Beth Jones named Neosho Junior High principal

 (From the Neosho R-5 School District)

The Neosho School District is excited to share an important leadership update for the 2026-2027 school year at the Neosho Junior High.

Beth Jones, NJH Principal 

We are thrilled to announce that Beth Jones, currently serving as one-of-the-three assistant principals at Neosho High School, has been promoted to principal at the Neosho Junior High. She succeeds Michael Daugherty, who has accepted a central office position in another district. We are grateful for his service to our students and staff and wish him continued success. 

Beth has help lead meaningful academic growth, including nearly a 20 percent increase in our APR. She is known for building strong relationships, championing the arts and advocating for multilingual learners and students with unique learning needs. We are excited for the leadership and heart she brings to NJH.

James Carter, NJH Assistant Principal

We are thrilled to announce that James Carter, currently serving as one-of-the-three assistant principals at Neosho High School will be transitioning to the assistant principal role at the Neosho Junior High. He succeeds Emily Abell, who will serve as the principal of South Elementary next year. 

Over the past four years, James has been a steady leader at NHS, working collaboratively with staff to strengthen systems, support teachers and help build a culture rooted in high expectations and strong relationships. He has played a key role in implementing clear procedures and consistent practices to support both student achievement and a positive school environment. We are excited for the leadership, stability and student-centered mindset he brings to NJH.

Please join us in congratulating Ms. Jones and Mr. Carter as they step into these important roles supporting our junior high students and staff!

Joplin High School main kitchen, three restaurants fail health department inspections

The main kitchen at Joplin High School failed a Joplin Health Department inspection February 10, according to information posted on the department website.

The school was cited for one priority violation for having multiple potentially hazardous foods being cold held above 41 degrees.

Three food establishments also failed inspection last week- Indo-Chinese Express, 4535 Highway 43, Mac's Stop, 1302 S. Schifferdecker Avenue; and Ghetto Tacos (mobile).

Indo-Chinese Express

Indo-Chinese Express had three priority violations and five core violations.

Priority violations were recorded for the following:

-Containers of ready-to-eat potentially hazardous foods did not have 7-day expiration date.

-Cutting boards are heavily discolored.

-The dish machine was not dispensing sanitizer at detectable levels.

Core violations were recorded for the following:

-Food packages were stored uncovered in the dry storage area and walk-in cooler

-Repackaged foods available for customer purchase were not labeled properly.

-Wall surfaces were damaged.

-A light bulb was out and there were debris accumulations in the hood.

-The areas below equipment had debris accumulation

Ghetto Tacos

Ghetto Tacos had three priority violations.

-Employee drinks were stored in the undercounted cooler with customer food.

-The cheese in the toppings cooler was being cold held above 41 degrees.

-Pico de Gallo in the undercounter cooler was being cold held above 41 degrees.

Mac's Stop

Mac's Stop had three priority violations and five core violations.

Priority violations were noted for the following:

-Corn dogs were marked for a make date of February 3 (inspection was held February 11)

-Sanitizer concentration for quaternary ammonium in the 30 compartment sink was at 0 ppm

-Mice droppings were present behind the heating units.

Core violations were noted for the following:

-Soil accumulations were present on the ceiling of the microwave

-Food trays were stored on the ground

-The handsink was draining slowly

-The cooling unit and hood in the kitchen had debris accumulations.

-The grease trap below the 3-compartment sink had debris accumulation.

***

Joplin Greenhouse and the Coffee Shop, Greenstay Hotel and Suites Breakfast and Downtown Corner Market passed re-inspections.

***

The following establishments passed inspection:

Tatsuki Ramen and Sushi, 1901 E. 32nd Street

Hungry Monkey Island Style Eats, 905 S. Main Street

Starry Eyed Girl, 512 S. Virginia Avenue

Sonic Drive-In, 1030 E. 7th Street

Sonic Drive-In, 1101 S. Range Line

Pizza Ranch, 3507 E. 20th Street

Imperial, Inc., 1831 S. Roosevelt Avenue

Chick-fil-A, 3509 S. Range Line Road

G & W Foods Cash Saver, 811 W. 7th Street

McAlister's Deli, 2330 S. Range Line Road

Wilder's Steakhouse, 1216 S. Main Street

G & W Foods Cash Saver, Dairy/Produce/Retail, 811 W. 7th Street

Chick-fil-A, 2127 S. Range Line Road

Mercy Joplin patient charged with assault, property damage

A Joplin man was charged with first-degree assault and property damage after allegedly attacking security guards with an IV pole.

