Saturday, February 08, 2025

Probable cause- Webb City man drove with BAC nearly four times legal limit- and 2-year-old girl in back seat

A Webb City man was charged with driving while intoxicated and endangering the welfare of a child after being stopped by a Jasper County Sheriff's Office deputy at the intersection of E Main Street and MO 171 Monday with his 2-year-old daughter in the back seat.

An arrest warrant was issued for Ty Dustin Thrasher (DOB 2000) and bond set at $1,000 cash or $5,000 surety.







From the probable cause statement:

On February 3, 2024, I, Deputy Smith #340 conducted a traffic stop at the above intersection. I observed the vehicle make multiple lane violations traveling into the wrong lane of travel while vehicles were approaching and driving off the roadway onto the shoulder. I conducted a traffic stop. I contacted the driver, Ty Thrasher, who appeared to have glassy eyes and was slow to speak. I collected identification and returned to my vehicle. 

Once I returned to the vehicle, I located Ty asleep inside the vehicle. Ty had to be yelled at six times before waking. Ty was unable to perform standard field sobriety test effectively by showing all six clues of intoxication in horizontal gaze nystagmus. 

 During the walk and turn test, Ty was unable to maintain a heel to toe stance multiple times, started before instructed to begin, did not touch heel to toe by more than one half inch multiple times, lost balance while walking and stepped off the line multiple times, and made an improper turn. 






During the one leg stand test, he swayed while balancing, hopped, and put his foot down. While speaking with Ty he was staggering while walking and was swaying while standing. The odor of intoxicants was smelled coming from Ty’s breath during the tests. 

Ty agreed to provide a chemical breath test after being read implied consent. Ty provided a sample of 0.310% BAC. When Ty was initially stopped Victim 1 had been located in the backseat of his vehicle in a car seat. Victim 1 is Ty's 2-year-old daughter.


Charges dismissed against Carthage mother accused of obstruction in son's murder case


A Miami County, Kansas District Court judge dismissed obstruction charges against Heather McJunkins, 47, Carthage, who had been charged with interfering into the investigation of the murder of her daughter-in-law Kenia Lopez.

Lopez' body was discovered June 13 in an abandoned camper at 600 Main Street in Carthage.

Miami County authorities believe McJunkins' son Gavino Macias, murdered the woman in Kansas then took her to Carthage and abandoned the body.

The next hearing for Macias, who is charged with second-degree murder, is scheduled for 1:30 p.m. Wednesday.

Aurora High School teacher free on $1 bond on felony sex with a student charge


Apparently, they take teacher having sex with students seriously in Lawrence County.

Or at least one Lawrence County judge.

Aurora High School teacher Kyle Doss, a Monett resident, didn't have to scramble for funds to meet bond on his felony sex with a student charge.

Lawrence County Judge Don Trotter set Doss' bond at $1. Though it isn't specified in the order, it appears that Doss could have posted bond either through cash or surety.







Trotter set the following conditions for Doss' release:

-He is under house arrest and required to wear a GPS monitor.

-No contact with the alleged victim through any means

-No unsupervised contact with anyone under the age of 18

-No teaching or volunteering at schools (you would think the house arrest would reduce the possibility of this happening.

Doss' preliminary hearing, originally scheduled for March 5, has been rescheduled to March 31 at the request of his lawyer, Springfield attorney Adam Woody, who said he had conflicts with hearings in Greene and Laclede counties March 5.

The Turner Report: Allegation: Teacher exchanged nude photos, videos with student, had makeout sessions in storage room



Friday, February 07, 2025

Lawsuit claim: Reckless golf cart race killed Tucker Berry

An out-of-control golf cart race led to the October 19 accident that killed Redings Mill and Lockwood firefighter Tucker Berry, 22, according to a wrongful death lawsuit filed by Berry's parents, Samuel and Tonya Berry, Tuesday in Jasper County Circuit Court

Listed as defendants in the case are the drivers of the golf carts allegedly involved in the race, Brant P. Cullen, Carl Junction, and Kreg Myers, Cassville.

October 19, 2024 at approximately 6 p.m., Tucker was a passenger in a golf car operated by Defendant Cullen who was driving a 2022 Yamaha golf cart north on Fairway Drive in Carl Junction, Missouri.

At the above date and time, Defendant Myers was driving a 2018 Yamaha golf car north on Fairway Drive in Carl Junction, Missouri.







At the above date and time Tucker, who was riding on the back of the golf cart driven by Defendant Cullen, was thrown from said golf cart onto the pavement of Fairway Drive striking his head.

The above incident occurred due to the negligence of both Defendants Cullen and Myers who were racing, driving erratically, and were "playing" with each other with their golf carts at the time of this incident.

Both defendants were negligent, and both defendants failed to operate {their} golf cars using the highest degree of car. Specifically, both drove at an excessive speed, failed to keep a careful lookout and drove erratically causing this incident.

As a direct result of Defendants' negligence, Tucker was thrown from Defendant Cullen's golf cart and sustained injuries to his head from which Tucker died on October 20, 2024.







The Berrys, who are represented by Mount Vernon attorney John Alan Cowherd, are asking for actual damages and "for such other relief as the court deems proper."

Carl Junction Police investigated the accident and closed the investigation November 21 issuing the following statement:

The Carl Junction Police Department actively investigated the incident and presented a case to the Jasper County Prosecutor's Office, who declined to file charges at this time.



