Napolitano presents Jane Cage with resilience award

(My apologies for getting the material from last week's second year anniversary observance of the Joplin Tornado on the blog so late. I had some other things going on last week.)

U.S. Department of Homeland Security Secretary Janet Napolitano (left) presents the Rick Rescorla National Award for Resilience to Jane Cage and the citizens of Joplin, MO for their efforts to help the community recover from a devastating 2011 tornado. Cage heads the Joplin Area Citizens Advisory Recovery Team, a citizen-based group formed to help guide Joplin's rebuilding. The award, given for just the second time, was presented during the city's 2-year tornado anniversary ceremony. Seated in background from left: Joplin Fire Chief Mitch Randles, City Manager Mark Rohr, Missouri Gov. Jay Nixon and Matt Erskine, Deputy Assistant Secretary of Commerce for Economic Development, U.S. Department of Commerce. FEMA continues to support the community's long-term recovery. Barb Sturner/FEMA

Transcript of Gov. Nixon's remarks at Joplin Tornado anniversary observance

(The following is the transcript of the speech given by Gov. Jay Nixon at the second anniversary observance of the Joplin Tornado one week ago.)

Good evening.  Thank you, Mayor, Secretary Napolitano and all the familiar faces I see here today.

Two years ago I described the folks here in Joplin as 'the toughest people on God's green earth."

It was true. We saw it everywhere we looked. That tenacity that echoed throughout this community.

We saw it in the moments and days after the storm, as we worked to clear debris. We saw it in a school district that declared it would open on time - and by golly they did. We saw it as you began to rebuild and repair your homes and businesses. We saw it everywhere.

That strength. That toughness. That courage to push ahead.

Two days ago, after seeing the devastating destruction in Oklahoma, I believe that you are something else too, something the people of Moore need right now.

A word we all remember seeing, in front of the old high school, made from duct tape: hope.

Joplin is many things, and right now I believe you are a beacon of Hope. A sign that in times of great need, we are not alone.  A sign that wounds do heal, though sometimes they still hurt. That life changes, but it goes on.

And as it does, the power of hope lifts our hearts and compels us forward.   That when there are stories of great tragedy . . . there are also stories of heroes, and a reminder that they live in our midst every day.  They run into fires.  They keep our streets safe. They teach our kids.

The people of Oklahoma will experience the embrace of an entire nation - an entire world - because when disaster strikes, we're all in this together.  And then little by little, day by day, the people of Moore will begin to rebuild.  Schools will open. Trees will be planted and homes will return.

It is a long and daunting path. But the light of Joplin, and the hope you instill in people, can help illuminate the way.

It's been two years, but when we see the progress that you have made. it seems much, much longer than that... But when we think of those we lost, it seems like it was only yesterday.

Time can be that way. It can move fast and slow - and never at the pace you want it to.

The only thing certain is that each moment is precious. Joplin reminds us of that.  It reminds us to appreciate the little things a little more.  Especially now, Joplin reminds us that every sunrise is a blessing. You give us strength, inspiration . . . Joplin, you give us Hope.

The work is not done, but neither are we. We will carry on.  We will move forward.

We will carry that light and hold it high so that anywhere people are hurt, anytime a town feels lost, they can look to Joplin. And they can find the strength needed to be the toughest people on God's green earth.

Thank you.

Coca-Cola opens Joplin distribution plant, 50 jobs added

(From Coca-Cola)

Coca-Cola is raising a toast to Joplin. Coca-Cola representatives joined Missouri Governor Jay Nixon, and state and local officials today to celebrate the Company’s new home in Joplin, Mo. The ceremony took place at the site of Coke’s distribution center in the Crossroads Industrial Park.

 “We have been proud to call Joplin home for more than 100 years,” said Kevin Shea, Vice President of Market Unit Field Operations, Coca-Cola Refreshments. “Our deep heritage in this city is something we want to preserve. This new distribution center is a commitment to the communities we serve, and an investment in the future of Coca-Cola in Joplin.”

