Agenda posted for Carthage R-9 Board of Education meeting

 

Mark Alford: Senate must pass SAVE America Act

(From Fourth District Congressman Mark Alford)

Valentine’s Day is usually about showing love and appreciation for the people who matter most. This year, it would be pretty sweet if Democrats showed just a little more love for the American people…and a lot less political theater.

This week, House Republicans passed the SAVE America Act, a commonsense bill designed to strengthen confidence in our elections and protect the integrity of every legal vote. Now the Senate must act swiftly and send it to President Trump’s desk.

Let me ask two straightforward questions:

Do you trust our elections? And do you believe only American citizens should vote in American elections?

Across Missouri’s Fourth District, I hear the same answer again and again: absolutely.

The SAVE America Act reflects that simple, reasonable expectation.

The bill requires proof of citizenship to register for federal elections, establishes clear photo identification standards for voting, and improves coordination between state and federal officials to help keep voter rolls accurate. This is not radical. It is not complicated. It is basic accountability. When Americans trust the process, our democracy is stronger. When they don’t, confidence erodes, and division grows.
Unfortunately, instead of working toward solutions that restore public trust, the Left chose to vote no and then claim the sky is falling. It would be refreshing, and yes in light of Valentine's Day, sweet, to see Washington Democrats spend less time grandstanding for headlines and more time standing up for the citizens they were elected to serve.

Here in Missouri, we already require identification to vote, and our elections remain both secure and accessible. This bill simply applies that same commonsense standard nationwide. The argument that asking for proof of citizenship is somehow unreasonable just doesn’t hold up. If you can get a ride to the polls, you can get a ride to obtain a photo ID. Millions of Americans do it every year without issue.

The Senate now faces a clear choice: act decisively to strengthen trust in our elections, or continue the cycle of delay and political posturing. So, as we celebrate what we love most, let’s also remember the responsibility we share to protect our republic. I proudly voted yes on the SAVE America Act because your vote deserves security, clarity, and respect!

Woman sues Joplin Olive Garden after suffering injury slipping on freshly mopped floor

A woman who says she was injured after slipping on a freshly mopped floor at Olive Garden, 3031 Hammons Boulevard, Joplin, filed a lawsuit against the business owner today in Jasper County Circuit Court.

The plaintiff is Carol McCormick, a Newton County resident. The defendant is FCPT Restaurant Properties dba Olive Garden.

The accident occurred July 2, 2022, according to the petition.

On or about July 2, 2022, Plaintiff {Carol} McCormick entered the Olive Garden restaurant store located at 3031 Hammons Blvd, in Joplin, Missouri, as a business invitee. On said date, an employee of Defendant Olive Garden mopped the tile floor of the lobby for the restaurant, leaving excessive amounts of water on the floor.

As a result of the water left on the tile floor, the floor was slippery and not reasonably safe.

The wet floor of the lobby constituted a dangerous condition that Defendant Olive Garden knew about because an employee created the condition or could have known about because it had existed for a sufficient length of time as to be discovered by reasonable inspection.

Defendant Olive Garden did not warn about the dangerous condition presented by the wet, slippery floor.

Defendant Olive Garden did not barricade the dangerous condition.

Defendant Olive Garden did not remedy the dangerous condition by drying it.

As Plaintiff McCormick was walking across the tile floor of the lobby she slipped on the wet, slippery floor, fell to the ground, and suffered injury.

According to the petition, McCormick suffered "bodily injury, pain, and suffering to her left leg, left knee, left arm, left elbow, left shoulder, right shoulder, right hand, back, neck, and left hip. Plaintiff, Carol McCormick, has incurred and will continue to incur a substantial sum for medical care and treatment. Plaintiff McCormick was caused to have and continues to have pain, suffering, and damage as stated above, loss of enjoyment and quality of life, and inconvenience.

McCormick, who is represented by Patrick Martucci of the Joplin firm of Johnson, Vorhees and Martucci, is seeking "compensatory damages "and costs.

Carthage man ordered held without bond on multiple weapons charges

Trenton David Fickle, 23, Carthage, will be held without bond while awaiting trial on multiple weapons charges. Judge David P. Rush issued the order during a detention hearing today in U. S. District Court in Springfield.

From the order:

The evidence at the detention hearing established that the weight of the evidence against defendant is strong.

Regarding the potential danger to the community, the Court notes the nature and circumstances of the instant offenses, defendant’s substance abuse history, mental health history, history of assault, and safety concerns for the community.

Based on all the foregoing, the Court finds by clear and convincing evidence that no condition or combination of conditions will reasonably assure the safety of any other person and the community.

IT IS THEREFORE ORDERED that the defendant be and is hereby detained without bail.

Fickle was indicted January 29 on four counts of illegally transporting firearms, three counts of making false statements to licensed gun dealers when buying guns and a single count of making a false statement to a licensed gun dealer while attempting to buy a gun.

Previous posts

Court document: Guns trafficked by Carthage man, girlfriend linked to murder suspect, fentanyl trafficking, gang war

Grand jury indicts Carthage man on eight gun charges

Sentencing date set for Stella man on federal weapons charge

A 1:30 p.m. April 9 sentencing hearing is scheduled in U. S. District Court in Springfield for Jeremy Chupp, 47, Stella, who pleaded guilty November 7 to two counts of being a felon in possession of a firearm.
A pre-sentence investigation was ordered. No date has been set for sentencing. 

