Friday, June 12, 2026
No Stotts City Board of Aldermen meeting due to lack of quorum
(From Stotts City Mayor Tracy Knight)Mayor Tracy Knight today issued the following statement regarding the failure of the June 12, 2026 Regular Meeting of the Stotts City Board of Aldermen to proceed due to the absence of a quorum.
Residents arrived at the June 12 meeting expecting to witness their local government conduct public business, address ongoing concerns affecting the City, and take action on several important matters, including filling the vacant alderman seat and addressing issues related to the State Auditor’s report.
Instead, because a quorum of the Board of Aldermen was not present, no official business could be conducted.
The June 12 meeting date was selected after city officials advised that it was the only remaining date this month that would allow all current aldermen to attend. Prior to agreeing to that date, Mayor Knight had expressed concerns regarding public notice and citizen participation and initially recommended scheduling the meeting during the week of June 22. However, after being advised that June 12 was the only date all current aldermen could attend and conduct business, the City proceeded with scheduling, public notice, and agenda preparation.
Unfortunately, attendance changed prior to the meeting, resulting in the inability of the Board to establish a quorum.
“The residents of Stotts City have every right to be angry,” said Mayor Knight. “Citizens should not have to rearrange work schedules, family obligations, and personal commitments only to arrive at a public meeting and discover that their government is unable to conduct business.”
Knight emphasized that accountability is a fundamental expectation of public service and that residents are justified in demanding answers when government operations are disrupted.
“Public office is a public trust,” Knight stated. “Citizens expect their elected officials to attend meetings, conduct business, and fulfill the responsibilities for which they were elected. When that does not occur, residents are right to ask questions and demand accountability.”
The failure to obtain a quorum delayed action on matters that directly affect the City, including the appointment of an alderman to fill the current vacancy, consideration of issues identified by the State Auditor, and other business requiring Board action.
Mayor Knight also addressed reports of tension and frustration among residents following the announcement that the meeting could not proceed.
“Residents have the right to be frustrated. Residents have the right to be disappointed. Residents have the right to demand explanations from those entrusted with governing their community,” Knight said. “No resident should ever be made to feel that asking questions or seeking accountability is inappropriate. Respect for the public is not optional—it is a fundamental obligation of every public servant.”
Knight reaffirmed her commitment to transparency and pledged to continue working toward convening a lawful meeting where the City’s business can be conducted in full view of the public.
“The citizens of Stotts City deserve more than excuses,” Knight said. “They deserve a government that is present, accountable, transparent, and capable of conducting the public’s business. I remain committed to that standard and to ensuring the residents of this community continue to have a voice in the future of their city.”
Information regarding the scheduling of the next Board of Aldermen meeting will be released as soon as it becomes available.
Springfield couple who groomed, kidnapped, sexually abused 13-year-old girl sentenced
(From the U. S. Attorney for the Western District of Virginia)A married couple was sentenced today to lengthy prison terms for grooming a teenager online before picking her up in Virginia and repeatedly sexually abusing her as they drove back to their apartment in Missouri.
Justin Johiah Curtright, 41, was sentenced today to 45 years in federal prison. His wife, Christin Marie Curtright, 33, was sentenced to 27 years. The Curtrights, of Springfield, Missouri, pled guilty in 2025 to sexual exploitation of a minor and transportation of a minor with the intent to engage in criminal sexual activity.
“This Office is committed to seeking maximum accountability against predators who target our children online or through other means. This sentence should send a clear message to those who exploit our children: you will be identified by law enforcement and prosecuted to the full extent of the law by the United States Attorney’s Office for the Western District of Virginia,” said First Assistant United States Attorney Robert N. Tracci. “I wish to thank the Springfield, Missouri Police Department and Federal Bureau of Investigation their outstanding work bringing these predators to justice.”
According to court documents, in 2024 Justin Curtright first contacted the minor victim on Discord, an online video chatting platform. Justin later introduced the victim to his wife, and from that point, the three talked extensively, both online and by phone. As encouraged by Justin, the victim’s family did not know about her contact with the Curtrights.
The Curtrights also engaged in sexually explicit acts on camera while video chatting with the victim and urged her to do the same. Justin would frequently pretend to be the victim’s father.
After weeks of planning, in the summer of 2024, the Curtrights met the victim near her home in Virginia. The victim got into the Curtrights’ van, and they drove her back to Missouri. While on the road, the Curtrights took turns sexually abusing the victim in the back of the van. Once they reached their apartment, they continued their sexual exploitation of the victim for several more days.
Days later, officers with the Springfield Police Department went to the Curtrights’ apartment, where they found the victim hiding in the back of a closet in the Curtrights’ bedroom. The victim had an ID card that Justin Curtright gave her, which falsely represented her as Justin’s daughter.
Springfield officers seized the Curtrights’ phones, which held video and images of the victim’s online sexual exploitation, as well as images of the victim being abused during the drive to Missouri.
