Jason Smith: Big Beautiful Bill is winning for our workers

 

(From Eighth District Congressman Jason Smith)

On September 1, 2025, Americans from all walks of life celebrated Labor Day. Between barbecues with friends and family and trips to the swimming pool, American workers this year have a lot to feel good about. With President Trump in the White House and a Congress that is laser focused on delivering for workers, positive results are already starting to arrive just seven months into the new administration.

Before President Trump took office, working families and small businesses were being held back by the policies of the previous administration. 

Job creators and hard-working Americans were told to prepare for the largest tax increase in our nation’s history; the Biden inflation crisis had made it harder for folks to put food on their table, clothes on their backs, and gasoline in their cars; and rising interest rates threatened to lock millions of Americans out of the American Dream of owning a home.

Fast forward seven months, and instead of facing a $1,700 tax increase, working families will now see an additional $600 tax cut on average from The One, Big, Beautiful Bill. Prices at the grocery store and gas pump are lower, giving American workers breathing room after four years of massive inflationary increases. And the President’s trade agenda is putting American workers and farmers on a much more level playing field by fighting back against other countries’ strategic use of both tariff and non-tariff barriers that for too long have put U.S. producers at a competitive disadvantage.

Still, we will not stop trying to make the economy even better for working families. Interest rates are still too high, which makes it difficult for many Americans to afford homes and for businesses to grow and hire. President Trump is taking decisive action to try to fix the problem, moving to replace a Federal Reserve governor who has been accused of fraud. In her place, I am hopeful the American people will get someone on the Federal Reserve dedicated to bringing down sky-high interest rates to help fully unleash our economy.

Another group of workers that still needs our help is our farmers. I spent my time in August back home in southeast and south Central Missouri traveling across the 8th Congressional District to hear about all aspects of our local farm economy. While there are a few bright spots, many of our farmers are struggling and need help. Row crop farmers, in particular, are being hit very hard right now, and while The One, Big, Beautiful Bill will help with an improved reference price, more is going to be needed. 

I said when my colleagues selected me to chair the Ways and Means Committee in the U.S. House of Representatives that I would be focused on working Americans, families, farmers, and small businesses, and that’s what we’ve done. This fall, I look forward to continuing to push forward on an agenda that will make life even better for our workers and ensure the Golden Age of America continues to benefit working families.

Grandparents charged with leaving child in car in 100 degree heat free on bond

A Neosho couple charged with endangering the welfare of a child, a felony, after leaving their grandchild in a car in the Walmart parking lot with the windows up during a time when the temperature was 100 degrees are free after each posted a $2,500 surety bond.

Initially, Billy Joe Powers (DOB 1969) and Staci Deanne Williams (DOB 1974) were held without bond, but Judge Jacob Skouby reduced the bond to $2,500 cash or surety over the objection of the Newton County Prosecuting Attorney's office, according to Newton County Circuit Court online records.

Powers and Williams were arraigned August 19. Their next hearing is scheduled for 1 p.m. Tuesday, September 9.

The Turner Report: Grandparents held without bond, allegedly left child in car with windows up in Neosho Walmart parking lot

Joplin R-8 Board accepts choir teacher's "separation," hires teacher

During a closed session Tuesday, the Joplin R-8 Board of Education accepted the "separation" of middle school choir director Joseph Mitchell and hired one teacher, Melissa Huff, according to the minutes.

The following classified employees' resignations were noted, but did not require board approval:

Sureree Hartgrave, Camile Parkin, Kimberly Lawson, Lana Bibee, Todd Brennfoerder, Kaleb Hartgrave, Sandra Wells, Stephanie Morales, Anita Blount, Evan Miranda

The following employees were hired:

Classified Hires: Edward Reynolds, Sean McClain, Jennifer Mercado, Jennifer Randolph, Shea Smith, Jamie Martin, Janet Banes, Danielle Clark, Jason Elgin, Kyra Mitchell, Venus Spencer, Samuel Spaulding, Bethany Sparlin, Malaki Brisco, Paola Morrill-Aguilar Hannah Mitchell, Judith Moran, Nicole Smith, Kaylee Wilson, Samantha Walker, Alan Shannon, Amy Trombley

Substitute Hires:
Bailee Thetge, Christi Sapp, Kristopher Dishman, Mary Werberger, Christy Taylor

Joplin R-8 facilities, MSSU cafeteria, Moe's Southwest Grill pass Joplin Health Department inspections

 The following facilities passed Joplin Health Department inspections Thursday and Friday:

Cecil Floyd Elementary School, 2201 W. 24th Street

Eastmorland Elementary School, 1131 S. Highview Avenue

MSSU Mayes Cafeteria, 3950 E. Newman Road

Moe's Southwest Grill, 3120 S. Main Street

Commentary: The death of a police officer and the failure of our justice system

(The following column was originally published on the August 29 Turner Report Newsletter.)

If you're a regular reader of the Turner Report, you know that I've frequently posted stories about people who have committed the most horrendous crimes when all by rights they should have already been behind bars.

These are people who are awaiting trial for serious, often violent, crimes, and almost always, have a lengthy criminal record that includes brief sentences, often suspended sentences, for felonies.

