U. S. Marshals arrest accused Massachusetts child rapist in Carthage

U. S. Marshals arrested an out-of-state fugitive in Carthage today, according to documents filed in Jasper County Circuit Court.

Daniel Erick Nevills (DOB 1978), whose address is listed as Carthage in court records, was charged in Yarmouth, Massachusetts with rape of a child with force, indecent assault and battery on a child under 14, indecent exposure and enticement of a child.

Court documents also show that Nevills was arrested in 2000 on two counts of child molestation in the first degree.

Yarmouth officials indicated they will extradite Nevills.

Nevills is being held without bond.

(Note: The post has been changed to remove incorrect information. The arrest did not take place at Kel-Lake Motel. I apologize for the error.)

Joplin man pleads guilty to kidnapping, weapons charges

Clayton James Flowers, 31, Joplin, pleaded guilty to kidnapping and being a felon in possession of a firearm during a hearing this morning in U. S. District Court in Springfield.

A presentence investigation was ordered. No date has been scheduled for sentencing.

The charge, which was filed earlier this month stems from a July 15 incident in which Clayton Flowers (DOB 1993) allegedly dragged a woman into a house, kicked her numerous times and threatened to burn the house down.

Information from the probable cause statement can be found at the link below.

The Turner Report: Change of plea hearing set for Joplin man on kidnapping, weapons charges

 

Mouse droppings, greasy tiles, open dumpsters cited as Lotus Xpress fails inspection

Mouse droppings, greasy tiles and uncovered dumpsters were among the violations cited as Lotus Xpress   801 E 20th, Suite 7B, failed its Joplin Health Department inspection today.

Five other businesses passed their inspections:

Cracker Barrel Old Country Store, 4010 S. Richard Joseph Boulevard

Starbuck's, #13473, 3324 S. Range Line Road

Dollar Tree, 1502 W. 7th Street

Maria's Mexican Grill and Cantina, 2850 S. Range Line Road

Dominos, 2907 E. 22nd Street

The Lotus Xpress inspection uncovered the following violations:

-Food-contact and/or nonfood-contact surfaces have accumulations present on the outside of the dry storage bin for flour, rice and starch

-Dumpster refused containers are not covered

-The floor tile in front of the three-compartment sink has a large hole and is in disrepair

-The ceiling tiles in the kitchen have an accumulation of grace

-Evidence of mice droppings in the storage room, behind rice cookers and under storage in hard to reach places

-Mops stored in mop sink are not provided with a hanger and are not air-dried after use.

School safety bill advances in Missouri House with restrictions on cell phone use

By Annelise Hanshaw

Missouri Independent

School safety legislation that requires school districts create a policy governing cell phone use by students won initial approval Monday afternoon in the Missouri House.

The bill’s sponsor, Republican state Rep. Brenda Shields of St. Joseph, called the bill a “comprehensive approach to school safety.”







It includes provisions to equip schools with bleeding-control kits, require intruder-response training and develop emergency response plans. Public schools would be required to use bullet-proof window film and anti-intruder locks in new construction by 2029.

“School safety is much more than hardening the exterior of a building but having a safe environment for learning,” Shields said during House debate. “We know that teaching and learning does not occur if a student doesn’t feel safe.”

State Rep. Ed Lewis, a Republican from Moberly, added an amendment that would encourage schools to bar cell-phone use. Schools would be able to craft the policy to their preferences. But at a minimum, those policies must ban cell phones during instructional time.

State Rep. Kathy Steinhoff, a Democrat from Columbia, was one of three representatives to file a bill on cell phones in schools. She said safety threats can come from within the walls of the school.

“This is going to help our students be able to focus on instruction and not let things get in the way that have to do with dangerous situations in our school,” she said. “When we talk about cyber bullying and sexting, all of that really has an impact on the school itself and can lead to dangerous physical alterations as well.”

Others worried that restricting cell phones would hinder security.

State Rep. Justin Sparks, a Republican from Wildwood, said access to cell phones can help students report school shootings quickly.