Investigators later obtained extensive Discord chat logs, which revealed how the Curtrights doggedly groomed and manipulated the victim. The chat logs also showed that Justin was actively seeking and sexually exploiting other children online. Justin told his wife that he had a fantasy of sexually abusing a teenaged runaway.
First Assistant United States Attorney Robert N. Tracci and Ian Kaufmann, Special Agent in Charge of the FBI’s Richmond Division, made the announcement.
The Federal Bureau of Investigation, the Springfield Police Department, and various local law enforcement agencies investigated the case.
Assistant United States Attorneys Drew O. Inman and Lee S. Brett prosecuted the case for the United States.
Kehoe signs public safety bill
(From Gov, Mike Kehoe)Today, Governor Mike Kehoe signed House Bill (HB) 2637 into law.
"I appreciate the members of the General Assembly for sending another important piece of public safety legislation to my desk this year," said Governor Kehoe. "This bill includes several provisions to make Missouri safer by modernizing tools available to the criminal justice system. With FIFA World Cup 2026™ matches and events gearing up in Kansas City, this legislation also allows law enforcement to effectively combat the threat of unlawful unmanned aircraft systems."
HB 2637, sponsored by Representative John Black and Senator Nick Schroer, is a sweeping public safety bill that most notably includes provisions to create new offenses concerning unlawful tracking of motor vehicles and cyberstalking, while also establishing more efficient protections for crime victims and modernizing mitigation measures for unmanned aircraft threats.
For more information on the legislation and additional provisions signed into law, visit house.mo.gov.
Go Fund Me page launched to help Neosho flood victims
A Go Fund Me page has been launched to help Neosho resident Sarah Moore whose home fell victim to the flooding earlier this week.According to a news release from Go Fund Me, the family of five had its home badly damaged by flooding, with no insurance to cover repairs, and reached out to every major relief agency only to receive fans and dehumidifiers from the Red Cross. "The GoFundMe will go directly toward replacing flooring and drywall, and helping the family recover from the disaster left behind."
The following message was posted on the page by Jackie Sharp, who started the page:
Despite reaching out to every known agency—United Way, Red Cross, Salvation Army, Habitat for Humanity, Emergency Management, and the City of Neosho—the only assistance received was from the Red Cross, who generously provided a way to get fans and dehumidifiers. Friends and church family have been coming together to help where they can as well.
This is a hard-working family raising three children. Accepting help isn't easy for them, as they are usually the ones helping others. Jairus, the father, spent many years serving his community in law enforcement. Even while trying to figure out how to recover themselves, they are asking other flood victims if there is anything they can do for them. Their hearts are pure gold, and their resilience is inspiring.
Funds raised will go directly toward replacing flooring and drywall. Every donation, no matter the size, will bring hope and relief to this wonderful family. Please join me in showing them some love and support as they rebuild their lives. Your generosity will make a real difference.
The goal is $3,000. At this writing, $760 has been raised.
Webb City R-7 School District mourns passing of Dr. Ron Lankford
(From the Webb City R-7 School District)
It is with profound sadness that we announce the passing of Dr. Ronald J. Lankford, an esteemed former superintendent who dedicated decades of service to our school district and community.
Dr. Lankford's journey in the Webb City School District began in Webb City Junior High principal from 1977 to 1979 and Webb City High School Principal from 1979 to 1987. He was widely respected for creating vibrant learning environments where boths students and staff thrived.
He later served as assistant superintendent of schools/treasurer from 1987 to 1993, associate superintendent of schools/treasurer from 1993-1998 and superintendent of schools from 1998-2010.
During his tenure, our district experienced unprecedented growth in academic achievement, innovative programming and community partnerships.
Throughout his career, Dr. Lankford championed numerous initiatives that continue to benefit our students today. He established the Webb City Foundation and was instrumental in its success.
He also initiated the Joplin Globe Newspaper All-District Academic Team recognition program in 1987. He was very approachable and knew every employee's name in the district, which helped foster a strong sense of community.
His vision for education extended beyond classroom walls as he secured critical funding for facility improvements that transformed our learning spaces and formed lasting partnerships with local businesses and district organizations.
Even after retirement, Dr. Lankford remained deeply connected to our educational community. He served on numerous boards and advisory committees, mentored aspiring administrators and volunteered countless hours supporting student activities.
His work with the Webb City Foundation has helped dozens of graduates pursue higher education through the establishment of scholarship opportunities.
We extend our deepest condolences to Dr. Lankford's family during this difficult time. He will be profoundly missed, but his influence on our district and his unwavering commitment to educational excellence will continue to inspire generations to come.
You will forever be a Webb City Cardinal!
Civil rights lawsuit filed against former Joplin Police Department officers
Two Joplin Police Department officers submitted false reports that led to criminal charges being filed against two people who hadn't committed crimes in March 2023, according to a civil rights lawsuit filed today in U. S. District Court for the Western District of Missouri.
