Nancy Hughes: Longing for the Old Days

   
“Do not say, “Why were the old days better than these?” For it is not wise to ask such questions.”

Ecclesiastes 7:10 (NIV)

I was not prepared for everything that came with being a mom. I remember one evening after a particularly stressful day. As my husband tucked our three little ones into bed, I found myself walking slowly around the neighborhood in a carrot-stained shirt with a rip on the shoulder, dirty jeans, and hair and teeth that had not been brushed for two days.

“Why didn’t somebody tell me how hard this would be and how much my life would change when we had children?” I thought. I loved them with all my heart, but at the same time, I found myself more than a little upset with God.

I remember praying, “Father, when LeRoy and I decided to have kids, you never told me about stretch marks and varicose veins. I didn’t see any Scripture about developing a muffin top that has now become an inner tube top, or about clothes that no longer fit, and if they do fit, they have permanent stains of poop, puke, or a combination thereof.

“You didn’t tell me that I would never ever get more than 2 or 3 continuous hours of sleep a night. And you definitely never told me that after feeding and burping my baby every two hours all night long, my husband would wake up the next morning and say, ‘Wow! He slept all night long. Isn’t that great?’ and I would have to fight the urge to kick him to the curb. You never told me, God.”

One evening, my Bible fell open to Ecclesiastes 7:10, and it pierced my heart immediately. It was a reminder to use caution when comparing my former life with what I have now. Yes, before children, I slept throughout the night, I was in better shape physically, and my clothes didn’t always look like I had slept in them.

But now I have three blessings in my home that were not there before. And, according to Psalm 139:13-14, they are “fearfully and wonderfully made” and entrusted to my husband and me by the Lord to raise each one to desire a personal relationship with Him.

Nothing is more important than sharing and living my faith with my children. There will be days in the future when my clothes are no longer covered with baby food. I will have plenty of opportunities to brush my hair and my teeth, and more nights than I can count when I can sleep without interruption. But as parents, we have been given the opportunity right now to influence our children in their faith and to help them grow to love the Lord. When you think about that honor, the old days no longer matter.

Father, thank you for my precious blessings. Please help me to appreciate what you have given me and to help them grow in their faith. In Jesus’ Name. Amen.

R.A.P. it up . . .

Reflect

Have you ever longed for your life before you had children?

Have you truly considered the influence that you have on your children to teach them about a relationship with the Lord?

Apply

Journal a page for each of your children with your hopes and dreams for them as a Christian; include Scripture to encourage them.

Share with each of your children what you have written.

Power

Ecclesiastes 7:10 (NIV) “Do not say, “Why were the old days better than these?” For it is not wise to ask such questions.”

Psalm 139:13-14 (NIV) “For you created my inmost being; you knit me together in my mother’s womb. I praise you because I am fearfully and wonderfully made; your works are wonderful, I know that full well.”

Psalm 127:3-4 (NIV) “Sons are a heritage from the Lord, children a reward from him. Like arrows in the hands of a warrior are sons born in one’s youth.”

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

Carthage R-9 raises starting teacher pay to $42,500, three teachers hired

(From the Carthage R-9 School District)

The Carthage R-9 Board of Education met in regular session on Monday, June 16, 2025, 6:00 pm, at the Carthage South Technical Center – Community Room. Present were Board members Ms. Niki Cloud, Mr. Ryan Collier, Mrs. Lora Phelps, Dr. Mark Westhoff, and Mr. Jeff Jones. Ms. Maria Sanchez arrived after the meeting started and Mr. Patrick Scott was absent. Ms. Niki Cloud led the Pledge of Allegiance.

The Board approved the Consent Agenda for the purpose of approving the meeting agenda, minutes of previous meeting, payment of bills, district financial report, re-adopt policy/regulation 0342 (nepotism, conflict of interest, and financial disclosure), and student transportation routes and average ridership counts for 2024-2025. 

Mr. Matt Arnold, Director of Human Resources presented a MSIP 6 Standard Report on Leadership. An overview of the recruitment and onboarding process was discussed along with the districts health insurance plan and improvement target areas. 

Mrs. Catherine Steverson, Director of Information Technology, provided an evaluative report on Technology, MSIP 6 TL9, CSIP Goal V (Objectives C,D, and E). Topics addressed included communication with students, parents, and staff through ParentSquare, storage area network upgrade and installation, implementation of phishing training with staff and grades 7-12, expansion of Chromebook to 3rd graders, teacher professional development programs, online enrollment and back to school registration, implementation of online pay through infinite campus, and firewall upgrades. 

Mr. Mark Holderbaum, Director of Athletics and Activities, and Dr. Angela Holman, High School Principal, appeared before the Board to review the 2024-2025 Carthage High School spring sports. Mr. Holderbaum highlighted performance awards, overall and COC records, team GPA’s, and future outlook. 

Ms. Maria Sanchez provided a Carthage R-9 School Foundation update stating an overall total of $100,000 in scholarships were awarded for the 2024-2025 academic year. 

Dr. Luke Boyer, Superintendent, provided to the Board information regarding revised Regulations 4319, 4320, and 2610. 

Dr. Matt Huntley, Assistant Superintendent for Instruction, presented the MSIP 6: Comprehensive School Improvement Plan (Fall 2025 – Spring 2030) to the Board. Mr. Bryan Shallenburger, Director of Special Services, provided the Board information regarding the Southwest Missouri Special Services Cooperative (Beacon) Agreement. 

Dr. Holley Goodnight, Assistant Superintendent for Business, provided the Board information regarding meal prices for the 2025-2026 school year. Dr. Goodnight provided the Board information regarding the MOPERM insurance policy for the school district. Dr. Goodnight provided the Board information regarding the Occupational Health Services Agreement for 2025-2026. 

Dr. Huntley provided the Board information regarding the Alternative Methods of Instruction (AMI) Plan for the 2025-2026 school year. Dr. Huntley provided the Board information regarding the 2025-2026 student handbooks. 

Dr. Huntley and Ms. Beth Hunt, Curriculum Director, provided the Board information regarding the request for curriculum and resources for the 2025-2026 school year. 

