Joplin family reaches quarter of a million wrongful death settlement from Jack's Ice Cream, driver

The family of a Joplin man who was killed in a May 10 collision at 4th and Schifferdecker between the motorcycle he was driving and a Jack's Ice Cream truck have reached a $250,000, settlement with the other driver, the company and the insurance firm, according to an application for settlement approval filed today in Jasper County Circuit Court.

Larry Bellamy, 52, was taken to Freeman West following the collision where he died the following day.

Listed as defendants in court records were Jack's Ice Cream, Sean Sandoval, Joplin, who was the driver, and State Farm Mutual Automobile Insurance.

The settlement, which will be paid through Arch Insurance Company, the carrier for Jack's Ice Cream and Sandoval, includes $80,625 in attorney fees, with the remainder divided between Larry Bellamy's widow, Monica Bellamy, his mother, Rose Bellamy, and his children Conley and Chloe Bellamy.

Rose Bellamy was represented by Scott Vorhees of Johnson,Vorhees and Martucci.

Monica Bellamy and the children were represented by Edward Hershewe of the Hershewe Law Firm.

Sentencing hearing scheduled for Anderson man who robbed Great Southern Bank on Range Line

The sentencing hearing for an Anderson man who pleaded guilty in June to the May 9, 2022 of the Great Southern Bank on Range Line is scheduled for 10:30 a.m. March 7 in U. S. District Court in Springfield.

Vincent Gepson, 65, as placed on the Joplin Police Department's radar when he called the police after someone posted the surveillance photo of the robbery on his Facebook page.

Gepson told JPD Sgt. Luke Stahl that the robber looked like him but that he had not robbed the bank and was in Pea Ridge, Arkansas, at the time of the robbery.

It did not take long for JPD to check its own collection of Gepson booking photos, and match Gepson's tattoos to the robber's.The Anderson Police Department discovered Gepson had borrowed a surgical mask similar to the one worn by the robber during a visit to the Economic Security Agency in Anderson that morning.

At the time of the robbery, Gepson was awaiting trial on a felony possession of a controlled substance charge in Newton County and a felony passing a bad check charge in McDonald County.

Joplin man arrested for 12th DWI after leaving the scene of an accident

The Newton County Prosecuting Attorney's office filed a felony driving while intoxicated charge against a Joplin man whose history includes nine convictions for driving under the influence dating back to 1988.

The prosecuting attorney's office filed a request that a high bond, or in the alternative no bond, be set for Michael E. Dahl, 65, citing Dahl's record, which includes his lengthy history of drunk driving and the circumstances that led to the current charge.

On November 29, 2023, defendant was arrested for driving while intoxicated (case number not yet assigned), driving while license is suspended or revoked (23NW-CR02072), driving on the wrong side of the road causing an accident (23NW-CR02098), and tampering with an ignition interlock device (23NWCR02099).

 The accident occurred at County Road Foliage at Spurgeon Road. According to the probable cause statement, Dahl left the scene and was pulled over by a Highway Patrol trooper on Rangeline Road at I-44.

Dahl told the trooper a neighbor had disconnected his ignition interlock device.

The complaint lists Dahl's previous convictions:

Defendant is a habitual offender required to serve a minimum of two years imprisonment before being eligible for parole in that: 

1. On or about May 4, 2022, defendant was found guilty of driving while intoxicated in the Circuit Court of Newton County for events occurring on December 9, 2021, and 

2. On or about June 24, 2019, defendant was convicted of driving while intoxicated in the Circuit Court of Jasper County for events occurring on December 17, 2018, and 

3. On or about June 23, 2014, defendant was convicted of driving while intoxicated in the Circuit Court of Jasper County, for events occurring on May 4, 2013, and 

4. On or about June 2, 2014, defendant was convicted of driving while intoxicated in the Circuit Court of Newton County, for events occurring on November 20, 2013, and 

5. On or about March 19, 2001, defendant was convicted of operating while intoxicated in the 2nd Circuit Court in St. Joseph, Michigan, for events occurring on January 17, 2001, and 

 6. On or about January 5, 2001, defendant was convicted of operating while intoxicated in the 5th District Court in St. Joseph, Michigan, for events occurring on December 29, 2000, and 

 7. On or about September 21, 1989, defendant was convicted of operating while intoxicated in the 5th District Court in St. Joseph, Michigan, for events occurring on September 11, 1989, and 

 8. On or about October 24, 1988, defendant was convicted of driving while intoxicated in the Washington County Court of Oregon for events occurring on October 8, 1988, and 

9. On or about February 11, 2004, defendant was convicted of driving under the influence in the Cook County, Illinois, Court for events occurring on December 6, 2003, and 

10. On or about January 25, 1991, defendant was found guilty of operating under the influence in the 5th District Court in St. Joseph, Michigan, for events occurring on January 9, 1991, and 

11, On or about August 21, 2003, defendant was found guilty of operating while intoxicated in teh 5th District Court in St. Joseph, Michigan, for events occurring on July 5, 2003. 