Grove woman charged with DWI-death of another for head-on crash that killed Sarcoxie man


The Jasper County Prosecuting Attorney filed charges today against a Grove, Oklahoma woman who was allegedly driving drunk on Christmas Eve when she caused a head-on collision that killed Tou Xiong, 37, Sarcoxie.

An arrest warrant was issued for Jennifer Lea Maupin, 43, with bond set at $100,000 cash or surety on charges of driving while intoxicated- death of another, a felony, and misdemeanor charges of careless and imprudent driving and speeding.







Oklahoma court records indicate Maupin is currently awaiting trial in Ottawa County, Oklahoma, for assault and assaulting a police officer for crimes that allegedly took place in March and April 2024.J

The Jasper County allegations against Maupin were detailed in the probable cause statement:

On Tuesday, December 24, 2024, at approximately 1500 hours, I was dispatched to an unknown injury motor vehicle crash on Missouri 59 south of Apple Road, in Jasper County, Missouri. I arrived on scene at approximately 1506 hours. Other emergency responders were already on scene. 

I was advised that there were three vehicles involved in the crash and that one of the drivers was deceased. A dark green 2005 Hummer H2 was off the west side of the roadway flipped over onto its top. The Hummer was bearing 2025 Oklahoma registration QDM847. The driver of the Hummer was later identified by a temporary Oklahoma Driver License as Jennifer L. Maupin, a 43 year old White female. Maupin was the registered owner of the Hummer. 

A charcoal-colored 2014 Kia Soul was also off the west side of the roadway and came to rest in a gravel parking lot. The Kia sustained major front-end damage. The driver of the Kia was deceased and entrapped in the vehicle. The driver of the Kia was identified by a Missouri Driver License. The third vehicle that was involved in the crash was a tan 2002 Ford Explorer bearing 2026 Missouri registration I PBK92. The Ford sustained damage on its driver's side. The driver of the Ford sustained minor injuries and was not transported for medical treatment.






 

EMS was treating Maupin in the back of an ambulance when I contacted her. Maupin identified herself to me and told me she was the driver of the Hummer. While I was in the back of the ambulance with Maupin, J could smell the odor of an intoxicating beverage. I began asking her some basic questions to obtain 'her information. I asked her if she had drank any alcohol, and she stated she had not. I asked Maupin to submit to a Preliminary Breath Test (PBT). Maupin refused. 

I left the ambulance for a brief time and then returned. When I returned, Maupin stated again that she would not consent to a PBT. I conducted the Horizontal Gaze Nystagmus (HGN) test on Maupin as she was laying on stretcher in the ambulance.

 As I conducted the test on Maupin I observed all six possible clues of nystagmus, as well as vertical nystagmus. At approximately 1528 hours, I placed Maupin under arrest for Driving While Intoxicated. 


Kehoe orders State Capitol dome to shine red and gold to celebrate Kansas City Chiefs


(From Gov. Mike Kehoe)

Governor Mike Kehoe has ordered the Missouri State Capitol dome to shine red and gold beginning Friday, February 7, 2025, in celebration of the Kansas City Chiefs' Super Bowl LIX appearance. The dome will shine red and gold from sunset to sunrise through Sunday, February 9.

Governor and First Lady Kehoe will cheer on the Chiefs from Missouri on Sunday night as they take on the Philadelphia Eagles at Super Bowl LIX in New Orleans, marking the Chiefs' third straight Super Bowl appearance.








"Missourians and fans across Chiefs Kingdom are once again celebrating the Kansas City Chiefs making it to the Super Bowl on this Red Friday," Governor Kehoe said. "We're proud to call the Kansas City Chiefs Missouri's team, and light our state's Capitol red and gold as the Chiefs seek a Super Bowl three-peat this Sunday."
 
Today, Governor Kehoe also announced a friendly bet with Pennsylvania Governor Josh Shapiro via social media, @GovMikeKehoe. As part of the wager with Governor Shapiro, Governor Kehoe has bet Missouri-grown beef and an assortment of Kansas City favorites, including Gates Bar-B-Q Sauce, Scott's Kitchen BBQ Sauce and Rub, and Chase Candy Company Cherry Mash. 








"I'm predicting a 31-17 Chiefs Super Bowl victory," Governor Kehoe said. "I look forward to enjoying some Philly cheesesteaks from Governor Shapiro after the Chiefs bring home the Lombardi Trophy on Sunday."

Photos of the Capitol lighted red and gold will be available on Governor Kehoe's Flickr Page.

Mark Alford: Trump tariffs, Halt Fentanyl Act keeping our communities safe


(By Fourth District Congressman Mark Alford)

This week, President Trump proposed tariffs to secure America. Under his leadership, Mexico, Canada, and Communist China are being held accountable for their roles in the deadly border and fentanyl crises.

Illicit fentanyl poisonings are now the number one cause of death among adults aged 18-49. As President Trump negotiates, he puts the American people and our national security first.








Access to the American market is a privilege. So, President Donald Trump proposed a 25% additional tariff on imports from Canada and Mexico and is implementing a 10% additional tariff on imports from China until the crisis is alleviated.

Mexico and Canada have already caved—committing significant resources to secure our shared borders and stem the flow of fentanyl across them in exchange for a temporary pause in the tariffs. Just this week, border crossings are already down 93%. That’s the Art of the Deal.

It’s a new era in America. Doing our part to enact President Trump’s America First agenda, House Republicans passed the HALT Fentanyl Act.







