether political or otherwise, differ from theirs.

I've often received ideas and tips through these anonymous comments that led me to look into things that I wouldn't have known otherwise.

Longtime readers of this blog know this is not the first time I've had to deal with excesses in the comments, nor is it the first time I've taken too long to respond to the problem.

I'm interested in your comments on this shift in policy.

I thank those of you who have continued to make comments that have contributed to the conversation, even at the risk of being shouted down by the trolls. I'm hoping that by taking these steps, I'll have more comments that legitimately add to the conversation.

I know full well I may lose readers by making these changes, but if the success of the Turner Report depends on allowing the kinds of comments I described above, then this blog doesn't deserve to exist.

Thank you for your patience. The Turner Report, like its author, is still a work in progress.

Neosho community mourns loss of First Community Bank president

(From the Neosho Area Chamber of Commerce)

Like many in our community our hearts have been broken this week by the sudden passing of our friend, Will Cook. 

Trying to do justice in finding a way to honor a man that meant so much to so many people is impossible. Will was an integral part of our community as a dedicated member of First Community Bank. Will's contributions to economic development in the Neosho area were profound and his passion for our community's growth was evident by the outpouring of love this week.

Not only did Will play a significant role in supporting local businesses and fostering economic opportunities, he also was a friend to all he came in contact with. He volunteered his time to countless organizations and nonprofits. 

His impact will be felt for years to come, and his legacy of service and dedication will always be remembered.

Our thoughts and prayers are with Will's family, friends, and colleagues during this difficult time. May his memory continue to inspire us to love those around us well and make a positive difference in the lives of those we come in contact with.

 
Rest in peace, Will Cook.

Joplin North Middle School students hold surprise assembly for deploying science teacher

(From Joplin Schools)

Students and staff at North Middle School last week held a surprise assembly for science teacher Brad Byers as he is about to deploy for the entirety of the 2024-25 academic year. 

This will be his third deployment, so students wanted to wish him well and surround him with gratitude, encouragement, and best wishes for a safe return.

Thank you for your service 1st Sgt. Byers, and for making such a mark on your students! We'll be ready to welcome you home to Eagle Nation soon!

Governor candidate: Jill Carter will remain in my prayers

Sen. Bill Eigel, who is running for governor, posted the following statement on X concerning the decision by Sen. Jill Carter, R-Granby, to resign from the Freedom Caucus:

I’ve received many questions about this. Regardless of how you see this, the situation is a reminder to always keep your elected officials in your prayers. 

They are under a tremendous amount of pressure to conform, comply, and go along with the status quo.

I’ve gotten to know @JillCarter32 pretty well over the past year and a half. She is a conservative, thoughtful, and articulate Senator. 

Nobody wins when commitments are broken so publicly on Senate floor, and many of the folks celebrating this fracture don’t share Jill’s belief set to begin with. 

Indeed, they are ecstatic that this fracture might mean she will not challenge the Jefferson City Swamp in the future as a result. I am optimistic that won’t happen with Jill. She’s been through much tougher situations than the Missouri Senate. She will remain in my prayers.

The Turner Report: Jill Carter: I'm leaving the Freedom Caucus (rturner229.blogspot.com)

More than 380,000 Missourians sign initiative petition to put abortion on the ballot

By Anna Spoerre

Missouri Independent

A campaign to enshrine abortion rights in Missouri’s constitution said Friday that it collected more than 380,000 signatures in just three months, more than twice the likely total needed to qualify for this year’s statewide ballot.

(Photo- Attendees cheer during a Missourians for Constitutional Freedom rally after the campaign turned in more than 380,000 signatures for its initiative petition to enshrine abortion rights in Missouri’s constitution Friday morning -Annelise Hanshaw/Missouri Independent).

The coalition, called Missourians for Constitutional Freedom, is hoping to put on the November ballot a measure that would legalize abortion up to the point of fetal viability. Since June 2022, nearly every abortion has been illegal in the state with the exception of medical emergencies.

 

In order to put a citizen-led constitutional amendment before voters, the campaign had to collect signatures from 8% of voters in six of Missouri’s eight congressional districts. That total equates to more than 171,000 signatures.

The campaign on Friday morning announced they officially turned in 380,159 signatures to the Missouri Secretary of State’s office. A breakdown of how many signatures came from each district, which will ultimately determine if they met the threshold needed to qualify, was not provided. But the coalition said they collected signatures from each of Missouri’s counties and congressional districts.