The defendants in the lawsuit are former JPD officers Seth Lugenbell and Kyle Fallis. The Joplin Police Department is not being sued.
The plaintiffs Quinlyn Tosh and her brother Dausen Tosh, are being represented by Benjamin S. McIntosh of SWMW Law, St. Louis.
The six-count lawsuit alleges Lugenbell and Fallis used excessive force against Quinlyn Tosh, retaliated against the Toshes for exercising their First Amendment rights, falsely arrested them, maliciously prosecuted them, as well as two common law counts of false arrest and malicious prosecution.
The allegations are detailed in the petition.
On around March 20, 2023, Dausen Tosh was planning to go on a bicycle ride in Joplin, Missouri, with his stepbrother, Wyatt. The two departed for this bicycle ride sometime in the evening. They planned to
initially make a stop at a local gas station to fill up air in the tires of one of the bicycle, as it was
low. Specifically, they were riding their bicycles down B Street eastbound towards the Casey’s
convenience store located on Main Street in Joplin.
As they began their journey, a police officer drove by them in the neighborhood along B Street and inquired as to whether the two young men had been throwing things off a roof. They answered that, no, they had not been doing that, and the officer pulled away.
A few moments later, Dausen and Wyatt realized that they had forgotten to grab quarters so they could use the air machine at the gas station.
At the same time, Plaintiff Quinlyn Tosh was leaving her home to drive to the store. About three minutes into her drive, she saw her brothers—including Dausen—riding their bicycles near the intersection of B Street and Wall Avenue in Joplin. She noticed the tires were flat on one of the bicycles, so she pulled over to give them some change to get some air at Casey’s gas station nearby.
At this point, the three were chatting about the fact that officers had just pulled up to ask Dausen and Wyatt whether they were “throwing chairs over a balcony.” Dausen explained to his sister that they advised the officers they were not engaged in that activity, and the officers said to them: “Okay, if you were doing it, just don’t do it again. And if you weren’t, have a good night!” The group was actually laughing about how nice these officers were.
The three sat and chatted for a while until Defendant Lugenbell pulled up with a trainee, Defendant Kyle Fallis, in a Joplin Police Department squad car.
Officer Lugenbell was immediately aggressive and hostile toward Dausen and his stepbrother, and demanded they come to the sidewalk on the opposite side of the street to speak with him and Officer Fallis without explaining why.
Quinlyn and Dausen both inquired as to why they were being stopped and commanded to go to the sidewalk. Lugenbell would not answer, other than saying “because I’m telling him to,” and simply reiterated the command for Dausen and Wyatt to go to the sidewalk on the other side of the street.
Dausen then starts to coast his bicycle toward the area directed and says “I’m coming.” Dausen and Wyatt complied with Officer Lugenbell’s demands and went to the sidewalk on the opposite side of the street, while Quinlyn Tosh pulled her vehicle to the side of the road to park and monitor the interaction.
Seconds later, Quinlyn exited her vehicle and leaned against it, situated approximately 20 feet away from where Dausen and Wyatt were standing.
Defendant Lugenbell immediately demanded that Quinlyn get back in her vehicle and says “you’re going to go in handcuffs if you don’t stay in your car.” Defendant Lugenbell never mentions anything about the way she is parked being a problem and does not ask her to move the vehicle. He just demands she get into the vehicle even though she was not interfering in any way.
Quinlyn, still leaning against her vehicle, says: “I’m asking what he did.”
Lugenbell then yells: “You’re interfering, get in your car!”
Fallis then approaches Quinlyn—who was a 23-year-old woman at the time—in an intimidating manner and yells at her: “get in your car or you’re going to jail for interfering with our investigating!”
Quinlyn asks, incredulously: “what investigation?”
Lugenbell immediately says: “hook her up,” ordering the arrest of Quinlyn despite the fact that she is not engaged in any criminal activity, but instead exercising her right to observe the officers’ actions. At this point, the Defendants still had not disclosed why they were stopping Dausen and Wyatt to question them. The two officers suddenly attack Quinlyn, tackle her to the ground, and started handcuffing her. Quinlyn did not resist the officers in any way.
Quinlyn suffered an injury to her leg as a result of being unnecessarily and unreasonably tackled to the ground by the Defendant Officers.
As the Defendants attacked her, Quinlyn screamed “no” and began crying, yelling “please don’t!”
Quinlyn was not interfering with the officers in any way. She was a significant distance from them and was not shouting or interrupting. She was legally observing while standing against her car.
Only approximately 14 seconds elapsed from the time Dausen had gotten to the sidewalk Lugenbell wanted him to go to until when the Defendant Officers tackled Quinlyn to the ground to arrest her. The Defendants unnecessarily and, quite ridiculously, escalated the situation in rapid fashion.
Quinlyn had every right to be present, lean against her vehicle, and observe the officers’ actions. The Defendant Officers had no right to order her to remain in her vehicle.