This bill would make permanent a temporary order that registered fentanyl-related substances as a schedule-one narcotic. Making fentanyl-related substances a schedule-one drug will give law enforcement extra authorities to keep this extremely lethal and dangerous poison off our streets.

The bottom line is that we needed to pass this bill, and we did. We will always fight to make our communities safe and free from illicit, deathly substances.

As my friend Sarah Eager says, “The worst possible thing is to bury your child.”


Thursday, February 06, 2025

Carthage man charged with fourth DWI in past six months


The Jasper County Prosecuting Attorney filed a misdemeanor driving while intoxicated charge today against a Carthage man, who has been stopped for drunk driving four times in the past 6 1/2 months and five times in the past four years.

In addition to the misdemeanor DWI charge, Mark Anthony Hood, Jr. (DOB 2003), was charged with driving while revoked and failure to drive on the right half of the roadway.







From the probable cause statement:

On 02/05/2025, Ptl. Lane observed a blue Honda Accord bearing Missouri license plate JK2T0W, driving southwest on State Highway 96 near the intersection of 96 Highway and Esterly Dr., failing to drive on the right side ofthe road. 

Ptl. Lane observed the Honda Accord cross the white line to the right with both passenger side tires multiple times striking the rumble strips. Then cross the center line with both driver side tires. 

Ptl. Lane followed the vehicle until it pulled over in the 400-block of Olive St., parking on the right side ofthe road with both passenger side tires on the sidewalk. Sgt. Salinas arrived on scene first and contacted the driver who was identified as Mark Hood. 

Sgt. Salinas advised while speaking to Hood his speech was slurred, and his eyes were bloodshot and glassy. I arrived on scene to assist. I detected a strong odor of intoxicants emitting from the interior ofthe vehicle. I observed several beer cans and a bottle of Vodka on the passenger floorboard in plain view. 

I requested Hood to submit to Standardized Field Sobriety test, and he refused. I detected a strong odor of intoxicants emitting from Hood's person. I advised Hood he was under arrest for Driving While Intoxicated. 

I requested Hood to submit to a chemical test of his breath. Hood agreed to provide the breath sample. Hood provided a breath sample and registered a BAC of 0.270%. I advised Hood of his rights per Miranda. Hood replied that he understood his rights per Miranda. 

Hood advised he had been drinking. Hood replied he drank out the bottle, did not measure it, and had four to six shots at most. Hood stated he was under the influence of an alcoholic beverage. 








A criminal history check of Hood revealed he had been arrested for Driving While Intoxicated on 07/01/2021, 07/15/2024, 11/24/2024, and 12/30/2024, making this case his fifth Driving While Intoxicated charge. Hood had a Missouri driving status as Revoked, Active Chemical Revocation, effective date of 12/09/2024 and an eligible reinstatement date of 12/09/2025.

Jasper County Circuit Court records indicate Hood was arrested for DWI following traffic stops by the Joplin, Webb City and Carthage police departments.

Bond for Hood was set at $750 cash or $5,000 surety.

The case was investigated by the Carthage Police Department.

Craig Smith's attorney receives change of judge, Dankelson assigned to stalking, child pornography case


Following a request for a change of judge by Jonathan Pierce, attorney for former Carl Junction R-1 choir teacher Craig Smith, Jasper County Division II Judge Dean Dankelson has been assigned to hear the case.

In Missouri, people charged with crimes can ask for a change of judge one time without being required to give a reason. The case had been assigned to Joseph Hensley.

Smith's trial court arraignment is scheduled for 1:30 p.m. Wednesday, March 5 at the Jasper County Courts Building in Joplin.







Smith is charged with stalking and possession of child pornography.

The Turner Report: Probable cause. Former CJ teacher stalked girl from sixth grade through high school


Joplin woman sentenced to time served for bank fraud, attempt to commit mail fraud


Emily Anna-Lee Sturgis, 31, Joplin, was sentenced to time served for bank fraud and attempt to commit mail fraud during a hearing this morning in U. S. District Court in Springfield.

Sturgis will be on supervised probation for five years and be required to make $12,482.15 in restitution.







As a result of a plea agreement, the government dismissed two other counts of bank fraud, three counts of stealing mail and a single count of conspiracy to defraud the United States.

Sturgis' partner in the crimes, Aaron M. Blake, 28, Joplin, was sentenced to three years and seven months without parole and has to pay $12,482 in restitution.

The crimes committed by Sturgis and Blake were detailed in a September 30 news release from the U. S. Attorney for the Western District of Missouri.

Sturgis and Blake admitted they conspired from December 2022 to Jan. 26, 2023, to steal mail out of residential mailboxes and off porches in Joplin. 

The stolen mail included credit cards, debit cards, checks, cash, jewelry, and documents that contained personal identifying information (such as names, dates of birth, Social Security numbers, and bank account information). 








They stole Pandora jewelry from one victim’s mailbox, and a Christmas card that contained a $500 check from another victim’s mailbox. They used the stolen credit cards to unlawfully make purchases.

Blake, with the knowledge and assistance of Sturgis, used the stolen personal information to open credit card accounts and bank accounts under those stolen names. He then used these fraudulently created credit and bank accounts to make unlawful purchases.

City of Carterville receives $505,000 grant for street repairs


The Missouri Department of Economic Development awarded more than $25 million to 52 improvement projects through the Community Development Block Grant Program, today.

Among those receiving money was the City of Carterville, which received $505,000 for street repairs.







