Carthage man charged with felony DWI following head-on crash on 171, ICE notified

 

A Carthage man is being held on a $50,000 cash-only bond on a felony driving while intoxicated charge following a head-on crash on 171 in Carl Junction.

Online Jasper County Circuit Court documents indicate ICE was notified since Merido Juarez Hunan (DOB 1997), a native of Guatemala, did not have a valid license and is not an American citizen.

Huinac was also charged with.a second felony- tampering with physical evidence and three misdemeanors- failure to drive on the right side of the roadway, no insurance and no valid license.

From the probable cause statement:

On 01/21/2026, at approximately 2241 hours, a witness called 911 to report that a head-on motor vehicle crash occurred at Highway 171 and Route Z and that both drivers appeared to be injured.

Upon arrival, I observed a silver Dodge Caravan stopped in the middle of the roadway on Highway 171 and a silver Jeep Grand Cherokee stopped in the ditch to the West of Highway 171.

The driver of the Dodge Caravan was identified as Merido Juarez Huinac. The driver of the Jeep Grand Cherokee was identified as James Nible. James sustained an injury to his forehead and was transported to Mercy Joplin via METS to be treated for injuries.

Helms Cisne stated that he observed the Dodge Caravan cross over the double-yellow center line and cause the crash. Austin Wilson stated that he followed the Dodge Caravan from the intersection
of Demott and Fir Road. The vehicle committed several lane violations and they believed he could've been on a cellular device.

Austin observed Merido collide with the other vehicle. He then attempted to leave, but the damage sustained to his vehicle prevented him. There was 163'4'' of skid marks that were caused by the front left of Merido's vehicle after he attempted to get away.

Witness 2 then observed Merido throwing a bag out the window and a couple small objects.

In the bag, I located alcohol that was empty. I then found two beer cans on the side of the road, next to the vehicle. They matched the same brand (Modelo) as the beer car in the driver's cup holder. The driver had 1/4 of the can left full, cold to the touch.

Merido was contacted at Freeman Hospital where he was read implied consent. His BAC from his blood sample was 0.13 percent. I read Merida his Miranda Warnings, using a translator from AMN Healthcare Language Services. He advised he understood his rights, then he answered my questions. While reading the AIRs form, he admitted to consuming alcohol and then operating the motor vehicle. He admitted to drinking five beers, which was how many were located on the scene.

The probable cause statement also said that Huinac poses a threat to the community, because he "knowingly drove a motor vehicle with no license, no insurance, all while in an intoxicated condition. He blatantly disregarded safety for the public and caused a collision that could have been fatal."

He did not show remorse or apologize for the incident. Instead, he requested help to return to Guatemala.

Three businesses pass Joplin Health Department inspections

Three establishments passed Joplin Health Department inspections Wednesday, according to information posted on the department website. 

The businesses that passed were:

El Heavenly Donuts, 1915 S. Main Street

Dairy Queen Grill and Chill, 2015 E 32nd Street

Lalo's Taqueria, 2501 E. 7th Street

Mount Vernon woman sentenced for wire fraud

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

A Mt. Vernon, Mo., woman was sentenced in federal court today for her role in a wire fraud conspiracy and wire fraud scheme that targeted the Missouri Lottery Commission and an area gas station.

Amy Young, 42, was sentenced by U.S. District Judge Douglas Harpool to 23 months imprisonment with the Bureau of Prisons based upon her prior guilty plea to conspiracy to commit wire fraud and wire fraud.

Young conspired with others to employ a scheme to purchase Missouri lottery tickets using stolen and fraudulent credit cards and credit card numbers at a Joplin, Mo., gas station. Young and her co-conspirators made $62,082.50 in fraudulent transactions at the gas station in July and August of 2022. These transactions included the purchase of Missouri Lottery tickets. The perpetrators would send other individuals to collect any cash prizes associated with the tickets. The group fraudulently claimed $54,248 in cash prizes from the Missouri Lottery Commission. The fraudulent cash prizes and credit card transactions totaled $116,330.50.

This case is being prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorney Patrick Carney. It was investigated by the Federal Bureau of Investigation and the Joplin, Missouri, Police Department.

Eleven people, including Joplin CEO, sentenced for role in conspiracy involving undocumented workers

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

Eleven defendants, including the chief executive officer, president, chief financial officer, and controller of a Joplin, Mo., corporation, have been sentenced in federal court for their role in a racketeering conspiracy to hire, harbor, and transport undocumented workers in several Midwestern states.

“Immigration issues in the country and in this district are not limited to those who illegally enter the United States. Businesses and entities who skirt the law and provide an environment that encourages and assists undocumented individuals to enter and remain in the United States unlawfully will be held accountable. My office is committed to prosecuting both individuals who illegally enter the United States as well as businesses and entities that profit off their labor,” said R. Matthew Price, United States Attorney, Western District of Missouri. “I would like to thank our law enforcement partners at HSI Kansas City for their work on this important matter.”

“The sentencing handed down today sends an unmistakable message. If you build your business on illegal labor and criminal racketeering, you will pay a steep price,” said Mark Zito, HSI Kansas City Special Agent in Charge. “This criminal enterprise was a calculated attack on our laws, our economy, and the most vulnerable among us. HSI Kansas City will not tolerate those who exploit workers and cheat honest business owners for profit. Today’s sentence proves that anyone who thinks they can get away with this kind of lawlessness will be hunted down, prosecuted, and held to the highest account.”