While Quinlyn was on the ground, crying and terrified, Dausen took out his cell phone to record the interaction from a safe distance. Dausen did not interfere with the officers in any way. He had every right to record the Defendant Officers’ actions. He simply stood at a distance to allow him to record the officers’ actions, while asking why the Defendant Officerswere taking these ridiculously aggressive actions.
Fallis then approaches Quinlyn—who was a 23-year-old woman at the time—in an intimidating manner and yells at her: “get in your car or you’re going to jail for interfering with our investigating!”
Quinlyn asks, incredulously: “what investigation?”
Lugenbell immediately says: “hook her up,” ordering the arrest of Quinlyn despite the fact that she is not engaged in any criminal activity, but instead exercising her right to observe the officers’ actions. At this point, the Defendants still had not disclosed why they were stopping Dausen and Wyatt to question them. The two officers suddenly attack Quinlyn, tackle her to the ground, and started handcuffing her. Quinlyn did not resist the officers in any way.
Quinlyn suffered an injury to her leg as a result of being unnecessarily and unreasonably tackled to the ground by the Defendant Officers.
As the Defendants attacked her, Quinlyn screamed “no” and began crying, yelling “please don’t!”
Quinlyn was not interfering with the officers in any way. She was a significant distance from them and was not shouting or interrupting. She was legally observing while standing against her car.
Only approximately 14 seconds elapsed from the time Dausen had gotten to the sidewalk Lugenbell wanted him to go to until when the Defendant Officers tackled Quinlyn to the ground to arrest her. The Defendants unnecessarily and, quite ridiculously, escalated the situation in rapid fashion.
Quinlyn had every right to be present, lean against her vehicle, and observe the officers’ actions. The Defendant Officers had no right to order her to remain in her vehicle.
While Quinlyn was on the ground, crying and terrified, Dausen took out his cell phone to record the interaction from a safe distance. Dausen did not interfere with the officers in any way. He had every right to record the Defendant Officers’ actions. He simply stood at a distance to allow him to record the officers’ actions, while asking why the Defendant Officerswere taking these ridiculously aggressive actions.
While Dausen was recording their arrest of his sister, Officer Lugenbell pulled out
his department issued firearm and pointed it directly at Dausen, leading Quinlyn to tell him
“Dausen please stop” afraid the already aggressive officer would potentially shoot Dausen for
exercising his right to observe and record the interaction. The photograph below depicts Officer
Lugenbell pointing his weapon at Dausen while he was recording:
Officer Lugenbell continues to point his weapon at Dausen for a considerable period of time even though it is readily apparent that Dausen is holding a cell phone to record the interaction. Dausen complied and backed away further as Lugenbell instructed, yet Lugenbell continued pointing his firearm at Dausen. At no time did Dausen charge the officers or take any aggressive action toward them.
Officer Lugenbell appears to have pointed the firearm at Quinlyn as well while removing it to point it at Dausen.
Dausen repeatedly asks “what is happening” to the officers as they are arresting his sister for apparently no legal reason.
Dausen stops recording out of the fear created by Officer Lugenbell pulling his firearm and pointing it at Quinlyn and Dausen.
The Defendant Officers then lift up Quinlyn and bring her to their squad car. While up against the squad car, Officer Fallis says: “All this could have been avoided if you would’ve done what we said.”
This statement was essentially divorced from reality. Dausen complied with the officer commands. Quinlyn was not interfering in any way and was simply attempting to observe the interaction, which she had every right to do.
Lugenbell doubles down on this fantasy, and says: “If you guys were cooperative this would have been avoided.” Dausen responds: “I did, I cooperated with you.” Dausen’s statement is objectively true from the video evidence.
As these interactions are occurring, other Joplin police officers appear at the scene. There were approximately six officers present in total.
While Quinlyn was in the squad car, she heard over the police radio that “those aren’t the right guys.” This radio communication was transmitted to the Defendant Officers while they were with Dausen and Wyatt, but they said nothing to them about the fact that they were mistaken in the first instance.
A few minutes later, after Quinlyn has been placed in the squad car, Dausen gets out his cell phone and records more of his interactions with the law enforcement officers. On this second video, he is questioning Quinlyn’s arrest, stating “we didn’t do anything wrong and she didn’t even do anything.” Dausen then says “sir, what is going on?”
Dausen then says to Officer Lugenbell “you pointed a gun at me for no reason.”
Officer Lugenbell responds “that’s right!” and Dausen responds “why?”
Officer Lugenbell then immediately responds, in retaliation for Dausen’s speech and recording the interaction: “turn around, you’re going to jail too.”
Dausen responds incredulously “what? I didn’t do anything wrong. I’m going to sue you,” to which Officer Lugenbell responds “sue me!”
Dausen asks multiple times “what am I going to jail for? Why am I going to jail?”
Officer Lugenbell would not answer him.
