Wednesday, April 30, 2014

Funeral services set for Webb City teen killed in ATV accident

Funeral services for 14-year-old John Fleming, the Webb City Junior High School eighth grader who was killed in a four-wheeler accident Friday near Nevada, will be held 2 p.m. Saturday at Christ's Church in Oronogo.

Visitation is scheduled for 5 to 7 p.m. Friday at the church.

Fleming died at 1:12 a.m. Sunday at Children's Mercy Hospital in Kansas City where he was flown after he swerved to miss a dog in the  2005 Suzuki Eiger four-wheeler he was driving and the vehicle overturned.

John Fleming's obituary can be found at this link.



Neosho, Carthage men killed in head-on collision near Seneca

Two men were killed after a motorcycle crossed the center line on MO 43, a quarter of a mile north of Seneca at 9:20 p.m. Tuesday and hit a truck head on.

According to the Missouri Highway Patrol report, a northbound 2003 Yamaha motorcycle driven by Hector E. Huertas, 24, Carthage, crossed the center line and hit a Cherolet S-10 driven by Joseph R. Morris, 42, Neosho.

Morris was pronounced dead at the scene at 9:34 p.m. by Newton County Deputy Coroner Brian Artherton, who also pronounced Huertas dead six minutes later.

The fatalities were the 22nd and 23rd for Troop D in 2014.

Video- Lydia McGriff named Outstanding MSSU Graduate Spring 2014

Tuesday, April 29, 2014

Brad's Beat: St. Mary's principal to retire

A report from KSN's Brad Douglas

Jasper railroad crossing project completed

A report from KSN's Melanie Huonker

Citizens Committee recommends capital improvement sales tax proposal for Joplin

A report from KSN's Carla Pesono

MSSU Percussion Ensemble, Choral Society schedule concerts

(From Southern News Service)

Island songs and Broadway favorites will be the focus of two weekend concerts.
The Southern Percussion Ensemble will offer their spring concert at 7:30 p.m. Friday, May 2, in the Bud Walton Theatre.
Under the direction of Brian Fronzaglia, the concert will spotlight Southern’s new Steel Drum Ensemble and feature selections such as “Brown Eyed Girl,” “Margaritaville,” “Cantina Band” from “Star Wars,” “Jamaican Farell” and other traditional island tunes.
The Steel Drum Ensemble is a recent addition to Southern’s Music Department. Funding for the instruments came through efforts by the Missouri Southern Foundation and assistance from the Institute of International Studies, as well as a successful Kickstarter campaign.
The MSSU Choral Society will present “100 Years of Broadway” during their spring concert at 3 p.m. Sunday, May 4, at First Baptist Church, 102 N. Roane Ave., in Webb City.
The choral arrangement feature 55 Broadway hits from as many different shows. Selections will range from Tin Pan Alley and traditional Broadway numbers to the works of Webber and Sondheim, and music from the 1970s through the ‘90s.
Narrators will be Wally Bloss and Ceri Otero. Soloists will include Leecia Bloss, Wally Bloss, Gina Christman, Van Greenwood, Alexin Maliszewski and Ruth Snider. Accompanist Eleanor McLemore will perform a medley of two Broadway songs.
Under the direction of Dr. Al Carnine, the 53-voice choir has a membership from a three-state area. The next performance will be the Choral Society’s annual Patriotic Concert on Sunday, July 27.
All of the group’s performances are free and open to the public.

Ten inducted into MSSU Super Leaders

(From Southern News Service)

Ten students were inducted into the Super Leaders program during a ceremony held April 26 at Missouri Southern State University.
The inductees for the spring 2014 semester were:
Cena Bass, Diamond – accounting and human resources, senior
Jared Beasley, Joplin – sociology, senior
William Braun, Joplin – undecided, junior
Aliza Fahle, Yuma, Ariz. – undecided, sophomore
Gage Hanlon, Glenwood, Iowa – marketing, senior
Lindsey Miller, Shawnee, Kan. – psychology and criminal justice, senior
Matthew Pulsipher, Joplin – marketing and Spanish, senior
Chase Starr-Kercheval, Diamond – psychology, senior
Kenzo Van Baal Breda, Netherlands – biochemistry, junior
Joseph Vanhorn, Springfield – management, sophomore
The Super Leader program is a joint effort between Missouri Southern and the Joplin Area Chamber of Commerce Young Professionals Network to identify, cultivate and motivate future community leaders currently enrolled in college. All students participating in the program go through an application and interview process in addition to meeting every other Friday throughout the semester. 
Upon completion of the program, students receive a one-year complimentary Young Professionals Network membership to help them continue with professional networking.

