Missouri social media lawsuit will be heard by U.S. Supreme Court on March 18

By Jason Hancock

Missouri Independent

The U.S. Supreme Court will hear oral arguments on March 18 in Missouri’s lawsuit alleging the federal government colluded with social media companies like Twitter and Facebook to suppress the freedom of speech.

The lawsuit was filed in 2022 by attorneys general in Missouri and Louisiana.

Last summer, U.S. District Judge Terry Doughty ruled that officials under both Democratic President Joe Biden and Republican President Donald Trump coerced social media companies to censor content over concerns it would fuel vaccine hesitancy during the COVID-19 pandemic or upend elections.

The 5th U.S. Circuit Court of Appeals in New Orleans prohibited the White House, the Surgeon General’s Office, the F.B.I., and the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention from having practically any contact with the social media companies. It found that the Biden administration most likely overstepped the First Amendment by urging the major social media platforms to remove misleading or false content.

The Supreme Court placed a temporary stay on the order in October until it decides the case. Justices Samuel Alito, Clarence Thomas and Neil Gorsuch dissented.

Biden administration attorneys have argued federal officials don’t have the authority to order content removed from social media platforms, accusing GOP attorneys general of misrepresenting communications with companies about public health disinformation and election conspiracies.

The government has a right to express views in order to persuade others to take action, Biden administration attorneys argued in case filings.

“A central dimension of presidential power,” the administration argues, “is the use of the office’s bully pulpit to seek to persuade Americans — and American companies — to act in ways that the president believes would advance the public interest.”

But the bully pulpit, Missouri and Louisiana attorneys general wrote, “is not a pulpit to bully.”

Missouri lawmakers seek to ban child marriage without exception

By Clara Bates

Missouri Independent

A bipartisan bill debated in a state Senate committee Monday would ban child marriage in Missouri.

Under current law, 16 and 17-year-olds are allowed to get married with parental consent. Marriage between a minor and anyone 21 or older is prohibited.

The legislation discussed Monday afternoon would prohibit issuing marriage licenses to anyone under the age of 18 under any circumstances.

(Photo- Bills to ban child marriage in Missouri were heard Jan. 29, 2024, in the Senate’s Judiciary and Civil and Criminal Jurisprudence committee- Clara Bates/Missouri Independent).

Under the identical bills, co-sponsored by Republican Sen. Holly Thompson Rehder of Scott City and Democratic Sen. Lauren Arthur of Kansas City, Missouri would join 10 states that have banned child marriage.

Thompson Rehder said she got married when she was 15 years old to her 21-year-old boyfriend.

“And at the time, I was operating in what I thought was an adult mindset…but it was only until much later that I realized at 15 years old, you really don’t have the mental capacity to make those types of decisions,” she said Monday in the state Senate’s Judiciary and Civil and Criminal Jurisprudence committee.

“Being someone who did get married at 15,” Thompson Rehder said, “I know that it is something that you really shouldn’t be doing before you’re an adult.”

Arthur said raising the age is a “moral imperative that protects the innocence and potential of our youth.”

“You can picture a young girl, 16, eyes filled with dreams and aspirations,” Arthur said, “being asked to take on the responsibilities and challenges of marriage and potentially motherhood. And I would argue that’s not necessarily the future we want to envision for our daughters.”

Until the legislature voted to raise the minimum marriage age to 16 in 2018, Missouri had among the most lenient child marriage laws in the nation — making it an especially popular state for 15-year-olds to travel to be married.

Despite the 2018 change, Missouri law still does not align with international human rights standards, which set the minimum age at 18. Activists argued at the time Missouri’s new law would continue to leave 16 and 17-year-olds vulnerable to potential coercion.

Those in favor of a ban on child marriage often argue that marriage under 18 is coercive and can transform into forced marriage, especially because children lack the legal rights of adulthood.

Nationally, those opposed to a ban often invoke parental rights or religious liberty.

Five people testified in support of the bill Monday and one in opposition.

Lauren Van Wagoner, of Kansas City, testified that at 17 she was married to her 21-year-old boyfriend.

“The reality is I wasn’t mature enough to make that decision,” she said, “I was only thinking of not having a curfew…And preventing my husband from religious excommunication. Neither of those things should have been my responsibilities at that point.”

