Supreme Court appoints Greene County judge to handle Jalen Vaden murder case

The Missouri Supreme Court today appointed Greene County Circuit Court Judge Michael Cordonnier to handle the Jalen Vaden murder case.

Cordonnier, who has been a judge for 10 years, is the seventh to be put in charge of the case since Vaden was bound over for trial after waiving his preliminary hearing. Cordonnier became the presiding judge in Greene County earlier this year.

Vaden, 23, Carl Junction, is charged with second degree murder and felony child abuse in connection with the December 1, 2017 death of three-year-old Jayda Kyle. Vaden was the live-in boyfriend of the child's mother.

Cordonnier's appointment was made necessary after all trial court judges who were eligible to hear the case were eliminated from consideration.



Vaden's attorney, Tracey Martin, used her automatic removal to have Judge Dean Dankelston removed after Dankelson overruled Martin's motion that he take himself off the case because of his friendship with Jayda Kyle's grandfather, attorney Judd McPherson.

The remaining judges- David Mouton, John Nicholas, Gayle Crane, Stephen Carlton and Joseph Hensley, all recused, sending the case to the Supreme Court.



No date has been scheduled for Vaden's trial.

Cynthia Davis: Claire McCaskill can't be honest- she uses the word "hell"

(The author of this post, former Rep. Cynthia Davis, R-O-Fallon, is an internet talk show host.)

How many of you can't wait until the election gets over so we can get back to normal? How many of you are sick of getting your mailboxes stuffed and all the ads on TV? Millions of dollars are being spent because advertising changes the minds of voters. But how much of it is honest?

Candidates can say anything they want during campaign time. It is not binding after the election. If a candidate promises something and then changes, the election cannot be undone. That's why Claire McCaskill is trying so hard to make sure the voters are not aware of how far to the left she leans. Here is the video of her showing how hard she works to camouflage her real motives. Will she be smoked out this time around, or will the voters trust whichever side has the most ads?

A friend of mine sent me an email from Claire McCaskill where she said, "We're in a hell of a fight...". Can you imagine how far down we've come? An elected Senator believes she will receive more money for her campaign by using a swear word in her appeal? We know that's how she talks because she made a video asking men to "shut the hell up."

Before you vote you owe it to yourself to understand the philosophy behind the candidates. Our current Senator claims to be a "moderate", meaning she wants the greatest number of voters in the middle of the spectrum to support her. Not a bad campaign strategy. However, when Claire McCaskill endorsed the 2008 president of the United States, she preferred Barack Obama to Hillary Clinton. Apparently, the "support the woman" thing didn't work there. Hillary Clinton was more moderate than Barack Obama.

We only get this opportunity once every six years. If a voter doesn't know the candidate, call the campaign office and get your own information first hand. Cherish your vote! Don't squander it on anyone or anything you haven't studied.

Watch the Joplin R-8 Board of Education meeting live

Agenda provided for tonight's Joplin R-8 Board of Education meeting

The Joplin R-8 Board of Education will meet 7 p.m. today at the Memorial Education Building. A closed session will be held at 6:30 p.m.

A. Call to Order

1. Roll Call

B. Pledge of Allegiance

C. Approval of Agenda - Action

D. Reports

1. Board President's Report

a. Celebrations - Info. (Sharrock Dermott)

b. BOE Policy Committee Update - Info. (D. Gould, J. Martucci, B. Jordan)

c. BOE Safety and Security Committee - Info. (S. Dermott, L. Musser, D. Fort)

2. Superintendent's Data Report

a. Health & Dental Insurance Reports - Info. (Dr. Lankford)

b. Financial Statements - Info. (Dr. Lankford)

c. Enrollment Report (Dr. Moss)

E. Public Comments Regarding Agenda Action Items

F. Consent Agenda - Action

1. Minutes - Action (Pat Waldo)

2. Consent Contracts - Action

a. Agreement Between Missouri School for the Deaf and Joplin Schools (Sandra Cantwell)