Jose Luis Bravo, 55, of Claremore, Ok.; Jose Guadalupe Razo, 44, of Carl Junction, Mo.; Anthony Edward Doll, 47, and Miguel Tarin-Martinez, 47, both of Joplin, Mo.; Antonio Martinez-Munoz, 48, of Collinsville, Ok.; Rodrigo Manrique Razo, 43, of Great Bend, Ks.; Juan Carlos Palma-Cedeno, 41, a citizen of Mexico; Jose Luis Lopez-Valadez, 45, of West Plains, Mo.; Jaime Ramirez-Ceja, 47, a citizen of Mexico; Jose Luis Rodriguez-Valerio, 61, of Tulsa, Ok.; and Veronica Razo de Lara, 51, of Great Bend, Ks., have been sentenced by U.S. District Judge Roseann A. Ketchmark.

Each defendant previously admitted to taking part in a RICO (racketeer influenced and corrupt organizations) conspiracy from Jan. 2018, to Aug. 2021, that transported and employed Mexican, Guatemalan, and El Salvadoran nationals who were not authorized to live or work in the United States. Conspirators also harbored and encouraged the unauthorized workers to remain and reside in the United States by providing them with housing and, in certain circumstances, fraudulent identification documentation.

Specialty Foods Distribution (SFD) is a Missouri corporation, based in Joplin, specializing in wholesale Mexican food products and restaurant supply products. During the racketeering conspiracy, SFD’s executive staff included Jose Bravo as chief executive officer; Jose Razo as president; Anthony Doll as chief financial officer; Miguel Tarin-Martinez as controller.

Bravo, J. Razo, Doll, and Tarin-Martinez created, maintained, and/or otherwise oversaw a network of enterprise-affiliated restaurants in Missouri, Arkansas, Kansas, and Oklahoma that were serviced by SFD. The enterprise-affiliated restaurants were managed and/or staffed by coconspirators, including defendants Martinez-Munoz, R. Razo, Palma-Cedeno, Lopez-Valadez, Ramirez-Ceja, Rodriguez-Valerio, and Razo de Lara. Together, the defendants conspired to staff the restaurants with unauthorized workers—a workforce not available to law-abiding business owners—thereby gaining an unfair and illegal competitive business advantage.

As part of the conspiracy, the defendants utilized evasive and fraudulent tactics. Specifically, to keep the enterprise-affiliated restaurants staffed and profitable, the defendants kept certain unauthorized workers off official payroll records; required certain unauthorized workers to work at times when federal officials were unlikely to conduct inspections; failed to collect or maintain complete and accurate Form I-9 documentation; falsely attested to the accuracy of Form I-9 documentation; submitted inaccurate wage and hour reports to state officials; and facilitated fraudulent identification documentation being produced, transported, and provided to unauthorized workers.

To date, the Court has imposed an aggregate 164 months of imprisonment and ordered forfeiture in an amount over $6,400,000.00. As to each defendant, the Court imposed the below-listed sentences.Bravo, who was the leader and organizer of the racketeering conspiracy, was sentenced to a 36-month term of imprisonment, a three-year term of supervised release, and was ordered to pay or otherwise provide approximately $5,764.537.47 representing the proceeds he obtained from the racketeering enterprise, property he acquired or maintained as part of the racketeering enterprise, and/or property that afforded a source of influence over the racketeering enterprise. Specifically, the forfeiture amount includes funds from five bank accounts; payment for his share of 12 real properties, including one personal residence and 11 commercial buildings; and payment for his share of over 20 business entities, including a portion of SFD.

J. Razo, who was a supervisor and manager of the racketeering conspiracy, was sentenced to a 30-month term of imprisonment, a three-year term of supervised release, and was ordered to pay or otherwise provide $130,700.04 representing the proceeds he obtained from the racketeering enterprise.
Doll, who was a supervisor and manager of the racketeering conspiracy, was sentenced to a 10-month term of home detention as a condition of probation and was ordered to pay or otherwise provide $132,303.09 representing the proceeds he obtained from the racketeering enterprise.

Tarin-Martinez was sentenced to a 24-month term of imprisonment, three-year term of supervised release, and was ordered to pay or otherwise provide $23,094.97 representing the proceeds he obtained from the racketeering enterprise.

Martinez-Munoz, who worked as a manager at Bravo’s Mexican Grill in Overland Park, Ks., was sentenced to a 15-month term of imprisonment and a three-year term of supervised release.

R. Razo, who served as the manager of Playa Azul Mexican Restaurant in Great Bend, Ks., was sentenced to a 13-month term of imprisonment, a three-year term of supervised release, and was ordered to pay or otherwise provide $81,933.28 representing the proceeds he obtained from the racketeering enterprise.

Palma-Cedeno, who worked as an employee at El Banquete Mexican Restaurant in Claremore, Ok., was sentenced to a 10-month term of imprisonment and a three-year term of supervised release.

Lopez-Valadez, who served as the manager of two El Charro Mexican Restaurant locations in West Plains, Mo., was sentenced to an eight-month term of home detention as a condition of probation and was ordered to pay or otherwise provide $345,791.86 representing the proceeds he obtained from the racketeering enterprise.

Ramirez-Ceja, who served as the manager of El Charro Mexican Restaurant in Lebanon, Mo., was sentenced to an 11-month term of imprisonment and a one-year term of supervised release.

Rodriguez-Valerio, who served as a manager at Bravo’s Mexican Grill in Overland Park, Ks., was sentenced to a 13-month term of imprisonment and a three-year term of supervised release.

Razo de Lara, who served as the manager of Maria’s Mexican Grill, in Great Bend, Ks., was sentenced to a 12-month-and-one-day term of imprisonment and a three-year term of supervised release.

Defendants Eusebio Ramirez-Ceja, 55; Alejandro Castillo-Ramirez, 44; and Lorenzo Castro-Manzanarez, 43, all three citizens of Mexico, have pled guilty and are awaiting sentencing.