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

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

Chupp was convicted in 2017 in Newton County Circuit Court for felony possession of methamphetamine.

U. S. Postal Service seeking new location for Lamar Post Office

 

(From United States Postal Service)

The U.S. Postal Service will send out a postcard for the Lamar Post Office located at 131 W 11th St., Lamar MO 64759 from USPS Real Estate Specialist Greg Shelton

Due to space deficiencies within the building in Lamar MO, the Postal Service is now looking for a new potential relocation of retail service to a yet-to-be-determined location within three miles of the 131 W 11th St. location. 

The Postal Service will be considering the following options: 

a) relocate retail to an existing building that is about 1,550 SF with 13+ parking and keep carrier in the current building, 

b) relocate carriers into a 4,700 SF facility with 17+ parking and keep retail in the current facility or 

(c)purchase land of about 65,000 SF to build a new postal owned facility and potential sell the current Post Office. 

All properties must be out of the 100-year flood plain.

The relocation project will consist of procuring a suitable substitute location, as close as reasonably possible to the existing location. Retail Services will continue at the current location until all necessary preparations are completed at the new location.

We are inviting you to send your comments on the proposal to the following address within the next 30 days to: United States Postal Service, Attn Lamar MO Relocation, PO BOX 27497, Greensboro, NC 27498-1103.

The Postal Service receives no tax dollars for operating expenses and relies on the sale of postage, products and services to fund its operations.

Webb City R-7 Board accepts teacher retirement, resignation, hires five

The Webb City R-7 Board of Education accepted one teacher retirement and one resignation and hired five certified employees Tuesday night.

Glen Welch, a high school special education teacher retired and fifth grade teacher Peyton Rogers resigned.

The teachers who were hired were:

Amanda Boberg, high school counselor

Gavin Phillips, high school choir and show choir director

Paige Blann, high school math

Patrick Bromley, aquatics director

Megan Wilson, middle school music

The board also hired Amanda Eggleston, currently Webster Primary Center principal, as Webb City High School principal replacing Jeff Wilkie who is retiring.

Previous post- Amanda Eggleston named Webb City High School principal

Partisan clash erupts in Missouri Senate education hearing on transgender students

By Annelise Hanshaw

Missouri Independent

What began as a public hearing on a parental rights bill quickly went off the rails on Tuesday as the Missouri Senate Education Committee veered into talk of furries and allegations of homophobia.

The rancor reached its peak after the GOP chair of the committee initiated a discussion of “a trend of furries” in public schools, sparking Democratic state Sen. Maggie Nurrenbern of Kansas City to slam the committee’s priorities as “a joke.”

(Photo- State Sen. Rick Brattin, a Harrisonville Republican, leads the Senate Education Committee in a divisive public hearing Tuesday. Democrats on the committee complained that Brattin was choosing “nonsensical” bills instead of advancing education through the committee’s hearings- Annelise Hanshaw/Missouri Independent)

“We have nearly a million kids in Missouri schools, and I would love just to spend one hearing talking about the issues that are really impacting kids,” Nurrenbern said. 

State Sen. Rick Brattin, a Harrisonville Republican who chairs the committee, flashed a brief smile, responding: “When you become the chair, we will do whatever you want.”

The exchange, unfolding during a contentious hearing Tuesday on legislation prohibiting teachers from identifying transgender students using their preferred names and pronouns, laid bare the frustration of Senate Democrats who argue the committee has become consumed by ideological flashpoints while largely ignoring the structural challenges facing Missouri’s public schools.

“We are fed up,” Nurrenbern told The Independent. “It is hearing after hearing of wasting our time on nonsensical issues, and we want to talk about education.”

Brattin determines which bills receive hearings. And in the opening weeks of the legislative session, the committee has debated giving parents power to sue districts, diversity requirements for a board overseeing high school sports, anti-abortion curriculum for school sex ed classes and use of preferred pronouns for transgender students.

In his second year chairing the education committee, Brattin has not kept his views on public education a secret. In a video shared on social media last year, he criticized “woke indoctrination” in public schools as he advanced a bill that sought to ban critical race theory out of committee.

“It is one thing to get an education, or in many places a lack thereof,” he said in the video. “But getting an education that falls in line with the value system that me as a parent find near and dear is also a critical component of education. So these are things we are trying to move forward.”

His priorities, while decried by the committee’s Democrats, align with the Missouri Republican Party platform, which emphasizes parents’ role directing their children’s education and alleges that some schools attempt to “socially engineer” students.

In contrast to the Senate, the House Elementary and Secondary Education Committee spent the first month of the session debating legislation on teacher certification and gifted education. The House panel began the year with an informational hearing on licensure.

Mike Harris, lobbyist with the Missouri State Teachers Association, said the House committee was “a breath of fresh air” Wednesday during a public hearing over a bill that would reduce repetitive teacher training requirements. He thanked the committee’s chairman “for continuing to focus on issues like teacher recruitment and retention and those pieces of legislation that really impacts student achievement.”