An arrest warrant was issued for John Anthony McGonigle (DOB 1985) and he is to be held without bond.

From the probable cause statement filed today in Newton County Circuit Court:

On 02/09/2026 at approximately 16:18 hours, in the County of Newton, within the city limits of Joplin
John McGonigle committed the crime of property damage first degree by knowingly damaging property of Mercy Hospital with a combined value of over seven hundred and fifty dollars.

Christopher Dooley, security officer for Mercy Hospital stated the following. Mr. McGonigle became]
combative and tore an IV pump for the IV pole. The IV pump hit the floor landing in water. Mr.
McGonigle then charged at security officers in an aggressive manner while holding the IV pole, breaking one of the legs off of it. The IV Pump has an estimated value of twelve hundred dollars and the IV pole has an estimated value of sixty dollars. 

Mercy Hospital is wishing to pursue charges at this time for the damage.

The case was investigated by the Joplin Police Department.

Fired Simmons Foods employee charged with assaulting HR manager

The McDonald County Prosecuting Attorney's office charged a Noel man with second-degree assault following an incident that appears to have led to his firing, according to the probable cause statement.

An arrest warrant was issued for Abu Bashi (DOB 1997) with bond set at $1,500 cash only.

From the probable cause statement:

On Monday 02/10/2026 during a team member meeting Abu was being disrespectful and was taken to the Human Resource office. 

While in the office Abu became outraged, cussed at an HR Manager and {threw} a computer monitor striking her in the arm.

Abu was escorted outside the plant where he then {threw} a bottle of juice at {another person}.

Since Abu was fired from Simmons Foods he shows no visible signs of support and may flee to his previous home in Minnesota.

The case was investigated by the Southwest City Police Department.

Jason Smith: Tax-exempt status is a privilege not a right

(By Eighth District Congressman Jason Smith)

For years now, Americans have seen the devastating impacts from the creeping influence of the Chinese Communist Party (CCP). Individuals and companies connected to the CCP have stolen American business’ intellectual property, bought up American farmland, and flooded our streets with deadly fentanyl. The CCP has actively worked to sow chaos and division in the United States, but now, we are working to expose a new avenue in their campaign: our non-profit sector.

This week, I held a hearing in the Ways and Means Committee, which I chair, where witnesses confirmed what our investigation has been steadily uncovering — the United States tax-code is being weaponized against us in ways that threaten both national security and the legitimacy of the tax-exempt sector. What we have uncovered in our investigation is foreign actors — including individuals associated with or connected to the CCP — are exploiting America’s nonprofit system to influence our politics and encourage chaos and illegal activity inside our own country.

The findings should alarm every American. Billions of dollars in foreign-linked funding have moved through tax-exempt organizations in recent years, including hundreds of millions from foreign billionaires into politically-active American entities. To make matters worse, these funds are laundered through donor funds and shell organizations designed to hide the true source from regulators and the public.

Our investigation also revealed how nonprofit networks tied to individuals aligned with the CCP have funneled tens of millions of dollars into U.S.-based groups that promote illegal activity and fuel division in our society. For example, Neville Roy Singham — a former U.S. tech executive now living in Shanghai with close ties to the CCP — has directed more than $100 million through a web of nonprofits operating inside the United States. Some of these groups, such as The People’s Forum, have amplified anti-American, foreign-aligned narratives on social media, and pushed messaging that mirrors hostile government propaganda.

These efforts are not spontaneous grassroots uprisings. They are part of a coordinated system in which money, messaging, and mobilization are carefully aligned to generate division and instability. This is not some earnest movement. It’s a machine being subsidized by taxpayer dollars.

Perhaps most alarming is a loophole that allows foreign nationals to donate to certain tax-exempt organizations that can then engage in political activity without fully disclosing the origin of those funds. While federal law prohibits direct foreign donations to political campaigns, this backdoor pathway undermines that protection. When foreign money can be used to influence elections, it can be used to influence decisions that undermine our national interests and erode public trust.

