Joplin R-8 Board reports 24 teacher separations, hires 16 teachers during 2 meetings

April 7 Board Meeting

Classified Separations - Not Requiring BOE Action - Informational Only
Samantha Tyler, Kiley Thompson, Rebecca Brockman, Crystal Milton, Derick Jones, Jaylee Davis, Monica Pelham, Megan Howerton

Hire Certified - Kimberly Cupps, Melinda Gibson, Kimberly Metlock, Brenda Olds, Ava Perrin, Dilyn Hunt, Shiloh Raymond, Ryleigh Brant, Brenda Reyes

Certified Separations - Resignations Effective at end of 2024-25 SY
Jessica Slayton, Sydney Chapman, Tyler Midyett, Robin Yarrington, Michaela Glensky

Classified Hires - Berkley Wood, Melissa Prince, Amy Walles, April Shipp, Carze Brown, Beth Tygart, Albert Leon, Sherrita Allen, Samuel Lowery, Tara Francisco, Carly Webster

March 31 Board Meeting

Hire Certified Renewals- Non-Tenured Teachers

Korra Ackerson, Marissa Bard, Alissa Blount, Aimee Brumit, Jessica Davis, Amanda Day, Madison Leonardi, Amanda Rich, Julie Russell, Elizabeth Sanders, Shelby Trimble, Ashley Abbott, Harris Allen, Elizabeth Anderson, Noah Andrews, Peyton Archer, Donald Archer, Elise Ashworth, Kevin Back, Caiton Bandy, Alec Basye, Stefanie Bayles, Sydni Beck, Stephanie Berliew, Erika Blank, Amie Bollin, Molly Bond, Taylor Bond, Robert Booker, Jacquelyn Bradley, Jalisa Brand, Dale Brauer, Chandler Brower, Brooke Buffington, Lillian Bullington, Leanne Burrus, Reba Burt, Sabrina Buzzard, Aurora Campbell, Stormy Campbell, Sarah Campbell, Victoria Campbell, Quincie Capron, Melissa Carnahan, Joshua Carter, James Cessna, Sydney Chapman, Tiffany Chiles, Cassidy Claar, Jennifer Clark, Garrett Clark, Christopher Coffman, Emily Cole, Leslie Coleman, Benjamin Coltharp, Laurel Cook, Kaitlyn Cox, Gabriel Cravens, Daisy Crawford, Whitney Cummings, Andrea Day, Douglas Dicharry, Andrea Dicharry, Lucas Dickerson, Kari Dietich, Joshua Doak, Tracy Douglas, Octavia Duncan, Shelly Dunn, William Dunn, Jamarion Eldridge, Chastyti Ellsworth, Megan Erisman, Sam Erisman, Danny Estrada, Erica Etuonu, Leslie Eutsler, Emily Flowers, Juliana Fontenot, Amanda Ford, Madison Fowler, Reagan Fowler, Stacie frieze, Morgan Frossard, Johnathan Gardner, Taylor Geary, Erin Geeding, Daniel Gilbert, Chandler Glasgow, Michaela Glensky, Erin Gollubske, McCade Gordon, Craig Gullett, Melissa Gurley, Charles Haase, Meggan Hall, Kelsey Harmon, Chee Harris, Kaily Harvey, Caleb Hatfield, Kevin Hawkins, William Hedrick, Adriananna Hendrix, Heather Hofer, Abbey Holloway, Hannah Horn, Tracy Horton, Heather Housh, Nicole Hubbard, Donella Huffman, Grace Hughes, Michelle Hunter, Amanda Hutcheson, Jessica Irvin, Jessica Jakaitis, Anne Jakaitis, Claire Johnson, Kyle Jones, Jennifer Journeycake, Nicole Junge, Natalie Kayser, Shana Kelley, Aaron Ketcher, Lauren Lamaster, Lauren Lant, Justin Larsen, Bethany Lawson, Raleigh Leisure, Kari Lewis, Carly Locke, Apra Loomis Mainardi, Juneau Lopez, Cassandra Lowery, Elizabeth Lundstrum, Stephanie Lynch, David Lynn, Brad Maclaughlin, Katia Martin, Brandon Martin, Tara Marty, Martha Mayberry, Kate McDonald, Colin McElligott, Andrea McGinnis, Jason McKinney, Hunter Mehrle, Sara Meyer, Marissa Mitchell, Joseph Mitchell, Amberly Mobley, Linda Moncado, Diana Mooney, Jenny Moore, Tiffanie Moore Crouch, Rebecca Morin, Shamera Moss, Elise Murphy, Sylvia Neal, Tracy Nelson, Shawsha Newcomb, Rebecca Olivares, Taylor Oslakovic, Jennifer Parker, Tawnee Parker, Valerie Patterson, Courtney Pearson, Nicholas Pfeifer, Andrew Pommert, Lisa Putney, Lauren Quick, Debra Radigan, Erica Ramm, Katie Rattles, Claire Raum-Miranda, Shandon Reed, Deanna Reed, Elizabeth Reynolds, Gabrielle Robinson, Logan Ross, Tristan Routledge, Shawna Sampson, Audra Sarratt, Jeremy Schamber, Kelli Shamber, Katie Scheurich, Abigail Schlag, Abby Schoech, Amy Scott, Morgan Secrist, Rena Selvey, Shaylon Sharp, Kylie Shelton, Brandi Shoemaker, Melisa Shuler, Chantelle Single, Lori Situ, Riley Skaggs, Jessica Slayton, Morgan Smith, Madison Smith, Rikki Smith, Christina Smith, Ronald Smith, Philip Soule, Kayla Spence, Morgan Sprouls, Hailey Stamper, Jill Stamps, Sara Staples, Kristeena Stark, Alexa Stauffer, Tarrah Stephens, Amanda Stone, Annie Stover, Jay Stubbs, Bethany Sutherlin, Rhoda Swann, Alyssa Taylor, Lisa Teerlink, Jana Thomas-Coffman, Julie Thongsavanh, Stacy Turner, Taylor Tyrrell, Bailey Wallace, Jennifer Wardlow, Kerry Webster, Megan Welch, Dylan Wemer, Janel White, Carolyn Wick, Joshua Wilkins, Desmond Williams, Jamie Williams, Megan Wilson, Jonathan Wood, Carissa Wood, Zachary Woolverton, Robin Yarrington, Leann Young, Hannah Young, Audra Yount, Alicia Zustiak