“We have had students actually contact the police and be on the phone with them during the event, providing invaluable intelligence as to where the shots are occurring, where the bad guy is,” Sparks said.

Another sponsor of a cell-phone bill, Republican state Rep. Jamie Gragg of Ozark, said schools can decide whether phones can be in students’ possession or not, so long as the devices aren’t a distraction.

“This is not the legislature making the rule. This is strictly the actual districts making those rules,” he said.

Another amendment added to the bill would require schools to create a cardiac response plan.

Three amendments were filed but not discussed. State Rep. David Tyson Smith, a Columbia Democrat, said in an inquiry with another Democrat that he wanted to offer an amendment to ban the sale of semi-automatic firearms to teenagers, but he was not called upon during Monday’s debate.

“I filed an amendment, and they will not call on me because they don’t want to have the conversation. Let’s have the conversation about this,” Smith said.

State Rep. Bill Owen, a Republican from Springfield, said to leave “the rhetoric out of it.”

“Accidents happen in shop classes. Accidents happen everywhere in that building where (bleeding-control kits) would be necessary. It doesn’t take a gun to do so,” he said. “I’m going to say that the legislation isn’t about guns. It’s about taking care of the safety of our children.”

The bill needs to be approved one more time in the House before it heads to the Senate.

Emanuel Cleaver: I'm committed to ensuring government works for the American people- not just the powerful

(From Fifth District Congressman Emanuel Cleaver)

It's been a busy few weeks in Congress. I'm back in Washington, D.C. this week to continue the fight against the Trump Administration's reckless cuts to everything from veterans' benefits to Social Security services, I wanted to take a moment to update you on the work I've been doing to stand up for Missouri families, workers, and communities. 

Whether it's protecting local farmers, defending vital healthcare programs, standing with local postal workers to protect the Postal Service, or pushing back against extreme GOP budget proposals, I'm committed to ensuring government works for the American people - not just the powerful.

Read on for more details on my latest work, and as always, I'll keep working to make sure your voices are heard in the People's House.

Voting Against the GOP's Extremely Partisan, Dangerous Continuing Resolution

Earlier this month, after walking away from bipartisan budget negotiations, House Republicans brought forward yet another partisan, short-term continuing resolution (CR) that fails to address the real challenges facing working-class families in Missouri's Fifth Congressional District and around the country. 

Rather than working with Democrats to find a fair compromise that meets the needs of our respective communities, the extremely partisan CR enabled the gutting of veterans' benefits, the slashing of federal funding dedicated to healthcare and affordable housing, and the dismantling of federal services and the firing of public servants.

Not to mention, this CR comes as Republicans in Congress are currently working on another proposal that rips away healthcare from low-income families, slashes food assistance for those struggling to make ends meet, and guts programs that help our communities thrive. These proposals are an attack on the very people Congress should be fighting for. Meanwhile, the ultimate goal is to provide tax breaks to billionaires who are already doing unfathomably well.

I want you to know that I voted no on the partisan CR, and I am opposed to the reckless plan that would force extreme cuts to Medicaid, SNAP, and other programs that millions of Americans rely on - especially the 159,359 Missourians in MO-05 on Medicaid and the 87,000 Missourians in MO-05 who depend on SNAP.

I believe we need a budget that reflects our values: one that invests in families, strengthens healthcare, supports economic opportunity, and ensures every American has a fair shot and pays their fair share--not one that ends essential services for Missouri families to fund tax cuts for the exorbitantly wealthy. As Republicans continue working through their reconciliation proposal, I'll keep fighting against these extreme cuts and working toward a budget that puts people first.

Fighting to Protect Medicaid

This past week, I joined advocates, healthcare providers, and my Democratic colleagues across the country for Medicaid Day of Action to stand against the devastating cuts proposed by the dangerous House Republican budget I mentioned above. Medicaid is a lifeline for millions of Americans, providing critical healthcare access to children, seniors, people with disabilities, and working families. The reckless Republican attempt to cut roughly $800 billion from Medicaid would put lives in danger and rural hospitals at risk of closure, and I'm fighting to stop them.