Half of the House committee’s 22 members have direct classroom or school board experience, including the chairman. In the Senate committee, just two of seven members have that kind of experience.

Nurrenbern, a former teacher who served on the House Education Committee before being elected to the Senate in 2024, said the difference between the two chambers is stark.

“While we did have some divisive topics in front of us, we still talked about issues actually impacting education in classrooms,” she said. “And we have yet to do that this year in the Senate Education Committee.”

Brattin, whose office declined an interview request, responded to Democratic critics of the committee’s focus by pointing to passage of the open enrollment bill on Tuesday. Nurrenbern voted no, which Brattin slammed as a vote against allowing students “to get out of failing school districts and get to a school where they could learn.”

Nurrenbern didn’t like how the committee handled that bill, but it was Tuesday’s public hearing — on legislation that would prohibit transgender students from socially transitioning at school — that brought her to her tipping point.

The bill would bar teachers from using students’ preferred names or pronouns and would require schools to fire educators and revoke their licenses if they fail to comply. If a student mentions being transgender, the school would be required to report the conversation to their parents.

The bill’s sponsor state Sen. Joe Nicola, a Republican from Independence, said the legislation is necessary to bar schools from secretly facilitating a students’ social transition.

Opponents called the hearing a distraction from the real work of educating children.

“We are wasting our time yet again targeting children across the state of Missouri,” said Maggie Olivia of Abortion Action Missouri, calling the proceeding “a sham of a hearing.”

Just a week earlier, the committee heard a bill mandating that schools teach human growth and development by the end of third grade using an anti-abortion framework.

That hearing frequently devolved into moral debates over abortion, including Brattin pressing witnesses on whether a fetus should be considered a baby.

Tuesday’s hearing followed a similar path.

As testimony grew heated, committee members sparred with witnesses and each other.

State Sen. Stephen Webber, a Columbia Democrat, challenged an activist opposing transgender rights on broader issues such as gay marriage and nondiscrimination protections, asking whether Republicans’ opposition to those policies amounted to homophobia.

“Do you always question people without good faith?” the witness replied.

Webber accused another witness of wasting the committee’s time.

“This is the most egregious thing I’ve ever seen,” Webber said, though not into the microphone.

“You are the one being disrespectful to the witnesses and calling members of this committee homophobic in your questioning,” Brattin said. “So you’re the one going down this road. You’re the one being disrespectful.”

Nurrenbern said the committee has become “an absolute spectacle.”

West Plains resident Stevie Miller, a former educator, abandoned his prepared remarks as he addressed the committee.

“What are we doing here?” he said. “I had a whole bunch of things to say, but watching this display — what is this? You guys are supposed to be in charge of making laws. And whenever we come up here, you just disregard what you’re actually supposed to be doing in order to attack vulnerable communities.”

The focus on punitive legislation aimed at educators carries real consequences, Otto Fajen, legislative director for the Missouri National Education Association, told senators.

“When you continue to have bills like this before the Senate Education Committee, doing the things you’re trying to do in this fashion, it does get noticed,” he said. “It affects whether people hang on in the profession, and it is another thing that affects whether people choose to go into educator prep programs.”

Missouri Association of Prosecuting Attorneys names Jill Carter 2025 Legislative Champion

(From Sen. Jill Carter, R-Granby)

State Sen. Jill Carter, R-Granby, has been named a 2025 Legislative Champion by the Missouri Association of Prosecuting Attorneys (MAPA) for her leadership and pivotal role in advancing Senate Bill 43, one of MAPA’s top priority bills during the 2025 legislative session.

Senate Bill 43, which was signed into law by the governor last year, strengthens protections for children and other vulnerable people. It increases their rights in legal proceedings, toughens criminal penalties to combat sexual abuse and human trafficking in Missouri, and expands tax credits to encourage more donations to organizations that support children and youth. 

“It is a profound honor to be named a 2025 Legislative Champion,” said Sen. Carter. “Advancing protections for children and other at-risk individuals is not just policy, it is a moral responsibility. I am grateful to MAPA for this recognition and remain committed to protecting our most vulnerable citizens.”

This week, MAPA members honored Sen. Carter at the Association’s Annual Legislative Conference, which convenes prosecutors from across Missouri alongside members of the General Assembly to discuss public safety priorities and challenges facing the state’s justice system. Senator Carter will be commemorated on MAPA’s Legislative Champions plaque, which is prominently displayed at the Association’s Jefferson City offices.

“Senate Bill 43 reflects her commitment to protecting children and victims while ensuring prosecutors have clear, workable laws to hold offenders accountable,” said Tim Garrison, executive director of the Missouri Association of Prosecuting Attorneys and the Missouri Office of Prosecution Services. “Her leadership, persistence and willingness to engage on complex policy issues were critical to the bill’s success.”

For more information on Sen. Carter’s legislative actions, visit her official Senate website at senate.mo.gov/Carter.

Trial in lawsuit against City of Joplin for injury suffered by child at Cunningham Park to begin next month

The lawsuit filed by the family of a child who was injured during a 2023 field trip to Cunningham Park in Joplin is scheduled to begin March 4 in Jasper County Circuit Court with Judge Joseph Hensley presiding.

The City of Joplin is listed as the defendant.