Video- Habitat for Humanity has built 82 homes since Joplin Tornado

99-cent Randy Turner e-book special ends at 10 a.m. today

The 99-cent sale on five of my e-books ends this morning at 10 a.m.

The five include my novels No Child Left Alive, The Devil's on Facebook, and Small Town News and non-fiction books Let Teachers Teach and The Best of Sports Talk.

No Child Left Alive is the story of one year in a dysfunctional high school as teachers battle out-of-control students and clueless, self-absorbed administrators (Where do I come up with these ideas?). It is the book that C. J. Huff testified has nothing to say whatsoever about education and frequent Joplin Globe columnist Anson Burlingame says is pornography. After you read it, you will begin to wonder if C. J. Huff knows anything about education and if Anson Burlingame knows anything about pornography.

The Devil's on Facebook is an updated version of my 2006 novel Devil's Messenger and is a combination horror story/murder mystery. A teenage girl communicates with her murdered father on Facebook. Devil's Messenger, you may remember, is another book that Joplin R-8 Administration cited in its eventually successful effort to fire me. This vile book (according to them) was also pornographic and I allowed students to read it. That is true. Of course, it was never mentioned that the book had been on the shelves at East/South and Joplin High School for seven years.

Small Town News was my first novel, originally published in 2005, and is a fictionalized version of the events of October 31, 2001, when the bank of Diamond was robbed and Diamond R-4 Superintendent Greg Smith on the same day. The book is a satire on what happens when a small town is besieged by the media as newspaper and television reporters battle to get the story.

Let Teachers Teach is a collection of my best writing on education, including some original essays, plus ones that have been published elsewhere. Topics featured include standardized tests, the war against public education and public schoolteachers, my experiences teaching after the Joplin Tornado, remembrances of colleagues and former students, and the challenges that face classroom teachers.

The Best of Sports Talk is a collection of my best sports writing, mostly from the 1990s, including features on current Joplin City Councilwoman Miranda Lewis, about her aunt Nancy Cruzan of the Supreme Court right-to-die case, former Lamar Coach Armando DeLaRosa, who murdered his wife and then killed himself, current Carthage teacher Peggy Lucas as she watched her daughter Tysha, also a teacher now, play her final high school volleyball match, and the girl who received her first kiss at a basketball game, plus the way a swimmer who died of meningitis affected a class of first graders and much, much more.


Monday, April 28, 2014

Video- KODE coverage of East/Soaring Heights tornado shelter mixup

Missing Springfield woman found dead in Carthage

A report from KOLR News

Northpark Mall owner announces first quarter results

(From CBL & Associates, owners of Northpark Mall)

CBL & Associates Properties, Inc. (NYSE:CBL) announced results for the first quarter ended March 31, 2014. A description of each non-GAAP financial measure and the related reconciliation to the comparable GAAP measure is located at the end of this news release.
 Three Months
Ended March 31,
2014 2013
Funds from Operations (“FFO”) per diluted share$0.73 $0.53
FFO, as adjusted, per diluted share (1)$0.52 $0.53
(1) FFO, as adjusted, for the quarter ended March 31, 2014 excludes a partial legal settlement of $0.8 million and the net gain on extinguishment of debt of $42.7 million primarily related to the foreclosure of the mortgage loan secured by Citadel Mall in January 2014.
 