This week, I came across another such story, though it did not occur in the area I normally cover. A 31-year-old felon named Dennis Mitchell, who was fleeing from police who were trying to arrest him on multiple felony warrants, drove his car directly at Kasnas City, Kansas police officer Hunter Simoncic, 26, killing him.

The obituary of Hunter Simoncic, a southeast Kansas native, whose uncle Rick Simoncic was a teacher and coach in the Lamar R-1 School District in the '90s, is included in today's Inside Joplin Obituaries section.

If you read it, it won't take long to see why his loss was not only a loss for the KCK Police Department, but for the community. In addition to his public service, Simoncic served as a Big Brother with Big Brothers and Sisters in Kansas City and volunteered every week to read to elementary students.

And now, this public servant, at the beginning of his life, has been taken because of a system that allows felons like Dennis Mitchell to remain free.

 
If our leaders are truly serious about reducing crime, these flaws in our justice system need to be addressed.

Until that day comes, I'll keep writing about them.

Inside Joplin Obituaries: Hunter Simoncic

Kehoe calls special session for redistricting to "put Missouri values first"

(From Gov. Mike Kehoe)

Today, Governor Mike Kehoe announced that he has issued a proclamation to convene the General Assembly for a special session to enact legislation establishing updated congressional districts for the State of Missouri and amending the state’s initiative petition process.

The One Hundred Third General Assembly will convene for the Second Extraordinary Session of the First Regular Session in Jefferson City on Wednesday, September 3, 2025, at 12:00 p.m.

“Today, I am calling on the General Assembly to take action on congressional redistricting and initiative petition reform to ensure our districts and Constitution truly put Missouri values first,” said Governor Kehoe. “This is about clarity for voters and ownership of our future, and I hope the legislature will work together to pass our Missouri First Map and critically needed IP reform.”

To establish updated congressional districts for the State of Missouri, Governor Kehoe unveiled the Missouri First Map, a more compact, contiguous proposed map that was drawn and created by his team in Missouri to be considered by the General Assembly.

Highlights of the Missouri First Map:Splits fewer counties and municipalities than the current map.
Preserves 2 congressional districts as currently drawn.
Retains every current member of Missouri’s congressional delegation in their current districts.

To view images of the map, click here.

“Missourians are more alike than we are different, and our Missouri values, across both sides of the aisle, are closer to each other than those of the extreme Left representation of New York, California, and Illinois,” said Governor Kehoe. “Missouri’s conservative, common-sense values should be truly represented at all levels of government, and the Missouri First Map delivers just that.”

Governor Kehoe’s call also includes enacting legislation to amend the state’s initiative petition process with legislation that does the following:

Bans foreign nationals from contributing to committees for or against a statewide ballot measure.

Establishes a criminal election offense for fraudulently signing or gathering signatures for a statewide ballot measure.

Provides that a statewide ballot measure be passed only if a majority of voters statewide and a majority of voters in each congressional district vote to adopt the proposed measure.

Requires that before a statewide ballot measure is certified for signatures to be gathered, there shall be an opportunity for public comment.

Requires that the full text of a statewide ballot measure be printed and available to voters at all election sites and polling places.

“For far too long, Missouri’s Constitution has been the victim of out-of-state special interests who deceive voters to pass out-of-touch policies,” said Governor Kehoe. “It's time we give voters a chance to protect our Constitution.”

To view Governor Kehoe's video announcement on the special session, click here.

The special session proclamation will be uploaded at this link.

Another Northpark Mall store bites the dust- Claire's to close

The Claire's store at Northpark Mall will be among 290 closing nationwide after the company declared bankruptcy for a second time.

The closings will leave 830 Claire's stores operating.

Claire's sell accessories for teens and offers piercings.

Commentary: Carl Junction mayor impeached- Victim of a woke mob or a political purge?

When Mike Moss returned as Carl Junction mayor after an 8-year absence, he was returning to a different world.

After a two-day impeachment hearing, Moss, who had served 12 years as mayor from 2005 to 2017, was removed as mayor today.

I didn't watch a video of the hearing, but I've read the charges against him and I've read the articles about the hearing and the lead up to it.

He supposedly discriminated against the city administrator Steve Lawver by indicating he was old and asking when he was going to retire.

He supposedly discriminated against the female employees by referring to them as "Steve's Harem."

It wasn't the brightest of comments, but let's face it. Moss says he didn't mean the term in any sexual way but was referring to the city's female employees doing everything Lawver says.

And in another story that caused the council to boot him on a 6-2 vote, Moss "sexually harassed" a female employee who was getting cookies out of her desk, by doing a Cookie Monster imitation, which he apparently continued longer than necessary and made the worker feel "uncomfortable."

Why an impeachment hearing?

When you have a mayor doing such horrible things, why didn't someone contact the Jasper County Prosecuting Attorney? Moss obviously needs to be sent away for 20 years. You can't do a Cookie Monster imitation when a woman has cookies.

On first consideration, I thought after all of these years, I finally understood the meaning of "woke," and I even considered using the word "snowflakes" for the first time, but that isn't what this is about.

From all appearances, this isn't a story of a newly elected renegade mayor who began harassing everyone the minute he was sworn into office.

This sounds more like a concerted effort to remove the mayor by people who were not thrilled about his return to the post he once held.