This case is being prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorneys Rudolph R. Rhodes IV, Nicholas Heberle, David Wagner, and Leigh Farmakidis. It was investigated by Homeland Security Investigations with assistance from the United States Postal Inspection Service; Social Security Administration, Office of Inspector General; Internal Revenue Service, Criminal Investigations; Kansas Bureau of Investigation; Kansas Department of Labor; Kansas Department of Revenue; Kansas Highway Patrol; Missouri State Highway Patrol; and Butler, Mo., Police Department.

Kehoe declares state of emergency ahead of winter storm

(From Gov. Mike Kehoe)

Today, Governor Mike Kehoe signed Executive Order 26-05, declaring a State of Emergency as a precautionary measure to prepare for hazardous winter weather expected to impact the State of Missouri this weekend. The Order also activates the Missouri National Guard for state and local response efforts, if needed.

"With hazardous winter weather forecasted for this weekend across much of the state and nation, our focus is on preparedness and coordination," Governor Kehoe said. "Declaring a State of Emergency allows the state to respond quickly and support local communities as needed, but each of us must do our part. We're asking Missourians to stay informed, plan ahead, and use extreme caution during this potentially dangerous winter weather event."

Executive Order 26-05 grants the Adjutant General of the State of Missouri the authority to call and order into active service such portions of the organized militia as he deems necessary to aid Missourians.

The National Weather Service has issued a winter storm warning, advising that significant snowfall is expected across southern and central parts of the state beginning Friday evening, with the heaviest accumulation expected south of the I-70 corridor. 

In response, the Missouri Department of Transportation (MoDOT) began its statewide winter weather protocol on Wednesday and will have crews fully deployed throughout the state. Similarly, the State Emergency Operations Center will be activated to coordinate response efforts for this event.

Motorists are encouraged to postpone travel if possible. If you must travel, use extreme caution and check road conditions before driving to help determine if your trip can be completed safely. The MoDOT Traveler Information Map app can be accessed on desktop and mobile devices here.

Executive Order 26-05 will expire on February 22, 2026. To view the Order, please click here.

Kevin Burgi named Carthage High School assistant principal

(From the Carthage R-9 School District)

We're thrilled to announce that Mr. Kevin Burgi will be the new Assistant Principal at CHS starting in the 2026-27 school year! 

Mr. Burgi has been a valued member of the CHS team since 2023, serving as a special education teacher and head baseball coach. 

Prior to that, he held leadership and teaching roles at McDonald County High School and Joplin North Middle School, bringing over a decade of experience in education. 

His strong leadership, classroom expertise, and commitment to students make him an outstanding choice for this role.

Joplin man to be held without bond on meth, cocaine trafficking, weapons charges

Ivy Dewayne Lee Anderson, 34, Joplin, will be held without bond while awaiting trial on charges of methamphetamine and cocaine trafficking, possession of a firearm in furtherance of drug trafficking and felon in possession of a firearm.

Judge David P. Rush ordered Anderson to remain in the Greene County Jail following a detention hearing this morning in U. S. District Court in Springfield.

Anderson's crimes allegedly took place August 14 in Jasper County.

Previous post- Joplin man indicted on meth, cocaine trafficking, weapons charges

Jill Carter bill strengthens protections for pharmacies, patients

(From Sen. Jill Carter)

Today in the Senate Families, Seniors and Health Committee, State Senators Jill Carter, R-Granby, and Travis Fitzwater, R-Holts Summit, introduced two bills designed to protect both patients and pharmacies by promoting fairness, transparency and choice in Missouri’s healthcare system.

Senator Carter’s Senate Bill 984 strengthens protections for pharmacies and patients. The bill requires 14 days’ notice for audits, limits reviews to 25 prescriptions, allows pharmacies 30 days to correct errors and bans audits during the first five business days of the month.

The bill also prevents pharmacy benefits managers (PBMs) from charging patients more than the cash price or the pharmacy’s contracted rate, requires transparency in claims and affiliated pharmacy practices, establishes PBM fiduciary duties and directs the Department of Health and Senior Services to create a program to support critical access pharmacies statewide.

“I’m proud to support this bill because I believe it’s a win for both patients and pharmacies,” said Sen. Carter. “It helps patients afford their prescriptions, gives pharmacies a chance to fix mistakes and supports the local pharmacies we all rely on.”

Senator Fitzwater’s Senate Bill 968 ensures patients can choose any participating pharmacy or pharmacist without facing penalties or restrictions. The bill also prevents PBMs from imposing extra requirements beyond what state law allows. It guarantees fair payment to pharmacies by requiring PBMs to pay at least the standard drug price, match what they pay their own affiliates and provide a dispensing fee of at least 90% of the MO HealthNet rate. Additionally, PBMs are prohibited from retaliating against pharmacies that appeal payment disputes.

“It is absurd to me that a pharmacy would have to charge less than what they paid for a product,” said Sen. Fitzwater. “This bill is about fairness for everyone. Patients can go to the pharmacy they trust, and local pharmacies get a fair shake for the work they do."

To learn more about or monitor the progress of legislation sponsored by Sen. Carter and Sen. Fitzwater, visit Senate.mo.gov/Carter and Senate.mo.gov/Fitzwater.

Lucy's Mexican Restaurant fails Joplin Health Department inspection

Lucy's Mexican Restaurant, 2705 S Range Line Road, failed its Joplin Health Department inspection today.

The restaurant received three priority violations and five core violations, according to the report, which was posted on the department website. 

Priority violations were received for the following:

-Mole and salsa in the walk-in cooler were past their expiration dates

-Employee drinks were on the preparation tables.

-Food items in the prep cooler were being cold held above 41 degrees.

Core violations were recorded for the following:

-Wiping cloths were seen lying on the rack in the walk-in, near the griddle and in the prep table area.

-An ice scoop was stored with its handle in the contents.

-A handwashing sink was being used for food preparation and was not available for handwashing.

-The hood vent above the griddle had an accumulation of grease.

-A dead pest was seen in the back storage area.

