‘Whites-only’ group draws bipartisan rebuke over potential move to Springfield area

By Jason Hancock

Missouri Independent

The possibility of a “whites-only” organization from Arkansas expanding into Missouri has inspired bipartisan outrage from state lawmakers and local officials who decry the group as racist and antisemitic.

The private membership association, called Return to the Land, owns 160 acres in northeast Arkansas, according to its website. Jews and non-whites are explicitly banned from membership.

 

The group’s leader recently said it is exploring the idea of expanding north and building a new enclave in the Springfield area.

“We have the God-given right to form communities according to whatever values we hold dear,” Eric Orwoll, co-founder of Return to the Land, said in a recent social media post, “and the government does not have the right to tell free American citizens what values they have to live according to in their own private lives.”

The idea of a segregated community coming to southwest Missouri was greeted with scorn by both Democratic and Republican legislative leaders from the area.

“Racism in any form is evil and reprehensible,” said House Majority Leader Alex Riley, a Springfield Republican. “Groups engaging in racist conduct are not welcome in Springfield.”

State Rep. Betsy Fogle, a Springfield Democrat, said history has been “very clear on what happens when you stay silent as groups discriminate based on race and discriminate based on whether or not someone is of the Jewish faith. I cannot believe that in 2025 we are retreading this ground.”

In an emailed statement, a spokesperson for Missouri Attorney General Andrew Bailey said racial discrimination “has no place in Missouri.”

“Attorney General Bailey is committed to protecting the constitutional rights of all citizens,” the statement said. “The landmark Supreme Court case Shelley v. Kraemer, which originated in St. Louis, made clear that government cannot enforce racially discriminatory housing practices, and Missouri will not tolerate efforts to revive them.”

The Springfield City Council and City Manager David Cameron issued a joint statement this week declaring that “there is no place in Springfield, or anywhere, for such a divisive and discriminatory vision.”

“While it is improbable that such a project could legally or practically occur within city limits, silence is not an option,” the statement said. “As a regional leader, we will not stand idly by in the face of attempts to revive outdated, harmful ideologies.”

On its website, Return to the Land its mission is to “separate ourselves from a failing modern society, and we will make positive cultural changes in ourselves and in our ancestral communities.”

It also includes a disclaimer that the group does not engage in the sale or rental of real estate.

Orwoll responded to criticism from Springfield elected officials in his social media post, denying that excluding people of color and Jews should be considered racist.

“We are not a hate group,” he said. “We have never expressed hate towards any ethnic group, racial group or religious group.”

He took umbrage with Fogle calling the group racist, saying: “She wants to call us racists because we prefer being among our own people.”

“It’s not a supremacist group. It’s not a hate group. It’s not even a white nationalist group,” he said. “We are white identitarians. We value our identity and want to preserve it. That’s not hate. That is love for your own people.”

Fogle, who was among the first public officials to condemn Return to the Land’s possible expansion to Missouri, said she has been inundated with “pretty horrific messages and pretty horrific responses” on social media.

But she said she has no intention of being silent.

“It’s my job to make sure I’m using my platform to communicate that there’s no place in Springfield, no place in Missouri, no place in this country for a group who is intentionally leaving behind people who have a different skin color or intentionally leaving behind people of the Jewish faith,” she said. “And I would expect every elected official at every level to use their platform to see the same things.”

Across the state line, the group also drew the ire of Arkansas Attorney General Tim Griffin.

The Republican announced his office would open an investigation of the group to ensure its activities didn’t violate state or federal law. That probe, Griffin said in an email to The Independent, has not turned up any illegal activity.

“Racism has no place in a free society,” he said, “but from a legal perspective, we have not seen anything that would indicate any state or federal laws have been broken.”

Missouri legislators file lawsuit claiming stadium funding for Chiefs, Royals is unconstitutional

By Rudi Keller

Missouri Independent

The bill authorizing state support for professional sports stadiums is unconstitutional because it grants public aid to private interests and combines widely different and unrelated subjects, according to a lawsuit filed Thursday by two state lawmakers.

State Sen. Mike Moon, a Republican from Ash Grove, and state Rep. Bryant Wolfin, a Republican from Ste. Genevieve, filed the case in Cole County Circuit Court. They were joined as plaintiffs by Ron Calzone, a long-time activist who has successfully challenged past legislation on constitutional grounds.

During a special session in June, lawmakers passed the bill to provide up to $1.5 billion in state tax funds to back bonds that would finance new construction or stadium improvements for the Kansas City Chiefs and Royals. Gov. Mike Kehoe pushed for the bill to counter moves from Kansas intended to lure one or both teams across the state line.

Moon objected to the bill as unconstitutional when it was passed and said in an interview Thursday that getting court guidance over what can and cannot be in a single bill is an important goal of the lawsuit.

The Constitution “kind of gives us our marching orders for legislators and how we pass bills and what they should look like,” Moon said. “Can you amend the bill beyond a certain point? I’ve come to realize it seems like we have veered way off the road.”

Kehoe let his ambition to retain the Chiefs and Royals cloud his constitutional judgment, Moon said.

“This was a pretty big deal for the governor,” Moon said. “I’m not knocking the governor, but yet he was a legislator at one time, and he should know the bounds that we are governed by.”

In the bill, stadium construction would be financed by diverting tax money from economic activity surrounding the teams — sales tax on tickets, merchandise and food, income tax from player and team staff salaries — to repay bonds.