According to the petition, J. S., the son of Justin Swann, was using the hand-held track line when he fell onto the surface below.

The lawsuit alleges the landing surface "constituted a dangerous condition on the premises because the surface was of improper material, of insufficient depth, did not provide a shock absorbing protection sufficient for the height of the expected falls and was improperly maintained."

The child injured his right arm, according to the petition.

Swann, who is represented by Joplin attorney Scott Vorhees of Vorhees, Johnson & Martucci, is asking for "reasonable damages" and costs.

In its response, the city placed the blame for the accident on the way child used the playground equipment.

a. He failed to use the playground equipment in the manner intended;

b. He used the playground equipment in a manner not intended;

c. He failed to keep a careful lookout;

d. He failed to use the playground equipment in a safe manner.

 The city is represented by Randall Cowherd of the Springfield firm of Cowherd, Reade, Adair and Laney LLC.

A pre-trial conference is scheduled for 1:30 p.m. Friday.

Carthage man pleads not guilty to statutory sodomy charges involving 6-year-old Joplin girl

Travis L. Ketcham, 46, pleaded not guilty to two counts of statutory sodomy Monday during an arraignment in Jasper County Circuit Court.

A bond review hearing is set for February 18 for Ketcham, who is being held on a $50,000 cash-only bond.

According to the probable cause statement, Ketcham allegedly committed an act of sodomy against a 6-year-old girl in Joplin in 2021.

Previous post- Carthage man charged with statutory sodomy involving Joplin girl

Joplin man pleads not guilty to statutory sodomy, sexual misconduct with child under 14

A Joplin man pleaded not guilty during his arraignment Monday in Jasper County Circuit Court on charges of statutory sodomy and sexual misconduct involving a child under age 14.

JB Ryan Santos, 27, allegedly committed the crime December 19 at a Joplin residence, according to the probable cause statement.

Santos is being held on a $50,000 cash-only bond. A bond review hearing is scheduled for 8:30 a.m. February 18 before Judge Nicole Marie Carlton.

Carthage R-9 Board hires four teachers, accepts three teacher resignations

(From the Carthage R-9 Board of Education)

The Carthage R-9 Board of Education met in special session on Thursday, February 5, 2026, 5:45 pm, at the Carthage R-9 Administration Office. Present were Board members Ms. Niki Cloud, Mr. Ryan Collier, Mrs. Lora Phelps, Mr. Jeff Jones, and Ms. Maria Sanchez. Dr. Mark Westhoff and Mr. Patrick Scott were absent. Ms. Niki Cloud led the Pledge of Allegiance. The board members approved the agenda.

Dr. Holley Goodnight, Assistant Superintendent for Business, presented to the Board information regarding the contract for the Carthage Farm/Technical Center site. Dr. Goodnight stated Ehrsam
Construction LLC meets all the bid requirements and specifications for the project.

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

In closed session the Board approved the following personnel action:

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

Kyra Feesler, 4th Grade Teacher, Carthage Intermediate Center – Ms. Feesler is an aspiring elementary educator recently completing a Bachelor of Science in Education at Missouri Southern State University. She has hands-on experience as a substitute teacher and student teacher in Joplin Schools. In addition to Elementary Education, she holds a K-12 English Language Learners certification.

Debra Lawler, Science Teacher, Carthage Junior High School – Ms. Lawler is an experienced science educator with many years of teaching across middle school, high school, and higher education settings, including international experience at Morrison Academy in Taiwan. She holds a Bachelor’s degree in Biology, a Bachelor’s degree in Science Education, and a Master of Arts in TESOL, and is certified in Missouri in science and ESOL.

Emily Lee, 4th Grade Teacher, Carthage Intermediate Center – Ms. Lee is an elementary educator currently teaching fourth grade in Diamond, Missouri. She holds an Associate of Arts in Elementary Education from Crowder College and a Bachelor of Science in Elementary Education at Missouri State University, where she has been recognized on the Dean’s List.

Kristi Pearson, Elementary Music Teacher, Steadley Elementary/Sixth Grade Center – Mrs. Pearson is an experienced elementary music educator who taught music in the District at Mark Twain and the Sixth Grade Center from 2022–2025. She holds a Bachelor’s Degree from Pittsburg State University and will finish her Masters of Arts in Elementary Education this Spring.

Support Hire

Gage Howerton, custodian, Carthage Junior High School

Hannah Eby, bus aide

Carson Huston, bus aide

Donna Power, accompanist (part-time), Carthage Junior High School

Ixsa Loredo, custodian, Carthage High School

Substitute Hire

John Burgi

Amelia Conkright

Taylor Bredeson

Kylee Burke

Certified Transfer

Aaron Boucher, sixth grade PLTW science teacher, Sixth Grade Center

Kyle Cochran-Selvey, fifth grade teacher, Carthage Intermediate Center

Crystal Krause, fourth grade teacher, Carthage Intermediate Center

Lacy Sheckles, fifth grade teacher, Carthage Intermediate Center

Anthony Hance, assistant principal, Sixth Grade Center

Brittany Thompson, assistant principal, Columbian Elementary

Bobbi Murrell, assistant principal, Steadley Elementary

Don Cox, assistant principal, Carthage Intermediate Center

Support Transfer

Kaleb Sprague, custodian, Fairview Elementary School

Abbi Dobbins, nurse

Support Modification

Raylyn Furrh, cook, Carthage Intermediate Center

Jessica Alvarado, school nurse

Substitute Modification

Laurie Williams, substitute nurse

Certified Resignation

Luis Tovar, fifth grade dual-language teacher, Carthage Intermediate Center

Brooke Ehlers, third grade teacher, Fairview Elementary

Jo Ellen Branstetter, practical nursing instructor, Carthage Technical Center North

