(From the Joplin Fire Department)
The Joplin Fire Department responded to a reported Structure fire at 529 North Sergeant Ave. at 15:45 pm Friday November 29, 2013. Fire crews arrived on the scene at 15:48 pm to find heavy fire and smoke conditions from the back porch area of the single story, single family residential structure. The single family home at 531 North Sergeant also sustained fire damage from the radiant heat of the fire at 529.
The fire was declared under control at 16:45 pm and declared out at 16:59 pm. Fire and smoke damage was heavy in nature to the back porch area of the home at 529 and that home is uninhabitable. The home at 531 sustained only light fire damage to the exterior of the home.
The home at 529 N. Sergeant is owned and occupied by Rebecca Newton and the home at 531 N. Sergeant was owned July Zerkel and occupied by Pam Amos. Both homes were occupied at the time of the fire.
No injuries were reported to either the occupants of the homes or Fire Personnel. 6 Joplin Fire units and 19 Joplin Fire personnel responded.
The cause of the fire is currently being investigated.
Saturday, November 30, 2013
Mary Lee's Cafe suffers heavy smoke damage in afternoon fire
From Joplin Fire Department)
The Joplin Fire Department responded to a reported Structure Fire at 712 W 20th Street at 2:34 PM Saturday, November 30 2013. Fire crews arrived on the scene at 2:38 PM to find heavy smoke coming from a kitchen exhaust vent. The building is known as Mary Lee’s Café.
The fire was declared under control at 2:46 PM and declared out at 2:52 PM. The restaurant sustained heavy smoke damage but minimal fire and water damage.
The building is owned by Janice Tusinger and operated by Kenneth Meistad.
No injuries were reported to either the occupants of the homes or Fire Personnel. 6 Joplin Fire units and 19 Joplin Fire personnel responded. JPD blocked 20th street during fire operations and METS stood by if needed.
The cause of the fire is currently being investigated.
The Joplin Fire Department responded to a reported Structure Fire at 712 W 20th Street at 2:34 PM Saturday, November 30 2013. Fire crews arrived on the scene at 2:38 PM to find heavy smoke coming from a kitchen exhaust vent. The building is known as Mary Lee’s Café.
The fire was declared under control at 2:46 PM and declared out at 2:52 PM. The restaurant sustained heavy smoke damage but minimal fire and water damage.
The building is owned by Janice Tusinger and operated by Kenneth Meistad.
No injuries were reported to either the occupants of the homes or Fire Personnel. 6 Joplin Fire units and 19 Joplin Fire personnel responded. JPD blocked 20th street during fire operations and METS stood by if needed.
The cause of the fire is currently being investigated.
Friday, November 29, 2013
Three injured in crash that closed Eastbound I-44
Three South Bend, Ind., residents were injured, and two were lifeflighted to Mercy Hospital in Springfield following a one-car accident that closed both lanes of Eastbound I-44 five miles west of Sarcoxie at 3:20 p.m. today.
According to the Highway Patrol report, a 1995 Oldsmobile Silhouette driven by Christina Dettman, 46, South Bend, traveled into the median and overturned onto the roadway. Ms. Dettman, and a passenger, Louis Dettman, 8, received serious injuries and were taken by Mercy Air Lifeline to Mercy Hospital in Springfield. The other passenger, William Dettman, 47, was taken by ambulance to Mercy Hospital.
Four Highway Patrol troopers, Jasper County Sheriff's Department deputies, and the MODOT Emergency Response Team were on the scene.
According to the Highway Patrol report, a 1995 Oldsmobile Silhouette driven by Christina Dettman, 46, South Bend, traveled into the median and overturned onto the roadway. Ms. Dettman, and a passenger, Louis Dettman, 8, received serious injuries and were taken by Mercy Air Lifeline to Mercy Hospital in Springfield. The other passenger, William Dettman, 47, was taken by ambulance to Mercy Hospital.
Four Highway Patrol troopers, Jasper County Sheriff's Department deputies, and the MODOT Emergency Response Team were on the scene.
Life Flight on scene after accident on I-44
Both lanes are blocked on Eastbound I-44 following an accident at mile marker 22.
A life flight helicopter is on the scene.
More information later.
More information later.
Thursday, November 28, 2013
What the Joplin Globe hasn't told you about Wallace-Bajjali, Part Two
In part one, I wrote about two bankruptcies and an SEC investigation involving Wallace-Bajjali. The problems noted by the SEC are the same ones that brought a lawsuit against Wallace-Bajjali earlier this year accusing partners David Wallace and Costa Bajjali of conducting a $3 million Ponzi scheme.
I wrote about this August 15 in Inside Joplin and the Turner Report.
Investors in two funds connected to Joplin’s master developer Wallace-Bajjali claim in a lawsuit filed this week in Harris County, Texas, District Court that firm owners David Wallace and Costa Bajjali were involved in a $3 million Ponzi scheme.
Wallace told the Amarillo Globe-News , We consider the lawsuit very frivolous. We consider it to be without merit and we are going to defend it vigorously.”
The scheme resulted in an SEC investigation, which ended with Wallace and Bajalli agreeing to pay $60,000 fines. Each man made his last payment three days before the city of Joplin hired the firm to conduct the $800 million development of Joplin’s tornado-stricken area.
In its complaint, which was filed May 20, 2011, the SEC alleged that between November 2006 and December 2008, Wallace and Bajjali “offered and sold securities in two real estate funds they controlled in Houston, Texas, called the Wallace Bajjali Investment Fund II, L. P. and the Laffer Frishberg Wallace Economic Opportunity Fund, L. P.
In written disclosures relating to the securities offerings, Wallace and Bajjali told investors they would limit the Funds’ investment in any one business or project to certain percentages of the money the Funds raised- no more than 33 percent for the Wallace-Bajjali Fund and no more than 20 percent for the Opportunity Fund.
“Contrary to their written representation, Wallace and Bajjali far exceeded these limits by heavily investing the Funds’ money in Business Radio Networks, L.P, doing business as BizRadio, a struggling media company. As a result, they subjected the Funds’ investors to substantially greater investment risk than the Funds’ written materials disclosed.”
The statement of facts filed by SEC says that by May 2007 the Wallace-Bajjali Fund had received more than $16 million and had invested more than $6.5 million in BizRadio. The ratio was even higher with the Opportunity Fund, where $7 million was raised and $4 million went to BizRadio, far more than the 20 percent limit. Court documents indicate Wallace and Bajjali entered into an agreement with a company called Investment Adviser in Houston to handle the securities funds. It would appear that the two are casting the blame on that company for violating SEC regulations.
What the Joplin Globe hasn't told you about Wallace-Bajjali, Part One
For example, the Globe's coverage of the problems surrounding the city's master developer Wallace-Bajjali, consisted of a paragraph in which City Manager Mark Rohr said he knew about difficulties the Texas firm had with the Securities and Exchange Commission and that it was not a problem.
If the public had been aware of Wallace-Bajjali's background, that one-paragraph explanation would have seemed ridiculous.
The Turner Report and Inside Joplin have been reporting on Wallace-Bajjali for the past several months and now seems like an opportune time, in light of the solid work done by KOAM's Jordan Aubey in pointing out the lack of progress of any project Wallace-Bajjali has been involved in since it opened shop in Joplin.
The following was published on both blogs on August 13.
The Texas firm which is handling the city of Joplin’s $800 million redevelopment of the tornado-stricken area has been the target of an SEC investigation and has been involved in at least two bankruptcies.
The SEC investigation into Wallace-Bajjali ended up with the Sugar Land firm having to pay back $1.2 million to investors and with partners David Wallace, (pictured) the former mayor of Sugar Land, and Costa Bajjali each having to pay $60,000 fines. The final $15,000 payments on those fines were made March 28, 2012, three days before the City of Joplin hired the firm.
Both men entered into agreements May 24, 2011, to pay the fines, though neither admitted to any wrongdoing. Joplin city officials say they are fully aware of the SEC fines and have corroborated Wallace’s claim that others were at fault.
