Roy Blunt: Pell Grants make college affordable for students

(From Sen. Roy Blunt)

One out of 3 students at Missouri colleges and universities are eligible for Pell Grants. That’s why, as Chairman of the Appropriations Subcommittee on Labor, Health and Human Services, Education, and Related Agencies, I led efforts to restore year-round Pell, allowing students to receive an extra Pell Grant to stay enrolled throughout the year. I was also able to increase the maximum Pell Grant award to $6,095, an increase of 3 percent, to help make college more affordable.

I traveled across Missouri, from Springfield to Cape Girardeau and St. Louis, to speak with students, educators, and college administrators and heard how Pell Grants are helping them.

Here are just a few of the stories I heard from my roundtable meetings:
"The Pell Grant has given me the opportunity to stay in school because I had to wait until I was 25 because I couldn't afford to go before I was 23 or 24." - Ashley White, Truman State University, student

"It was pretty disheartening at times to tell a student that they weren't going to have any money to go to school in the summer. Now we don't have to do that." - Artie Fowler, Moberly Area Community College's Higher Education Center, director

"[Year-round Pell] made all the difference. Without it I'm not sure how I would've paid for college." - Stormi Potts, Missouri Southern State University, student

"I can leave Crowder College debt-free, and that's going to be extremely beneficial, an extra stressor I don't have to worry about." - Amy Levya, Crowder College, student

I know firsthand the importance of being able to go to school year-round. I became the first person in my family to earn a college degree, and since I took classes during the summer, I was able to do it in three years.

For first generation college students and non-traditional students, staying enrolled through the summer can make a big difference. Year-round Pell Grants will help more students stay on track for graduation, enter the workforce sooner, and graduate with less debt.

Every Missourian should have access to a high-quality, affordable post-secondary education. Year-round Pell Grants will help more students achieve their goals and provide the foundation they need to get ahead.

I congratulate all of this year’s graduates, and look forward to seeing even more graduation caps in the air next year.

Veterans for Claire McCaskill event planned for Tuesday in Joplin

(From Southwest Missouri Democrats)

Join Senator McCaskill and Our SWMO Veterans.

The Veterans for Claire's event is in Joplin, at 3:30 p.m. on Tuesday, May 29, at the local IBEW hall on 3316 Hearnes Blvd.

If you are a veteran, a member of a military or veteran family please let us know if you can attend by emailing us at swmodems@gmail.com .

Billy Long: Remembering those we lost

(From Seventh District Congressman Billy Long)

Memorial Day, originally known as Decoration Day, has been around since the end of the Civil War as a time to celebrate those who lost their lives in the Civil War. However, after World War I, Memorial Day became a day to celebrate and mourn all the brave men and women we’ve lost in all wars. Although it’s been celebrated for decades in the U.S., it wasn’t until 1971 when Memorial Day was officially recognized as a federal holiday.

Each year millions of people in the U.S. enjoy Memorial Day as an extra-long weekend and time to officially kick off the summer season with family and friends. But for many people, it’s a time to remember loved ones who gave the ultimate sacrifice for our country. Individuals use this day to decorate graves of soldiers with flowers, flags and other sentimental items.

As a member of Congress, I have the honor of meeting with service members’ families and loved ones from my district. During these conversations, it never gets old seeing how proud they are of their service members. Their heartfelt stories constantly remind me of how important it is to take care of our veterans, active military and their families.

Our service members and their families deserve quality care and our utmost respect. That is one of the few things both Democrats and Republicans can agree on in our nation’s capital. A retired service member recently moved to my district from another state and had been getting fits from the VA, but not his hard-earned benefits. After fighting for a year to get what he had coming he had almost given up when he came to me for help. He was shocked how quickly our office got it all straightened out and got him his due. We love fighting for those that have fought for us. During this Congress, the House of Representatives has proposed and passed numerous pieces of legislation that reform the VA and help military families with things such as transitioning military posts and education.

Although Memorial Day is a time to celebrate and mourn those we have lost, it’s another great reminder to also remember the sacrifices made by those that are still with us. As this holiday comes and goes, I ask all of you to take the time to thank not only a service member, but anyone who has lost a service member. For them, it’s not just a long-weekend and a time to kick off the summer season. And if you know a veteran that doesn’t think they are being treated fairly please suggest they reach out to Lisa Saylor in my Springfield office.