Officer Lugenbell then speaks with Wyatt, and again makes the fantastical claim that Dausen and Quinlyn weren’t complying. Wyatt—who was present during the whole interaction—timidly questions Lugenbell’s false account, stating: “he came over here”; that is, Dausen complied with officer commands. Wyatt’s statement is objectively true from the video evidence.
Displeased with Wyatt now questioning his power and authority, Lugenbell retorts: “you can go be a witness in court.”
Lugenbell doubles down on this fantasy, and says: “If you guys were cooperative this would have been avoided.” Dausen responds: “I did, I cooperated with you.” Dausen’s statement is objectively true from the video evidence.
As these interactions are occurring, other Joplin police officers appear at the scene. There were approximately six officers present in total.
While Quinlyn was in the squad car, she heard over the police radio that “those aren’t the right guys.” This radio communication was transmitted to the Defendant Officers while they were with Dausen and Wyatt, but they said nothing to them about the fact that they were mistaken in the first instance.
A few minutes later, after Quinlyn has been placed in the squad car, Dausen gets out his cell phone and records more of his interactions with the law enforcement officers. On this second video, he is questioning Quinlyn’s arrest, stating “we didn’t do anything wrong and she didn’t even do anything.” Dausen then says “sir, what is going on?”
Dausen then says to Officer Lugenbell “you pointed a gun at me for no reason.”
Officer Lugenbell responds “that’s right!” and Dausen responds “why?”
Officer Lugenbell then immediately responds, in retaliation for Dausen’s speech and recording the interaction: “turn around, you’re going to jail too.”
Dausen responds incredulously “what? I didn’t do anything wrong. I’m going to sue you,” to which Officer Lugenbell responds “sue me!”
Dausen asks multiple times “what am I going to jail for? Why am I going to jail?”
Officer Lugenbell would not answer him.
Officer Lugenbell then speaks with Wyatt, and again makes the fantastical claim that Dausen and Quinlyn weren’t complying. Wyatt—who was present during the whole interaction—timidly questions Lugenbell’s false account, stating: “he came over here”; that is, Dausen complied with officer commands. Wyatt’s statement is objectively true from the video evidence.
Displeased with Wyatt now questioning his power and authority, Lugenbell retorts: “you can go be a witness in court.”
While at the scene, Lugenbell described to other officers who arrived later what had occurred. He admits to pulling his firearm on Dausen, and says: “We’re hooking her up and he starts trying to walk towards us. Screw ‘em.”
Officer Lugenbell has a serious ego problem and apparently can’t handle an average, law abiding citizen questioning his authority and power in any manner, even while he illegally exercises it. As he so aptly put it, Officer Lugenbell decided to “screw” the Plaintiffs for hurting his fragile ego, even if it meant violating their constitutional rights.
Officer Lugenbell and Officer Fallis prepared reports regarding this incident. Both of their reports conveniently omit the fact that Officer Lugenbell pointed his firearm at Dausen with no legal justification for doing so. Officer Lugenbell also falsely stated in his report that Dausen did not back away when commanded when, in fact, Dausen complied with this command while Officer Lugenbell was pointing his firearm at Dausen. This became the basis for false charges against Dausen for interfering with an arrest.
Likewise, Officer Fallis falsely stated in his portion of the report that “While placing Quinlyn into custody, Dausen then began to interfere with the arrest,” which also became the basis for false charges against Dausen for interfering with an arrest. Dausen was not interfering. He was exercising his first amendment right to observe and record the officers’ actions.
Officer Lugenbell’s report admits that the complainant who initially called about kids throwing things off a balcony confirmed that Wyatt and Dausen “were not the subjects involved in the disturbance that was initially reported.”
No reasonable officer could believe that Officer Lugenbell and Officer Fallis had probable cause to arrest Quinlyn Tosh for lawfully observing police activity. Likewise, no reasonable officer could believe that Officer Lugenbell and Officer John Doe had probable cause to arrest Dausen Tosh, who was committing no illegal activity and was lawfully observing and recording police activity.
Dausen and Quinlyn were taken to jail by officers, booked, and locked up.
As described above, Officers Lugenbell and Fallis initiated false paperwork to charge Quinlyn with obstruction and resisting arrest and to charge Dausen with obstruction. These charges were patently false and were eventually dismissed.
After this arrest occurred, multiple officers within the Joplin Police Department apologized to plaintiffs for the actions of the officers.
One female officer at the police department advised Quinlyn that she “cannot stand” Officer Lugenbell and that this was not the first time something like this has happened with this officer.
As Quinlyn and Dausen were sitting in jail, the officers that had originally pulled up to Dausen and Wyatt—the ones the trio were chatting about as being nice—approached Dausen and Quinlyn to say they could not believe what had occurred and that, if it was them, “it would NOT have happened like that.”
Quinlyn and Dausen were eventually bailed out of jail.