Those who pushed so eagerly for Mike Moss' removal, seem to be forgetting something.

While they didn't want him as mayor, the voters did.

It's true he wasn't elected by a wide margin, managing to squeak by with less than a majority of the votes in a 5-way race, but he was elected.

It doesn't matter what the voters want, however, as long as city employees are comfortable.

Maybe the next mayor will learn a valuable lesson and leave the Sesame Street imitations at home.

Leggett & Platt completes sale of Aerospace Products Group

(From Leggett & Platt)

Leggett & Platt announced today it successfully completed the sale of its Aerospace Products Group to affiliated funds managed by Tinicum Incorporated.

The transaction is expected to result in after-tax proceeds of approximately $250 million. Proceeds will be used primarily to pay down debt and strengthen the Company's balance sheet and leverage ratio. 

This divestiture was part of the outcome of the strategic business review to identify and focus on businesses that align with the Company's long-term goals.

The Aerospace Products Group is a supplier of complex, highly engineered tube and duct assemblies for use primarily in commercial and military aircraft platforms and space launch vehicles. The business is comprised of seven manufacturing facilities located in the U.S., UK, and France and approximately 700 employees with net trade sales of $190 million in 2024.

Acculevel regional headquarters to locate in Sarcoxie creating 41 jobs

(From the Missouri Department of Economic Development)

Acculevel, Inc., a foundation repair and basement waterproofing company, announced today it is expanding into Missouri with three new regional headquarters across the state, investing $8.7 million and creating 41 new jobs at each location in Kennett, Sarcoxie, and Smithville.

“Acculevel’s decision to establish three facilities in Missouri demonstrates confidence in our state’s ideal business climate,” said Governor Mike Kehoe. “We’re proud that this company is investing and creating good-paying jobs in these communities and look forward to its continued success.”

Acculevel’s new facilities will expand the company’s service footprint across Missouri and the greater Midwest, allowing it to serve additional homeowners in new communities. With local crews, inventory, and dedicated space for fleet staging and training, the company will shorten response times, boost reliability, and increase capacity - all while creating quality skilled-trades jobs and strengthening partnerships with local suppliers and community organizations.

“Our decision to expand into Missouri reflects both confidence in these communities and our commitment to contributing to their future,” said Andy Beery, Founder and CEO of Acculevel. “By creating good-paying jobs, supporting local suppliers, and delivering unmatched foundation repair expertise, we’re investing in the economic strength and stability of the region. We’re proud to be part of Missouri’s growth story.”

“We’re grateful for the trust Acculevel has placed in our state as it establishes these new locations,” said Michelle Hataway, Director of the Department of Economic Development. “DED is excited to support this company as it invests, creates jobs, and helps Missourians prosper in Kennett, Sarcoxie, and Smithville.”

Acculevel selected Missouri for its central location and strong highway network, making it ideal for reaching customers across the Midwest and supporting eastward expansion. The state’s pro-business climate, collaborative local partners, skilled workforce, and welcoming communities provide the right environment to meet regional demand for foundation repair and concrete leveling services while fostering long-term partnerships.

Construction is expected to be finished at the Kennett and Sarcoxie facilities by the end of 2026, with Smithville to follow shortly thereafter.








New jobs added as part of Acculevel’s establishment of its facilities will pay an average wage well above the county averages.

Acculevel will benefit from the Missouri Works program, a tool that helps companies expand and retain workers by providing access to capital through withholdings or tax credits for job creation.

What others are saying

“We are thrilled to welcome Acculevel to Kennett,” said Melissa Combs, Director of Economic Development in Dunklin County. “This investment means more than new jobs - it represents new opportunities for our residents and continued growth for our county.”

“Acculevel’s decision to expand here is a commitment to Sarcoxie’s people and the potential of our region,” said Amy Kauffman, Executive Director of MOKAN Partnership. “These new, high-paying jobs will boost economic growth and deliver meaningful, long-term benefits to our local communities.”

“Smithville is proud to be part of Acculevel’s Missouri expansion,” said Cynthia Wagner, City Administrator of Smithville. “Their investment will have a lasting impact on our community, bringing high-quality jobs and reaffirming that Smithville is a great place to do business and build a future.”

“Acculevel’s decision to establish not just one, but three new regional headquarters in Missouri is a powerful statement about the strength of our state,” said Subash Alias, CEO of Missouri Partnership. “By investing in Kennett, Sarcoxie, and Smithville, Acculevel is bringing opportunity to multiple regions, creating good-paying jobs, and reinforcing Missouri’s reputation as a place where businesses can grow and communities prosper.”

About Acculevel

Family owned since 1996, Acculevel is a basement, crawlspace and foundation improvement contractor that has built its reputation on being honest and transparent with its customers. With the products and prowess to reinforce foundations, recondition crawlspace and basements, prevent flooding and mitigate mold, Acculevel has helped thousands of residential customers enhance their basements, reclaim their crawlspaces, and preserve the value of their homes.

To learn more about Acculevel, visit acculevel.com.

Mark Alford faces questions about Trump Medicaid cuts, GOP priorities in Missouri town hall

By Tyler Kirwan and Emily Skidmore

Columbia Missourian

U.S. Rep. Mark Alford defended actions taken by President Donald Trump at a contentious town hall in Harrisburg on Wednesday night.