The bill also included provisions to:Cap increases in property tax bills in most counties of the state. There are 75 counties where basic tax bills would not increase more than 5% per year or the rate of inflation, whichever is greater, and 22 where no increase would be allowed.
Extend a tax credit for amateur sporting events.
Provide a tax credit for damage from natural disasters this year to help property owners recover losses not met by insurance or other payments.
Require the courts to preserve any portions of the bill found constitutional by severing them from unconstitutional portions.

The lawsuit seeks to toss the bill in its entirety, alleging that it violates requirements that bills be limited to a single subject with a title that “clearly” states its purpose. The petition also alleges the bill was amended to go beyond its original purpose and that the property tax provisions are “special laws” forbidden by the constitution.

“The stadium provisions subsidize business enterprises; the tax credits for disaster relief and for property tax relief subsidize homeowners,” attorneys W. Bevis Schock and Erich Vieth wrote in the lawsuit for Moon and Wolfin. “The former showers beneficence on billionaires; the latter showers the beneficence on all homeowners. The former will likely produce political contributions in vast sums from those able to make such contributions; the latter will likely produce political benefit but likely no political contributions.”

The title of the bill, relating to taxation, is so vague as to be meaningless, the attorneys wrote.

“The bill’s procedural infirmities,” they wrote, “mean it is not severable and fails in its entirety.”

Joplin man charged with possession of child pornography

The Newton County Prosecuting Attorney's office filed a possession of child pornography charge today against a Joplin man.

Jeffrey Martin Steele (DOB 1975) is being held without bond in the Newton County Jail.

From the probable cause statement:

Jeffrey Martin Steele committed the offense of possession of child pornography by being in possession of child pornography of a minor less than 18 years of age consisting of moving images depicting sexual activities with a child. 

Jeffrey Steele was contacted at in reference to information provided to law enforcement about him potential having child sexual abuse material on a phone in his possession. 

While speaking with Mr. Steele, I was granted consent to look through the iPhone 16 Pro Max which Mr. Steele stated was his and that he only has access to it. Mr. Steele provided me with the passcode to access the phone and helped me locate the photo gallery on the phone. 

In the image/video gallery of the phone, I witnessed several images and videos of a sexual nature with one appearing to depict a child. I selected that video where I witnessed a young female child naked on the floor with what appears to be an adult female with her. 

As the video progressed the adult female depicted in the video began performing sexual acts on the child. 

At this time the video was shut down and Mr. Steele was advised of his Miranda Rights which he stated he understood. Mr. Steele consented to an additional scan of the phone where I witnessed what appeared to be more videos depicting sexual activity with children. Mr. Steele was arrested and transported to the Newton County jail was he was placed in the interview room, and he was once again advised of his Miranda Rights and he signed the associated form acknowledging his rights.

Mr. Steele also completed a consent to search form for the 16 Pro Max I witnessed the video on as well as the iPhone 14, Motorola (model and the Google Pixel which were identified through this investigation as being under his operation and control. 

To confirm the videos were depicting child sexual abuse material, a second Deputy with the Newton County Sheriff's Office viewed the material and advised the material appeared to depict child Page 1 his rights. Mr. Steele also completed a consent to search form for the iPhone sexual abuse which is prohibited from possessing in the state of Missouri. 

The case was investigated by the Newton County Sheriff's Office.

Jill Carter: Tackling the problem of online grooming

(From Sen. Jill Carter, R-Granby)

One in three young people now say their closest confidants are online friends — a statistic that reveals a dangerous vulnerability. Predators are exploiting that trust to groom Missouri’s children for sexual abuse and exploitation, often right in their own homes.

As a Missouri state senator, I established 12 Citizen Advisory Boards with each one specializing in various issues, to help identify urgent issues and develop model legislation in response. 

One issue our Vulnerable Youth Advisory Board is tackling with urgency is the rise of online grooming. We are working in collaboration with law enforcement, prosecutors, juvenile offices, and child advocates to strengthen protections for Missouri’s children — including restoring funding for the Missouri Internet Crimes Against Children (ICAC) Task Force.

Between 2017 and 2022, ICAC reported a 20% increase in online child exploitation cases in Missouri. National surveys show 5.4% of children report being groomed online, 7.2% have been coerced into producing explicit images, and 3.5% have experienced sextortion — where predators use threats to extort more images or money. Rural and urban areas alike are affected.

The human toll behind these numbers is heartbreaking.

At a recent roundtable hosted by our Vulnerable Youth Advisory Board, child advocate Madison Royer shared a chilling story: her 14- and 16-year-old sisters were groomed by their taekwondo instructor.

Over 272 days, he sent them an average of 63 text messages a day — more than 17,000 total — and arranged secret meetings. This was not an isolated incident, but a calculated, prolonged effort to exploit minors under the guise of mentorship.

In another Missouri case, a 16-year-old boy took his own life after falling victim to sextortion. Posing as a teenage girl, online predators coerced him into sharing explicit images, then threatened to expose him unless he paid. Overwhelmed and ashamed, he saw no way out.

Groomers use fake identities on social media, gaming platforms, and messaging apps. They build trust through compliments or shared interests, isolate their victims by encouraging secrecy, and slowly introduce sexual content — often through suggestive messages or pornography. Eventually, they escalate to blackmail.

Missouri must act.

We are looking to successful efforts that will give prosecutors more tools to charge grooming behavior before physical abuse occurs. My team is also working toward hosting a town hall this October to engage the public and rally support for policy changes.

Restoring ICAC funding is essential. The task force supports 14 cybercrime units across Missouri, but demand is outpacing resources. We must also strengthen laws so that grooming itself — not just the final act of abuse — is a chargeable offense.