Support Resignation

Sky Ladd, accompanist (part-time) Carthage Junior High School

Support Retirement

Larry Fox, custodian, Carthage High School

Substitute Resignation

Laura Lane

***

Work Session

The Carthage R-9 Board of Education met in a work session on Thursday, February 5, 2026, 6:14 pm,
at the Carthage R-9 Administration Office. Present were board members Ms. Niki Cloud, Mr. Ryan
Collier, Mrs. Lora Phelps, Mr. Jeff Jones, and Ms. Maria Sanchez. Dr. Mark Westhoff and Mr. Patrick
Scott were absent. The board members approved the agenda.

Dr. Matt Huntley, Assistant Superintendent for Instruction, provided the Board an update on the
English Language Learners and Dual Language program. Ms. Natalie Cowley, Director of Language
Programs attended via Zoom.

Mr. Dan Hill, Director of Facilities, provided the board a facility update on the Administration Office,
Welcome Center, and Maintenance Building.

The administrators and board members conducted a facility tour of the Administration Office, Welcome Center, and Maintenance Building.

State Board says no to schools wanting earlier starts

(From Missouri Department of Elementary and Secondary Education)

The State Board of Education (State Board) unanimously denied multiple requests from Missouri school districts to start the 2026-2027 earlier than what’s allowed under state law. Also, during Tuesday’s meeting, St. Louis Public Schools (SLPS) presented an update on the district’s progress following the Board’s reclassification decision in January.

School Calendar Start-Date Exemption Requests

Eight school districts previously submitted start date exemption requests to the Missouri Department of Elementary and Secondary Education (DESE) for the 2026-27 school year. Those districts presented to the State Board during the January.

Missouri law (171.031) prohibits public schools from starting earlier than 14 calendar days before the first Monday in September. Within that statute, the State Board may grant an exemption to a school district for highly unusual and extenuating circumstances. The exemption would only be valid for one academic year.

Following the requests from eight school districts to start the 2026-27 school year earlier, the department has received more than 130 additional requests.

The State Board unanimously voted to deny all pending and future calendar waiver requests for the 2026-27 school year when those requests are based on the statutory start date being the highly unusual and extenuating circumstances.

The full Missouri Statute 167.645 can be viewed here.

St. Louis Public Schools

During the January meeting, the State Board voted to reclassify SLPS from accredited to provisionally accredited.

SLPS Interim Superintendent Dr. Myra Berry provided an update to the State Board during Tuesday’s meeting on the district’s improvement plan. DESE Commissioner Dr. Karla Eslinger asked SLPS to present to the State Board following their decision to reclassify SLPS’ classification from accredited to provisionally accredited in January.

Berry’s presentation included a progress update on the district’s four priority areas:Attendance
Literacy
Finance
Operations (Transportation)

SLPS is currently financially stable and shows slight improvement with 863 of its K-3 students advancing out of the lowest performing reading category during the 2024-25 school year.

“DESE remains committed to working with SLPS to drive meaningful improvements and ensure the delivery of high-quality programs for every student,” added Commissioner of Education Dr. Karla Eslinger. “SLPS’s success is the Board’s success, and SLPS’s success is the state’s success.”

Access the presentation from SLPS on DESE’s website.

Last month, Commissioner Eslinger directed DESE’s deputy commissioners to establish weekly meetings with SLPS to gain a better understanding of the district’s needs.

Other Items

The State Board unanimously approved DESE’s recommendation to revise certification requirements for Special Education teachers. The purpose of this revision is to increase the number of highly qualified Special Education teachers.

The State Board received the annual update for the foundational reading assessment data, and an update on the Department’s “Read, Lead, Exceed, Literacy Initiatives. Initiatives discussed included Language Essentials for Teachers of Reading and Spelling (LETRS), Aspire training, the Evidence-Based Reading Instruction Program, the Comprehensive Literacy State Development grant, and the Missouri Early Literacy Collaborative.

Additional Literacy Takeaways Progress across multiple statewide efforts to strengthen early literacy instruction and educator training

An overview of the Comprehensive Literacy State Development (CLSD) Grant

K-3 Foundational Reading Assessment Data Review

Reading Success Plan data and information related to TNTP, a national not for profit organization that directs consulting, research and advocacy work in schools and districts across the country. This includes Phelps County’s five school districts that are part of the Rural Schools Early Literacy Collaborative.

Phelps County’s Three-Year Program Model is currently training administrators, along with 50 kindergarten and first grade teachers in those districts. This model supports teachers and administrators, improves student literacy outcomes through professional development, provides high quality instructional materials, assessment data analysis, and implementation of reading success plans. 