More than 100 constituents packed the Lions Club event hall. The small venue — full of shouting and passionate pleas — drew in people from all over the county who voiced their questions and complaints.

Hot topics during the session included Medicaid cuts, Trump’s deployment of the National Guard to Washington, D.C., and complaints about the priorities of the Republican Party.

Alford began the event with a prayer and the Pledge of Allegiance, then opened the floor to questions. Questions continued for more than two hours.

As soon as the microphone opened, over 20 members of the crowd queued up for their chance to speak to the congressman.

The crowd spoke on a variety of issues, including the need for gun reform and their disapproval of Trump’s “Big Beautiful Bill.”

One man who voiced his concern about Medicaid cuts said he was “living proof” of the importance of Medicaid after surviving being on a ventilator in a recent hospitalization.

To concerns about Medicaid cuts, Alford cited legislation proposed by Sen. Josh Hawley, who voted for cuts in Trump’s bill, to invest in rural hospitals and stop future Medicaid cuts.

“I wish I had thought of it,” Alford said, drawing mocking laughter. “We need more money to shore up to our hospitals.”

Alford is a Republican in his second term in Congress, following a long career as a TV news anchor in Kansas City.

Many people pleaded with Alford to address his commitments to Trump, with one attendee saying that Alford wasn’t in the Republican Party but the Trump party.

In response, Alford said, “Trump isn’t a perfect person but has the best interest at heart.” His response was met overwhelmingly with boos and shouts from the audience.

Throughout the meeting, Alford heard complaints from people who said they were unable to make contact with him or his team to voice their concerns.

“We are not doing the job we need to be doing,” Alford said. Throughout the meeting he directed people with questions to reach out to his team for answers.

As some in the audience chanted “liar” at him, Alford replied sarcastically, “If you didn’t want to hear my lies why did you come here tonight?”

One speaker noted that Alford was not visiting Columbia despite stopping in 15 counties this week.

“We are in Boone County, yes, but we are just a few feet away from the county line,” said Mark Haim, director of Mid-Missouri Peaceworks. “Basically we have been denied even though Columbia represents a significant portion of your district in terms of population.”

“We will come to Columbia next year,” Alford said.

Alford experienced a contentious town hall in February when federal workers were experiencing layoffs and got national attention for his comment that “God has a plan” for those affected. He is one of the few Republicans in Congress who has met publicly with constituents.

Two people voiced support for Alford, thanking him for his work.

“I want to say that I am proud of the work you’ve done, especially as a student,” said Brenden Poteet, club president of Mizzou Republicans.

Trump last week endorsed Alford’s reelection on his social media platform Truth Social.

Agenda posted for Joplin City Council informal meeting

JOPLIN CITY COUNCIL INFORMAL MEETING

SEPTEMBER 2, 2025

602 S. Main St.| 5th Floor Council Chambers | Joplin MO 64801
 5:15 P.M.

AGENDA

      

 

1. Online Building Permits Update

Documents:

1. BP Website Update - 9-2-25.pdf

 

2. Tier II Transition Update

Documents:

1. Tier II Transition Update 9.2.25.pd

Missouri judge weighing whether new abortion ban should appear on 2026 ballot

By Anna Spoerre

Missouri Independent

A Cole County judge heard arguments Wednesday over whether a proposed ban on abortion set to go to voters next year should be thrown out or revised over a provision targeting gender-affirming care for minors.

The ACLU of Missouri believes the proposal, which was drafted by state lawmakers, violates the state constitution because it includes multiple subjects. The group also contends the summary that would appear on the ballot is misleading.

If the courts decide to keep the measure on the ballot, plaintiffs are asking that the ballot summary be revised to explicitly state that the measure would ban abortion.

If approved by a simple majority of voters, the abortion ban amendment would repeal a citizen-led reproductive rights amendment that passed last November legalizing abortion in Missouri up until the point of fetal viability and enshrining other reproductive rights in the constitution, including in-vitro fertilization and contraceptives.

The new amendment would reinstate an abortion ban, allowing limited exceptions for medical emergencies, fatal fetal anomolies and for survivors of rape and incest in the first 12 weeks of pregnancy.

The current language written by the Missouri General Assembly makes no mention of the ban it would enact.

Instead, Missourians would be asked if they want to amend the Missouri constitution to: Guarantee access to care for medical emergencies, ectopic pregnancies, and miscarriages;
Ensure women’s safety during abortions;
Ensure parental consent for minors;
Allow abortions for medical emergencies, fetal anomalies, rape, and incest;
Require physicians to provide medically accurate information; and
Protect children from gender transition?

Missouri statute states “petitions for laws shall contain not more than one subject which shall be expressed clearly in the title.”

Chuck Hatfield, an attorney with Stinson LLP representing the plaintiff on Wednesday argued that the inclusion of the gender-affirming health care ban was “ballot candy” meant to win over more voters but is a separate issue from reproductive health care.

 

Recent polling by St. Louis University/YouGov shows that while the majority of polled Missouri voters support access to abortion, the majority also oppose access to gender-affirming health care for minors.

