Moran: I will vote to confirm Judge Kavanaugh

(From Sen. Jerry Moran, R-Kansas)

As I stated after meeting with Judge Kavanaugh in August, he is a well-qualified nominee with a deep respect for the Constitution, and I still believe that to be true.

His intellect and extensive experience in the legal field will serve the Supreme Court well. I will vote to confirm Judge Kavanaugh as Justice Kavanaugh.

Hawley calls for special counsel to investigate Democrats' tactics during Kavanaugh hearings

(From the Josh Hawley for U. S. Senate Campaign)

I’m sure you’ll agree that the conduct of the Democrats during the Kavanaugh hearings was beyond disgusting. Senate Democrats exploited Dr. Ford and smeared Judge Kavanaugh, all to gain more votes in November. Not only that, but they sat on the major accusation, waiting until it was politically beneficial for them to release it publicly.

If there’s one thing we’ve learned, it’s that those on the Left will not have one shred of decency when it comes to this nomination process.

That’s why I’ve called for a special counsel to investigate Democrats’ tactics around the Kavanaugh hearings, which includes violating Dr. Ford’s confidentiality and obstructing the work of the Senate Judiciary Committee.

If Senator McCaskill cares at all about actually getting to the truth, she should join me. I can’t say I’m getting my hopes up though.

We have a Senator who is once again choosing her liberal friends over her own state, and she thinks we’re fooled into believing she’s a moderate. It’s insulting to Missouri, and we deserve better.

I’m going to continue calling for this special investigation, just like I’m going to keep working to defeat McCaskill in November. 

New website provides greater transparency to State of Missouri budget

(From the Missouri Office of Administration)

The Missouri Office of Administration today announced the launch of a new website that provides greater transparency to the State of Missouri budget. The website, budgetexplorer.mo.gov, gives users a comprehensive review of the state budget, along with links to more detailed information.

The Office of Administration created the Missouri Budget Explorer website to provide the public with an easy-to-use, one-stop resource for important information regarding the State of Missouri’s budget. The website enables citizens to explore the details of the State of Missouri’s budget, including the sources of the state’s revenues and how these monies are allocated among the 16 executive departments, the elected officials, the legislature, and the judiciary. 

In addition to understanding better the overall state budgeting process, citizens will also be able to gain a better understanding of the role of each department and the services they provide. The Office of Administration purposefully used infographics on the website to make budget information more easily understandable for the public.

Performance measures for each department’s programs will also be tracked on the website, starting in 2019.

“Taxpayers deserve a transparent resource to track how their money is being spent,” said Office of Administration Commissioner Sarah Steelman. “Creating an easily-accessible website with state budget information and departments’ performance measures is one of the Office of Administration’s strategic initiatives. I’m proud we are delivering this important initiative, and I’m proud that we designed the website deliberately to better serve our customers — the citizens of Missouri.”

“The Missouri Budget Explorer website is a straightforward and user-friendly tool that will greatly serve Missouri citizens in understanding the state budget,” said Rep. Scott Fitzpatrick, chairman of the House Budget Committee. “As the chairman of the House Budget Committee, I applaud the Office of Administration for its diligence in providing the public a deeper and more transparent look into the state budget.”

The website’s home page features an interactive infographic detailing how many dollars were allocated to each department in the state’s current operating budget. Users can click on each department for more detailed information on how programs within the departments are funded. The website features budget charts that allow citizens to understand at-a-glance how state funds are distributed, as well as summary documents for each department to give users more specific details as to how the budgets have changed from the previous year.

The website provides links to the legislative budget bills and each department’s strategic management priorities. The Missouri Budget Explorer website compliments Missouri State Treasurer Eric Schmitt’s Show-Me Checkbook website, a financial data transparency portal launched in August, which is also linked on the website.

The website will be updated twice a year — when Gov. Mike Parson releases his budget recommendations and when the General Assembly has passed the state budget. Budget information for each fiscal year — beginning with Fiscal Year 2019 — will be archived on the website.

State auditor's report recommends methods to limit inappropriate use of low income assistance program money

(From State Auditor Nicole Galloway)

State Auditor Nicole Galloway recently released a report of the Temporary Assistance for Needy Families (TANF) program, which found more could be done to ensure quick detection of improper activity. Changes to the program in 2014 resulted in the implementation of policies and practices to prevent inappropriate transactions, but the audit found several specific circumstances where these processes can be improved.

"This report includes specific recommendations to address concerns and improve processes within the TANF program to better protect taxpayer dollars," Auditor Galloway said. "I'm encouraged to see changes already underway to promptly detect and address misuse."

The TANF program provides cash to eligible low-income families for clothing, utilities and other services for the household's children by loading them on to electronic benefits transfer (EBT) cards. The federal program is administered through the Missouri Department of Social Services (DSS). During 2016 and 2017, the state provided more than $73.7 million in TANF benefits to Missouri residents. On average, TANF households in Missouri receive about $211 a month.