Rhonda Ackerson, Emily Adams, McKinley Anderson, Margarita Antillon, Rebecca Arnall, Shahida Birkhead, Kate Bondy, Willaim Braun, Sheenah Briggs, Reagan Broaddus, Lisa Bromley, Regenia Brown, Chase Bullman, Macie Buxton, Manhattan Caldwell, James Charles, Dylan Cooper, Kiri Davey, Jade Drake, Trista Dyer, Elijah Eminger, Alane Golubski, Alan Good, Alice Haverly, Heidi Hedrick, Nicole Hoffman, Ellie Johnson, Jason Johnson, Autumn Johnson, Isabella Jones, Emily Killion, Cortney Krolman, melissa Mason, Sarah Mayfield, Averi Mcneal, Agnela McPhail, Joshua Mercado, Miranda Mordica, Madison Myers, Coeta Ogla, Alex Onelio, Chelsea Paramore, Tiffany Pepper, Dorotha Polok, Alyssa Poteet, Jada Reed-Mason, Abigail Russell, Cassandra Sofia, Crystal Soles, Omar Trenche Maldonado, Jarren Tupper, Marguerite Wahpekeche, Leslie Webster, Anna Wohlenhaus, Morgan Wright, Breven Yarbro

Classified Separations: Not requiring BOE Action, informational only.

Randy Cummings - Retiring
David Pettit - Retiring
Kurtlin Thuet
Sasha Storm
Ashley Inman
Sherry Shaw
Margarita Alrahahleh

Hire Certified:

Heather Surbrugg
Kara Bridges
Eric Blackford
Kenneth Peters
Laurel Wheeler
Corbin Steinert
Mary Pace

Certified Separations: effective at the end of the school year.

Keisha Smith
Brenden Schneider
Brooke Iseli
Heather Roush
Janie Jarrett - Interim Position
Terryle Pullum
Elizabeth Davidson
Renae Duncan
David Rockers
Linda Norwood
Elizabeth Stevens
Amy Cooper
Kate Stewart
Ryan Burnside
Natalie Mooneyham
Rebecca Neel
Emma Entinger
Courtney Krug
Steven Sorrell - Retiring







Classified Hires:

Maria Barbosa
Samuel Lowery
Michael Ballard
Brannon Owen
Nichole Valenti
Margo Erickson
Cody Glstrap
Angela Nivens
Olivia Simmons
James Grey
Billy Gray
Valeria Scherbakoff
Syelar Long
Charles Brandt
Solomana Fetuao
Hannah Mitchell
Stephen Harrell

Emanuel Cleaver: Trump's tariffs leading to higher prices, fewer jobs, slower economic growth

(From Fifth District Congressman Emanuel Cleaver)

As you may be aware, President Trump announced his decision to unilaterally levy tariffs on nearly every nation in the world last week—and I want to know how you feel about this decision.

Personally, I believe tariffs are not an all-encompassing economic strategy—at least not one that is made for long-term prosperity. When used appropriately, they can be a tool in America’s toolbox to protect vital industries and our national security. 

When used inappropriately, as I believe the president is doing with across-the-board import taxes on our allies and adversaries alike, they lead to higher prices, fewer jobs, slower economic growth, and more contentious relationships with nations around the world. According to one study from the Yale Budget Lab, the average U.S. household will lose an estimated $3,800 in purchasing power as a result of this year’s tariffs.

While Missouri families are still struggling to keep up with the cost of living, I fear the president’s actions will lead to higher costs on items like cars, coffee, fruits, and other goods that Americans use every day. Already, the tariffs have created economic uncertainty that has led to a historic stock market selloff, hurting the hard-earned retirement portfolios and pensions of Missouri workers.

Maverick convenience store fails Joplin Health Department inspection

Maverick 5314 convenience store at 5002 S. Main Street, a former Kum N Go, failed its routine Joplin Health Department inspection, according to information posted on the department website.

Three violations, including two priority violations, were noted.