Dr. Boyer discussed the amended 2025-2026 board of education meeting schedule with updating the meeting location to the Carthage South Technical Center – Community Room. 

Dr. Boyer provided the Board information regarding the salary schedules for the 2025-2026 school year for all classifications and extra duties. Notable changes include a 3.66% increase to the base teacher salary, increasing it to $42,500, and all teachers will advance one step on the salary schedule. 

The support staff salary schedules will also see a 3.66% increase to the base and advance one step. All support positions with a wage below $15.00 per hour will be raised to a minimum of $15.00 per hour. Dr. Boyer provided the Board information regarding the preliminary budget for the fiscal year 2026. Dr. Boyer presented his report to the Board. 

The Board met in closed session immediately following the regular meeting to discuss legal, personnel, and student matters in compliance with Section 610.021 (1), (3), and (6) of the Revised Statutes of Missouri. 

In closed session the Board approved the following personnel actions: Approved the employment of certified, support, and substitute staff as presented contingent upon receiving a clear criminal record check from the Missouri Highway Patrol and Federal Bureau of Investigation, and a clear check of the Adult Abuse/Neglect Registry maintained by the Missouri Department of Social Services for all employees new to the district:

Certified Hire

Roxanne Shrewsberry, special education teacher, Sixth Grade Center- Ms. Shrewsberry is a special education teacher with many years of experience working with students of all ages, including those with disabilities. She has served as a job coach, teacher, paraprofessional, and direct support professional, demonstrating strong classroom management, individualized instruction, and a passion for student success. She earned a Bachelor's degree from Southeast Missouri State University in 2004 and a Master's degree from Walden University in 2014 in Adolescent Literacy and Technology.

Brener Ocana, Spanish teacher, second semester, Carthage High School- Mr. Ocana is a bilingual educator currently completing his Bachelor of Science in Kinesiology (Physical Education) at Missouri Southern State University. He will be completing his student teaching at Carthage High School with graduation expected in December 2025. In addition, Mr. Ocana served as a Paraprofessional at Carthage Junior High and has experience coaching at the Junior High and High School levels.

Pamela York, first grade dual language (Spanish) teacher, Fairview Elementary- Ms. York is a bilingual professional with a B.A. in Modern and Classical Languages (Spanish Translation emphasis) and a minor in Biology from Missouri State University. She is pursuing her Masters of Arts in Teaching from MSSU as well.

Support Hire

Luke Jones, seasonal IT tech, IT Department

Corbyn Woodall, summer maintenance

Kailyn Schultz, early childhood paraprofessional, Pleasant Valley Elementary

Kendra Sexton, cook, Carthage Junior High School

Jakob McPheeters, summer maintenance

Patricia Caulk, special education paraprofessional, Columbian Elementary

Jaymee Hernandez, summer cook, Fairview Elementary

Jenna Calhoon, summer maintenance, Carthage High School

Michael Gilreath, bus driver, transportation

Jaycob Titius, summer maintenance, sixth grade center

Matthew Willkes, practical nursing clinical instructor, Tech Center-South

Dawna Middleton, Tiger Prep paraprofessional, Columbian Elementary

Substitute Hire

Mark Sponaugle

MeLi Sanborn

Certified Transfer

Kaylin Portillo, kindergarten dual language (English) teacher, Fairview Elementary

Support Transfer

Hayden Sanders, cook, district

Karina Paul, cook, Sixth Grade Center

Certified Resignation

Olivia Moser, second grade teacher, Steadley Elementary

Certified Retirement

Charles Loveall, PE teacher, Carthage Intermediate Center

Support Resignation

Zachary Stand, special education paraprofesional, Carthage Intermediate Center

Heimy Rodas, ELL paraprofessional, Carthage High School

Elizabeth Waite, Parents as Teachers, Early Childhood Center

Allison Hill, special education paraprofessional, Columbian Elementary

James Williamson, head custodian, Fairview Elementary

Roxana Horn, district registrar, Welcome Center

Substitute Resignation

Kevin Provins

Remembering Stan Johnson

Summer's only one day away, but summers have a way of slipping past us and leaving memories in their wake.

To some, summer is trips to the lake- boating, swimming, water skiing and not even minding that first sunburn of the season.

As sacrilegious as it may seem, I've never cared much for the lake- to me, summer is baseball. During my teen years I played baseball, began coaching Little League when I was only one year out of Little League and made money umpiring.

It broke my heart when East Newton High School dropped its baseball program when I was in eighth grade. I remember walking to the Midway ballpark and watching the Patriots play and I wanted nothing more than to play for the high school team.

In my wild imagination, I thought about getting a baseball scholarship and playing at some small college. I was never realistic about the limitations of my ability.

When I was 15, I saw a notice in the Joplin Globe sports section saying the Carthage Braves, a men's team, was needing teams to play. We put together a team of East Newton High School students and a couple of graduates, went to Carthage and were thoroughly embarrassed.

After two innings, the Braves manager told me we were done. His team would get more out of having a practice than playing us.

Still, our team, which played in Granby (and later some at Stella) persisted and one of those who helped bring some respectability to the team in its early years was Stan Johnson.

I was excited when Stan agreed to join the team, which by then was known as the Aroma Express. He was a pitcher, had a wicked curve ball and also could hit for power and he was one of those East Newton Patriots baseball players though the team was eliminated right before his senior year.

He also was one of the best teammates any of us ever had.

He hit more than a few home runs in those early years, but the hit I most remember was one that didn't quite make it out of the ballpark. We were playing at the Mickey Owen Baseball School near Miller when Stan crushed a fastball that crossed the heart of the plate and hit a towering drive to center field.

It was a thing of beauty to watch and Stan watched it from the batter's box. We had seen Stan hit the ball hard many times, but that may have been his crowning achievement. Unfortunately, it hit off the top of the center field wall, bounced back toward the center fielder and Stan ended up with a long single.

As much as I enjoy telling that story, Stan told it even better. He never minded having fun at his own expense.