“You can’t say to the people, ‘Here’s a proposal whether the Chiefs should stay in Kansas City and to ban crypto,’” Hatfield said.

Missouri Solicitor General Louis Capozzi, defending the proposed amendment, told Cole County Circuit Judge Daniel Green on Wednesday that gender-affirming procedures can cause the loss of fertility. Therefore, he believes reproductive health care “applies to all people who are thinking about whether to have children.”

Capozzi said the latest proposed amendment “ensures that Missouri children are able to make the choice whether to reproduce when they are adults,” adding that if someone is “unable to reproduce, they can’t access reproductive health care.”

Last year, anti-abortion leaders were unsuccessful in convincing the courts to throw the abortion rights amendment off the ballot by claiming it violated the single subject rule. At the time, an attorney for the Thomas Moore Society argued unsuccessfully that the subject of that amendment, “a person’s fundamental right to reproductive freedom,” encompassed “infinite subjects.”

Hatfield on Wednesday accused the legislature and Missouri Secretary of State Denny Hoskins of misrepresenting what the amendment would do through both the language voters will see on the ballot and the ballot language posted at every polling station around the state next to sample ballots.

Hoskins’ ballot language currently reads: “A ‘no’ vote will not amend the Missouri Constitution to allow abortion in cases of medical emergency, fetal anomaly, rape, or incest, or to protect children from gender transition.”

Under the current law, abortion is legal up until the point of fetal viability in Missouri and gender-affirming health care for minors is banned.

“It’s ridiculous; it’s wrong,” Hatfield said of the ballot language. “The current constitution guarantees those rights and to imply otherwise is wrong, it’s highly argumentative.”

Capozzi argued the legislature was working with a word limit and that it was more important to state what the amendment would do. Summary statements, he said, need not detail specific exceptions.

The proposed amendment also requires any lawsuits related to reproductive health care to be filed in Cole County and gives the Attorney General’s Office the right to intervene in these cases. The plaintiffs in the lawsuit said there is not a legitimate connection to reproductive health care, as “health care is not generally provided in court rooms.”

Hatfield suggested Green “tell the General Assembly to give it another shot in compliance with the constitution.”

Green did not immediately rule on the challenge to the abortion ban amendment. A day earlier, he also heard arguments in a case challenging a new law set to go into effect Thursday that changes the deadlines and procedures for challenging and revising ballot language. Green’s determination in that case could affect how he’s allowed to proceed in regarding the ballot language.

Despite the current law, abortion access remains tenuous in Missouri.

 

Three Planned Parenthood clinics — in Kansas City, Columbia and St. Louis — have resumed procedural abortions on a limited schedule that was briefly interrupted over the summer when the courts overturned and then reinstated a temporary injunction allowing some abortions to resume ahead of a trial slated for January.

But Planned Parenthood and the Missouri Attorney General’s Office are slated to meet in court a handful of times before then.

At a hearing set for Sept. 10 in Kansas City, Planned Parenthood plans to argue in favor of undoing a number of laws they say are currently preventing its clinics from prescribing medication abortion in Missouri.



That same day, down the street, the Western District Court of Appeals is slated to hear the Missouri Attorney General’s Office’s appeal of an injunction that allowed procedural abortions to resume in Missouri in February.

Vaphual Asian Market fails Joplin Health Department reinspection

Vaphual Asian Market LLC, 2207 W. 7th Street, which failed a Joplin Health Department inspection August 20, failed its reinspection today, according to information posted on the department website.

The business had one priority violation for having several open boxes of produce that were covered in gnats stored in front of the reach-in cooler and one core violation have damaged floor tiles that were beginning to separate throughout the establishment.

Those passing inspections today included the following:

Soul's Harbor Food Pantry, 817 S. Main Street

The Alliance of Southwest Missouri Comissary, 1601 S. Wall Avenue

Joplin High School: Main Kitchen, 2104 S. Indiana Avenue

Denny's, 3602 S. Range Line Road

Boba Teaz, 101 N. Range Line Road

La Hacienda Mexican Grill, 825 S. Maiden Lane

Soul's Harbor Kitchen, 915 S. Main Street

Mac's Stop, 1302 S. Schifferdecker Avenue

The Corner, 1318 W. 32nd Street

Raising Cane's Chicken Fingers, 1237 S. Range Line Road

Domestic assault arrest leads to illegal re-entry indictment for Anderson man

 

A domestic assault charge in McDonald County Circuit Court led to the federal grand jury indictment of an Anderson man for illegally reentering the United States.

According to the indictment, which was unsealed today in U. S. District Court for the Western District of Missouri, Eriberto Lopez Morales, 39, not only illegally reentered the United States, but has done so four previous times- on September 17, 2015, October 27, 2015, November 15, 2017 and March 26, 2018.

Morales is being held in the McDonald County Detention Center on a $7,500 surety bond.

According to the probable cause statement on the domestic assault charge, Morales punched his wife in the chest multiple times.

Joplin man indicted on federal meth charge

The indictment of a Joplin man on a federal methamphetamine trafficking charge was unsealed today in U. S. District Court for the Western District of Missouri.

The charge against Christopher Wayne Boone, 42, stems from two traffic stops, according to the probable cause affidavit filed after the initial arrest August 13.

