Webb City man charged with stealing $1,500 worth of jeans from Buckle

 

A warrant was issued for the arrest of Carles Riley Hayes Johnson (DOB 1990), Webb City, Wednesday after the Jasper County Prosecuting Attorney's office charged him with felony stealing in connection with the theft of 14 pairs of jeans worth $1,512 May 2 from Buckle in Joplin.

Johnson's initial appearance is scheduled for 9 a.m. June 26 in Jasper County Circuit Court.

From the probable cause statement:

On May 2, 2024, Officers with the Joplin Police Department were dispatched to Buckle in Joplin for a past tense larceny. 

Staff reported that a white male entered the store and at around 1135 hours he grabbed an entire stack of jeans from the top of a display shelf. 

The male ran out of the store and got into a 2003 Red Ford F-150. It was found the male stole approximately 14 pairs of jeans, totaling up to $1,512.00. 

Pictures of the male suspect were sent out on the day of the theft. On 05/03/24 another Officer came into contact with the same male in the red 2003 Ford F-150 and identified him to be Carles Johnson.

Aryan Brotherhood member charged with murder, remains at large following shooting of Joplin man

Second degree murder charges have been filed in Newton County Circuit Court against Joshua William Ray Taft, 42, Joplin, following the shooting death this morning of Eric Whittington, 50, Joplin.

A warrant was issued for Taft's arrest and at this writing, he is still at large.

According to the probable cause statement, a woman called the Newton County Sheriff's Office at 3 a.m. to report her boyfriend had been shot. Whittington was dead when deputies arrived.

He had a busted lip and a section of his teeth were broken partially away from the jaw. He had a spot on the top of his head that had been bleeding.

 

 

From the probable cause statement:

Witnesses on scene told us that and Joshua Taft lived at the residence listed above together. A verbal argument broke out between the two because Taft had warrants and was trying to lay low.  {Whittington} continually had people coming over and Taft was worried that law enforcement would find out his location. 

The argument became physical and {Whittington} was on top when Taft's girlfriend hit {Whittington}with a cast iron skillet in the face. then went to his truck and got a machete, before starting back toward the house. 

{Whittington} took cover behind the wall just west of the front door and he peeked through the doorway a couple of times. Taft was given a pistol from his girlfriend and he fired two shots in the direction of {Whittington}. 

One shot went through a glass panel in the front door and one shot went through the wall of the house and exited through the vinyl siding.

{Redacted}'s seven year old stepson said that he was trying to keep from going back into the house when he heard the bullets whiz over his head. 

A cast iron skillet was located on the stove. A spent 9 mm shell casing was located on the floor. No machete or firearm was located on scene. 

Taft fled the scene prior to the arrival of law enforcement. I know Taft to be a multiple time, violent, convicted felon, Aryan Brotherhood gang member. He currently has multiple outstanding felony warrants out of multiple states. 

Bodies of murdered missionaries to arrive in Neosho Friday, services next week

The bodies of murdered missionaries Davy and Natalie Lloyd have left Haiti and should arrive in Neosho Friday, according to a statement from the Baker and Lloyd families.

This morning, the remains of Davy and Natalie Lloyd safely took off on a flight back to the United States- there will be a series of layovers, and they will safely reach Neosho, Missouri tomorrow afternoon. 

It is the family's deepest wish that the media do not attend the touchdown, and do not show up to the funeral home to allow for privacy. There will be Highway Patrol present to ensure this. 

We are praising the Lord for his hand of protection over this nightmare. Funeral services will be early next week, with more details to come tomorrow.

Davy Lloyd, 23, and Natalie Lloyd, 21, were working with Missions in Haiti, Inc., an organization founded by Davy Lloyd's parents, David and Alicia Lloyd in 2000, when they were murdered by gang members.

Natalie Lloyd's parents are Ben and Naomi Baker, Neosho. Baker serves as 160th District state representative.

The families issued the following statement Wednesday concerning funeral plans:

At this time, an official memorial service date can't be set until they are safely home, which, praise GOD looks to be very, very soon! Once those dates are officially locked in, we will let you all know. Tentative plans for services are mid-week, next week, and will be held in Neosho. For all media inquiries regarding the flight touchdown for the homecoming, no media will be welcomed, or onlookers. This will be a very emotional time for the family, and they need that time in private. 

For the funeral, I will put this out again when those plans are released, but what I can tell you is this: it is important to them to hold the funeral at a specific church that means a lot to the family. 