The priority violations were for "potentially hazardous food."

 The first priority violation said, "Hot dogs and sausage on the roller grill are being hot held below 135 degrees."

The second said, "Meat patties, eggs cheese and french toast in the prep cooler 1 top are being cold held above 41 degrees."

The third violation was caused by a preparation surface "missing caulk and leaving space to collect food debris."

 

$500,000 cash only bond set for Joplin man charged with sex crimes involving 8-year-old girl

A warrant was issued today for the arrest of a Joplin man charged with child molestation and four counts of statutory sodomy involving an 8-year-old girl.

Bond was set at $500,000 cash only for Bryan D'Wayne Clark (DOB 1988).

According to the probable cause statement, the allegations against Clark came to light when the alleged victim told an elementary school counselor in September. She told the story to an interviewer at the Children's Center, describing various ways in which she was violated.

The crimes allegedly took place between September 1, 2023 and September 2024.

Court documents indicate that if Clark is able to post bond, he will be required to wear an electronic monitor and not to have any contact with the victim or anyone else under age 18.

The case was investigated by the Joplin Police Department.

Three businesses pass Joplin Health Department inspections

Three businesses passed routine Joplin Health Department inspections Tuesday.

Casa Montez, 4224 S. Main

Little Caesar's Pizza, 823 S. Maiden Lane

Frank's Lounge, 2112 S. Main

Attorney's claim: Randy Turner, media prejudiced Jasper County residents against Craig Smith

In a motion for a change of venue filed April 4 in Jasper County Circuit Court, the attorney for former Carl Junction R-1 choir teacher Craig Smith says his client can't receive a fair trial in Jasper County because pretrial publicity has prejudiced Jasper County residents against Smith.

Jonathan Pierce blames media coverage, particularly citing a number of Turner Report post links that appeared on the Inside Joplin Facebook page and the accompanying comments, as well as articles from Four States Home Page, KOAM and the Joplin Globe.

Smith is charged with stalking and possession of child pornography.

A hearing on the motion is scheduled for 10:30 a.m. Tuesday, April 22, before Judge David Mouton in Jasper County Circuit Court in Joplin.

From the motion:

That defendant has a right to a change of venue for cause if “the inhabitants of the county are prejudiced against the defendant”. Mo. Ct. Rule 32.04. 

The reason the inhabitants of Jasper County are prejudiced against the defendant is because of the following: 

a) The extensive news coverage of the charges against defendant; 

b) The fact that defendant was a band teacher with the Carl Junction School District; and 

 c) The Facebook comments on a Randy Turner blog post. The Facebook comments under the Randy Turner blog post are contained in Exhibit A, attached hereto. 

The following are articles written and published on the internet regarding this matter: 

-Inside Joplin, Randy Turner blog post, attached hereto as Exhibit B; 

 -KOAM News Now report dated January 16, 2025, attached hereto as Exhibit C

-  Fourstates Homepage report dated January 17, 2025, attached hereto as Exhibit D; 

-Randy Turner blog post dated February 14, 2025, attached hereto as Exhibit E; 

-Randy Turner blog post dated January 27, 2025; attached hereto as Exhibit F

-Randy Turner blog post dated February 13, 2025; attached hereto as Exhibit G; 

-The Joplin Globe article dated January 18, 2025; attached hereto as Exhibit H; 

-KGGF News Radio; attached hereto as Exhibit I; 

- MSN article; attached hereto as Exhibit J. 

That this application is timely filed. Wherefore, Defendant respectfully requests that this Court grant this Application for Change of Venue pursuant to Missouri Supreme Court Rule 32.04. 

Previous post

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

Carthage sex offender charged with illegal reentry into U. S.

Illegal reentry into the United States charges were filed today against a Carthage sex offender.

Miguel Guzman Guerra, 37, is being held in the Greene County Jail in Springfield on no bond.

According to the complaint, the Jasper County Sheriff's Office arrested Guerra, who is a native of Guatemala, January 23 for identity theft and failure to register as a sex offender.

ICE was notified and determined Guerra was departed in December 2017, in Alexandria, Louisiana, following his conviction in Arkansas on three counts of sexual indecency with a child after he had sexual intercourse with "female juveniles of 14 years old."

The U. S. Attorney's office filed a motion for a detention hearing.

Federal grand jury indicts Neosho man on meth distribution, weapons charges

A grand jury indictment of a Neosho man on charges of possession of methamphetamine with intent to distribute, possession of a weapon in commission of a crime and felon in possession of a firearm was unsealed today in U. S. District Court for the Western District of Missouri.

According to the indictment, Rusty Farley, 41, committed the crimes December 12, 2024 in Newton County.

The Newton County Prosecuting Attorney's office filed charges against Farley following the December 12 arrest.

In a news release, Prosecuting Attorney William Lynch noted that Farley's alleged crimes were committed shortly after he had been released early on a previous conviction.

“As stated in my motion for high bond, Mr. Farley was sentenced to five years in the Department of Corrections on March 1, 2022 and released less than a year later. While the allegations against Mr. Farley are serious, what is more serious is our community once again being made less safe by the Department of Corrections’ catch-and-release policies.”

Farley's arraignment and detention hearing are scheduled for 10:45 a.m. Thursday in Springfield.