3. Revised Columbia Saferoom Additional Subsurface Investigation - Action (Dr. Sachetta)

4. Declare Bus Surplus - Action (Dr. Sachetta)

5. Fuel Bids - Action (Dr. Sachetta)

6. Policies Updates Second Reading - Action (Dr. Moss)

a. Policy DC: Taxing and Borrowing Authority and Limitations (Dr. Lankford)

b. Policy DJFA: Federal Programs and Projects (Sandra Cantwell)

c. Policy GCPE: Termination of Professional Staff Members (Sarah Mwangi)

d. Policy GDPE: Non-renewal and Termination of Support Staff Members (Sarah Mwangi)

e. Policy IGAB: Instructional Interventions (Dr. Gilbreth)

f. Policy IGB: Accommodation of Students with Disabilities (Sandra Cantwell)

g. Policy IGBA: Special Education (Sandra Cantwell)

h. Policy IGBC: Parent and Family Involvement and Engagement (Sandra Cantwell)

i. Policy IGBCA: Programs for Homeless Students (Sandra Cantwell)

j. Policy IGBCB: Programs for Migratory Students (Sandra Cantwell)

k. Policy IGBE: Students in Foster Care (Sandra Cantwell)

l. Policy IGBH: Programs for English Learners (Sandra Cantwell)

m. Policy IGC: Extended Instructional Programs (Dr. Gilbreth)

G. Regular Agenda

1. JEC - Prime Contract Change Order #18 Crossland Construction Company - Action (Dr. Sachetta)

2. Relocate Existing Power Line for JEC Kitchen - Action (Dr. Sachetta) 

3. Declare Properties Surplus - Action (Dr. Sachetta) 

4. Accounts Payable - Action (Dr. Lankford) 

5. Budget Adjustments - Action (Dr. Lankford)

6. Technology Equity Between Elementary Schools - Action (Dr. Sachetta) 

7. Policies for First Reading - Action (Dr. Moss) 

a. Policy DBB: Fiscal Year - Action (Dr. Lankford)

b. Policy DLCA: Travel Expenses (Dr. Lankford)

c. Policy IGCD: Virtual Courses (Dr. Gilbreth)

d. Policy IGCE: Nontraditional Instruction Options (Dr. Gilbreth)

H. Plus/Deltas - Info. (Dr. Moss)

I. Adjourn

• 
  

Governor appoints Speaker of the House as director of MO HealthNet Division

(From Gov. Mike Parson)

On Monday, House Speaker Todd Richardson was appointed as the new MO HealthNet Division Director. Under the Missouri Department of Social Services (DSS), the MO HealthNet Division (MHD) offers healthcare coverage for eligible Missourians. Speaker Richardson was appointed by Dr. Steve Corsi, Director of DSS.

With the last permanent MHD director retiring in December 2016, it was imperative for the administration to find a director who understands the challenges and is willing to meet them. Producing a successful MO HealthNet program for Missourians is a top priority for this administration, and Governor Mike Parson believes Speaker Richardson’s background makes him the right choice for taking on this role.

“Missouri is incredibly fortunate that one of its most respected policymakers has chosen to continue his service to our state by tackling one of the most important challenges our state faces,” said Governor Parson. “Providing accessible, quality healthcare to our citizens is crucial to further growing our workforce development. Speaker Richardson built his reputation during his time as a legislator on his personal integrity, strong management practices, and ability to bridge the partisan, ideological, and rural-urban divides to bring people together to solve our most difficult problems. From his time in the House, I know that Speaker Richardson will continue to listen to the concerns of Missouri citizens and help modernize and transform a program that will help our state.”

The new MO HealthNet Director plans to make it a priority on day one to travel across the state to see firsthand the challenges of both urban healthcare delivery and rural healthcare access, as well as to listen to the concerns and challenges of both MO HealthNet providers and participants.

“Putting Medicaid on a path of sustainability is a daunting task, as is driving quality healthcare at an affordable price for Missouri taxpayers,” said Director Corsi. “Under Speaker Richardson’s guidance, I am confident MO HealthNet will be transformed through modernization and innovation. He has a proven record of leadership, and his direction of MO HealthNet will serve Missouri well.”