SEC Investigation
In its complaint, which was filed May 20, 2011, the SEC alleged that between November 2006 and December 2008, Wallace and Bajjali “offered and sold securities in two real estate funds they controlled in Houston, Texas, called the Wallace Bajjali Investment Fund II, L. P. and the Laffer Frishberg Wallace Economic Opportunity Fund, L. P.
In written disclosures relating to the securities offerings, Wallace and Bajjali told investors they would limit the Funds’ investment in any one business or project to certain percentages of the money the Funds raised- no more than 33 percent for the Wallace-Bajjali Fund and no more than 20 percent for the Opportunity Fund.
“Contrary to their written representation, Wallace and Bajjali far exceeded these limits by heavily investing the Funds’ money in Business Radio Networks, L.P, doing business as BizRadio, a struggling media company. As a result, they subjected the Funds’ investors to substantially greater investment risk than the Funds’ written materials disclosed.”
The statement of facts filed by SEC says that by May 2007 the Wallace-Bajjali Fund had received more than $16 million and had invested more than $6.5 million in BizRadio. The ratio was even higher with the Opportunity Fund, where $7 million was raised and $4 million went to BizRadio, far more than the 20 percent limit. Court documents indicate Wallace and Bajjali entered into an agreement with a company called Investment Adviser in Houston to handle the securities funds. It would appear that the two are casting the blame on that company for violating SEC regulations.
BANKRUPTCIES
Though City Manager Mark Rohr told the Joplin Globe that he and the City Council were fully aware of the SEC investigation, nothing in the three paragraphs in which the Globe has addressed Wallace-Bajjali’s problems mentions anything about the bankruptcies that have surrounded the firm.
Though the Wallace-Bajjali firm was not the name on the filing, Joplin’s master developers filed for bankruptcy January 1, 2013, and are more than $6 million in debt, according to documents filed in the U. S. Bankruptcy Court for the Southern District of Texas.
River Square Center Partners, the company that filed for bankruptcy, shares the same address and the bankruptcy petition was signed by Costa Bajjali. The River Square Center complex, which is operated by Wallace-Bajjali Development Partners, filed for Chapter 11 bankruptcy after defaulting on a $6,527,321.10 debt to Wells Fargo Bank, according to the court documents. The events leading to the bankruptcy were described in court documents:
The Debtor is the owner of a three-story 92,874-square-foot former warehouse building located at 215 2nd Street & 217 Mary Avenue in Waco, Texas, that has been converted to retail, restaurant, and office space and is currently considered a focal point for night life in downtown Waco.
The project is 93.0% leased to 17 tenants and has adequate cash flow to service principal, interest, taxes, and insurance on an on-going basis. The building was purchased by the Debtor in 2007 and renovated shortly thereafter.
Despite what appeared to be a good faith transaction, the seller of the Property used his relationships with existing tenants to lure them into another building nearby that offered below market rates due to redevelopment incentives provided by the City of Waco. This resulted in tenant rollover of of over 50% within a 24-month period and lowered overall rents generally – the majority of re-tenanting income fell into 2010 and 2011.
Since the Debtor did not have adequate funds to cover the unexpected releasing costs, the principals covered the majority of these costs out-of-pocket. By late 2011, however, the cumulative effect of the drain caused the Debtor to be late on a couple of payments which resulted in the assessment of default interest and late fees.
Even though the Debtor subsequently made payments in full and on time, LNR Partners (as special servicer for the Lender) applied the payments to default interest and late fees which left the loan constantly in default and subject to ever increasing late charges. In late 2012, significant negotiations with the special servicer of the Secured Debt were had in order to resolve the outstanding defaults.
The Debtor believed that a financial agreement had been reached, however the special servicer instead posted the Property for foreclosure for December 2012. In order to preserve the value of the Property, the Debtor transferred approximately $290,000.00 toward payment of the Debt. The December foreclosure was passed with this payment, however the Property was once again posted for a January 2013 foreclosure. The Debtor did not have the funds to again meet the financial demands of the special servicer and this Chapter 11 was filed in an attempt to preserve the equity in the Property and to address all the Debtor’s financial obligations.
KOAM investigation into Wallace-Bajjali, Part 2
An investigative report from KOAM's Jordan Aubey
KOAM TV 7
Wednesday, November 27, 2013
KOAM Special Report- Wallace-Bajjali: Where's the beef?
A special report from Jordan Aubey of KOAM
KOAM TV 7
Portion of Meadow Ave. to be closed Monday
(From City of Joplin)
Beginning Monday, December 2, 2013 from 7:00 a.m. to 7:00 p.m., Meadow Ave. from 23rd St. to 24th St. will be closed. Crews will be working on sewer repairs.
Drivers are urged to use extreme caution in these areas and will need to utilize alternate routes during this period if possible.
If you have any questions, please call the Engineering Department at 624-0820, ext. 530.
Joplin Police Department arrests Nov. 26-27
Benjamin David Boatwright, 21, Ozark, driving while suspended, stealing, trespassing
Cody Rae Bailey, 28, bench warrant
Desire Marie Anaya, 17, Joplin, bench warrant (2)
Brittany Nichole Sumagpang, 28, Joplin, bench warrant
Linda Charlene Keener, 71, Joplin, bench warrant
Jacobb Opie-Taylor Lake, 29, Joplin, fugitive from out of state
Bill Forrest Backus, 40, Seneca, bench warrant
Sean Michael Farley, 43, Joplin, disturbing the peace
Shanon A. Seward, Joplin, domestic assault
Freedom D. Grube, 35, Joplin, disturbing the peace
Mitchell Lee Simpson, 20, Duquesne, state license plates required, driving while suspended, no proof of financial responsibility, other city warrant
Timothy G. Marcum, 55, Joplin, domestic assault
Ashley Nicole Parker, 28, Joplin, failure to appear (2)
Cody Rae Bailey, 28, bench warrant
Desire Marie Anaya, 17, Joplin, bench warrant (2)
Brittany Nichole Sumagpang, 28, Joplin, bench warrant
Linda Charlene Keener, 71, Joplin, bench warrant
Jacobb Opie-Taylor Lake, 29, Joplin, fugitive from out of state
Bill Forrest Backus, 40, Seneca, bench warrant
Sean Michael Farley, 43, Joplin, disturbing the peace
Shanon A. Seward, Joplin, domestic assault
Freedom D. Grube, 35, Joplin, disturbing the peace
Mitchell Lee Simpson, 20, Duquesne, state license plates required, driving while suspended, no proof of financial responsibility, other city warrant
Timothy G. Marcum, 55, Joplin, domestic assault
Ashley Nicole Parker, 28, Joplin, failure to appear (2)
Tuesday, November 26, 2013
Applications available for Joplin Housing Rehabilitation Program
(From City of Joplin)
The City of Joplin is opening another one of its Community Development Block Grant – Disaster Recovery (CDBG-DR) programs, the Joplin Housing Rehabilitation Program. The City will have program applications available starting Monday, November 25, 2013 for those nonprofit organizations that are interested in applying for funding to conduct rehabilitation of single-family owner-occupied residences in the tornado-affected area. Applications are available at the 4th Floor of City Hall located at 602 S. Main Street, Joplin and will be due by 5 p.m. on December 31, 2013.
The City will also host two stakeholder meetings for those nonprofit organizations that may be interested in applying. The meetings will provide information about the program and allow potential applicants to ask questions. The two meetings will cover identical material, thus organizations need only attend one of these options. The meetings will be held on Wednesday, December 4 at 2 p.m. and on Thursday, December 5 at 9 a.m. Both meetings will be held in the 5th Floor Study of City Hall. Nonprofit organizations who are considering participating in this program are encouraged to attend this stakeholder meeting to learn more about this additional program to advance housing recovery in the City of Joplin.
For more information contact Jonathan Raiche at the City of Joplin, 417-624-0820, ext. 572. If you are in need of disability related auxiliary aids or services, please contact the City Clerk’s office at 417-624-0820, ext. 220. Forty-eight (48) hour notice is necessary to make arrangements for the aids or services.