Sophie Xiong is first baby of the New Year at Freeman

(From Freeman Health)

The first baby of the new year, Sophie Xiong, arrived at 12:42 pm on January 1, 2024, at Freeman Hospital West. Sophie weighed 7 pounds and 0.5 ounces and measured 20.5 inches in length. Her parents, Christina Vang and Yengshi Xiong of Noel, are excited about their new arrival.

“I was in labor for more than 20 hours, so I didn’t know that she was the first baby of the year until they told me,” Christina said with a chuckle. “But she was definitely worth it.” Sophie is the couple’s first child.

Following tradition, the first baby born each year receives a special baby gift basket courtesy of Freeman Health System. Sophie will go home with a stuffed elephant and octopus and lots of onesies and socks.

Freeman Health System has provided maternity care to Joplin and surrounding communities for more than 95 years. As one of the busiest maternity centers in Missouri, Freeman Maternity Center features two obstetric surgery suites, board-certified obstetricians, certified nurse midwives, the region’s only board-certified perinatologist for high-risk pregnancies and three full-time neonatal nurse practitioners for sick and prematurely born infants. Designed with privacy and comfort in mind, Freeman Maternity Center features home-like birthing suites and private mom and baby rooms.

Jasper man awaiting trial on statutory sodomy charge arrested after allegedly contacting more underage girls on SnapChat

A Jasper man who is awaiting trial in Dade County on statutory sodomy and sexual abuse charges is back behind bars today after allegedly preying on underage girls in the Jasper area.

Dade County Prosecuting Attorney Marcy Florence Greenwade filed a motion in Dade County Circuit Court to revoke the bond of Michael Scott Wilken, 24. One condition of Wilken's bond was that he not have any contact with anyone under age 18. Another condition of Wilken's bond was that he live with his aunt in Jasper. Dade County court records list his address as Golden City.

Jasper police officers arrested Milken today on a Dade County warrant that was issued in part due to a two-week investigation by the Jasper Police, according to a post on the department's Facebook page.

Wilken used social media, mainly Snapchat to make contact with young females and attempt to develop a relationship with them which would eventually turn sexual.
After screenshots of Wilken talking to underage females given to the Jasper Police Department, an investigation was initiated. Jasper PD worked with Dade County Prosecutor’s office to get bond conditions placed on Wilken on his current sodomy case in their county.

After agreeing to the conditions, Wilken violated those conditions by continuing to have contact, including sexual conversations with underage females and a warrant was issued quickly by Dade County prosecutor’s office after evidence was found Wilken violated conditions of his bond.

Furthermore, upon questioning, Wilken admitted he “preferred” girls under 14 and that he needed help.

Messages on Snapchat were found which showed Wilken to be “fishing” and being very aggressive in his messages to females saying he wanted to meet them, requesting pictures of them, saying he loved them and making sexual comments to them. 

Jasper PD officers believed it was necessary to take a proactive approach to this case in order to prevent underage victims being harmed by what appears could be a sexual predator. 

The news release noted that this was the second report of alleged predators on SnapChat and offered some advice.

 
Parents, this is the second report in the past two weeks about predators on Snapchat. Please be vigilant in monitoring your kid’s phones, especially social media. It’s recommended to not allow Snapchat or other social media apps on kid’s phones where persons do not have to verify who they are.

The investigation continues, according to Police Chief Chad Karr, who said Wilken could eventually face charges in Jasper County. Anyone with information about Wilken can contact Karr at 4170483-6261. 

Wilken's trial on the statutory sodomy and sexual abuse is scheduled to begin July 12. The sexual assault of an underage Greenfield girl, which allegedly took place December 22, 2021 is detailed in the probable cause statement. The case was investigated by the Greenfield Police Department.

In J.S.' statement she explains that Wilken had come over to the residence and they were watching movies on Netflix and J.S had stated that she was going to sleep on the couch and text her boyfriend.