As part of this effort, I visited a local dialysis center to hear firsthand how Medicaid supports patients with chronic illnesses like kidney disease. For many, Medicaid ensures access to life-saving treatments that would otherwise be out of reach. Cutting this funding isn't just a budgetary decision - it's a matter of life and death for people in our community.

According to the Congressional Budget Office, the Republican-led budget cannot meet its fiscal target without significant cuts to Medicaid, which would impact Missourians relying on life-saving dialysis treatment by:

Changing Medicaid coverage or work requirements for eligibility

Threatening the ability of dialysis providers to continue to provide care as a result of consolidation, closure, or reduction in medical staff

Limiting or eliminating transportation to life-sustaining treatment

Eliminating services through the Home and Community Based Care program

Reducing access to care with fewer patients receiving early intervention

Increasing mortality rates, reversing gains and leading to more deaths among dialysis patients

Creating greater financial burden for patients

It's simple - Medicaid is a critical safety net for individuals with kidney disease, cancer, and other chronic illnesses. Efforts to reduce or eradicate Medicaid will restrict efforts towards early detection and management of illnesses and increase health-associated risks. Long-term cuts to Medicaid will harm early intervention and continuity of care for patients with chronic illnesses, impacting those most vulnerable and leading to greater costs for the overall healthcare system.

President Trump said he will "love and cherish" Medicare and Medicaid. House Speaker Mike Johnson vowed that Republicans will not cut Medicaid or Medicare to pay for their tax cuts. Well, they lied.

President Trump endorsed, and House Republicans passed, their "big beautiful bill" that requires deep, damaging cuts to Medicaid. But House Democrats will not merely stand by. Just as we successfully defended the Affordable Care Act during Trump's first term, my Democratic colleagues and I will keep pushing to protect and strengthen Medicaid, because no one should have to choose between their health and making ends meet.

Find more information about my work to protect Medicaid here.

Standing Up for Children, Farmers, and Food Security

Access to nutritious food should never be a partisan issue - but the U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) recently announced the cancellation of key programs that help feed children, support local farmers, and strengthen food banks. That's why I joined my colleagues in sending a letter to the USDA, strongly condemning this harmful decision and demanding answers.

The USDA recently announced its decision to cancel two programs that help bolster local and regional food supply chains by purchasing food from American farmers and providing fresh, nutritious meals to local schools and food banks.

These programs provided dedicated demand for local farmers' products, helping to create local and regional infrastructure to get fruits and vegetables to schools, food banks, and childcare centers. Locally in the Kansas City region, these agreements supported the KC Food Hub farmer cooperative and brought healthy foods to the Blue Springs School District and the Lee's Summit School District. Through these cooperative agreements, Missouri participants were scheduled to receive over $19 million in 2025, which was originally announced last fall. Because Missouri farmers made planting decisions based on last year's announcement, many are now left hanging by the Trump Administration.

I recently met with Harvesters and eight of their partner agencies working at the frontlines of hunger prevention in MO-05 and throughout the region, to hear firsthand what's at stake when it comes to defunding critical food programs. The ugly truth is that for many, federally funded foods programs like local purchasing agreements, SNAP, and the Emergency Food Assistance Program (TEFAP) are lifelines for local farmers and crucial to keeping food on the table for families. Cutting these programs is not only shortsighted - it's cruel.

At a time when food insecurity remains a major challenge for too many communities, we should be expanding support, not slashing it. I'll keep fighting to protect these programs and ensure no child, family, or farmer is left behind. Find more information about my work to protect nutrition programs and USDA funding here.

Fighting for Affordable Housing

Housing affordability is one of the most urgent challenges facing families across the country. Too many people - whether they're young professionals, working parents, or retirees - are struggling to find a safe, affordable place to call home. That's why I've been working hard to advance solutions that lower housing costs, increase supply, and expand access to rental assistance.