Independence senator slaps down Chris Nicastro
State Sen. Paul LeVota, D-Independence, released the following statement in response to recent allegations that the state’s education commissioner assisted and advised an initiative petition group in crafting a ballot proposal to end tenure protections for teachers:
“As an advocate for open government and strong public schools, I am concerned by reports of favoritism and collusion with corporate special interests by the commissioner. Whether it rises to the level of a Sunshine Law violation is not yet clear, but I am disappointed, as we expect our state's highest-ranking school official to both comply with the law and, more importantly, be a model of good conduct for students across the state.We are all servants of the people—any proposed changes to public schools should be done in the light of day with the oversight of the elected representatives of Missouri’s citizens. Wealthy interest groups want to implement sweeping, unproven changes to our schools. Unelected officials, such as the commissioner, cannot be allowed to game the system, hiding the real consequences of those changes from parents, students, taxpayers, teachers, and legislators.”
Tornado shelters available for 24-hour care facilities
(From City of Joplin)
• Local and County Governmental Entities
• Mobile Home Parks
• Facilities providing 24-hour care for at-risk populations (i.e. nursing homes, group homes for elderly or developmentally disabled, etc.)
• Facilities providing less than 24-hour care for higher risk populations (i.e. daycares, preschools, schools, etc.)
• Other Non-Residential Facilities
The City of Joplin acquired 16 temporary tornado shelters, from the State of Missouri through Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA). These shelters were part of the housing assistance program for residents affected by the 2011 disaster, and were located across from the Joplin Regional Airport. The City of Joplin proposed a plan to FEMA and the State of Missouri several months ago to make these shelters available based on a priority list. The priority list is shown below and will be available to these categories within the City of Joplin and the City of Duquesne through an application process. These shelters are rated for a capacity of 32-34 people. Therefore, these shelters are for commercial use, rather than residential use.
• Local and County Governmental Entities
• Mobile Home Parks
• Facilities providing 24-hour care for at-risk populations (i.e. nursing homes, group homes for elderly or developmentally disabled, etc.)
• Facilities providing less than 24-hour care for higher risk populations (i.e. daycares, preschools, schools, etc.)
• Other Non-Residential Facilities
The City of Joplin established a process to take applications for the tornado shelters one category at a time for a period of 30 days from entities within Joplin and the City of Duquesne. If there are fewer applications than shelters in a category, those entities will be granted the shelter.
The City will then accept applications for the remaining tornado shelters in the next category for a period of 30 days. At the point where applications exceed the number of remaining shelters, a drawing will be used to determine which entities will receive the remaining shelters. If there are shelters remaining after all categories are exhausted within Joplin and Duquesne, the City will offer the shelters based on the same priority list to entities outside the City of Joplin. Due to the limited number of shelters, the City can’t guarantee that more than one shelter per applicant will be awarded.
The City is now accepting applications for Facilities providing 24-hour care or less than 24-hour care for at-risk population (i.e. nursing homes, group homes for elderly or developmentally disabled, daycares, etc.) inside Joplin and Duquesne. The deadline is December 23rd at 5:00 p.m. These shelters are rated for a capacity of 32-34 people.
The applicant will be responsible to pay and move the shelter from the current location at the airport site to its final destination, as well as for all installation costs. The City has estimated that it will cost approximately $9,000 per shelter to move and install. However, this is an estimate and the costs could be different, depending on circumstances.
If you have questions or need additional information, please contact Leslie Haase, Finance Director at 624-0820 ext. 251.
Big Nickel, Carthage Press, Neosho Daily owner emerges from bankruptcy
(From GateHouse Media)
GateHouse Media, Inc. and certain of its subsidiaries (collectively, "GateHouse"), comprising one of the largest publishers of locally based print and online media in the United States, have emerged from prepackaged chapter 11 bankruptcy proceedings in the United States Bankruptcy Court for the District of Delaware with a substantially de-levered balance sheet.
GateHouse commenced chapter 11 cases on September 27, 2013, with the unanimous support of its existing lenders to implement a comprehensive restructuring of approximately $1.2 billion of debt that was scheduled to come due in August 2014. Upon its emergence from chapter 11, GateHouse is now owned by New Media Investment Group Inc. ("New Media"), and is under common ownership with Local Media Group, Inc. ("Local Media Group"), a company with a strong community media presence and performance that operates eight daily community newspapers and thirteen weeklies. According to Michael Reed, Director and Chief Executive Officer of GateHouse, the bankruptcy filing was a strategic decision to facilitate this restructuring, and GateHouse was able to continue operations while in chapter 11 without disruption.
"GateHouse's plan effected a 'balance-sheet restructuring' and allowed GateHouse to emerge from bankruptcy with much less debt on its balance sheet and with its business operations completely intact. Joining with Local Media Group is an important step in growing the GateHouse business and will contribute to GateHouse's future success as the pre-eminent source for locally focused content, covering and serving our subscribers, advertisers and customers through print, online and other digital products, including mobile applications."
Pension, trade and all other unsecured creditors of GateHouse were not impaired under the prepackaged plan, and the votes of such unsecured creditors were not solicited. GateHouse's secured lenders, whose debt was cancelled under the plan, received, at their election, shares in New Media or a 40% cash distribution, and the publicly traded shares of GateHouse have been cancelled, with the holders of those shares receiving warrants for New Media stock.
Houlihan Lokey Capital Inc. acted as financial advisor to GateHouse, and Young Conaway Stargatt & Taylor, LLP acted as its legal counsel. Additional information is available at GateHouse's restructuring website at http://dm.epiq11.com/gatehousemedia.
About GateHouse Media, Inc.
GateHouse Media, Inc., headquartered in Fairport, New York, is one of the largest publishers of locally based print and online media in the United States as measured by its 78 daily publications. GateHouse Media, Inc. currently serves local audiences of approximately 10 million per week across 21 states through hundreds of community publications and local websites.
In the Joplin area, GateHouse Media owns the Carthage Press, Neosho Daily News, Pittsburg Morning Sun, Big Nickel, Greenfield Vedette, and Aurora Advertiser.
Missouri Southern, Crowder form honors program partnership
(From Southern News Service)
A partnership between the Honors Programs at Missouri Southern State University and Crowder College was formalized today during a ceremony held in Billingsly Student Center at Missouri Southern.
The partnership between the two programs will allow students in Crowder’s Honors Program to transition into Missouri Southern’s program as juniors.
Dr. Michael Howarth, director of the Honors Program at Missouri Southern, and Suzanne Puckett, coordinator of Crowder’s program, believe the partnership will result in a smooth transition for students.
“I’m thrilled to be a part of this partnership with Crowder College, and to welcome Crowder’s Honors students to Missouri Southern,” said Howarth. “Not only will this agreement build a stronger partnership between our two schools, it will also aid in a smoother transition for Honors students. By ensuring that Crowder students understand which courses will and will not transfer to MSSU’s Honors Program, we are helping to save them time and money.”
“This is a natural transition for our students as they continue the highly rigorous academic requirements of both Honors programs,” said Puckett.
Members announced for MSSU presidential search committee
Twelve members of the campus and community have been appointed to serve on the committee that will guide the search for the next president at Missouri Southern State University.
Members of the committee, which will be co-chaired by Board of Governors members Dr. Sherry Buchanan and Richard Walter, are:
· Aaron Baker, Rogers, Ark., representing MSSU alumni.
· Rob O’Brian, Joplin, representing the community.
· Chris D. Churchwell, Joplin, representing the Missouri Southern Foundation.
· Doug Crandall, Joplin, representing the community.
· Judy Day, Neosho, representing the community.
· Chris Dumm, Joplin, representing the Lionbackers.
· Raymond Dunaway, Galena, Kan., representing the MSSU student body.
· Dr. Joy Dworkin, Joplin, representing the MSSU faculty.
· Darren Fullerton, Joplin, representing the MSSU administration.
· Alicia Hughes, Joplin, representing the MSSU staff.
· Dr. Charles McGinty, Joplin, representing the community.