J.S stated Wilken had got up and told her he wanted to try something with her. J.S stated that Wilken had started groping her and she told him they couldn't. J.S stated that Wilkens told her it'll be OK, then he put his hand down her pants and started rubbing her and {assaulted her}J.S stated she tried not to cry and didn't know what to do. In a text from {a friend of J. S.} to J.S, J.S told {the friend} that J.S said No to Wilkens and pushed his hand away.

According to the Jasper Police Department Facebook post, Wilken, under questioning, admitted he "preferred" girls under 14 and that "he needed help."

Joplin man, 25, charged with statutory rape after impregnating 14-year-old

A Joplin man walked into the Joplin Police Department lobby and confessed to having sex with a 14-year-old girl and getting her pregnant, according to a probable cause statement filed today in Jasper County Circuit Court.

The Jasper County Prosecuting Attorney's office charged Dakota A. Adams, 25, with second degree statutory rape, a felony, and bond was set at $50,000 surety. As a condition of his bond, Adams is to have no contact with anyone under the age of 18.

From the probable cause statement:

Adams said he had been staying with a friend at a location in Joplin, Jasper County, Missouri. While staying with that friend he had sex with Victim1 beginning around Thanksgiving and ending just a few days ago. Officers went to Victim1’s residence and spoke with the father who allowed officers to speak with his daughter. Victim1 confirmed the two have been having sexual intercourse and she was pregnant.

Carthage man bound over for trial on meth charge

A Carthage man was bound over for trial on a felony methamphetamine possession charge following a preliminary hearing today in Jasper County Circuit Court.

Jonathan P. Plummer (DOB 1981) will be arraigned 1 p.m. January 24 in Division II.

According to the probable cause statement, the Jasper County Sheriff's Office arrested Plummer following an October 11 traffic stop.

GOP infighting, election year politics could shape 2024 Missouri legislative session

By Jason Hancock

Missouri Independent

Missouri lawmakers return to Jefferson City on Wednesday afternoon for the start of the 2024 legislative session, and expectations aren’t high.

GOP infighting has mired the Missouri Senate in gridlock the last three years, and the wounds at the center of the turmoil seem to have only gotten worse. Across the Capitol rotunda in the House, an ethics investigation into Speaker Dean Plocher could upend the agenda and cost Plocher his job.

 

Election year politics hang over both chambers, with a handful of state representatives facing off in the August primary for Senate seats and five senators vying for statewide office.

Complicating matters further, medical provider taxes that are vital to sustaining the state’s Medicaid program expire this year. The last time the taxes needed to be renewed, the issue derailed the Senate and required a special legislative session during the summer.

“I would guess that a sizable amount of the session is going to be spent navigating people making campaign commercials on the House and Senate floor, bickering at each other and trying to force recorded votes that turn into campaign mailers,” said state Rep. Tony Lovasco, R-O’Fallon.

Democratic state Rep. LaDonna Appelbaum of St. Louis shares Lovasco’s sense of pessimism.

“I am greatly concerned that, because it is a campaign year, it’s going to be a s**tshow,” she said.

Freedom Caucus

Last year’s legislative session nearly set a record for futility.

Over the last 30 years, only the COVID-shortened 2020 legislative session saw lawmakers adjourn with fewer bills successfully passed and sent to the governor.

A group of Republican senators who had previously been aligned under the banner of the “conservative caucus” openly warred with GOP leadership all session in 2023, often turning to procedural maneuvers to mire the chamber in gridlock.

 

The drama culminated in the session’s final week, when filibusters by Republican Sens. Mike Moon of Ash Grove and Bill Eigel of Weldon Spring doomed any hopes of a functioning Senate.

Earlier this month, six Republican senators — most of whom were part of the disbanded conservative caucus — announced the formation of the Freedom Caucus.

“We’re now a part of a national network, and my hope is that all 24 Republican senators would be part of a Freedom Caucus,” said state Sen. Denny Hoskins, a Republican from Warrensburg who is running for secretary of state. “But unfortunately, as we’ve seen in the past, some Republican senators don’t look too conservative like they promised their constituents.”

The network is designed to provide research and staff support to members. But some expect the caucus to deepen the fissures that have plagued the Senate for years and fuel more dysfunction.

“It’s going to add another layer of complication every day that we go out there on the Senate floor,” said state Sen. Lincoln Hough, a Springfield Republican and chairman of the Senate appropriations committee.

