NW Arkansas business owners plead guilty to $6.1 million scheme to rip off pandemic relief loan programs

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

A Florida couple, formerly of Northwest Arkansas, pleaded guilty Monday to defrauding Pandemic Relief Loan Programs. U.S. District Judge Timothy L. Brooks presided over the plea hearing, in which Fawaad Welch, age 41, and Julia Youngblood, age 41, both waived indictment and pleaded guilty to a criminal information. Welch pled to wire fraud and Youngblood pled to misprision of a felony related to the scheme.

According to court documents and statements made in court, between May of 2020 through October of 2021, Welch and Youngblood applied for Pandemic Relief Loan Programs through their Arkansas business, Slipstream Creative, LLC, which was a Northwest Arkansas advertising and marketing company located in Fayetteville, Arkansas.







Throughout the applications, Welch provided the lenders with false statements regarding their assets and liabilities and the intended use of funds received through the SBA7(a), Economic Injury Disaster Loan and Main Street Loan Programs. Youngblood them signed those application on behalf of the business. According to the information filed by the Government, after receiving the loan funds, Welch then diverted large parts of the loan proceeds for the personal benefit of the couple. For example, in the applications submitted for these loans, the couple failed to disclose material information such as tax liabilities and the fact that they were receiving loans from the other loan programs. Also, within months of receiving $1.5 million in “working capital” Economic Injury Disaster Loan funds in October 2021, Welch transferred $1.3 million of that loan to the couple’s personal bank account. The couple then purchased a home in Florida using $445,000 of those Government program loan funds.

According to the plea agreement entered into by Welch, after being asked by Generations Bank officials if Welch and Youngblood take salaries and informed that “the Fed restricts changes to your salaries with the [Main Street Loan Program] and doesn’t allow distributions, Welch replied, “Yes sir we do at 10k a month so all is good there. 5k a piece.” After receiving the $3 million in program funds, within a month Welch had transferred $950,000 in Main Street Loan Program funds out of the business and to himself.

In the plea agreements with the Government, the couple agrees that pursuant to this scheme, they should be held accountable for more than $3.5 million but less than $9.0 million in intended loss.

Following the preparation of a presentence investigation report by the U.S. Probation Office, Welch and Youngblood will be scheduled to be sentenced at a later date. Welch faces a maximum penalty of twenty (20) years in prison, and Youngblood faces a maximum penalty of three (3) years in prison. Both individuals will also be assessed a period of supervised release, monetary penalties, and restitution. U.S. District Judge Timothy L. Brooks will determine the couple’s sentence after considering the U.S. Sentencing Guidelines and other statutory factors.

United States Attorney David Clay Fowlkes announced the change of plea hearings.

The Federal Bureau of Investigation, Office of Inspector General for the Board of Governors of the Federal Reserve System and Consumer Financial Protection Bureau, and the Special Inspector General for Pandemic Relief investigated the case.

U. S. Attorney David Clay Fowlkes and Assistant U.S. Attorney Ben Wulff are prosecuting the case for the United States.

The Fraud Section leads the Criminal Division's prosecution of fraud schemes that exploit the Paycheck Protection Program (PPP). Since the inception of the CARES Act, the Fraud Section has prosecuted over 150 defendants in more than 95 criminal cases and has seized over $75 million in cash proceeds derived from fraudulently obtained PPP funds, as well as numerous real estate properties and luxury items purchased with such proceeds. More information can be found at

Justice.gov/OPA/pr/justice-department-takes-action-against-covid-19-fraud.

Related court documents may be found on the Public Access to Electronic Records website at www.pacer.gov

Wings N More fails Joplin Health Department inspection, 21 others pass

Wings N More, 1318 E 7th Street, failed its Joplin Health Department inspection Friday, according to documents posted on the department's website.

Five priority violations were noted.

-A plate of employee food was stored on a shelf above establishment food items in the kitchen. Employee water bottles were stored above establishment food items in the kitchen and dry storage area.

-Raw chicken was stored directly in contact with cardboard on top of the stainless steel prep table in the kitchen

-A food employee was seen handling ready-to-eat food with bare hands

-Raw shell eggs were stored above vegetables in the walk-in cooler

-Containers of crab rangoon, egg rolls, fried chicken and raw chicken were observed being held at room temperature throughout the kitchen.

Six core violations were also observed.

***

Tokyo Japanese Steakhouse, which failed an inspection April 23, passed its reinspection Monday.

***

The following establishments passed their inspections:

Subway, 330 S. Range Line Road

Fastrip Joplin, 5501 E. 32nd Street

Orient Express Delivery, 215 E. 20th Street

Road Ranger Convenience Store, 2101 S. Prigmor Avenue

White Oak Station, 1832 S Maiden Lane

Taco Bell, 1029 S. Range Line Road

Days Inn Breakfast, 3500 S. Range Line Road

Caribou Coffee @ Petro, 4240 State Highway 43

Royal Heights Elementary School, 2100 Rolla Street

Joplin 44 Petro S 43 Highway

Iron Skillete @ Petro, 4240 State Highway 43

Taco Bell/Pizza Hut Express, 4240 State Highway 43

Macadoodles Beer Wine & Spirit, 3105 E. 17th Street

Brewed Two Eleven, 2216 Alabama Avenue

Gringo's, 315 W 26th Street

Walmart Supercenter Bakery/Deli, 2623 W. 7th Street

Jimmy John's, 3030 S. Main Street

Tatsuki Ramen & Sushi, 1901 E 32nd Street Suite 7

Dollar General 807 W. 7th Street

Candy Craze, 101 N Range Line Road

John Hacker turns 60

I can't remember when I first met John Hacker. I know it was more than 30 years ago because at this time in 1995, he was working part-time at the Carthage Press while attending Missouri Southern State University.

He was closing in on 30 when I first hired him and it started a habit I never quite abandoned. During my years at the Press, I hired John three times. 

During that approximately five-year period, he took photos, wrote sports. covered breaking news and government meetings and even spent time as lifestyles editor.

I've always thought one of my strengths as a reporter was my ability to move seamlessly from one type of reporting to another. During my newspaper days, I covered the meetings, did features on baby shows and wrote more than 3,000 sports stories.

Despite that versatility, John had me beat in two areas- he was and is an excellent photographer and even when he writes things that people don't like (in other words, he writes it the way it happened), those people still like him. (I could use some help in that area.)

Since he moved into this area from Harrisonville to attend MSSU, John has been a fixture in local journalism, keeping the Carthage Press alive and informative for years despite GateHouse Media's relentless and eventually successful effort to destroy it.

If I remember right, I'm not the only one who has hired John three times. The Joplin Globe, where John's work remains one of its few saving graces, has also brought him back whenever he was available and there are times when it seems like he's the only one who's writing anything for our area's newspaper of record.