· Dr. Chad Stebbins, Joplin, representing the MSSU faculty.
During the Board of Governors meeting on Jan. 17, the committee will formally receive its charge, said Buchanan.
The committee will also hear a report on the public focus groups set for 3 to 4 p.m. Tuesday, Dec. 3, and 11 a.m. to noon Wednesday, Dec. 4, in Connor Ballroom at Billingsly Student Center. The focus groups will consider questions such as what the vision should be for the university, and what skills, traits and experience Missouri Southern should look for in a new president.
The committee is expected to convene for the first time in late January.
“The Board of Governors recognizes this search is one of the most important things we can do, and we appreciate the committee’s help in moving forward,” said Buchanan.
Seasonal selections featured in three upcoming concerts
(From Southern News Service)
Three upcoming concerts featuring musicians and vocalists from Missouri Southern State University will help the community get into the holiday spirit. From big band to Mozart, the concerts – which are free and open to the public – will offer a wide variety of musical selections, including seasonal favorites.
Swingin’ Holiday Show
The Southern Jazz Orchestra will present the annual Swingin’ Holiday Show at 7:3o p.m. Tuesday, Dec. 3, in Corley Auditorium in Webster Hall.
The concert will feature traditional big band selections and holiday favorites. Jessie Pendergraft will be the guest vocalist.
Seasonal Choral Flourish
The fourth annual Seasonal Choral Flourish will be presented at 7:30 p.m. Friday, Dec. 6, at First Community Church, 2007 E. 15th St.
The concert, presented by the Missouri Southern Music Department, will include performances by the Concert Chorale, Jazz Unlimited and the Chamber Singers.
Dr. David Sharlow, assistant professor of music, said the concert will include a variety of music, centered around “fun arrangements of holiday favorites.”
The annual concert has traditionally been held at St. Peter the Apostle Church, but due to restoration work, it has been moved to First Community Church.
Choral Society Concert
The annual MSSU Choral Society Concert will be offered at 3 p.m. Sunday, Dec. 8, at First Baptist Church, 102 N. Roane Ave., Webb City.
The choir will feature Irving Berlin selections from the film “White Christmas,” including “Count Your Blessings Instead of Sheep,” “Blue Skies,” “Sisters,” “The Best Things Happen When You’re Dancing” and the movie’s title song. Additional selections will include Mozart’s “Praise the Lord, Be Joyful” and “O Little Town of Bethlehem,” which will feature organ accompanist Eleanor McLemore. “The Christmas Cantata” will feature narration by Gayle Tuck.
Soloists for the concert will include Kathi Cassidy, Albert Johnson, Lexi Maliszewski, Annette Nethery and Linda Simmons.
Joplin Police Department arrests Nov. 25-26
Hunter Charles Smith, 22, Joplin, domestic assault
Arnold Gene Sills Jr., 54, Joplin, parole violation
Caitlyn Drake, 18, Carthage, larceny
Kylie Kay Lewsader, 18, Republic, larceny
Michelle Diane Hendrix, 40, Joplin, driving while intoxicated
Jody Lee Hendrick, 42, Joplin, other city warrant
Elza Oda Burkhalter, Jr., 51, driving while suspended, speeding
Jennifer Nichole White, 35, Joplin, no valid driver's license, state license plates required
Carissa R. Woods, 20, Webb City, failed to comply with police officer's request
Zachery Morgan Prickett, 18, Joplin, failure to appear (2)
Carl D. Moore, 24, Joplin, failed to comply with request by police officer
Donovan T. Haefele, 23, Joplin, driving while suspended, no proof of financial responsibility
Shyla Lynn Lawrence, 37, Joplin, failure to appear
William R. Tremble, 41, Joplin, assault, domestic assault
Howard Noramn Huisenga, 57, Joplin, driving while suspended, driving while intoxicated
Jennifer Lee Davis, 28, Joplin, possession of controlled substance, possession of drug paraphernalia
Thomas Jerome Patterson, 48, failure to appear (2)
Melanie Estelle Reed, 34, Joplin, failure to appear
Lewis Benjamin Jennings, 27, Baltimore City, Mass., trespassing
Jackie D. Camper Jr., 32, failure to appear (2)
Charles John Smart, 29, Joplin, driving while suspended
Arnold Gene Sills Jr., 54, Joplin, parole violation
Caitlyn Drake, 18, Carthage, larceny
Kylie Kay Lewsader, 18, Republic, larceny
Michelle Diane Hendrix, 40, Joplin, driving while intoxicated
Jody Lee Hendrick, 42, Joplin, other city warrant
Elza Oda Burkhalter, Jr., 51, driving while suspended, speeding
Jennifer Nichole White, 35, Joplin, no valid driver's license, state license plates required
Carissa R. Woods, 20, Webb City, failed to comply with police officer's request
Zachery Morgan Prickett, 18, Joplin, failure to appear (2)
Carl D. Moore, 24, Joplin, failed to comply with request by police officer
Donovan T. Haefele, 23, Joplin, driving while suspended, no proof of financial responsibility
Shyla Lynn Lawrence, 37, Joplin, failure to appear
William R. Tremble, 41, Joplin, assault, domestic assault
Howard Noramn Huisenga, 57, Joplin, driving while suspended, driving while intoxicated
Jennifer Lee Davis, 28, Joplin, possession of controlled substance, possession of drug paraphernalia
Thomas Jerome Patterson, 48, failure to appear (2)
Melanie Estelle Reed, 34, Joplin, failure to appear
Lewis Benjamin Jennings, 27, Baltimore City, Mass., trespassing
Jackie D. Camper Jr., 32, failure to appear (2)
Charles John Smart, 29, Joplin, driving while suspended
Monday, November 25, 2013
"Hansel and Gretel" to be performed Dec. 7 and 8 at MSSU
Southern Theatre and Show-Me Celebration Company will present “Hansel and Gretel’s Christmas Adventure” at 2:30 p.m. Saturday, Dec. 7, and Sunday, Dec. 8, in Taylor Performing Arts Center on the campus of Missouri Southern State University.
Hansel and Gretel’s family have no food or presents for Christmas Eve. Hansel hatches a plan to raise some money to surprise their father. When they go into the forest to gather mistletoe and sticks, they run into a lost elf from the North Pole. That is where their adventure begins, as they meet other colorful characters along the way. They even get to meet old St. Nick!
The play is written and directed by Lyndall Burrow.
Admission is $1 for adults and 50 cents for children 12 and under.
The Southern Theatre box office will be open from 9 a.m. to 3 p.m. Monday through Friday, Dec. 6. For reservations, call the box office at 417-625-3190. To purchase tickets online, go to www.mssu.edu/ticket-office.
For theater production information, contact MSSU’s Theatre Department at 417-6259393. For accommodations related to a disability, contact Terri Spencer at 417-625-9393 at least 72 hours before the performance.
Cutline:
(From left) Devri Brock, Mollie Sanders and Cameron Lopez are among the cast members featured in Southern Theatre’s production of “Hansel and Gretel’s Christmas Adventure.”