On March 21, 2023, Quinlyn submitted a complaint to the Joplin Police Department about what occurred. She spoke with Sargeant Jason Stump about what had occurred, who admitted the Defendant Officers’ actions were wrong.
On May 4, 2023, the Joplin Police Department sent a letter to Quinlyn regarding her complaint. This letter stated: “Appropriate action has been taken based on our findings,” but nothing more could be said regarding personnel and disciplinary matters. The letter closed by stating: “Please rest assured that the review of your concerns has helped us improve our service and will help prevent future complaints of this nature.”
Dausen and Quinlyn had to hire attorneys to defend them against the false criminal charges lodged by the Defendant Officers. Those charges were all dismissed.
Dausen and Quinlyn Tosh suffered damages as a result of the Defendants actions, including reputational damages, physical injuries to Quinlyn Tosh, emotional distress, mental anguish, the incursion of attorney’s fees to defendant against false criminal charges, and being falsely imprisoned.
Quinlyn Tosh and Dausen Tosh are seeking fair and reasonable damages, punitive damages and attorney fees, according to the petition.
Quinlyn Tosh and Dausen Tosh are seeking fair and reasonable damages, punitive damages and attorney fees, according to the petition.
Thursday, June 11, 2026
Nancy Hughes: The voice of the father
John 10:27 (NIV)
The high school tennis match was intense and fierce. Both girls were obviously competitors, but I noticed that one appeared to slowly but firmly begin to dominate the other. Encouragement from the large crowd was all around, the voices loud and strong. Emotions were being offered up with each serve, each return, each miss. And then I heard his voice.
It had a deep, rich sound - but I noticed something else. The owner of the voice was confident, calming, and quietly encouraging in what he was saying. “You are doing fine. You are strong. She is good, but wait until she sees your backhand and your serve. Take a deep breath. You are going to be okay.” That’s when I saw the owner of the voice.
Words spoken softly by a father, meant only for the girl who was struggling on the court to hear: his daughter. And hear she did. I watched her do exactly what he said. She paused, took a deep breath, and nodded ever so slightly as if to say, “I heard you. Thank you.”
I couldn’t help but watch the father. He was sitting in a lawn chair a few feet away from his daughter, but he was not leaning forward, stressing at her every move on the tennis court. Instead, he was relaxed, calm, and confident in what she could do.
He knew that his daughter had panicked and was struggling to focus on her skills, training, and ability. And he was right. As the girl listened to her father’s voice, she regained her composure and her confidence and ended up beating the other girl to win that set, the next ones, the match, and the tournament. She knew her father’s voice. She had heard it before. She knew he spoke the truth and that he could always be trusted to lead her in the right way.
My heart instantly focused on God’s voice. He is never panicked, never worried, never afraid, and never rushed. Never once has God spoken to my heart to “hurry this second and do what I say or something bad will happen!” He is never wrong and has had to correct His directions for me on the journey He has me on. Not once.
The world, on the other hand, is full of opinions and worries and fears and bad advice. People - sometimes even friends - will steer you toward the opposite of God’s plan for you. And the only way you will know 100% what you should do is to listen to the voice of the Father. How will you recognize His voice in the loud craziness of this world? By being in His Word daily. By talking to Him in prayer. By asking Christian prayer warriors to hold you accountable. By ignoring the advice of the world that you can do whatever you want to do.
The voices all around us are loud and compete for our attention. They are full of opinions and advice and worry and fear and lies. As for me, the only one I need to listen to is the Voice of the Father.
Father, help me to stay in your word and in your presence daily so the only voice I will listen to is your voice of truth. In Jesus’ Name. Amen.
R.A.P. it up . . .
Reflect
Have you ever had a situation with several opinions and voices and you struggled to decide what to do?
Did you pray and ask the Lord to speak truth to your heart, or did you listen to the world?
Apply
Pray daily for guidance with each decision you have to make. Be patient.
Remember that God never panics or makes mistakes; wait on His answer.
Power
John 10:27 (NIV) “My sheep listen to my voice; I know them, and they follow me.”
John 10:14-15 (NIV) “I am the good shepherd; I know my sheep and my sheep know me - just as the Father knows me and I know the Father - and I lay down my life for the sheep.”
Proverbs 18:10 (NIV) “The name of the Lord is a strong tower; the righteous run into it and are safe.”
(For more of Nancy Hughes' writing, check out her blog, Encouragement from the War Room.)
Stotts City Board of Aldermen meeting rescheduled for Friday
From Stotts City Mayor Tracy Knight)Mayor Tracy Knight announces that the regular meeting of the Stotts City Board of Aldermen has been rescheduled and will be held on:
Friday, June 12, 2026
6:00 P.M.
Stotts City Fire Station
Stotts City, Missouri
The agenda for the meeting has been posted in accordance with Missouri law and is available for public inspection at City Hall. A copy of the agenda is also being shared with the community to encourage public awareness and participation in local government.