CBL’s President and Chief Executive Officer Stephen Lebovitz commented, “Results for 2014’s first quarter were in-line with our expectations and encouraging given the impact from increased store closings and bankruptcies as well as the harsh winter season. Looking forward, we expect the stronger sales gains reported by retailers in April to continue and offset the sluggish sales results in the first quarter. We are on pace to deliver 2014 same-center NOI and FFO goals that we recently outlined in our special update call earlier this month. As we stated, our priorities include executing both our near-term operational initiatives for 2014 and our longer-term strategic objectives to position CBL for a higher sustainable growth rate.”
FFO allocable to common shareholders, as adjusted, for the first quarter of 2014 was $87.7 million, or $0.52 per diluted share, compared with $85.9 million, or $0.53 per diluted share, for the first quarter of 2013. FFO of the operating partnership for the first quarter of 2014 was $102.9 million compared with $101.6 million, for the first quarter of 2013. FFO per share declined from the prior-year period primarily as a result of dilution from the equity raised through the Company’s At-The-Market (“ATM”) program in the second quarter 2013 and the sale of assets in the third quarter 2013.
Net income attributable to common shareholders for the first quarter of 2014 was $44.1 million, or $0.26 per diluted share, compared with net income of $19.1 million, or $0.12 per diluted share for the first quarter of 2013.
Percentage change in same-center Net Operating Income (“NOI”)(1):
 Three Months
Ended March 31,
2014
Portfolio same-center NOI1.5%
Mall same-center NOI1.6%
 
(1) CBL's definition of NOI excludes the impact of lease termination fees and certain non-cash items of straight line rents and net amortization of acquired above and below market leases. NOI is for real estate properties and excludes income of the Company's subsidiary that provides maintenance, janitorial and security services.
 
 
MAJOR VARIANCES IMPACTING SAME-CENTER NOI RESULTS FOR THE QUARTER ENDED MARCH 31, 2014
  • Occupancy growth and contributions from new and renewal lease spreads resulted in $4.0 million of growth in minimum rent compared with the prior-year period.
  • Severe weather and a shortened sales calendar contributed to a decline in percentage rents of $0.9 million compared with the prior-year-period.
  • Operating expenses benefited from a favorable $1.1 million adjustment to insurance reserves offset by an increase in bad debt and utility expense of $1.5 million due to higher bankruptcy and store closure activity.
  • Severe weather during the first quarter resulted in an increase in snow removal expense of $1.4 million compared with the prior-year period.
PORTFOLIO OPERATIONAL RESULTS
Occupancy:
 As of March 31,
2014 2013
Portfolio occupancy92.5%92.2%
Mall portfolio92.3%91.8%
Same-center stabilized malls92.2%92.1%
Stabilized malls92.2%91.7%
Non-stabilized malls (1)96.9%99.3%
Associated centers94.8%93.5%
Community centers94.4%96.0%
 
(1) Includes The Outlet Shoppes at Oklahoma City and The Outlet Shoppes at Atlanta as of March 31, 2014. Includes The Outlet Shoppes at Oklahoma City as of March 31, 2013.
 
New and Renewal Leasing Activity of Same Small Shop Space Less Than 10,000 Square Feet:
% Change in Average Gross Rent Per Square Foot
         Three Months Ended
March 31, 2014
Stabilized Malls9.5%
New leases37.5%
Renewal leases2.4%
 
Same-Store Sales Per Square Foot for Mall Tenants 10,000 Square Feet or Less:
 Twelve Months Ended March 31, 
2014 2013% Change
Stabilized mall same-store sales per square foot$351$363(3.2)%
 