With that comes limited space. Several groups and organizations have reached out saying they want to come and support the family, but do not have a direct connection to the family, Davy or Natalie. While organizational support is very appreciated, a live stream of the service will be provided to allow for more space for friends and family. 

The graveside service following the funeral will be by invite only. There will be a visitation the evening before as well, but we ask everyone in attendance to be as brief as possible so that the family can speak with as many of you as possible. 

At the funeral, the media is not welcome inside the building, or at the graveside service. There will be a media corral if you need to get shots from the outside, but we ask that you do not speak to, or interview those attending out of respect for the situation.

Previous posts

The Turner Report: Rep. Ben Baker's daughter, son-in-law murdered by gang members while working as missionaries in Haiti (rturner229.blogspot.com)

The Turner Report: Some thoughts on the tragic deaths of Davy and Natalie Lloyd (rturner229.blogspot.com)

Former Joplin Globe reporter Roger McKinney retires after 40 years in business

Former Joplin Globe reporter Roger McKinney's last day at the Columbia Daily Tribune was Tuesday.

McKinney had been at the Tribune for the past decade after spending nearly 20 years at the Globe.

According to the Tribune article on his retirement, McKinney is not going to completely retire, but will do freelance work. 

Woman sues Webb City R-7 School District after fall on icy handicapped ramp

A Webb City woman filed a personal injury lawsuit against the Webb City R-7 School District Wednesday in Jasper County Circuit Court.

According to the petition, Bridget Blevins claims she suffered injuries to her right hip, right leg and lower back when she slipped and fell on an icy handicapped ramp while delivering groceries to Webb City Middle School November 2, 2022.

The injuries, the petition claims, have cost her past and future medical expenses, lost wages, pain and suffering, emotional distress, inconvenience and loss of enjoyment of life.

Blevins is asking for damages and costs.

Blevins is represented by Brandon C. Potter of Aaron Sachs and Associates, P. C., Springfield.

Charges filed against Sarcoxie man whose threats forced lockdown at Mercy Carthage

A Sarcoxie man was hit with a felony terrorist threat charge today in connection with a May 8 incident in which he allegedly caused a lockdown at Mercy Carthage.

According to the probable cause statement, Arnulfo Arredondo (DOB 1940) called the Mercy Carthage Pain Management Clinic May 8 to check on an appointment and was told he did not have an appointment and needed to check with the Veterans Administration to schedule one.

Arredondo became aggravated and told the receptionist that he was going to bring a shotgun to the pain clinic and that he was going to shoot everyone and that they would not know when it was going to happen. Mercy Carthage Hospital went into lockdown due to the threats that they had received from Arredondo.

 

Nineteen Carthage R-9 teachers retiring

(From the Carthage R-9 School District)

Nineteen Carthage staff members will be retiring at the end of this school year and an additional eight retired earlier this year. Together they have given 443 years of service to Carthage Schools.

Join us in thanking these dedicated staff members for all they have done for our students and school! Enjoy your retirement!

• CJHS, Jenny Bogle served 26 years
• CHS, Cheryl Church served 22 years
• Columbian Elementary, Rick Eubanks served 21 years

• CJHS, Randall Evans served 12 years
• CHS Food Service, Peggy Feather served 28 years
• CJHS, Dr. Regina Fields served 19 years
• CR-9 Admin Office, Tina Flesher served 28 years
• Pleasant Valley Elementary, Heather Gibson served 24 years
• CJHS, Dawn Hanner served 18 years
• Carthage 6th Grade Center, Kelly Jacobs served 11 years
• Columbian Elementary, Nancy Janssen served 14 years
• CJHS, Michelle Joyce served 18 years

• Pleasant Valley Elementary, Judith Lucas served 18 years
• CTC, Jeffrey Marrs served 25 years
• Pleasant Valley Elementary, Julia Ream served 5 years
• CHS, Nicole Sipes served 16 years
• Carthage 6th Grade Center, Karol Terry served 16 years
• CTC, Chris Wilkerson served 17 years
• Columbian Elementary, Joyce Wilkerson served 22 years
Your hard work and dedication through the years has helped make Carthage Schools what we are today! Thank you for your Tiger Pride.

Allegation: Former Joplin man forced developmentally disabled boy to perform sex act

The Newton County Prosecuting Attorney filed a statutory sodomy charge today against a former Joplin resident who allegedly forced a developmentally disabled boy to perform a sex act on him April 8, then moved to Nickerson, Kansas after he was questioned by Joplin Police.

A warrant was issued for the arrest of Royal R. Hoth (DOB 1969) with no bond.