Todd Richardson was elected the Missouri House of Representatives in 2010. He served as Speaker of the House, Majority Leader, and the Chairman of the Emerging Issues in Healthcare Committee.

During his legislative tenure, Richardson was instrumental in the passage of numerous healthcare and budget reforms, including comprehensive reforms to Missouri Workers’ Compensation law and Second Injury Fund and passage of medical malpractice caps to stabilize insurance premiums. He was the author a 2014 voter-approved constitutional amendment to strengthen taxpayer protections in Missouri's budgeting process. As Speaker, Richardson also helped pass reforms to Missouri's Medicaid eligibility process and expanded healthcare access through telemedicine.

An attorney, Richardson received his Bachelor of Arts in Political Communication and his Juris Doctor degree from the University of Memphis. Richardson lives in Poplar Bluff with his wife, Dr. Amber Richardson, and their two children.

Director Todd Richardson will officially start on November 1, 2018.

The following are statements from state and local leaders:

Statement from Rep. Scott Fitzpatrick, Chairman, Missouri House Budget Committee

“Medicaid is the state’s most expensive program, making up more than a third of the entire state budget. As Budget Chairman, I see firsthand the challenges Medicaid poses to the future of Missouri's budget. MO HealthNet needs an inspired leader who understands each challenging aspect of the program and won’t shrink in the face of immense pressure to maintain the status quo. I’ve been fortunate to serve alongside Speaker Richardson for six years, and I firmly believe no one is better equipped to reform the program while protecting the interests of taxpayers at the same time. I want to commend and congratulate Governor Parson on this incredibly important appointment.”

Statement from Dr. James Kelly, MD Physician Anesthesiologist, St. Luke’s Hospital, Kansas City

“Todd is a proven leader that physicians, hospitals, and patients can trust to lead the charge in reforming Missouri’s Medicaid program. He has a remarkable ability to engage stakeholders and listen, as his passion for innovation in healthcare policy is truly inspiring.”

Statement from Rep. Kip Kendrick, Minority Whip, and Ranking Minority Member, House Budget Committee

"In his tenure as Speaker of the Missouri House, I have respected Todd Richardson for his integrity and his willingness to work across the aisle. As he becomes Missouri’s new Director of MO HealthNet, I look forward to working with him in that same spirit of bipartisanship and dedication to improving access to healthcare for all Missourians."

Statement from Sen. David Sater, Member, Senate Appropriations Committee and Senate Health and Pensions Committee

“I congratulate Todd Richardson on his appointment as Director of MO HealthNet. I am confident he will bring the same integrity and work ethic to this position that he has shown leading the Missouri House of Representatives. I look forward to working with Todd to reform and improve MO HealthNet.”

Statement from Christy Shawan, CEO, Black River Medical Center, Poplar Bluff

“I have known Todd Richardson for many years, and he is a man of unquestioned integrity, leadership, and intellect. I am confident he will combine those character traits to lead MO HealthNet in a way that will benefit the health and welfare of Missourians for years to come.”

Statement from Charlie Shields, President and CEO, Truman Medical Centers, Kansas City

“Speaker Richardson will be a tremendous director for MO HealthNet. He is a proven leader who will guide our state Medicaid system through the ever-changing complexities of healthcare. Governor Parson made an excellent choice!”

Statement from Dr. Randall Williams, MD, FACOG, Director, Department of Health and Senior Services

“As a practicing physician for thirty years, I am tremendously appreciative of Speaker Richardson’s exceptional background and leading of teams through complex challenges. He brings an incredible understanding of health policy issues that is tremendously important as we seek to improve the quality of care in our state. I’m both appreciative and excited that he will continue his service to Missourians in this very important capacity.”

Judge denies bond reduction for Joplin man charged with ninth DWI

A Joplin man charged with felony driving while intoxicated as a prior offender and driving while revoked was rejected in his attempt to have his $10,000 cash-only bond reduced today in Jasper County Circuit Court.

Judge John Nicholas rejected the oral motion from Blake Engelage, 38, to have his bond lowered. The high bond was set because Engelage has already pleaded guilty or been convicted of drunk driving offenses eight times.