On August 3, the Missouri State Highway Patrol stopped a Ford Escape as part of an ongoing methamphetamine distribution investigation.

The occupants of the vehicle, Boone and Destiny M. Bush, had been stopped in the same vehicle on I-44 near Joplin July 30. Five pounds of methamphetamine were seized.

From the probable cause affidavit:

During a post-Miranda interview on July 30, 2025, Boone admitted making numerous trips to both St. Louis, Missouri and Tulsa, Oklahoma, to resupply with methamphetamine for distribution in the Joplin, Webb City and surrounding Missouri area.

On August 1, 2025, Boone met with investigators to discuss the return of his cellular telephone. During the meeting, Boone voluntarily told investigators that his St. Louis, Missouri source of methamphetamine supply was pressuring him to make a trip to St. Louis over the weekend to resupply with methamphetamine. Investigators instructed Boone not to travel to St. Louis.

Following the August 1, 2025 meeting with Boone, investigators received information from a reliable confidental informant that Boone and Bush were collecting money and would be making an evening trip on Saturday, August 2, 2025, to St. Louis, Missouri, to resupply with methamphetamine.

The confidential informant has been proven reliable by providing information that investigators have been able to corroborate through follow-up investigation. In addition, the confidential informant has previously provided information that has led to the seizure of methamphetamine from Boone.

On August 3, 2025, at approximately 0159 hours, Trooper Blue observed the Ford Escape being followed by MSHP investigators on westbound Interstate 44. At approximately 0200 hours, Trooper Blue initiated a traffic stop on the Escape. The Escape stopped on the north shoulder of westbound Interstate 44 at the 24-mile marker in Jasper County.

The driver, Bush, and passenger, Boone, were removed from the Escape and detained. A free air sniff by a Joplin, Missouri Police Department canine positively detected the odor of a narcotics inside the Escape.

A probable cause search of the Escape resulted in the seizure of five one-gallon sized zip lock bags, each containing approximately one pound of a crystal substance that field tested positive for methamphetamine, an amount in excess of 500 grams. The bags containing the crystal substance were located inside of a Walmart sack on the backseat floorboard.

Nevada man pleads guilty to embezzling $1.5 million

 

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

A Nevada, Mo., man pleaded guilty in federal court today to a fraud scheme in which he embezzled approximately $1.5 million from his employer and to failing to disclose the embezzled funds as income on his federal income tax returns.

Justin R. Marquardt, 55, pleaded guilty before U.S. District Judge Greg Kays to one count of wire fraud and one count of filing a false tax return.

By pleading guilty today, Marquardt admitted that he stole approximately $1.5 million from his employer’s bank accounts and used those funds for his personal benefit. Marquardt held the title of executive director at his company and by virtue of his position, had access to all company finances and financial accounts from 1994 to 2023. 

As part of his scheme, Marquardt, without authorization, transferred funds from his employer’s bank accounts to his personal accounts and wrote himself unauthorized checks from business bank accounts. Marquardt spent most of the money on personal expenses, including travel and gambling online and at casinos. 

To hide his embezzlement, Marquardt omitted these unauthorized transactions from the business’s QuickBooks ledger that he provided to an accountant and tax preparer. Marquardt also recorded false and fraudulent payments as business expenses in the QuickBooks records to conceal his embezzlement.

For tax years 2017 – 2020 and 2023, Marquardt filed United States federal income tax returns on Forms 1040 in which he willfully failed to report his embezzled income.

Under federal statutes, Marquardt is subject to a sentence of up to 20 years in federal prison without parole on the wire fraud count and up to 3 years’ imprisonment on the filing a false tax return count. The maximum statutory sentence is prescribed by Congress and is provided here for informational purposes, as the sentencing of the defendant will be determined by the court based on the advisory sentencing guidelines and other statutory factors. A sentencing hearing will be scheduled after the completion of a presentence investigation by the United States Probation Office.

This case is being prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorney Brent Venneman. It was investigated by the Federal Bureau of Investigation and the Internal Revenue Service, Criminal Investigations.

Carthage R-9 Board hires two teachers, sets tax levy

(From the Carthage R-9 School District)

The Carthage R-9 Board of Education met in the tax rate hearing on Monday, August 18, 2025, 6:00 pm, at the Carthage South Technical Center – Community Room. 

Present were Board members Ms. Niki Cloud, Mr. Ryan Collier, Dr. Mark Westhoff, Ms. Maria Sanchez, and Mr. Patrick Scott. Mrs. Lora Phelps and Mr. Jeff Jones were absent. Ms. Niki Cloud led the Pledge of Allegiance. 

Following a hearing on the district’s proposed tax rate, the Board established the total tax levy for 2025-2026 including Incidental Fund $3.6000 and Debt Service Fund $0.8300 totaling at $4.4300.

***

The Carthage R-9 Board of Education met in regular session on Monday, August 18, 2025, 6:18 pm, at the Carthage South Technical Center – Community Room. Present were Board members Ms. Niki Cloud, Mr. Ryan Collier, Dr. Mark Westhoff, Ms. Maria Sanchez, and Mr. Patrick Scott. Mrs. Lora Phelps and Mr. Jeff Jones were absent. 