***

Establishments that passed their inspections today were the following:

Burger King, 1931 S. Range Line Road 

Long John Silver's, 1627 W. 7th Street

Joplin Senior Center, 2616 S. Picher Avenue

Jugz Liquor and Microbrew, 1602 E. 20th Street

Landmark Hospital, 2040 W 32nd Street

J-H Cattle Company and Meat Store, 1316 E. Broadway Street

Leggett & Platt Board rejects Somnigroup buyout offer

(From Leggett & Platt)

Leggett & Platt today announced that its Board of Directors has entered into a customary non-disclosure agreement and 6-month standstill with Somnigroup to facilitate customary due diligence and to determine if a transaction can be reached that delivers appropriate value and certainty to Leggett & Platt and its shareholders.

Discussions between Leggett & Platt and Somnigroup follow the Leggett & Platt Board's careful review, in consultation with its independent financial and legal advisors, of Somnigroup's unsolicited proposal dated December 1, 2025 to acquire Leggett & Platt in an all-stock transaction. The Board determined that Somnigroup's $12 per share proposal undervalues the Company and declined the proposal.

The Board is committed to the course of action that it believes is in the best interests of the Company and its shareholders and will continue to evaluate and pursue all opportunities in that regard.

Leggett & Platt does not undertake any obligation to provide updates with respect to its evaluation and does not intend to make further public comments unless and until it otherwise deems further disclosure is appropriate or required. There can be no assurance that the Board's evaluation will result in a transaction, or the price, form of consideration or other terms and conditions of any such transaction. Leggett & Platt shareholders do not need to take any action at this time.

J.P. Morgan Securities LLC is serving as financial advisor to Leggett & Platt and Latham & Watkins LLP is serving as its legal advisor.

State Audit: The more Missouri State Lottery advertises, the less money goes to education

(From State Auditor Scott Fitzpatrick)

A new report from Missouri State Auditor Scott Fitzpatrick shows increased spending for advertising for the state's Lottery program has coincided with a reduction in the amount of money transferred to education. 

The new report gives the Missouri State Lottery Commission (Lottery) a "good" rating while noting additional trend analysis is needed to determine if continued advertising for lottery purposes is effective in driving lottery sales. 

The report follows a 2023 report that found lottery proceeds increased significantly even as funding for the Lottery's advertising budget diminished significantly. The previous report found the advertising budget decreased by approximately $16.7 million from 2018 to 2023 while transfers of Lottery proceeds to education increased by more than $53 million in the same period of time. The report released today found a significant increase in advertising expenditures of approximately $5 million for Fiscal Year 2024 but saw total revenue generated by the Lottery decrease by more than $49 million and transfers to education decrease by more than $18 million.

"The amount of money generated by the Lottery for our system of public education is the best way to gauge whether the program is succeeding. In this case we've seen transfers to education increase while advertising budgets were nearly non-existent and then seen transfers diminish when the advertising budget was increased significantly. I realize there are a number of factors at play when looking at these trends, but the information in our report should be helpful to lawmakers as they determine the amount they want to appropriate for advertising in the coming fiscal year," said Auditor Fitzpatrick.

According to national lottery data, Missouri's fiscal year 2024 advertising budget of 0.31 percent of sales ranks 44th out of the 46 states that sponsor a lottery. For Fiscal Year 2023, the Lottery had an advertising budget of 0.02 percent of sales, which was the smallest advertising budget of any of the 45 states (plus the District of Columbia) that sponsor a lottery.

Lottery officials indicated the changes in advertising expenditures are not the only factor that affects lottery sales, and multiple other factors can play a substantial role in lottery sales. According to Lottery officials, the size of the national jackpots are a significant factor for lottery sales, with jackpots greater than $500 million drawing more media attention and generating more revenue. The report found total lottery jackpots for the national jackpot games that Missouri participates in increased by 33% in fiscal year 2024 compared to fiscal year 2023. However, draw game ticket sales and overall lottery revenues stayed essentially the same, only decreasing slightly in fiscal year 2024.

The complete audit of the Missouri State Lottery Commission can be found here.

Joplin man charged with fourth DWI following Range Line crash

A Joplin man was charged with driving while intoxicated following a crash Monday at East 36th Street and S. Range Line Road.

An arrest warrant was issued for Brendan F. Feely (DOB 1989) with bond set at $10,000 cash or $50,000 surety.

According to the probable cause statement, Feely was convicted of driving while intoxicated on June 17, 2021 and December 17, 2020, following arrests by the Carl Junction Police Department and on January 28, 2022 after being arrested by the Bourbon County, Kansas Sheriff's Office.

From the probable cause statement:

Upon arrival, Officer Dykstra and Officer Sterling informed me that Branden Feely appeared highly
intoxicated and located a half empty bottle of Sea Ice Vodka (374 mL) inside his vehicle. Feely was
transported to a local hospital due to injuries sustained in the crash.

I made contact with Feely and immediately detected a strong odor of intoxicants coming from his
person. While medical staff were assessing Feely, he stated that he began drinking approximately one
hour prior to the crash and that he suffers from alcohol withdrawal. 

As Feely continued speaking, I noticed the odor of intoxicants became increasingly stronger and was so strong that it was nearly overwhelming while speaking with him. I noticed Feely's speech was slurred and mumbled as individuals had to ask him multiple times to repeat himself.

I read Feely the Missouri Implied Consent, and he agreed to provide a blood sample. A blood sample
was provided and placed into evidence. A 411 form was completed for the blood kit to be sent to the
Missouri State Highway Patrol lab for further blood analysis.

While Feely was lying flat on his back wearing a neck brace that kept his neck in a forward position.

As I stood on Feely's right side, he made eye contact with me by turning his eyes in my direction. I
immediately observed that his eyes displayed signs consistent with horizontal gaze nystagmus, as they
were rapidly bouncing while he was speaking with me.