Among the items scheduled for discussion are city financial matters, departmental reports, unfinished business, new business, appointments, and other matters affecting the operation and future direction of the City of Stotts City.
Residents are encouraged to review the agenda and attend the meeting. Public participation and community engagement remain important components of open and transparent local government.
The City remains committed to improving transparency, accountability, and communication with residents while addressing ongoing operational and financial matters identified through recent reviews and discussions.
U. S. News and World Report recognizes Seneca Middle School as one of best in Missouri
(From the Seneca R-7 School District)We are proud to celebrate Seneca Intermediate School for being recognized by U.S. News & World Report as one of Missouri’s top-performing schools!
This recognition is part of the U.S. News Best Elementary and Middle Schools rankings and is based on student performance in key academic areas, including mathematics and reading/language arts. The honor reflects the outstanding work taking place in our classrooms each day and the commitment of our students, teachers, staff, and families to academic excellence.
This recognition celebrates the culture that drives our district- a commitment to high expectations, meaningful collaboration, and doing whatever it takes to help every student succeed. We are proud of the work happening across Seneca R-7 and grateful for the students, staff, families, and community members who make it possible.
Please join us in congratulating the students, staff, and families of Seneca Intermediate School on this well-deserved achievement!
Agenda posted for Joplin City Council meeting
JOPLIN CITY COUNCIL REGULAR MEETING AGENDA
MONDAY, JUNE 15, 2026
5th FLOOR COUNCIL CHAMBERS
602 S. MAIN ST. JOPLIN MO
6:00 P.M.
MONDAY, JUNE 15, 2026
5th FLOOR COUNCIL CHAMBERS
602 S. MAIN ST. JOPLIN MO
6:00 P.M.
1.
Call To Order
Invocation
Pledge of Allegiance of the United States of America
Pledge of Allegiance of the United States of America
2.
Roll Call
3.
Presentations
1.
Introduction Of Layne Bourgeous, Director Of Homelessness Response
2.
ALLO Fiber Construction Update
3.
Semi-Annual Oversight Committee Report
4.
Grant Project Status Update
4.
Finalization Of Consent Agenda
5.
Reports And Communications
1.
News From The Public Information Office
6.
Citizen Requests And Petitions
1.
Shannon Cavener
7.
Public Hearings
8.
Consent Agenda
1.
Minutes Of The June 1, 2026, City Council Meeting
Documents:
2.
COUNCIL BILL NO. 2026-124
AN ORDINANCE authorizing the City of Joplin to enter into a Agreement with McClanahan Construction Company, Inc. for the 2026 Miscellaneous Wastewater Treatment Plant Improvements in the amount of Nine Hundred Forty-Eight Thousand and 00/100 Dollars ($948,000.00) and authorizing the City Manager or his designee to execute the same by and on behalf of the City of Joplin; and, setting a date when this Ordinance shall become effective.
Documents:
3.
COUNCIL BILL NO. 2026-125
AN ORDINANCE authorizing the City of Joplin to enter into an Agreement with Joplin Industrial Electric, Inc. for the 2026 Miscellaneous Wastewater Treatment Plant Electrical Upgrades in the amount of Nine Hundred One Thousand Fifty-Two and 00/100 Dollars ($901,052.00) and authorizing the City Manager or his designee to execute the same by and on behalf of the City of Joplin; and, setting a date when this Ordinance shall become effective.
Documents:
4.
COUNCIL BILL NO. 2026-269
AN ORDINANCE providing to vacate a utility easement for property known as that part of vacated Harlem Ave, lying near property described as 1400 W 4th St, City of Joplin, Jasper County, Missouri.
Documents:
5.
COUNCIL BILL NO. 2026-514
AN ORDINANCE amending the Annual Budget of the City of Joplin for the Fiscal Year 2025-2026 as adopted by Ordinance 2025-143 on October 20, 2025, to adjust appropriations; and, setting a date when this Ordinance shall become effective.
Documents:
6.
COUNCIL BILL NO. 2026-610
AN ORDINANCE approving a consulting agreement with Place Foundry PLLC. in the not to exceed amount of Two Hundred Seventeen Thousand Five Hundred Dollars ($217,500.00) to provide for the evaluation, planning and implementation services for the commercial and residential development and re-development of applicable land and facilities on and surrounding Missouri Southern State University, the Northpark Mall, and generally the Newman Road, Duquesne, and North Range Line area, authorizing the City Manager or his designee to execute the same by and on behalf of the City of Joplin; and, amending the Annual Budget of the City of Joplin for the Fiscal Year 2025-2026 as adopted by Ordinance 2025-143 on October 20, 2025; and, setting a date when this Ordinance shall become effective.
Documents:
9.
Resolutions
1.
RESOLUTION NO. 2026-012
A RESOLUTION authorizing the Joplin Fire Department to apply for federal funding through the staffing for adequate fire and emergency response (SAFER) grant program to support the hiring of six (6) firefighter positions approved by the voters through Proposition Police & Fire.