Parents play a vital role too: monitor devices, set boundaries, and talk with children about online red flags like secrecy, flattery, and inappropriate content.

One in three kids turning to online relationships for connection is not a harmless trend — it’s a call to action. Our kids couldn’t The predators are no longer hiding in shadows; they’re in our homes, on our devices. Let’s unmask them and protect our kids.

Murder charge dismissed against Joplin woman in fentanyl overdose death

The Newton County Prosecuting Attorney's office dismissed second-degree murder charges against Amber Michelle Krohn, 47, Joplin, today, doing what Prosecuting Attorney William Lynch described to KSN as potential issues with evidence. 

Krohn had been charged in connection with the November 4, 2023 fentanyl overdose death of Jessica Reggaro, 36.

The allegations against Krohn were detailed in the probable cause statement.

Information was developed from neighbors that {the victim} was a user of heroin/fentanyl and had visited "Amber's trailer" on the evening of November 4, 2023. The neighbor knew "Amber" and occupants of her trailer to be users of heroin/fentanyl.

The neighbor last had contact with via cell phone text message on November 4, 2023 at approximately 7:15 pm. Results of the blood draw were provided to this Detective from the Newton County Coroner's Office and showed blood contained a lethal amount of Fentanyl along with an amount of Norfentanyl.

Upon review of the contents of cell phone, messages were located between Amber Krohn and {the victim}. These messages indicated {The victim} purchased an amount of fentanyl from Krohn, at Krohn's residence, which was identified as being within Newton County, on November 4, 2023.

At 7:25 pm on November 4, 2023, messages Krohn to tell her she is smoking what she got from her.

Jill Carter backs special session for redistricting to help Trump do "big Republican things"

Sen. Jill Carter, R-Granby, told KZRG's Morning News Watch Tuesday that she wants Gov. Mike Kehoe to call a second special session to go along with President Donald Trump's request to redraw Missouri's Congressional districts to add another Republican seat.

"What was drawn up was a very liberal redistricting map and so what I think we're seeing from D. C. is that we can acknowledge that Trump was elected to do big Republican things and what we see is the threat of not being able to get these big things done in Congress and so I think he's doing exactly what he should be doing, trying to shore up a lot of the policies he's been trying to get passed at the federal level."

Carter, who said she had been in touch with the White House and the governor, noted that Trump won Missouri by 20 points the 2024 election.

Trump has contacted officials in Missouri, Florida, Texas and other states encouraging them to redistrict now and not wait until the next census.

"We want to make sure Trump has the power and the authority" to get his policies approved.

Joplin SWAT arrests Webb City man on felony warrants, recover stolen gun

(From the Joplin Police Department)

On 7-29-2025, around 7:11 pm, Joplin Police Officers were on patrol in the area of 1411 E. Hill Street when they observed a white SUV begin to leave the same address. 

Officers recognized the address to be associated with Christopher J. Dunn, 40, of Webb City, who had active felony warrants for felon in possession of a firearm and felony resisting arrest.

Additionally, Dunn had several active misdemeanor warrants from Webb City. When officers approached the vehicle, they identified a passenger as Toria Harbin, 41, of Joplin. 

During the initial investigation, probable cause was obtained that Harbin was illegally in possession of a firearm that was inside the vehicle. Additionally, evidence was obtained that Dunn had also been a passenger in the vehicle but fled on foot just prior to being contacted by the officers, and barricaded himself inside the residence of 1411 E. Hill Street to avoid arrest. Additional officers were called to the scene to assist. 

While officers were responding to assist, information became known that Dunn could be in possession of additional firearms inside the residence. Officers communicated instructions multiple times that Dunn should come out peacefully and comply with law enforcement. 

When Dunn refused to comply, the Joplin Police Department S.W.A.T. team responded. Once the S.W.A.T. team arrived, they again attempted numerous times to convince to Dunn to comply peacefully. Dunn did not comply and refused to leave the residence. 

At that time, a search warrant was obtained for the residence through the Jasper County Prosecutor’s Office. Dunn was then taken into custody around 10:00 pm without incident. Once Dunn was in custody, a search was completed of the white SUV. A 9mm Glock handgun was located in the vehicle with Harbin’s property. The 9mm Glock handgun which was in Harbin’s possession had been reported stolen on April 28th, 2025, from a burglary at Liberty Pawn in Galena, Kansas. 

Charges were submitted to the Jasper County Prosecuting Attorney’s Office for consideration on Harbin for felon in possession of a firearm and receiving stolen property. Dunn was arrested on two felony no-bond warrants for felon in possession of a firearm and resisting arrest. Dunn was also arrested on four warrants from Webb City which consisted of two public peace warrants, one traffic violation, and a liquor violation. New charges have been submitted on Dunn for resisting arrest from this incident and forwarded to the Jasper County Prosecuting Attorney’s Office for consideration.

Northpark Mall owner buys four regional malls

(From CBL Properties)

(Note: CBL Properties owns Northpark Mall in Joplin.)

CBL Properties (NYSE:CBL) today announced that it has acquired four dominant enclosed regional malls for $178.9 million from Washington Prime Group. The malls include Ashland Town Center in Ashland, KY, Mesa Mall in Grand Junction, CO, Paddock Mall in Ocala, FL, and Southgate Mall in Missoula, MT. This acquisition reinforces CBL’s position as the preeminent owner and manager of successful enclosed malls in dynamic and growing middle markets.