And while it wasn't quite the same as when I was at the Press, 14 years ago, I hired John for a fourth time, at least sort of.

After I decided that a book needed to be written about the May 22, 2011 Joplin Tornado, the first person I called was John Hacker because I knew he would have photos and stories and we could work from there.

For the next year, John not only worked on the original 5:41: Stories from the Joplin Tornado but he also offered in-person coverage of nearly every tornado-related event that happened for the next year during the recovery process. That work, which he did in addition to his work at the Carthage Press, provided much of our follow-up book Spirit of Hope: The Year after the Joplin Tornado and was repurposed in our 10th anniversary edition of 5:41.

John's writing and photos were instrumental in making 5:41 the best-selling book about the Joplin Tornado online for the past 14 years.

Last night, a milestone in John's life was celebrated by his many friends during an event in Carthage. As hard as I find it to believe, since I still think of him as one of the kids who worked for me over the years, John's friends, and as I noted before, they are many, celebrated his 60th birthday. The actual birthday is today.

Even if you don't know John Hacker, you owe him a debt of gratitude for the work he has done to keep community newspapers, a dying breed, alive in this area. John kept the Carthage Press going years after its expected expiration date and he may well be doing the same thing for the Joplin Globe now.

The secret to John's success is basic. He has a reporter's curiosity and he likes people.

And people like him.

Happy 60th birthday, John!

Change of plea hearing set for Carthage man who secretly videotaped 11-year-old in Tarzan Zerbini circus shower

A change of plea hearing is scheduled for 10:30 a.m. May 27 in U. S. District Court in Springfield for Uriah Behl, 40, Carthage, who is charged with sexual exploitation of a child and possession of child pornography.

Behl's crimes were described from the probable cause statement filed in Jasper County Circuit Court following his initial arrest by the Jasper County Sheriff's Office:

On 02-21-2024, I Detective Trenton Greene, conducted data extractions from three electronic devices belonging to Uriah Behl for an ongoing investigation related to invasion of privacy crimes.

While reviewing one of the devices, I found the following:

- 161 still images of young (mostly female) juvenile victims of Child Sexual Abuse Material (CSAM). These juvenile victims were very young in age and appearing to be prepubescent, exposing their genitals in a sexual nature as well as some of the images, the victims were performing sexual acts and getting sexually abused.

The estimated age range is from 4 years of age to 10+ years of age. The images were saved within the “cache” of the phone which means the suspect had visited various websites and viewed the images.

- A video that Uriah took of an 11-year-old female juvenile (VICTIM #1) taking a shower in a private bathroom with her mother, WITNESS #1. VICTIM #1 was fully nude, with her breasts and genitals seen throughout the video. The video is 37 minute and 18 second video in duration and was time stamped on 11-12-2023 @ 2015 hrs.

Uriah had hidden the phone between the wall and carpet of the bathroom and was on video placing it there. Due to the suspect having CSAM on his device, it’s suspected he was using the video for sexual gratification.

Chett Daniel named Crowder College president

(From Crowder College)

Crowder College Board of Trustees voted unanimously to appoint Dr. Chett Daniel the tenth president of Crowder College during the regular Board meeting today after meeting in closed session.

“Normally the Board of Trustees would do a national search,” stated Andy Wood, Board Chair. “We would be looking for an individual first who is a servant leader. After the Board discussed the matter today, we unanimously agreed we already have that person at Crowder College, and that person is Dr. Daniel. He is a true servant leader. 

"He practices servant leadership every day of every week. He is graduate of Crowder College. He knows Crowder College. He is dedicated to the principles of serving in a community college. He was already a leader for Crowder College in advocating for economic development and education for Southwest Missouri and the region. He has a background in education, business, and the military as a former Marine, and he will be a great president of Crowder College.”

Dr. Daniel was named interim president February 1. Daniel began working for the college in 2017 and has served many roles throughout his time. Prior to Crowder College, his career included teaching, working in various stores, logistics and the company’s home office of Walmart. He proudly served in the United States Marine Corps as an infantry machine gunner and combat instructor for nine years.

Daniel began his education by earning his associate degree from Crowder College in 1999 as a first-generation college student. He continued his education earning his bachelor’s degree in education at Missouri Southern State University. He later earned a master’s degree in industrial and organizational psychology from Kansas State University, an educational specialist degree in education administration from Arkansas State University, and his Doctorate from Murray State University focusing his research on economic development for rural areas. 

He is actively engaged in community service serving on the Neosho Area Chamber of Commerce Board, Newton County High Speed Internet Task Force, Southwest Missouri Workforce Investment Board, and St. Louis Federal Reserve’s Community Development Advisory Council.

“Crowder College changed the trajectory of my life when I attended here as a first-generation college student nearly 30 years ago,” stated Dr. Daniel. “I am humbled and honored to have this opportunity to work alongside Crowder faculty and staff to serve the residents and communities of southwest Missouri.”

Dr. Daniel lives in Neosho with his wife, high school sweetheart and Crowder alum, Melissa. Together, they have two adult children who are also Crowder College alumni, Brecia and Cade.

 

Jason Smith: President Trump is delivering a golden age for America

(From Eighth District Congressman Jason Smith)

April 30, 2025, will mark the 100th day of President Donald J. Trump’s new administration, and what an incredible record of accomplishment he and the Republican majority in Congress have already achieved. President Trump said in his Inaugural Address that he would waste no time in ushering in a new Golden Age for America, and on virtually every issue that matters to Missouri’s working families, small businesses, and farmers, the President has delivered, and our Republican Majority is working to make these great policies permanent.

First and foremost, President Trump promised to end the crisis at our Southern Border. On Day One of his administration, he issued numerous executive orders to restore the Remain in Mexico policy and end Catch and Release. He promised the largest deportation operation in American history, and he is seeing it through.

The results speak for themselves: illegal migrant crossings dropped to their lowest level in more than 25 years in February and fell still further in March. To help the President in his fight, I was proud to support the Laken Riley Act – which the president signed into law – that makes it easier to deport illegal immigrants who have committed crimes.

The President promised to fight back against foreign drug cartels and gangs that have been terrorizing our streets and flooding our nation with deadly fentanyl. He accomplished this by having his administration designate eight Latin American drug cartels as “foreign terrorist organizations” and use the Alien Enemies Act – a law passed in 1798 – to speed up deportations of gangs like MS-13 and Tren de Aragua. He negotiated with El Salvador’s government to take back dangerous criminals into their supermax prison, CECOT – which I had the opportunity to visit earlier this month. One criminal being held at CECOT talked openly about the murders he committed while he was in the United States. This is who President Trump is protecting us from.