Engelage crashed his motorcycle in the area of E. 15th Street and S. Michigan Avenue September 29. After noticing Engelage smelled of alcohol and that his eyes were watery and bloodshot, a Joplin Police Department officer asked him to perform sobriety tests and he refused. He later refused to take a blood alcohol test, according to the probable cause statement.

Engelage's next hearing is scheduled for 1:15 p.m. November 6.

DeVos dark money group appears poised to pour more money into Ben Baker, Dirk Deaton campaigns

The American Federation for Children, a dark money group founded by Secretary of Education Betsy DeVos' family that promotes the privatization of education, expansion of charter schools and using tax money for private schools, appears poised to contribute more money to local House campaigns.

Missouri Ethics Commission documents show the organization contributed $40,000 to the Brush Fires PAC, which lists a Webb City address.

When the American Federation for Children contributed $45,000 to Brush Fires July 26, the money was used to make sizable contributions to the campaigns of five House candidates, including three in the Joplin area- Neosho Mayor Ben Baker, the 160th District candidate $10,042.06, 162nd District candidate Robert Stokes, R-Carl Junction $9,605.04 and 159th District candidate Dirk Deeton, R-Noel $4,000.



Under Missouri election law, the Brush Fires PAC can spend as much money as it wants to support a candidate as long as it does not coordinate with the candidate's campaign.



Ethics Commission records indicate Baker, who received a $600 contribution the same day the PAC received the $45,000 from the American Federation for Children, is the only candidate who has received a direct contribution from Brush Fires.

Though Stokes lost his primary election to Bob Bromley, American Federation for Children, in a news release dated August 6 praised the election of Baker and Deeton, referring to both as candidates who strongly favor educational choice, the preferred euphemism for the anti-public education agenda of the organization.


The news release only features information about Baker and Deaton that can be found on their websites, which would indicate their understanding that the two men favor the organization's agenda had to come from another source, since neither mentions the issue specifically.

Nancy Hughes: He understands my prayer

“Praise be to God, who has not rejected my
prayer or withheld his love from me!”
Psalm 66:20 (NIV)

Everyone takes turn praying at mealtime in my daughter’s home. And that includes the youngest – but only after he declared one day that he was “old nuf” to pray. So with all heads bowed, two-year old Jude put his hands together and took a deep breath:

“Loh-dur-lawd-hop-yur-ha-da-gur-da. Amen.”

He opened his eyes and smiled in triumph at his first prayer attempt and everyone smiled back. But no one understood a word he said. Except Jude. He knew exactly what he had prayed.

A few days later before supper it was Jude’s turn again. Excitedly he bowed his head and closed his eyes as, once again, he lifted up his prayer: “Loh-dur-lawd-hop-yur-ha-da-gur-da. Amen.”

This went on for several days with no resolution as to what Jude was saying. Finally his dad could not resist any longer. “I couldn’t quite understand what you said, Son,” he told Jude. “Could you slow your prayer down just a little so I can hear it better?” Jude was happy to oblige: “Hello there, Lord, hope you had a good day.”

Can I get an amen?

Even though Jude’s family couldn’t understand him, I am sure God knew exactly what he had said and His day was made better by that heartfelt prayer.

I wonder if the Psalmist who wrote today’s Scripture had offered more than one prayer up to the Lord but felt like it just didn’t make any sense or that he hadn’t uttered the right words? And, more importantly, have you ever felt that way?

On any given day I search for words and lose my train of thought and fumble and mumble as I talk to the Lord. I pray with anger and resentment and a judgmental attitude hidden in a corner of my heart (or at least I think it’s hidden) and have to repent and start over.
I cannot count the number of times that I have brought a list of “wants” into my prayer closet and never even stopped to listen to God the Father sharing His love and will with me.
And, please forgive me, but I have prayed in a group and wondered if my words would be accepted by those with me.

And yet, according to Psalm 66:20, God doesn’t reject our prayers or stop loving us just because what we say is not picture perfect or acceptable to those around us. If God heard and answered prayers based on words being “perfect” we would all be in a lot of trouble.