“Hundreds of thousands of Missourians are now having conversations about abortion and reproductive freedom; some are sharing their own abortion stories for the very first time; and all are ready to do whatever it takes to win at the ballot box this year,” Mallory Schwarz, executive director of Abortion Action Missouri and spokesperson for Missourians for Constitutional Freedom, said in a statement. “Together, we are going to end Missouri’s abortion ban.”

The effort kicked off 90 days ago, requiring a massive undertaking to reach the May 5 signature deadline. The coalition is led by Abortion Action Missouri, the ACLU of Missouri and Planned Parenthood affiliates in Kansas City and St. Louis.

Like abortion campaigns that have played out in other states, Missouri’s coalition has been able to raise more than $5 million dollars in donations, including from the Sixteen Thirty Fund, a liberal dark money organization based in Washington, D.C., that gave $1 million. Separately, more than 3,200 individual Missourians contributed $1.8 million in the first three months of the year, according to a campaign finance report published last month.

This year, more than 1,800 volunteers from around Missouri helped collect signatures, according to a news release from the coalition. In the three weekends leading up to the deadline, the coalition said volunteers collected 18,000 signatures and knocked on 40,000 doors.

Dr. Iman Alsaden, chief medical officer for Planned Parenthood Great Plains and advisor to Missourians for Constitutional Freedom, said they became an abortion provider in part to sit with patients and help counter any narrative that they are bad people for having an abortion. But the overturning of Roe v. Wade in 2022 made the job much more difficult.



“Medical decision-making is clouded by unclear and harsh laws that make providers feel scared to do the right thing,” Alsaden said.

The initial attempt to place abortion on the ballot began in March 2023. Legal fights over the ballot language and internal disagreements on whether to include a viability ban stalled signature gathering attempts until January. Viability is often considered to be around 24 weeks of pregnancy.

The initiative petition language the coalition settled on would allow the legislature to “regulate the provision of abortion after fetal viability provided that under no circumstance shall the government deny, interfere with, delay or otherwise restrict an abortion that in the good faith judgment of a treating health care professional is needed to protect the life or physical or mental health of the pregnant person.”

Also among those gathered in front of Missouri’s Capitol to celebrate Friday was Sam Hawickhorst, who in 2015, at 22 years old, had an abortion in Missouri.

“It felt like everyone I reached out to for support made my pregnancy about themselves while I, the pregnant person, was an afterthought,” she told a crowd of about 200 people. “I felt like a burden. But despite these initial hurdles, I knew I had to look out for myself because no one else was.”

After reaching out to a friend who had recently had an abortion, Hawickhorst went to Planned Parenthood where she was prescribed abortion pills. During the multiple appointments and the transvaginal exam then required by state law, Hawickhorst said she felt as if the government was “ensuring cruelty every step of the way” in order for her to have an abortion.

“Abortion is healthcare. Abortion is normal. And those who have had and will have abortions deserve dignity and respect,” she said. “This amendment, this movement, is about who makes personal decisions for yourself and your family.”

Around the same time the abortion campaign was announced, a separate coalition organized to oppose them. That group, called Missouri Stands with Women, spent the past few months leading a “decline to sign” campaign, urging people not to sign the initiative petition. So far, they’ve been vastly out-fundraised by Missourians for Constitutional Freedom.



“Out-of-state Big Abortion supporters think the fight is over,” Stephanie Bell, with Missouri Stands With Women, said in a statement Friday. “They could not be more wrong when it comes to standing up for life in Missouri.”

The abortion petition is among five citizen-led ballot measure campaigns expected to turn truckloads of signatures over to the Secretary of State’s office before 5 p.m. Sunday.

On Thursday, Winning for Missouri Education, which is a coalition of Missouri professional sports franchises, submitted more than 340,000 signatures in the hopes of putting the legalization of sports gambling on the ballot.

A day earlier, more than 210,000 signatures were delivered for a campaign hoping to ask Missouri voters to mandate paid sick leave and raise the state’s minimum wage to $13.75 beginning in January 2025 and $15 in 2026.

JoDonn Chaney, a spokesman for the Secretary of State, said it is unlikely signature verification will be finalized in time for any of the ballot measures to land on the August primary.