The cast for “Hansel and Gretel’s Christmas Adventure” features:
KANSAS
IndependenceJackie Webb – Junior theater/music major
Sean Botts – Freshman theater major
Sean Botts – Freshman theater major
Neodesha
Abby Railsback – Senior theater major
Cameron Lopez – Freshman theater major
Abby Railsback – Senior theater major
Cameron Lopez – Freshman theater major
MISSOURI
Carl Junction
Devri Brock – Senior theater major
Joplin
Kelly Campbell – Junior psychology major
Christy Hernandez – Junior theater major
Sydney Holtsman – Junior theater major
Mollie Sanders – Junior theater major
Joplin Police Department weekend arrests
Amber Ruth Joerns, 25, driving while intoxicated, bench warrant (2)
Tiffany Dawn Walker, 28, stealing felony
Matthew J. Bolden, 37, Carl Junction, possession of a controlled substance
Troy L. Drury, 36, Webb City, failure to appear (4)
Lloyd Claiborne, 42, Overland Park, Kan. driving while intoxicated
Abby Keller, 21, Joplin, domestic assault
Janice L. Keller, 51, Joplin, possession of marijuana
Clifford R. Trewin, 36, Joplin, possession of drug paraphernalia, failure to appear
John C. Harbaugh II, 31, Joplin, other city warrant
Samantha J. Heine, 28, Joplin, other city warrant
Jessica Lynn Hull, 31, Joplin, other city warrant
Jose Mireles, 17, Joplin, possession of marijuana, trespassing, defective lighting
Justin Allen Deal, 24, Joplin, possession of drug paraphernalia, failure to appear
Jessica L. Garrison, 30, Webb City, possession of drug paraphernalia, delivering item prohibited in jail by law
Etta M. Smith, 32, Vinita, Okla., driving while intoxicated
Michael R. Perry, 65, Joplin, driving while suspended
Alex James MacDowall, 21, Joplin, failure to appear (3)
Tiffany Dawn Walker, 28, Joplin, stealing felony
Devin M. L. Carver, 26, Joplin, possession of marijuana, possession of drug paraphernalia
Angela Kay Cashero, 33, Joplin, driving while suspended
Dianne L. Ebbs, 54, Joplin, domestic assault
Bobbie G. Ebbs, 32, Joplin, domestic assault
Melinda Rae Owens, 28, Joplin, domestic assault
Joshua Andrew Smith, 24, Joplin, driving while intoxicated, failure to stop at steady red signal
John Kelly Lee, 32, Joplin, probation violation
Travis A. Skelton, 39, Duquesne, obstruction, possession of drug paraphernalia
Thaddeus Dean Blair, 18, Joplin, larceny/shoplifting
Veronica L. Bailey, 52, Joplin, failure to appear
Quincy O. Jackson, 30, Joplin, failure to appear
Jeffery Wade Landsaw, 47, Joplin, domestic assault
James F. Summers, 49, Webb City, obstruction, no proof of financial responsibility, public consumption
Joe Adam Pittman, 29, Joplin, driving while suspended
Charles E. Cates, 42, Joplin, driving while suspected
Matthew David Dunn, 29, Joplin, driving while suspended, no proof of financial responsibility, public consumption
Megan R. Kress, 25, Asbury, distribution of a controlled substance in public housing, possession of drug paraphernalia
Brittany M. Schaeffer, 24, Joplin, domestic assault, failure to appear
Tyson Ryder Begas, 22, Joplin, possession of a controlled substance
Thomas Fancies Leto, 31, St. Louis, trespassing, disturbing the peace
Auberena Kelsey, 54, Joplin, failure to appear
Marvin J. Livingston, 51, Joplin, fugitive from out of state
Aleisha Maureen Edwards, 32, Frontenac, Kan., stealing felony
Lucas Sheldon Slankard, 19, Joplin, possession of drug paraphernalia, driving while suspended
John L. Melendez, 47, Joplin, other city warrant
Shaun D. Young, 49, Neosho, driving while suspended, no proof of financial responsibility
Cicero Courtney, Jr., 49, Joplin, domestic assault (2), trespassing
Wanda L. Clark, 45, Joplin, domestic assault
Darrell Joseph Paul Wright-Robertson II, 19, Joplin, possession of marijuana, resisting arrest, minor in possession
Michael TD Wright-Robertson, 18, Vinita, Okla., excessive noise, resisting arrest, minor in possession
Clayton James Flowers, 20, Joplin, excessive noise, resisting arrest
Josh A. Biastock, 27, Carl Junction, driving while suspended, improper lane usage
Stephanie L. Tuggle, 42, Joplin, domestic assault
Zachariah A. Malcom, 26, Joplin, failure to appear (3)
Nikkol Alexis Lambrecht, 28, Joplin, failure to appear
Kailyn Deric Nutting, 24, Seneca, speeding, driving while intoxicated
Richard Glen Owens, 34, Goodman, failure to yield to an emergency vehicle, driving while suspended, failure to appear
Stefan Karl Klute, 23, Carl Junction, driving while intoxicated
Steven A. Boles, 24, Carthgae, driving while intoxicated, failure to stop at steady red signal, failure to yield to am emergency vehicle
Jackie R. Killstadt, 36, Joplin, failure to appear
Santiago Montes, 45, no proof of financial responsibility, driving while suspended
Kimberly S. Mensink, 34, Joplin, other city warrant
Jesse Roland Mills, 35, Joplin, failure to appear, bench warrant (2)
Michael E. Phillips, 44, Webb City, failure to appear
James P. Summers, 49, Webb City, failure to appear
Jermaine Waterford-Kelly, Joplin, assault, failure to comply with request by police officer
Angela Marie Gilmore-Hammon, 36, Joplin, larceny/shoplifting, possessoin of controlled substance, possession of drug paraphernalia
Hayden N. Beasley, 18, Webb City, possession of marijuana, no valid driver's license
Howard L. Covey, 48, Joplin, possession of drug paraphernalia, solicitation by stopping cars for money
Rebecca S. Gonzalez, 35, Joplin, possession of controlled substance
Charles M. Pease, 28, Joplin, bench warrant, failure to appear (3)
Gabriel Thomas Tover, 25, Joplin, driving while suspended
Irmarie Dolz Maldonado, 19, Joplin, other city warrant (2)
Sunshine B. Shultz, 31, Joplin, no valid driver's license
Merideth Jane Houk, 19, Neosho, failure to appear (2) other city warrant, possession of marijuana, driving while suspended
Eric Z. Madden, 26, Pineville, driving while intoxicated, circumvention of an interlock device
Ryan M. Mendenhall, 21, Joplin, other city warrant (2)
Micah G. Harris, 24, Neosho, possession of marijuana, loitering
John Edwards, 51, Joplin, no valid driver's license
Meredith Anne Gould, 35, Joplin, other city warrant
Angela Lynn McCall, 33, Joplin, possession of drug paraphernalia
Justin Lee Page, 31, Carterville, bench warrant, other city warrant, deliver/possession/manufacture with intent to deliver drug paraphernalia
Alyssa Beth White, 19, Joplin, obstruction, failure to appear (7), bench warrant, county misdemenaor warrant
Susan Anne Miller, 60, Joplin, driving while suspended
Nikkol Alexis Lambrecht, 28, Joplin, county misdemeanor warrant (2)
Tiffany Dawn Walker, 28, stealing felony
Matthew J. Bolden, 37, Carl Junction, possession of a controlled substance
Troy L. Drury, 36, Webb City, failure to appear (4)
Lloyd Claiborne, 42, Overland Park, Kan. driving while intoxicated
Abby Keller, 21, Joplin, domestic assault
Janice L. Keller, 51, Joplin, possession of marijuana
Clifford R. Trewin, 36, Joplin, possession of drug paraphernalia, failure to appear
John C. Harbaugh II, 31, Joplin, other city warrant
Samantha J. Heine, 28, Joplin, other city warrant
Jessica Lynn Hull, 31, Joplin, other city warrant
Jose Mireles, 17, Joplin, possession of marijuana, trespassing, defective lighting
Justin Allen Deal, 24, Joplin, possession of drug paraphernalia, failure to appear
Jessica L. Garrison, 30, Webb City, possession of drug paraphernalia, delivering item prohibited in jail by law
Etta M. Smith, 32, Vinita, Okla., driving while intoxicated
Michael R. Perry, 65, Joplin, driving while suspended
Alex James MacDowall, 21, Joplin, failure to appear (3)
Tiffany Dawn Walker, 28, Joplin, stealing felony
Devin M. L. Carver, 26, Joplin, possession of marijuana, possession of drug paraphernalia
Angela Kay Cashero, 33, Joplin, driving while suspended
Dianne L. Ebbs, 54, Joplin, domestic assault
Bobbie G. Ebbs, 32, Joplin, domestic assault
Melinda Rae Owens, 28, Joplin, domestic assault