According to the probable cause statement interview, Hoth confessed to "cuddling" with the child, then rubbing against him and finally forcing the boy into the sex act.

Anderson woman bound over for trial on charge related to 2022 drowning of her 11-month-old son

An Anderson woman waived her preliminary hearing today in McDonald County Circuit Court on two counts of endangering the welfare of a child and was bound over for trial.

Samantha A. Qualls (DOB 1998) was charged January 31 in connection with the 2022 drowning of her 11-month-old son.

The allegations against Qualls were spelled out in the probable cause statement:

On May 20. 2022, Samantha Ann Qualls stated that she had placed her 2-year-old son into the bathtub with water, and then stepped outside at 8:05 a.m. to smoke a cigarette and make a phone call for 6 minutes (8:11 a.m.).

Qualls stated that after coming inside at 8:11 a.m., she placed her 11-month-old son onto the floor from the high chair. Qualls then stepped outside at approximately 8:15 a.m. and called her boyfriend's grandmother from 8:15 a.m. to 8:32 a.m.

Qualls stated that she was outside and was smoking for the duration of the phone call.

Qualls stated on written testimony from the day of the incident that she then returned inside and sat on the couch, when her 2-year-old son whom was in the bath, came to her and she realized that she did not see her 11-month- old son.

Qualls stated that she looked in the kitchen and did not see and then located face-down in the bathtub, not responsive and not breathing.

McDonald County E911 shows the incoming 911 call at 8:41 a.m. and law enforcement and medics enroute.

Medics were able to restore breathing and a pulse, but brain activity could not be restored and was taken off of life support 05/22/2022. By Qualls' confession, she left her children unattended for approximately 23 out 27 minutes during the time of this incident, resulting in loss of life.

The case was investigated by the Goodman Police Department.

The day after that charge was filed, the McDonald County Prosecuting Attorney's office filed the second charge following an Anderson Police Department investigation into an unattended child found January 30 at the intersection of U. S. Business 71 and Industrial Park Drive.

The child had been dropped off at his home after school, found the door locked and no one home. When police located Qualls, she told them her mother was supposed to make arrangements to pick up the child and said the same thing happened a week earlier, according to the probable cause statement.

Qualls' arraignment in trial court is scheduled for 9 a.m. June 3 before Judge Kevin Selby.

Carthage R-9 Board hires 11 teachers, hears updates on end-of-year activities, summer school

(From the Carthage R-9 School District)

The Carthage R-9 Board of Education met in regular session on Monday, May 20, 2024, 6:00 pm, at the Carthage South Technical Center. Present were Board members Jeff Jones, Niki Cloud, Lora Phelps, Ryan Collier, Patrick Scott, Maria Sanchez, and Mark Westhoff. Jeff Jones let the Pledge of Allegiance. 

The Board approved the Consent Agenda for the purpose of approving the meeting agenda, minutes of previous meetings, payment of bills, district financial report, amendments to FY24 budget, revised policy 4210, and grant applications for 2024-2025. 

Jean Griffith, Carthage community member spoke to the Board of Education regarding the school district opening all the safe rooms during extreme weather. 

Mr. Matt Arnold, Director of Human Resources presented a MSIP 6 Standard Report on Leadership. An overview of the recruitment and onboarding process was discussed along with the district's health insurance plan and improvement target areas. 

Mr. Jones provided a Carthage R-9 School Foundation update stating the 2023-2024 senior academic awards night was a success. 

Dr. Holley Goodnight, Assistant Superintendent for Business, provided the Board information regarding the change order request for the Carthage Baseball Stadium. Dr. Goodnight stated eighteen calendar days have be added and cement stabilization will be provided in lieu of select fill with a completed date of September 2, 2024. 

Dr. Luke Boyer, Superintendent, provided the Board information regarding the three bank bids the district received for bank depository services. The Board reviewed and discussed services offered by the banks and a decision was made to award Southwest Missouri Bank the contract for bank depository services for the school district. 

Dr. Boyer provided the Board information regarding the revised policies and regulations for their review and consideration of adoption at the June 17, 2024 board meeting. 

Dr. Goodnight provided the Board information regarding the two storage sheds the school district will offer for sale by sealed bids to the highest bidder. 

Dr. Boyer presented the 2024-2025 budget review. Key areas discussed were revenues, expenses, fund balances, district debt payments, tax revenue, and assessed valuation. The Board will approve the preliminary budget during the June 17th board meeting with amendments made as the year progresses. 

Dr. Boyer updated the Board regarding the following: 

• Dr. Tiller reported on academic and programs for secondary, post-secondary and community education. 