The President promised he would onshore jobs back into the United States, and so far he has more than delivered on that promise. Over $7 trillion in new investments has flowed onshore since January 20, due in large part to the deregulation agenda the President has pursued. President Trump signed an executive order on Day One requiring that ten regulations be repealed for every one new regulation his administration puts forward. After nearly $1.7 trillion in new costs were added by the Biden Administration, American businesses are finally being encouraged to make things in the United States again.

One thing a lot of Missourians I talk to are grateful for is the President rooting out wokeness and DEI in the federal government. The President has now signed executive orders that end programs that required federal agencies to hire based solely on racial and gender criteria and instead now direct the government to once again hire based on merit. 

We want the best military anywhere in the world, so the President’s executive order ending DEI in the military and ending transgender service ensure our military is not a social experiment, but an exercise in creating the most lethal force anywhere in the world. The President also protected our children from radical gender ideology by preventing federal funding from going to schools that promote gender transition or inappropriate sexual content.

This is a small sampling of what President Trump has done, but it has been so impactful on the lives of Missouri families and small businesses. The President likes to say he doesn’t want to wait to deliver results for the American people. I’m doing everything I can in Washington to support him and will work in Congress to make his agenda permanent by passing one big, beautiful bill into law to advance our nation’s economic prosperity, energy dominance, and national security. Working together, we are truly on the cusp of a Golden Age for America.

Missouri Department of Revenue warns of text scams

(From the Missouri Department of Revenue)

The Missouri Department of Revenue is warning Missourians of ongoing nationwide text scams. The department has received a large increase in calls reporting these phishing texts. 

These texts are often threatening, claiming to be from the Missouri Department of Revenue or Department of Motor Vehicles and may include a warning regarding unpaid traffic violations, outstanding toll charges, or fines owed.

These texts are NOT from the Missouri Department of Revenue and are NOT LEGITIMATE. The department will not send requests for payment or request personal information via text message. If you receive one of these phishing texts, take the following action:

DO NOT CLICK ON ANY LINKS IN THE TEXT
Do not respond to the text
Delete the text

Carthage R-9 Board hires 11 teachers, accepts nine teacher resignations

(From the Carthage R-9 School District)

The Carthage R-9 Board of Education met in regular session on Monday, April 21, 2025, 6:00 pm, at Carthage Sixth Grade Center. Present were Board members Mr. Jeff Jones, Ms. Niki Cloud, Mrs. Lora Phelps, Mr. Ryan Collier, and Ms. Maria Sanchez. Mr. Patrick Scott and Dr. Mark Westhoff were absent. Mr. Jeff Jones led the Pledge of Allegiance. PLTW Science students presented their Shark Tank projects to the board. 

The Board approved the Consent Agenda for the purpose of approving the meeting agenda, minutes of previous meeting, payment of bills, district financial report, and amendments to FY25 budget. 

Matt and Tracy Flanigan’s $200,000 donation provides endowed funds to expand the Bright Futures backpack food program at the high school level, grades 9-12. 

The Board approved the official results of the April 8, 2025, school board of education, operating tax levy, and school bond election as certified by the Jasper County Clerk. Ryan Collier and Niki Cloud were duly elected Carthage R-9 School District board members for three-year terms of office. The Oath of Office was administered to Ryan Collier and Niki Cloud, by Jeff Jones, Board President. 

The Board Officers for 2025-2026 are: President Niki Cloud Vice President Secretary Treasurer Ryan Collier Lora Phelps Mark Westhoff Board members volunteered to serve as delegates and committee representatives and the 2025-2026 Board of Education meeting schedule was approved. 

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

Dr. Brittany Bridges, Carthage Junior High School Principal, and Mrs. Lindsay Mikhail, Carthage Sixth Grade Center, Assistant Principal, presented information on The Tiger Standard to the Board. Mrs. Jana Sawyer, Director of Language Programs, presented the MSIP 6 Standard: Language Services evaluative report to the Board. Mrs. Amy Cristy, Communications Director, Dr. Matt Huntley, Assistant Superintendent for Instruction, and Mr. Don Cox, Title 1 Program Director, presented the MSIP 6 Standard: Community and Parent Involvement evaluative report to the Board. 

Mrs. Crystal Brown, Carthage R-9 Foundation Director, provided a Carthage R-9 Foundation update highlighting scholarship selections have been made and winners will be announced at the senior academic awards night held May 5, 2025 at 6:30pm at Carthage High School. 

Mrs. Becky Chadd, Columbian Elementary Principal, and Mrs. Michelle Hensley, Fairview Elementary Principal, presented information to the Board on the Kindergarten Camp pilot program that will take place at Columbian and Fairview Elementary. 

Dr. Luke Boyer, Superintendent, provided to the Board information regarding revised Policy 5550 for their review and consideration of adoption at the May 19, 2025 board meeting. 

Dr. Gage Tiller, Director, Carthage Technical Center, presented to the Board the proposed nonresident tuition rate at the Carthage Technical Center for the 2025-2026 school year. 

Dr. Holley Goodnight, Assistant Superintendent for Business, presented to the Board change order request #2 for the Carthage Stadium Elevator. Dr. Goodnight presented to the Board change order request #3 for the Carthage Baseball Stadium. Dr. Goodnight and the Board discussed the options of utilizing a construction manager versus a bid approach for the auditorium project. 

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 

Caitlin Barker, 5th Grade Teacher, Carthage Intermediate Center – Ms. Barker is a dedicated educator currently student teaching at the Intermediate Center. She is finishing her Bachelor’s Degree in Elementary Education at Missouri State University after earning academic honors at Crowder College. She has also began pursuing her Master’s Degree in Curriculum and Instruction from Missouri State University. 

Rachel Cortez, SPED Teacher, Carthage High School – Mrs. Cortez is a dedicated Special Education Teacher with four years of experience in both elementary and high school settings. She previously taught at Carthage High School and Granby Elementary and is now eager to return to CHS. Rachel holds a Bachelor of Science in Education from Missouri State University and is certified in Mild/Moderate Cross-Categorical Special Education (K-12), Elementary Education (1-6), and Language Arts (5-9). 

Belinda Vaness, Chemistry Teacher, Carthage High School – Ms. Vaness is an experienced educator with a diverse background in science education and mental health services. She has 13 years of classroom experience teaching science subjects, primarily at the secondary level. Before teaching, she spent a decade as a counselor working with children and families. Ms. Vaness holds a Master of Behavioral Studies in Counseling Psychology and a Bachelor of Science in Biology/Secondary Science Education. 

