City Council to hear update from Joplin Sports Authority during informal session

 

Pineville woman indicted for killing murder victim's unborn child

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

A Pineville, Mo., woman who was previously indicted for the kidnapping and murder of a pregnant Arkansas woman now faces an additional charge of killing her victim’s unborn child.

Amber Waterman, 43, and her husband, Jamie Waterman, 43, were charged in a three-count superseding indictment returned by a federal grand jury in Springfield, Mo. Today’s superseding indictment replaces an indictment returned on Nov. 16, 2022, and includes an additional charge against Amber Waterman. The Watermans remain in federal custody.

Amber Waterman is charged with one count of kidnapping resulting in death. The indictment alleges that, between Oct. 31 and Nov. 2, 2022, Amber Waterman kidnapped Ashley Bush in order to claim her unborn child as her own. She allegedly transported Ashley Bush from Maysville, Arkansas, to Pineville. The indictment alleges the kidnapping resulted in Bush’s death.

Today’s superseding indictment also alleges, in a new count, that Amber Waterman thereby caused the death of a child in utero.

Jamie Waterman is charged with one count of being an accessory after the fact to kidnapping resulting in death. The indictment alleges that he assisted Amber Waterman, in order to hinder and prevent her apprehension, trial, and punishment, knowing she had committed the offense of kidnapping resulting in death.

The charges contained in this indictment are simply accusations, and not evidence of guilt. Evidence supporting the charges must be presented to a federal trial jury, whose duty is to determine guilt or innocence.

This case is being prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorneys Stephanie L. Wan and James J. Kelleher. It was investigated by the FBI, the Benton County, Ark., Sheriff’s Department, and the McDonald County, Mo., Sheriff’s Department in conjunction with the U.S. Attorney’s Office in the Western District of Arkansas and the Benton County, Ark., Prosecuting Attorney’s Office.

Newton County jury finds defendant guilty of statutory rape, sodomy involving 4-year-old girl

(From the Newton County Prosecuting Attorney)

A rural Newton County man was found guilty by a Newton County jury after a three-day trial on one count of Statutory Rape in the First Degree and two counts of Statutory Sodomy in the First Degree. Sentencing will be held on August 28, 2023. 

Johnathan Lee Cavitte, 31, was found guilty after less than two hours of deliberation before the jury rendered their verdict to Judge John LePage of the 40th Judicial Circuit on Wednesday, June 28, 2023. 

In 2018, a 4-year-old victim disclosed that she had been sexually abused at a house near Granby in July of that year. A caretaker for the child had noticed bruising around the girls’ arms that was consistent with abuse the victim recalled. 

At trial, the defendant presented evidence of his location on July 17th, 2018 via his Google Maps account, but did not account for the other days when he had contact with the victim. 

“These cases are incredibly difficult and presenting a now-8-year-old victim of sexual assault to a jury is a gut-wrenching experience,” said Newton County Prosecuting Attorney William Lynch. 

“I’m very proud of our team as well as this little girl and her family for the countless hours of work and preparation they put forward in securing this conviction. I’m particularly proud of Assistant Prosecutor JD Hatcher, on winning what will be his final jury trial with our office before he moves on to bigger opportunities.” 

“We’re thankful to the jury and their service this week,” said Assistant Prosecutor JD Hatcher. “The courage that our victim showed in facing her abuser is inspiring and pleasant reminder of why we do what we do in the Newton County Prosecutor’s Office.” 

This case was investigated by Detective Brad Black by the Newton County Sheriff’s Office and prosecuted by JD Hatcher and William Lynch. This is the second child sex case won at jury trial by the Newton County Prosecutor’s office in the past three months.

Judge: No bond for Aurora woman charged with DWI after hitting, killing 4 motorcycle riders

An Aurora woman charged with felony driving while intoxicated after crossing the center line of MO 39 June 3 and killing four motorcycle riders and injuring six others will remain in the Lawrence County Jail without bond.

Judge Don Trotter denied the motion by the lawyer for Theresa Manetzke, 51, Aurora, during a hearing Monday in Lawrence County Circuit Court.

Manetzke's preliminary hearing is scheduled for 1 p.m. July 6.

The Turner Report: Probable cause: Aurora woman says she took "several anti-psychotic drugs" before killing four motorcyclists (rturner229.blogspot.com)

 

Watch Joplin R-8 Board of Education meeting live at 6 p.m.

 

Jennifer Penate starts Boston job Wednesday

Former KODE anchor Jennifer Penate, who was at the station from 2011 through 2017 begins her new job as weekend anchor and general assignment reporter at WCVB Channel 5 in Boston Wednesday, according to a news release.

Penate left WFLA in in Tampa, Florida earlier this month after three years.

From the news release:

Award-winning journalist Jennifer Peñate will join WCVB Channel 5, Boston’s News and Community Leader, as weekend evening anchor and general assignment reporter beginning on June 28. The announcement was made today by WCVB President & General Manager Kyle I. Grimes and News Director Margaret Cronan. Peñate will co-anchor weekend evening newscasts with Shaun Chaiyabhat and will report during the week.