The following news release was issued by the Department of Economic Development:

The Department of Economic Development (DED) announced today it has awarded a total of more than $25 million to 52 projects through its Community Development Block Grant (CDBG) Program to assist with various improvement projects.

“The purpose of the Community Development Block Grant Program aligns with our administration’s key priorities of improving public safety and encouraging economic development,” said Governor Mike Kehoe. “The grants awarded to these communities will promote the safety of Missourians and help secure a safer and more prosperous future.”








Funded projects include street and roadway repairs, stormwater and drainage improvements, demolition of dilapidated structures, and construction of new public facilities. A full list of recipients and projects is available below.

“We love helping Missourians prosper through the Community Development Block Grant Program, which provides vital support for communities statewide,” said Michelle Hataway, Director of the Department of Economic Development. “Projects funded through the CDBG program improve lives while increasing communities’ capacity for future growth.”

Department of Justice reaches settlement with KSN owner over sharing competitive information


(From the U. S. Department of Justice)

The Department of Justice announced today that it has reached a settlement with Nexstar Media Group Inc., one of the largest owners of television stations in the country, as part of its ongoing investigation into exchanges of competitively sensitive information in the broadcast television industry.

The Department filed an amended complaint today in the case United States v. Sinclair Broadcast Group, Inc., et al., adding Nexstar Media Group Inc. as a defendant. At the same time, the Department filed a proposed settlement with Nexstar that, if approved by the court, would resolve the competitive harm alleged in the complaint. The Department filed its original complaint in the case on Nov. 13, 2018, along with proposed settlements with six other television broadcasting companies.








“The Antitrust Division continues its efforts to stop the unlawful exchange of competitively sensitive information in the television broadcast industry,” said Assistant Attorney General Makan Delrahim of the Department of Justice’s Antitrust Division. “Robust competition among broadcast stations allows American businesses to obtain competitive advertising rates. The unlawful sharing of information reduced that competition and harmed businesses and the consumers they serve.”

According to the amended complaint, Nexstar agreed with other entities in many metropolitan areas across the United States to exchange revenue pacing information, and also engaged in the exchange of other forms of non-public sales information in certain metropolitan areas. Pacing compares a broadcast station’s revenues booked for a certain time period to the revenues booked in the same point in the previous year. Pacing indicates how each station is performing versus the rest of the market and provides insight into each station’s remaining spot advertising for the period.

By exchanging pacing information, Nexstar and other broadcasters were better able to anticipate whether their competitors were likely to raise, maintain, or lower spot advertising prices, which in turn helped inform their stations’ own pricing strategies and negotiations with advertisers. As a result, the information exchanges harmed the competitive price-setting process.








The proposed settlement prohibits the direct or indirect sharing of such competitively sensitive information. The Department has determined that prohibiting this conduct would resolve the antitrust concerns raised as a result of Nexstar’s conduct. The proposed settlement further requires Nexstar to cooperate in the Department’s ongoing investigation and to adopt rigorous antitrust compliance and reporting measures to prevent similar anticompetitive conduct in the future. The settlement has a seven year term, and it will continue to apply to stations currently owned by Nexstar, even if those stations are acquired by another company.

Nexstar Media Group Inc. is a Delaware corporation with headquarters in Irving, Texas. It owns or operates 105 television stations across 93 markets and had revenues in excess of $1.2 billion in 2017.

As required by the Tunney Act, the proposed settlement, along with the Department’s competitive impact statement, will be published in the Federal Register. Any person may submit written comments concerning the proposed settlement within 60 days of its publication to Owen Kendler, Chief, Media, Entertainment, and Professional Services Section, Antitrust Division, U.S. Department of Justice, 450 Fifth Street, N.W., Suite 4000, Washington, D.C. 20530. At the conclusion of the 60-day comment period, the court may enter the final judgment upon a finding that it serves the public interest.

(Nexstar Media Group owns KSNF and operates KODE in Joplin.)

Addressing homelessness among topics for Joplin City Council work session

 

















Dagnan, Carthage Citizens United drop suit and countersuit, Dagnan suit against city of Carthage continues


While former Carthage City Administrator Greg Dagnan's wrongful dismissal lawsuit against the City of Carthage and City Council members continues, an agreement was reached between Dagnan and another defendant, Carthage Citizens United.

The agreement was filed Monday in Jasper County Circuit Court.

The following news release was issued by Carthage Citizens United:

Carthage Citizens United (CCU) is pleased to announce the resolution of the legal dispute brought against our organization by Mr. Greg Dagnan. 







Following a proposal initiated by Mr. Dagnan's legal counsel, Keenan & Bhatia Law Firm, an agreement has been reached, resulting in the dismissal of the lawsuit with prejudice. Ms. Bhatia proposed that Mr. Dagnan dismiss the lawsuit against CCU with prejudice and agree not to pursue any claims against CCU or its affiliates if CCU agreed to dismiss its motion for attorney's fees & sanctions against Mr. Dagnan & not pursue any lawsuits in retaliation (e.g., civil abuse process, malicious prosecution, etc.).

A Commitment to the Best Interests of Carthage While CCU was confident in the strength of its position, it ultimately decided that proceeding with the case would not serve the Carthage community's broader interests. CCU believes this resolution reflects its dedication to fostering stability, progress, and unity across Carthage's government and community.

Clarifying Misinformation CCU would like to address any potential misunderstandings around its role and mission. At no point has CCU engaged in actions or discussions to influence the employment status of Mr. Greg Dagnan, Mr. Dan Rife, or Mr. Nate Dally through the election process. Any allegations suggesting otherwise are unequivocally false. Transparency, integrity, and accountability guide our every action as an organization, and we remain committed to these values.