The next twelve years, Van Wagoner testified, were “a horror story,” which included abuse from her husband. After her husband left her in 2018, she said, through tears, “I found myself without any real job skills or continuing education.”

“My story is rare,” she said. “I’m one of the lucky ones: I got out of my marriage.”

Many who married as children are “stuck in the cycle of poverty and abuse because they can’t escape,” she added.



The others testifying in support of the bill included those lobbying for the Missouri Coalition Against Domestic and Sexual Violence, Missouri Kids First, Rape and Abuse Crisis Service of Jefferson City and a family law attorney.

“We’ve worked in a lot of other policy areas like juvenile justice to raise the age of 18 and have a standard for the state,” said Jessica Petrie, representing Missouri Kids First, “and we believe it’s time we get our marriage laws in line, and bring it to that age as well.”

Matthew Huffman, representing Missouri Coalition Against Domestic and Sexual Violence, said child marriage “undermines our statutory rape laws,” as a marriage license “essentially becomes a ‘Get Out of Jail Free’ card” for what would otherwise be considered child rape.

A study from the advocacy group Unchained at Last in 2021 found that between 2000 and 2018, 8,007 children were married in Missouri. Nationally, most children who married were girls and most were to men over the age of 18.

Eighty-six percent of children married over this time period nationally, the nonprofit found, were girls.

The person testifying in opposition was Timothy Faber, a lobbyist for the Missouri Baptist Convention.

“We certainly have empathy for those who have experienced negative consequences to marry at such an early age,” Faber said, adding that as a minister for 40 years, he has never conducted a marriage ceremony for a minor.

“However,” he said, “I can see a few rare circumstances where that might be appropriate.”

Sen. Curtis Trent, a Republican from Springfield, asked Faber for detail on those instances.

“I guess I’m just not seeing what situations that this would prevent — you’ve tried to identify some rare circumstances where the bill might be too restrictive and I’m not sure if any have been identified yet,” Trent said.

Faber replied: “To close the door totally just seems too much. I think we ought to certainly tighten it up.”

Rehder said the work she could get as a 15-year-old supporting herself was limited to cleaning houses: “That was all I could get because I was a child,” she said.



“Years ago when our great-grandparents got married very early, that was before women had the opportunity that they have now of education,” she said. “So I think this is something that protects the girls, and it gives them a start like anyone else for them to make these choices as adults instead of children.”

Probable cause: Carl Junction man claims Jasper County deputy ruining his life by arresting him for DWI

A $10,000 cash or surety bond has been set for a Carl Junction man charged with felony driving while intoxicated and illegal possession of a firearm following a traffic stop Friday at 2000 Forest Drive in Carthage.

According to the probable cause statement, John C. Crandon (DOB 1988) was pulled over after running a stop sign.

From the statement:

Crandon was crying and yelling prior to performing sobriety tests and repetitively requested that I let him go and that I was ruining his life.

A partially empty flask containing alcohol and a Sig M17 pistol were found in Crandon's vehicle, the statement said.

Court records indicate Crandon has pleaded guilty to driving while intoxicated on at least three occasions, October 17, 2005 in Newton County Circuit Court where he was sentenced to three months, was given a suspended sentence and was placed on probation for two years.

Crandon pleaded guilty to DWI October 31, 2011 in Jasper County Circuit Court and was sentenced to two years, had the sentence suspended and was placed on probation for two years.

The Jasper County Sheriff's Office arrested Crandon for DWI March 4, 2017 with someone under the age of 17 in his vehicle. More than three years later, June 29, 2020, Judge Dean Dankelson sentenced Crandon to four years in prison, suspended the sentenced and placed him on probation for five years. Crandon was required to spend 30 days of shock time in the Jasper County Jail.

According to online Jasper County Circuit Court records, Crandon's five years of supervised probation concluded January 1, 2023 after two years and six months.

Allegation: Joplin man held gun to woman's head, beat, choked her

The Jasper County Prosecuting Attorney's office filed domestic assault and burglary charges today against a Joplin man who allegedly entered a woman's home Saturday without her knowledge, then held a gun to her head and beat and choked her.

Collis Eugene Jones (DOB 1978), who is being held in the Jasper County Jail on a $30,000 cash-only bond, entered a not guilty plea this morning during his arraignment in Jasper County Circuit Court. A bond reduction hearing is scheduled for 8:30 a.m. Wednesday before Judge Joseph Hensley.