Officer Dykstra stated that Feely was unable to provide proof of insurance and was observed operating
his vehicle on the wrong side of the road.

Nancy Hughes: Praying without believing

“Be joyful always, pray continually . . .” I Thessalonians 5:16-17 (NIV)

A man was baptized in my hometown a few years ago. That’s wonderful but not news that makes national headlines. It happens all the time. However, something made this baptism different: this was a man I had spent the last 20 years praying for almost every day.

But I am embarrassed and ashamed to confess that even though I prayed for his salvation, I wasn’t convinced it would happen. Why? Because I saw him and his actions on the outside and I judged him. I never stopped to consider that God was doing a mighty work on the inside, on this man’s heart. Shame on me.

Year after year I watched him and prayed but also judged him by how I saw his life unfold. According to I Thessalonians 5:16-17, I should have been “joyful always” knowing that I should “pray continually” for his heart to turn to Jesus each day and praising God for being faithful to answer when we call on Him.

Instead, I was judgmental and prideful during my prayer time. I didn’t speak these comments out loud but my thought life did: “Wow, God. He isn’t going to turn to you, is he?” or “I’m not sure even you can change the heart of concrete that man has, God.” And then there is this one: “So many are praying for him, Lord. Why isn’t he changing?”

I tell you that, to share this: we may not see with our physical eyes changes going on in the lives of the people we are praying for but God is working on the inside to guide and direct them to His mercy and forgiveness and grace.

We have no idea the battle that is being waged on the inside for anyone’s heart and life nor do we know the plans that God is putting in place as He fights for His children and their salvation.

But He tells us to pray continually for a reason: because He, Jesus, has never once stopped interceding for us before the Father. If He never stops, why should we? I should have been trusting God to work in this man’s life and heart but instead, I was judging what I could see with my physical and not spiritual eyes.

Can I just open up to you and say that there are loved ones in my family that I have prayed for, off and on, for years and I would hate to think that someone was praying for them with the same attitude that I had as I prayed for this man. Do you agree?

So I have an idea: let’s all resolve to have an attitude of joyfulness as we lift up people all around us who do not have a face-to-face relationship with Jesus. Instead of praying “He probably won’t ever change, Lord” let’s instead pray “I am excited for the day that he turns his heart over to you, Lord.”

My attitude in prayer. That’s what it comes down to—being joyful as we trust Jesus to speak truth to those around us. It’s not our job to judge if someone is changing inside. Our job is to pray continually, joyfully, hopefully. His job is to change hearts.

Father, forgive me for using my physical eyes and not my spiritual eyes when praying for your children. Help me to trust you in all things. In Jesus’ Name. Amen.

R.A.P. it up . . .

Reflect

Have you ever prayed for someone for months or even years and felt like your prayers were not being answered?

Were you trusting the Lord and praying joyfully and continuously or did you give up and stop praying?

Apply

Journal the names of people that you have prayed over for a long time – months or years.

Beside each one write “I will joyfully and continually pray for you.” Then make sure to continue praying for them.

Power

I Thessalonians 5:16-17 (NIV) “Be joyful always, pray continually . . .”

Romans 10:1 (NIV) “Brothers, my heart’s desire and prayer to God for the Israelites is that they may be saved.”

II Peter 3:9 (NIV) “The Lord is not slow in keeping his promise, as some understand slowness. He is patient with you, not wanting anyone to perish, but everyone to come to repentance.”

 ***

Nancy Hughes' latest book, There's Not a Minute That God Isn't in It is available on Amazon at this link.

Jason Smith: I'm proud President Trump is trying to restore law and order

(From Eighth District Congressman Jason Smith)

Across America, our nation’s law enforcement officers have a tough job. Whether it’s a small-town sheriff, a state highway patrolman or an officer enforcing our nation’s immigration laws, these men and women have the solemn responsibility of making sure the laws our society agrees on are faithfully and fairly enforced. 

They put their lives on the line every single day to protect our communities —making sacrifices most of us will never fully understand. But radical leftist politicians and activists are actively working to create a more dangerous, pro-crime environment that undermines our brave law enforcement officers and makes criminals out to be heroes.

After four years of policies that allowed open borders for illegal immigrants to flood into America and encouraged the defunding of law enforcement, President Donald Trump put a stop to lawlessness, insisted on the rule of law, and made our cities safe again. In recent days, however, we’ve seen leftist protestors once again turn a downtown into a war zone simply because they disagree with the president’s policies. In Minneapolis, an ICE agent carrying out a lawful federal immigration enforcement operation was involved in a deadly encounter with a protestor who was trying to obstruct the officer’s lawful enforcement operation. Using that as an excuse, we have seen radical leftist politicians in the state call for an end to immigration enforcement; far-left activists attack officers and riot in the streets; and far-left commentators fanning the flames of violence. President Trump is entirely justified in considering calling in the National Guard to restore peace to the streets.

Unfortunately, this isn’t an isolated incident. ICE officers have particularly been put in harm’s way as these radicals try to disrupt the president’s agenda at every turn. In Alvarado, Texas on July 4, left-wing protestors ambushed law enforcement officers at an ICE detention facility and shot an officer in the neck. In September, a sniper opened fire on a Dallas ICE office, killing one and wounding others. It’s entirely reasonable that officers don’t see protestors acting aggressively as peaceful; they know their lives are on the line with some of these very same individuals.

Speaking out against policies you disagree with is a fundamental American right. But threatening, encouraging, or carrying out violence has no place in our society. Minnesota Governor Tim Walz described his efforts as “fight[ing] a war against the federal government.” Congresswoman Ilhan Omar described the officer’s actions — in which he was hit by a car and suffered internal bleeding — as murder. Minneapolis Mayor Jacob Frey held a press conference where he declared that ICE should “get the f*** out of Minneapolis.” These radical statements and actions deserve to be condemned, but instead the Left is celebrating these statements.