 The new 56,000 square foot distribution center was completed in early 2013. It now serves as the hub of the Company’s operations across parts of Southwest Missouri and Southeast Kansas. The facility was built by Crossland Construction Company based near Joplin in Columbus, Kan.

 Coca-Cola had intended to open a new Joplin distribution center in 2011. However, in the aftermath of the May 22 tornado, the Company chose to delay their plans.  The existing facility was offered to the Joplin School District as a temporary home for East Middle School.

 Attendees at today’s ceremony were treated to plenty of ice-cold Coca-Cola, while listening to remarks from Joplin Mayor Melodee Colbert-Kean and State Rep. Charlie Davis. The event featured a keynote address from Missouri Gov. Jay Nixon.

 "Coca-Cola has been a vital part of Joplin for over 100 years, serving this region as a longtime employer and a steadfast corporate citizen," Gov. Nixon said. "Today, a new chapter begins for Coca-Cola and Joplin, a chapter that strengthens the ties of company to community and demonstrates that Missouri's economic recovery continues to gain steam." Coca-Cola added approximately 50 jobs to the distribution center earlier this year, bringing the company’s total workforce in Joplin to more than 100 people.

 "This new facility is a win for everyone. It brings new jobs to our local economy and strengthens Coca-Cola’s presence in Joplin,” said Rob O’Brian, Chairman of the Joplin Area Chamber of Commerce.

 As part of Coca-Cola’s commitment to a sustainable future, the facility will feature one of Joplin’s first industrial rain gardens. This rain garden can be used for storm water harvesting by capturing rain water for use in irrigation.

Stockholders approve GateHouse Media executive compensation

One of the best jobs in America has to be being one of the top executives at GateHouse Media.

That won't change any time in the near future (unless the company goes bankrupt, of course). At the annual stockholders' meeting Thursday, the executive compensation was overwhelmingly approved, and as the result of another vote, stockholders won't offer any more input on the bigwigs' pay until three years from now.

A total of $1,495,000 in bonuses for GateHouse's top officials, including $800,000 for CEO Michael Reed, was announced in December, at the same time the company's stock was selling for six cents a share on the Pink Sheets.

As of today, the stock is selling for three cents a share and recently it dipped as low as two cents.

GateHouse Media owns the Carthage Press, Neosho Daily News, Pittsburg Morning Sun, and more than 300 newspapers across the United States.

Allen Barbre practicing with Philadelphia Eagles' first string

 Allen Barbre has been living a nomadic existence since he was cut by the Green Bay Packers, the team that drafted him a few seasons ago, but it looks like things are looking up for the former East Newton High School and Missouri Southern State University lineman.

Barbre, trying to catch on with the Philadelphia Eagles, has been working out with their first string:

He's played in 32 NFL games with seven starts, yet Barbre is one of the most anonymous offensive linemen here. Until Tuesday, that is. He took some reps with the first-team offense at left guard and when Kelly was asked about it at the post-practice press conference, Barbre's name became a bit more prominent.

But what about his game? Barbre was a fourth-round draft pick by Green Bay in 2007 and his seven starts came at left tackle. He's also played with Seattle and Miami and he loves the physical part of the game. And, apparently, he is versatile enough to get some looks at guard, which is important to know for the coaching staff.

There is going to be some excellent competition for spots along the offensive line in the summer. Add Barbre's name to the mix. The Eagles need some players who can play both tackle and guard and, as Kelly said on Tuesday, who are going to be physical.

You may not know much about Allen Barbre, and that's understandable. But he's going to make his roster push and, judging by the mini-attention directed his way on Tuesday, is already doing so.

Hazardous weather outlook issued for Joplin area

(From the National Weather Service)

THIS HAZARDOUS WEATHER OUTLOOK IS FOR PORTIONS OF THE MISSOURI
OZARKS AND EXTREME SOUTHEAST KANSAS.

.DAY ONE...TODAY AND TONIGHT.

WEATHER HAZARDS EXPECTED...