According to the probable cause statement, Jones' alleged victim arrived at her home and discovered her house key was missing from the key chain.

{She} saw that her front door was cracked open and when she peered into the house {Jones} pulled her into the house by her hair. {She} advised she was choked by {Jones}with one hand and he held a gun to her head telling her, "I'm going to kill you."

For the next 20 minutes, Jones beat the woman, according to the statement.

Preliminary hearing set for Neosho man on carjacking charge

The preliminary hearing for a Neosho man charged with vehicle hijacking is scheduled for 1 p.m. Monday in Newton County Circuit Court.

According to the probable cause statement, the carjacking took place November 8 near the intersection of South Street and Pineville Road Wednesday when Eric Brice Heathman (DOB 1989) stepped in front of a vehicle as it was moving and was struck by the mirror.

From the probable cause statement:

(The victim) stated Mr. Heathman said he would "burn my house to the ground, kill me, and kill my family" and that he had been to prison before and would do something to go back if (the victim) did not give him a ride to a tow agency where Mr. Heathman's vehicle was held.

The victim committed traffic violations to get the attention of a Neosho police officer who stopped the vehicle, the probable cause statement said.

Is Freeman Health's billboard strategy a serious case of malpractice?

The last time I took an extended break from blogging the decision was forced on me.

It was April 2016 and I was resting, uncomfortably, flat on my back in a hospital bed at Freeman waiting for triple bypass surgery.

My surgery was delayed for a week until the blood thinners I had been taking were completely gone from my system.

During those two weeks, the first week waiting for the surgery, the second week recovering, my appreciation for the men and women who take care of us during our hospital stays grew appreciably and I already held them in high esteem.

When you stay in the hospital for two weeks, you see all hospital departments in action, not just doctors and nurses, but housekeeping, food service, the business department, therapists, technicians, even volunteers.

I had the opportunity to see how many people it takes to make a hospital run smoothly.

And in the years since, as I drive along the streets and highways in this area, I see the billboards and the appreciation Freeman officials have for those hard-working men and women.

Not very much, apparently.

The face that stares back at drivers is not a doctor, a nurse, a cook, a therapist or a volunteer.

The face of Freeman, the face Freeman seems to think attracts patients and advertises the hospital's mission has been CEO Paula Baker.

It's not a bad face. If a family drives by a Freeman billboard, the children aren't going to see a giant Paula Baker looking back at them and scream in terror.

The biggest problem with the Freeman billboards is that they seem more intent on selling Paula Baker rather than the services offered by Freeman Health.

I am no expert in advertising, but if someone were to task me to find a marketing strategy that could promote Freeman, I would strongly consider larger-than-life photos of health professionals actually working with patients.

Sure, it would be a hassle to get permissions and waivers and you may even have to pay a little, but the doctors, nurses and regular staff are the people most patients are seeing when they are in the hospital.

Few of us receive a visit from the CEO.

So unless Freeman is spending its money on billboards designed to attract only the Joplin area elite- the kind of people who are sitting in the back seat of their town cars, spot a Freeman billboard and say to their chauffeur, "My God, Charles! Isn't that Paula Baker?", it would seem the money could be spent in a wiser fashion.

Thankfully, the opportunity for a new start has arrived.

Paula Baker announced her retirement this week. Though it is not scheduled to go into effect for another year, it's never too early to consider a shift in marketing strategy.

Freeman officials might consider hiring a CEO who believes promoting the health system's staff is the best way to improve morale and guarantee continued success.

CEOs are important to the success of any hospital, no doubt about it, but most of us don't make our hospital decisions based on who the CEO is. We either have to use the hospital because our insurance dictates it, or we choose it because we appreciate the skilled medical professionals and friendly, hard-working staff.

You have hundreds of people like that working at Freeman.

It's time to send that message.

Anything else would be malpractice.

Joplin R-8 accepts six teacher 'separations,' hires two teachers, 12 substitutes

During a closed session Tuesday night, the Joplin R-8 Board of Education accepted six teacher "separations" and hired two teachers and 12 substitute teachers.

One teacher, Leendsey Serna's "separation" required a separate vote, with the board approving it unanimously. 