This month, alongside Senators Elizabeth Warren and Raphael Warnock, I introduced the comprehensive American Housing and Economic Mobility Act to tackle the housing crisis head-on. This bicameral legislation would leverage federal funding to build nearly three million new housing units, bring down rents by 10 percent for American families, and create incentives for local governments to eliminate unnecessary land use restrictions that drive up costs. This legislation takes a multi-pronged approach to reducing costs, increasing the availability of affordable homes, and ensuring that working families, seniors, and those on fixed incomes aren't priced out of their communities. This bill lays the foundation for a more stable and fair housing market.

I've also been working across the aisle to deliver real results. I recently introduced the Choice Affordable Housing Act, a bipartisan bill with Representative Mike Lawler to expand access to the federal government's largest rental assistance program. This legislation would make it easier to access Housing Choice Vouchers (HCV) - often referred to as Section 8 vouchers - making the program more efficient and accessible, ensuring that more eligible households can get the support they need. Housing security shouldn't be a partisan issue, and I'm proud to work with colleagues from both sides of the aisle to address this crisis in a meaningful way.

Lastly, as co-chair of the Congressional Public Housing Caucus, I led a group of lawmakers in opposing efforts by the Trump Administration and Elon Musk to eliminate Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD) initiatives, programs, and personnel essential to public housing. Access to public housing reduces housing instability among the most vulnerable American families, and, by reducing the financial burden of rent, allows families to use limited income for essential needs like food and healthcare that contribute to greater stability. In some cases, public housing programs are also linked with additional support services such as job training and substance abuse treatment that help residents become more stable and productive. That's why I called on the HUD Secretary to provide a detailed analysis demonstrating how funding and personnel cuts will impact communities nationwide.

I'll keep pushing for bold, commonsense solutions that ensure every American has access to safe, affordable housing.

Protecting the Postal Service and Defending Democracy

In recent weeks, I joined 159 of my colleagues in condemning any attempt by the Trump Administration to privatize the United States Postal Service (USPS). The USPS isn't just a mail carrier - it's a vital service for millions of Americans, ensuring small businesses can thrive, seniors can receive their medications on time, and rural communities can stay connected. Any effort to privatize this essential service would threaten jobs, raise costs, and put corporate profits ahead of the American people. As I always have, I will continue fighting to keep the Postal Service public, accessible, and strong.

That's why I also introduced the bipartisan, bicameral Deliver for Democracy Act, to help local news overcome persistent issues with the Postal Service. This bill would incentivize reliable services from the USPS and limit excessive rate increases on local periodicals. In recent years, USPS has raised rates for periodicals under the guise of increased efficiency and improved service, but the changes have not addressed persistent postal delays.

Because I understand the essential service it provides, I was proud to stand alongside postal workers, union leaders, and everyday Americans at a rally to defend one of our country's most vital institutions. Under the Trump Administration, we've seen relentless attacks on the USPS - cuts to service, delays in mail delivery, and harmful policies that threaten jobs and the ability of millions to receive essential mail, from bills to prescription medications. Together, we stood up for a Postal Service that works for the people - not corporate interests or political agendas.

 

Carthage R-9 Board hears summer school report, accepts resignations of assistant principal, 5 teachers

(From Carthage R-9 School District)

The Carthage R-9 Board of Education met in regular session on Wednesday, March 12, 2025, 6:00 pm, at Carthage Intermediate Center. 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. 

Tiger Sounds comprised of fourth and fifth grade choir students provided cheerful songs under the direction of vocal music teacher, Mrs. Carly Myers. 

The Board approved the Consent Agenda for the purpose of approving the meeting agenda, minutes of previous meeting, payment of bills, district financial report, and establish the K-12 nonresident tuition rates for the 2025-2026 school year. 

The Board of Education was recognized for its service as part of the Board of Education Appreciation Week. Mrs. Angie Haas and Mr. John Logue of the Carthage Community Teachers’ Association and Mrs. Libby Collier of the Carthage National Education Association thanked the Board of Education for its commitment to the children of Carthage. Dr. Boyer presented each board member a certificate of appreciation from the Missouri School Boards’ Association. 