It is clear the status quo is unacceptable. Tax-exempt status is a privilege, not a right. It exists to support legitimate charitable and educational work that strengthens our communities, not to serve as cover for foreign propaganda, election interference, or activities that undermine our national interest.

This issue should not be partisan, and I am committed to restoring accountability to our nation’s tax-exempt sector. Protecting the integrity of our tax-exempt system is not about politics — it is about defending the sovereignty of the United States against actors like the Chinese Communist Party and ensuring that our tax code works for the American people, not for hostile foreign interests.

Joplin man pleads guilty to 2024 shooting at Discount Liquor Store on Main

(From the Jasper County Prosecuting Attorney's Office)

The Jasper County Prosecutor announces that on February 17, 2026, defendant Trent Cobb entered his plea of guilty to the charge of Assault in the First Degree, a class A felony.

On April 1, 2024, the defendant shot a man outside the Discount Liquor Store located at 1817 S. Main Street in Joplin. The victim was transported by ambulance to Mercy Hospital where he was treated for
injuries resulting from a gunshot wound to the abdomen.

The shooting was investigated by the Joplin Police Department. Based on witness testimony and video of the shooting, they determined the identity of the shooter. A warrant was issued for his arrest on April 2,
2024, but the defendant was not arrested until December of 2024, when he was located out of state by U.S. Marshals.

The plea agreement caps the sentence at 15 years in the Department of Corrections, and includes a dismissal of Count II: Armed Criminal Action. Sentencing is scheduled for April 14, 2026.

Closure of Pleasant Valley Elementary topic for Tuesday Carthage R-9 Board meeting

It's not likely to satisfy those who want Pleasant Valley Elementary School to remain open, but Carthage R-9 School District officials, in a frequently asked questions portion of the presentation they are scheduled to make to the Board of Education Tuesday night, say they can always use the property as a school again if they see the need.

Though they never say who asked these frequently asked questions or how frequently they were asked, the section of the presentation also says that if the board approves the plan to close Pleasant Valley at the end of the current school year, the following things will happen.

-Pleasant Valley will continue to be owned and maintained by the Carthage R-9 School District.

-No faculty or staff members will lose their jobs.

-The projected 68 students who are in the Pleasant Valley area will attend school at Steadley Elementary.

-Class sizes is an argument for the change since Pleasant Valley has only one classroom for each grade. At times, the presentation says, Pleasant Valley might have more students in a classroom than other schools in the district. At other times, it may have less.

The district's plan is to use Pleasant Valley as the site of the Beacon Autism Center. Space is needed for Beacon, the presentation notes, especially with the closure of the state school in Joplin. Since Pleasant Valley is already a school facility, "changes would require minimal cost."

The school is small, but big enough for Beacon program growth, the presentation says.

One speaker, Jason McVey, who has children attending Pleasant Valley is on the agenda to address the board.

The meeting is scheduled for 6 p.m. at the Carthage Technical Center, 1100 E. Airport Drive.

Carl Junction Police Department mourns loss of officer

(From the Carl Junction Police Department)

It is with profound sadness that we report the tragic passing of one of our Officers. 

Officer John “Todd” Gaines appeared to suffer a medical emergency at his home shortly after his shift ended early Monday morning.

Please keep his wife, 2 daughters, family, and our Police Department family in your thoughts and prayers.

All charges against former Carthage Parks director dismissed

 

The Missouri Attorney General's office, which was handling the prosecution of former Carthage Parks and Recreation director Mark Peterson on stealing and money laundering charges, will dismiss all charges Tuesday in Jasper County Circuit Court.

The dismissal was announced this afternoon in a news release issued by Peterson's attorneys at the Glades Law Firm.

The Glades Law Firm is proud to announce a significant victory for client rights, announcing that all criminal charges against Mark Peterson will be dismissed on Tuesday, February 17 when courts reopen after the President's Day holiday in Jasper County.

The dismissal, filed by the Missouri Attorney's offie, was achieved after legal counsel obtained bank records for the City of Carthage on January 26 of this year.