The other five, Rory Stadt, Judith Hartman, Bethany White, Todd Delph and Maria Stuart, were voted on as a bloc and were approved with board member Veronica Scheurich abstaining.

Classified "Separations not requiring board approval

Carolyn Mynatt, Ozzie Kroll, David Mize, Alexis Eby, Cletus Roberts, Jessica Gonzales, Linda Emmert, Sara Harbaugh, Kelly Stevenson, James Duffey, Meagan Martin, Brittany Grant, Conne Hoke.

Certified Hires

Maniya Pullum, Brad MacLaughlin

Substitute Hires

Aliyah Golden, DeLynne Fordyce, Michaela McCoy, Lauren Keczkemethy, Tradgon McCrae, Madison Myers, Ruth Bond, Jordan Heacock, Grace Hedrick, Harris Allen, Zaben Barnes, Allyson Manicom

Freeman Health CEO Paula Baker announces impending retirement

Freeman CEO Paula Baker announced her impending retirement today with the following e-mail to employees:

Dear Freeman Family,

Because I know word travels quickly, I wanted you to hear this news directly from me.

Today marks a significant milestone for me as I announce my intent to retire at the end of a one-year notice period. 

 After 13 years as the President and CEO of Freeman Health System, the time has come for me to step into a new chapter of life. As all of you parents will understand, my son will be finishing high school before I can turn around and I want quality time with him. Reflecting on this remarkable journey, I am overwhelmed with gratitude for the unwavering support, the countless memories, and the remarkable accomplishments we have achieved together as we fulfill our most sacred mission.

During my tenure as CEO, we have witnessed unparalleled growth within Freeman Health System. Through the collective efforts of our exceptional team, we have expanded our services, bolstered our workforce, and witnessed substantial increases in revenue. These achievements stand as a testament to the unwavering commitment and passion that each and every one of you has brought to the table. Together, we have transformed challenges into opportunities and obstacles into triumphs.

As I look back on our journey, I am filled with pride for the impact we have made in the healthcare industry and the lives we have touched within our region. The growth and success we have achieved together have been nothing short of extraordinary, and I am immensely proud of all of you.

As I step into retirement next year, I carry with me the cherished memories of the moments we have shared, the challenges we have overcome, and the victories we have celebrated. I am confident that the spirit of excellence and dedication that defines Freeman Health System will continue to thrive in the capable hands of those who will lead it into the future.

Thank you for the privilege of serving as your CEO, and for the countless memories that I will forever hold dear. I am incredibly grateful to have had the opportunity to lead such an exceptional team. Your dedication, hard work and consistent support have been the driving force behind our accomplishments. I look forward to witnessing the continued success and growth of Freeman Health System, and I am grateful to have been a part of its remarkable journey.

Please know that I will be at the helm through my year long notice period. We still have much to accomplish in the upcoming months.

The Board of Directors of Freeman Health System will begin the search for the new President/CEO. We will definitely keep you updated as progress is made in this endeavor.

Thank you all, from the bottom of my heart.

Warmest regards,

Paula F. Baker
President & CEO
Freeman Health System

Missouri Department of Revenue begins accepting electronically filed returns January 29

 (From the Missouri Department of Revenue)

The Missouri Department of Revenue will begin accepting electronically filed state tax returns for tax year 2023 on Jan. 29, the same day the IRS will begin accepting federal tax returns for individual filers. As Missourians prepare to file their tax returns, the Department is reminding customers of some best practices and available resources that can help ensure a smooth tax season.

File electronically and use direct deposit. Electronic filing is a fast, accurate, and secure way to file your return. Individuals who e-file can have their refund deposited directly into their bank account and generally receive their refund faster than those who file using a paper return.

Many Missourians may also qualify for free e-filing services through the Free File Alliance, which allows eligible taxpayers to file their federal and state income tax returns using approved software. For more information, visit the IRS Free File website or the DOR’s Online Filing resource page.

Double-check your paper return. Before submitting a paper return to the DOR, make sure it is signed, all math computations are correct, and all necessary documentation is included. Also, use the correct P.O. Box when mailing your return. For individuals with a balance due, send the return and check to: Missouri Department of Revenue, P.O. Box 329, Jefferson City, MO 65105-0329. For individuals who are due a refund or owe nothing, send the return to: Missouri Department of Revenue, P.O. Box 500, Jefferson City, MO 65105-0500.