“We are thrilled to add these four dominant enclosed malls to the CBL portfolio,” said Stephen D. Lebovitz, CEO of CBL Properties. “Each property fits perfectly within our existing portfolio. They enhance CBL’s operating metrics, augmenting sales and occupancy and offer both near- and long-term growth opportunities.”

The transaction represents significant progress in the execution of CBL’s portfolio optimization strategy – to redeploy proceeds from non-core asset sales into stable and growing assets that generate immediate accretion to CBL’s portfolio cash yield. In 2024 and year-to-date in 2025, CBL has completed sales of more than $241 million in non-core malls, open-air centers and outparcels. Most recently, CBL closed the $83.1 million sale of The Promenade, a premier power center in D’Iberville, MS, at an attractive single-digit cap rate. Additional open-air center dispositions are planned for the near-term, which will generate attractively priced capital from an undervalued segment of CBL’s portfolio.

Lebovitz added, “This transaction exemplifies our ability to strategically leverage the attractive valuations of our high-quality open-air and outparcel portfolio to fund investments in market-dominant enclosed malls. Each of these newly acquired assets enjoys strong market positioning and both near and long-term growth potential. The acquisition is immediately accretive to CBL’s cash flow per share and FFO, and moderately deleveraging to our balance sheet. Additionally, the scalability of our existing platform allows for seamless integration of the properties into our existing portfolio, further enhancing the financial benefits of the transaction. Growing cash flow through our portfolio optimization strategy remains a top priority as we continue to focus on delivering strong returns to our shareholders.”

Concurrently with the transaction close, CBL completed a modification and extension of its existing $333.0 million non-recourse outparcel and open-air center loan with Beal Bank USA, which was scheduled to initially mature in June 2027, with one, two-year extension option. The loan was modified to include the acquisition properties, increasing the principal balance by $110.0 million to approximately $443.0 million and providing for a seven-year term, comprised of an initial maturity in October 2030, with one, two-year extension option for a final maturity in October 2032. For the initial five-year term, the new interest-only loan will bear a fixed interest rate of 7.70% on a principal balance of approximately $368.0 million and a floating interest rate of SOFR plus 410 basis points on the remaining balance of approximately $75.0 million. The interest rate on the full principal balance will convert to the floating rate after the initial term.

“We are pleased to further our relationship with Beal Bank through this transaction,” said Ben Jaenicke, EVP - CFO of CBL Properties. “This financing strengthens our balance sheet by extending our maturities, reducing interest rate risk, and locking in the attractive returns and cash flow generation from the four-mall acquisition.”

Matt Hart of CSG Investments, Inc. noted, “On behalf of our broader team at Beal Bank USA, we are delighted to have this opportunity to expand and extend our support for CBL and their growing portfolio of market-dominant retail properties.”

Additional information on the transaction is available in the Investor Relations - Presentations section of CBL’s website: CBL Properties - Investor Relations - Reports, Presentations & Webcasts

Joplin woman allegedly attacks former boyfriend with machete, says when she gets of jail, she'll kill him

The Jasper County Prosecuting Attorney's Office charged a Joplin woman with second-degree domestic assault Monday after she allegedly attacked her boyfriend with a machete.

Audrey Renee Efird (DOB 1978) is being held in the Jasper County Detention Center on a $50,000 cash-only bond.

Efird entered a not guilty plea during a video arraignment this morning in Jasper County Circuit Court.

From the probable cause statement:

 On 7/25/2025, I responded to 102 W C Street, Joplin, Mo 64801 in reference to a disturbance with a weapon. Victim 1 stated he has been in a sexual relationship with Audrey Efird in the past

Victim 1 stated he was hanging out with Efird until they got into a disagreement. Efird became upset and struck Victim 1 with a machete.

As Victim 1 was on the front porch, Efird pushed him over the railing Victim 1 had a physical injury of a laceration on his right forearm and wrist area caused by the machete. Victim 1's injury was treated by EMS.

Efird was arrested at 06:24 hours on 07/26/2025.

While at the Joplin City Jail, Efird stated, "I'm going to bond out and kill {him.}"

The case was investigated by the Joplin Police Department.

Dustin Fanning arraignment on multiple felonies scheduled for Wednesday morning

An 8:30 a.m. Wednesday arraignment is scheduled in Jasper County Circuit Court for Dustin Fanning, 46, Joplin, who is charged with domestic assault, unlawful use of a weapon (two counts), burglary, assault and property damage.

Fanning is being held in the Jasper County Detention Center on a $500,000 cash-only bond.

Fanning, allegedly chased his girlfriend with a hatchet, beat a man who tried to help her, smashed windows in a house and threatened to harm everyone in the house, according to the probable cause statement.

Jasper County deputies had to tase Fanning to take him into custody.

Fanning spent 14 years in prison after being convicted of second-degree murder for beating his father to death. After he was paroled in 2022, he violated the terms of the parole and was returned to prison in 2023 but was released the following year.

The Turner Report: Joplin man who killed his father in 2008, arrested for threatening girlfriend with hatchet, assault

Carthage man charged with setting fire at Webb City home with 3 inside, including his girlfriend

A $150,000 cash-only bond has been set for a Carthage man who is charged with first degree arson for allegedly setting a fire at a home at 408 1/2 N. Main, Webb City when three people were at home.

Richard Ray Harper III (DOB 1988) entered a not guilty plea during a video arraignment today in Jasper County Circuit Court. A bond modification hearing has been scheduled for 8:30 a.m. Wednesday.

The allegations against Harper were detailed in the probable cause statement.