Anna Halverson, EL Teacher, Carthage High School – Ms. Halverson is an aspiring educator pursuing a Bachelor of Science in Education at Missouri Southern State University, with an expected graduation in May 2025. She is majoring in Elementary Education and obtain a K-12 English Language Learner (ELL) certification. Alongside her studies, she is completing an Interdisciplinary Studies degree at Ozark Christian College while she finishes her student teaching. 

Caitlin DeVillers, Early Childhood Teacher, Pleasant Valley Elementary – Mrs. DeVillers is an experienced educator formerly employed by the district. She has served as the Librarian at Carthage Sixth Grade Center, has taught art and kindergarten at Steadley Elementary, as well as 5th grade in Nevada School District. She holds a BSE in Curriculum and Instruction and an MSE in Instructional Technology with a Library Media emphasis from Pittsburg State University and is certified in multiple teaching areas. 

Christina Plumlee, SPED Teacher (Autism), Columbian Elementary – Ms. Plumlee is an experienced SPED Teacher with many years of experience in Carl Junction schools. She holds a Master of Science in Special Education from Arkansas State University and a Bachelor of Science in Elementary Education - Special Education from Grand Canyon University. 

Kylee Roach, 3rd Grade Teacher, Columbian Elementary – Ms. Roach is an elementary and early childhood educator with a Bachelor of Science in Education from Missouri Southern State University, graduating summa cum laude in December 2024. She has experience as a substitute teacher, teacher assistant, and lead teacher in early childhood education settings. 

Sarah Dunivan McDowell, Music Teacher, Columbian/Sixth Grade Center – Ms. Dunivan McDowell is a dedicated music educator with a Bachelor of Music Education from Pittsburg State University, where she specialized in voice. Since 2021, she has served as a K–2 music teacher at Winfield Scott Elementary in Fort Scott, KS. 

Henry Zimmerman, Music Teacher, Mark Twain/Sixth Grade Center – Mr. Zimmerman is a passionate music educator and accomplished trumpet performer. He holds a Master of Arts in Trumpet Performance from Wichita State University, where he served as a graduate teaching assistant, and a Bachelor of Arts in Music Education from Pittsburg State University. He currently serves as the K–12 music teacher at Northeast Arma USD 246. 

Natalie Bass, Biology Teacher, Carthage High School – Mrs. Bass is a former Neuro ICU registered nurse who transitioned into education and currently works as a substitute teacher at Thomas Jefferson Independent Day School in Joplin, Missouri. She holds a Bachelor of Science in Nursing from MidAmerica Nazarene University, where she graduated cum laude. 

Jessica Dutter, Practical Nursing Instructor, Carthage Technical Center-North – Ms. Dutter is an experienced registered nurse with a background in patient care and case management. She holds a Bachelor of Science in Nursing from Cox College and a Master of Science in Nursing Education from Western Governors University. Jessica has served in various roles, including travel nurse, charge nurse, and RN case manager. 

Support Hire

Raul Gutierrez, Transportation Coordinator Transportation New Hire 

Rena Jaggars, Cook Carthage Intermediate Center New Hire 

Larry Swinehart, Director of Security District New Hire 

Substitute Hire 

Grant Collier, Substitute District New Hire 

Sydnee Dudolski, Substitute District Rehire 

Mary Beth Foreback, Substitute District New Hire 

Certified Transfer 

Seth Davison, SPED Teacher Sixth Grade Center Transfer 

Ariel Quenneville, EL Teacher Carthage Intermediate Center Transfer 

Olivia Moser, 2nd Grade Teacher Steadley Elementary Transfer 

Cheyenne Salazar, 1st Grade Teacher Steadley Elementary Transfer 

Bethany Hughes Kindergarten Teacher Fairview Elementary Transfer 

Taylor Snyder, 1st Grade Teacher Mark Twain Elementary Transfer 

Freddie Hernandez, Computer Science Teacher Sixth Grade Center Transfer 

Regina Guidie, Early Childhood Teacher Pleasant Valley Elementary Transfer 

Certified Modification 

Brenda Brown, AEL Instructor (Evening) Tech Center-North Modification 

Support Transfer 

Yarely Diaz-Mora, Cook Carthage High School Transfer 

Samantha Rusk, Sped Paraprofessional Carthage High School Transfer 

Stasia Fisher, Library/Media Aide Mark Twain Elementary Transfer 

Amanda Smith, Title 1 Instructional Assistant Carthage Sixth Grade Center Transfer 

Substitute Transfer 

Amber Vaughan Substitute Cook District Transfer 

Certified Resignation 

Colton Sprenkle, Music Teacher Columbian Elementary & Sixth Grade Center Resignation 

Bobbi Murrell, AEL Instructor Tech Center South Resignation 

Gladness Wood, EL/ELA Teacher Carthage Junior High School Resignation 

Duke Wagner, Kindergarten Teacher Fairview Elementary Resignation 

Michelle Pfeifer, Biology Teacher Carthage High School Resignation 

Jadyn Gage, Tiger Prep Academy Teacher Fairview Elementary Resignation 

Kristi Pearson, Music Teacher Mark Twain Elementary & Sixth Grade Center Resignation

Tessa Hoefling, 1st Grade Teacher Mark Twain Elementary Resignation 

Jazuri Lopez, French Teacher Carthage High School Resignation 

Support Resignation 

Andrew Albrecht, Bus Driver Transportation Resignation 

James Duffey, Custodian Carthage Junior High School Resignation 

Casey Baldwin, Cook Carthage Junior High School Resignation 

Kayla Cleveland, Cook Carthage Intermediate Center Resignation 

Alex Neuenschwander, Sped Paraprofessional Sixth Grade Center Resignation 

Shawn Oberlechner, Sped Paraprofessional Carthage Junior High School Resignation 

Brianna Burns, Sped Paraprofessional Carthage High School Resignation 

Noel Davison, Sped Paraprofessional Carthage Junior High School Resignation 

Jordan Agan, Bus Driver Transportation Resignation 

Patricia Caulk, Sped Paraprofessional Carthage High School Resignation 

Shelly Blevins, Cook Sixth Grade Center Resignation 

April Hoyt, SLP-Assistant CIC/COL/FV Resignation 

Ellen Henry, Bus Aide Transportation Resignation 

Brener Ocana, Paraprofessional Carthage Junior High School Resignation 

Support Retirement

Holly Ogle, Preschool Paraprofessional Pleasant Valley Elementary Retirement 

Lola Wilhelm, Admin Assistant Steadley Elementary Retirement 

Sonya Lewis, Cook Carthage Junior High School Retirement 

Substitute Resignation 

Jessica Barker, Substitute District Resignation 

Malcolm Robertson, Substitute Driver Transportation Resignation

Remembering Tom Perry (Hank Rotten, Jr.)