Our Mission and Vision for Carthage Since its inception, CCU has embraced the core principles of FATE—Financial Responsibility, Accountability, Transparency, and Ethical Behavior. These values drive our mission to support qualified candidates for the Carthage City Council & to empower ethical leadership within our community.

The candidates CCU supported during the April 2024 election were chosen for their dedication, merit, & ability to represent the citizens of Carthage. Once elected, these council members have independently acted in line with the best interests of our community.

Moving Forward Together CCU remains unwavering in its commitment to Carthage's welfare and collective success. We hope to forge a brighter future for our community through collaboration & shared values.






We deeply appreciate the trust and support of Carthage's citizens, local leaders, and supporters. Together, we will continue to work toward a stronger, more accountable, and prosperous Carthage.

For further details or inquiries, please contact Pat Goff.

About Carthage Citizens United (CCU)

Carthage Citizens United (CCU) is a community-focused organization that promotes Financial Responsibility, Accountability, Transparency, and Ethical Behavior (FATE) in Carthage's local government. CCU supports ethical leadership, equity, and progress for the betterment of the Carthage community.

Wednesday, February 05, 2025

Preliminary hearing set for Purdy man accused of tying woman to bed, raping her


A February 13 preliminary hearing is scheduled in Barry County Circuit Court for a Purdy man who allegedly tied a woman to a bed and raping her on Christmas night.

Jesi James Owen (DOB 1989) is being held in the Barry County Jail on $100,000 bond charged with rape, kidnapping and sodomy.

According to the probable cause statement, Owen tied her to a bed against her will, then raped her though she told him several tiems to stop. Owen also used sexual gratification devices on both her front and back sides, the statement said.







Owen admitted to Barry County Sheriff's Office deputies that he had "sexual intercourse with V1 and admitted to her being tied up."

The probable cause statement indicates that the woman had to be treated at Cox Monett Hospital for a laceration she received during the alleged rape

Missouri Republicans consider delaying voter-approved minimum wage hike, paid sick leave


By Rudi Keller
Missouri Independent

A bill changing the terms of the Missouri minimum wage law approved by voters four months ago will leave all the promised benefits in place but may delay their implementation, the chairman of a House committee looking at the law said Wednesday.


State Rep. David Casteel, a High Ridge Republican, told members of the House Commerce Committee during a hearing that they will rewrite the several bills seeking to change Proposition A. That process will take time, he said, telling them not to expect a vote at the panel’s regular meeting next week.

(Photo- Buddy Lahl, chief executive officer of the Missouri Restaurant Association, testifies in favor of a bill to limit the impact of the minimum wage law that took effect Jan. 1. (Rudi Keller/Missouri Indepenfent)

“No one in this body is trying to overturn the choice of the people,” Casteel said.








In an interview, Casteel said he’s considering ideas that would delay a minimum wage increase set for Jan. 1, 2026, or the provision requiring most employers to offer paid sick and family leave.

“We’re going to get into the nitty gritty of everything within the bill,” Casteel said. “There’s a lot we don’t like, and there’s a lot we do like, about all the bills that have been and will be presented.”

Republicans who control the legislature must find a sweet spot between the 58% majority who approved Proposition A and the major business groups who opposed the measure and are among the GOP’s most reliable supporters.

Proposition A increased the minimum wage in Missouri to $13.75 an hour on Jan. 1 and $15 an hour next year. In future years, the wage would be adjusted for changes in prices, a provision that has been in state law since 2006. It also requires employers with business receipts greater than $500,000 a year to provide one hour of paid sick and family time for every 30 hours worked.

The paid leave provisions take effect May 1.

On Wednesday, the Commerce Committee held public hearings on two of the five bills on its agenda that would alter aspects of Proposition A.








One of the bills, filed by state Rep. Carolyn Caton, a Republican from Blue Springs, would repeal the inflation adjustment. It would also allow employers to pay workers younger than 20 the federal minimum wage of $7.25 an hour and exempt all employers with business receipts less than $10 million annually.

“It isn’t that we don’t want to pay people,” Caton said. “We want to pay people well, but we need to do so in a manner that is going to protect our small businesses.”

The other bill, filed by state Rep. Scott Miller, a Republican from St. Charles, would exempt workers under 21 from the state minimum wage and businesses with fewer than 50 employees. It would also allow employers to reduce the final paycheck of anyone who doesn’t give at least two weeks notice before quitting, or any employee who violates the provisions of the employer’s worker handbook.

“If a business is going to be obligated by law to pay a minimum wage, which is, frankly, the government is price-fixing labor, then the government ought to performance-fix the employees,” Miller said.

The campaign to pass Proposition A drew no large-scale opposition prior to the vote. But a court challenge filed in early December by major business advocacy groups asks the Missouri Supreme Court to invalidate the vote. The court has set the case for arguments on March 12.

At the same time, those business groups — Associated Industries of Missouri, the Missouri Chamber of Commerce and Industry and industry groups representing retailers, restaurants and grocers — are urging lawmakers to repeal portions or delay their implementation.

“In an ideal world, we would love to roll it all back,” Kara Corches, president and CEO of the Missouri Chamber of Commerce and Industry, said in a recent webinar. “But part of the legislative process, or the sausage making process as we say sometimes, you don’t always get, in the end, what you started with.”