I’m proud that President Trump is trying to restore law and order. Here in Missouri and across the nation, we take care of our law enforcement. We condemn violence and threats against those sworn to protect us. Law enforcement officers are fathers and mothers, sons and daughters, neighbors and friends. They deserve our gratitude — not our contempt — for facing danger so that we can live in peace. I will always stand for our men and women in uniform, and for safe communities.

Carthage R-9 Board to examine proposed 2026-27 calendar

 

Former Neosho businessman awaiting extradition on Texas child pornography charge

A former Neosho businessman is awaiting extradition after the Newton County Sheriff's Office arrested him Tuesday on a Montgomery County, Texas warrant for promotion of child sexual abuse material.

The charges against Blake Altman, 42, are almost identical to the possession of child pornography charges that led to a grand jury indictment in U. S. District Court for the Western District of Missouri in 2015. Altman was sentenced to six years in prison on November 29, 2017, to be followed by 10 years under supervised release.

Altman was released from prison in 2021.

According to the Montgomery County Precinct One Constable's office Facebook page, Altman was one of two people arrested for crimes "involving the exploitation of children."

The news release indicated the investigation into Altman's case is continuing.

Documents filed in Altman's earlier case indicate he told investigators he looked at child pornography to "get in the mood."

Though Altman told investigators his preference was for photos of girls around the age of 14, the materials they found on his computers showed children much younger, according to the court documents, including a photo of an approximately five-year-old girl having sex with an adult male.

Other photos included pre-school age children and bestiality, according to the documents.

The grand jury indicted Altman June 16, 2015 after law enforcement officers executed a search warrant at Altman's home after he was identified in an undercover investigation into child pornography distribution through file sharing software. Officers seized Altman's laptop, which contained child pornography images and videos.

Previous Turner Report posts

Blake Altman sentenced to six years in prison on child pornography charge

Lawyer asks for probation for Altman, says child pornography offenders don't molest children

Sentencing memorandum: Blake Altman told investigators he looked at child pornography to get into the mood

Agenda posted for Joplin City Council meeting

 JOPLIN CITY COUNCIL REGULAR MEETING AGENDA
TUESDAY, JANUARY 20, 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

2.

Roll Call

3.

Presentations

1.

Allo Quarterly Update 

Documents:

1. ALLO FIBER JOPLIN CONSTRUCTION UPDATE JAN 2026.PDF

4.

Finalization Of Consent Agenda

5.

Reports And Communications

1.

News From The Public Information Office 

6.

Citizen Requests And Petitions

1.

Amanda Bearden - Homelessness

2.

Mathew Wolsey - Camping Ordinance And The Cities Response To The Unhoused

3.

Andrew Lietz - Ord. No. 2025-035. Camping Ordinance.

4.

Maurice Filson - Charter Concerning Council Pay 

5.

Michael Williams - Flock Surveillance Purchase Irregularities And Abuse By Police

6.

Mary Price – Prop B

7.

Rosalyn Jourdan – Availability Of Resources And Who Gets Access.

7.

Public Hearings

1.

Public Hearing Procedures 

Documents:

1. PUBLIC HEARING PROCEDURES.PDF

2.

COUNCIL BILL NO. 2026-256

AN ORDINANCE approving the voluntary annexation by the Council of the City of Joplin, Missouri, of property generally described as Approximately 540 Acres Southwest of the intersection of Central City Rd and W 20^th Street, Jasper and Newton County, Missouri.

Documents:

1. 256SUMMARY.PDF
2. 256REPORT.PDF
3. 256MINUTES.PDF
4. 256APP.PDF
5. 256MAP.PDF
6. CB2026-256.PDF

3.

COUNCIL BILL NO. 2026-257

AN ORDINANCE amending Ordinance No. 2022-119, passed by the Council of the City of Joplin, Missouri, August 1, 2022, by removing from District R-1 (Single-Family Residential) and include in M-2 (Heavy Industrial) property as described below and generally known as Approximately 600.4 Acres Southwest of the intersection of Central City Rd and W 20th St., Joplin, Jasper and Newton County, Missouri.

Documents:

1. 257SUMMARY.PDF
2. 257REPORT.PDF
3. 257MINUTES.PDF
4. 257APP.PDF
5. 257MAP.PDF
6. CB2026-257.PDF
7. ASSESSMENTLIST.PDF
8. OPPOSITION EMAILS.PDF

8.

Consent Agenda

1.

COUNCIL BILL NO. 2025-287

AN ORDINANCE amending Ordinance No. 2022-119, passed by the Council of the City of Joplin, Missouri, August 1, 2022, by removing from District C-1 (Neighborhood Commercial) and include in District R-1 (Single-Family Residential) property as described below and generally known as the Northeast Corner of W 20^th Street and South Empire Avenue, Joplin, Jasper County, Missouri.

Documents:

1. CB2025-287.PDF

2.

COUNCIL BILL NO. 2026-002

AN ORDINANCE amending throughout Chapter 30 – BUSINESS, Article III. Licenses, Division 6. Hotel, Motel, and Tourist Courts to include short-term rentals under the hotel/motel tax paid by transient guests; enacting a new section; and establishing a time for this ordinance to become effective.

Documents:

1. CB2026-002.PDF

3.

COUNCIL BILL NO. 2026-101

AN ORDINANCE approving an agreement with G&G Construction Company Inc. in the amount of Seven Hundred Twenty-Nine Thousand and 00/100 DOLLARS ($729,000.00) for the Turkey Creek WWTP Trickling Filter Drive Renovation 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:

1. CB2026-101.PDF

4.