Joshua Andrew Smith, 24, Joplin, driving while intoxicated, failure to stop at steady red signal
John Kelly Lee, 32, Joplin, probation violation
Travis A. Skelton, 39, Duquesne, obstruction, possession of drug paraphernalia
Thaddeus Dean Blair, 18, Joplin, larceny/shoplifting
Veronica L. Bailey, 52, Joplin, failure to appear
Quincy O. Jackson, 30, Joplin, failure to appear
Jeffery Wade Landsaw, 47, Joplin, domestic assault
James F. Summers, 49, Webb City, obstruction, no proof of financial responsibility, public consumption
Joe Adam Pittman, 29, Joplin, driving while suspended
Charles E. Cates, 42, Joplin, driving while suspected
Matthew David Dunn, 29, Joplin, driving while suspended, no proof of financial responsibility, public consumption
Megan R. Kress, 25, Asbury, distribution of a controlled substance in public housing, possession of drug paraphernalia
Brittany M. Schaeffer, 24, Joplin, domestic assault, failure to appear
Tyson Ryder Begas, 22, Joplin, possession of a controlled substance
Thomas Fancies Leto, 31, St. Louis, trespassing, disturbing the peace
Auberena Kelsey, 54, Joplin, failure to appear
Marvin J. Livingston, 51, Joplin, fugitive from out of state
Aleisha Maureen Edwards, 32, Frontenac, Kan., stealing felony
Lucas Sheldon Slankard, 19, Joplin, possession of drug paraphernalia, driving while suspended
John L. Melendez, 47, Joplin, other city warrant
Shaun D. Young, 49, Neosho, driving while suspended, no proof of financial responsibility
Cicero Courtney, Jr., 49, Joplin, domestic assault (2), trespassing
Wanda L. Clark, 45, Joplin, domestic assault
Darrell Joseph Paul Wright-Robertson II, 19, Joplin, possession of marijuana, resisting arrest, minor in possession
Michael TD Wright-Robertson, 18, Vinita, Okla., excessive noise, resisting arrest, minor in possession
Clayton James Flowers, 20, Joplin, excessive noise, resisting arrest
Josh A. Biastock, 27, Carl Junction, driving while suspended, improper lane usage
Stephanie L. Tuggle, 42, Joplin, domestic assault
Zachariah A. Malcom, 26, Joplin, failure to appear (3)
Nikkol Alexis Lambrecht, 28, Joplin, failure to appear
Kailyn Deric Nutting, 24, Seneca, speeding, driving while intoxicated
Richard Glen Owens, 34, Goodman, failure to yield to an emergency vehicle, driving while suspended, failure to appear
Stefan Karl Klute, 23, Carl Junction, driving while intoxicated
Steven A. Boles, 24, Carthgae, driving while intoxicated, failure to stop at steady red signal, failure to yield to am emergency vehicle
Jackie R. Killstadt, 36, Joplin, failure to appear
Santiago Montes, 45, no proof of financial responsibility, driving while suspended
Kimberly S. Mensink, 34, Joplin, other city warrant
Jesse Roland Mills, 35, Joplin, failure to appear, bench warrant (2)
Michael E. Phillips, 44, Webb City, failure to appear
James P. Summers, 49, Webb City, failure to appear
Jermaine Waterford-Kelly, Joplin, assault, failure to comply with request by police officer
Angela Marie Gilmore-Hammon, 36, Joplin, larceny/shoplifting, possessoin of controlled substance, possession of drug paraphernalia
Hayden N. Beasley, 18, Webb City, possession of marijuana, no valid driver's license
Howard L. Covey, 48, Joplin, possession of drug paraphernalia, solicitation by stopping cars for money
Rebecca S. Gonzalez, 35, Joplin, possession of controlled substance
Charles M. Pease, 28, Joplin, bench warrant, failure to appear (3)
Gabriel Thomas Tover, 25, Joplin, driving while suspended
Irmarie Dolz Maldonado, 19, Joplin, other city warrant (2)
Sunshine B. Shultz, 31, Joplin, no valid driver's license
Merideth Jane Houk, 19, Neosho, failure to appear (2) other city warrant, possession of marijuana, driving while suspended
Eric Z. Madden, 26, Pineville, driving while intoxicated, circumvention of an interlock device
Ryan M. Mendenhall, 21, Joplin, other city warrant (2)
Micah G. Harris, 24, Neosho, possession of marijuana, loitering
John Edwards, 51, Joplin, no valid driver's license
Meredith Anne Gould, 35, Joplin, other city warrant
Angela Lynn McCall, 33, Joplin, possession of drug paraphernalia
Justin Lee Page, 31, Carterville, bench warrant, other city warrant, deliver/possession/manufacture with intent to deliver drug paraphernalia
Alyssa Beth White, 19, Joplin, obstruction, failure to appear (7), bench warrant, county misdemenaor warrant
Susan Anne Miller, 60, Joplin, driving while suspended
Nikkol Alexis Lambrecht, 28, Joplin, county misdemeanor warrant (2)
Tyler Ave. closed from 25th to 26th until Tuesday morning
(From City of Joplin)
Effective today (Monday, November 25, 2013) from 2:00 p.m. until Tuesday, November 26, 2013 at 7:30 a.m. Tyler Ave. from 25th St. to 26th St. will be closed. Crews are working on the 26th Street Widening Project.
Effective tomorrow Tuesday, November 26, 2013 from 8:00 a.m. until 5:00 p.m., the outside northbound lane of Main St. will be closed between 5th St. and 6th St. Crews will be working on the Frisco Building. Drivers are urged to use extreme caution in these areas and will need to utilize alternate routes during this period if possible.
If you have any questions, please call the Engineering Department at 624-0820, ext. 530.
Effective today (Monday, November 25, 2013) from 2:00 p.m. until Tuesday, November 26, 2013 at 7:30 a.m. Tyler Ave. from 25th St. to 26th St. will be closed. Crews are working on the 26th Street Widening Project.
Effective tomorrow Tuesday, November 26, 2013 from 8:00 a.m. until 5:00 p.m., the outside northbound lane of Main St. will be closed between 5th St. and 6th St. Crews will be working on the Frisco Building. Drivers are urged to use extreme caution in these areas and will need to utilize alternate routes during this period if possible.
If you have any questions, please call the Engineering Department at 624-0820, ext. 530.
Electrical short causes fire at 1216 E. Central
(From the Joplin Fire Department)
The Joplin Fire Department responded to a reported structure fire at 1216 E Central at 7:45 AM Sunday, November 24, 2013. Fire crews arrived on the scene at 7:48 AM to find smoke showing from the roof of a single family dwelling. All occupants were out of the house and stated the fire was in the back part of the attic. Access to the fire was made difficult by the presence of a second roof over the drop ceiling. There was extensive fire, smoke and water damage to the house, to the point of being unlivable. The fire was called under control at 8:26 AM and out at 9:31 AM. Crews stayed on scene until 12:45 PM.
The house is owned by Larry Hunt and occupied by Mr. John Jordan.
Five fire vehicles and 17 firefighters responded to the scene, along with JPD, and METS. The ARC was also on scene for the displaced family. There were no injuries at the scene.
The cause of the fire was determined to be an electrical short in the attic.
The Joplin Fire Department responded to a reported structure fire at 1216 E Central at 7:45 AM Sunday, November 24, 2013. Fire crews arrived on the scene at 7:48 AM to find smoke showing from the roof of a single family dwelling. All occupants were out of the house and stated the fire was in the back part of the attic. Access to the fire was made difficult by the presence of a second roof over the drop ceiling. There was extensive fire, smoke and water damage to the house, to the point of being unlivable. The fire was called under control at 8:26 AM and out at 9:31 AM. Crews stayed on scene until 12:45 PM.
The house is owned by Larry Hunt and occupied by Mr. John Jordan.
Five fire vehicles and 17 firefighters responded to the scene, along with JPD, and METS. The ARC was also on scene for the displaced family. There were no injuries at the scene.
The cause of the fire was determined to be an electrical short in the attic.
Sunday, November 24, 2013
Saturday, November 23, 2013
Black Friday Week starts Monday at Always Buying Books
Black Friday Week begins Monday at Always Buying Books in Joplin.
