Carl Junction Police Department closes investigation into firefighter's death, prosecutor won't file charges

The Carl Junction Police Department's investigation into an October 19 incident on Fairway Drive that killed Tucker Berry, 21, a firefighter with the Redings Mill and Lockwood fire departments, has concluded, according to a post on the department's Facebook page.

A case was presented to the Jasper County Prosecuting Attorney's office, but the prosecutor elected not to file charges, according to the post:

On October 19th, around 6:00 p.m., a tragic incident occurred on Fairway Drive, leading to the death of a Redings Mill firefighter.

The Carl Junction Police Department actively investigated the incident and presented a case to the Jasper County Prosecutor's Office, who declined to file charges at this time.

We would like to thank the many people who came forward as witnesses and provided information/evidence to us, and the other agencies that assisted in our investigation.

In an October 24 Facebook post, the police department asked for the public's help and posted photos of two golf carts that were involved in the incident, which occurred in the area of Briarbook Golf Course.

Eagle-Picher announces $20 million expansion, 100 new jobs

(From Missouri Department of Economic Development)

EaglePicher Technologies, a leader in defense and aerospace manufacturing, announced today that it will expand in Joplin, investing $20.9 million and creating 100 new jobs. The company broke ground today on a new energetics facility and administration building at its existing Joplin headquarters location.

“Major expansions from industry leaders like EaglePicher Technologies continue to prove Missouri’s status as a top business destination,” said Governor Mike Parson. “This company’s decision to build state-of-the-art facilities in Joplin further demonstrates our ability to support employers through superior infrastructure and a skilled workforce. We’re pleased to see EaglePicher Technologies strengthening our defense and aviation sectors with such a significant investment.”

EaglePicher Technologies’ new manufacturing facility will feature state-of-the-art advancements in manufacturing technology with semi-automatic capabilities. Advanced software for data retrieval and tracking will be housed at the facility. The U.S. owned company is known for its battery technology, energetic devices, and battery management systems. EaglePicher Technologies experienced an influx in battery production after launching a battery into space aboard NASA’s Explorer 1 satellite in 1958.

“This investment will position EaglePicher’s energetics business for significant growth, while strengthening our ability to respond to current demands in a premier defense and aerospace manufacturing facility,” said Matt Housh, General Manager of EaglePicher’s Energetics Business Unit.

EaglePicher Technologies, headquartered in Joplin, has more than 700 total employees with 600 employed at its Joplin location. New jobs added as part of EaglePicher Technologies’ expansion will pay an average wage well above the county average.

“Today’s announcement from EaglePicher Technologies is an exciting example of putting our mission of helping Missourians prosper into action,” said Michelle Hataway, Director of the Department of Economic Development. “This innovative company’s ongoing commitment to southwest Missouri is providing new investment, creating quality jobs, and supporting industries vital to a secure and prosperous future.”

For this expansion, EaglePicher Technologies will benefit from the Missouri Works program, a tool that helps companies expand and retain workers by providing access to capital through withholdings or tax credits for job creation. The company may receive assistance from Missouri One Start, a division of the Department of Economic Development. Missouri One Start assists eligible businesses with their recruitment and training needs.

What others are saying

“This is truly a landmark development for the City of Joplin,” said Travis Stephens, President and CEO of the Joplin Area Chamber of Commerce. “The wage levels and number of jobs that will follow are significant and the appreciation of the leadership of Steve Westfall and the Tuthill family, and their vision for EaglePicher, cannot be understated. We are grateful for their confidence in the workforce and the supportive community to locate this unique facility in Joplin.”

“EaglePicher Technologies continues to demonstrate its commitment to the MOKAN region with this significant investment in our community,” said Amy Kauffman, Workforce and Business Expansion Director of the MOKAN Partnership. “The company’s expansion not only strengthens our local economy but also brings high-quality, well-paying jobs to our residents. We are proud to have EaglePicher as a valued partner in advancing our region's growth and innovation, and we look forward to its continued success here.”