 LIMITED NON THUNDERSTORM WIND RISK.
 ELEVATED HAIL RISK.
 ELEVATED THUNDERSTORM WIND DAMAGE RISK.
 ELEVATED LIGHTNING RISK.
 LIMITED TORNADO RISK.

DISCUSSION...

  SOUTHERLY WINDS WILL BE BREEZY TODAY ACROSS MUCH OF EXTREME
  SOUTHEASTERN KANSAS AND THE MISSOURI OZARKS WITH OCCASIONAL
  GUSTS IN EXCESS OF 30 MPH.

  THUNDERSTORMS WILL DEVELOP ACROSS KANSAS AND OKLAHOMA THIS
  AFTERNOON AND EVENING. THIS ACTIVITY WILL ORGANIZE INTO A LINE
  AND MOVE INTO EXTREME SOUTHEASTERN KANSAS AND PORTIONS OF THE
  MISSOURI OZARKS ALONG AND WEST OF THE HIGHWAY 65 CORRIDOR LATE
  THIS EVENING INTO THE OVERNIGHT HOURS. HAIL TO THE SIZE OF
  QUARTERS AND DAMAGING WIND GUSTS ARE THE PRIMARY HAZARDS
  EXPECTED WITH THIS LINE OF THUNDERSTORMS. THERE IS A LOW RISK
  FOR AN ISOLATED TORNADO ACROSS EXTREME SOUTHEASTERN KANSAS AND
  PORTIONS OF WEST CENTRAL MISSOURI.

.DAYS TWO THROUGH SEVEN...THURSDAY THROUGH TUESDAY.

  MULTIPLE ROUNDS OF STRONG TO SEVERE STORMS ARE FORECAST FROM
  THURSDAY INTO SATURDAY. AN ELEVATED RISK FOR DAMAGING WIND
  GUSTS...LARGE HAIL...AND TORNADOES WILL EXIST WITHIN THIS
  PERIOD. A WIDESPREAD 2 TO 4 INCHES OF RAINFALL IS EXPECTED
  RESULTING IN A RISK FOR FLOODING ACROSS THE ENTIRE OUTLOOK AREA
  FRIDAY AND SATURDAY.

  SOUTH WINDS WILL GUST TO 30 MPH AT TIMES THURSDAY AND FRIDAY
  ACROSS EXTREME SOUTHEASTERN KANSAS AND PORTIONS OF SOUTHWESTERN
  MISSOURI.

PoliticMo blog returning

Jo Mannies of St. Louis Beacon reports that Eli Yokley, Webb City, the University of Missouri student who has been serving as editor of Rod Jetton's Missouri Times political newspaper since the beginning of the year is returning to his blogging roots and relaunching PoliticMo:

Yokley, a native of Joplin, said in an interview Tuesday night that his departure was “a mutual thing.”

He, Jetton and publisher Scott Faughn “had always said we would reexamine my role after the session,’’ Yokley said. “This was a good time to part ways.”

Yokley plans to resurrect his blog,  PoliticMo, within the next few weeks.  PoliticMo previously had attracted national attention for some of its coverage.

 Yokley also had been writing periodically for the Joplin Globe and the now-defunct News Horizon news service.

He will be a senior this fall at the University of Missouri-Columbia.

Grand opening for Coca-Cola Joplin distribution center set for Wednesday

Under normal circumstances, Coca-Cola would have already settled into its new distribution center at Crossroads Center in Joplin.

The building that originally was planned for that purpose is being used as East Middle School following the May 22, 2011, Joplin Tornado.

The distribution center, now in another site in the industrial park, will have its grand opening 9:30 a.m. to 11 a.m. Wednesday morning (tomorrow). The event is not open to the public

Dignitaries scheduled to attend, according to a media advisory issued by Coca-Cola include Gov. Jay Nixon, Sen. Ron Richard, R-Joplin, Rep. Charlie Davis, R-Webb City, Joplin Mayor Melodee Colbert-Kean, Joplin City Council members, and Joplin Schools Superintendent C. J. Huff. Music will be provided by the Joplin High School Band.                          