Under state law, TANF benefits cannot be used at liquor stores and casinos or to purchase alcohol, lottery tickets or tobacco products. There is a system to review transactions and block prohibited venues, but the audit found these reviews were not performed from Oct. 1, 2016-Dec. 31, 2017. During that time, approximately 1,400 transactions totaling $62,400 took place at about 100 venues later identified as prohibited. If reviews had been conducted during that time, some of these transactions would have been blocked.

The audit also identified 595 recipients whose transactions took place exclusively out of state for 90 consecutive days or more. While some out-of-state use is permitted under federal guidelines, it is also an indication that a recipient may no longer be a Missouri resident and no longer eligible for benefits through the state. In some cases, the DSS ultimately detected the out-of-state activity and took action, but the audit found these situations could have been addressed more quickly with better data analytics.

In those cases that improper payments are identified, the DSS has a process to close the case. Under federal guidelines, a recipient can once again become eligible to receive benefits, but the DSS can file a claim to recover overpayments over time. The audit found several instances where the DSS discovered incarcerated individuals receiving benefits. Their cases were closed, but the DSS did not always establish claims to recoup overpayments that had occurred if the cases reopened.

The audit, which was performed by the Auditor's data analytics team, reviewed transactions from 2016 and 2017. In several specific cases, the DSS took action after auditors brought forward concerns.

The full data analytics report on Temporary Assistance for Needy Families is online here.

Joplin man sentenced to 17 years, six months on child pornography charges

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

A Joplin man with a prior sex conviction was sentenced in federal court today for receiving and distributing child pornography over the internet.

Delbert C. Feezell, 58, was sentenced by U.S. District Judge Beth Phillips to 17 years and six months in federal prison without parole. The court also sentenced Feezell to 15 years of supervised release following incarceration, and ordered him to pay $1,000 in restitution to one of his victims.

Feezell, who has prior convictions for sexually assaulting an 8-year-old child and for indecent exposure, pleaded guilty on May 24, 2018.

The investigation began on Nov. 20, 2015, when Feezell uploaded a video of child pornography to YouTube, which was reported to the National Center for Missing and Exploited Children. Feezell uploaded additional images of child pornography to another website on April 7, 2016, after which a search warrant was executed at his residence. Investigators seized a laptop computer that contained 785 video files and five images of child pornography. The depictions include children as young as toddlers being sexually assaulted by adult males. Feezell engaged in his illegal activities using his unwitting neighbor’s internet service.

This case was prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorney James J. Kelleher. It was investigated by the Southwest Missouri Cyber Crimes Task Force and the FBI.

Mercy Hospital to close in Fort Scott by end of the year

(From Mercy Hospital Fort Scott)

In the face of declining patient numbers and shrinking reimbursement, Mercy has made the difficult decision to close Mercy Hospital Fort Scott by the end of the year. The decision was made following months of exploring options for keeping hospital services in the community.

At the same time, there is a plan for continuing physician services in the area. Mercy is finalizing an agreement with the Community Health Center of Southeast Kansas (CHC/SEK), the federally qualified health clinic based in Pittsburg, to maintain primary care services in Fort Scott and other nearby communities in which there are Mercy Clinic locations. All Mercy Clinic Fort Scott primary care physicians have committed to continue practicing in the area as part of CHC/SEK. The two organizations expect to share more information soon.

“Mercy Hospital has been privileged to serve Fort Scott since 1886. Like many rural hospitals across the country, we have struggled to remain viable as community needs have changed,” said Reta Baker, hospital president. “We considered – and exhausted – every possibility for keeping our doors open, and ultimately we had to acknowledge that it’s a different era for hospital care in Fort Scott. There are many options in nearby communities for patients seeking hospital care, and there are many challenges we didn’t have in years past. Our hearts are heavy, but it’s the decision we know has to be made.”

The hospital will close by December 31, including all inpatient services, the emergency department and ambulatory surgery.

Mercy first announced the need to explore options for future sustainability in 2014, citing trends that included patients leaving the area to seek health care services in larger communities and declining reimbursement, especially from government payers which make up the largest source of revenue. The announcement was followed by an 18-month discernment process, which ended in 2015 with the understanding that should these trends continue, Mercy would need to revisit plans for the future.

“That time came earlier this year, and a new process of evaluating solutions was undertaken,” said Baker. “Unfortunately, the health care environment in Fort Scott has not improved, and in fact we’ve encountered the additional challenge of successfully recruiting and retaining physicians in the community.”

To prepare for closing the hospital, Mercy will undertake the required regulatory and legal notices and procedures, including notifying state and federal agencies and payers.

Mercy is developing plans to support hospital co-workers in through the closure process, and all will be treated with compassion and respect. There may be the possibility for some co-workers to transfer to other Mercy facilities.

“Having closed our hospital in Independence, Kansas, in 2015, we know how difficult this news is to hear – not only for our Fort Scott co-workers and the community, but for everyone across Mercy. Our prayers are with everyone impacted by this decision,” said Lynn Britton, Mercy president and chief executive officer. “We also know that the Sisters who served before us had to make similar decisions in light of changing community needs, and we draw strength from their courage.”