Even though most us were only two or three years younger than Stan (and a couple were his age or a year or two older, he was the big brother to everyone on the team. He was the first one to congratulate someone on a good play and the first one to give someone a pat on the back when baseball's frequent frustrations hit home.

It was no surprise that he later found success coaching youth sports.

I saw Stan a couple of years ago at the Newtonia Fall Festival and, of course, we talked about baseball- the St. Louis Cardinals and our old Aroma Express team.

I hadn't seen him for a few years and it was great to talk baseball with him once again.

When I received an obituary notice for Stan Johnson Monday, at first I thought it might be someone else. The e-mail had the notice, but not the complete obituary. The background, however, featuring the St. Louis Cardinals, was confirmation that my old teammate had joined another league.

June 20 and the change of the season is right around the corner, but summer seems so far away.

Probable cause: Webb City beat, choked, kicked three children

The Jasper County Prosecuting Attorney's office charged a Webb City man with three counts of child abuse today.

An arrest warrant was issued for James Uel Choate III, 35, with bond set at $100,000, with a condition that Choate is not to have contact with anyone under age 18.

From the probable cause statement:

On 03/05/2025, I was notified of a potential child abuse case involving a four-year-old male child. 

On that same date Victim 1, a four-year-old child, and his six-year-old brother were taken by James Choate to the home of a babysitter. 

When she saw the bruises all over the body of Victim 1, she called the police. According to the babysitter, these bruises were not present when she last saw the children on February 20, 2025. 

The children were taken to the Children’s Center where it was disclosed that James Choate had beaten, choked and kicked Victim 1 causing physical injuries.

The case was investigated by the Webb City Police Department.

Joplin dentist bound over for trial on drug trafficking, weapons charges

Dr. John Joseph, 54, Joplin, waived his preliminary hearing Tuesday in Newton County Circuit Court and was bound over for trial on drug trafficking and unlawful use of a weapon charges.

Joseph will be arraigned before Judge Charles Genisio 9 a.m. June 30.

The Joplin Police Department arrested Joseph March 5 after detectives saw him make what is described in the probable cause statement as "a hand-to-hand narcotic transaction after getting out of a pickup truck."

From the probable cause statement:

Joseph was detained after getting back into his truck and searched. During the search, a large package of a substance, believed to be fentanyl, was located in his pocket. This package was later found to weigh 11 grams.

A search was then conducted of Joseph's 2022 Ram pickup truck where I located approximately one gram of fentanyl, multiple items of drug paraphernalia consistent with the ingestion of fentanyl and an H&K 9mm pistol.

Joseph stated under Miranda that he provided $600 for {the} package located in his pocket.

The H&K pistol was later found to have been reported as stolen from a residence in Joplin in 2016.

Joseph also faces felony charges in Cherokee County for leaving the scene of the August 19, 2023 crash that killed Gary LaTurner, 60, Galena, and for contributing to a child's misconduct for allegedly helping his son, Rocco Joseph, after the younger Joseph's vehicle hit LaTurner leading to his death.

The Turner Report: Court document: Details offered on how John Joseph's alleged fentanyl deal went down

McDonald County Sheriff's Office to appear on On Patrol: Live

(From Half Moon Pictures)

(Pineville, MO.) – Tuesday, June 17, 2025 – McDonald County Sheriff’s Office will be appearing in the television documentary series On Patrol: Live, starting Friday, June 20, 2025. On Patrol: Live airs Friday and Saturday Nights from 9pm to 12am ET on REELZ.

The series is hosted and executive produced by Dan Abrams who, alongside a panel of experts, provides minute-by-minute live analysis as the show documents for viewers in real time the everyday work of police officers on patrol from diverse departments across America.

Said Sheriff Robert Evenson, “The McDonald County Sheriff’s Office looks forward to offering our community, and viewers across America, a closer look at the work of our law enforcement officers on their daily calls. McDonald County is a great community that backs their law enforcement; showing what our officers go through will also illustrate to the public how much officers truly care about them and the county, including visitors who know they can come here and have a safe and fun time.”

On Patrol: Live is produced by Half Moon Pictures for REELZ. Executive Producers are Dan Cesareo, John Zito, Lucilla D’Agostino, Paul Gordon, Joe Venafro and Dan Abrams.

Federal grand jury indicts Joplin man for sexually exploiting live-in teen babysitter

 The grand jury indictment of a Joplin man for sexual exploitation of a minor and receiving and distributing child pornography was unsealed today in U. S. District Court for the Western District of Missouri.

The indictment replaces the original complaint against Joshua Stanley Miloszewski, which was filed in May.

The federal charge was filed against Miloszewski after a search warrant revealed videos of him having sex with his 16-year-old live-in babysitter, according to the probable cause affidavit.

According to the indictment, Miloszewski's alleged crimes occurred between March 18, 2024 and February 5, 2025.

The Turner Report: Federal charge filed against Joplin man one day after search warrant turns up sex video with 16-year-old girl

Joplin man sentenced to seven years on federal weapons charge

A federal judge today sentenced Tanner Enochs, 31, Joplin, to seven years and three months in prison for being a felon in possession of a firearm.

After he has served his sentence, Enochs will be on supervised release for three years.

Enochs was initially arrested May 17, 2023 by the Joplin Police Department following a pursuit that began with Enochs on a motorcycle and later continued on foot until he was captured with a stolen gun in a holster.

The Turner Report: Government asks for 9-year sentence for Joplin man on weapons charge

Pineville man sentenced to 6 years, 3 months, for role in kidnapping, murder

A federal judge sentenced Jamie Waterman, 45, Pineville, to six years and three months in prison for being an accessory after the fact to the kidnapping and murder of Ashley Bush.

After Waterman completes his sentence, he will be supervised release for three years.

The kidnapping and murder were committed by Waterman's wife, Amber, 45, who pleaded guilty and was sentenced in October to two life sentences.