(From Coca-Cola)

WHAT:               Grand opening of Coca-Cola Refreshments’ new home in Joplin.  This state-of-the-art, 56,000 sq. foot distribution center will serve as a hub for sales and distribution operations across parts of Southwest Missouri and Southeast Kansas.   Coca-Cola has located 50 jobs to the facility, bringing the company’s total workforce in Joplin to more than 100 people. 

                                Coca-Cola has been a vital part of the Joplin community for more than 100 years, longer than any other local company.  Coca-Cola had intended to open a new Joplin distribution center in 2011.  However, in the aftermath of the May 22 tornado, Coca-Cola chose to delay plans and offered the facility for the temporary use of the Joplin School District.

5:41: Stories from the Joplin Tornado tops Amazon rankings

Books about the Joplin Tornado drew more interest than usual this week with all of the activity surrounding the second anniversary of the event that ripped this city apart, but couldn't keep it down.

Topping the Amazon charts for Joplin Tornado books was 5:41: Stories from the Joplin Tornado by Carthage Press Managing Editor John Hacker and me, followed by the Kansas City Star's Joplin 5:41, and Scott Hettinger's 5/22: Stories of Survival, Stories of Faith. The complete list is featured below:

1. 5:41: Stories from the Joplin Tornado, Randy Turner and John Hacker, 141.040
2. Joplin 5:41, Kansas City Star, 217,370
3. 5/22, Stories of Survival, Stories of Faith, Scott Hettinger, 262,673
4. When the Storm Passes, Julie Jett, 309,411
5. Spirit of Hope: The Year After the Joplin Tornado, Randy Turner and John Hacker, 390,911
6. 32 Minutes in May, Joplin Globe, 514,409
7. Scars from the Tornado, Randy Turner, 593,059
8. Miracle of the Human Spirit, Mark Rohr, 1,176,719
9. Joplin Tornado House of Hope, Tim Bartow, 1,642,213
10. Singing Over Me, Danielle Stammer, 2,012,434
11. EF5 at 5:35, Kathryn Sandlin, 3,804,683
12. Mayday in Joplin, Donald Clugston, 3,925,386

Let Teachers Teach available as a free download today and tomorrow

My new book Let Teachers Teach, a collection of some of my essays on education is available today and tomorrow (Tuesday, May 28, and Wednesday, May 29, as a free Amazon Kindle download.

Along with the essays are updates, additional commentary and a newly-written introduction.I

The book includes the following essays:

1. Violence, Statistics, and American Education- This one, written just after Sandy Hook, is the one that is being used against me by the joplin School District because I posted a link to my book No Child Left Alive from it when I copied and pasted it onto Room 210 Discussion.

2. The Writers' Wall of Fame- A more personal essay, this one describes the Writers' Wall oF Fame I use to reward my students for excellent work and some memories of it.

3. The House of Bricks- One of my Joplin Tornado essays, includes the hunt for one of my eighth graders in the apartment complex behind the 15th St. Wal-Mart.

4. Missouri's Newest Lobbyist, Michelle Rhee- My examination of the StudentsFirst organization and how its name does not go along with its views.

5. A Seventh Grader's Gift That Keeps On Giving- The effect of a New York teenager's gift to my class after the tornado

6. A Day of Miracles- A return to school after the tornado

7.Joplin's Apocalypse Now- Another tornado essay

8. Returning to My Tornado-Ravaged School- My first visit to East Middle School, two days after the tornado

9. Sanitizing of Huckleberry Finn- My thoughts on a new version of Mark Twain's classic that removes the N word, plus remembering my sixth and seventh grade teacher Mrs. Jean Rowe, who read the book to me and my classmates.

10. Speaking for Victims of a School Shooting- Looking back at the shooting at Memorial Middle School. So many people were sympathizing with the shooter. I wrote this one for the other students.

11. The Dangers of Data-Driven Education- No wonder the people in administration have a problem with me.

12. The Lies They Tell About Teachers- The next few essays are all written as a response to the ongoing attacks on classroom teachers.