About EaglePicher Technologies

EaglePicher Technologies is a leading producer of batteries, power-supply products, and energetic devices. For more than 100 years, it has served the mission-critical space, defense, and aviation markets. The company’s products are a key component of the U.S. Defense, Aerospace, and Maritime programs.

To learn more about EaglePicher Technologies, visit eaglepicher.com.

Carthage R-9 Board approves three teacher retirements, one resignation

(From the Carthage R-9 School District)

The Carthage R-9 Board of Education met in regular session on Monday, November 18, 2024, 6:00 pm, at Fairview Elementary. Present were Board members Mr. Jeff Jones, Ms. Niki Cloud, Mrs. Lora Phelps, Mr. Ryan Collier, Mr. Patrick Scott, Ms. Maria Sanchez, and Dr. Mark Westhoff. Mr. Jeff Jones led the Pledge of Allegiance. 

Fairview Elementary, third grade students presented a writing piece they have completed this year. 

The Board approved the Consent Agenda for the purpose of approving the meeting agenda, minutes of previous meetings, payment of bills, approve district financial report, amendments to FY25 budget, change order request #1 for Carthage stadium elevator, and establish filing dates for the annual board of education election. 

Rebecca Baker, KPM CPA’s, reviewed the FY24 audit report. 

Dr. Luke Boyer, Superintendent, provided the Board information regarding the revised policies and regulations for their review and consideration of adoption at the December 16, 2024 board meeting. Dr. Boyer and the Board discussed a resolution for future ballot issues. Dr. Boyer provided legislative priorities to the Board. Ms. Sanchez and Dr. Westhoff volunteered to serve on the John T. Belcher Scholarship Selection Committee. The committee will select a nominee to represent the district in this competitive scholarship application process. 

Shelley Wilson, School Counselor & K-12 Counseling Department Chair and Jessica McDonald, District Counseling Specialist, presented the MSIP 6 Standard: Counseling and Advisement evaluative report to the Board. Dr. Boyer presented the MSIP 6 Standard: Finances evaluative report to the Board Mr. Mark Holderbaum, Director of Athletics and Activities, and Dr. Angela Holman, High School Principal, appeared before the Board to review the 2024 Carthage High School fall sports. 

Mrs. Crystal Brown provided a Carthage R-9 School Foundation update. 

Dr. Boyer presented his report to the Board. 

The Board met in closed session immediately following the regular meeting to discuss legal, personnel, and student matters in compliance with Section 610.021 (1), (3), and (6) of the Revised Statutes of Missouri. 

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

Support Hire

Ashley Woodward, Cook Carthage Intermediate Center New Hire 

Marcus Van Dorn, Choir Accompanist (part time) Carthage Junior High School New Hire 