The Board approved the Consent Agenda for the purpose of approving the meeting agenda, minutes of previous meeting, payment of bills, and district financial report. 

Ms. Maria Sanchez provided a Carthage R-9 School Foundation update stating the major saver campaigns for the 2025-2026 school year are being worked on. 

Dr. Holley Goodnight, Assistant Superintendent for Business, provided the Board information regarding the request for approval of the facility use priority and fee structure. 

Mr. Bryan Shallenburger, Director of Special Services, provided the Board information regarding the special education compliance plan. 

Dr. Matt Huntley, Assistant Superintendent for Instruction, provided the Board information regarding the 2025-2026 district assessment plan. 

Dr. Goodnight provided the Board information regarding the Missouri State Highway annual bus inspection report. Dr. Goodnight provided the Board information regarding the renewal of the district's cyber insurance. 

Dr. Luke Boyer, Superintendent, provided the Board information regarding the FY25 final budget. Dr. Boyer provided the Board information regarding P2656 and P4506. 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

Spencer Boyd, 5th Grade ELA and Dual Language Teacher, Carthage Intermediate Center. Mr. Boyd has a strong background in education, sales and business. He holds a Bachelor of Arts in Elementary Education from the University of Missouri-Kansas City.

Kyle Copsey, Computer Science/IT Instructor, Carthage Technical Center- Mr. Copley has a strong background in the computer science field. He has obtained two Associate Degrees from Crowder College and Linn State Technical School in Digital Communications Systems and Telecommunications Engineering Technology, respectively.

Support Hire

Kaylee Shephard, special education professional, Columbian Elementary

Shayla Stinson, bus driver

Lenneeaa Gans, kitchen manager, Carthage Intermediate Center

Linda Peterson, special education paraprofessional, Steadley Elementary

Kayla Short, EL paraprofessional, Carthage High School

Ricky Harris, custodian, Carthage High School

Shelly Toft, temporary payroll coordinator, Administration Building

Wren Baxter, cook, Columbian Elementary

Yvonne Verderosa, special education paraprofessional, Early Childhood

Kelli Tandy, bus aide

Substitute Hire

Virginia Bogle

Taylor Kubicek

Brenda Lombard, substitute bus aide

Mary Reasoner

Axl Ramirez

Holly Ogle

Nikki Hensley

Jennifer Starchman

Milca Rebolledo

Certified Transfer

Kimberly Rhea, visually impaired teacher, Carthage Intermediate Center

Megan Ryan, speech language pathologist, Columbian Elementary

Support Modification

Odilia Gonzalez Garza, EL paraprofessional, Carthage High School

Paola Trujillo, EC paraprofessional, Pleasant Valley Elementary

Julie Brown, Tiger Prep paraprofessional, Fairview Elementary

Certified Resignation

Trent Roby, computer science/IT teacher, Carthage Technical Center

Support Resignation

Alyssa Cook, sub cook

Diana Higgins, bus driver

April Lybarger, paraprofessional, Early Childhood Center

Anthony Miller, bus driver

Ashley Woodward, cook, Carthage Intermediate Center

Jake Harris, IT tech part time

Landon Newcomb, IT tech summer intern

Zia Honaker, IT tech summer intern

Joplin man charged with child pornography possession

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

Justin A. Dunagan (DOB 1982) was arrested following a sting operation by a "child predator" group, according to the probable cause statement.

From the probable cause statement:

Dunagan was initially contacted on August 5, 2025, in the evening by an online child predator group (referred to as “RP” for Reporting Party). 

The out of state group, RP, had been communicating with Dunagan via an online messaging app during the month of July 2025. RP’s profile impersonated itself as an eighteen-year-old female, but during conversations with Dunagan, RP stated they were a thirteen-year-old female. 

Dunagan believed he was communicating with a thirteen-year-old female in the chats and sent multiple images of his genitalia to the alleged minor (RP). 

Dunagan did not disclose his address to the minor; therefore, RP did an open-source search of Dunagan’s information to locate a possible address at 721 S. St. Charles Ave, Joplin, Missouri. 

On August 5, 2025, RP contacted Dunagan at his residence in Joplin and requested the Joplin Police Department to respond. Once Joplin Police arrived, RP provided evidence of the messages sent by Dunagan to their profile (Dunagan’s genitalia pictures). 

Dunagan stated he used his cell phone to communicate with RP. Dunagan gave verbal and written consent to Joplin Officers to search his phone for evidence of the crime. 

After a forensic examination of Dunagan’s device, Forensics identified forty-four still images of suspected child pornography material. The images would be described as obscene and sexually explicit conduct involving a minor. The youngest child observed in the images was infant/toddler age. 

During an interview with Dunagan, he stated he used multiple online applications to connect with others. Other unknown users would ask him to “trade videos, pictures, and/or links” of child pornography. He did not distribute the illegal material, but he would download the child pornography sent to him via the applications.

The case was investigated by the Joplin Police Department.

Missouri kindergarten vaccination rates fall below immunity threshold

By Annelise Hanshaw

Missouri Independent

The percentage of kindergarten students in Missouri vaccinated against diseases like measles and whooping cough is dropping each year as more parents turn in non-medical exemptions prior to their child’s first day of school.