It's an all-store sale with items priced at up to 50 percent off.
The sale includes gift certificate specials, tables of Christmas gift ideas and stocking stuffers.
Two customers each day will receive copies of Angling in the Archives, the book collection of Joplin Globe news from a half century ago.
The store is open from 9 to 6 p.m. Monday, Tuesday, Wednesday, and Friday of this week and 9 to 5 p.m. Saturday. It will be closed Thanksgiving.
Copies of Randy Turner's books, 5:41: Stories from the Joplin Tornado, Spirit of Hope: The Year after the Joplin Tornado, Scars from the Tornado: One Year at Joplin East Middle School, No Child Left Alive, Newspaper Days, The Turner Report, and Small Town News, are also available.
For more information, call 417-781-1720.
It's an all-store sale with items priced at up to 50 percent off.
The sale includes gift certificate specials, tables of Christmas gift ideas and stocking stuffers.
Two customers each day will receive copies of Angling in the Archives, the book collection of Joplin Globe news from a half century ago.
The store is open from 9 to 6 p.m. Monday, Tuesday, Wednesday, and Friday of this week and 9 to 5 p.m. Saturday. It will be closed Thanksgiving.
Copies of Randy Turner's books, 5:41: Stories from the Joplin Tornado, Spirit of Hope: The Year after the Joplin Tornado, Scars from the Tornado: One Year at Joplin East Middle School, No Child Left Alive, Newspaper Days, The Turner Report, and Small Town News, are also available.
For more information, call 417-781-1720.
Friday, November 22, 2013
Joplin High School laptop program wins award from company that makes the computers
Joplin Schools is pleased to announce that Joplin High School has been recognized as an Apple Distinguished School for 2013 through 2015 for its one-to-one laptop initiative. The initiative focuses on access to technology, collaboration, instruction, and professional development. Every teacher and student at the high school has access to his or her own MacBook and a wealth of online resources. Collaboration between teachers, district staff, and the community helped to create a project-based, technology-rich curriculum that encourages curiosity, exploration, and real-world application of learning. Support and tools for teachers include coaching staff, online instructional resources, and ongoing personalized professional development.
The Apple Distinguished School designation is reserved for programs that meet criteria for innovation, leadership, and educational excellence and demonstrate a clear vision of exemplary learning environments.
“After the May 22, 2011 disaster that destroyed so many of our schools and so much of our community, we made a commitment to come back better than we were before,” said Joplin Schools Superintendent Dr. C.J. Huff. “This recognition shows that we are one step closer to keeping that promise. Despite the challenges of the last two-and-a-half years, the selection of Joplin High School as an Apple Distinguished School highlights our success in creating an innovative and compelling learning environment that engages students and provides tangible evidence of academic accomplishment.”
In classrooms throughout the high school, teachers use technology to improve learning and enhance instruction. The result: engaged and excited students who are no longer bound by the four walls of a classroom. Examples can be seen daily across disciplines. Students in a fashion design class Skype™ with an organization in Ghana to learn about a design project that uses recycled materials to provide school bags to children. The students then create their own fashions from recycled materials and host a fashion show for their fellow classmates. Students in an English class share what they are learning about local history by creating a community website that showcases their articles, photographs, and videos. Students in a math class watch online videos featuring real-world situations and then determine resolutions to obstacles they observe through formulas.
“Our goal is to prepare students for life after high school through relevant, real-world learning supported by technology in a safe and responsible environment,” said Klista Rader, director of information and implementation technology for Joplin Schools. “We’re excited about this designation because it recognizes our efforts as a district and a community to be innovative in our approach to improving learning and academic achievement. We want to help our students become responsible digital citizens ready for advanced training, college, or career.”
Joplin High School, located in Joplin, Mo., serves 2,100 students in grades 9 through 12. The only public high school in Joplin, JHS is fully accredited by the AdvancED/North Central Association of Schools and Colleges and by the Missouri Department of Elementary and Secondary Education (DESE) and is a designated A+ School of Excellence.
On May 22, 2011, the high school was among thousands of structures destroyed in Joplin by an EF-5 tornado. The school is currently split into two temporary campuses, the JHS 9-10 Campus and the JHS 11-12 Campus. A new high school, currently under construction and scheduled to open in August 2014, will bring students back together. The new school will feature flexible learning spaces and design elements that support the 21st Century learning model of collaboration, digital literacy, critical thinking, and problem solving. Learn more at www.joplinschools.org/operationrisingeagle.
JHS grad's scientific research published in scholarly journal
Joplin High School 2013 graduate Victoria Thompson has already had her own scientific research published in a prestigious scholarly journal.
Her project "Analyzing the Effect of Music on Memory in a 21st Century Learning Environment" was a year-long investigation in conjunction with JHS Teacher Nathan Mutic's Science Research Class. It has been published inThe Journal of Experimental Secondary Science.
"I chose the topic because currently, at the high school, music is played between classes, and I wanted to see if there was a correlation between music and memory capabilities," said Thompson.
Thompson's experimental research involved 79 test subjects (JHS students), 3 memory tests, and ran over 2 days. She concluded that, if anything, listening to music can negatively affect memory regardless of whether the student is an introvert or extrovert. She jokes that one of the most important things she learned was that controlling a room full of high schoolers is a challenge.
All of her hard work paid off when she found out that her project was going to be published. "I actually jumped for joy the day I found out!" she said.
"The Journal has very specific rules and requirements for publication. Once you submit an article, it has to be reviewed by a team of Ph.D. and M.D. level scientists from colleges, universities, and research labs across the country," said Mutic.
She is now a freshman at Missouri Southern State University majoring in biology with an emphasis in pre-med. After completing her undergraduate studies, she plans to go to graduate school to become a pediatric oncologist.
"An accomplishment like this is a good indicator that a student has the potential to have a major impact as a leader in the scientific community later in life," said Mutic. "Victoria is now part of a very select group of highly intelligent, highly motivated, and, most importantly, diligent students."
Read her research:
Poor maintenance of furnace blamed for fire at 117 S. Byers
(From Joplin Fire Department)
The Joplin Fire Department responded to a reported Structure fire at 117 S Byers at 5:11 PM Thursday, November 21, 2013. Fire crews arrived on the scene at 5:14 PM to find a 2 story wood frame apartment complex with nothing showing. Bystanders said there was smoke coming from the basement. Crews forced entry into the basement and extinguished a small fire. Smoke was then cleared from the building using a ventilation fan.
Crews stayed on scene until 6:33 PM. The house is owned by David Cary.
Six fire vehicles and 19 firefighters responded to the scene, along with JPD. There were no injuries at the scene.
The cause of the fire was determined to be improper maintenance of a floor furnace.
The Joplin Fire Department responded to a reported Structure fire at 117 S Byers at 5:11 PM Thursday, November 21, 2013. Fire crews arrived on the scene at 5:14 PM to find a 2 story wood frame apartment complex with nothing showing. Bystanders said there was smoke coming from the basement. Crews forced entry into the basement and extinguished a small fire. Smoke was then cleared from the building using a ventilation fan.
Crews stayed on scene until 6:33 PM. The house is owned by David Cary.
Six fire vehicles and 19 firefighters responded to the scene, along with JPD. There were no injuries at the scene.
The cause of the fire was determined to be improper maintenance of a floor furnace.
5:41: Stories from the Joplin Tornado tops Amazon tornado book rankings
1. 5:41: Stories from the Joplin Tornado, Randy Turner and John Hacker 419,951
2. Miracle of the Human Spirit, Mark Rohr, 521,714
3. Joplin 5:41, Kansas City Star, 817,318
4. 32 Minutes in May, Joplin Globe 912,049
5. When the Sirens Were Silent, Mike Smith, 1,029,011
6. When the Storm Passes, Julie Jett 1,572,050
7. Spirit of Hope: The Year After the Joplin Tornado, Randy Turner and John Hacker, 1,766,909
8.5/22: Stories of Survival, Stories of Faith, Scott Hettinger, 1,809,324
9. Singing Over Me, Danielle Stammer, 2,054,935
10. Scars from the Tornado, Randy Turner, 2,056,007
11. Joplin Tornado House of Hope, Tim Bartow, 2,216,341
12. Mayday in Joplin, Donald Clugston, 2,886,189
Accused Planned Parenthood arsonist pleads not guilty
Stout was represented by a public defender during the 12-minute hearing which was held in Springfield.