Kaitlyn Wright, Cook Carthage High School New Hire 

Allison Hill, Sped Paraprofessional Columbian Elementary New Hire 

Amber Vaughan, Cook Fairview Elementary New Hire 

Kayden Baucom, Behavior Specialist Fairview Elementary New Hire 

Substitute Hire 

Olivia Osborn, Substitute District New Hire 

Stacey Bolles, Substitute Cook District New Hire 

Elizabeth Arthur, Substitute District Re-Hire 

Lizbeth Yost, Substitute District New Hire

Heather Justice, Substitute District Re-Hire 

Andrew Albrecht, Substitute Bus Driver Transportation New Hire 

Shalanna Ducote, Substitute District Re-Hire 

Jamie Aggus, Substitute Cook District New Hire 

Robert Bastin, Substitute District Re-Hire 

Certified Modification 

Bobbi Castor, Bobbi Behavior Teacher Columbian Elementary Modification 

Support Transfer

James Wilson, Evening Custodian Pleasant Valley/Powers Learning Center Transfer 

Vilma Rissman, Bus Aide Transportation Transfer 

Support Modification 

Breanna Fletcher, Cook Columbian Elementary Modification 

Substitute Modification

John Seal, Substitute District Modification 

Certified Retirement 

Karen Holland, Art Teacher Carthage Intermediate Center Retirement 

Carole Wade, Math Teacher Carthage High School Retirement 

Zoie Russell, Math Teacher Carthage High School Retirement 

Certified Resignation

Laura Heigle, Language Arts Teacher Carthage Junior High School Resignation 

Support Resignation

Courtney Franklin, Cook Sixth Grade Center Resignation 

Lori Harris, Cook Carthage Intermediate Center Resignation 

Barry Brattin, Bus Aide Transportation Resignation 

Belva Wagner, Title 1 Paraprofessional Pleasant Valley Elementary Resignation 

Joseph Spencer, Custodian Columbian Elementary Resignation 

Jennifer Miller, Cook Steadley Elementary Resignation

Troopers, medical examiner subpoenaed to testify at preliminary hearing in Rocco Joseph hit-and-run case

Two Kansas Highway Patrol troopers and an assistant medical examiner have been subpoenaed to testify at the preliminary hearings for Rocco Joseph, 18, and his father, Joplin dentist John Joseph II, 9 a.m. Monday, January 13, at the Cherokee County Courthouse in Columbus, Kansas.

Both Josephs have been charged with leaving the scene of a fatality accident in connection with the August 19, 2023 crash that killed Gary LaTurner, 60, Galena. The older Joseph is also charged with contributing to a child's misconduct.

Subpoenas for troopers Nicholas Irwin and Nick Reddy and assistant medical examiner Christopher Geffre were issued November 6, according to Cherokee County District Court online records.

The Josephs entered not guilty pleas during their initial appearance October 30. John Joseph attended the hearing in person while Rocco Joseph was permitted to attend via Zoom. The hearing had initially been scheduled for October 7, but was delayed because the younger Joseph, who is a student at a Mississippi college, had mid-terms.

According to the probable cause statement, surveillance video shows Rocco Joseph's vehicle struck LaTurner at 11:23 p.m. August 19, with Joseph not stopping. Shortly afterward, Joseph called his father and later met with him at the Casey's General Store at 2764 W. 32nd Street in Joplin and after a short time they returned to the scene of the accident.

The probable cause statement indicated the Josephs were captured on surveillance video returning to the scene of the accident, surveying the situation, including LaTurner, who was still alive at that point, according to the initial coroner's report, which said LaTurner died more than eight hours later.

The Turner Report: Probable cause: Surveillance video shows Josephs returning to scene of fatal hit-and-run, leaving again

Judge merry-go-round on Tiffany Cossey sign stealing case lands on Hensley

Former Carthage City Councilwoman Tiffany Cossey's initial appearance on a misdemeanor stealing charge, originally scheduled for today in Carthage Municipal Court, has been indefinitely postponed.

Jasper County Circuit Court online documents show the case was moved to Circuit Court Wednesday following the recusal of Judge Jeremy Workman.

Since then, two judges, John Nicholas and Luke Boyer have recused.

As this is written, Judge Joseph Hensley has been assigned.

Cossey allegedly stole two signs asking people to vote to remove her from the City Council. Carthage Ward 5 voters recalled the councilwoman during the November 5 election.

Background on Cossey case
 

Noel woman charged in connection with hit-and-run accident that killed Marine veteran

The McDonald County Prosecuting Attorney's office filed a felony leaving the scene of a crash resulting in death charge today against Gloria Trejo, 53, Noel.

Trejo admitted to a Noel police officer that she was behind the wheel November 2 near the intersection of S. Kings Highway and Hall Ridge Road when she struck Michael Lynn Pruden, 59, according to the probable cause statement.

Pruden, who was a a U. S. Marines veteran who served in Operation Desert Storm and Operation Desert Shield, was pronounced dead at the scene.

From the probable cause statement:

On 11/19/2024 after further investigation and statements regarding the incident and locating a serial number on a piece of lens that was collected as evidence, I learned that the suspect vehicle was a maroon 1992 Ford F-150 which belonged to Trejo. 