• 2024 Graduation was a success and a very rewarding ceremony for our graduates, family, and facility. 

• Carthage Tech Center is offering a career academy to incoming 7th and 8th graders from June 24-27, 8am – 2:30pm at the Carthage Tech Center South Campus. 

• Summer School starts – Wednesday, May 29, 2024 at Carthage High School and Thursday, May 30, 2024 at Columbian, Fairview, Steadley, Intermediate Center, and 6th Grade Center. 

• Some great events are happening in our community - Great American Day and Festival Cultural. 

• Congratulations to Ryan Palmer on being named the NATA SSATC 2024 district five athletic trainer of the year! 

• We are wrapping up the academic school year with the last day of school on Thursday, May 23, 2024 at 1:00pm. It’s been a pleasure working with great educators and appreciate their hard work and dedication. 

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

Certified Hire 

Kayla Collins, 2nd Grade Teacher Columbian Elementary, New Hire-  Ms. Collins has been a kindergarten teacher in Wyandotte, OK since 2022. Other teaching stops for her include Miami, and Webb City. Ms. Collins earned a Bachelor of Science Degree in Early Late Elementary Education from Pittsburg State University in 2014.

Kimberly Arnold,  2nd Grade Teacher Fairview Elementary New Hire- Ms. Arnold has been a Title 1 Instructional Assistant for the Webb City School District since 2022. She earned a Bachelor's Degree from Missouri Southern State University in 2006 and acquired her Certificate in Elementary Education in 2023.  

Jessica Alves, SPED Teacher New Hire Fairview Elementary- Ms. Alves has been working with and teaching special education since 2014. She has worked for the Neosho, Carl Junction, and Pittsburg, KS school districts. Ms. Alves graduated in 2012 with a Bachelor of Science Degree in Elementary Education. 

Jadyn Gage, Tiger Prep Academy Teacher Fairview Elementary New Hire- Mr. Gage has been student teaching at McKinley Elementary in the Joplin School District. He graduated this May from Missouri Southern State University with a degree in Elementary Education. 

Regina Guidie, Kindergarten Teacher Columbian Elementary New Hire- Ms. Guidie has worked for the Carthage School District in the past. For a total of 11 years, Ms. Guidie has either taught 1st or 2nd grade at Steadley Elementary. Ms. Guidie graduated from Emporia State University in 1994 with a Bachelor of Science Degree in Elementary Education. 

Kimberly Hoover, Bright Futures Coordinator- Ms. Hoover worked for the Carthage School District as Program Coordinator of Bright Futures from 2015-2019. Before that, she taught Consumer Science classes at the Carthage Junior High School from 2002-2014. Ms. Hoover earned a Master of Education in Administration Degree from William Woods University. 

Olivia Moser, 1st Grade Teacher Steadley Elementary New Hire- Ms. Moser will graduate in December of 2024 with a Bachelor of Science Degree in Elementary Education. She has been substitute teaching for the Joplin School District.  

Bryan Ora, EL Teacher Carthage Intermediate Center, New Hire-  Mr. Ora will graduate from Pittsburg State University with a Master of Science in Teaching with an emphasis on English for Speakers of Other Languages. That anticipated graduation date will be May of 2025. Mr. Ora has been working as a paraprofessional for the Joplin School District since 2023. 

Hannah Francis, SPED Teacher Carthage Intermediate Center New Hire-  Ms. Francis has worked for the Pleasantville Christian School, along with working for Golden City School District as an elementary teacher. Ms. Francis earned a Bachelor of Science Degree in Elementary Education from Missouri State University in 2020. 

Travis Hitchcock, Public Safety Instructor Carthage Technical Center New Hire- Mr. Hitchcock has been a Trooper (Sergeant) with the Missouri State Highway Patrol since 1993. Mr. Hitchcock's education in the field include Counterdrug Special Reaction Team, Drug Recognition Expert School, Field Training Officer School, Police Instructor School, Sobriety Checkpoint Supervisor Training, Basic Narcotics Investigation School, and many others. 

Katherine Carrell, 4th Grade Teacher Columbian Elementary New Hire- Ms. Carrell graduated from Pittsburg State University this May with a Bachelor of Science in Elementary Education and Special Education. She has been working in Pittsburg, KS as a paraprofessional since 2018.