Today, this very minute, let us all praise God for loving us as we are and for listening to our prayers lifted to Him. He understands us, even when we don’t understand ourselves. And I’m with Jude: “Hello there, Lord, hope you had a good day.”

Father, I praise you for hearing my sometimes feeble attempts at prayer and for loving me, even when I struggle with my words. In Jesus’ Name. Amen.

R.A.P. it up . . .

Reflect

Have you ever felt like your prayers weren’t “good enough” for God?

Have you thought that if you prayed “perfectly,” that God would love you more?

Application

Begin your prayer time with praise to the Lord for His unconditional love and mercy.

Pray your words from your heart; then be still and listen for His answer to you.

Power Verses

Psalm 66:20 (NIV) “Praise be to God, who has not rejected my prayer or withheld his love from me!”

Ecclesiastes 5:2 (NIV) “Do not be quick with your mouth, do not be hasty in your heart to utter anything before God. God is in heaven and you are on earth, so let your words be few.”

Romans 8:26 (NIV) “In the same way, the Spirit helps us in our weakness. We do not know what we ought to pray for, but the Spirit himself intercedes for us with groans that words cannot express.”

(For more of Nancy Hughes' writing, check out her blog, Encouragement from the War Room.)

Kim Frencken: Classroom breakfast

For lack of a better term I'll use the word dumb. That's right. Dumb. Dumb things that educators do. Take for instance bell ringers. What if you don't have a bell system? What do you call it then? Nothing sounds quite as cute as bell ringer.

 Or what about a no tardy policy? Literally. Students could not be counted tardy because there was a no tardy policy. So even though they were late to class they were not tardy. Why? You got it. Because we have a no tardy policy. 

 Or what about the concept that we let kids be kids. Sounds good. Maybe. Sounds trendy. For sure. Sounds dumb. Definitely. Kids are kids. We don't let them be anything. They are what they are. Kids. But does that mean we let them play in the street? No. 

Here's one that takes the cake. At least for me. Breakfast in the classroom instead of the cafeteria. Why? Instead of having spilled milk in one room, you have spilled milk in several rooms. Have you ever smelled milk that was spilled a day or two later? Not so pleasant. There are enough odors going on in classrooms full of kids in which we are letting kids be kids without adding the rank odor of spoiled milk. I don't mean that we leave it there in a puddle, just waiting for it to dry. Oh, no. We have mops and wipes and towels and sprays to clean up messes. But there is always that little drop that goes unnoticed. The heat comes on as temperatures dip. That little drop heats up and becomes one big toxic stink.

It never fails that little hands that can't open milk cartons or juice cups, can't hang on to them either. That's a no brainer. But neither can teens who are too busy socializing and being kids. Oops! There went my applesauce. Accidentally knocked it off my desk. 

Of course, the plastic container explodes when it hits the tile floor projecting sweet, sticky applesauce in a 3 mile radius. Don't worry. If you miss a spatter or two, it will show up as this lovely shade of blue-black mold in a few weeks. Probably on the side of your file cabinet.

Let's not forget the reading rooms. Rooms where reading is made more inviting by placing pieces of comfy furniture and carpets in atheistically pleasing arrangements to encourage kids to love reading. Don't you just love spills on your rug? That stain will always remind you of the delicious breakfast burrito that was smashed into the fibers while your kids were being kids. Memories.

Who thinks up these things anyway? I want to know. I want to invite these rocket scientists into my room to do a study of kids (being kids) while eating their breakfast in a classroom just so they won't be tardy to class. And while they are there I'll be sure to let them help clean up. I have an extra broom. I'm good at sharing. Besides, I don't want to have all the fun.

(For more of Kim Frencken's writing, check out her blog, Chocolate For the Teacher.)

Jalen Vaden trial judge changes, Billy Long's $4,000 plus two-day Vegas junket among top Turner Report/Inside Joplin posts

Hopefully, when the next judge is assigned to the Jalen Vaden murder case, it will put a stop to the merry-go-round that has led to six judges since the case was bound over for trial.

The case has been sent to the Missouri Supreme Court, which will assign an out-of-county judge.