The case involved charges for three counts of stealing and two counts of money laundering, originally filed by the Jasper County Prosecutor's Office, where the prosecution relied heavily on a forensic audit requested by the City of Carthage.

The Glades Law Firm was able to find irrefutable evidence of 35 deposits Mark Peterson made into the City of Carthage's bank account that were not reported to the forensic auditor, which allowed the defense team to identify these inconsistencies that were overlooked by the Carthage Police Department.

"This case highlights the dangerous circumstances when data may be manipulated to arrive at the conclusion desired," said Brian Glades at The Glades Law Firm.

"My team here at the office along with Mark's never-ending quest to prove his innocence allowed us to sift through terabytes of data to find the precise 'needle in the haystack' that demonstrated our client's innocence."

This victory emphasizes the importance of evolving legal strategies to incorporate new technologies to protect client rights.

Eric Burlison: SAVE America Act will strengthen election integrity

(From Seventh District Congressman Eric Burlison)

On Wednesday, the House passed the Safeguard American Voter Eligibility (SAVE) America Act, legislation that would strengthen election integrity by ensuring only U.S. citizens are eligible to vote in federal elections. The bill would require documentary proof of U.S. citizenship when registering to vote and require voters to present photo identification when casting a ballot in federal elections.

The 213 Democrats who voted against the measure did so only after using photo identification to cast their votes on the House floor.

The House has acted, and it is now time for the Senate to take up this commonsense legislation and pass it.

 

 

Push to eliminate sales tax on food and groceries in Missouri runs into resistance

By Sawyer Bess

Columbia Missourian

Local officials pushed back this week against a Missouri Senate bill that would end both state and local sales tax on food and grocery items.

State Sen. Mary Elizabeth Coleman, an Arnold Republican, said the bill is an attempt to increase affordability for Missourians as prices rise.

“Missourians are paying more and more for necessities,” Coleman said. “Most of us agree fundamentally that essential services should not be funded on the backs of the poor.”

Coleman said a family of four would save $54 per month with the removal of grocery sales tax.

In support of Coleman’s bill, Amanda Berry, food security policy manager at Empower Missouri, said that families in the lowest income quantile spend 25% of their income on food, whereas families in the highest quantile spend only 5%.

Numerous mayors, county commissioners and other local representatives testified against this bill, emphasizing local reliance on sales taxes.

“Sales taxes, including taxes on the sale of food, is the lifeblood of many Missouri local governments,” said David Dimmitt, mayor of Brentwood. “Local governments do not have income taxes and must survive instead on property taxes and sales taxes.”

Dimmitt also said that because the bulk of property taxes go to schools and other jurisdictions, local governments rely on sales taxes to fund police and fire departments, road repairs, trash and recycling, among many other services.

Leaders from small towns also voiced their reliance on sales tax to fund services. Tara Strain, city administrator of Centralia, said she would also like to decrease food costs for Missourians but warns about unintended consequences of removing local tax on grocery items.

“The elimination of these revenues statewide is estimated to result in over $1 billion in lost local funding,” Strain said. “For cities like mine, that loss would not be abstract, it would directly affect our ability to maintain infrastructure, to respond to emergencies and provide safe and livable communities.”

Strain and other local leaders only spoke against local tax removal, not necessarily the state tax. Missouri’s sales tax on retail sales of food is currently 1%.

“I fundamentally agree with not taxing food, however, I would like to see how the state deals with a hole in their budget first,” said Ike Skelton, Camden County presiding commissioner. “If you want to change the Constitution and allow each county to decide this sort of thing on their own, that might be a great idea.”

A similar bill, sponsored by Democratic state Sen. Patty Lewis of Kansas City, would only remove the state sales tax for groceries. Lewis said 33 other states do not have a sales tax on food.

Various Missouri leaders also supported looking for ways to decrease initial costs of groceries rather than removing the sales tax.

Coleman has spent about seven years working to pass this legislation, which has never been approved by the Senate. In 2026, the Missouri General Assembly is also considering Gov. Mike Kehoe’s plan to remove Missouri’s income tax.

“In the broader fiscal context … with Gov. Kehoe prioritizing the elimination of state income tax, we need to consider ways to restructure state revenue that doesn’t make buying basic necessities nearly impossible,” Berry said.