The Independent’s Annelise Hanshaw contributed.

Neosho man charged with kidnapping ex-girlfriend, stealing her van

The Newton County Prosecuting Attorney's office filed kidnapping and tampering with a motor vehicle charges against a Neosho man who allegedly forced his ex-girlfriend into her vehicle where he held her captive for six hours.

An arrest warrant has been issued for George Fecko (DOB 2000), who will be held without bond.

From the probable cause report:

The victim advised Mr. Fecko waited for her to exit her apartment and forced her into her vehicle. {She said he} struck her twice in the face. {She said} Mr. Fecko got mad and brake checked her vehicle causing her to fly forward and striking her head on the windshield. 

After Fecko allegedly held the woman captive for several hours, he dropped her off at her home, then shoved her out of the van, causing her to hit the ground, according to the probable cause statement.

The case was investigated by the Neosho Police Department.

Agenda posted for Joplin City Council meeting

 JOPLIN CITY COUNCIL REGULAR MEETING AGENDA
MONDAY, MAY 6, 2024
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

1.

FY2023 Annual Audit Presentation

Documents:

1. JOPLIN AUDIT PRESENTATION.PDF

2.

Memorial Hall Update

Documents:

1. MEMORIAL HALL CITY COUNCIL 20240506 DRAFT.PDF

4.

Finalization Of Consent Agenda

5.

Reports And Communications

1.

News From The Public Information Office

6.

Citizen Requests And Petitions

1.

Mary Price Requested To Speak On Letter Received, Bullying, Unanswered Questions.

2.

Maurice Filson Requested To Speak On Motorcross & Nascar.

7.

Public Hearings

1.

Public Hearing Procedures

Documents:

1. PUBLIC HEARING PROCEDURES.PDF

2.

COUNCIL BILL NO. 2024-262

AN ORDINANCE amending Ordinance No. 2022-274, passed by the Council of the City of Joplin, Missouri, August 1, 2022, by removing from District R-2 (Two-Family Residential) and District C-1 (Neighborhood Commercial) and include in District C-3 (Commercial) property as described below and located at 904 E 15th St.

Documents:

1. 262SUMMARY.PDF
2. 262REPORT.PDF
3. 262APP.PDF
4. 262MINUTES.PDF
5. 262MAP.PDF
6. CB2024-262.PDF

3.

COUNCIL BILL NO. 2024-263

AN ORDINANCE amending Ordinance No. 2022-274, passed by the Council of the City of Joplin, Missouri, August 1, 2022, by removing from District R-1 (Single-Family Residential) and include in District R-3 (Multi-Family Residential) property as described below and located at 1401 E 33rd St.

Documents:

1. 263SUMMARY.PDF
2. 263REPORT.PDF
3. 263APP.PDF
4. 263MINUTES.PDF
5. 263MAP.PDF
6. CB2024-263.PDF

4.

RESOLUTION NO. 2024-002

A RESOLUTION amending the Design Review Standards for the future renovation of buildings of the Sunshine Lamp Historic District in downtown Joplin.

Documents:

1. RS2024-02SUMMARY.PDF
2. RS2024-02REPORT.PDF
3. 2024-02APP.PDF
4. RS2024-02MINUTES.PDF
5. RS2024-02MAP.PDF
6. RS2024-02.PDF

8.

Consent Agenda

1.

Minutes Of The April 15, 2024, Special City Council Meeting

Documents:

1. APRIL 15, 2024 SPECIAL MINUTES.PDF

2.

Minutes Of The April 15, 2024, City Council Meeting

Documents:

1. APRIL 15, 2024 MINUTES.PDF

3.

COUNCIL BILL NO. 2024-113

AN ORDINANCE approving an agreement with G&G Construction Company, Inc. in the amount of One Million Twelve Thousand Seven Hundred and 00/100 DOLLARS ($1,012,700.00) for Miscellaneous WWTP Improvements 2024 and authorizing the City Manager or his designee to execute the same by and on behalf of the City of Joplin.

Documents:

1. CB2024-113.PDF

4.

COUNCIL BILL NO. 2024-115

AN ORDINANCE approving a work authorization with Olsson, Inc. in the not to exceed amount of Two Hundred Two Thousand Five Hundred and 00/100 dollars ($202,500.00) for engineering services associated with the Route 66 Sanitary Sewer Improvements project and authorizing the City Manager or his designee to execute the same by and on behalf of the City of Joplin.