Richard R Harper II committed the crimes of assault in the first degree and arson in the first degree, by purposely starting/lighting two fires on a house (408  1/2 N. Main). He started the fires at the front and back door area and was observed by a witness doing this. The house was occupied by three persons.

I, as do the victims, believe this was in an effort to kill or cause serious physical injury to the three victims/persons inside the house (one victim being his girlfriend).

The Jasper County Prosecuting Attorney's office filed the single charge of arson against Harper, despite recommendations by the investigating Webb City Police Department that assault and burglary charges also be filed.

Carthage R-9 School District releases guidelines for electronic devices

(From the Carthage R-9 School District)

Important Update: New Expectations for Student Use of Personal Electronic Devices

A new Missouri law (Senate Bill 68), passed in May 2025, now requires all public schools to adopt clear policies that prohibit the use of personal electronic devices during the school day. This includes cell phones, earbuds, smartwatches, and other devices—during class, passing periods, and lunch.

This law goes into effect at the start of the 2025–2026 school year and is aimed at minimizing distractions, improving student engagement, and supporting a stronger learning environment.

Here’s what families and students need to know:

Students may not use or display cell phones, earbuds, smartwatches, or other personal electronic devices at any time during the school day, including during passing time and lunch. Smartwatches may be worn as a watch, however, should not be used as a communication device.

Exceptions may be made for students with specific medical or educational needs, as documented in an IEP, 504 Plan, or an individual health plan as documented by a physician.

We will put together a list of frequently asked questions as the year progresses and continue to communicate with you.

We understand that this new law is a shift for students and families. We encourage you to talk with your child about the upcoming expectations and why these changes are being made. By working together, we can help students develop healthier and more focused habits around technology.

Eric Burlison: President Trump promised an American comeback- the results speak for themselves

(From Seventh District Congressman Eric Burlison)

President Trump promised an American comeback. Six months later, the results speak for themselves:

Congress passed the largest tax cut in history, boosting take-home pay by up to $13,300 and ending benefits for 1.4 million illegal immigrants.

Border security hit record lows in illegal crossings, with zero parole releases in June compared to nearly 28,000 in June 2024 under Joe Biden.

The economy added 671,000 jobs—100% native-born—and inflation is at historic lows.

Energy independence surged with drilling permits soaring 44% above previous years and gas prices near a 20-year low.

Congress passed President Trump’s historic rescissions package, cutting $9 billion in wasteful spending on leftwing foreign aid and biased media funding.

More than $7.6 trillion in new investments and trade deals with Ukraine, the UK, China, and Indonesia.

More than 100,000 illegal alien criminals arrested, including cartel leaders designated as terrorists.

The Supreme Court blocked activist judges from issuing nationwide injunctions, protecting Congress’s authority and preventing judicial overreach.

Jason Smith: One Big Beautiful Bill delivers on issues our rural communities care most about

(By Eighth District Congressman Jason Smith)

When President Donald Trump took office back in January, the American people finally had a leader in the White House who would help House and Senate Republicans enact our conservative agenda, which President Joe Biden and Democrats were able to block when they had total control of Washington. And on July 4th, President Trump and Republicans delivered historic wins for conservatives with The One Big Beautiful Bill. 

While securing the largest ever tax cut for the working class, the single biggest investment in border security, and largest spending cut in U.S. history were major achievements, there are other numerous policies in this bill that make it one of the most significant pieces of legislation in decades. Whether it’s protecting the unborn, defending the Second Amendment, or making major reforms to welfare programs, I’m incredibly proud that this bill delivers on many of the issues our rural communities care most about.

The One Big Beautiful Bill included the most important victory for the pro-life movement since the Dobbs Supreme Court ruling, which rightfully returned decisions about abortion to state governments. The legislation included language to cut off taxpayer funding for organizations like Planned Parenthood. It also has numerous tax provisions championed by the pro-life movement, whether it’s strengthening adoption tax incentives, making permanent the paid leave tax credit, and increasing and making permanent the Child Tax Credit. As a person of deep faith, I will continue working with President Trump and my colleagues in Congress to protect life.

The right to bear arms is one of our most important freedoms as Americans. That’s why I’m incredibly proud that the One Big Beautiful Bill delivered a historic victory for law-abiding gun owners. The legislation eliminated the $200 National Firearms Act (NFA) tax on suppressors, short-barreled rifles, short-barreled shotguns, and more. This marked the first major reduction of taxes imposed on law-abiding gun owners in decades. It was also the first major repeal of NFA provisions since the law was enacted nearly a hundred years ago. But that’s not all: it opens the NFA to new legal challenges, which are currently underway, that could finally bring an end to the NFA and its restrictions on the Second Amendment.

For decades, the Left has wasted trillions of taxpayer dollars to expand welfare programs, putting vital safety nets like Medicaid and the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP) – also known as food stamps – on a path to bankruptcy and trapping people in a vicious cycle of dependency. Fortunately, The One Big Beautiful Bill included the most significant reforms to welfare programs in U.S. history, like cutting off benefits for illegal immigrants and able-bodied adults who choose not to work. The reforms in this bill won’t just save taxpayer dollars and help more people climb out of poverty, it will also preserve Medicaid and SNAP for the people these programs were originally created for, like single mothers, disabled individuals, and low-income seniors.

Whether it’s protecting the right to life, defending the Second Amendment, or making major reforms to welfare programs, The One Big Beautiful Bill delivers numerous victories for conservatives. While I’m proud of what Republicans and President Trump have accomplished in just six months, our fight to get America back on the right track is far from over.