In the early days of Channel 16 in Joplin, back when it was KUHI, the station began showing a package of horror movies late Friday night under the name Dimension 16.

I watched it every week, no matter how cheesy the films were.

Some of the movies were the great 1930s horror classics like Dracula and Frankenstein, others were the terrible early science fiction movies of the 1950s.

Eventually, Dimension 16 left the air, though I'm guessing many of you who are reading these words have fond memories of it.

In the early 2000s, Channel 16, which had since gone through its years at KTVJ and became KSNF, tried a Friday night movie format once again with the clever, original title of Friday NIght at the Movies.

Over the years I watched dozens of those Friday night (actually early Saturday morning) movies and while the movies of Dimension 16 remain fresh in my mind, I can tell you without a doubt I don't remember any of the movies I watched on KSN's weekly program.

The movies didn't matter. What mattered was the host of the show Hank Rotten Jr. He wasn't your typical TV host and that was his charm. The program always featured guests talking about area music programs or fundraisers and best of all Hank (that was his professional name, his real name was Tom Perry), asked the questions that normal people like you and I would ask. And despite the late hour, there was no doubt people were tuning in. The program turned out to be one of KSN's best community services for more than 20 years and more than 1,000 movies.

The TV phase of Hank Rotten Jr.'s career lasted 20 years but wasn't even half of the time he was reaching the public. Beginning as a musician and continuing through the years when he was a top disc jockey in the Joplin market and was involved in bringing concerts to the Joplin area, he was always at the forefront of this area's entertainment.

Tom Perry's ability to stay on top for a half century can be attributed to two things- he never changed and he was constantly changing.

The personality that endeared Hank Rotten, Jr., to one generation after another remained constant, but he was always ready to tackle the next adventure.

Even during the final phase of his career- as a KSN television personality, he showed a willingness to try something new. For the last 10 years of his time at KSN, in addition to Friday Night at the Movies, he was a co-host on the morning show. He was different from anyone who had ever been on an area morning show and it was a perfect fit.

When he was on the air, a friend was talking to us.

Hank Rotten, Jr. was a one-of-a-kind talent, the kind we're unlikely to see again.

Remodeling announced for Lamar Walmart

A remodeling is coming for the Lamar Walmart and eight other Missouri stores though company officials were not specific about when it's going to come.

(Note: This this post was initially published, I have received a comment telling me the remodeling in Lamar has been completed.)

 

The store has plans to create new displays, expand departments, fulfill growing number of online customer orders and adding new private screening rooms for Walmart pharmacies.

The other Walmart facilities scheduled for remodeling are in Clinton, Higginsville, Cameron, Butler, Bridgeton, Oak Grove, Kansas City and Richmond. 

Judge denies change of venue for former Carl Junction choir teacher for stalking, child porn cases

If former Carl Junction R-1 choir teacher Craig Smith's case goes to trial, that trial will take place in Jasper County.

Judge David Mouton rejected Craig Smith's motion for a change of venue during a hearing Tuesday in Jasper County Circuit Court. Smith is charged with stalking and possession of child pornography.

The judge's decision came despite a new exhibit entered Tuesday by Smith's attorney, Jonathan Pierce- a copy of a post and comments from the Inside Joplin Facebook page on the Turner Report's post on Smith's motion for a change of venue.

The exhibit showed comments referring to Smith as a "predator" and as someone who gave off "creepy vibes."

Smith's hearing, either for pre-trial motions or for a change of plea is scheduled for 9 a.m. May 12.

Previous posts

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

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

 

Joplin R-8 Board accepts five teacher resignations, hires 16

During a closed session Tuesday, the Joplin R-8 Board accepted five teacher resignations and hired 16 certified personnel.

Classified Separations:
Kaylee Patton, Amber McCartney, Kimberly Sapp, Lisha Hardy

Certified Hires
Katheryn Rohr, Damian Oxendine, Dayana Hernandez, Elexa Brouwer, Megan Dotson, Jaren Hulette, Nicole Peters, Kyle Wolf

Teacher Hires:
Addison Saunders, Dallas Epperson, Callie Weiser, Sara Danner, Chelsea Sheffield, Claire Hurst, Abigail Surbrugg, Mackenzie Cummins

Contracted Resignations Effective at End of School Year:
Bailey Wallace, Marissa Bard, Rebecca Miller, Joshua Mercado, Tarrah Stephens

Classified Hires:
Mackenzie Lyeria, Rhonda Rigsby, Madison Waters, Addison Clarkson

Hire-Stipends:
Jaren Hulette, Brooklyn Luna, Sarah Johnson, Kaylah Maynard, Elizabeth Anderson, Noah Andrews, Donald Archer, Peyton Archer, Braden Baade, Kristen Bagby, Alec Basye, Alexis Basye, Adam Bennett, Kathryn Booher, Robert Booker, Karisa Boyer, Steven Bradfield, Jacquelyn Bradley, William Braun, Deborah Brill, Lisa Bromley, Chandler Brower, Aaron Brown, Monica Brown, Aurora Campbell, Donald Carey, Adrienne Carson, James Cessna, Leslie Coleman, Adam Colin, Benjamin Coltharp, Cyndi Conway, Laurel Cook, Amber Cooney, Eric Cooper, Bradley Cox, Jason Cravens, Jeremiah Danner, Jessica Davison, Jessica Davis, Karen Derrickson, Lindsay Dewelt, Douglas Dicharry, Lucas Dickerson, Joshua Doak, Erica Doennig, Brad Douglas, Abbie Durr, Dora Eastin, Jamarion Eldridge, Susanne Elliott, Elijah Eminger, Sam Erisman, Erica Etuonu, Morgan Faubion, Kerri Fields, Susan Flowers, Linda Foxwell, Joshua Franklin, Stacie Frieze, Michelle Friskey, Jensyn Gardner, Johnathan Gardner, Zachary Gibson, Tarryn Gilbert, Chandler Glasgow, Phillip Gloyer, Aaron Gooch, McCade Gordon, Shelly Greninger, Craig Gullett, Charles Haase, Brian Hancock, Jennifer Hancock, Janel Harding, James Hartzfeld, William Hedrick, Noah Hembree, Jessica Hilton, Abbey Holloway, Jessica Holt, Parker Howard, Curtis Jasper, Tashena Karcher, Natalie Kayser, William Keczkemethy, Aaron Ketcher, Emily Killion, Teresa Lamerson, Regina Langston, Lauren Lant, Michael Lawrence, Alan Linden, Carly Locke, Brandt Loyd, Stephen Lynch, Tara Marty, Julie McCain, Karalee McDonald, Averi McNeal, Hunter Mehrle, Joseph Mitchell, Marissa Mitchell, Linda Moncado, Amanda Moody, Tiffanie Moore Crouch, Brenten Moser, Julie Munn, Scott Murphy, Amber Nathan, Tracy Nelson, Coeta Ogle, Laurie Olson, Megan Olson, Tina Olson, Savanna Parker, Courtey Pearson, Tiffany Pepper, Nicole Peters, Nicholas Pfeifer, Kasey Pliler, Dorotha Polok, Heather Pugh, Levi Reed, Nicholas Reid, Tristan Routledge, Shawna Sampson, Lacey Santillan, Marissa Saulen, Tracy Saunders, Jeremy Schamber, Jessica Sewing, Jon Sherrod, Bethany Shultz, Autumn Shurley, Riley Skaggs, Alex Smith, David Smith, Keisha Smith, Philip Soule, James Spencer, Lara Stamper, Bailey Stiffler, Crystal Stokes-Danner, Jay Stubbs, AlyssaTaylor, Nicole Thorn, Amber Travis, Amanda Trevino, Ashley Trotnic, Don Turnbull, Stacy Turner, Holly Tyson, Heather Van Otterloo, Kylee Vanhorn, Katie Virden, Marguerite Wahpekeche, Jason Weaver, Payton Wells, Dylan Wemer, Lisa Whitaker, Janel White, Tegan Whited, Kelsea Whitten, Desmond Williams, Jody Williams, Lori Wilson, Ashley Witt, Cheri Wright, Breven Yarbro, Hannah Young, Michelle Young, Teri Zanker, Deborah Zellmer