Factional divides in the Senate are already raising fear of a replay of the 2021 session, when the normally routine process of renewing taxes on hospitals, nursing homes, pharmacies and ambulances — known as the federal reimbursement allowance, or FRA — splintered the Senate.

Renewal of the FRA is crucial for funding Medicaid. When it came up in 2021, the conservative caucus demanded that the FRA include an amendment barring the state from paying for some contraceptive medications and devices, and preventing Planned Parenthood from being a Medicaid provider.

When infighting killed a renewal during the regular session, lawmakers were forced to return over the summer. The FRA was renewed for three years only after 11 of the 23 Republicans present voted with all 10 Democrats to defeat the conservative caucus’ amendment.

A repeat of that turmoil — especially during an election year — is the doomsday scenario for those hoping for a smooth session.

“There’s gonna be a whole lot of people that do things for political reasons, as always,” Hough said. “It’s just gotten worse and worse and worse.”

Hoskins argues the issues being advocated by the Freedom Caucus shouldn’t be particularly controversial for Republicans.

“Some big red Republican priorities have been stymied by what I call campaign conservatives,” he said, “those Republicans that campaign as a conservative then vote as a Democrat once they get to Jefferson City.”

"We'll get things done"

Not everyone is feeling as gloomy about the 2024 session.

“I mean, I think we’ll get things done,” said Senate Majority Leader Cindy O’Laughlin, a Shelbina Republican. “Will we get everything done that we want to do? No, we never do. But I’m an optimist.”

Democrats and Republicans share many of the same goals, O’Laughlin said, and progress can be made if people are willing to sit down and talk about how to reach those goals.

“So all we need to do is figure out how do we get there, which is often the sticking point,” she said. “But it can be done if you want to do it.”

All signs point towards “continued and amplified dysfunction,” said Democratic state Rep. Peter Merideth of St. Louis. But it’s always possible “that the same motivations of needing to get some boxes checked for their campaigns may actually cause them to get things across the finish line.”

But that wouldn’t be great news for Democrats, Merideth said. Republican infighting, he said, has helped sink a lot of GOP priorities in recent years.

“I’m going to remain hopeful,” Merideth said, “that if the last couple of years are any indication, adding more fuel to the fire this year will only help kill a lot of the things that are really toxic.”

State Sen. Lauren Arthur, a Kansas City Democrat, hopes there are uncontroversial issues that people can rally around “that we can get done and deliver for the people we represent.”

And there are certain things — like passing the budget or extending the FRA — that are core functions of government that need to happen, she said.

 

But after that?

“I hope that the policies I dislike,” she said, “are the ones that fail because of the dysfunction.”

The Independent’s Rudi Keller, Allison Kite, Clara Bates and Anna Spoerre contributed to this story.

(Photo of Missouri State Capitol by Annelise Hanshaw/Missouri Independent)

Parson bans China-owned agricultural land near critical military facilities

(From Gov. Mike Parson)

Today, during a press conference at the State Capitol, Governor Mike Parson announced he has issued Executive Order 24-01, which bans individuals and businesses from nations designated as foreign adversaries from purchasing agricultural land within a 10-mile radius of critical military facilities in the State of Missouri.

At the press conference, Governor Parson was joined by Lieutenant Governor Mike Kehoe as well as Missouri Department of Agriculture Director Chris Chinn, Missouri Department of Public Safety Director Sandy Karsten, and Missouri National Guard Adjutant General Levon Cumpton.

 

"With heightened concerns regarding ownership of Missouri farm land by foreign adversaries, especially China, we are signing this order to safeguard our military and intelligence assets, prevent security threats to our state, and give Missourians greater peace of mind," Governor Parson said. "When it comes to China and other foreign adversaries, we must take commonsense precautions that protect Missourians and our security resources."

“I applaud Governor Parson for taking this critical step forward to protect Missourians, our military assets, and critical infrastructure against China and other foreign adversaries, all while respecting our strong relationships with international allies and economic partners,” Lt. Governor Kehoe said. “China is our nation’s most hostile foreign adversary, and Missouri cannot allow individuals and companies associated with the Chinese Communist Party to buy and exploit Missouri land.”

Executive Order 24-01 bans any citizen, resident, or business from a foreign adversary, outlined in 15 C.F.R § 7.4, from owning or acquiring Missouri agriculture land within 10 miles of critical military facilities. Nations currently classified as foreign adversaries include China, Cuba, Iran, North Korea, Russia, and Venezuela.