The crime was detailed in the news release issued by the U. S. Attorney for the Western District of Missouri in September following Jamie Waterman's guilty plea:

On July 30, 2024, Amber Waterman pleaded guilty to one count of kidnapping resulting in death and one count of thereby causing the death of a child in utero. Waterman admitted that she kidnapped Ashley Bush in order to claim her unborn child, Valkyrie Willis, as her own. Waterman transported Ashley Bush from Maysville, Ark., to Pineville. The kidnapping resulted in the deaths of both Ashley Bush and Valkyrie Willis.

Her husband, Jamie Waterman, 44, pleaded guilty today before U.S. Magistrate Judge David P. Rush to one count of being an accessory after the fact to the kidnapping resulting in death. Jamie Waterman admitted that he knew Amber Waterman had kidnapped Bush, causing the death of her unborn child, and provided assistance in order to hinder or prevent the apprehension, trial, and punishment of Amber Waterman.

Amber Waterman, using a false name, contacted Bush, who was approximately 31 weeks pregnant, via Facebook. Amber Waterman pretended to help Bush obtain employment, suggesting she had a job opportunity for her. That prompted an in-person meeting between the two women on Oct. 28, 2022, at the Gravette, Ark., public library. They agreed to meet again on Oct. 31, 2022.

On Oct. 31, 2022, at roughly 11:45 a.m., Bush met Amber Waterman at the Handi-Stop convenience store in Maysville, Ark. Under the pretext that Amber Waterman was taking her to meet a supervisor to further discuss employment, Bush got into a truck driven by Amber Waterman. Amber Waterman then kidnapped and abducted Bush, driving her from Maysville to the Waterman residence in Pineville.

According to court documents, Amber Waterman led Jamie Waterman to Bush’s body. Jamie Waterman assisted in hiding and disposing of the body.

At about 5 p.m. on Oct. 31, 2022, first responders reported to the Longview store in Pineville for an emergency call of a baby who was not breathing. Amber Waterman admitted that she claimed to first responders that she had given birth to the child in the truck while on the way to the hospital. But in reality, she admitted, the child was Bush’s child, who died in utero, as a result of Amber Waterman’s kidnapping that resulted in the death of Bush.

An autopsy indicated that Bush died as a result of penetrating trauma of the torso and her death was classified as a homicide.

Mexican national charged with illegal reentry

(From the U. S. Attorney for the Western District of Missouri)

SPRINGFIELD, Mo. – A Mexican man was indicted by a federal grand jury today for illegally re-entering the United States after he was previously deported.

Gilberto Silvan-Perez, 38, was charged in a one-count indictment with illegal reentry by a previously removed alien. The indictment, which replaces a criminal complaint filed on May 29, 2025, charges that Silvan-Perez had previously been removed from the United States at least once, on Aug. 14, 2014.

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

This case is being prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorney Patrick Carney and was investigated by Immigration and Customs Enforcement - Enforcement and Removal Operations and Homeland Security Investigations.

Grand jury indicts Honduran native for illegal reentry

 (From the U. S. Attorney for the Western District of Missouri)

SPRINGFIELD, Mo. – A Honduran man was indicted by a federal grand jury today for illegally re-entering the United States after he was previously deported.

Henry Ariel Aparicio-Fajardo, 33, was charged in a one-count indictment with illegal reentry by a previously removed alien. The indictment, which replaces a criminal complaint filed on May 20, 2025, charges that Aparicio-Fajardo had previously been removed from the United States at least once, on Dec. 22, 2022.

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

This case is being prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorney Patrick Carney and was investigated by Immigration and Customs Enforcement - Enforcement and Removal Operations and Homeland Security Investigations.

Grand jury indicts Carthage man for illegal re-entry

(From the U. S. Attorney for the Western District of Missouri)

A Guatemalan man was indicted by a federal grand jury today for illegally re-entering the United States after he was previously deported.

Selvin Mejia-Ramos, 32, was charged in a one-count indictment with illegal reentry by a previously removed alien. The indictment, which replaces a criminal complaint filed on May 29, 2025, charges that Mejia-Ramos had previously been removed from the United States at least once, on April 15, 2020.

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

This case is being prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorney Patrick Carney and was investigated by Immigration and Customs Enforcement - Enforcement and Removal Operations and Homeland Security Investigations.

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The Turner Report: Federal judge orders Carthage man held without bond on illegal reentry charge

Avilla man charged with assaulting girlfriend

The Jasper County Prosecuting Attorney filed three felony domestic assault charges today against an Avilla man who allegedly beat his girlfriend, punched her in the stomach and told her "I'm going to kill that baby."

Jasper County Circuit Court records do not show any arrest warrant issued for Corey David Branstetter (DOB 1989).

The allegations against Branstetter are detailed in the probable cause statement:

On April 9, 2025, at approximately 1154 hours, Deputy Deras #350 responded to 651 Elm Street in Avilla, Missouri 64833, in reference to a 911 call reporting an active physical domestic disturbance. The caller later identified as Victim 1, advised dispatch that she was being assaulted.

During the call, which remained open, Victim 1 could be heard yelling that she was being hit, and a male voice— later identified as Corey Branstetter—was heard stating, “No one will help you.”

Upon arrival, Victim 1 reported that Branstetter, with whom she is in an ongoing romantic relationship, had physically assaulted her by punching her in the head, placing his hands around her neck restricting her airflow to the point she believed she was going to lose consciousness, and punching her in the stomach while stating, “I’m going to kill that baby,” knowing she is allegedly pregnant.

Victim 1 exhibited visible signs of injury, including redness and scratches to her neck, a small laceration on her right forearm, and redness to her abdominal area. Victim 1 was transported to the hospital to be seen by medical. Branstetter fled the scene on foot prior to law enforcement arrival and was not located despite an area search.

Golden Corral, Jefferson's pass Joplin Health Department reinspections

Golden Corral, 2415 S. Range Line Road, and Jefferson's, 430 Geneva Avenue, passed their Joplin Health Department reinspections today.

Golden Corral failed an inspection June 4 and Jefferson's failed an inspection June 12.