Joplin Police Department cuts services effective immediately

(From the Joplin Police Department)

The reduction in services Joplin Police Chief Matt Stewart told the Joplin City Council May 7 would take place has gone into effect, according to a JPD news release.

Stewart told the Council his department was short 13 officers and that number could go up to 19 in the near future.

The text of the news release is printed below:


The following reduction of services is now in effect, as announced May 7th by Chief Matt Stewart, due to manpower shortages in our department:

• No longer accept ride-alongs except for those that are testing with us and/or are in the Police Academy or the Citizen’s Police Academy.

• No longer provide security for the many 5k runs that occur in the City.

• No longer be doing graffiti abatement in the City.

• No longer respond to past tense property crimes that are misdemeanors.

• No longer respond to crashes that occur on private property where the suspect vehicle leaves the scene and there are no injuries.




• Detectives will no longer follow up on misdemeanor theft reports.

Past tense property theft and property vandalism can be reported online or at the front desk of the PD by filling out a paper form. Private property hit and runs can also be completed online or at the front desk by filling out a paper form.

The front desk is open monday through friday 8am to 5pm, excluding certain holidays.

Online police reports can be completed at:

https://www.joplinmo.org/479/Report-a-Crime

Six more Joplin R-8 teachers, high school principal resign, 14 teachers hired

The Joplin R-8 Board of Education accepted resignations from seven certified employees, including High School Principal Brandon Eggleston, during a closed session Tuesday.

Eggleston resigned to accept the Seneca R-7 superintendent position.

The board hired 14 teachers, accepted what was described in the closed session minutes as "separations" from seven classified employees.

Administrative Employment: Penny Williams

Certified Employment: Charli Baugh, Katie Bozarth, Kristin Clark, Kristen Gavenda, Jennifer Barker, Nichole Butcher, Morgan Lamar, Tina Olson, Laurie Orr, Marvin Tinall, Ranesa Ward, Anthony Witt, and Jodi Rogers.

Certified Resignations: Machelle Hartley, Brandon Eggleston, Jeri-Ann Goswick, Tina Guiles, Lalita Kahol, Katherine Wilson, and Ellen Letterman.

Classified Separations: Gale Bigley, John Coady, Nicole Derenthal, Richard Edwards, Magan Enyart, David Haines, Jessica Hickman, Dollie Himes, Jamey McKeel, Rita Rainey, Ramona Reding, Calvin Sigars, James Simms, and Patricia Wheeler.