Only 90% of Missouri kindergarten students were immunized against measles, mumps and rubella last year, according to the Missouri Department of Health and Senior Services. That’s down from 94.6% five years prior. Some counties have rates nearing 75%.

According to the CDC and World Health Organization, a community needs a vaccination rate of at least 95% to be adequately protected from measles outbreaks.

“We are sweating,” Dr. Laura Morris, a University of Missouri Health Care family medicine physician and liaison to the CDC’s Advisory Committee on Immunization Practices, told The Independent. “There are a couple of diseases that are very infectious that require really high rates of vaccination to provide herd immunity.”

Missouri exceeds the national average of non-medical exemptions. According to the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, 5% of Missouri kindergarteners had non-medical exemptions on file last school year, compared to a nationwide rate of 3.4%.

Mice droppings found during Joplin Health Department inspection at Braum's

Braum's, 2410 S. Range Line Road failed its Joplin Health Department inspection today, according to information posted on the department website.

Five priority violations and four core violations were noted during the inspection.

Priority violations were recorded for the following:

-A chemical spray bottle was being stored on the handwashing sink near the three-compartment sink.

-A chemical sanitizer bucket was being stored on top of the sliding lid of the drop-in freezer in the kitchen area.

-Evidence of mice droppings was observed in hard to reach areas below the dry storage shelves closest to the reach-in cooler, as well as in the electrical panel room.

-Potentially hazardous foods in the walk-in cooler were being cold held above 41 degrees.

Core violations were recorded for the following:

-The handwashing sink next to the three-compartment sink was not properly sealed to the wall.

-The outdoor dumpster used for storing refuse with food inside was uncovered.

-Heavy dust accumulations were observed on the ceiling vent cover above the drop-in freezer ice cream scoop station

-Floor grout below the grilling station was worn and holding grease.

***

Establishments that received passing inspections included the following:

Whataburger, 2014 S. Range Line Road

Thomas Jefferson Independent Day School, 3401 E. Newman Road

Habaneros Mexican Grill, 2526 E. 7th Street

Joplin man pleads not guilty to assaulting man who flipped him off

A Joplin man who is charged with assault after allegedly hitting a man with his car after the man flipped him off pleaded not guilty today in Jasper County Circuit Court.

Gilberto Alejandro (DOB 2006)  was bound over for trial after waiving his preliminary hearing July 24.

The incident that led to the charge against Alejandro occurred May 31 in the 1100 block of Walnut Street and was detailed in the probable cause statement:

Upon arrival, officers located an adult male victim identified as Derek Dailey seated in the roadway, leaning against a vehicle, and surrounded by a large amount of blood. The victim had sustained visible injuries to his head, face, neck, arm, torso, and leg. He appeared disoriented and was unable to articulate what had occurred. The victim was transported to Mercy Hospital in Carthage for medical treatment.

A neighborhood canvas was conducted, and officers located two eyewitnesses. Both Juan Tevalan and Barbara Tevalan stated they observed a black Ford F-150 traveling westbound on Walnut Street when the victim made an obscene hand gesture toward the truck.

The vehicle continued westbound, turned around, and began traveling eastbound—back toward the victim.

The witnesses reported that the truck revved its engine, crossed into the opposite lane, and intentionally swerved toward the victim, striking him.

Detectives conducted a follow-up interview with the victim and documented the following injuries:

• Scrapes and scratches along the left hairline.

• A one-inch laceration below the lip requiring five sutures.

• Road rash and abrasions to the chin and neck.

• Significant abrasions to the left elbow, shoulder, back, and a three-inch area along the left torso.

• A linear abrasion and bruise approximately five inches in length across the left chest.

• Bruising and road rash to the inner left arm.

• Extensive injuries to the right leg, including a five-by-five-inch area of road rash on the thigh, and severe scraping, road rash, and tire tread marks extending from above the knee down the calf.

• The victim was ambulatory but required the use of a cane.

On June 1, 2025, Gilberto Alejandro came in person to the Carthage Police Department to report that he was the driver of the black Ford F-150 that was involved in a hit-and-run the night before.

Officers photographed the truck that had damage and missing pieces consistent with the evidence recovered from the scene.

On June 3, 2025, during a subsequent interview, Gilberto Alejandro admitted to being the driver of the black Ford F 150. He stated that shortly before the incident, he and his juvenile girlfriend were parked in the 1000 block of Grove Street with the windows down when an unknown male approached.

Alejandro said an exchange of words occurred, and during that interaction, he claimed to have seen the grip of a handgun with an extended magazine in the male's waistband. Alejandro stated he dropped off his girlfriend and initially left the area. However, he then chose to return to the neighborhood.

Upon reaching the intersection of Florence and Walnut, Alejandro observed the same male standing in the roadway and waving his arms. Alejandro claimed the male reached toward his waistband, prompting Alejandro to swerve and strike the individual with his vehicle before fleeing the scene to Joplin.

When asked why he failed to report the incident, Alejandro admitted to having smoked marijuana and expressed fear of being charged with DWI.

When confronted with the fact that he had removed himself from the initial situation but then returned to the area and re-engaged, Alejandro invoked his right to legal counsel.

Alejandro's next hearing is 9 a.m. November 3.