The following establishments passed inspections today and Friday:

McDonald's, 4436 S 43 Highway

Trackside Burgers and BBQ, 1515 W. 10th Street

Home2 Suites Breakfast, 3000 E. Range Line Road

Zip's, 1902 E. 32nd Street

Fairfield Inn Breakfast, 3301 S Range Line Road

Joplin man charged with child molestation

 The Newton County Prosecuting Attorney's office filed a second-degree child molestation charge Friday against a Joplin man who allegedly inappropriately touched a girl younger than 12.

An arrest warrant was issued for Gregory H. Nally (DOB 1999) to be held without bond.

According to the probable cause statement, the girl told an interviewer at the Children's Center about the touching.

Nally told the Joplin Police Department he "touched {the child} 6 to 7 times sexually and one time he touched her under her pants. Mr. Nally disclosed that he had touched {the girl's} vagina. Mr. Nally provided a written statement reflecting his actions."

Change of plea hearing set for Neosho man on meth, weapons charges

A change of plea hearing has been scheduled for 8 a.m. Wednesday in U. S. District Court in Springfield for Rusty Farley, 41, Neosho, who is charged with possession of methamphetamine with intent to distribute and two weapons charges.

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

Jason Smith: Cracking down on the violent anti-ICE mobs

(From Eighth District Congressman Jason Smith)

Like so many Americans, I’m incredibly alarmed about the out-of-control riots in Los Angeles. We’ve seen violent mobs throw rocks and launch fireworks at law enforcement. They’ve set cars on fire, looted businesses, vandalized property, and burned American flags while waving those of other nations. That’s not a peaceful protest. It’s pure chaos.

Fortunately, President Donald Trump is using the tools he has to bring this chaos to an end and restore order – and that includes the National Guard and U.S. Marines. California Democrats want Americans to believe it’s unnecessary, claiming everything is under control and the protests are peaceful. President Trump made it abundantly clear that if elected officials in Los Angeles – and elsewhere – won’t do their job and protect their cities, the federal government will.

It’s shameful that California Governor Gavin Newsom, Los Angeles Mayor Karen Bass, and other radical Democrats are siding with the violent mob over ICE – the brave men and women who are risking their lives to get violent illegal aliens off the streets. Two days after the riots began, ICE announced the arrest of an illegal alien who has been convicted of molesting a child and being armed with a deadly weapon. They also arrested an illegal immigrant who was convicted of vehicle manslaughter and another who was convicted of grand theft auto, narcotics violations, and identity fraud. These are just a few examples of the type of dangerous illegal immigrants ICE is going after in Los Angeles and elsewhere. But if it was up to the Left, these dangerous criminals would be free to roam the streets.

For years, California Democrats have put out a welcome mat for illegal immigrants. They, and other woke elected leaders across the U.S., have put in place Sanctuary Cities to block local law enforcement from working with federal authorities to deport people living here illegally. They’ve also wasted precious taxpayer dollars on things like health care and housing for illegal immigrants.

To fight back, House Republicans have passed numerous pieces of legislation to crack down on Sanctuary Cities. And President Donald Trump’s One, Big, Beautiful Bill that passed the House last month includes an important provision to prevent illegal immigrants from receiving Medicaid benefits – helping to protect the program for vulnerable Americans while also taking away an incentive that contributed to the border crisis. But that’s not the only way President Trump’s One, Big, Beautiful Bill fights back against the Left’s radical, open-border agenda.







The landmark legislation makes the largest investment in border security in our nation’s history. It includes resources to speed up deportations and provides much-needed funding to support border patrol agents, build the border wall, and hire an additional 10,000 ICE personnel. The bill will give the Trump administration the resources it needs to undo all the damage caused by Washington Democrats’ open-border agenda. It’s just another reason why the Senate must act quickly to pass this bill, which also includes the largest ever cut in mandatory spending – $1.69 trillion – and the biggest tax cut in U.S. history. President Trump is doing everything he can to fulfill his promise to the American people that he’d bring an end to the invasion by illegal immigrants. He quickly accomplished his goal of restoring order at the southern border. And with his mass deportation campaign – the largest in U.S. history – he’s making significant progress in undoing the damage caused by the Left’s open-border agenda. As your voice in Congress, I will continue working around the clock to ensure President Trump has the tools he needs to finish this fight.

Anti-Trump ‘No Kings’ rallies draw thousands to peaceful protests across Missouri

By Abigail Didonna, Will Firra

Zoe Naylor and Peter Pynadath

Columbia Missourian

Thousands turned out in Columbia, Jefferson City and dozens of towns across Missouri on Saturday to join a nationwide mobilization against the expansion of executive power by the president.

(Photo- Protesters fill the stairs leading up to the Missouri State Capitol during the “No Kings” protest Saturday in Jefferson City. The protest and march drew over 1,000 attendees, according to event organizers-Michael Baniewicz/Missourian).

The “No Kings” demonstrations took place in all 50 states, with at least 30 rallies in Missouri, from Columbia to St. Louis, Kansas City to Cape Girardeau, Springfield to St. Joseph, and around the steps of the Missouri Capitol in Jefferson City.

The widespread national movement came after more than a week of demonstrations against federal immigration raids, largely in Los Angeles where President Donald Trump activated the National Guard and U.S. Marines over the authority of California Gov. Gavin Newsom.

Saturday’s protests were timed to match a military parade in Washington, D.C., marking the 250th birthday of the U.S. Army and coinciding with Trump’s 79th birthday.

In St. Louis, news outlets reported that thousands participated in at least a dozen rallies in the city and the county, while thousands more marched in Kansas City, 2,000 lined the streets in Springfield and several hundred turned out in Joplin.

In addition to the rallies in U.S. cities, including in New York, Chicago, Philadelphia, Atlanta, Houston and Los Angeles, there were gatherings in Europe, Africa, Asia and South America.

Gov. Mike Kehoe announced Thursday that he was activating the Missouri National Guard ahead of the planned rallies but indicated they would be mobilized only if “assistance is needed to support local law enforcement.”

But organizers nationwide vowed to keep the protests peaceful, and very little disturbance or police presence was observed in Columbia and central Missouri.

Around the Courthouse Plaza in Columbia

The atmosphere at the Boone County Courthouse in Columbia was upbeat Saturday as at least 1,000 people gathered to express their frustrations with the Trump administration.