Data presented during the meeting showed early growth in Phelps County School Districts. Students’ reading levels are increasing putting them at or above grade level. The model created provides scalable, direct, and targeted support for any school to replicate. See the full presentation online.

The next State Board of Education meeting is scheduled for March 24, 2026.

Lamar man allegedly sent revenge porn to estranged wife's boss

The Barton County Prosecuting Attorney's office filed a first-degree harassment charge against a Lamar man who allegedly dealt with anger over his separation from his wife by sending revenge porn to her boss and text messages to her father saying things "that were nasty and untrue."

An arrest warrant was issued for Gavin Xander Hall (DOB 2000) with bond set at $1,000 cash or surety.

According to the probable cause statement,  after Hall and his wife separated and she moved to Springfield, Hall began sending her father text messages about her "that were nasty and untrue."

After that, the statement said, "Gavin began to send messages to {her} boss. I contacted and he confirmed the messages, stating Gavin was calling {her} a whore and the sexual things he had done with her. Gavin stated he had a video and offered to send it to {him} but {he} declined. Gavin also sent a nude picture of {her} that he photoshopped on a flyer, advertising her for sexual material to be paid through Cashapp at a $10 a minute rate with an 8-minute minimum."

When a Barton County Sheriff's Office deputy questioned him at his probation and parole meeting in Lamar, Hall denied sending the messages and material.

"Gavin stated he had all the text messages and evidence of his innocence on his phone.I gave Gavin my business car and asked him to e-mail anything he had. Gavin said he would have to do it later because the information was on his other phone at home. I later received a call from Gavin who stated he did not have the information after all.

Greene County Circuit Court records indicate Hall was placed on probation for five years in 2023 after being sentenced to four years in prison, then having the sentence suspended after pleading guilty to unlawful use of a weapon.

According to the probable cause statement in that case, Hall threatened his wife with a knife and threatened to kill anyone who came into the room.

He currently is facing three misdemeanor domestic assault charges and two charges of violation of a protection order.

City of Joplin news release explains proposed charter amendment

(From the City of Joplin)

Joplin voters to decide whether to approve proposed Home Rule Charter update

Introduction:

Joplin became a Home Rule Charter City on Feb. 9, 1954. The State of Missouri allows Home Rule cities to have a charter document, which essentially serves as the constitution for our municipal government. Home Rule Charter cities have more local control over how the municipal government operates than general law cities, which operate under the authority granted by the State. The current version of our Home Rule Charter was adopted in 2007 by a vote of Joplin residents.

On April 7, 2026, Joplin residents will either vote “yes” to accept or “no” to reject a proposed update to our Home Rule Charter, which is recommended by the Home Rule Charter Review Commission. The commission (which consisted of nine Joplin residents) reviewed certain sections of the Charter over several months in 2025 and voted to recommend the updates to the City Council. The City Council approved this Charter amendment to be placed on the April ballot. The proposed update would not impact taxation or city services.

Proposed Charter Amendment Question:

“Shall Section 2.12 of the Charter of the City of Joplin, Missouri, be amended to change the term ‘emergency’ ordinance to ‘expedited’ ordinance?”

Background:

Currently, when City Council needs to act on certain issues, the item may be considered as an “emergency” ordinance. This allows the Council to hold a single reading of the council bill, receive public input as well as Council input, and then vote on the matter at a single meeting. All other ordinances are read three times over at least two council meetings, which typically occur on the first and third Mondays of each month. As a result, urgent or routine council items can otherwise take 2-3 more weeks to receive final approval.

Emergency ordinances include many items such as:

Demolition of dangerous buildings that have been determined dangerous by the City’s Building Board of Appeals.

Routine purchase orders.

Construction contracts that may be time sensitive.

Approval of the city budget, after a prior public hearing and budget work sessions where the proposed budget is discussed and debated.

Other items that qualify under Charter Section 2.12.

While additional council meetings can sometimes be scheduled to speed up the process, coordinating those meetings can be difficult. For this reason, issues requiring timely action are typically brought forward as “emergency” ordinances, even when no life or death emergency exists.

What is the intent of the proposed charter amendment?

The intent of the proposed amendment is to make the process easier for the public to understand. The update would clarify that an ordinance does not need to involve a true emergency to be considered through this faster process, which still includes a public hearing.

Because the term “emergency” can be interpreted differently, renaming the process to “expedited” is intended to better reflect how it is actually used: for matters that require timely action, not necessarily life-threatening situations.

The Commission, as well as staff, believe that the word “expedited” better defines the ordinances brought to Council for approval in a single reading under this section.

What’s an example of a non-emergency which could warrant an expedited process?

For example, the City could experience unexpected but non-life-threatening damage to infrastructure that causes a significant wastewater leak. The City would have an interest in repairing the problem quickly. If the repair cost was not budgeted and exceeded $100,000, City Council approval would be required before work could begin.

In that case, an expedited process could allow Council to act more quickly, even though the situation would not be considered a life-and-death emergency.


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Jill Carter bill would ban keeping lists of privately owned firearms

By Erin Hynes

Columbia Missourian

Twenty states have enacted laws prohibiting the use of unique merchant category codes to distinguish firearm purchases, and Missouri could be the 21st.