Missouri tax forms for the 2023 tax year and prior years are available on the DOR’s website. All forms and corresponding instructions can be printed directly from the website. Electronic forms that print with a 2-D barcode help speed up processing.

Review tax credit guidelines and attach all required documentation. Individuals who are eligible for a tax credit must complete and attach Form MO-TC to their return. All supporting documentation or required forms, schedules, certifications, etc., must also be included with their Form MO-TC and return. Visit the DOR’s Miscellaneous Tax Credits page for additional information.

The Missouri Property Tax Credit Claim provides a credit to certain senior citizens and 100% disabled individuals for a portion of their real estate taxes or rent they have paid for the year. Individuals who rent from a facility that does not pay property taxes are not eligible for a Property Tax Credit.

You can now file your Property Tax Credit Claim online, quickly and easily, from the comfort of your home or on your mobile device. DOR also offers a free online filing method for certain individual income tax filers. This filing option is available to single taxpayers filing a basic Missouri Individual Income Tax Return with income from wages reported on a Form W-2. To utilize this new online filing service, taxpayers must have been a Missouri resident, nonresident, or part-year resident with Missouri income only and must also be able to claim the following deductions or credits: federal income tax deduction, standard deduction, income tax withheld to Missouri, and estimated tax payments. You may access this feature by visiting our website Individual Income Tax Return online.

Use the DOR’s online services and resources.The DOR’s Tax Return Status Tracker allows customers to enroll in automatic text and email alerts that are sent each time the status of their return is updated. Customers need their Social Security number, filing status, and anticipated refund or balance due to enroll and must re-enroll each year.

Get answers 24 hours a day, seven days a week, by reviewing the Personal Tax FAQs or with the help of the DOR’s chatbot, DORA, a virtual assistant programmed to respond to common taxation, motor vehicle, and driver licensing questions.

Email questions to income@dor.mo.gov.



Utilize Tax Assistance Services.Assistance with individual income tax preparation may be available from a volunteer program in your area. Check these resources for additional information: IRS Free Tax Return Preparation for Qualifying Taxpayers, MU Extension Taxpayer Education Initiative, and AARP Foundation Tax-Aide.
Customers can reach the DOR’s Taxation Division at 573-751-3505, Monday through Friday, from 8 a.m. to 5 p.m.



The due date for 2023 tax returns is April 15, 2024.

Investigation continues into copper wire theft that cut off Mercy Hospital communications

(From the Joplin Police Department)

On January 18th , 2024, the Joplin Police Department was contacted by AT&T in reference to the theft of telecommunication wire near 44th and Grand Avenue. 

The AT&T employee reported that the theft of the telecommunication wire caused the phone system to become disabled at Mercy Hospital in Joplin. It was determined that the specialized telephone wire would cost approximately $5,500 to repair. 

After reviewing this case and other similar reports, information was received of a possible suspect. A Joplin Police Detective began conducting surveillance on the individual. 

On January 23rd the Detective was able to conduct a traffic stop on a vehicle that the suspect was in. 

During the encounter, the Detective found the suspect to be in possession of stolen wire matching that of telephone wire reported stolen. The suspect was also found to have an active warrant for his arrest. 

Following his arrest, the Detective received information that additional stolen telecommunication wiring was at an address at 2904 S. Virginia Avenue. A follow-up at that location confirmed the information and numerous other sections of stolen telecommunication wire and broadband communication wiring were found. 

Further evidence revealed the suspect had been removing copper metal from the stolen wiring. In all, it was determined that the stolen wiring had a total estimated value in excess of $25,000. The suspect in this case is identified as Justin C. Foust, age 27, of Joplin, Missouri. 

Charges were filed by the Newton County Prosecuting Attorney’s Office for Stealing and Damage to a Critical Infrastructure Facility. His bond was set at $3,500 cash or surety. 

The investigation is still ongoing and if anyone has any information regarding this incident or other telecommunication wire thefts, they are encouraged to please contact Detective Corporal Josh Hanes at 417-623-3131 x1693.

The Turner Report: Joplin man charged with two felonies after stealing phone wire, cutting off hospital's phone service (rturner229.blogspot.com)