When speaking with Trejo on 11/19/2024 she stated that while she was driving “all of the sudden there was something in the middle of the road, so I swerved and I barely hit at first I thought it was a deer but it didn’t seem right. So I turned back to make sure and that’s when I saw it was a person. I got scared so I left.” Trejo made a written statement as to what occurred.

Bond has been set at $2,000.

DNR awards Granby $62,500 grant to study feasibility of connecting sewer system with East Newton High School

(From the Missouri Department of Natural Resources)

The Missouri Department of Natural Resources has awarded $62,500 to the city of Granby to evaluate the feasibility of constructing a regional sewer connection between East Newton High School and the city’s wastewater system. 

Provided through the department’s Clean Water State Revolving Fund Regionalization Incentive Grant, the funding will cover all the eligible costs to develop the plan, which is expected to be completed by April 2026.

This is a competitive grant program that offers funding to municipalities as an incentive to construct connections for small, struggling wastewater treatment facilities. The entities responsible for these small facilities often lack the financial and technical resources to upgrade their wastewater treatment facilities to meet more stringent limits and operate their facilities appropriately. These facilities typically serve such a small number of connections that the cost to comply with permit conditions is a significant financial challenge for the users.

“The department’s intention for this grant is to decrease the number of point sources that discharge pollutants to Missouri’s waterways by promoting regional partnerships that would not be possible without this funding,” said Dru Buntin, director of the Department of Natural Resources. “Water and wastewater systems are crucial infrastructure that aid community health and economic vitality.”

The department’s Financial Assistance Center is committed to working with communities to assist with water and wastewater infrastructure improvement projects. Monies received from The U.S. Environmental Protection Agency will fully fund this project.

For more information on wastewater and drinking water funding opportunities, visit dnr.mo.gov/water/what-were-doing/state-revolving-fund-srf.

Neosho man charged with violating protection order, assaulting woman

Jeremy L. Esquivel, (DOB 1994), Neosho, was charged with domestic assault and violation of a protection order for allegedly assaulting a woman October 10.

From the probable cause statement:

On 10/09/2023, I, Officer C. Cook, was at the Neosho Police Department when victim I frantically entered the lobby. {She}was hysterically crying with an open wound on the right side of her head. {Her} shirt was torn and had blood spots on the front. 

Victim 1 stated she left her residence to take her daughter to school and Mr. Esquivel was on the couch. Victim l has an active Order of Protection against Mr. Esquivel. {She} told Mr. Esquivel to leave and be gone when she returned to the residence. 

Victim 1 stated she returned home and Mr. Esquivel was on the couch still. {She} stated she went to her bedroom to call emergency services and Mr. Esquivel followed her and locked her inside the bedroom. {She} stated Mr. Esquivel threw her onto the bed by her hair causing a large bump on the back of her head and hit her over the head with a closed fist, causing the injury to her forehead. 

Victim 1 stated she attempted to fight Mr. Esquivel off of her, but he grabbed a pillow and placed it over her face. {She} had a marking on her neck where the pillow was placed. 

Mr. Esquivel has a active protection order in effect and has been served. Mr. Esquivel violated the protection order by committing a domestic assault on the petitioner, stalked the petitioner, disturbed the peace of the petitioner, and communicated with the petitioner by means of in person conversation.

Mr. Esquivel placed a pillow over victim 1's face, restricting her airway, causing victim I to fear for her life. Mr. Esquivel knowingly attempted to cause serious physical injury to victim 1. It should also be noted, Mr. Esquivel has two cases for violation of protection that have not gone through the courts. 

On 03/22/2023, Mr. Esquivel was arrested for Domestic Assault 4th Degree and Violation of Order of Protection.

On 07/03/2023, Mr. Esquivel was arrested for Violation of Order of Protection.