Substitute Hire:
Logan Bowser, Adrian Gonzalez, Kelsey Brake, Adam Robertson, Kyla Daspit, Rosemarie Saragusa, Sabrina Garrison, Katie Spiekermann, Braden Baade, Jennifer Windham, Claire Lowry

Substitute Resignations:
Tessa Neal, Maurice Babcock, Chaney Long, Jacqueline McIntire, R Shane Munn, Hunter Olson, Christi Sapp, Brandy Snelson, Roger Hagan, Halie Whitehill

Summer School Classified Hires:
Addison Clarkson ,Andrea Fields, Ashleigh Mills, Billy Gray ,Bonnie Lohmann, Brian Starchman, Callie Weiser, Cassanda Copher, Cheyenne Radigan, Danissa Holt, Delaney Ballard, Dora Eastin, Gena Brown, Hannah Shepherd, Jenifer Henson, Jermaine Boykin, John Banta, Joy Grant, Kassie Schwarting, Kelsey Stevenson, Ken Mikolalsko, Kiley Siebenaler, Kindra Marlow, Krystal Hicks, Landen Atherton, Laura Resendes, Madalyn Wlson, Rachel Kuehnast, Rebecca Lancour, Roanna Dowell ,Sandra Ruddick-Darr, Sarah Rybczyk, Shannon Caylor, Sheri Harrington, Stefanie Allen, Tabitha Henderson

Summer School Certified Hires:
Abbey Holloway, Chee Harris, James Hartzfeld, Kelsey Harmon, Morgan Sprouls, Stephanie Lynch, Adam Colin, Chelsea Parramore,Jamie Lorimer, Kenny Peters, Nick Pfiefer ,Tashena Karcher, Alan Linden, Christal VanGilder, Jamie Williams, Kim Gilmore, Nick Reid, Taylor Geary, Amanda Pal, Cortney Krolman, Jaylee Todd, Kim Sparks, Nicole Peters, Taylor Tyrrell, Amber Chandler, Courtney Pearson, Jessica Brockman-Herron, Kimmy Lankford, Nicole Thorn, Tina Olson, Amy Scott, Curtis Jasper, Jessica Hilton, Kyle Jones, Omar Trenche, Toby Sissons, Andrew Pommert, Daphne Payne, Jessica Irvin, Kylie Compton, Parker Howard, Tonya Cary, Annie Stover, Darren Morgan, Jody Williams, Laura Campbell, Peyton Archer, Tracy Saunders, Ashley Kerr, Dave Armstrong, Jordan Gossard, Linda Gray, Reagan Fowler, Tylan Harris, Ashley Trotnic, Debi Oaks, Josh Doak, Lindsay Dewelt, Rhiannon Medley, Tyler VanCleave, Ashley Witt, Debra Radigan, Julie McCain, Lisa Terlink, Robert Booker, Victoria Campbell, Audra Sarratt, Dylan Wemer ,Julie Pagan, Madison Reid, Roxcee McCully, Wendee Hughes, Autumn Johnson, Emily Holder, Julie Thongsavanh, Marcia Cannon, Sarah Campbell, Wendy Henady, Bailey Gardner, Erica Doennig, Juneau Lopez, Marissa VanCleave, Sarah Johnson, Wes Brownfield, Bobbie Hoag, Erica Etuonu, Justin Larsen, Mary White, Sarah Long, Whitney Benfield, Brad Cox, Erika Blank, Karen Robertson, Mccade Gordon, Sarah Nangle, Whitney Cummings, Brevan Yarbro, Erin Sigars, Kate McDonald, Melissa Kendall, Shamera Moss, Will Keczkemethy,Brittany Pittman, Heidi Fenske-Hodges, Kathy Rivers, Michael Lawrence, Shandon Reed, Brock Compton, Holly Hasty, Kelly Davis, Misti Ard, Shawna Sampson, Cassie Sofia, Hunter Mehrle, Kelly Harmon, Monica Mccriff, Staci Saunders

James River Church splits from Assemblies of God

The James River Church issued the following media statement regarding its decision to leave the Assemblies of God.

"Recently, the James River Church Board of Trustees reached the decision to discontinue our formal denominational affiliation with the Assemblies of God. 

We are thankful for the Assemblies of God, and we intend to continue partnering with the Assemblies of God in a variety of ways — including our continued support of missionaries and missions efforts to take the Gospel around the world," the church, which reports a weekly attendance of 16,000, said.

"James River Church is not changing its doctrine, and the church remains committed to preaching the Bible and impacting the local community and the world for the cause of Christ."

The decision was announced to the James River congregation at Wednesday services.

Missouri governor drops education board pick after criticism from senator, right-wing groups

By Annelise Hanshaw

Missouri Independent

Missouri Gov. Mike Kehoe withdrew the nomination of Tom Prater to the State Board of Education on Thursday after concerns circulated from a national advocacy group and a state senator.

Prater, a Springfield eye surgeon who donated $21,000 to Kehoe’s political action committee last year, was appointed in an interim capacity following the retirement of 33-year board member Peter Herschend. He was reappointed by Kehoe this year alongside three new board members.