State Sen. Jill Carter, a Republican from Granby, presented legislation to a Senate committee Monday that would create the “Second Amendment Financial Privacy Act.”

The bill prohibits government entities from keeping a list, record or registry of privately-owned firearms. Records may be kept during a criminal investigation and prosecution on gun ownership. It also prohibits credit card networks from using a merchant category code to distinguish firearm sales from any other sale.

“This bill draws a clear line,” Carter said at the hearing. “Lawful gun ownership must never be treated as inherently suspicious.”

Kentucky, Tennessee and Iowa passed similar laws in 2024 banning the use of unique merchant category codes for firearms.

Darren LaSorte from the National Shooting Sports Foundation spoke in favor of the bill and its ability to prevent citizens from being investigated for purchasing firearms and equipment at a gun store.

“This is stuff that if I talked about seven years ago, you’d throw me in a padded room and call me a conspiracy theorist,” LaSorte said. “It’s happening now, and what this bill does is simply prohibits it from happening in the state of Missouri.”

If passed in Missouri, the attorney general could investigate anyone suspected of violating these laws and provide a 30-day notice. If changes are not made, the attorney general can file a lawsuit against the violator. Violators can receive a civil penalty of up to $1,000.

Bill to require gifted education screening in public schools passes Missouri House

By Annelise Hanshaw

Missouri Independent

A bill requiring public schools screen all students to determine if they qualify for gifted education by the time they reach the third grade passed the Missouri House on a 142-8 vote Monday.

It bolsters a state law requiring schools to provide gifted classes when at least 3% of its students are identified as gifted.

“When the legislation passed, we did not include how screening should take place and be completed,” said the bill’s sponsor, state Rep. Brenda Shields in a House debate last week.

Shields, a Republican from St. Joseph, said some schools are not reaching the 3% threshold because they are not screening students. She estimates that 20,000 students that should qualify are not offered a gifted class.

Of the state’s 554 school districts, 227 offer gifted education, the education department reported in the bill’s fiscal note. Most of the districts that offer gifted services surround high population areas.

“These students have burdens. They are very young and different from their peers,” she said. “These are the students that want to dive deeper in a classroom activity, far beyond what the teacher or the rest of the class wants to do.”

The bill leaves flexibility for schools to assess students, directing them to look to a “body of evidence” showing a student’s intelligence, creativity or other gifted attributes. Three staff members trained in gifted education would review the information.

Lawmakers showed broad approval for the bill in initial discussions, with some concern surfacing about funding the screening process.

When the state’s formula for funding public schools was passed in 2005, gifted education funding changed from being a separate line item to part of the formula’s base calculation. As a result, the amount of state aid for gifted education is disconnected from the amount of students identified as gifted.

A committee is currently drafting changes to the public school funding formula and is considering adding additional funding per student identified as gifted. But changes are unlikely to take effect until fall 2028, so districts could have a minimum of two years with a new requirement and a formula that keeps gifted education funding largely flat.

The Lindbergh School District, in the bill’s fiscal note, estimated the cost of screening at $6.50 per student.

The bill is the fourth proposal approved by the House and in the hands of the Senate.

Challenges in rural health care topic of MSSU summit

(From Missouri Southern State University)

Rural healthcare leaders will discuss the challenges and solutions facing their communities during a featured panel at the 2026 Willcoxon Innovation in Health Sciences Summit at Missouri Southern State University (MSSU).

The panel, “Challenges in Rural Healthcare: Strategies for Success,” is part of the March 27 summit in Joplin and will bring together experienced rural healthcare professionals to share insights on improving care access, delivery, and outcomes.

Panelists include Don McBride, CEO of ACCESS Family Care, who brings extensive experience in healthcare administration and policy education; Linda Davis, a registered nurse who serves on the Quapaw Nation Business Committee and has spent more than 30 years working in tribal government and tribal health care; Sean Guiheen, nurse manager for the emergency department and medical-surgical unit at Cox Barton County Hospital, with more than a decade of rural healthcare leadership experience; Renee Denton, CEO at Freeman Neosho, with 38 years in clinical and administrative healthcare leadership; and David Smith, administrator for Mercy Pittsburg and has more than 25 years of experience at critical access hospitals.

The discussion will focus on the challenges of rural healthcare and how organizations address and overcome those challenges. Attendees will learn from the panelists’ real-world experiences, informing policy, practice, and community partnerships.

The summit begins at 7:30 a.m. with registration at the Taylor Performing Arts Center and includes keynote and breakout sessions throughout the day. The event is open to healthcare professionals, students exploring health sciences careers, and community members. Participants can register online at MSSU’s Willcoxon Summit page.

Three Joplin businesses fail alcohol compliance checks

(From the Joplin Police Department)

To reduce underage access to alcohol, the Joplin Police Department conducted Youth Alcohol Compliance Checks at various establishments throughout the City of Joplin on February 7, 2026. 

Compliance checks are aimed at ensuring adherence to state and local laws regarding the legal sale of alcohol to minors.

Of the 40 locations checked, 3 locations were found to be non-compliant and sold alcohol to minors. The list of compliant and non-compliant stores is below.

In addition to compliance checks, the Joplin Police Department is partnering with local establishments and owners to ensure that each employee responsible for selling alcohol receives proper training. 