Previous post

The Turner Report: Neosho man facing drug trafficking, weapons charges

 

Joplin Police arrest high school English teacher for drunk driving

A Miami High School English teacher is free after posting $2,000 bond after being charged in Jasper County Circuit Court with driving while intoxicated.

Elaine Wurst, 56, who a media specialist for the Carthage R-9 School District before taking the Miami job, was charged following an 11:10 p.m. April 5 traffic stop for multiple violations near the intersection of Demott Drive and Tabor Main Road.

From the probable cause statement:

While speaking with Elaine, she was slurring her speech and mumbling. I also smelled the odor of intoxicants coming from Elaine's breath.

Elaine agreed to perform standard field sobriety tests. I asked Elaine if she had drunk alcohol and she stated she had. I performed horizontal gaze nystagmus and observed all clues of impairment in both of her eyes.

I attempted to begin the walk and turn test. Elaine was unable to perform the test as she was unable to stand in the starting position without falling over. I began the one leg stand test. Elaine began the test but was unable to keep her foot in the air for longer than a short period of time.

On the final time Elaine lost her balance causing her to almost fall over and turn sideways.

Elaine was read her Miranda warning and stated she understood. She stated she had drunk alcohol throughout the night. She was read implied consent and provided a valid chemical breath sample on the Intoxylzer 8000 of 0.167& BrAC.

School accreditation bill stalls in Missouri Senate after discussion of standardized tests

By Annelise Hanshaw

Missouri Independent

The Missouri Senate set aside legislation Tuesday afternoon proposing alternative methods of school certification after senators discussed the impact of standardized testing and accountability for nearly two hours.

(Photo- State Sen. Jill Carter, a Republican from Granby, presents a bill in a Senate committee earlier this year. She first started coming to the Missouri State Capitol as a public-school parent advocating for change for her son's school- Annelise Hanshaw/Missouri Independent).

State Sen. Jill Carter, a Granby Republican, has filed the bill during each of her three years in office, but it has never passed the Senate. On Monday, she unsuccessfully attempted to add the legislation as an amendment to another education bill.

The bill debated Tuesday, she explained, is the brainchild of her time as a public-school parent.

She sought change in her local school district, talking first to parents, then to teachers and the school board. The hangup came from state officials, she said, who mandate that public schools administer a standardized test and score districts on the results.

She came to the State Capitol asking lawmakers to give school boards more autonomy. Now in the position of legislator, she has annually proposed her idea to decentralize standardized tests.

“It is putting public schools on the same playing field, giving them the same opportunities as private schools or parochial schools,” she said in the Senate Tuesday afternoon. “What we’re trying to do is get an even playing field so that they have the opportunity to be innovative.”

But her bill, which received praise from public-school groups at the committee level, has its critics in the state’s legislature.

State Sen. Curtis Trent, a Republican from Springfield, told Carter that he has concerns about accountability.

“There (should be) accountability when we are writing a taxpayer check and sending it to a government school,” he said.

Carter’s bill would allow schools to seek accreditation from national organizations, like those used by private schools, instead of being beholden to standards set by the state Department of Elementary and Secondary Education.

The statewide standardized test, the Missouri Assessment Program, would only be used to meet federal requirements.

Carter added a five-year sunset to the bill, hoping to win over skeptics in the Senate, but it wasn’t enough to convince Trent. Districts would have no incentive to perform well without a performance report from the state, he told her.

Carter pointed to legislation that would allow public-school students to transfer to schools outside their address, dubbed open enrollment. Trent is sponsoring the Senate’s version of the proposal, which has sat on the body’s calendar for weeks without discussion. The House’s open enrollment legislation is due for Senate debate in coming days, with a Senate committee hearing scheduled for later this week.

“This is a both-and conversation and not an either-or,” Carter said.

Trent feared lawmakers would lose their grip on public schools if national accreditation agencies became responsible for assessing school performance.

“If we decouple the assessments from the accreditation process, we have to put something else in place that this body still has control of,” he said. “We don’t have any control over these nationwide accrediting agencies, so we will have ceded all of our authority as the General Assembly of Missouri from any control over these government schools.”

Despite opposition from Trent, the bill has supporters on both sides of the aisle.

State Sen. Mike Henderson, a Desloge Republican, said he has concerns about the state’s standardized test and wonders whether performance scores are accurate after speaking with his 12-year-old grandson about the assessment.

“He has already figured out (the test) didn’t really mean anything to him. It didn’t affect his grade,” Henderson said. “And he’s not the only one. Many of them have figured that out, so sometimes I wonder how true of a snapshot it is.”

State Sen. Maggie Nurrenbern, a Kansas City Democrat and former educator, applauded the bill for the “flexibility” teachers would get in the classroom.

“If we were to pass this, we would see drastic improvement and education,” she said, saying that educators are currently “handcuffed by state tests.”



After just under two hours of discussion, Senate Majority Leader Tony Luetkemeyer, a Parkville Republican, whispered to Carter, and she laid the bill aside, saying time had run out.

Joplin man sentenced to 50 years for sexual exploitation of children

A Joplin man who bragged about having sex with children will be behind bars for the next 50 years.