Peñate comes to Boston from WFLA/WTTA in Tampa Bay, Florida. Her roles included anchoring English language newscasts on WTTA and WFLA, in addition to anchoring and creating WTTA’s Spanish language newscast “Noticias Tampa Hoy,” where she also served as the newscast’s managing editor. In addition, Peñate was an integral contributor to TampaHoy.com, the station’s Spanish language news website reporting on information important to the Latinx community.

“Jennifer is a talented journalist whose experience and values will make her an excellent addition to WCVB,” said Grimes. “She has also been long dedicated to public service having volunteered for numerous nonprofit organizations as well as founding her own focused on mentorship. Jennifer’s journalism excellence combined with her commitment to her community make her a perfect fit for the WCVB team.”

“WCVB NewsCenter 5 is proud of its long legacy of journalists who are not only dedicated to providing exceptional news and information to the market, but equally as passionate about public service. Jennifer is an accomplished journalist who is looking forward to putting her energetic storytelling skills to work on the anchor desk and on the streets of our communities. She is an ideal addition to the NewsCenter 5 team, and we are thrilled to welcome her to the WCVB family,” said Cronan.

“I am humbled be joining WCVB, one of the most highly regarded television stations in the country,” said Peñate. “I look forward to anchoring the weekend evening news with Shaun as well as contributing to the excellent journalism and impactful public service provided to the community by the Channel 5 team every day.”

Peñate spent the last three years as anchor and reporter on WFLA and WTTA where she received a Regional Edward R. Murrow Award for her digital reporting on TampaHoy.com. Before WFLA and WTTA, Peñate spent three years as evening anchor at KNWA in Fayetteville, Arkansas. While at KNWA, she covered stories that garnered national attention like the historic flooding of the Arkansas River that displaced hundreds, the assassination of a local police officer, and chaotic protests surrounding the death of George Floyd. Peñate began her career in 2011 as a reporter at KODE in Joplin, Missouri where she earned several awards for her reporting including honors from the Missouri Broadcasters Association and the Kansas Association of Broadcasters. Also, while at KODE, she was named by the Joplin Regional Business Journal as one of the 2016 Most Influential Women.

From a young age, Peñate has had a passion for public service and sharing impactful stories that make a difference in the community. As a result, she is a very active volunteer, keynote speaker, event host, and the founder of a nonprofit. In 2015, she created Girls Unstoppable to empower young Latinas through a curriculum that focuses on overcoming obstacles, developing confidence, and higher education.

Peñate was born in El Salvador and grew up in both Los Angeles and Northwest Arkansas. She graduated with a Journalism and Spanish degree from the University of Arkansas in Fayetteville. Peñate is also a member the National Association of Hispanic Journalists and Gamma Eta Sorority which was founded at the University of Florida.

Outside of work, Peñate is an avid hiker, half-marathon runner, and loves going on adventures with her dog, Tango.

(WCVB Photo)

Public Service Commission sets intervention deadline on Spire surcharge increase request

(From the Public Service Commission)

Spire Missouri, Inc. (Spire) has filed an application with the Missouri Public Service Commission seeking to adjust the infrastructure system replacement surcharge (ISRS) on the bills of its Spire East and Spire West natural gas customers. The surcharge first appeared on Spire East and Spire West customer bills in 2004.

Spire seeks the adjustment to reflect infrastructure replacement investments made by the natural gas company since March 1, 2023. These costs for natural gas pipeline replacements and relocations are not currently included in Spire’s rates.

The current ISRS for residential customers of Spire East is $0.37 a month. Spire East residential customers would pay an ISRS of $0.96 a month under Spire’s application. The current ISRS for residential customers of Spire West is $0.59 a month. Spire West residential customers would pay an ISRS of $1.79 a month under Spire’s application.

Applications to intervene and participate in this case must be filed no later than July 19, 2023, with the Secretary of the Missouri Public Service Commission, P.O. Box 360, Jefferson City, Missouri 65102, or by using the Commission’s Electronic Filing and Information System (EFIS) at www.psc.mo.gov.

Individual citizens wishing to comment should contact either the Office of the Public Counsel (Governor Office Building, 200 Madison Street, Suite 650, P.O. Box 2230, Jefferson City, Missouri 65102-2230, telephone (866) 922-2959, email opcservice@opc.mo.gov) or the Public Service Commission Staff (P.O. Box 360, Jefferson City, Missouri 65102, telephone 1-800-392-4211, email pscinfo@psc.mo.gov). The Office of the Public Counsel is a separate state agency that represents the general public in matters before the Commission.

Spire Missouri East provides natural gas service to approximately 662,800 customers in the City of St. Louis as well as the Missouri counties of St. Louis, St. Charles, Butler, Iron, Franklin, Jefferson, Madison, Crawford, St. Francois and Ste. Genevieve.