Ron Berry, lobbyist for one of Proposition A’s biggest backers, Missouri Jobs with Justice Voter Action, said during Wednesday’s hearing that the proposals to exempt businesses with fewer than 50 employees would cover 96% of all private businesses.

Responding to a question about the difficulty employers will have covering the additional cost, Berry said labor isn’t the only thing driving up prices.








“Whether it’s wages or it’s the cost of energy, all of you know inflation is higher, and we’re all having to tighten our belts,” Berry said.

Buddy Lahl, CEO of the Missouri Restaurant Association, told the committee that his members want the exemption threshold raised to 100 employees as well as implementing the $10 million revenue floor.

He also said the sick leave provisions should not allow hours to be carried over from one year to the other.

“It should be a use it or lose it thing,” Lahl said.

Business lobbyists also warned of job losses, or even businesses that won’t survive, if the increased minimum wage stands.

State Rep. Steve Butz, a Democrat from St. Louis, said he didn’t believe that argument, noting that Missouri voters increased the minimum wage twice before without sinking the state’s economy.

“We’ve had other increases in minimum wage,” Butz said. “We always have been told that it’s going to kill jobs and jobs continue to grow in the state.”

Missouri lawmakers seek to restrict cell-phone use in high schools statewide

By Annelise Hanshaw

Missouri lawmakers are hoping to reduce cell-phone usage in schools with bipartisan legislation that would require school districts make a policy restricting mobile devices during instructional time.

(Photo- State Rep. Ed Lewis, a Republican from Moberly, chairs the House Elementary and Secondary Education committee- Annelise Hanshaw/Missouri Independent)

State Reps. Kathy Steinhoff, a Columbia Democrat, and Jamie Gragg, a Republican from Ozark, presented similar bills in the House Elementary and Secondary Education Committee Wednesday afternoon. The committee’s chair, GOP state Rep. Ed Lewis of Moberly, also has legislation that is nearly identical to Steinhoff’s.








“This is not a partisan issue,” Steinhoff told committee members. “When you look around our country, there are eight states that have initiated some kind of restriction on cell phones already. Some of them are red states. Some of them are blue states.”

According to Education Week, three states have a law restricting cell-phone use during instructional time, and five states have requirements that districts set policies restricting use. An additional 11 states have recommended policies and incentive programs for districts to establish restrictions.

Steinhoff and Gragg plan to combine their bills into a version that recommends or requires school districts to set policies prohibiting cell-phone use during instructional hours while allowing exceptions, like for students who use a mobile device for health reasons.

“I do believe in local control,” Gragg said. “I believe our school districts are all unique in their own special way, just like our communities are, and they need to make the policy that fits them the best.”

Gragg said he heard from teachers that have cell-phone policies in their classrooms that test scores improved.

Steinhoff, a retired math teacher, believes the bill will lead to “better engagement.”

“As somebody who was leading a classroom just two years ago, I can attest to the fact that some of our students really are almost addicted to their cell phones,” she said.

Administrators from the Cape Girardeau School District told committee members they established a zero-tolerance policy for cell phones in high schools in 2024.








James Russell, assistant superintendent of academic services for the district, said it has provided a “culture shift.”

“This year, after a full year of implementation at the high school, kids really came back ready to learn,” he said.

Lewis said the districts who have already established the policies can assist others.

“We aren’t going to be the ones that are going to be telling what policies those local school districts should implement,” Lewis said. “We’ve already got multiple pilots around the state that are already doing this, and that’s where they’re going to get those pilot policies from.”

State Rep. Ann Kelley, a Republican from Lamar, said the state should allow the districts leniency to create their own policies while giving support when needed.

“It needs to be in the school district’s hands. It should not be the state dictating anything, just offering a suggestion that they have a plan in place and offering them that support,” she said. “Because it is a big thing whenever school districts do this, and they get a lot of grief from parents and students.”

State Rep. Kem Smith, a Democrat from Florissant and a former English teacher, said parents often have valid points, like security concerns in case of a school shooting.

“I’ve been on lockdown with students who have survived that, and their parents have wanted to talk to them while we were in lockdown,” she said.

Gragg said schools would be able to decide “what they feel is best for their community,” so cell phones do not necessarily have to be out of the students’ possession.



The committee plans to combine the three lawmakers’ bills before voting to send them to the full House in a future hearing.

Anderson couple bound over for trial on child abuse charges


An Anderson couple was bound over for trial for child abuse following a preliminary hearing today in McDonald County Circuit Court.

Dickler Joseph (DOB 1986) and his wife, Tokiko Liwis (DOB 2001) were charged after an unconscious 2-year-old girl in their care was flown to Springfield for emergency medical treatment.







According to the probable cause statement, Joseph told investigating Anderson police officers he and his wife had been taking care of the child and her 4-year-old brother since December, when the children's natural mother signed papers granting them custody.

Medical staff at the Springfield hospital said the 2-year-old was "emaciated, malnourished and had multiple fractures in various stages of healing," the probable cause statement said. "She also had injuries leading to a brain bleed requiring surgery of which the prognosis is reported as poor.

Former CJ teacher Craig Smith bound over for trial on stalking, child pornography charges


Former Carl Junction R-1 choir teacher Craig Smith was bound over for trial after waiving his preliminary hearing on stalking and child pornography charges this morning in Jasper County Circuit Court.

His first appearance in trial court is scheduled 9 a.m. Monday, March 3.