If passed, Coleman’s bill would remove local sales tax on food over the course of four years, coming to an end in 2031.

Joplin Globe report: Burlison, Loy support Joplin data center

 

As the City of Joplin continues moving forward with plans to annex part of Wildwood Ranch into the city and welcome a proposed data center onto the property, a couple of politicians have come out in favor of the project.

The Joplin Globe obtained letters opposing or supporting the projects. While most of the messages opposed the data center, Seventh District Congressman Eric Burlison and Rep. Cathy Jo Loy, R-Carthage, favor the plan.

Burlison wrote that data center projects such as the one proposed for Joplin “are increasingly important to American manufacturing, artificial intelligence, and national security.” 

 

Loy expressed similar thoughts.

She said one of the benefits of the development is “allowing new large-scale energy users into the market that can help place downward pressure on rising utility rates we are facing today.”

The City Council will make its final decision on the annexation and the data center at its 6 p.m. Tuesday meeting in the Corley Auditorium at Missouri Southern State University.

Agenda posted for Carthage R-9 Board of Education meeting

 

Mark Alford: Senate must pass SAVE America Act

(From Fourth District Congressman Mark Alford)

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

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

Let me ask two straightforward questions:

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

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

The SAVE America Act reflects that simple, reasonable expectation.

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Defendant Olive Garden did not barricade the dangerous condition.

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

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

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

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

Carthage man ordered held without bond on multiple weapons charges

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

From the order:

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

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

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

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

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

Previous posts

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

Grand jury indicts Carthage man on eight gun charges

Sentencing date set for Stella man on federal weapons charge

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

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

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

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

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

 

(From United States Postal Service)

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

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

The Postal Service will be considering the following options: 

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

The teachers who were hired were:

Amanda Boberg, high school counselor

Gavin Phillips, high school choir and show choir director

Paige Blann, high school math

Patrick Bromley, aquatics director

Megan Wilson, middle school music

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

Previous post- Amanda Eggleston named Webb City High School principal

Partisan clash erupts in Missouri Senate education hearing on transgender students

By Annelise Hanshaw

Missouri Independent

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Tuesday’s hearing followed a similar path.

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Missouri Association of Prosecuting Attorneys names Jill Carter 2025 Legislative Champion

(From Sen. Jill Carter, R-Granby)

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

The City of Joplin is listed as the defendant.

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

c. He failed to keep a careful lookout;

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

(From the Carthage R-9 Board of Education)

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

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

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

In closed session the Board approved the following personnel action:

Approved the employment of certified, support, and substitute staff as presented contingent upon
receiving a clear criminal record check from the Missouri Highway Patrol and Federal Bureau of
Investigation, and a clear check of the Adult Abuse/Neglect Registry maintained by the Missouri
Department of Social Services for all employees new to the district:

Certified Hire

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

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

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

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

Support Hire

Gage Howerton, custodian, Carthage Junior High School

Hannah Eby, bus aide

Carson Huston, bus aide

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

Ixsa Loredo, custodian, Carthage High School

Substitute Hire

John Burgi

Amelia Conkright

Taylor Bredeson

Kylee Burke

Certified Transfer

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

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

Crystal Krause, fourth grade teacher, Carthage Intermediate Center

Lacy Sheckles, fifth grade teacher, Carthage Intermediate Center

Anthony Hance, assistant principal, Sixth Grade Center

Brittany Thompson, assistant principal, Columbian Elementary

Bobbi Murrell, assistant principal, Steadley Elementary

Don Cox, assistant principal, Carthage Intermediate Center

Support Transfer

Kaleb Sprague, custodian, Fairview Elementary School

Abbi Dobbins, nurse

Support Modification

Raylyn Furrh, cook, Carthage Intermediate Center

Jessica Alvarado, school nurse

Substitute Modification

Laurie Williams, substitute nurse

Certified Resignation

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

Brooke Ehlers, third grade teacher, Fairview Elementary

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

Support Resignation

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

Support Retirement

Larry Fox, custodian, Carthage High School

Substitute Resignation

Laura Lane

***

Work Session

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

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

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

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