Documents:

1. CB2024-115.PDF

5.

COUNCIL BILL NO. 2024-450

AN ORDINANCE authorizing a Program Services Contract, by and between the State of Missouri, Department of Health and Senior Services, and the City of Joplin, Missouri, for the City of Joplin Health Department to receive compensation, for up to Fifty-Four Thousand, Four Hundred Dollars and no Cents, ($54,400.00); and, authorizing the City Manager to execute the same by and on behalf of the City of Joplin, Missouri.  

Documents:

1. CB2024-450.PDF

9.

Resolutions

1.

RESOLUTION NO. 2024-005

A RESOLUTION authorizing the creation of a Banner Management Policy and cost recovery method; and authorizing the City Manager to execute said Policy for and on behalf of the City of Joplin.

 

Documents:

1. COJ BANNER RESOLUTION GREEN SHEET 5.6.24.PDF
2. BANNERS POLICY 5.6.24.PDF
3. RS2024-005 BANNER MANAGEMENT POLICY.PDF

10.

Ordinances - Emergency

1.

COUNCIL BILL NO. 2024-358

AN ORDINANCE approving the contract by and between the City of Joplin and B&D Yardbuilders for the demolition of the structure(s) and clearing of a lot located at 1826 S Pearl Ave. in the City of Joplin, Missouri, for Five Thousand Five Hundred dollars ($5,500.00); providing how the cost thereof shall be paid; how the assessment thereof shall be made; and containing an emergency clause.

Documents:

1. SUMMARY (GREEN) 1826 S PEAL AVE.PDF
2. 1826 S PEARL AVE.PDF
3. PRESENTATION 1826 S PEARL COUNCIL PICS.PDF
4. CB 2021-358 1826 S PEARL.PDF

2.

COUNCIL BILL NO. 2024-359

AN ORDINANCE approving the contract by and between the City of Joplin and USA Demolition for the demolition of the structure(s) and clearing of a lot located at 2633 E 8TH St. in the City of Joplin, Missouri, for Four Thousand Four Hundred Ninety ($4,490.00); providing how the cost thereof shall be paid; how the assessment thereof shall be made; and containing an emergency clause.

Documents:

1. SUMMARY 2633 E 8TH ST..DOCX.PDF
2. 2633 E 8TH ST.PDF
3. PRESENTATION 2633 E 8TH ST. COUNCIL PICS.PDF
4. CB 2024-359 2633 E 8TH ST..DOCX.PDF

3.

COUNCIL BILL NO. 2024-360

AN ORDINANCE approving the contract by and between the City of Joplin and B&D Yardbuilders for the demolition of the structure(s) and clearing of a lot located at 1032 S Sergeant Ave. in the City of Joplin, Missouri, for Five Thousand Six Hundred seventy-five ($5,675.00); providing how the cost thereof shall be paid; how the assessment thereof shall be made; and containing an emergency clause.

Documents:

1. SUMMARY (GREEN) 1032 SERG 2024-360.PDF
2. 1032 S SERGEANT AVE.PDF
3. PRESENTATION1 1032 S SERG AVE COUNCIL PICS.PDF
4. CB 2024-360 1032 S SERGEANT AVE.PDF

4.

COUNCIL BILL NO. 2024-451

AN ORDINANCE authorizing a Participation Agreement For State Investment In Local Public Health Agencies and a Memorandum of Understanding for participation in the Children’s Health Insurance Program (CHIP) Health Services Initiatives (H.S.I.) project, by and between the State of Missouri, Department of Health and Senior Services, and the City of Joplin, Missouri, and for the City of Joplin Health Department to receive compensation, for up to One-Hundred Twelve Thousand,  One Hundred Six Dollars, no Cents, ($112,106.00); and, authorizing the City Manager to execute the same by and on behalf of the City of Joplin, Missouri; and, containing an emergency clause.  

Documents:

1. CB2024-451-SUMMARY SHEET.PDF
2. CB2024-451-COUNCIL BILL.PDF
3. CB2024-451- SUPPLEMENTAL ITEM CONTRACT.PDF

5.