During a hearing today in U. S. District Court in Springfield, Judge Stephen R. Bough sentenced Russell Myers, 44, to 25 years in prison on both counts of sexual exploitation of children with the sentences to run consecutively.

If Myers reaches the end of the sentence, he will be under lifetime supervision.

Myers' crimes involved an 11-year-old girl and a 9-year-old boy. Child pornography was discovered on his computer devices, including sexually explicit videos featuring the two children.

The government recommended the 50-year sentence and lifetime supervision in a memorandum filed March 26.

In its argument for a lengthy sentence for Myers, the government noted that he abused children for years and bragged about the abuse.

The Turner Report: Government recommends 50-year sentence for Joplin man on child pornography charge

Joplin man sentenced to 12 years for meth possession, distribution

Benjamin Nordby, Joplin, was sentenced to 12 years in prison today during a hearing in U. S. District Court in Springfield.

Nordby pleaded guilty November 14 to possession and distribution of methamphetamine. 

Judge Douglas Harpool's sentence was more than the seven years Nordby's attorney had requested, but less than the 16-year sentence the government asked for in a sentencing memorandum last week.

After he serves his sentence, Nordby will be under supervised probation for five years. 

Regularly scheduled state audit of Barton County underway

(From State Auditor Scott Fitzpatrick)

A regularly-scheduled audit of Barton County, home of the 33rd president, is now underway according to Missouri State Auditor Scott Fitzpatrick, who announced his office officially began audit work on Monday, April 7.

The Missouri State Auditor's Office last issued a performance audit of Barton County in 2017. The audit raised concerns after the county spent more than it received from the Law Enforcement Sales Tax Fund during three of five previous years, and there was not enough money left in the fund to pay all outstanding bills at the end of those three years. 

The report gave the county a rating of "fair," which was an improvement from a report released in 2013 that gave the county a "poor" rating.

Individuals may provide information confidentially for consideration during the audit of Barton County to the State Auditor's Whistleblower Hotline at 800-347-8597, by email at moaudit@auditor.mo.gov or by visiting www.auditor.mo.gov/hotline.

Shake's Frozen Custard fails Joplin Health Department inspection, Menard's passes

Shake's Frozen Custard, 1441 S. Range Line, failed its Joplin Health Department inspection Monday, according to a report posted on the department website. 

The report showed the following violations:

-Sanitizer concentration for chlorine in the dish machine is at 0 ppm.

-Spray hose on three-compartment sink does not have an air gap or hose bibb as required

-Insect control device in the dishwashing area doesn't retain the insects in the device and is located over the soda syrup

-Vents and surrounding ceiling tiles have a build up of debris

-Floor tiles not firmly sealed to the floor in front area

***

Menard's passed the other inspection that was reported Monday.

Dr. Joseph, Rocco bound over for trial following preliminary hearing

Trial dates are set for Joplin dentist John Joseph and his son, Rocco Joseph, for felony charges stemming from the August 19, 2023 hit-and-run accident that claimed the life of Gary LaTurner, 60, Galena, Kansas.

The Josephs were bound over for trial following a preliminary hearing Monday in Cherokee County, Kansas District Court.

Rocco Joseph is charged with leaving the scene of a fatality accident, while John Joseph is charged with leaving the scene of a fatality accident and contributing to a child's misconduct.

According to online court records, the trial for Rocco Joseph is set for September 8, with a pre-trial conference 10 a.m. August 15.

John Joseph's trial is scheduled to begin September 15.

Both trials are expected to last five days, according to court records.

Previous posts

The Turner Report: Motion to dismiss: Joseph says neither he nor Rocco ever saw Gary LaTurner's body

The Turner Report: Troopers, medical examiner subpoenaed to testify at preliminary hearing in Rocco Joseph hit-and-run case

The Turner Report: Coroner's report estimates LaTurner's died more than eight hours after Rocco, John Joseph left scene

The Turner Report: Probable cause: Surveillance video shows Josephs returning to scene of fatal hit-and-run, leaving again

The Turner Report: Attorney asks for delay in Rocco Joseph hit-and-run hearing, says it conflicts with midterm tests

U. S. Cellular closing Joplin store, all other stores after sale to T-Mobile

All U. S. Cellular stores, including the one at 1630 S. Range Line Road in Joplin, will be closed as a result of the company's sale of its wireless operations to T-Mobile.

The announcement was made in a WARN notice sent to the Missouri Department of Higher Education and Workforce Development March 26 and posted today.

The decision will cost 4,700 job, according to the notice, but the majority of them will likely be offered employment by T-Mobile.

The timetable calls for employees to begin losing their jobs June 2, according to the message.

Former Carthage CVB director enters Alford plea to reduced charge of misdemeanor stealing

Five years after an investigation was launched into theft of Carthage Visitors and Convention Bureau money by its director Callie Myers, the case came to a close today as Myers entered an Alford plea to a reduced charge of misdemeanor stealing.

The original charge was felony stealing.

The Jasper County Prosecuting Attorney's office filed the amended charge against Myers March 28, according to online court records.

Myers will pay a $2,000 fine and not receive any jail time.