The ongoing developments in the judge saga topped the most-visited posts on the Turner Report this week, landing the top position and three other spots in the top 10.

The only post preventing the Jalen Vaden murder case from landing the top three slots was an investigation, using Federal Election Commission documents into Seventh District Congressman Billy Long's latest Las Vegas junket.

Each time I write something about our congressman's penchant for trips to Sin City, one reader feels he or she is absolutely obligated to comment "Who cares?"

I am not able to give a definitive answer on how many people care, but I do know thousands of people visited the post, so they must be interested.

I understand that there are a certain number of readers who do not care if Billy Long goes to Vegas as as long as he remains "fed up,' votes to back President Trump and remains on the Republican ticket. I am betting, however, there are a number of Republicans who are embarrassed by Long's excesses, his occasional lack of seriousness and the fact that even if the September 24-25 Vegas trip was the only one Long had taken thanks to his contributors' generosity, it would still be more times than he has held town hall meetings during his eight-year tenure.



You can find the Top 10 lists for the Turner Report, Inside Joplin and Inside Joplin Obituaries and links to the posts below.

***
A week from today, Saturday, October 27, I will participate in the second annual Joplin Public Library Writers' Faire. The event lasts from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m.

Authors will give readings and for those of you who show up for the beginning of the event, I am the leadoff act, speaking from 10 to 10:20 a.m.

I will have copies of the Joplin Tornado books, Newton County Memories, the education books, my novels, plus some Turner Report t-shirts. (Buy one and wear it to the Joplin Globe office- they will appreciate it.)

For those of you who have read my books, and I am hoping to add to that number, do you have any suggestions on any particular readings you would like to hear from my books? I still haven't made any decisions.

About two dozen authors will have books available and other organizations with connections to writing will also have tables.

See you there!

***
Once again, thanks to those of you who showed your appreciation for this one-man news operation, through sharing posts, through word of mouth and even a few of you through subscriptions and contributions.

Keep sharing those posts you think will interest your friends and if you can spare an extra dollar or two (or a couple of hundred), please consider using the PayPal buttons below the links or sending your contributions to Randy Turner, 2306 E. 8th, Joplin, MO 64801

The Turner Report

1. Fifth judge recuses from Jalen Vaden murder trial

2. Four days after accompanying Trump to Vegas, Billy Long spends 4K+ for meals, limo service on return trip

3, Out-of-county judge, seventh so far, to be assigned to Jalen Vaden murder case

4. Sixth judge assigned to Jalen Vaden case

5. Lawsuit claims Joplin R-8 officials' indifference, failure to establish safe bus stops, led to hit-and-run death of Destiny Chambers

6. Who will be the seventh judge for the Jalen Vaden murder trial, Hensley recuses

7. Illinois truck driver charged with felony after hit-and-run death of Joplin eight-year-old free on bond

8. Dark money group founded DeVos family spent $10,000+ promoting Ben Baker candidacy

9. Bond reduction hearing set for Joplin man who allegedly used church connection to molest underage boys

10. Joplin's Northpark Mall Sears store not among 142 that will close following Chapter 11 bankruptcy

Inside Joplin

1. Oronogo Police: Do you know this man?

2. Baxter Springs residents arrested on meth, marijuana charges following search warrant execution

3. Suspected drunk driver leaves SUV on its top, flees, brags that he "beat the DWI" and spits on JPD officer

4 Joplin Police Department speed trailer stolen

5. Galena teen second suspect arrested for failed burglary attempt

6. Joplin Police Department Arrests October 15-16

7. Galena Police: Do you know this man?

8. Carl Junction man injured in accident on Harp's Grocery parking lot

9. Joplin Police Department Arrests October 17-18

10. Oronogo Police: Do you know these people of interest in theft from business?

Inside Joplin Obituaries

1. Dakota Menear

2. Judy Johnson

3. Marcia Kimbrough

4. Bertha Burton

5. Lynn Jones

6. Waldo Spotted Calf

7. Carol Edwards

8. Jim McGruder

9. J. H. Phipps

10. Kenneth Keely

***