Judge Nicole Marie Carlton reduced Smith's $300,000 cash-only bond on the child pornography charge to $300,000 cash or surety. She denied the bond reduction motion on the stalking case, leaving bond at $100,000 cash only.

The Turner Report: Probable cause. Former CJ teacher stalked girl from sixth grade through high school



Tuesday, February 04, 2025

Ben Baker, Missouri Republicans push to make laws restricting transgender minors permanent

By Annelise Hanshaw

Over 100 people traveled to the Missouri Capitol Monday to testify against bills that would place additional restrictions on transgender children.

(Photo- From left, state Reps. Brian Seitz, Jamie Gragg, Hardy Billington and Ben Baker present identical bills seeking to remove a sunset on a gender-affirming care ban for minors-Annelise Hanshaw/Missouri Independent).

Some brought posters to show their opposition to the legislation. Others made more subtle gestures, like crocheting in the colors of the transgender flag.Democratic lawmakers placed blue and pink cups reminiscent of the transgender flag on their desks bearing the message “Be strong, be you!”








The eight hours of discussion, stretching past midnight, focused on two bills that aim to bolster laws passed in 2023 barring transgender students from competing in sports according to their gender identity and restricting gender-affirming care for minors.

It is the third year in a row swathes of LGBTQ+ community members have testified before the House’s Emerging Issues Committee for hours on end, unsuccessfully pleading lawmakers to abandon bills they argue are unnecessary and cruel.

Hours before the committee hearing, state Rep. Wick Thomas, a Democrat from Kansas City and Missouri’s first nonbinary lawmaker, stood alongside other Democratic representatives to announce the creation of the Equality Caucus in Missouri’s House to advocate for minorities.

Identical bills by GOP state Reps. Hardy Billington, Brian Seitz, Jamie Gragg and Ben Baker would remove an expiration date on the gender-affirming-care ban and further restrict people under 18 from continuing the prescriptions issued prior to the 2023 law.

Lawmakers in 2023, in a compromise spurred by a Democratic filibuster in the Missouri Senate, wrote in a grandfather clause allowing existing prescriptions to remain active. Medical providers revoked the prescriptions anyway in fear of heightened medical malpractice standards the law established.

The law is set to expire in 2027.

Billington, a Poplar Bluff Republican, said he filed the legislation to protect children from “permanent consequences from a decision they are not mature enough to make.”

Seitz, a Republican from Branson, voiced a similar sentiment, saying: “We love these children so much that we want to protect them.”

Asked whether he had talked to transgender children and their parents, Seitz said he has “talked to none.”

Jamie Reed, a former case worker at the Washington University Transgender Center and vocal opponent of gender-affirming care, said her experience at the center raised concerns about how children were being treated. Her worries became public in February of 2023, when her story was published nationally and Missouri Attorney General Andrew Bailey announced an investigation into the Transgender Center.

The center has since closed because of the 2023 law’s provision allowing expansive lawsuits against providers.

“I saw directly the patients were harmed by these interventions,” she said. “Mental health got worse after initiation at regret mourn the permanent changes to their bodies.”

Reed is one of six who spoke in favor of the bill.

Kenneth Haller, a recently retired pediatrician, was the first to testify in opposition. He said gender-affirming care is “time sensitive,” and transgender adolescents are harmed when they can’t access medication at certain stages of development.








“I can’t think of any other procedure, any other treatment that kids undergo that might be painful, or might be exhausting, where a legislature has felt the need to take it away,” Haller told the committee.

Ben Greene, an author from St. Louis, said it felt freeing to learn the word “transgender” and have a name for what he was experiencing.

“I watched in horror as my body changed in ways that I knew were wrong,” he said. “There was just a constant feeling of standing in front of the mirror, often for hours at a time, feeling like I had no sense of recognition of the person looking back at me.”

He didn’t begin taking hormones until he was a young adult, and he tried to hide his body from himself and others in the meantime.

It was “too late” for his body to have some characteristics of a man, such as his feet that are too small for the men’s shoes in stores.

“I had to try my best to undo a puberty that I shouldn’t have had to go through,” Greene said.

Just over 50 people testified in opposition to the bill, including a lobbyist for the City of St. Louis.

Transgender athletes

The 2023 law restricting transgender athletes is also set to expire in 2027. Billington, Seitz and state Rep. Bennie Cook filed bills revoking the expiration date.

“By removing the sunset, we renew our commitment safeguarding opportunities for young women in sports for years to come,” Cook, a Houston Republican, told committee members.

Cook said he has a daughter who plays basketball.

“I don’t want boys on her team. I don’t want boys in her locker room. I don’t want that,” he said. “I don’t think anyone would want a boy on their team.”

State Rep. Brad Christ, a Republican who represents parts of St. Louis County and chairs the emerging issues committee, said he worries about his three daughters.

“I don’t even like my preschool son playing sports with my older daughters because his aggression is at such a higher level than my daughters that are five, six years older than him,” he said. “So, this is a pretty black and white issue for me.”

Seitz presented the legislation as a continuation of the women’s-rights movement, asking people to think of their “mothers and grandmothers who fought so hard for equality.”








“Allowing biological males to continue women’s sports destroys fair competition and women’s athletic opportunities,” he said. “We need to remove the sunset permanently to save the future of women’s sports.”

Christ also saw the bill as an extension of feminism, asking a representative from a nonpartisan organization why Democrats were not in favor.

“The Democratic Party is a party of feminism, women’s rights. And this discussion right now, it’s just hypocrisy and contradictory statements are just through the roof,” he said.