For the purposes of this order, "critical military facilities" refers to all staffed military facilities in Missouri. The order does not affect existing landowners.

Currently, foreign agricultural land purchases are capped at one percent of the total agricultural land across the state, as outlined in state statute, Section 442.571, RSMo. Executive Order 24-01 creates more stringent requirements for these land purchases and requires approval from the Missouri Department of Agriculture (MDA) prior to any foreign acquisitions of agricultural land. The order also requires disclosing certain information to MDA prior to any foreign entity acquiring Missouri agricultural land. Specifics can be found in the Executive Order.

 

These additional requirements will help inform MDA personnel as to whether an agriculture land purchase by a foreign alien or business should be approved or denied. Governor Parson will also include funding in his upcoming Fiscal Year (FY) 2024 supplemental budget and his FY 2025 budget to ensure MDA has the necessary resources and staff to enforce these protections.

During the press conference, Governor Parson made clear that his order does not impact Missouri's valued economic partnerships with foreign allies, including Israel, Sweden, Germany, the United Kingdom, and Japan, among many others that have a longstanding presence in Missouri and employ thousands of Missourians.

In the last five years alone, foreign investment in Missouri has totaled nearly $19 billion and directly supported close to 150,000 Missouri jobs.

"There are numerous Missouri employers from friendly nations that we have strong economic relationships with, and we must ensure we are not disrupting Missouri's economy or Missourians' lives and livelihoods. Commonsense decisions and a balanced approach must always win, and Missouri must remain open for business to our allies," Governor Parson said. "As such, we believe this order, with the authority we have, sufficiently protects Missouri’s security interests from potential bad actors while not punishing our allies for being good economic partners or upstanding individuals fleeing oppression and coming to our nation legally in search of a better life."

To view Executive Order 24-01, click here or see attachment. Executive Order 24-01 will stand in effect until otherwise rescinded.

Carthage R-9 Board notes performance report improvement, accepts resignations/retirement of 5 teachers

(From the Carthage R-9 School District)

The Carthage R-9 Board of Education met in regular session on Monday, December 18, 2023, 6:00 pm, at Mark Twain Elementary. Present were Board members Jeff Jones, Bill Lasley, Niki Cloud, Ryan Collier, Nathan Terry, Patrick Scott, and Lora Phelps. 

Mark Twain Elementary students, Mika Camarillo, Simon Hatcher, Tate LeMasters, and Kitziah Escalon led the Pledge of Allegiance. First grade students provided cheerful songs under the direction of vocal music teacher, Mrs. Kristi Pearson. 

The Board approved the Consent Agenda for the purpose of approving the meeting agenda, minutes of previous meeting, payment of bills, district financial report, amendments to FY24 budget, and tigers together back to school plan. 

Dr. Gage Tiller, Director of Carthage Technical Center, presented a MSIP 6 Standard update regarding Effective Teaching and Learning – 21st Century Success-Ready Graduates. An overview of target areas one, two, and three were discussed with the Board. 

Jack Ryder was selected as the districts’ Missouri School Boards’ Association John T. Belcher Scholarship nominee. Jack will compete for a regional scholarship; one regional winner will be awarded a statewide scholarship. 

Mr. Jones provided a Carthage R-9 School Foundation update highlighting the Trivia Night fundraiser will be held February 10th at Specialty Risk Insurance at 10385 Blackberry Road, Carthage, Missouri. 

Dr. Goodnight provided the Board information regarding the districts internal business procedures manual. Dr. Goodnight asked for the board to review the manual and consider for approval at the January 15th board meeting. 

Dr. Boyer presented the MOCAAT investment fund program to the Board. Dr. Huntley, Assistant Superintendent for Instruction, Jana Sawyer, Director of Language Programs, and Beth Hunt, Curriculum Director, provided the Board a dual language report. Items discussed were dual language expenditures, MAP scores, iReady Data, and attrition of students. 

Dr. Boyer updated the Board regarding the following: 

• Thank you to the Administrators in attendance at tonight’s board meeting. 

• Congratulations to board member Lora Phelps for completion of 18.5 hours of MSBA’s Essential Certified Board Member Training. 

• DESE released the 2023 Annual Performance Report for Missouri Schools. Carthage R-9 School District celebrates ongoing success, improvement, and growth with an overall score of 85.1%. 

• Shout out to Amy Cristy, Carthage R-9 Communications Director, for her continuous efforts in promoting the great things that are happening through our social media channels. 