Stout has admitted to law enforcement officers that he was involved, not only in the Planned Parenthood fires, but also that he was responsible for the arson fire that destroyed the Islamic Society Mosque of Joplin. At this point, no charges have been filed in that case.
The revelation about the mosque fires was first made public in a motion to hold Stout without bond filed October 21 in U. S. District Court for the Western District of Missouri.
After being advised of his Miranda rights, the defendant confessed to the attempting set fire to the Planned Parenthood facility on October 3 and 4, 2013. 9. The defendant also confessed to setting fires at the Islamic Society of Joplin’s building on July 4, 2012 and on August 7, 2012. The building was completely destroyed in the August 7, 2012 blaze.
The United States submits that there is clear and convincing evidence that there are no conditions which the Court could place on the defendant’s release which would reasonably assure the defendant’s appearance in Court and the safety of the community.
The following news release was issued today by the U. S. District for the Western District of Missouri.
Jedediah Stout, 29, was charged in a two-count indictment returned today by a federal grand jury in Springfield, Mo.Both counts of the indictment allege attempted arson at the Planned Parenthood building at 701 S. Illinois Ave. in Joplin, Mo., on Oct. 3 and 4, 2013. Today’s indictment replaces the federal criminal complaint that was filed earlier against Stout.
This remains an active, ongoing investigation. Additional information will be made available to the public when, and if, an announcement is warranted or permissible.
Federal law protects the confidentiality of grand jury proceedings; therefore, the U.S. Attorney’s Office will have no further comment regarding today’s indictment. We are prohibited by federal law from providing any information outside the public record. Department of Justice policy also precludes us from disclosing the details of a federal investigation. We cannot comment upon the status of an investigation or speculate about the outcome of an investigation.
Joplin Police Department Arrests, Nov. 21-22
Troy L. Drury, 36, Webb City, driving while suspended, failure to appear (5)
Joshua Evan Houchin, 31, Joplin, driving while suspended, failure to comply with request by police officer
Yoland Denice Smith, 29, Joplin, violated terms of ex parte full order of protection
Samantha J. Heine, 28, Joplin, public consumption, failure to appear
Erin Marie Donnelly, 31, Joplin, failure to appear
Sarina Nicole Ellis, 22, Joplin, failure to appear
Sherry M. Brooks, 47, Joplin, failure to comply with request by police officer, failure to appear
Kristi Michelle Westnedge, 43, Joplin, failure to appear
Jason Thomas Sprek, 52, Joplin, domestic assault
Amber Ruth Joerns, 25, Joplin, driving while suspended, bench warrant (2)
Tiffany Dawn Walker, 28, Joplin, stealing felony
Matthew J. Bolden, 37, Carl Junction, stealing, possession of controlled substance, sneaking contraband to a prisoner
Joshua Evan Houchin, 31, Joplin, driving while suspended, failure to comply with request by police officer
Yoland Denice Smith, 29, Joplin, violated terms of ex parte full order of protection
Samantha J. Heine, 28, Joplin, public consumption, failure to appear
Erin Marie Donnelly, 31, Joplin, failure to appear
Sarina Nicole Ellis, 22, Joplin, failure to appear
Sherry M. Brooks, 47, Joplin, failure to comply with request by police officer, failure to appear
Kristi Michelle Westnedge, 43, Joplin, failure to appear
Jason Thomas Sprek, 52, Joplin, domestic assault
Amber Ruth Joerns, 25, Joplin, driving while suspended, bench warrant (2)
Tiffany Dawn Walker, 28, Joplin, stealing felony
Matthew J. Bolden, 37, Carl Junction, stealing, possession of controlled substance, sneaking contraband to a prisoner
Joplin Police Department to participate in "Click It or Ticket" campaign
(From Joplin Police Department)
The Joplin Police Department will be joining with statewide law enforcement November 25th for an aggressive “Click It or Ticket” mobilization to crack down on Missouri’s seat belt violations.
Nearly one in four motorist killed in Missouri traffic crashes are unbuckled. And even with all the advancements in automobile safety and education on the importance of seat belt use, Missouri’s seat belt use has remained relatively unchanged in the last six years and consistently below the national average.
Missouri has 79 percent seat belt use, which is well below the national average of 85 percent. Teens and pick-up truck drivers are among those least likely to buckle up at 66 and 63 percent.
“Every day someone dies in a crash in Missouri because they weren’t buckled up,” said Sgt. Rives. “We will be pulling out all the stops to ensure motorists are buckling up.”
“Every day someone dies in a crash in Missouri because they weren’t buckled up,” said Sgt. Rives. “We will be pulling out all the stops to ensure motorists are buckling up.”
Seat belt use is the single most effective way to protect people and reduce fatalities in motor vehicle crashes. So far in Missouri this year 70% of traffic fatalities have not been buckled up. In Joplin zero percent have been properly restrained.
Buckle Up and Arrive Alive. For information on Missouri seat belt usage, visit:
www.saveMOlives.com
www.joplinpolice.org
www.joplinpolice.org
For further information contact Sgt. Rusty Rives at 417-627-8880.
Temperatures in teens for Sunday, light snow possible
(From the National Weather Service)
AREAS OF FREEZING DRIZZLE WILL IMPACT PORTIONS OF SOUTHWESTERN
AND CENTRAL MISSOURI AND FAR SOUTHEASTERN KANSAS THIS MORNING...OR
GENERALLY NORTHWEST OF A LINE FROM BRANSON TO ROLLA.
AND CENTRAL MISSOURI AND FAR SOUTHEASTERN KANSAS THIS MORNING...OR
GENERALLY NORTHWEST OF A LINE FROM BRANSON TO ROLLA.
THE PRECIPITATION WILL BE VERY LIGHT AND ONLY A TRACE OF ICING
IF ANY IS EXPECTED ON ELEVATED OBJECTS. HOWEVER A FEW SLICK
SPOTS COULD DEVELOP MAINLY ON BRIDGES AND OVERPASSES WHERE
TEMPERATURES FALL BELOW FREEZING.
IF ANY IS EXPECTED ON ELEVATED OBJECTS. HOWEVER A FEW SLICK
SPOTS COULD DEVELOP MAINLY ON BRIDGES AND OVERPASSES WHERE
TEMPERATURES FALL BELOW FREEZING.
A LIGHT WINTRY MIX OF PRECIPITATION MAY DEVELOP THIS EVENING
ACROSS FAR SOUTHERN MISSOURI. NO ACCUMULATION IS EXPECTED AT
THIS TIME.
ACROSS FAR SOUTHERN MISSOURI. NO ACCUMULATION IS EXPECTED AT
THIS TIME.
.DAYS TWO THROUGH SEVEN...SATURDAY THROUGH THURSDAY.
TEMPERATURES EARLY SUNDAY MORNING WILL FALL INTO THE TEENS
IN MANY AREAS...WITH WIND CHILLS APPROACHING THE SINGLE DIGITS.
IN MANY AREAS...WITH WIND CHILLS APPROACHING THE SINGLE DIGITS.
LIGHT SNOW WILL BE POSSIBLE SUNDAY NIGHT AND MONDAY MORNING. AT
THIS TIME...LITTLE TO NO ACCUMULATIONS ARE EXPECTED. ANY
ACCUMULATIONS WOULD QUICKLY MELT DURING THE DAY MONDAY AS
TEMPERATURES WARM INTO THE UPPER 30S AND LOWER 40S.
THIS TIME...LITTLE TO NO ACCUMULATIONS ARE EXPECTED. ANY
ACCUMULATIONS WOULD QUICKLY MELT DURING THE DAY MONDAY AS
TEMPERATURES WARM INTO THE UPPER 30S AND LOWER 40S.