TRANSACTIONS
Consistent with CBL’s disposition strategy, the Company has entered into a binding contract for the sale of Lakeshore Mall in Sebring, FL for $14.0 million. The sale is expected to close in May 2014.
In March 2014, the Company exercised its right to acquire the 12.0% noncontrolling interest in Pearland Town Center from its joint venture partner for $17.9 million.
FINANCING ACTIVITY
In January, the foreclosure of the mortgage loan secured by Citadel Mall was completed. CBL recorded a gain on extinguishment of debt of $44.0 million related to the foreclosure.
During the first quarter 2014, CBL retired the $122 million loan secured by St. Clair Square in Fairview Heights, IL. CBL recorded a prepayment fee of $1.2 million related to the early payoff.
OUTLOOK AND GUIDANCE
The Company is affirming 2014 Adjusted FFO guidance in the range of $2.22 - $2.26 per share. CBL is assuming same-center NOI growth of 1.0-2.0% in 2014.
The guidance also assumes the following:
  • Flat interest expense
  • $2.0 million to $4.0 million of outparcel sales
  • 0-25 basis point increase in total portfolio occupancy as well as stabilized mall occupancy throughout 2014
  • The sale of Lakeshore Mall in May 2014
  • No additional unannounced acquisition or disposition activity
  • No unannounced capital markets activity - equity or debt
 Low High
Expected diluted earnings per common share$0.56$0.60
Adjust to fully converted shares from common shares(0.09)(0.10)
Expected earnings per diluted, fully converted common share0.470.50
Depreciation and amortization1.791.79
Noncontrolling interest in earnings of Operating Partnership0.080.09
Impairment of real estate0.09 0.09 
Expected FFO per diluted, fully converted common share$2.43$2.47
Net gain on debt extinguishment and litigation settlement(0.21)(0.21)
Expected adjusted FFO per diluted, fully converted common share$2.22 $2.26 
 
INVESTOR CONFERENCE CALL AND WEBCAST
CBL & Associates Properties, Inc. will conduct a conference call at 11:00 a.m. ET on Tuesday, April 29, 2014, to discuss its first quarter results. The number to call for this interactive teleconference is (800) 736-4594 or (212) 231-2902. A replay of the conference call will be available through May 6, 2014, by dialing (800) 633-8284 or (402) 977-9140 and entering the confirmation number 21706208. A transcript of the Company’s prepared remarks will be furnished on a Form 8-K following the conference call.
To receive the CBL & Associates Properties, Inc., first quarter earnings release and supplemental information please visit our website at cblproperties.com or contact Investor Relations at 423-490-8312.
The Company will also provide an online webcast and rebroadcast of its 2014 first quarter earnings release conference call. The live broadcast of the quarterly conference call will be available online at cblproperties.com on Tuesday, April 29, 2014 beginning at 11:00 a.m. ET. The online replay will follow shortly after the call and continue for one year.

MODOT scheduled road work for Tuesday

From MODOT)

MoDOT/Southwest Road Report for Tuesday, April 29
(Weather and/or work scheduling conflicts could postpone the work)
Barton County
* I-49: Lane closings and slow-moving train of work trucks over bridges along I-49. Bridge work.
 * 1st Street/I-49 Overpass in Lamar: (Completion: November 2014) 
            Daytime lane closings possible at times.
            Equipment entering and leaving work areas.
            Crews and equipment working close to traffic.
Dade County
No traffic impacts
Jasper County
* Route 171: Lane closings over the railroad tracks east of Brooklyn Heights. Bridge work.
 * Route 171: One southbound lane closed over the railroad tracks near Carthage. Bridge work.
  * Route 171/HH Interchange Ramp Rebuild at Carterville: (Completion: August 2014) 
            Eastbound ramps closed at times.
            Lane closings on Routes 171 and HH possible at times.
            Equipment entering and leaving work areas.
 * Route 171/43 Roundabout at Airport Drive: (Completion: November 2014) 
            Lane closings possible at times.
            Crews and equipment working close to traffic.
            Equipment entering and leaving work areas.
  * Route 66: Lane closings in areas between Route 249 and Rex Avenue in Joplin. Traffic signal work.
  Lawrence County 
* Route 14: One-lane traffic in areas between Marionville and the Lawrence/Christian county line. Shoulder work ahead of resurfacing.
McDonald County
* Route 90: One-lane traffic near Jane. Laying long patches.
 *Business 71: One-lane traffic over Indian Creek in Anderson. Bridge work.
  *Route 59: One-lane traffic over Elk River in Noel. Bridge work.
  * Route 59: One-lane traffic in areas north of Noel. Cleaning out ditches.
 Newton County
* Route K: One-lane traffic east of Seneca. Laying long patches.