Spire Missouri West provides natural gas service to approximately 532,900 customers in Andrew, Barry, Barton, Bates, Buchanan, Carroll, Cass, Cedar, Christian, Clay, Clinton, Dade, DeKalb, Greene, Henry, Howard, Jackson, Jasper, Johnson, Lafayette, Lawrence, McDonald, Moniteau, Pettis, Platte, Ray, Saline, Stone and Vernon counties.

State Board of Education revokes license of former Golden City teacher who had sex with student

The State Board of Education, by a 6-0 vote June 6 revoked the teaching license of a former Golden City teacher who pleaded guilty May 1 in Jasper County Circuit Court to a misdemeanor charge of endangering the welfare of a child.

Jacey Stahl, 23, surrendered her license as part of the plea bargain agreement with the Jasper County Prosecuting Attorney's office in which a felony sex with a student charge was dismissed in exchange for Stahl's plea to the misdemeanor charge. She was placed on unsupervised probation for two years.

Plea deal: Former Golden City teacher who had sex with student receives suspended sentence, unsupervised probation

Jacey Stahl State Board of Education Document

Joplin R-8 Board scheduled to discuss preliminary budget

The Joplin R-8 Board of Education will discuss the preliminary budget for 2023-2024 when it meets 6 p.m. Tuesday in the Memorial Administration Building.

The agenda is printed below:

A. Call to Order

1. Roll Call

B. Pledge of Allegiance

C. Approval of Agenda
1. Reports

a. Board President's Report

1. Celebrations
2. Honoring Ron Richard
3. Board Data Analysis Committee
4. Board Safety Committee
5. Long Term Facility Planning Committee - Announcement

b. Superintendent's Data Report
1. Health Insurance and Dental Care Insurance Reports
2. Financial Report
3. 2022-2027 Joplin Schools Strategic Plan Update and Revision

D. Public Comments Regarding Posted Agenda Action Items

E. Consent Agenda

1. Minutes - Action (Waldo)

2. Multiple Facility Titles

a. MOU With The City of Joplin - Video Access
b. Cecil Floyd - Climbing Tower Fabric
c. Jefferson - Installation of Heater Curtain at Bus Entrance
d. Rental of Crane at Columbia
e. Electric Service at JHS Track Storage Bldg
f. JHS Turf Preventative Repair/Maintenance
g. Backup Battery Units for Safe Rooms
h. Backpack Vacuums and Scrubbers
i. Custodial Ride-On Scrubber
j. Installation of Porch Cap at Duenweg

3. Surplus Bus Proposal

4. Long Range Facilities Planning Committee Launch

5. Safe Return to In-Person Instruction (SRCSP) Plan 

6. Technology Plan
a. PowerSchool Annual Services Renewal

b. Pondurance Renewal
c. Renewal of KidAccount Student Dismissal and After School Tracking (Combined System) for McKinley Elementary
d. GoGuardian
e. Frontline Software: Absence Management and Time/Attendance System Renewal

7. Communications Plan
a. 2023-24 School Messenger Presence Contract Renewal for 1 Year
b. Community Engagement Plan Development for 2023-24

8. Acellus Licensing

9. Edgenuity Renewal 

10. Authorization of Checking Account Signatures

11. Policy Updates for Second and Final Reading
a. Policy BDDB-2: Agendas
b. Policy BDDH-1: Public Participation at Board Meetings
c. Policy IGAB: Instructional Interventions
d. Policy IGC: Extended Instructional Programs
e. Policy IGCD: Virtual Courses
f. Policy IGCDA: Full-Time MOCAP Virtual Course
g. Policy IKE: Promotion Acceleration and Retention of Students
h. Policy IL-1: Assessment Program
i. Policy IND: Ceremonies and Observances
j. Policy JECA-2: Eligibility to Enroll 
k. Policy KC: Community Engagement

12. Student Services Contracts
a. SWMO Special Services Special Services - Beacon - Crowder College
b. Intensive District Programs (K-5)
c. Duenweg Center CBSS Grades 6-12
d. Elementary CBSS Grades K-5
e. Early Childhood CBSS - Action
f. MOU-Jasper County Juvenile Center and Joplin Schools
g. Lexia English Learning Systems
h. Score 1 KCU Affiliation
i. John Godfrey - Behavioral Health Agreement

F. Regular Agenda

1. JESP Agreement-CBA and Salary Schedule
2. Accounts Payable
3. Final Budget Adjustments for the 2022-2023 School Year
4. Preliminary Budget for 2023-24 School Year
5. Proposal to Purchase Four International School Buses

6. Appoint Board Treasurer
7. Appoint Board Secretary
G. Plus/Deltas

H. Motion to Adjourn to Closed Session - Motion to authorize Closed Session per 610.021 (1) Legal actions, causes of action or litigation involving the district... (2) The lease, purchase or sale of real estate by the district... (3) Hiring, firing, disciplining, or promoting of particular employees... (13) Individually identifiable personnel records

Newton County Commission to meet with lawyer in special closed session

The Newton County Commission will meet with legal counsel in a closed session 1:30 p.m. Tuesday in the commission office, according to a notice posted this morning.

The commissioners are also scheduled to meet with architect Chad Greer at 2:30 p.m. to discuss the canopy building.