2.
RESOLUTION NO. 2026-013
A RESOLUTION appointing new members of the Board of Directors of the Hope Valley Community Improvement District.
10.
Ordinances - Expedited
11.
Ordinances - First Reading
1.
COUNCIL BILL NO. 2026-129
AN ORDINANCE approving the City of Joplin to enter into an agreement with Emery Sapp & Sons (ESS) in the amount of One Million Two Hundred Nine Thousand One Hundred Eighty-Seven Dollars and 74/100 ($1,209,187.74) for the North Perimeter Road Reconstruction at the Joplin Regional Airport, and authorizing the City Manager or his designee to execute this agreement by and on behalf of the City of Joplin, and amending the Annual Budget of the City of Joplin for the Fiscal Year 2025-2026 as adopted by Ordinance 2025-143 on October 20, 2025; and, setting a date when this Ordinance shall become effective.
2.
COUNCIL BILL NO. 2026-130
AN ORDINANCE approving the City of Joplin to enter into an agreement with Sprouls Construction Inc. in the amount of Five Million Three Hundred Forty-Five Thousand Four Hundred Twenty-Five and 65/100 dollars ($5,345,425.65) for construction of the Main Street Streetscape 8th Street to 15th Street project and authorizing the City Manager or his designee to execute the same by and on behalf of the City of Joplin; amending the Annual Budget of the City of Joplin for the Fiscal Year 2025-2026 as adopted by Ordinance 2025-143 on October 20, 2025; and setting a date when this Ordinance shall become effective.
3.
COUNCIL BILL NO. 2026-132
AN ORDINANCE approving the City of Joplin to enter into an agreement with Crawford, Murphy & Tilly (CMT) in the not to exceed amount of One Hundred Seventy-Nine Thousand One Hundred Eighty-Six Dollars and 03/100 ($179,186.03) for construction management services for the North Perimeter Road Reconstruction at the Joplin Regional Airport, and authorizing the City Manager or his designee to execute this agreement by and on behalf of the City of Joplin, and amending the Annual Budget of the City of Joplin for the Fiscal Year 2025-2026 as adopted by Ordinance 2025-143 on October 20, 2025; and, setting a date when this Ordinance shall become effective.
4.
COUNCIL BILL NO. 2026-133
AN ORDINANCE authorizing the City of Joplin to enter into an agreement with Signature Dirtworx, LLC for the 32nd Street and Quail Ave. Sewer Extension Project in the amount of One Hundred Forty-One Thousand Three Hundred Thirty-Five and 65/100 DOLLARS ($141,335.65) and authorizing the City Manager or his designee to execute the same by and on behalf of the City of Joplin; and, setting a date when this Ordinance shall become effective.
Documents:
5.
COUNCIL BILL NO. 2026-615
AN ORDINANCE approving a Lease agreement with Heart of America Tournaments, LLC. the land and improvements commonly known as Joe Becker Baseball Stadium with Clubhouse; and Wendell Redden Stadium, and the Gene Bassman Softball Complex; authorizing the City Manager to execute said Lease Agreement by and on behalf of the City of Joplin.
Documents:
- SUMMARY FOR COUNCIL BILL 2026-613 HEART OF AMERICA TOURNAMENTS, LLC LEASE AGREEMENT.PDF
- HEART OF AMERICA TOURNAMENTS LLC 5-1-2026 LEASE AGREEMENT UPDATED 6 4 2026.PDF
- HEART OF AMERICA TOURNAMENTS, LLC STADIUM LEASE PROPOSAL.PDF
- 2026 STADIUM LEASE 2026-RFP-18.PDF
- ADDENDUM 1 STADIUM LEASES RFP 2026-RFP-18.PDF
- COUNCIL BILL NO. 2026-615 HEART OF AMERICA TOURNAMENTS, LLC LEASE AGREEMENT.PDF
12.
Ordinances - Second Reading And Third Reading
1.
COUNCIL BILL NO. 2026-007
AN ORDINANCE repealing and replacing the Joplin City Code, Chapter 82 - Offenses and Miscellaneous Provisions, Article III - Offenses Against Public Peace; Division I. - Generally; and specifically, Section 82-74 - Harassment; and establishing a time for such ordinance to become effective.
Documents:
13.
Unfinished Business
14.
New Business
1.
Boards And Commissions Reappointments And Appointments
2.
Vote To Go Into Closed Session, Which Shall Pertain To Legal Action, Causes Of Action, Or Litigation Including A Public Governmental Body And Any Confidential Or Privileged Communications Between A Governmental Body Or Its Representatives And Its Attorneys Pursuant To State Law, As Set Forth In Section 610.021 (1) RSMo, As Amended, 2020. This Meeting, Record, And Vote To Be Closed. Council Shall Adjourn At The End Of The Session.
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