Summer School Hires: Candy Route, Kelly Holt, Casee Wheeler, Nicole Thorn, Karla Theilen, Donna David, Marina Hicks, Stefanie Wilson, Jamie Zeuschner, Kerri Fields, Jamie Taylor, Emily Holder, Vickie Gilbert, Beverly Mouton, Travis Trueblood, Bandi Burt, Kim Sparks, Tresha Thompson, Kristin Clark, Cassandra Copher, David White, Victoria West, Zach Holden, Autumn Shurley, Gina Pendrak, Mikka Osborn, Leslie Turner, Erica Doennig, Amber Chandler, Stacy Hagensieker, Christina Sargent, Eli Mason, Shannon Harris, Carrie Owen, Shelby Frakes, Sarah Nangle, Alana Bell, Shea Stehm, Kristen Moore, Brianne Keener, Angie Turner, Lori Hannon, Gina Mueller, Jennifer Mock, Teresa Morrris, Susan Flowers, Bret Ingle, Ginger Gibson, Shelly Riddle, Julie Woolever, Pam Devins, Bernadette Stuart, Kerri Rea, Nisha Jewsbury, Mary Beth White, Jennifer Williams, Carli Miller, Erica DuRossette, Nicloe Hart, Quinten Virden, Kelly Davis, Brian Evans, Courtney Throener, Ashley Wright, Betty Myers, Adrienne Carson, Katie Virden, Melissa Kendall, Annette Elam, Jackie Bogarin, Amanda Pal, Bobbie Hoag, Sherry Spaeth, Bethany Walles, Jessica Hilton, Elysha Thomas, Jessica Woods, Wendee Hughes, Michelle Blevins, Janet Paker, Elizabeth Nichols, Aimee Allen, Wes Brownfield, Shannon Elias, Grace White, Katie Gronberg, Laura Weaver, Deanna Yokley, Michaela Willis, Justine Douthit, Veronica McFarlane, Brian Starchman, Tammy Hale, Christi Sapp, James Newman, Lori Lindsey, Kathryn Johnson, Lisa Nolan, Ashley Tucker, Susan Elledge, Tonya Conn, Heidi Hodges, Cyndi Conway, Nash, Brodsky, Jessica Sewing, Laurie Olson, Katie Schmidt, Michelle Friskey, Crystal Stokes, Linda Norwood, Nicole Peters, Daphne Payne, Marcia Himes, Darren Morgan, Tashena Vickers, Michael Juergens, Chris Dishman, Connelaine Gustad, Grant Bennett Shelly Hoofnagle, Frances Ockert, Donnie Atkinson, Kim Rhea, Monica Reynolds, Ashley Trotnic, Andrew Seavy, Jaclyn Prater, Dave Armstrong, Denise Krolman, Kathleen Rivers, Dustin Dixon, Sean Woods, Donna Loyd, Gina Lee, Kimmie Lankford, Victoria Overton, Holly Yust, Amy Engelage, Julie McCain, Olivia Lovten, Curtis Jasper, Mike Lawrence, Brandon Taute, Nick Reid, Kris Garrett, Tracy Saunders, Ashley Ohlman, Brad Cox, Matt Crain, Kenneth Peters, Vivian Hays, Sarah Clemens, Kimberly Alford, and KarenSue Hensley.

Substitute Employment: Allison Reichman-Bennett

Monteleone appointed to Joplin City Council

(From the City of Joplin)

During a Special Meeting of the Joplin City Council, members chose Anthony Monteleone to fill the vacant General Seat on the Council. He will serve until the next City Council election in 2020. Monteleone ran in the April 2018 election, and received the next highest votes after winning candidates Ryan Stanley, Doug Lawson and Joshua Bard.

Monteleone has lived in Joplin most of his life. “My parents taught me to bloom where you’re planted, and this is where I’m planted,” he laughed. “I’m ready to serve our community.”

Following the election, City Clerk Barb Gollhofer swore Monteleone into office, and he took his chair at the dais. His first meeting will be the regularly scheduled Council meeting on Monday, June 4.

“We do appreciate all of our citizens for their support and participation in this process,” said Mayor Gary Shaw. “We look forward to working with Anthony. He brings some young blood to the Council and we’re all ready to work together.”

During the May 21, 2018 City Council meeting, six applicants spoke to the City Council to discuss their interest and qualifications to serve on the Council. They included Monteleone, Steve Urie, Christopher Briley, Harvey Hutchinson, Rocky Biggers and James Scott.

“We were pleased to have such strong applicants to step forward to serve Joplin,” said Shaw. “It is our hope that those who had expressed an interest for this Council seat will consider serving on one of the boards or commissions that helps our City in so many ways.”

The Council seat became vacant upon Josh Bard’s resignation from the Council. The Joplin City Council voted to accept his resignation at the April 27, 2018 Council meeting.

Sears closing 31 more stores, including one in Missouri: Joplin Sears not on list

Without much fanfare, Sears is closing 40 more stores, 31 Sears stores and nine K-Marts.

The closings, which include a Sears store in Columbia, are in addition to the 166 stores that were closed earlier this year.

The Sears store at Joplin's Northpark Mall is not on the closing list.

McCaskill issues statement on seventh anniversary of Joplin Tornado

(From Sen. Claire McCaskill)

U.S. Senator Claire McCaskill today released the following statement on the seventh anniversary of the tornado that struck the Joplin area on May 22, 2011:

“Missouri’s communities are strong in the face of hardship, and nowhere was that better demonstrated than in Joplin after the devastating tornado that took lives, homes, and businesses. Seven years later, this community has shown extraordinary resilience in rebuilding after that crushing loss of life and property—and I join with all Missourians in praying for the families who lost loved ones that day.”