Missouri GOP repeal of voter-approved laws inspires backlash

By Jason Hancock

Missouri Independent

Republican lawmakers’ decision to overturn a voter-approved expansion of paid sick leave means benefits Missouri workers accrued in recent months will disappear on Aug. 28.

They also placed a question on the 2026 ballot rolling back abortion rights that voters enshrined in the state constitution in November.

It’s not the first time the GOP-dominated legislature overturned voter-approved laws in recent years. But this time, the backlash could have long-lasting consequences.

 

In the short term, proponents of the paid sick leave law are eyeing a new initiative petition to reinstate the benefit in the state constitution, while abortion-rights supporters expect to raise millions to fend off a new ban.

But another coalition hopes to go even further.

Respect Missouri Voters, a bipartisan constellation of organizations, this month submitted 38 versions of a new initiative petition seeking to undermine the legislature’s ability to overturn voter-approved measures.

Most would require 80% of the legislature to agree before a law or constitutional amendment enacted by initiative petition could be revised or repealed. They also would prohibit the legislature from making the initiative and referendum process more difficult.

The group’s PAC reported $200,000 cash on hand on July 1, with another $170,000 in large donations since then. That includes $10,000 from former Republican U.S. Sen. John Danforth.

“This is our one shot,” said Benjamin Singer, CEO of one of the coalition’s members, Show Me Integrity. “If we don’t act now, they’ll succeed in silencing us forever.”

Republicans have taken notice, with some pondering a preemptive strike to change the initiative petition process before any campaign gets off the ground. But others worry it may already be too late and wonder if the GOP overplayed its hand with its recent moves.

“The legislature doesn’t really seem to understand, they’ve kicked the hornet’s nest,” said James Harris, a veteran Republican consultant in Missouri. “We may be about to cross the rubicon… where the legislature loses a lot of its power.”

The showdown is decades in the making.

 

After Missourians approved a constitutional amendment to limit taxes in the 1980s, the Democratic-led legislature tried to make changes to the initiative petition process that were criticized at the time by GOP Gov. John Ashcroft as an attempt to silence voters. He ultimately vetoed the bill.

In 1999, Missouri voters rejected a ballot measure that would have allowed concealed carry of firearms. Despite the defeat, the legislature revisited the issue after Republicans took the majority and ultimately passed a concealed carry bill in 2003.

Voters passed a ballot measure in 2010 called the “Puppy Mill Cruelty and Prevention Act” that specified appropriate living conditions for breeding operations with at least 10 female breeding dogs. It also capped the number of animals that a business could use for breeding at 50.

Soon after, lawmakers passed a bill that peeled back key parts of the new law, including the cap on the number of breeding dogs.

The puppy mill vote inspired advocates to forgo changes to state law and instead put their focus on putting policy changes in the state constitution — making it much harder for lawmakers to make changes because it would require another statewide vote.

In subsequent years, voters approved constitutional amendments legalizing marijuana, expanding Medicaid eligibility, creating a nonpartisan redistricting plan and repealing a ban on abortion.

But the GOP supermajority wasn’t ready to quit without a fight.

Lawmakers refused to fund Medicaid expansion until the Missouri Supreme Court said they had no choice. They pushed through a ballot measure of their own, approved by voters, that repealed the nonpartisan redistricting plan.

Next year, voters will weigh in on an amendment passed by the legislature putting the state’s abortion ban back in place. The paid sick leave expansion was not a constitutional amendment, allowing lawmakers to repeal it without a new statewide vote.



“I don’t understand the legislature’s strategy at all,” said Sean Nicholson, a progressive strategist who has worked on numerous initiative petition campaigns in Missouri. “A very pro-Trump electorate spoke very clearly on abortion rights and paid sick leave in November. And now we head into a midterm, and we’ve seen in Missouri and other states that shenanigans from politicians become part of the story. The legislature has given voters plenty of motivation to double down on what they’ve already said.”

Republicans, who held legislative super majorities as these progressive ballot measures have been approved by voters, have long complained that out-of-state money from anonymous sources have largely fueled these initiative petition campaigns.

They’ve vowed for years to make it harder to change the constitution through the initiative petition process, but the push always fizzled amidst GOP infighting or other legislative priorities.

The threat of an initiative petition that would weaken the legislature’s hand in the process has reignited calls for Republicans to take action quickly. The Missouri Freedom Caucus, a group of right-wing legislators who regularly quarrel with GOP leadership, is calling on Gov. Mike Kehoe to convene a special legislative session to change the initiative petition process.

“Missouri’s Constitution should not be up for sale to the highest left-wing bidder,” the group said in a statement last week. “Without immediate reform, left-wing activists will continue to use this loophole to force their unpopular agenda on Missouri citizens with a mere 51% of the vote.”

Whether Missourians will get another chance to vote on paid sick leave is still up in the air.

Missouri’s law allowed employees to earn one hour of paid sick time for every 30 hours worked, starting May 1. By the time it’s officially repealed, 17 weeks will have elapsed. That means someone working 40 hours a week could have earned 22 hours of paid sick leave.

If workers don’t use their paid sick leave before Aug. 28, there’s no legal guarantee they can do so afterward.

The sick leave expansion was a “job killer,” said Kara Corches, president and CEO of the Missouri Chamber of Commerce and Industry, adding that “one-size-fits-all mandates threaten growth.”

Richard Von Glahn, policy director of Missouri Jobs with Justice, which advocated for the paid sick leave ballot measure, noted 58% of voters approved the proposal. It was also upheld unanimously by the Missouri Supreme Court.