• Thank you to McCune-Brooks Trust for the $300,000 grant for the baseball stadium. 

• The updated bus routes will start January 4th, please be patient as we roll this out. 

• Thank you to all the Carthage Tigers that have shown acts of kindness and giving back in our community. 

The Board met in closed session immediately following the regular meeting to discuss legal, personnel, and student matters, and evaluative personnel reports in compliance with Section 610.021 (1), (3), (6), and (13) 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 

Brent Welton, Bus Driver Transportation New Hire 

Kayla San Jose, Cook 6th Grade Center Rehire 

James Arrowood, Plumber Maintenance Tech Maintenance New Hire 

James Wilson, Custodian Carthage High School New Hire 

Hector Sanchez Piragauta, AEL Instructor (Part Time) Tech Center - North Modification 

Stephanie Garcia, Bus Driver Transportation Modification 

Johnathan Lashmet, Grounds Maintenance Re-hire 

Raymond (Scott) Moorehouse, Bus Driver Transportation New Hire 

Laramie Sweet, Sped Paraprofessional Columbian Elementary New Hire 

Ida Still, Bus Driver Transportation New Hire 

Duke Wagner, Media Lab Aide Fairview Elementary New Hire 

Sarah Heholt, Sped Paraprofessional Columbian Elementary New Hire 

Rose Carmichael, Shell Cub Care Paraprofessional Mark Twain Elementary New Hire 

Lindsey Pershall, Cook Carthage Intermediate Center New Hire 

Genesis Vanslyke, Cook Carthage Junior High School New Hire 

Substitute Hire 

Mallory Francisco, Substitute District New Hire 

Christina Wells, Substitute Transportation Modification 

Rachel Beckett, AEL Substitute Tech Center - North Modification 

Bobbi Murrell, AEL Substitute Tech Center - North Modification 

Emily Huffman, Substitute District New Hire 

Justin Gray, Substitute Transportation New Hire 

Maggie Berlin, Substitute District New Hire 

Malcolm Robertson, Substitute Transportation New Hire 

Certified Transfer 

Brittany Bridges, Principal Carthage Junior High School Transfer

Ms. Bridges began working for the school district back in 2008 as an English teacher and Instructional Coach. In 2019, she became the ELA Facilitator and Title 1 Director. In 2020, Ms. Bridges came back to the Junior High as the assistant principal. Ms. Bridges graduated from MSSU in 2008 with a Bachelor's degree in Secondary Education. She graduated from Arkansas State in 2012 with a Master's degree in Educational Leadership. She graduated from Arkansas State in 2021 with a Specialist's degree in Educational Leadership-Superintendency. Future plans include graduating in April 2024 with an Educational Doctorate in Educational Leadership. 

Support Transfer 

James Williamson, Head Custodian Fairview Elementary Transfer 

Rebecca Taylor, Sped Paraprofessional Carthage High School Transfer 

Amanda Jones, School Nurse Carthage High School Transfer 

Stefani Lambeth, Sped Paraprofessional Columbian Elementary Transfer 

Robyn Galindo, Administrative Assistant Columbian Elementary Transfer 

Certified Retirement 

Joyce Wilkerson, Counselor Columbian Elementary Retirement 

Certified Resignation 

Sarah Gerstner, Instructional Coach Carthage Intermediate Center Resignation 

Mark Lingenfelter, Sped Teacher Carthage Junior High School Resignation 

Beth Persons, EL Teacher Steadley Elementary Resignation 

Brett Collier, Social Studies Teacher Carthage Junior High School Resignation 

Support Retirement 

Dawn Hanner, Sped Paraprofessional Carthage Junior High School Retirement 

Karen Crum, Head Cook Mark Twain Elementary Retirement 

Support Resignation 

Mayola Smith, School Nurse Carthage High School Resignation 

April Sullivan, Bus Driver Transportation Resignation 

Olivia Simmons, Sped Paraprofessional Columbian Elementary Resignation 

Aurora Sonntag, Sped Paraprofessional Carthage Intermediate Center Resignation 

Extra Duty Resignation 

Mark Lingenfelter, Assistant Tennis Coach Carthage High School Resignation 

Substitute Resignation 

Ian Derrickson, Sub Driver Transportation Resignation 

Douglas Roberts, Sub Driver Transportation Resignation 

Deborah Morton, Sub Driver Transportation Resignation 

Geoffery Jeffers, Sub Custodian Maintenance Resignation