Friends and neighbors mingled while speeches and live music filled the courthouse amphitheater, making the protest feel more like a block party than a demonstration.

Cars passing on Walnut Street answered protesters’ signs with honks of support. In the shade of the plaza parking garage, a hot dog stand sold food and drinks, while more protesters watched and waved American flags from the top floor of the garage.

Flags, signs and apparel at the protest were representative of the diverse range of people who showed up and the variety of grievances they have with Trump.

Chants in support of women and transgender rights were popular, and a number of signs focused on accusations of sexual misconduct against the president. Many brought American flags, some displayed upside down in an act traditionally used to signal distress.

During the rally, Ken Pearson said he was offended by Trump using his wealth and status to avoid military service.

“But beyond that, I think he’s a real threat to our democratic institutions,” said Pearson, who is a U.S. Army veteran.

Amy Lovelady came with her daughter to the protest to set an example.

“At this moment in our history if we’re silent, then we’re complacent,” Lovelady said.

Her daughter, Laila, added: “I just want everyone to be equal, and I want to have equality for everyone. It’s liberty and justice for all.”

Many people also expressed concerns about the Trump administration’s fiscal policies. Protesters called for the protection of funding for health care, schools, universities, conservation work and the U.S. Postal Service.

Demonstrators began gathering at the courthouse plaza around 11 a.m. for two hours of speeches and music.

For many who were closer to the road than the amphitheater, it was hard to hear, so instead, they chanted and socialized. Law enforcement presence at the event was light. Some officers helped keep people out of the street while others were seen near an ambulance on Ninth Street.

On the steps of the Missouri Capitol

The steps of the Missouri State Capitol in Jefferson City were packed with more than 1,000 protesters of all ages opposing deportation, restrictions to reproductive rights and federal funding cuts and layoffs.

The protest was organized by We Stand United Missouri, an organization that promotes political activism at the local level.

Speakers included Suzanne Luther, state House District 60 candidate; David Knipp, union and labor advocate; and Jordan Herrera, congressional candidate for Missouri’s 5th District.

Knipp, who goes by “Proud Union Guy,” said he was concerned about right-to-work laws and maintaining prevailing wage regulations.

“We’re the backbone of America,” Knipp told the crowd. “We don’t just build America — we are America.”

After hearing from speakers, protesters marched around the block, passing the Missouri Governor’s Mansion before returning to the Capitol building.







Their reasons for coming included a love of country, a desire to uphold checks and balances, and ensuring funds for state and federal programs.

Arianna Hensley-Parker, a 27-year-old mother who came with her kids, 6 and 3, said she was advocating for their futures, including continued access to health care.

She said her 3-year-old son received medical care and therapy from a program run by the Missouri Department of Elementary and Secondary Education for infants and toddlers with disabilities or developmental delays.

Hensley-Parker said the state-run program “was a huge reason why he can talk today.”

A couple from Lynn, Rob Overly and Kate Wilson-Overly, came to protest funding cuts to Medicaid and the Federal Emergency Management Agency.

Rob Overly’s mother was on Medicaid, he said, which helped pay for her colon cancer surgery. The procedure wouldn’t have elongated her life, but it did help her in her final days, he said.

“If it was not for Medicaid, that would not have happened,” said Overly, a member of the Osage County Democrats and a retired architect, “so I know how valuable that is.”

Everyone dies, Overly said, “but the question is how.”

Another couple traveled 2½ hours from Unionville to attend the rally. Steve, 64, and Jeanna Grimes, 63, said they were worried about funding cuts to Veterans Affairs programs, Social Security and international aid.

“We have 22 grandkids and three great-grandkids,” Steve Grimes said. “What is the country going to be like for them?”

His wife added that she thinks not just beyond her generation, but beyond U.S. borders, too.

“We really want good for the world. Why would they cut all the aid to other countries?” she said. “That’s soft power. That’s a beautiful thing.”

Malpractice lawsuit against Mercy alleges misdiagnosis of child led to botched appendix removal

A malpractice lawsuit filed May 27 in Newton County Circuit Court claims doctors at Mercy Joplin misdiagnosed the source of a 15-year-old girl's pain, failed to recognize appendicitis and when they finally found the problem failed to remove the entire appendix, creating even more problems.

Listed as defendants in the lawsuit, which was filed by Kyle Foltz, the father of O. F., in addition to Mercy Joplin are John Coleman, M. D., and William Birsic, M. D.

From the petition:

On April 24, 2023, O.F. was referred to the emergency department to rule out appendicitis after being seen at Urgent Care and noting some abdominal tenderness on physical exam.

On April 24, 2023, at 7:29 p.m., O.F. arrived at the emergency department of Joplin Mercy complaining of abdominal pain, fever, and vomiting. Tachycardia was present. 

O.F. was seen in the emergency department of Joplin Mercy by Defendant Dr. Coleman. Dr. Coleman ordered a blood and urine test. Blood and urine test were obtained and discussed with Plaintiff. No CT scan was ordered by Defendant Dr. Coleman. O.F. was diagnosed with a UTI, discharged home, and prescribed medication ordered by Defendant Dr. Coleman. 

On May 14, 2023, at 8:53, O.F. returned to the emergency department of Joplin Mercy complaining of right sided abdominal pain. Defendant Dr. Coleman ordered a CT scan. The CT scan showed acute perforated appendicitis with sinus tract and multilobulated abscess in the right lower quadrant of the abdomen. 

Defendant Dr. Birsic examined O.F. in the emergency department and made a plan to take O.F. to surgery for a laparoscopic appendectomy. Defendant Dr. Birsic completed the appendectomy on May 14, 2023, and noted that the appendix had perforated and created abscess cavity against the terminal ileum. 

Defendant Dr. Birsic discharged O.F. from Joplin Mercy on May 18, 2023, prescribing oral medication for O.F. On May 28, 2023, at 23:53 O.F. returned to the emergency department of Joplin Mercy being unable to eat since the surgery on May 18, 2023, abdominal pain, and vomiting. 