“Now workers may again face the reality of having no paid sick time to take care of their families without losing out on a check,” Von Glahn said shortly after the governor signed the paid sick leave repeal earlier this month. “This move by the Missouri legislature sets a dangerous precedent for democratic processes in our state.”

Probable cause: Sex doll gift leads to assault, standoff with Newton County Special Response Team

A man's joke gift of a sex doll to his brother led to an assault and a standoff with the Newton County Sheriff's Office Special Response Team, according to a probable cause statement filed Sunday in Newton County Circuit Court.

Kyle Brent Henslee (DOB 1987), Neosho, who was charged with third-degree domestic assault and resisting arrest, both felonies, is being held on a $2,500 cash-only bond with a bond reduction hearing scheduled for 1 p.m. August 12.

The allegations against Henslee are detailed in the probable cause statement.

On July 26, 2025, at approximately 2258 hours, I, Officer K. Miller, responded to in reference to a domestic assault with injuries. Upon arrival. I made contact with victim 1, who stated his brother, Kyle Henslee, had struck him multiple times in the face, causing severe injuries to his face. 

I asked Victim l what had occurred that caused bis brother to assault him. Victim 1 stated he was at Burger King in Neosho, Missouri, when his brother picked him up from the restaurant. Victim l stated he had purchased a blow-up sex doll and. gave it to Kyle for his birthday as a joke, and Kyle had taken offense to the gift. 

Victim l stated that an argument began in Kyle's car on their way home when Kyle started striking him on the left side of his face. l observed multiple small lacerations on victim l's face. I observed the left side of victim l's face was badly swollen and a large amount of blood was on his face and clothing. 

After speaking with Victim 1, who also stated that Kyle was inside his home, I made entry with assisting officers into the residence to make contact with Kyle. 

Upon making entry into the victim's residence, I cleared all of the bedrooms while announcing myself and calling out for Kyle. After numerous attempts and not finding Kyle, I again made contact with victim 1, who stated Kyle lives upstairs in the attic. 

Victim 1 stated that the attic was converted into a bedroom. Victim 1 also stated Kyle was armed with 2 pistols and an AR-15 style rifle. 

Sgt. Honeyfield was aware of the situation and contacted the Newton County Sheriff's Office Special Response Team to assist. Officer Estrada was inside the residence, covering l of the 2 entrances, when he called out to us and stated he could hear Kyle upstairs. 

Officer Estrada exited the residence, and l evacuated neighboring houses in case the situation escalated. The Newton County Sheriff's Office Special Response Team arrived on the scene, and  after approximately 3 hours of negotiating and numerous call-outs, Kyle exited the residence peacefully and was taken into custody.

Allegation: Galena man, 23, took 13-year-old girl to Cunningham Park for sex

The Newton County Prosecuting Attorney's office filed child kidnapping and enticement of a child charges Friday against a Galena, Kansas man who allegedly took a 13-year-old girl to Cunningham Park in Joplin for sex March 25.

A warrant was today for the arrest of Chance Tyler Watkins to be held without bond.

From the probable cause statement:

On 03/25/2025 Chance Watkins a 23-year-old male committed the offense of Enticement of a Child and Child Kidnapping in Newton County, Missouri. 

Chance Watkins and victim1, a 13-year old child messaged each other via Snapchat and the two carried on a conversation. The two begin to talk sexual in nature. 

Chance tells victim1 "we have to keep this a secret.

They continue to talk about sending nude photos to each other. Chance told victim1 he could "steal" her.

later said he could "kidnap" her. 

In their messages she provides her address to him where he tells her to give him 10 minutes. 

The following messages are from Chance to victim1. 

"Hmm I don't know if you can handle it" 

"you promise to be a good girl then" "yes really if you be a good girl" 

"hmm what do you think I want" 

"you are really horny aren't you" 

"If I could help I would fix that for you" 

"okay so after dinner on yout knees close your eyes and open up and I'll give you dessert" 

"okay as long as you be a good girl" 

"hmm I can steal you" 

"don't know where you live and sneaking sounds bad" 

"I don't know where you live" 

"nope bad girl, don't say that, what's your address" 

"I can steal you" "do you want me to kidnap you tonight" "oh yeah, we have to keep this a secret remember that" 

"I'm serious about it because I can be screwed over for life" 

Chance went to victim1's residence where he picked her up and took her to what the victim believes was Cunningham Park in Joplin, Missouri. The victim states Chance performed oral sex and on her and then {began to have sexual intercourse but were interrupted by a SnapChat call). 

He took her home and dropped her at the end of the driveway where he picked her up. Victim1's mother stated she was woken up by her older daughter informing her victim1 was missing. They looked for her for a couple of hours before she arrived back home walking down the driveway. Her mother stated she knew victim1 had been sexually active that night because her clothes were on inside out and backwards.

The case was investigated by the Joplin Police Department.

Stella man indicted on federal weapons charges

 The grand jury indictment of a Stella man on two counts of being a felon in possession of a firearm was unsealed today in U. S. District Court for the Western District of Missouri.

According to the indictment, Jeremy Chupp, 47, allegedly illegally possessed a firearm October 24, 2024 and February 3, 2025, both times in Newton County.

Newton County Circuit Court records show Chupp was charged with possession of a controlled substance, unlawful possession of a firearm and receiving stolen property in October and unlawful possession of a firearm, possession of a controlled substance and illegal use of a weapon in February.

Joplin man who killed his father in 2008, arrested for threatening girlfriend with hatchet, assault

(From the Jasper County Sheriff's Office)

On 7-27-2025 at approximately 5:40 PM., Jasper County Deputies were called to a domestic disturbance in the area of State Highway 96 and County Road 260 in Carl Junction, Mo. 