He expects the bill to split along partisan lines, he said.

Shannon Cooper, a lobbyist representing the City of Kansas City, testified against the bill.

“(Transgender kids) just want to fit in,” he said, “and sports give them that avenue.”

He estimated that this would be the longest House hearing of the 2025 legislative session, saying the city is grappling with more pressing issues.

“It is just making a lot of kids out there feel very vulnerable,” Cooper said, “and they are less than 2% of the population.”

State Rep. Emily Weber, a Democrat from Kansas City, said the legislation is driving people out of the state.

“We are also losing out on money,” she said. “We’re talking about millions of dollars that are taken away from Missouri and into another state because they left because of these bills.”

Baker, who is on the committee, said he doesn’t like “when people talk about money over the safety of my daughters.”

“I really do struggle with why Kansas City would not want to protect our daughters,” he said.

Cooper responded that “inequity runs rampant.”

“I’m here tonight to talk about this issue, but if you want to talk about other inequities towards women, we’re going to be here,” he said. “You can’t have it both ways.”








Others gave personal experiences.

Landon Patterson, of Kansas City, said she never felt welcomed in the boys’ locker room in high school. When she began competing with the girls’ volleyball team and wearing a women’s cheerleading outfit on the squad, she felt a sense of belonging.

“I got to be normal like every other kid, which is all anyone wants, trans or not,” she said. “It was liberating.”

The committee did not take action on either bill Monday and will likely vote at a future meeting.

White Rock Fire Department mourns loss of first responder


(From the White Rock Fire Department)

It is with profound sadness that we announce the unexpected passing of our beloved White Rock Firefighter Addison (Todd) Armstrong.

Addison dedicated countless hours to serving our community, always stepping forward during emergencies with unwavering courage and compassion. 








Addison was working toward becoming a licensed EMT and she was also a trusted colleague and a source of inspiration and support for many within our fire district.
 
In this time of great loss, we ask that you keep Addison's family and our entire department in you thoughts and prayers. They are navigating an incredibly difficult journey, and your kindness and support will mean so much. Let us honor Addison by remembering the countless lives she's had a positive impact on during her time as a first responder.

Joplin Police: We're not asking people for proof of citizenship


(From the Joplin Police Department)

The Joplin Police Department are aware of rumors on social media alleging that our officers have been requesting validation of citizenship from members of the community.

While we are investigating these allegations and take them seriously, the public should understand that no current department policy nor instruction to our officers would lead to officers seeking validation of citizenship. At this time, we have no evidence that such incidents have occurred either by actual officers or any possible impersonators.








Officers do frequently ask members of the public for identification, so we can establish that we know who we are talking to or working with, be they a witness, person of interest, victim, or suspect involved with a call for service or police response to an incident. 

However, it is not the practice of our department to request to view immigration documents or to demand to see social security cards, birth certificates, or passports (documents which can establish citizenship). You should also be aware that showing such documents to a stranger can result in identity theft.

Multiple federal government agencies may be legitimately involved with checking or verifying citizenship of individuals, but local police are not usually asked by any federal agencies to conduct such checks.








Our agency does have the ability and technology to verify if these alleged incidents involving Joplin officers are true. If you have been contacted by someone identifying themselves as a Joplin Police Officer who is requesting proof of citizenship, you should notify us immediately, as you may be interacting with someone impersonating a law enforcement officer. Please contact our Internal Affairs Office at 623-3131 ext. 1479 to report such incidents.

We respect all community members and will investigate these allegations thoroughly.

Arraignment set for Galena man charged in shooting, theft at Duenweg laundromat


An 8:30 a.m. Wednesday arraignment is scheduled in Jasper County Circuit Court for Jerry J. Smith (DOB 1970) who is charged with assault and stealing following a January 31 burglary and shooting at the 66 Coin Laundry in Duenweg.

Smith is being held on a $250,000 cash only bond.

From the probable cause statement:

On January 31, 2025, I, Chief Jeff Pearce was dispatched to the 66 Coin Laundry in reference to a shooting. Upon arrival, I observed Victim 1 sitting on a chair in the laundry met with Duenweg Fire Department giving aid. I observed what appeared to be a gunshot wound to his left hand.







I asked Victim 1 what happened. He stated he had been in back of the landry mat when he heard a noise. He grabbed his firearm and went to the lobby with firearm to his side. Victim 1 stated he observed a locked soap dispenser door open.

Victim 1 stated he moved towards the front door and observed a male subject stand up from behind a washing machine located across from the soap dispenser and pull a mask up. He stated he immediately recognized the subject from a past theft on the property.

Victim 1 stated he pointed the gun towards the suspect and told him to stay there he was going to call the police. He stated the male suspect said, "Don't shoot me," while advancing towards him. Victim 1 stated he fired one round at the floor hoping to make the subject stop approximately eight feet from Victim 1. The subject turned towards him, grabbed his hand and the gun, placed his finger on the trigger and pushed it up toward Victim 1's head.

At this time, Victim 1 stated he pushed the barrel of the firearm down with his hand and the subject pulled the trigger.






Victim 1 stated the suspect then stepped back and pointed the firearm at him then fled the scene east toward Casey's Store. Victim 1 informed me that the suspect had taken his firearm when he fled. METS arrived on  scene and transported Victim 1 to Freeman Hospital in Joplin.

After reviewing video from several businesses, as well as from the previous burglary and with help spreading the word from area news networks, Smith was taken into custody the following day by the Duquesne Police Department.