Eight-year-old Destiny Chambers laid to rest, candelight vigil held Sunday

The community showed its support for the family of eight-year-old Destiny Chambers Sunday during a candlelight vigil in Cunningham Park.

Destiny Chambers was killed in a hit-and-run accident Thursday on Newman Road.

The organizer of the vigil, David DuRall II spoke to KSN:

Even those who have never met little Destiny or the family, it's just a heart-breaking situation. That's why we wanted to come together tonight, so they know that they do have people out there that're praying for them and that they can lean on,

Funeral services for the Soaring Heights Elementary third grader were held today at Parker Mortuary.

New judge assigned to Jalen Vaden murder case, Mouton recuses himself

A new judge was assigned to the Jalen Vaden murder case this morning.

With six and half months to go before the scheduled April 15, 2019, trial for Vaden, 23, Carl Junction, goes to trial for second degree murder and felony child abuse in connection with the December 1, 2017 death of three-year-old Jayda Kyle, Division III Judge David Mouton issued an order recusing himself from the case.

The case has been assigned to Division I Judge Gayle Crane.



Jayda Kyle died December 1 at Children's Mercy Hospital in Kansas City, three days after she was hospitalized after abuse that took place at her home at 405 Meadow Lake in Carl Junction.

The trial is expected to last two weeks.

Hartzler praises new NAFTA agreement

(From Fourth District Congresswoman Vicky Hartzler)

Today Congresswoman Vicky Hartzler (MO-04) made the following statement about Canada’s decision to join the United States and Mexico in an agreement to update NAFTA (the North American Free Trade Agreement), the U.S.-Mexico-Canada Free Trade Agreement.

“I am pleased we have come to an agreement with Canada in a new U.S-Mexico-Canada Free Trade Agreement. Opening new markets for our agriculture products and leveling the playing field with our partners is key to growing our economy and keeping rural America strong.

" I am particularly pleased that Canada has been willing to finally open their dairy markets. The 241% tariff imposed on our fluid milk compared to the 0% tariff the United States imposed on Canadian milk was an unfair injustice that needed to be rectified.”

  

State audit: Local law enforcement officials don't know location of more than 1,200 sex offenders

(From State Auditor Nicole Galloway)

Local law enforcement officials in the state of Missouri don't know the whereabouts of more than 1,200 registered sex offenders -- including almost 800 offenders that would be classified as the most dangerous -- a new report from State Auditor Nicole Galloway finds.

(Click on map to enlarge.)

Galloway today released her audit of Missouri's sexual offender registration (SOR) program. State law requires those convicted or found guilty of sexual offenses to register their name, address and other information with the chief local law enforcement official, who is most often the sheriff. That information is made public through a database and website maintained by the Missouri State Highway Patrol. Offenders must verify the information at regular intervals and notify the appropriate law enforcement officials if they move.

Due to inadequate enforcement of the registration requirements at the local level, 1,259 registered sex offenders failed to follow the law.

That number represents 7.9 percent of the almost 16,000 offenders required to register. Auditor Galloway said in several counties and the city of St. Louis, the locations of over 10 percent of registered sex offenders were unknown to law enforcement. 

The report also highlighted a need to improve management of the SOR database and weaknesses in current state laws.

"The law requiring sex offenders to register has been on the books for more than 20 years to help keep our communities, and especially our children, safe," Auditor Galloway said. "But if the law isn't enforced, it's not effective and public safety is compromised."

Although failure to comply with registration requirements is a felony, the audit found that less than 10 percent of offenders identified as noncompliant had an active arrest warrant for noncompliance. The failure to obtain arrest warrants prevents other law enforcement agencies from taking noncompliant offenders into custody on that charge during traffic stops and other interactions. It also means sex offenders can live indefinitely in locations unknown to law enforcement and the public with little risk of apprehension or prosecution for noncompliance.

Missouri's sex offender registration law took effect in 1995, and the law was updated this year to classify sex offenders into three tiers based on the severity of the offense. Those who commit Tier III offenses -- including rape, sodomy or child molestation in the first or second degree -- must register with local law enforcement every 90 days for their lifetime. The audit found that at least 794 of the 1,259 non-compliant offenders met the criteria for Tier III classification.

"Law enforcement can't track the location of registered sex offenders if sex offender laws are not enforced," the Auditor said. "This also takes away the ability of Missourians to effectively use the sex offender registry when making decisions to protect themselves and their families."

The audit also pointed to the need for the Missouri State Highway Patrol to improve its procedures for maintaining the SOR database and supporting local law enforcement efforts to enforce registration requirements. Those include updating the compliance status of offenders in accordance with internal policy, and establishing agreements with other state agencies to perform batch data matches to locate absconders or determine if sex offenders were actually deceased.

Finally, Auditor Galloway said the Legislature should make revisions to strengthen state law, both on allowing the State Auditor's Office to access necessary court records when auditing the sexual offender registration program, and on requiring background checks for school volunteers.

The full audit of the sexual offender registration program can be found here.