But in the Senate Gubernatorial Appointments Committee hearing Wednesday, his selection was singled out by Republican state Sen. Mike Moon.

Moon, a Republican from Ash Grove, said his constituents had complained about Prater’s appointment. He asked Prater about his role in United Springfield, a committee that has donated to candidates on both sides of the aisle in local elections.

Prater said the group didn’t look at political affiliations but asked questions about “education issues.”

Moon told The Independent on Thursday he spoke to Kehoe about his concerns but didn’t want to talk more about Prater or the reasons his nomination was withdrawn

If the Senate had voted Prater’s nomination down, he would have been banned from serving on the board for life. Instead, the nomination was withdrawn shortly after the Senate convened Thursday and the other education board nominee, Republican Brooks Miller, was confirmed on a voice vote.

A spokeswoman for Kehoe said he was “confident in (Prater’s) qualifications.”

“Given the short amount of time left this legislative session and the obstacles presented during Prater’s confirmation, the governor did not want to ask the Missouri Senate to use valuable floor time on this appointment at the expense of other critical legislation awaiting action,” she said in a statement.

The State Board of Education, by law, can’t be dominated by a political party. Prater was nominated as an independent, with the maximum number of Republicans already in office or appointed.

Prater has a history of donating to both Republican and Democratic candidates, with the majority of his contributions benefiting those on the political right.

These donations came under scrutiny from the American Accountability Foundation, a D.C.-based nonprofit committed to the “American First conservative agenda,” according to its social media.

“If you want a pro-tax, anti-voucher, pro-teacher union voice on the State Board of Education, then Tom Prater is your guy,” the organization’s founder, Thomas Jones, said in an email to state officials Wednesday. “But if you want reform-minded conservatives, you’re going to need a new nominee.”

Jones noted Prater’s donations to ActBlue, which received $250 from Prater last year, and donations to local Democrats often below $1,000.

Jones told The Independent Thursday that any donations to blue candidates are “terrible.”

“He shouldn’t be on the board at all,” he said. “He has donated to a bunch of terrible liberals in your state. He is going to be a toxic influence on the Board of Education.”

Missouri-based groups Freedom Principle MO and MO Education Watch celebrated the withdrawal on social media.

“The people won,” MO Education Watch said on X, formerly Twitter.

Prater did not respond to a request for comment.

Carl Junction R-1 announces administrative changes

(From Carl Junction Schools)

The Carl Junction Board of Education is pleased to announce the hiring of Kyle Williams as Assistant Superintendent for Operations, Keith Robertson as High School Principal, and Catie Cummins as High School Athletic Director and Assistant Principal. They will officially assume their new roles on July 1.

Kyle Williams brings 13 years of dedicated service to the Carl Junction School District. He began his career in education with four years of teaching experience in the Wichita, KS, and Lamar School Districts before joining Carl Junction as a Social Studies teacher. 

In 2014, he transitioned to the role of assistant high school principal and has served as high school principal for the past three years. Throughout his tenure, Kyle has demonstrated exceptional leadership, collaborating closely with district administrators to support student success. His extensive experience in instructional leadership, data-driven decision-making, and program implementation makes him a strong addition to the district's leadership team.

Keith Robertson will return to Carl Junction Schools as the new High School Principal. Keith began his career as an English Language Arts teacher in Carl Junction from 2006 to 2011. He then pursued administrative leadership roles, serving as a high school principal in the Liberal and Cassville School Districts. Currently, the principal of Webb City Middle School, Keith brings valuable insights and a well-rounded perspective gained from his experience across multiple grade spans. His commitment to fostering student achievement and building strong school communities will undoubtedly benefit Carl Junction High School.

Cummins will step into her role following the upcoming retirement of longtime Athletic Director Rich Neria. Coach Neria has served Carl Junction Schools for 28 years as a teacher and coach, and he has led the district’s athletics and activities as Athletic Director since 2018. His dedication and leadership have left a lasting legacy that will continue to impact students, staff, and the community for years to come.

Cummins currently serves as the Junior High Activities Director and a physical education teacher for the Neosho School District. A respected leader and coach, she brings nearly a decade of experience in athletic administration and physical education, along with a strong foundation in student engagement and program development.

Dr. David Pyle, Incoming Superintendent of Carl Junction Schools, expressed his enthusiasm for the new appointments:

“Kyle Williams has been an integral part of our school community, and I am excited to see him take on this district leadership role. His dedication to our students and staff is unwavering, and I look forward to working alongside him to continue enhancing our district's operations. Similarly, we are thrilled to welcome Keith Robertson back to Carl Junction. His deep understanding of our school culture and his leadership experience will be invaluable as we strive to provide the best educational experience for our students. Catie Cummins is a dynamic educator with a strong background in athletics and leadership. I’m excited for the impact her energy and experience will have on our high school athletic and activity programs.”

Kenneth Peters named assistant principal at South Middle School

(From Joplin Schools)

We are pleased to announce the promotion of Kenneth Peters as the next Assistant Principal at South Middle School!

Peters is currently a teacher at South, where he has worked since 2008. He also currently serves as the district’s PE Department Head and has spent time as a long-term administrative substitute at South. He holds a Bachelor of Science degree in Physical Education and Health from Missouri Southern State University and a Master of Education in Secondary Leadership from William Woods University.
South Middle School Principal Jacob Williams noted that the building staff members are excited to welcome Mr. Peters into this new role.

"His strong working knowledge of our staff, students, and building makes him a natural fit for this role,” said Mr. Williams. 

“Kenny has already dedicated countless hours supporting our office and building, and that experience has laid a solid foundation for the impactful work he will continue to do in the future."

“I’ve been blessed to be part of the amazing staff at South Middle School since the day our doors opened,” said Peters. “I’m incredibly excited for the opportunity to help guide and support this wonderful team and student body as they continue their educational journey!”

Tokyo Japanese Steakhouse fails Joplin Health Department inspection

Tokyo Japanese Steakhouse, 411 N. Range Line Road, failed its routine Joplin Health Department inspection, recording three priority violations, according to information posted on the department website.

The priority violations were noted for the following reasons:

-Orange juice in bar reach in is being cold held above 41 degrees

-Cooked noodles, raw chicken and raw beef in the kitchen prep cooler are being cold held above 41 degrees

-Glass cleaner in kitchen stored over Pepsi meat cooler

A core violation was cited for soil accumulations being present on the rice cooker.

***

Zinc Coffee and Food, LLC, 1825 S. Main, which failed an inspection April 16 passed during its revisit today.

Big Apple Travel Centers, 2110 S. Prigmore Avenue, which failed an inspection April 21, passed during its reinspection Wednesday

Wendy's @ Road Ranger, 2101 S. Prigmor Avenue, which failed an inspection April 21, passed during its reinspection Tuesday.