The Department is encouraging businesses to learn more through Free Responsible Retailer Training, a class for local retailers hosted by the Community Partnership of the Ozarks.

If your business would like up-to-date information on Missouri alcohol sales laws, how to identify minors and intoxicated persons, state compliance checks, and more, contact Community Partnership of the Ozarks (CPO) at (417) 888-2020 or email kpoor@cpozarks.org.

Non-Compliant

Dave’s Mini Mart 801 S Maiden Ln

Casey’s General Store 4800 S. Range Line Rd

Phillips 66 3308 E. 32nd St

Compliant

1. Downtown Corner Mart 419 W 9th St

2. Spirit 66 Food Mart 703 W 7th St

3. Cash Saver 811 W 7th St

4. Zip Trip 1102 W 7th

5. Casey’s General Store 201 S Maiden ln

6. White Oak 2307 W 7th St

7. Mac’s Stop 1302 S Schifferdecker

8. White Oak 1930 S Schifferdecker

9. 417 Liquor and Cigar 2202 S Maiden Ln

10. The Corner 2300 S Maiden lnPolice Department

11. Main St drive thru Liquor 1620 S Main St

12. Discount Smokes and Liquor 1817 S Main St

13. The Corner 2002 S Main St

14. Walgreens 2001 S Main St

15. Alps 2602 S Main St

16. Casey’s General Store 2501 S Main St

17. U-Gas 2702 S Main St

18. Walgreens 3222 S Main St

19. CVS Pharmacy 112 E 32nd St

20. Phillips 66 4302 S Main St

21. Maverick 5002 S Main St

22. Red Apple Mart 901 N Florida Ave

23. Casey’s General Store 2604 N Range Line Rd

24. Lion Stop 3525 E Newman Rd

25. White Oak Station 1631 E. 4th St

26. Discount Smokes and Liquor 1804 E. 7th St

27. Joplin Mini Mart 1210 E 15th St

28. Jugz 1605 E. 20th St

29. Casey’s General Store 1904 E 20th St

30. Phillips 66 2115 S Connecticut Ave

31. Zipz 1902 E. 32nd St

32. Discount Smokes and Liquor 2703 E. 32nd St

33. Maverick 3434 S Range Line Rd

34. Eagle Stop 3504 S. Range Line Rd

35. White Oak Station 1503 S. Range Line Rd

36. Conoco 1201 S. Range Line Rd

37. Casey’s General Store 2808 W 7th St (Entered store but no attempt)

Lamar man, Eagle Rock woman charged with meth possession with intent to distribute

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

Two southwest Missouri residents were charged federally for possession with intent to distribute over 40 pounds of methamphetamine.

Michael Wilson, 49, of Lamar, Mo., and Amber Beck, 34, of Eagle Rock, Mo., were charged by federal criminal complaint with possession with intent to distribute 500 grams or more of a mixture or substance containing methamphetamine. Wilson and Beck had their first appearances in court today, following their arrests on Feb. 9, 2026.

According to court documents, on Feb. 7, 2026, following a traffic stop on I-44 in Jasper County, Mo., an officer with the Missouri State Highway Patrol (MSHP) discovered Wilson and Beck were in possession of approximately 44 pounds of suspected methamphetamine.

An affidavit filed with the complaint alleges that Wilson and Beck have regularly been making trips to the Pheonix, Ariz., area to purchase methamphetamine for distribution.

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

This case is being prosecuted by Special Assistant U.S. Attorney Hannah Lucas. It was investigated by the Ozarks Drug Enforcement Team, Missouri State Highway Patrol, the DEA, and the Jasper County, Mo., Sheriff’s Office.

Joplin man charged with assault after stabbing at Watered Gardens

A bond review hearing is scheduled for 8:30 a.m. February 18 for a homeless Joplin man who was charged with first-degree assault and armed criminal action following a stabbing Friday at Watered Gardens, 531 S. Kentucky Avenue.

Bryan K. Gutierrez (DOB 1970) pleaded not guilty today during a video arraignment in Jasper County Circuit Court. 

From the probable cause statement:

While on routine patrol I was flagged down at 531 S. Kentucky Avenue, Joplin, Jasper County MO by Steven Martin who appeared to be bleeding from the chest after I observed him and Bryan Gutierrez verbally arguing.

Martin was walking toward Gutierrez before waving me in his direction. Gutierrez began walking away from the scene and continued to do so until he reached the east side of the parking lot. He eventually complied with officers after multiple commands.

Two knives were located in Gutierrez' right hand while he was detained. The knives had black sheaths. One of the knives, which had a green handle and was approximately two inches wide, had streaked blood on it consistent with an attempt to remove the blood. After Gutierrez was read his Miranda rights, he stated he and Martin had been in an altercation, but denied stabbing him.

I spoke to {two witnesses} both who arrived just as I did. They both observed Gutierrez backing away form Martin with a knife in his hand.

I spoke with Martin who stated he was standing outside Watered Gardens when Gutierrez walked up to him with two knives, both of which were slightly curved and had black sheaths. Gutierrez then stabbed with without saying anything.

According to the probable cause statement, the stabbing was captured on video footage collected from Watered Gardens.