According to the probable cause statement, Myers was accused of stealing more than $4,700 from the bureau, using the money for such items as clothing, groceries, cell phones, payments to her husband and daughter through Cash App, hair salon services, beauty items, lunches, dinners and alcohol at area restaurants.

The charges against Myers were filed after a former CVB employee Alexandria Hodkins discovered Myers appeared to be using CVB money for personal purposes, reported it to Traci Cox in the city administrator's office. Cox took the information to former City Administrator Greg Dagnan, who was acting assistant city administrator at the time, according to the probable cause statement.

It took two years for the charges to be filed against Myers after the 2020 investigation. A year into the investigation, it was turned over to the Missouri State Highway Patrol. 

After the investigation was completed, it took another year before the Jasper County Prosecuting Attorney's office filed charges in October 2022.

Myers was represented by attorney Jonathan Pierce.

The case had been scheduled to go to trial October 10.

Soaring Heights 4th grader honored for heroism after helping mother through medical emergency

(From Joplin Schools)

We have a new hero in Joplin Schools!

Soaring Heights Elementary fourth grader Waylon Hibbs was recently riding in the vehicle with his mom when she experienced a medical emergency while driving. 

Waylon was able to get his mom's phone, call 911, and provide information to the dispatcher so that paramedics could quickly get to them. 

While we're sure the relief that came from knowing he'd helped his mom was reward enough, Officer Barchak, our East Zone JPD SRO, helped celebrate Waylon's bravery and quick thinking with a special Hero Award this week, bestowed on behalf of the Joplin Police Department.

Allegation: Carthage sex offender posed as girl in online games with underage boys

The Jasper County Prosecuting Attorney filed a failure to register as a sex offender charge against a Carthage man who allegedly came to the attention of law enforcement when he pretended to be a girl in an online game with underage boys.

James Russell Marlow (DOB 1992) was convicted of child molestation, in a case involving a 6-year-old boy in Lawrence County in 2014, according to court documents.

v

From the probable cause statement:

On January 13, 2025, The Joplin Police Department received an online tip in reference to a registered sex offender committing policy violations on the online game: PalWorld. PalWorld is an online game on the Steam Gaming Platform. PalWorld Moderators made the online tip after they noticed James Russell Marlow hacking into their game. 

During the moderator’s investigation, they noticed James’ online activity as suspicious. He was presenting himself online as a female and engaging in games with juvenile males. The moderators discussed their concerns with James online using James’ Discord Inc. account (User ID “267803189066203137”, Username “roseheartxx#0”). 

James denied hacking and continued to play PalWorld. PalWorld Moderators reported James for possible sex offender registration violations since he presented himself with a fake identity. 

During my investigation, I located multiple online identities James uses but failed to register on his Missouri Sex Offender Registration. 

Marlow confirmed the identities were his and added a few that had not turned up in the Joplin Police Department investigation and also were not mentioned in his sex offender registration.

Burlison vows to get answers about Kennedy assassination

(By Seventh District Congressman Eric Burlison)

On Tuesday, I questioned filmmaker Oliver Stone and journalist Jefferson Morley during the Task Force on the Declassification of Federal Secrets hearing on the JFK assassination files. 

Stone’s 1991 film JFK led to the unanimous passage of the John F. Kennedy Assassination Records Collection Act of 1992, which led to President Trump ordering the release of documents in 2017, including one that showed the CIA was aware Lee Harvey Oswald met with a KGB assassin in Mexico City just two months before the assassination of JFK.

 

Now, the most recent documents President Trump ordered released this year reveal CIA officer James Angleton’s shadowy role—his early ties to Oswald and lies to Congress in 1978. 

After 62 years, we’re still asking: What’s left classified? I’m committed to getting every answer for you.

Heather Surbrugg named Joplin R-8 Early Childhood director

(From Joplin Schools)

Heads up, Eagle Nation: we are thrilled to announce the promotion of Heather Surbrugg as our next Director of Joplin Early Childhood!

Heather, a Joplin Eagle for the past 27 years, has served as the principal of Eastmorland Elementary since 2010. 

She previously spent time teaching Kindergarten, 2nd grade, and 4th grade, has served on nearly a dozen collaborative and leadership committees, and is a veteran principal team leader with years of experience providing mentorship and guidance to peers.

“We’re very happy to see Heather in this position,” said Joplin Schools Superintendent Dr. Kerry Sachetta. “With her background in building administration, she brings with her the skills, experience, and compassion necessary to guide the passionate team of educators at JEC. She’s also a professional educator in the highest sense, and meets children where they are, working with parents and teachers to help ensure each student receives the education they need to be successful.”

"I am excited to begin this journey as director of Joplin Early Childhood,” said Surbrugg. “I look forward to working with families, staff, and the community to nurture a thriving learning environment. My goal is to support innovative educators who inspire creativity, emotional growth, and a love for learning while expanding early childhood opportunities for our youngest Joplin Eagles. I am truly honored for this opportunity!"

Lawsuit claim: Joplin landlord disposed of tenants' birth certificates, marriage license, child's chemotherapy medicine

A wrongful eviction lawsuit filed Wednesday in Jasper County Circuit Court claims PIC of Joplin (Property Investment Company) illegally entered a tenant's apartment when they left for a few days in December and disposed of all of their belongings, except for their mattresses and bed frames.