Upon arrival, deputies spoke with several individuals that stated a neighbor came to their residence screaming for help saying her boyfriend was chasing her and threatening her with a hatchet. 

A short time later a male entered the residence where the homeowner attempted to take the weapon away from the male but was beaten on the back of the head by the male. The male then began breaking windows of the residence and making threats to harm everyone in the home. 

Deputies were told the male had run into a nearby wooded area. A perimeter was set up with the assistance of Oronogo Police and Carl Junction Police. The male was located a short time later and had to be tased to be taken into custody. 

The male was identified as Dustin Fanning, 46, of Joplin. Fanning was taken into custody and transported to the Jasper County Detention Center and charges for Assault 2nd, Burglary 1st, Armed Criminal Action, Unlawful Use of a Weapon and Domestic Assault 2nd have been sent to the Prosecuting Attorney’s Office for review. 

Fanning was convicted of killing his 78-year-old father by beating him in the head in 2008. He was sentenced to the Department of Corrections but was released on parole in 2022. 

That parole was revoked in 2023 when he was charged with felony assault, but was released to the community again in 2024. For questions, please contact Chief Deputy Derek Walrod 417-358-8177 ext 1102  

Joplin R-8 Board hires three teachers, releases three from 2025-2026 contracts

During a July 22 closed session, the Joplin R-8 Board of Education released three teachers from their 2025-2026 contracts and hired three teachers.

The board voted unanimously to release Katie Tupper, Alyssa Poteet and Sofia Duke from their contracts.

Certified employees hired were Cyndi Conway, Sara Staples and Timothy Oster.

Classified Hires- Brittany Mauer, Faith Griswold, Lindsay Staples, Laura Deatherage, William Hall, Jentry Harpole, Blake Brown, Lucas Monroe, Samuel Hunter, Lawrence Tappana, Scott Edens, Jason Elgin, Solomona Fetuao, Rosiland Brown, Sierra Shoemaker, Amber Bates, Mary Ann Beason, Amanda Coberley, Joseph Dorsey, Julia Thomas, John Greninger, Michael Ballard, Alysia Obert, Melissa Olsen, Tori Hopkins, Spencer Gibson, Christopher Ramos, Emily Epperson, Tawny Trowbridge, Emma Hendrick, Nataly Rodriguez, Glen Woolsey, Christian Tennant, Jonathon Fartash, Sara Davis, Maziar Fartash, Melissa Donaldson, Joel Hendrickson, Reeda Hickman, Maria Lynn, Kyra Mitchell, Alexis Lipe, Abbie Devore, Heather Pugh, Katelyn Terry, Lillian Hart, Argie Kellogg, Stephanie Morton-Moore, Jace Baxter, Lena Franklin, Marissa Hostetter, Lois Skelton, Pennie Couch, Sarah Fussell

Classified Separations- Addison Clarkson, Tara Autry, Brandi Miller, Theresia Danner, Georgina Bodine, Rick Waldo, Rachel Kuehnast, Sherry Dunlay, Trista Lee

Substitute Hires- Ramona Eldridge, Peggy Holland

Substitute Resignations- Heather Blobaum, Zoie Bradford, Jacob Dermott, Aliyah Golden, Melissa Mails, Olivia Moser, Emma Morrell, Kelsey Miller, RoseMarie Saragusa, Halle Walker, Jordan Heacock, Anna Halverson, Nicole Hibdon, Carlene Kantola, Angel Hughes, Boone Macym, Teresa Murphy, Kathy Bennett, Karla Theilen, Hannah Randleman, Bianka Theard, Barbara Hannah, Kayla Espino, Dante Shackles, Kaleb Foster, Morgan Meyers, Paula Nelson, Andrew Abbott, Stacy Braman, Briley Davis, Ola Saleh, Sally Lee, Shayla Grayson, Rachel Pace, Bentley Matthews, Randy Dority, Heidi Pim, Lorie Phillips, Robert Phillips, Kassandra Messerly, Ruth Bond, Erica Lampe, Sheila McReynolds, Reid Beard, Michael McDaniel

How much money does your school district's superintendent make?

 

How much does your school district's superintendent make? The St. Louis Post-Dispatch updated its public pay portal this week and provided the salaries for the 2024-25 school year.

In the January 15 Turner Report, I posted the superintendent salaries for the 2023-24 school year. The total pay packages for 2024-25 are posted below, followed by the 2023-24 pay packages.

Jasper County

Joplin- Kerry Sachetta $231,959, $215,455

Webb City- Brenten Byrd $190,000, $235,000 (Tony Rossetti)

Carl Junction- Phil Cook 172,107, 180,632

Carthage- Luke Boyer $193,888, $181,600

Avilla- Russ Cruzan $56,750

Sarcoxie- Phil Lewis $138,528

Jasper- Cindy Hansen $105,000

(Note: I didn't include the Jasper, Sarcoxie and Avilla salaries in the previous post.)

Newton County

Neosho- John Davis $178,000, $198,000 (Jim Cummins)

East Newton- Scott Charlton $130,000

Seneca- Brandon Eggleston $162,735

Diamond- Keith White $147,314

(Note: The East Newton, Seneca and Diamond salaries weren't included in the earlier post.)

McDonald County

Eric Findley $181,486

Barton County

Lamar- Benjamin O'Connor $138,450

Golden City- Dennis Kimzey $100,000

Liberal- Ron Mitchell $115,000