COUNCIL BILL NO. 2024-611

AN ORDINANCE approving a Purchase Order to be issued to Superion, LLC., to cover the annual subscription payment for the Pro Suite/Public Safety software and related systems as budgeted in the Annual Budget of the City of Joplin for the Fiscal Year 2023-2024 as adopted by Council Bill 2023-519 on October 16, 2023; and containing an emergency clause.

Documents:

1. 2024-611 SUMMARY SHEET.PDF
2. CB2024-611 COJ SUPERION PRO SUITE ANNUAL SUBSCRIPTION.PDF

11.

Ordinances - First Reading

1.

COUNCIL BILL NO.2024-001

AN ORDINANCE approving a plan for an industrial development project; authorizing the City of Joplin, Missouri to issue its taxable industrial development revenue bonds in a principal amount not to exceed $77,300,000; and authorizing and approving certain documents and actions in connection therewith.

Documents:

1. SUMMARY CB2024-001 WITH DOCUMENTS-04292024180944.PDF
2. COUNCIL BILL NO. 2024-001-04292024150823.PDF

2.

COUNCIL BILL NO. 2024-112

AN ORDINANCE    approving an agreement with Four State Doors LLC. in the amount of Thirty-Two Thousand Two Hundred Thirty-Six and 00/100 DOLLARS ($32,236.00) for Overhead Door Re-placement at PWC and authorizing the City Manager or his designee to execute the same by and on behalf of the City of Joplin.

Documents:

1. CB2024-112 GS OVERHEAD DOOR REPLACEMENT.PDF
2. CB2024-112 CB OVERHEAD DOOR REPLACEMENT.PDF
3. CB2024-112 CONTRACTOR AGREEMENT - OVERHEAD DOORS.PDF
4. CB2024-112 BID SUMMARY.PDF

3.

COUNCIL BILL NO. 2024-400

AN ORDINANCE approving an Agreement between the City of Joplin, Missouri, and Joplin Economic Housing Development Initiative that pertains to 2022 and 2023 HOME funds in the total amount not to exceed $352,000.00; authorizing the City Manager or his designee to execute same on behalf of the City of Joplin.

Documents:

1. CB 2024-400 SUMMARY.PDF
2. CB 2024-400 AGREEMENT.PDF
3. CB 2024-400 ORDINANCE.PDF

4.

COUNCIL BILL NO. 2024-401

AN ORDINANCE approving an Agreement between the City of Joplin, Missouri, and CBO Financial, Inc.; authorizing the City Manager or his designee to execute same on behalf of the City of Joplin.

Documents:

1. CB 2024-401 SUMMARY SHEET.PDF
2. CB 2024-401 AGREEMENT.PDF
3. CB 2024-401 RESPONSE TABULATION.PDF
4. CB 2024-401 ATTACHMENTS.PDF
5. CB 2024-401 ORDINANCE.PDF

5.

COUNCIL BILL NO. 2024-452

AN ORDINANCE    approving an amendment to a Program Services Contract by and between the State of Missouri, Department of Health and Senior Services, and the City of Joplin, Missouri, for a term commencing July 1, 2021 and running through July 31, 2025, for the amount of up to Six Hundred Fifty Thousand, Sixty Dollars and No Cents ($650,060.00), to enable the Health Department to provide communicable disease response to the residents of Joplin, authorizing the City Manager to execute the same by and on behalf of the City of Joplin, Missouri.

Documents:

1. CB2024-452-SUMMARY SHEET.PDF
2. CB2024-452-COUNCIL BILL.PDF
3. CB2024-452-SUPPLEMENTAL ITEM CONTRACT.PDF

12.

Ordinances - Second Reading And Third Reading

1.

COUNCIL BILL NO. 2024-116

AN ORDINANCE declaring the necessity of acquiring for public use certain real property for the purpose of Drainage Improvements near the 200 Block of N. Cox Avenue; authorizing the City Manager and his designees to negotiate for the purpose of acquiring the necessary interests in land; authorizing the City Attorney and his designees to institute condemnation proceedings if such interests in land cannot be acquired by purchase through good faith negotiations.

Documents:

1. CB2024 -116 VILLATORO SUMMARY.PDF
2. CB2024 -116 VILLATORO.PDF
3. CB2024-116 LOCATION MAP.PDF

13.

Unfinished Business

14.

New Business

1.

Phil Stinnett Request For Waiver To Serve On The Finance Committee