13. The Changing Expectations of Teachers- I tell the story of a student who came by after school just to talk and I found out years later that innocuous conversation had driven thoughts of suicide out of her mind. Now, with a culture of highly scripted, micromanaged meetings disguised as "collaboration" and "professional development," I wonder if a teacher will even be available for the next young person contemplating killing himself or herself.

14. A Teacher Witch Hunt

15. Glenn Beck and Public Education

16. Tribute to an Inspirational Teacher- Each year, until this one, I have asked my students to write essays describing an East Middle School teacher who has inspired them. The students vote on the Most Inspirational Teacher, not based on which teacher is the most popular, but on which student wrote the best paper. In this essay, I write about when this award was received by one of my favorite East colleagues, Kim Frencken, because of a paper written by one of my favorite former students, Taryn Parker.

17. To Sir With Love Revisited- Usually every year, again not this one, I show the Sidney Poitier movie To Sir With Love. In this essay, I talk about the difficulties his character, teacher Mark Thackeray, would have with today's soulless data-driven education.

18. Remembering Ryan Baker- One of the most difficult essays I have ever written. This is a tribute to one of my Diamond students after he committed suicide.

19. There Is No Crisis In Public Education- I make the case for public education

20. Tribute to a Middle School Principal- The essay I wrote after former East Middle School Principal Ron Mitchell was forced out.

21. A Warning to Young People: Don't Become a Teacher- Ironically, I wrote this one the day before I was removed from East by a police officer in front of my students and it was published on Huffington Post the next day.

22. Mr. President, My Students Deserve Better- After the State of the Union Address, I expressed my disagreement with the president over this goals for education.

23. When Technology Isn't the Answer- What happens when the lights go out? This essay was based on an experience that occurred this year while my students were working on their third quarter research project.

24. StudentsFirst Report Cards to Fail to Mention, Crime, Poverty- According to this organization, the only thing that has an affect on education is teachers. Strangely, their report card also grades states down if they actually have pensions for teachers.

25. No Guns for This Teacher- Written after Sandy Hook when arming teachers was the fad.

26. An Argument for Teacher Tenure- I would think my own case would be a convincing argument for teacher tenure.

27. It's Not Bad Teachers; It's the Economy, Stupid- My thoughts on how the state of the economy affects education.

28. Teachers Do Not Have to be Political Eunuchs- Teachers can reveal how they think about issues without forcing students to follow those beliefs.

29. Message to a First-Year Teacher- I wrote this after seeing on Facebook how my former Diamond student Stephanie Taylor was preparing for her first year at Carl Junction. It offers advice for any young teacher.

30. Pray for Those Godless Public School Teachers- An argument against those who claim we are pushing secular humanism.

31. It's Time to Use Test Scores to Determine Teacher Pay- If you can't tell, I was being sarcastic.

32. My New Pacemaker- A personal essay, about my missing class and MAP tests to have my pacemaker implanted last year.

33. The Crisis in American Education is a Myth

34. A New Hope High School for Joplin- This one was written after the bond issue passed.

35. Saying Goodbye to the Forgotten School- My final trip to the old South MIddle School before it was torn down after the tornado.

36. I'll Miss Arne Duncan's Visit; We're Testing That Day- We were giving the Acuity practice tests when Secretary of Education Arne Duncan came to Joplin.

37. My Students Don't Remember 9-11

38. All Public Schools Left Behind

39. Finding Hi in My Joplin Classroom- One of my favorite stories from the Turner Report and 5:41, about a student's gift to me.

40. Tornado Ends School Year for Most Inspirational Teacher- An essay about former EMS reading teacher Andrea Thomas, who should still be teaching there.

41. Gutless Media Has Failed American Schools- The media's poor coverage of education has allowed this ridiculous "reform" momvent to flourish.

42. Kick Me, I'm a Public Schoolteacher

43. Teaching to the Test

44. The Failure of American Teachers (my first Huffington Post blog)