COUNCIL BILL NO. 2026-102

AN ORDINANCE approving an agreement with Pediatrics Plus Therapy Services, to provide sanitary sewer service to a portion of the property on 4445 E 7^th St. in Jasper County, Missouri, 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:

1. CB2026-102.PDF

5.

COUNCIL BILL NO. 2026-103

AN ORDINANCE approving the issuance of a Purchase Order to Henderson Products, Inc., in the amount of Five Hundred Three Thousand Seven Hundred Ninety-Nine and 38/100 Dollars ($503,799.38) for the purchase of two (2) 2027 Freightliner 108SD+ Single Axle Dump Trucks with Henderson Comprehensive Snow Removal Package; 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:

1. CB2026-103.PDF

6.

COUNCIL BILL NO. 2026-104

AN ORDINANCE approving the issuance of a Purchase Order to Henderson Products, Inc., in the amount of Two Hundred Thirty-Four Thousand Six Hundred Fifty-Eight and 12/100 Dollars ($234,658.12) for the purchase of one (1) 2027 Freightliner 108SD+ Tandem Axle Dump Truck with Henderson Anti-Ice Package; 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:

1. CB2026-104.PDF

7.

COUNCIL BILL NO. 2026-250

AN ORDINANCE amending Ordinance No. 2022-119, passed by the Council of the City of Joplin, Missouri, August 1, 2022, by removing from District M-2 (Heavy Industrial) and include in District R-2 (Two-Family Residential) property as described below and generally known as 1531 S Iowa Ave, Joplin, Jasper County, Missouri.

Documents:

1. CB2026-250.PDF

8.

COUNCIL BILL NO. 2026-251

AN ORDINANCE approving the voluntary annexation by the Council of the City of Joplin, Missouri, of property generally described as 4549 S Hwy 43, Newton County, Missouri.

Documents:

1. CB2026-251.PDF

9.

COUNCIL BILL NO. 2026-252

AN ORDINANCE amending Ordinance No. 2022-119, passed by the Council of the City of Joplin, Missouri, August 1, 2022, by removing from District R-1 (Single-Family Residential) and include in District C-3 (Commercial) property as described below and generally known as 4549 S Hwy 43, Joplin, Newton County, Missouri.

Documents:

1. CB2026-252.PDF

10.

COUNCIL BILL NO. 2026-253

AN ORDINANCE amending Ordinance No. 2022-119, passed by the Council of the City of Joplin, Missouri, August 1, 2022, by removing from District M-2 (Heavy Industrial) and include in District C-3 (Commercial) property as described below and generally known as approximately 67 Acres SE of E 20th St and S Geneva Ave, Joplin, Jasper County, Missouri.

Documents:

1. CB2026-253.PDF

11.

COUNCIL BILL NO. 2026-400

AN ORDINANCE approving an Agreement between the City of Joplin, Missouri, and the Homeless Coalition that pertains to 2025 CDBG public service grant funds; authorizing the City Manager to execute same on behalf of the City.

Documents:

1. CB2026-400.PDF

12.

COUNCIL BILL NO. 2026-601

AN ORDINANCE approving a Contract by and between the City of Joplin and Upanup Studios Inc. to provide comprehensive website design, development and technology implementation services for the City of Joplin; authorizing the City Manager to execute said Contract by and on behalf of the City of Joplin; and establishing a time for this ordinance to become effective.

Documents:

1. CB2026-601.PDF

9.

Resolutions

10.

Ordinances - Emergency

1.

COUNCIL BILL NO. 2026-003

AN ORDINANCE    calling an election on April 7, 2026, in the City of Joplin, Missouri, to submit to the qualified voters, a question as to whether to impose a one-half of one percent (1/2 percent) citywide sales tax on retail sales within the City of Joplin, Missouri, for the purpose of improving the public safety of the City to replace upon its expiration the one-half of one percent (1/2 percent) general sales tax previously approved by the voters on November 5, 2019 to provide revenues to close the Police and Fire Pension Plan to new hires and migrate new hires to the Missouri Local Government Employees Retirement System, and containing an emergency clause.  

Documents:

1. CB 2026-003 SUMMARY CALLING AN HALF CENT PUBLIC SAFETY SALES TAX 4.7.26 .PDF
2. CB 2026-003 ORDINANCE CALLING ELECTION FOR PUBLIC SAFETY SALES TAX ON 4-7-26.PDF

2.

COUNCIL BILL NO. 2026-004

AN ORDINANCE submitting to the electors of the City of Joplin, Missouri, at a General Municipal Election to be held on the 7^th day of April 2026, proposed Charter Amendment No. 01 to the Charter of the City of Joplin, Missouri, as adopted November 6, 2007; and containing an emergency clause.

 

Documents:

1. CB2026-004 CHARTER AMENDMENT FOR APRIL ELECTION.PDF
2. CB2026-004 SUMMARY SHEET CHARTER AMENDMENT NUMBER OF SIGNATURES.PDF

3.

COUNCIL BILL NO. 2026-005

AN ORDINANCE submitting to the electors of the City of Joplin, Missouri, at a General Municipal Election to be held on the 7^th day of April, 2026, proposed Charter Amendment No. 02 to the Charter of the City of Joplin, Missouri, as adopted November 6, 2007 and containing an emergency clause.

Documents:

1. CB2026-005 SUMMARY SHEET CHARTER AMENDMENT EMERGENCY DEFINITION CHANGE.PDF
2. CB2026-005 CHARTER AMENDMENT EMERGENCY DEFINITION CHANGE.PDF

4.

COUNCIL BILL NO. 2026-105

AN ORDINANCE authorizing the acceptance of an agreement by and between the City of Joplin and Crawford, Murphy and Tilley for Construction Management services for the Design and Bidding Services for the North Perimeter Road at the Joplin Regional Airport in the not to exceed amount of One Hundred Fifty-Four Thousand One Hundred Sixty-Seven and 00/100 Dollars ($154,167.00); authorizing the City Manager or his designee to execute this agreement 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 containing an emergency clause.