Support Hire 

Sheila Bell, Cook Fairview Elementary New Hire

Addis Reyes Hernandez, Cook, Carthage Junior High School New Hire 

Bethany Roy, Bethany Cook Columbian Elementary New Hire 

Joshua Delcour, Bus Driver Transportation New Hire 

Jake Harris, Summer IT Technician IT Department New Hire 

Gabe Lambeth, Summer IT Technician IT Department Re-Hire 

William Wallace, William Summer IT Technician IT Department Re-Hire 

Michael Lanyon, Michael Summer IT Technician IT Department Re-Hire 

Keisha Farmer, District Accounts Payable Clerk District Office/Carthage High School New Hire Courtney Franklin, Cook (Summer School) Fairview Elementary New Hire 

Douglas "Ryan" Huntley, Director of Transportation Transportation New Hire 

Otto Harris, Custodian Carthage High School New Hire 

Substitute Hire

Dalton Stafford, Substitute District New Hire 

Cynthia Quinly, Substitute District New Hire 

Patty Lewis, Bus Driver Transportation New Hire 

Caleb Lombard, Bus Driver Transportation New Hire 

Jim McDaniel, Custodian District New Hire 

Certified Transfer 

Sierra Jacques, Computer Science Teacher Sixth Grade Center Transfer 

Nicholas Wagner, Kindergarten Teacher Fairview Elementary Transfer 

Marcie Stegman, Instructional Coach Columbian Elementary Transfer 

Bobbi Murrell, Bobbi Instructional Coach Steadley & Pleasant Valley Elementary Transfer 

Kassandra Lipscomb, Instructional Coach Fairview Elementary Transfer 

Tammy Dobler, 5th Grade Teacher Carthage Intermediate Center Transfer 

Machelle Anderson, SPED Teacher Carthage Junior High School Transfer 

Jessica Duncan, 4th Grade Dual-Language Teacher Carthage Intermediate Center Transfer 

Ariel Quenneville, 5th Grade Teacher Carthage Intermediate Center Transfer 

Support Transfer/Modification 

Tennille Benefiel, Admin Assistant (Athletic Office) Carthage High School Transfer 

Tristen Strickland, Sped Paraprofessional Carthage Junior High School Transfer 

Jarrett Little, HS Accompanist Carthage High School Transfer 

Cayden Crahan, Bus Mechanic Assistant Transportation Modification 

Charles (Wendell) Silvers, Evening Lead Custodian Carthage High School Modification 

Neal Griffith, Custodian Columbian Elementary Transfer 

Brandie Williams, Custodian Carthage High School Transfer 

James Wilson, Evening Lead Custodian K-6 Buildings Transfer 

Cris Laytham, Bus Driver Transportation Modification 

Hilary McCaw, Nurse Coordinator District-Wide Modification 

Alexis Lawhead, Title 1 Paraprofessional Mark Twain Elementary Transfer 

Substitute Modification 

Samantha Hall, Bus Driver Transportation Modification 

Trish Gatewood, Bus Driver Transportation Modification 

Certified Resignation 

Jana Thomas, EL Teacher Carthage Intermediate Center Resignation 

Jennifer Lowe, SPED Teacher Columbian Elementary Resignation 

Caitlin DeVillers, Library Media Specialist Sixth Grade Center Resignation 

Jordan Macy, Public Safety Instructor Carthage Technical Center Resignation 

Support Retirement 

Karol Terry, Cook Sixth Grade Center Retirement 

Kelly Wilson, Financial Aid/Reporting Officer Tech Center - North Retirement 

Support Resignation 

Mattie Blakely, Sped Paraprofessional Carthage Junior High School Resignation 

Tesa Anderson, Bus Aide Transportation Resignation 

Kimberly Henderson, Transportation Director Transportation Resignation 

Jordan Flenniken, HVAC Technician Maintenance Resignation 

Robert Atteberry, Custodian Carthage High School Resignation 

Emma Hargrave, Sped Paraprofessional CIC Resignation 

Christy Hartman,  IA Paraprofessional Steadley Elementary Resignation 

Emmitt Lee, Custodian Carthage High School Resignation 

Barry Brattin, Bus Driver Transportation Resignation 

Bryar Willis, Custodian Carthage Intermediate Center Resignation 

Sarah Hatley, Sped Paraprofessional Carthage High School Resignation 

Nancy Janssen, Title 1 Instructional Assistant Columbian Elementary Resignation 

Isabella Sacry, Sped Paraprofessional Mark Twain Elementary Resignation 

Trish Gatewood, Sped Paraprofessional Columbian Elementary Resignation 

Giana De La Pena, Student Intern District Office Resignation 

Chloe Green, Paraprofessional Fairview Elementary Resignation 

Substitute Resignation 

Elane Wright Cook District Resignation 

Logan Walker, Substitute District Resignation