McCaskill has championed and helped deliver ‎needed resources in Joplin's disaster recovery effort. The total amount of federal resources that have been provided for tornado recovery in Joplin now exceeds $350 million. McCaskill also held a roundtable with "comeback businesses" in Joplin to discuss city revitalization efforts following the devastating tornado.

Joplin man sentenced to 25 years for role in large-scale meth conspiracy

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

A Joplin, Mo., man was sentenced in federal court today for his role in a conspiracy to distribute large quantities of methamphetamine in southwest Missouri.

Santiago Soto-Garcia, 25, of Joplin, was sentenced by U.S. District Judge M. Douglas Harpool to 25 years in federal prison without parole.

On Nov. 2, 2017, Soto-Garcia was found guilty at trial of one count of participating in a conspiracy to distribute methamphetamine, one count of possessing methamphetamine with the intent to distribute, and one count of possessing firearms in furtherance of a drug-trafficking crime. Soto-Garcia was also convicted of a forfeiture allegation that requires him to forfeit to the government $7,000 that was seized by law enforcement officers and was derived from the proceeds of the conspiracy.

Co-defendants Destiny O’Brien, also known as “Destiny Smith,” 21, of Joplin, and Michael L. Gonzalez, also known as “Chavez,” 25, of Texas, have pleaded guilty and been sentenced for their roles in the drug-trafficking conspiracy and for possessing firearms in furtherance of the conspiracy.

Evidence introduced during the trial proved to the jury that Soto-Garcia and O’Brien, assisted by Gonzalez, were multiple-pound distributors of methamphetamine in the Joplin area from late 2014 to August 2015.

After an investigation that began in February of 2015, Soto-Garcia, O’Brien, and Gonzalez were arrested on Aug. 11, 2015, following a traffic stop by a Joplin police officer. Soto-Garcia was the driver of a silver 2006 BMW, with O’Brien a passenger in the front seat and Gonzalez in the rear driver’s side passenger seat. When Gonzalez rolled down his window, the officer saw two pistols on the floorboard by Gonzalez’s feet and all three defendants were instructed to get out of the vehicle. The Hi-Point .40-caliber firearm and the Kel-Tec .223-caliber firearm, along with loaded magazines, were removed from the vehicle.

After the occupants and the firearms were removed from the vehicle, a K-9 alerted to the presence of narcotics inside the BMW from outside of the vehicle. When the officer attempted to open the door of the vehicle to conduct an interior search, he found the doors were locked.

The officer determined that Soto-Garcia had locked the doors with the key fob for the BMW and asked Soto-Garcia for the key fob. Instead of handing the fob to the officer, Soto-Garcia took the fob out of his pocket and threw it under the patrol vehicle. As Soto-Garcia began struggling with the officers, O’Brien ran over to the patrol vehicle and obtained the key fob. O’Brien then resisted officers as well. After obtaining the fob and arresting O’Brien and Soto-Garcia, officers searched the vehicle. Joplin police officers found a package that contained approximately a pound of methamphetamine and then arrested Gonzalez as well.

That same day, investigators searched Soto-Garcia’s residence and found a Smith & Wesson .40-caliber handgun, a Tanfoglio .40-caliber handgun, a Sig Sauer 9mm handgun, a North American Arms 22-caliber magnum revolver, ammunition, a bullet-proof vest, a money counter, and approximately five grams of methamphetamine. Investigators then searched another residence being used as a stash house by Soto-Garcia and found a Phoenix Arms .22-caliber handgun and approximately 852.3 grams of methamphetamine hidden in an air vent.

This case was prosecuted by U.S. Attorney Timothy A. Garrison, Supervisory Assistant U.S. Attorney Randall C. Eggert and Special Assistant U.S. Attorney Jody Larison. It was investigated by the Drug Enforcement Administration, the FBI, ATF, the Missouri State Highway Patrol, the Joplin Police Department, and the Ozark Drug Enforcement Team.

Watch the Joplin R-8 Board of Education meeting live at 7 p.m.