Probable cause: Newton County man harassed woman, burned down her barn

The Newton County Prosecuting Attorney's office filed arson, harassment and stalking charges Monday against a Fairview man who allegedly burned a woman's barn to the ground.

According to the probable cause statement, Dale William DeBoer (DOB 1976) was walking to Dollar General with a woman September 24 when he began threatening to slash her tires.

Two days later, the statement said, the woman saw DeBoer leaving her barn with a gas can in her hand with the barn on fire. The barn was a total loss.

Burglary and assault charges in connection with crimes that allegedly took place September 10 were also filed Monday in Newton County Circuit Court.

Judge weighs whether Kanakuk defrauded abuse survivor’s family

By Annelise Hanshaw

Missouri Independent

OZARK — Attorneys argued about culpability in Christian County Circuit Court Monday morning in a lawsuit involving a Branson-area Christian summer camp accused of conspiring with its insurer to trick a family into signing a non-disclosure agreement by concealing prior knowledge of sexual misconduct.

Logan Yandell, a survivor of sexual abuse by Kanakuk Ministries’ former camp director, filed a lawsuit in 2022 alleging misstatements by the camp’s CEO led his parents to sign a settlement and non-disclosure agreement for $250,000 that they otherwise would have continued to fight.

Yandell’s attorney, Reed Martens, told Judge Raymond Gross on Monday that his client’s parents signed a release in December of 2010 under pressure from Kanakuk CEO Joe White, who was their family friend.

During a call in September of 2009, Martens said, the Yandell family asked White if he knew of other abuse allegations involving former Kanakuk camp director Peter Newman. He allegedly said “nothing has been on (the camp’s) radar with (Newman),” but an affidavit by Newman’s former supervisor disclosed that the camp had been aware of misconduct as early as 1999.

The lawsuit also names ACE American Insurance Company as a defendant, arguing it influenced the camp’s decision to conceal information.

Gross asked if there was “correspondence of any kind” between the camp and ACE prior to White’s phone call with the Yandells.

David Mayer, who is also representing Yandell, said the insurance company was aware of abuse allegations “in March or April” prior to the call.

White testified that he did not speak to ACE before the alleged misstatement, said Manuel Mungia, an attorney for ACE, and the company wasn’t even notified of the statement.

“There is no evidence that ACE was aware of a fraudulent statement,” he said.

Yandell’s attorneys provided evidence of the company attempting to influence White months later when the camp drafted a letter to send to 8,000 families outlining what it knew about Newman.

ACE, in response, “strongly recommended not to send the letter” and sent a reservation of rights letter, which could exempt the company from covering related legal matters, Martens said.

So the email remained unreleased. This lawsuit has unearthed the draft and ACE’s response to the camp, Martens said, and it “gives rise to the concealment and conspiracy.”

Another matter Gross will have to consider is whether media reports of Newman’s arrest could nullify the case under the statute of limitations for fraud.

In Missouri, claims must be brought within five years of discovering the fraud, and victims have 10 years for discovery.

Bryan Wade, an attorney for Kanakuk, said there were court cases and news articles published over five years ago that the Yandell family had access to. Access to the information, he argued, is the same as knowledge, according to other cases.

Yandell’s parents didn’t have the responsibility to seek out the other court cases or media reports, Marten said, because of their close personal relationship with White. He said because their friend had “superior knowledge of the facts,” they were exempt from ordinary standards of diligence.

Another survivor of Newman’s abuse, in a deposition, told attorneys that he, White and Yandell discussed Newman’s misconduct years ago, Wade said. Importantly, Yandell is the case’s plaintiff — not his parents.

But Yandell’s parents told attorneys their discovery of the allegations of abuse was in 2021, when a national news article labeled Kanakuk’s situation the “worst Christian sex abuse scandal.”

If Gross accepts that 2021 is the year of discovery, the case is still within the statute of limitations.

He told attorneys his goal is to submit his judgment “by the end of the year,” though he had a large workload.

The case is set for trial in July 2025.