O.F. was transferred to Children’s Mercy Main Campus in Kansas City, Missouri on May 29, 2023, where she was diagnosed with a pelvic abscess. O.F. was discharged on June 4, 2023, after non-operative management and was to subsequently to complete an additional 7 days of oral antibiotics for the pelvic abscess. 

On June 16, 2023, O.F. returned to the emergency department of Joplin Mercy with abdominal pain and vomiting. CT scan was performed suggesting small bowel obstruction and O.F. was transferred to Children’s Mercy Hospital. 

On June 17, 2023, a diagnostic laparoscopy was performed on O.F. with findings of an adhesive band in mid ileum which was lysed. O.F. was discharged from Children’s Mercy Hospital on June 18, 2023. 

On October 21, 2023, O.F. underwent a completion of appendectomy at the Children’s Mercy Hospital. Several centimeters of residual appendix was located in O.F.’s body. In November 2023, O.F. underwent upper and lower endoscopy which revealed acute inflammation in the ileocecal area. 

O.F. had recurrent symptoms continue over several months and at times would resolve. O.F. underwent a laparoscopic ileocecectomy at Children’s Mercy Hospital on January 5, 2024. She was discharged from Children’s Mercy Hospital on January 9,2024.

Foltz is asking for damages for his daughter's suffering and costs.

He is represented by Shelley Dreyer of Dreyer & Tinney, Joplin.

Kehoe signs special session legislation into law

(From Gov. Mike Kehoe)

Today, Governor Mike Kehoe signed Senate Bills (SB) 1, 3, and 4 into law following the special session he convened for disaster relief, property tax relief, economic development and business retention, and budget initiatives.

“We are proud of how the General Assembly came together during this special session to deliver real results for Missourians,” said Governor Kehoe. 

“We called legislators back to Jefferson City because the stakes were too high to wait—families and communities needed disaster relief, taxpayers deserved certainty, and critical job-saving investments were on the line. Without action, thousands of Missourians would have been left without much-needed support, and the state would risk losing jobs and economic development opportunities that are key drivers for growth—not just for Kansas City, but for our entire state. These investments demonstrate that Missouri is committed to taking care of our own, staying competitive, and backing initiatives that secure long-term economic stability for our communities.”

SB 1 appropriates $25 million in extraordinary support to the Missouri Housing Development Commission to provide additional emergency aid to low-income households impacted by severe weather. It also allocates $100 million to the Department of Public Safety (DPS) for disaster relief and $50 million to the Department of Higher Education and Workforce Development (DHEWD) for the University of Missouri for the planning, design, and construction of the Radioisotope Science Center at the University of Missouri Research Reactor (MURR). This legislation also provides non-General Revenue funding for a number of critical projects across the state, including:

$55 million to the Department of Agriculture (MDA) for new stalling barns at the Missouri State Fair
$13.25 million to the Department of Natural Resources (DNR) for State Parks capital improvements
$20.6 million to the Department of Conservation (MDC) for conservation projects across the state
$800,000 to DPS for Missouri State Highway Patrol (MSHP) Troop A headquarters improvements
$12.7 million to the Office of Administration (OA) for a new Troop E crime lab
$35 million to OA for national guard facilities
$48.1 million to the Department of Mental Health (DMH) for the new Kansas City region 200-bed mental health hospital
$2.1 million to OA for Supreme Court building improvements

SB 3 ensures Missouri remains competitive in retaining major sports teams, while also delivering targeted tax relief for storm-impacted Missourians and supporting long-term economic growth. The legislation includes the following provisions:

Show-Me Sports Investment Act: Authorizes the state to partner with professional sports teams to help finance stadium construction through bond payments and one-time tax credits with built-in protections for taxpayers.

Tax Credits for Homestead Damage: Creates a tax credit of up to $5,000 for home or renter insurance deductibles incurred due to severe weather damage in a declared disaster area in 2025, with flexible carry-forward and transfer options.

Tax Credits for Certain Sporting Events: Updates two different tax credit programs related to amateur sporting events in Missouri, aimed at making them easier to use and more effective at attracting and supporting sports events while making a positive impact on the state’s economy.
Property Tax Credit: Requires certain counties to ask voters whether to freeze or modestly cap real property tax increases for eligible homeowners.

SB 4 streamlines the delivery of disaster housing relief by allowing the immediate transfer of emergency aid to the Missouri Housing Development Commission when the Governor requests a presidential disaster declaration. The legislation also expands existing program eligibility from 50 percent to 75 percent of median household income and removes administrative burdens and costs to expedite aid for Missouri families.

For additional provisions and more information on the legislation signed into law, click here. To view photos from the bill signing, click this link.

Preliminary hearing set for former Webb City Junior High janitor on enticement of a child charge

A 1:30 p.m. August 28 preliminary hearing has been scheduled in Jasper County Circuit Court for Logan Blake Duncan, 25, Joplin, a former Webb City Junior High janitor who is charged with enticement of a child.

Duncan waived his arraignment Wednesday and pleaded not guilty.

Duncan posted a $150,000 surety bond and is under home arrest and required to wear an ankle monitor.

From the probable cause statement:

Logan Duncan, who is 25 years of age committed the offense of enticement of a child by knowingly meeting with what he thought was a 13-year-old female to engage in sexual contact.

Mr. Duncan communicated with a decoy with Bikers Against Predators through the Grinder app.
Mr. Duncan also committed the offense of furnishing pornography to a minor by sending a picture of his penis to the decoy.

After learning that the decoy was 13 years of age, Mr. Duncan asked if he she had received the picture and if she liked it.

No jail time for former Neosho Youth Football League president who embezzled $55,000+

Former Neosho Youth Football President Stewart Pace, who embezzled more than $55,000 from the organization will not receive any prison time.

During a hearing May 14 in Newton County Circuit Court, Judge Kevin Selby suspended imposition of sentence and placed Pace on probation for five years.

Under an agreement that had been worked out with the Newton County Prosecuting Attorney's office prior to the hearing, Pace will be required to pay back the money, at a rate of $920 a month with the first payment due Sunday, June 15 and all payments afterward due by the 15th of the month.