The items, according to the petition, included birth certificates, a marriage license, chemotherapy medicine, family photos and clothing.

The tenants, Braden and Clarissa Poe, fell behind on their rent, according to the petition, due to a sharp increase in electricity costs, which they blamed on PIC's failure to "repair an air conditioning unit as promised."

From the petition:

Between November 6, 2024 and January 1, 2025, Plaintiffs assured Defendant on several occasions that they would pay their rent and late fees in the near future. Plaintiffs left their rented premises for a few days to visit family from the end of December to early January.

On or about January 2, 2025, without legal authority, Defendant took it upon himself to enter the leased premises and dispose of Plaintiffs' personal property.

According to the lawsuit, the items taken included:

-Medication prescribed to Plaintiffs' daughter for chemotherapy

-Three birth certificates, marriage license, other important documents

-Four camera security systems

-Clothing for all family members, blankets, expensive shoes

-Family photos

-Numerous other items

The Poes were in "lawful possession of the leased premises at the time of the Defendants' aforesaid unlawful actions," and are asking for $25,000 with interest and punitive damages.

The Poes, who are represented by Kansas City lawyers Marady Tackett and Robert B. Zeldin, are asking for a jury trial.

Andy's Frozen Custard fails Joplin Health Department inspection

Andy's Frozen Custard, 2934 S. Range Line Road, failed its Joplin Health Department inspection, according to information posted on the department website.

The inspection noted two violations- the vanilla custard machine's outer panels were damaged and a priority violation caused by the spray hose of the three-compartment sink not having an air gap or hose bibb as required to prevent "a backflow of a solid, liquid, or gas contaminant into the water supply system."

Neosho R-5 special education director resigns

The overhaul of Neosho R-5 administration from the Jim Cummins era appears to be about complete.

During a board of education work session Monday night, the board is scheduled to accept the resignation of Special Education Director Amanda Boyer.

The resignation of Boyer, who was Early Childhood Education director for the Joplin R-8 School District from 2011 to 2016, is scheduled to take effect June 30.

The resignation comes in the wake of the earlier departures of assistant superintendents Richie Fretwell and Nathan Manley.

Though Fretwell's resignation doesn't officially take effect until June 30, he has not worked in the district since August. Under the terms of his agreement with the district, Fretwell continues to be paid the remainder of his $150,483 salary through June 30 and the district continues to cover his insurance and pay into his retirement. 

The board and Fretwell also agreed not to file any claims against each other and neither side is allowed to say bad things about the other.

Manley's resignation, which was submitted in February, will also take effect June 30.

The agenda also indicates the resignation list, which is printed below, includes the district's curriculum director Karina Cole:

Effective April 9, 2025
Rodney Griffin - Technology Specialist - Technology (retire)

Effective May 23, 2025
Tressia Hubbard - 6th Grade Teacher - Neosho Middle School
Hope Degonia - 1st Grade Teacher - Goodman Elementary
Rhonda Puckett - 1st Grade Teacher - Benton Elementary

Roseann Spann - SPED Paraprofessional - Neosho Middle School
Michael Morton - Social Studies Teacher - Neosho High School
Sonya Bruegel - SPED Teacher - Neosho Junior High
Emyoulain Ada - Instructional Paraprofessional - South Elementary
Grant Benham - Vocal Music Teacher - Neosho High School

Effective May 23, 2025 - Retire
Dianna Anderson - 6th Grade Teacher - Neosho Middle School

Effective June 6, 2025
Hannah Williams - Building Secretary - Benton Elementary
Rachel Newkirk - School Counselor - Neosho High School

Effective June 30, 2025
Amanda Boyer - Special Education Director - Special Services
Karina Cole - Curriculum Director - Administrative Center

Athletics Only
Tyler Chaney - Girls Head Basketball Coach - Neosho High School
Michael Morton - Boys Head Track Coach - Neosho Junior High
Robert Stackhouse - Girls Assistant Basketball Coach - Neosho High School

Previous posts

The Turner Report: Former Neosho assistant superintendent lands new job

The Turner Report: Second Neosho R-5 administrator out the door, Nathan Manley resigns

The Turner Report: Richie Fretwell still officially employed by Neosho R-5, being paid to do nothing

The Turner Report: Joplin R-8 Board continues draining the swamp: Boyer out the door

The Turner Report: Two administrators out in Joplin R-8 shakeup

Probable cause claim: Neck City man recorded secret nude videos at Joplin fitness center

 

A Neck City man is being held on $250,000 surety bond or $60,000 cash after being charged with seven felony counts of invasion of privacy and a single count of possession of child pornography.

Joshua Simpson, 43, allegedly recorded and distributed nude videos of the tanning bed area at Colaw Fitness, 2607 E. 7th Street, Joplin.

The women were unaware they were being videoed, by a man who identified himself on the Discord application as #joplinpeeper.

On March 19, 2025, the Missouri Southern State University Police Department (MSSU PD) requested investigative assistance from the Southwest Missouri Cyber Crimes Task Force (SMCCTF) regarding a report of the nonconsensual recording and dissemination of private sexual images and videos involving MSSU students. 

The media appeared to have been captured using a hidden recording device. The user suspect was later identified as Joshua B. Simpson.