Mrs. Stephanie Theis, Executive Director at Children’s Haven of Southwest Missouri, provided the Board information regarding Jasper County 4 Kids and the children’s services fund ballot initiative coming to Jasper County voters on April 8, 2025. 

Dr. Scott Ragsdale, Carthage Intermediate Center Principal, provided information regarding 2025 summer school. Kindergarten through eighth grade summer school will take place Thursday, May 29th – Wednesday, June 25th. Bus transportation and breakfast and lunch will be provided free to all students. 

High School summer school will take place Wednesday, May 28th – Wednesday, June 25th with breakfast and lunch provided free to all students. 

Ms. Maria Sanchez provided a Carthage R-9 School Foundation update highlighting scholarship applications are being reviewed. For information regarding the upcoming Flanigan speech contest and Boylan art and writing contest contact Mrs. Crystal Brown. 

Ms. Niki Cloud, Board Member, asked the Board for their consideration in nominating her for the MSBA Board of Directors for Region 9. The Board nominated Ms. Cloud. 

Dr. Holley Goodnight, Assistant Superintendent for Business, presented to the Board the proposal to purchase two lease return buses from Central States Bus Sale, Inc., for Early Childhood Special Education. 

Dr. Luke Boyer, Superintendent, presented his report to the Board. 

The Board met in closed session immediately following the regular meeting to discuss legal, real estate, personnel, and student matters in compliance with Section 610.021 (1), (2), (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: 

Certified Hire 

Austin Grotts, SPED Teacher Carthage High School New Hire- Mr. Grotts is an experienced educator and coach, with several years of experience in area school districts. He holds a Master’s in Coaching and Exercise Science from Concordia University Irvine and a Bachelor of Science from Missouri Southern State University. Certified in multiple areas, including elementary education, special education, and physical education, Austin brings a strong background in teaching and athletics, with coaching experience in football, basketball, and track.

Jennifer McDermott, SPED Teacher, Carthage High School Rehire

Charissa Lock, Speech-Language Pathologist TBD New Hire- Charissa Lock is an educational leader and speech-language pathologist, currently serving as a Process Coordinator for Carl Junction R-1 Schools. She holds an Educational Specialist degree from Arkansas State University and advanced degrees in Communication Disorders from the University of Central Missouri and Missouri State University. 

Support Hire 

Shawn White, Custodian Carthage High School New Hire

Brooklyn Cordovoa, New Hire Carthage Intermediate Center New Hire

Sydney Shelfer, Speech-Language Pathologist TBD New Hire 

Substitute Hire 

Abby Bayless, Sub Teacher District New Hire

Jenna Braker, Sub Teacher District New Hire 

Mazi Gray, Sub Teacher District New Hire 

Jessica Alvarado, Sub Nurse District New Hire

Ivy Wright, Sub Teacher District New Hire

Certified Transfer

Tema Marion, Assistant Principal Carthage High School Transfer

Stacy Smith, Art Teacher Carthage Intermediate Center Transfer

Certified Resignation

Daniel Powers Assistant Principal Carthage High School

Emily Brown Computer Science Teacher Sixth Grade Center

Leslie Hunter Special Education Teacher Sixth Grade Center

Heidy Hathcock First Grade Teacher Columbian Elementary

Stasia Fisher Third Grade Teacher Columbian Elementary

Fred Mintert Art Teacher Carthage Junior High School

Support Retirement

Robin Dickerson Head Cook Carthage Junior High School

Support Resignation

Madison Helm SPED Paraprofessional Fairview Elementary

Substitute Resignation

Mary Allison Sub Bus Driver Transportation

Emily Huffman Sub Teacher District

Joplin East Middle School named Purple Star School

(From Missouri Department of Elementary and Secondary Education)

The Missouri Department of Elementary and Secondary Education (DESE) announced today the school districts and individual school buildings that earned the 2025 Missouri Purple Star designation — the fourth round of designees in this statewide program:

2025 Purple Star School Districts

Cole County R-V School District
Henry County R-I School District
Holden R-III School District
Laquey R-V School District

Plato R-V School District
Risco R-II School District
Sedalia School District 200
Southern Boone School District
Waynesville R-VI School District

2025 Purple Star Schools

East Middle School (Joplin Schools)
Fort Zumwalt East High School (Fort Zumwalt School District)
Heber Elementary (Sedalia School District 200)
Horace Mann Elementary (Sedalia School District 200)
Loftus Early Childhood Center (Sedalia School District 200)
Maple Grove Elementary School (Warrensburg R-VI School District)
Martin Warren Elementary School (Warrensburg R-VI School District)
Parkview Elementary (Sedalia School District 200)
Ridge View Elementary (Warrensburg R-VI School District)
Sedalia Middle School (Sedalia School District 200)
Skyline Elementary (Sedalia School District 200)
Smith-Cotton Junior High (Sedalia School District 200)
Sterling Elementary (Warrensburg R-VI School District)
Warrensburg High School (Warrensburg R-VI School District)
Warrensburg Middle School (Warrensburg R-VI School District)
Washington Elementary (Sedalia School District 200)

“This program is just one way to reiterate our state’s commitment to our service members,” said Commissioner of Education Karla Eslinger. “As we kick off April as the Month of the Military Child, it is an honor to award these Purple Star designations. Each of the schools and districts works to support service members and their families in their local community, while also ensuring military children are prepared for success later in life.”

The 2025 Purple Star designees are invited to be recognized at the Month of the Military Child Kickoff event at 10:00 a.m. in the Capitol Rotunda on April 1, 2025, hosted by the Military Interstate Children’s Compact Commission and DESE.

The Purple Star School designation is awarded to military-friendly local education agencies (LEAs) that have demonstrated a major commitment to students and families connected to our nation’s military — including active duty, National Guard or Reserve members, and military veterans. LEAs that earn this designation will receive a special Purple Star recognition to display onsite and on the school district (or individual school building) website.

To learn more about the criteria required to obtain this designation, visit DESE’s Missouri Purple Star Schools webpage.

Support grows for homeschooled athletes bill in 12th year in Missouri legislature

By Annelise Hanshaw

Missouri Independent

A bill that would require public schools to offer extracurricular activities to local homeschooled students is gaining traction after more than a decade of consideration by Missouri lawmakers.

High school senior Lydia Meredith, whose family annually drives from Joplin to testify in favor of the bill, told the Senate Education Committee in February it was her fourth time asking for them to pass the legislation.

Meredith was part of a competitive swimming team growing up and enjoyed racing with her friends. But when they reached high school, her friends joined the team at their public school. Meredith, who is homeschooled, was left behind.

“Before me came other Missouri students asking to be given the same opportunity to play for local sports teams, to join band or join a local debate team,” she said. “Every year this bill is not passed is another year the Missouri Legislature is complicit in denying key educational experiences for students.”

She said it was time for senators “to see this bill through to the end.”

For years, legislation seeking to give homeschooled students access to activities in public schools has been filed in Missouri. Most legislative sessions, the bill is passed by a committee but surpassed by other education priorities and never makes it to discussion by either legislative chamber.

The proposal was first offered in 2014, under then-Rep. Elijah Haahr, a Springfield Republican and homeschooled student who later became Missouri House speaker. The legislation didn’t make it to the House or Senate floor until 2021. The chamber gave its initial approval to the bill but never passed it to the Senate.

In 2023, the bill had its longest run, making it into a larger education package that passed the Senate with only two opposed and clearing a House committee late in session.

This year, the Senate in February unanimously passed a bill sponsored by Republican Sen. Ben Brown of Washington, and House leadership referred the bill to its education committee over legislative spring break. This is the fastest the legislation has passed its originating chamber.

The bill has also garnered approval by former critics.