According to the restitution agreement, Pace has to pay back the entire amount by June 15, 2030.

The deal was reached three years after the felony charges were filed against Pace.

Pace's crimes were spelled out in the probable cause statement:

On May 4, 2022 at 13:00 hrs. I met with Jill Rogers, Susan Elledge, and Brett Day at the Newton County Sheriff's Office. Brett stated he had started the no profit organization called the Neosho Youth Football League. Brett stated that Stewart Pace was the current president of the league and Stewart's wife "Jessica Pace" was the treasurer. Stewart had been the president for approximately four years.

Susan Elledge stated the Neosho Youth Football League has a checking account at Community Bank and Trust. Susan stated that on 4/15/2022 she attempted to buy approximately $28 worth of items online for the football league.

Susan stated that the card was declined, so she believed something was wrong with her debit card.

Susan stated that she stopped by the Community Bank and Trust in Joplin and they advised her that there had been several transactions on the account and there was only $20.72 left in the account.

Jill Rogers provided me a complete folder with the bank statement back to June of 2020, minutes from the board meeting and other paperwork. Jill stated that she had went through the bank statements and highlighted all the fraudulent charges.

Jill stated that the charges done in Newton County totaled $40,062.26. The majority of those charges were done at ATMs and gas stations. Susan stated that all fraudulent charges were done using the debit card that was assigned to Jessica Pace.

Susan Elledge stated that on April 16, 2022 the football league board had an emergency meeting without Stewart and Jessica Pace.

The board was told only two weeks prior by the treasurer "Jessica Pace" that there was $22,000 in the checking account.

During that meeting, Susan called Stewart on his cell phone. This call was done on speaker phone so the board members could hear. Susan asked Stewart if he knew that the checking account was down to $20. 72. Stewart stated that he would go to the bank on Monday and look into it.

On Sunday April 17, 2022, Susan stated that she received a text from Stewart confessing that he had used the funds to "help me with financials."

Stewart and Susan responded several different times by text message. Susan stated that they closed the account on 4/20/2022. Susan made me copies of the text message between her and Stewart.

On May 5, 2022 I called and spoke with Stewart Pace. I told him I needed to speak with him and Jessica about a case I was working.

At approximately 14:20 hrs. Jessica and Stewart came to the sheriff's office. I interviewed Jessica Pace first. I read Jessica her Miranda rights and she signed a waiver stating she understood her rights. I asked Jessica if she knew why I wanted to speak with her. Jessica stated yes, it was about the football league funds being misused.

I asked Jessica who had misused it. She stated that she and her husband has misused it.

Mostly her husband.

Jessica stated that she did use the Neosho Youth Football League debit card to purchase items for her and her family. Jessica stated that this started about two years ago. Jessica stated that she would buy items at Wal-Mart for the ball league and buy items for herself at the same time. Jessica stated at different times she would get cash back at Wal-Mart and keep the cash.


I asked Jessica if she ever had to pull money from the ATM to purchase items. She stated on occasion she would have to get cash from the ATM to make change, but most of the time she would have the bank teller withdraw cash. There were several transactions at gas stations.

I asked Jessica if she ever used the debit card for gas. She stated no. I asked Jessica if she had looked at the bank statements for the league's account. She explained that about a year ago the post office box fee was not paid. The bank had sent the statements to the league's post office box.

Since the post office box was closed: they had not been receiving statements.

Jessica stated that she did not go into the bank to get the statements. Jessica stated that the last board meeting she told the board members that there was $22,000 in the account. She stated Stewart had told her that was the amount in the checking account.

Jessica stated that she believed they had used $2000 from the account. Jessica stated that she did put $2500 in the account.

Jessica stated that wrote a check and deposited it. I did find the deposit was done in February of 2022.

I then interviewed Stewart Pace. I read Stewart his Miranda rights and he stated that he understood those rights. Stewart stated that he was out of work for a while and started using the football league's money to pay bills, fix his truck and it "Just got out of hand."

Stewart stated that his wife Jessica did not know how much he had used. Stewart stated that Susan Elledge had used $1000 from the account but he did not know if she had paid the money back. Stewart stated that he has not looked at a bank statement in a while. Stewart stated that the post office box was closed due to not paying the bill.

Stewart said he paid to have the post office box reopened out of his personal account because there was not money in the football league's account.

Stewart stated that some of the cash he pulled from the ATM was used to get supplies. I asked if he had receipts. He stated that if he got receipts he would give them to Susan Elledge. I asked why he did that if Jessica was the treasurer. He stated that if they needed change they would go get it.

Stewart stated that he estimated that he took $15 000.

As the Turner Report noted in its May 30, 2022 edition, the biggest question was how in the world Pace and his wife were given access to money when the couple had a lengthy and easily discovered record of being unable to handle money.

The Paces have a lengthy history of financial difficulties, including a 2004 Chapter 7 bankruptcy. Three times in the past eight years, the Missouri Department of Revenue has taken the Paces to court to collect on unpaid taxes.

Online court records indicate loan companies received judgments against the Paces in 2011 for $12,036.99 and in 2014 for $2,712.46.

The Paces filed for bankruptcy December 21, 2004, owing $96,663.55 while having $71,393,91 in assests, according to U. S. Bankruptcy Court records.

Among their debts:

-$4,395.31 to Aqua Finance for water treatment

-$35,441 to Chrysler Financial for a 2003 Dodge Dakota

-$4,230.60 to Non Teacher Credit Union for purchase of a boat
plus $1,682.82 to Bank of America, $1,865.22 to Capital One and $953.57 to Citibank, $772.01 to J. C. Penney, $166.32 to Sports Illustrated Swimsuit and $631.99 to Zale's Credit Plan.

The Missouri Department of Revenue received judgments of $2,611.15 in 2013, $3,435.94 in 2016 and $581.72 in 2018 for unpaid taxes.

Judgments of $12,036.94 from Beneficial Financial Support and $2,712.46 from Tower Loan, both in 2014 were levied.

Online court records indicate the Paces have satisfied the judgments in both the tax and loan cases.