Maverick 5314, which failed its inspection April 11, passed the reinspection Tuesday.

***

Establishments that passed inspections during the past three days include the following:

Dollar General, 807 W. 7th Street

Hungry Monkey Island Style Eats, 905 S. Main

Turtleheads Raw Bar, 4218 S. Main Street

College View State School, 1101 N Goetz Boulevard

CFI Express LLC Kitchen, 4701 E. 32nd Street

Pizza Hut, 1901 S. Range Line Road

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

Pinnacle Station; Doc's Stop 2, 2703 E. 32nd Street

Child abuse charges filed after Carthage couple allegedly starved 1-year-old boy

 

A Carthage woman charged with child abuse and endangering the welfare of a child in connection with the starving of a 1-year-old boy has been released after posting a $7,000 cash bond today.

A 9 a.m. May 28 initial appearance has been scheduled in Jasper County Circuit Court for Emily Elizabeth Katz (DOB 1997).

Jasper County Detention Center online records indicate the child's father, Braxton Michael Blevins (DOB 1998) is still being held in lieu of a $50,000 surety bond or $7,000 cash, the same as Katz' bond.

From Blevins' probable cause statement:

On March 1, 2025, Carthage Police Officers were contacted by Children’s Mercy Hospital regarding a one-year-old male juvenile admitted for severe malnutrition, starvation, recurrent infections, and failure to thrive. 

Medical personnel reported the juvenile had been hospitalized multiple times since birth for similar conditions. 

In each instance, when placed under hospital-supervised care and fed according to the prescribed protocol, the juvenile gained weight and improved. Hospital staff stated this demonstrated the victim’s medical complications were treatable with proper care and nutrition, which Blevins was trained on and said he was providing. 

Despite the Blevins' claims that they were following the feeding plan at home, officers discovered between ten (10) and twenty (20) unused bags of the juvenile’s Total Parenteral Nutrition (TPN) stored in the family’s refrigerator. 

Medical staff advised that the juvenile required one TPN bag per day, delivered weekly. One TPN bag per day makes up 79% of the victim's total daily caloric intake. The presence of excess TPN supplies indicated the juvenile was not receiving the prescribed nutrition. 

Hospital staff confirmed Blevins had completed the required medical training for the juvenile's care and nutrition needs. However, during each hospitalization, Blevins was consistently unable to explain the home care provided or account for the juvenile’s weight loss and deteriorating condition. 

Children’s Mercy SCAN team concluded that, based on the juvenile’s repeated medical issues and evidence of missed feedings, the victim’s condition was a result of Blevins' neglect. The juvenile remains hospitalized under medical care. 

During a subsequent interview with Blevins, he admitted he was aware of the victim's critical medical needs, including daily TPN administration through a central line, and acknowledged missing multiple feedings, particularly during the final month of care, due to marijuana use and falling asleep. 

Blevins confirmed that during the 94 days the juvenile victim was in his custody, the child lost approximately 5.5 pounds, while corresponding medical records show the victim consistently gained weight when hospitalized and cared for by medical staff. Blevins admitted he recognized he could not meet the victim's medical needs, but continued custody due to fear of losing rights to their other child.

From Katz' probable cause statement:

Hospital staff confirmed Katz had completed the required medical training for the juvenile's care and nutrition needs. However, during each hospitalization, Katz was consistently unable to explain the home care provided or account for the juvenile’s deteriorating condition. Children’s Mercy SCAN team concluded that, based on the juvenile’s repeated medical issues and evidence of missed feedings, the victim’s condition was a result of caregiver neglect. The juvenile remains hospitalized under medical care. 

During a subsequent interview, Katz admitted struggling with maintaining cleanliness in the home and acknowledged improper care of her infant son’s central line and GI tube. 

Medical records showed that during three separate periods under Katz’s and Braxton Blevins' care, the victim suffered significant weight loss totaling over 5.5 pounds, despite documented weight gains when hospitalized and placed on the same feeding regimen. 

Katz offered no reasonable explanation for the failures in care and terminated the interview after being advised of the charges.

Carthage couple indicted for attacking ICE officers, being in U. S. illegally

A federal grand jury of an indictment of a Carthage couple who allegedly came to this country illegally from Guatemala was unsealed today in U. S. District Court.

Fausto Edward Paxtor Vicente, 39, was arrested in March on charges of assaulting ICE officers and reentry of a deported alien, the charges that were included in the indictment.

Dominga Oxlaj Vicente, 37, who allegedly became involved in her husband's battle with the officers was indicted for assaulting, resisting and impeding officers and illegal entry and concealment of facts.

An initial appearance for Paxtor Vicente on the indicted charges is scheduled for 10:30 a.m. Tuesday in U. S. District Court in Springfield.

Details from the allegations were included in the probable cause affidavit filed against Paxtor Vicente in March.

Paxtor Vicente had been removed to Guatemala by ICE Air November 25, 2016, according to the probable cause statement filed today in U. S. District Court for the Western District of Missouri.

After hearing that he was in Carthage, the deportation officer drove by his home at 415 Poplar and saw him sitting in the driver's seat of a vehicle parked in the driveway. The officer parked his vehicle down the street and called the Carthage Police Department for backup.

A short time later, Paxtor Vicente pulled out of the driveway and began driving down the street. {He} noticed {the officer} and began to accelerate his vehicle. {The officer} activated his emergency lights and attempted to pull over Vicente. Vicente turned into an alley, put his vehicle in park, exited his vehicle and began running down the alley on foot.

{The officer} pursued Paxtor Vicente on foot for approximately one-half of a mile in the direction of Vicente's residence. During the pursuit, {the officer{ repeatedly yelled, "ICE Police." {The officer was also wearing a black vest with "Police" displayed on the front and back.

As they approached Paxtor Vicente's residence, {the officer} went one way around the house and Paxtor Vicente went the other. {The officer} observed Paxtor Vicente attempt to pick up an unknown object, later identified as a wood splitting maul, from the porch.
{The officer} deployed his agency issued TASER and hit Vicente with three probes. Due to Paxtor Vicente's level of resistance, {the officer} grabbed {him} and took him to the ground.

Paxtor Vicente began to fight with {the officer. During the struggle, Paxtor Vicente's wife, Dominga Oxlaj Vicente, a citizen and national of Guatemala, came outside and jumped on {the officer's_ back and began hitting him and trying to pull him away from Paxtor Vicente.

{The officer} was eventually able to handcuff Paxtor Vicente on the front of his body. While {the officer} escorted Paxtor Vicente to his GOV, Oxlaj Vicente continued to pull on {the officer} in an effort to free Paxtor Vicente.