Documents:

1. CB2026-105 NORTH PERIMETER ROAD - CMT (EMERGENCY) SUMMARY.PDF
2. CB2026-105 NORTH PERIMETER ROAD - CMT (EMERGENCY) ORDINANCE.PDF
3. CB2026-105 CMT JLN N PERIMETER ROAD 2025 12 29 JMKS AGREEMENT.PDF

11.

Ordinances - First Reading

1.

COUNCIL BILL NO. 2026-100

AN ORDINANCE approving the City of Joplin to enter into an agreement with Sprouls Construction Incorporated in the amount of Eighty thousand two hundred and 00/100 dollars ($80,200.00) for 24 Trolley Shelter Metal projects 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 the Ordinance shall become effective.

Documents:

1. CB2026-100 TROLLEY SHELTER RESTORATION SUMMARY (1).PDF
2. CB2026-100 TROLLEY SHELTER RESTORATION ORDINANCE.PDF
3. CB2026-100 24 TROLLEY SHELTER RESTORATION METAL PROJECT 1 (SPROULS) AGREEMENT (1).PDF
4. CB 2026-100 TROLLEY SHELTER RESTORATION BID SUMMARY (1).PDF

2.

COUNCIL BILL NO. 2026-106

AN ORDINANCE Authorizing the approval of the Missouri Department of Transportation (MoDOT) Grant Agreement for Air Service Promotion and Marketing at the Joplin Regional Airport, authorizing the City Manager to execute the same by and on behalf of the City of Joplin and setting an effective date.

Documents:

1. CB2026-106 AIR SERVICE GRANT SUMMARY.PDF
2. CB2026-106 AIR SERVICE GRANT ORDINANCE.PDF
3. CB2026-106 AIR SERVICE GRANT MO02_AIRPORT_AID_AGREEMENT.PDF

3.

COUNCIL BILL NO. 2026-107

AN ORDINANCE authorizing the acceptance of an agreement by and between the City of Joplin and Crawford, Murphy and Tilley for an Aviation Project Consultant Agreement for a new Passenger Facility Charge (PFC) Application at the Joplin Regional Airport in the not to exceed amount of Forty-Nine Thousand One Hundred Fifty-Five and 78/100 Dollars ($49,155.78); authorizing the City Manager or his designee to execute this agreement 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 an effective date.

Documents:

1. CB2026-107 AIRPORT PFC - CMT SUMMARY.PDF
2. CB2026-107 AIRPORT PFC CMT ORDINANCE.PDF
3. CB2026-107 AIRPORT JLN_PFC (SIGNED BY CMT) APPLICATION_CONSULTANT AGREEMENT.PDF

4.

COUNCIL BILL NO. 2026-500

AN ORDINANCE    approving the Real Estate Contract by and between the City of Joplin, Missouri, a Municipal Corporation, and Land Scout, LLC., for the sale of one parcel located at 1304 Kentucky Avenue, totaling approximately 6,000 square feet of land; and authorizing the City Manager to execute the same by and on behalf of the City of Joplin; and setting a date when this Ordinance shall become effective.

Documents:

1. CB 2026-500 SUMMARY LAND SALE 1304 KENTUCKY AVENUE .PDF
2. CB 2026-500 LAND SALE ORDINANCE 1304 KENTUCKY AVENUE.PDF
3. CB 2026-500 EXHIBIT A REAL ESTATE CONTRACT 1304 KENTUCKY.PDF
4. CB 2026-500 BID TAB 1304 KENTUCKY AVE.PDF
5. CB 2026-500 MAP OF 1304 KENTUCKY AVE.PDF

5.

COUNCIL BILL NO. 2026-501

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:

1. CB 2026-501 SUMMARY BUDGET AMENDMENT FY2026.PDF
2. CB 2026-501 BUDGET AMENDMENT ORDINANCE FY2026.PDF
3. CB 2026-501 SCHEDULE A 2026 BUDGET AMENDMENT.PDF

6.

COUNCIL BILL NO. 2026-600

AN ORDINANCE authorizing the City of Joplin, Missouri, to enter into a Ground Lease Agreement with Liberty Enterprise Group, LLC, a Missouri Corporation, for the purpose of hosting the 2026 World Street Painting Festival during the Route 66 Centennial; and authorizing the City Manager to execute the same by and on behalf of the City of Joplin.

Documents:

1. 2026 WSP LOCATION.PDF
2. CB 2026-600 ORDINANCE COJ AGREEMENT W LIBERTY ENTERPRISE GROUP WSP 2026 LOCATION (1)-PTUTTLE-TAB.PDF
3. CB 2026-600 SUMMARY COJ AGREEMENT W LIBERTY ENTERPRISE GROUP WSP 2026 LOCATION (1).PDF
4. DRAFT 1717 GROUND LEASE AGREEMENT.PDF

7.

COUNCIL BILL NO. 2026-602

AN ORDINANCE approving the issuance of a Purchase Order to Blue Valley Public Safety, Inc. to cover the purchase of three tornado sirens manufactured by Federal Warning Systems as approved in the Annual Budget of the City of Joplin for the Fiscal Year 2025-2026 as adopted by Ordinance 2025-151 on October 20, 2025; authorizing the City Manager to execute the same by and on behalf of the City of Joplin, and setting an effective date.

Documents:

1. SUMMARY SHEET TORNADO SIRENS.PDF
2. JOPLIN, MO 2001ACDCT(3) 10-06-25_BN.PDF
3. JOPLIN MO SOLE SOURCE LETTER 1-26.PDF
4. COUNCIL BILL FOR TORNADO SIRENS.PDF

12.

Ordinances - Second Reading And Third Reading

13.

Unfinished Business

14.

New Business