 

State Sen. Maggie Nurrenbern, a Kansas City Democrat, voted against the legislation in prior years but said during the Senate debate that she had changed her mind after hearing from homeschooling families.

“I really see the benefit of having students, and the more the merrier, be able to participate in activities,” she said.

Nurrenbern previously worried that public school and homeschool students could be held to different standards and access the same privileges.

A school counselor had those concerns in the committee hearing. Other opposition came from a homeschooling group called Family Covenant Ministries, which has concerns about applying the state’s homeschooling law to public activities.

Home educators in Missouri have been split over the years about bills that would expand opportunities for homeschoolers but connect them closer to state government. Some say it could open them up for more state oversight of homeschoolers, of which Missouri has very little.

In a large education package passed last year, lawmakers created a new category of homeschool called family-paced education. This group would be able to take advantage of the state’s education tax-credit program while allowing those wary of governmental intrusion to have separation in state law.

David Klarich, a lobbyist for Family Covenant Ministries, said Brown’s bill should only apply to family-paced education.

Another homeschooling organization, Families for Home Education, spoke in favor of the bill — not because of the extracurricular activities but for a provision that often evades discussion.

The bill seeks to remove a part of state law that describes a declaration of intent to homeschool. The declaration is optional and is intended to reduce truancy investigations.

Kim Quon, a director for Families for Home Education, said the law has had “the opposite effect.” Some families who have sent a letter of their intent to homeschool have reported the district did not remove their children from enrollment records.

“It has spurred many unnecessary discussions and investigations,” she said.

The organization has otherwise taken a neutral stance on the bill’s provisions on student athletes, according to its website.



The bill is one of 28 awaiting a hearing by the House Elementary and Secondary Education committee, of which only two are Senate bills.

Eight Joplin establishments pass food inspections

Eight establishments received passing grades on their Joplin Health Department inspections, according to information posted on the department website.

Those passing inspection were:

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

Indo-Chinese Restaurant, 4535 Highway 43

The Human Bean, 2608 S. Main

Turnaround Ranch, 1949 S. Snowberry Lane

Speedy Burritos, 1710 S. Maiden Lane

Taqueria La Heradura (Mobile), 116 N. Range Line Road

Billy Sims Barbecue, 2830 E. 7th Street

Carthage man allegedly hits man over head with shovel, but wanted to shoot him in the face

A Carthage man is being held in the Jasper County Detention Center on a $25,000 surety or $3,000 cash bond after being charged Monday in Jasper County Circuit Court with domestic assault.

David Lee Shutters (DOB 1988) allegedly beat a man over the head with a shovel Sunday at a rural Carthage residence after the man allegedly watched another person in the home take a shower.

From the probable cause statement:

Upon my arrival, Victim 1 was located at the edge of the roadway bleeding heavily from the head. 

While being treated by EMS in the ambulance Victim 1 advised he was hit in the head with a shovel. I made contact with Victim 1's Cousin, David Shutters said he confronted the victim after being told that the victim was watching Witness 1 take a shower. Victim 1 and David also reside together. 

David stated he began hitting the victim in the head with a stick. David said he wanted to shoot the victim in the face. 

Witness 1 said David hit the victim while in the home and also used a belt to hit the victim. The victim then ran out of the home and David followed with a pistol where witness 2 was able to get the pistol away from David and secure it back in the home. 

David then chased the victim through the woods a short distance and was said by the victim to have hit him in the head with a shovel. Two shovels were located near the home in the direction of travel the two had went. 

The victim had multiple injuries to his body from being hit with an object. 

EMS transported the victim to the hospital due to the severity of injuries. Witness 2 verified she {saw} David and the victim run through the woods as she was taking the gun back into the home. 

Once David was arrested and read miranda rights he said "wait till you see what I do to him next."

Victim 1 was admitted to Mercy Hospital in Joplin Missouri with an open large laceration to his head, multiple bruises on his ribs and back. The injuries to Victim #1's back were symmetrical and uniform. The marks were consistent with the shovel handle.

The case was investigated by the Jasper County Sheriff's Office.