The probable cause statement says 22 files were posted including six victims that appeared to be "covert recordings made in a private setting."

The images included fully nude photos.

"The content remains consistent with covert, consensual recordings taken in a tanning room."

"Simpson admitted to having knowledge of a hidden camera at Colaw Fitness and he acknowledged that he viewed and disseminated illicit media from both his residence and his places of employment."

Six victims have been identified, the probable cause said "each of whom confirmed they were unknowingly recorded while using the tanning beds at Colaw Fitness, located at 2607 E. 7th Street, Joplin, Missouri."

At least one of the women videoed was under 18.

If Simpson is able to post bond, he will be required to wear an electronic monitor and will not be allowed near any place that has dressing rooms or where people have an expectation of privacy, according to Jasper County Circuit Court online records.

The investigation was handled by the Jasper County Sheriff's Office.

Mark Alford: We can reach 100 times more people through online town halls

(From Fourth District Congressman Mark Alford)

This week in DC, we held a townhall to hear directly from our constituents in the Fourth District. This was our 94th public event to speak with hardworking Missourians since taking office. Whether folks agreed with me or not, we engaged in civil discussions about the issues impacting Missouri and our nation. The discourse was befitting of our republic, and I appreciate everyone who joined us.

I was in Washington voting on your behalf, so we held this townhall online. We called 40,000 randomly selected residents of the Fourth District, opened up a question form on our website for others to chime in, and live streamed the event across all of our social media platforms. In total, we reached more than 5,000 people on the phone, and countless others through our online platforms.

I’ve heard complaints from many of you that we are not doing enough in-person events. However, we were able to reach more than 100 times the people we are able to reach at in-person, geographically isolated townhalls. Contrary to the loudest voices on social media, 74% of those on the call said they prefer virtual events, compared to 26% who prefer in-person. Considering these factors, we will continue utilizing online platforms to regularly engage with our constituents. For those who do prefer in-person events, we will still host our annual townhall tour this August–as we have done every year since entering office.

One of the top concerns we heard about at the townhall was the economy, and what Republicans are doing to clean up the economic mess left by the Biden Administration. We also got questions that ranged the full spectrum of issues, from DOGE to tariffs to the 2nd Amendment. We answered questions from folks ranging the full ideological spectrum.

I can’t promise we will agree, but I will continue making myself accessible to listen to the concerns of the Fourth District.
 

Probable cause: Sarcoxie sex offender offered children alcohol, marijuana, video games for sex

The Newton County Prosecuting Attorney's office filed child molestation and sexual misconduct with a child under the age of 15 against a Sarcoxie sex offender today.

According to the probable cause statement, Glenn S. Jump (DOB 1961) offered alcohol, video games, marijuana and pornography to children in exchange for sexual acts.

The sex acts involved multiple victims, including a 10-year-old, the statement said.

Jump admitted the crimes, according to the probable cause statement. He was placed on the sex offender's list after being convicted of statutory sodomy in 1995. Jump is already awaiting trial in Newton County on a charge of failure to register by a sex offender.

Jump is being held without bond.

Joplin woman held on $300,000 bond after allegedly committing statutory rape on boyfriend's autistic son

A Joplin woman is being held in the Joplin City Jail on a $300,000 surety or $50,000 cash bond after being charged with the statutory rape of her boyfriend's autistic son.

The probable cause statement alleges the Joplin Police Department caught Shannon Roxanne Mari McLaughlin (DOB 1983) in the act in a parking lot at E. 10th Street/S Kentucky Avenue.

From the probable cause statement:

On 03/29/2025 Officers with the Joplin Police Department checked on a suspicious vehicle, parked in a gravel lot near 10th Street and Kentucky Avenue Joplin, Jasper County, Missouri. The approximate time was 11:48 PM. The vehicle was a grey Chevrolet Trail Blazer, parked, headlights were on. 

Shannon McLaughlin opened the rear driver side door and Officers observed she didn't have any shoes on. Victim 1 was sitting in the front passenger seat without a shirt on and the windows of the vehicle were fogged up. McLaughlin is in a relationship with Victim 1's father, however they are not married.

They were the only ones inside the vehicle upon police contact. 

An interview was conducted at the Children's Center of Southwest Missouri with Victim 1. During the interview with a children's advocate interviewer Victim 1 acknowledged and discussed having sexual intercourse with McLaughlin. 

Victim 1 states that they were parked in a parking lot, he and McLaughlin entered the back seat, and McLaughlin asked him if he wanted to have sex. Victim 1 agreed by saying "Ok" and he states they started playing with each other. 

During the interview, the boy was shown diagrams of a man and a woman and showed where he touched McLaughlin and where McLaughlin touched him, the probable cause statement said.

The woman and the boy were having sexual intercourse when  "the cops drove by and turned on their lights, so they stopped."

McLaughlin is older than the age of 21 and the victim is less than 17 years of age. Victim 1 disclosed that McLaughlin engaged in sexual intercourse with him as stated above. Victim 1 has been diagnosed with autism.

If McLaughlin is able to make bond, she will be required to wear an ankle monitor and not be allowed to have any contact with the alleged victim or anyone else under age 18.