County Road 227 to close for six weeks

On Monday, May 5th, County Road 227, between Maverick and Maple Road in Jasper County, Missouri, southwest of Purcell, MO will be closed for about six weeks, depending on weather (location map below).

Local residents will have access, however there will be no through traffic, as a cut will be excavated across the roadway for construction as part of the Jasper County Bridges and Culvert project. Please inform the appropriate personnel.

Video- MSSU Board of Governors April 18 meeting

Video- The legacy of Julio and Vivian Leon at MSSU

Annual MSSU Dolence and Service Award recipients announced

(From Southern News Service)

Joplin, MO (SNS) – The 23rd annual Glen Dolence Leadership and Service Awards were announced during a ceremony held on April 24 at Missouri Southern State University.
Sponsored by Student Affairs and Omicron Delta Kappa, the awards are named in honor of Dr. Glenn D. Dolence, retired vice president for Student Affairs at Missouri Southern.
The awards are given to graduating seniors who have completed 90 hours at Missouri Southern and who have made significant leadership/service contributions to the university. The purpose of the awards is to formally recognize students who have made a difference in campus organizations, student employment, student services or athletics.
Senior Ruth Stamper received the Leader of the Year Award.

ARKANSAS
Fort SmithAshley Robbins
Pea Ridge
Daisha Warren
Rogers
Tanya Lantz
ILLINOIS
Chicago
Shonte Clay
KANSAS

Manhattan

Bryce Williams
MISSOURI
Carl JunctionRuth Stamper
Carthage
Jennifer Lee
Joshua LeMasters
Whitney Triplett
El Dorado Springs
Logan Alumbaugh
Dixon
Whitney Hardy
Joplin
Rebecca Endicott
Maggie Ritzman Flanigan
Madison Pollock
Gia Yang
Maryville
Jason Davis
Mount Vernon
Schell City

Mountain View
Kylie Cornman
Neosho
Tommy Ly
McKenzie Marie Warren
James Watson, Jr.
Saint Louis
Samantha Zoltanski
Seneca
Lydia McGriff
OKLAHOMA
Owasso
Sydney Marsellis
TAIWAN

Taipei

Peter Thompson

Joplin Police Department weekend DWI arrests

The Joplin Police Department arrested the following people for driving while intoxicated:

Travis W. Tash, 42, Joplin
Marcelino Puente Jr. 28, Joplin
Paul D. Snapp, 48, Irving, Texas
Andrew David Ward, 37, Joplin

MSSU residence hall groundbreaking postponed until May 1

(From Southern News Service)

The groundbreaking ceremony for the new residence hall complex at Missouri Southern State University has been postponed until 2 p.m. Thursday, May 1.
The ceremony – which will take place at the north end of the Mills Anderson Justice Center parking lot – will include remarks from Interim President Dr. Alan Marble; Darren Fullerton, vice president for student affairs and enrollment management; and a student representative from the Residence Hall Association.
The three-story complex will feature 51 student apartments throughout six buildings, the vast majority of which will be four bedrooms. Each bedroom will have its own bathroom, and students will share a common living area and full kitchen. Each apartment will also have its own washer and dryer. The exterior of the complex will include an open courtyard and common areas, a pedestrian-friendly design and parking on the back side.
Joplin’s R.E. Smith will serve as the construction manager and contractor for the $14-million project.

Sunday, April 27, 2014

Highway Patrol DWI arrests, April 26-27

The Missouri Highway Patrol arrested the following people for driving while intoxicated:

Sara May, 17, Springfield
Jake B. Able, 27, Verona
Marco A. Aldava, 18, Purdy
Deedra Allen, 33, Parsons, Kan.
Raymond Robberson, 55, Brighton
Meranda L. Appleberry, 21, Forsyth
Mark Oswald, 47, Plano, Texas
Dale E. Credeur, 26, Marshfield
John Aneko, 20, Noel

Liberal woman injured in accident near Irwin

Alice L. Hoover, 79, Liberal, was injured during a one-car accident, 12:20 p.m. today on Route V, seven miles west of Irwin.

According to the Highway Patrol report, Mrs. Hoover, driving a 2005 Ford Taurus, drove off the left side of the roadway and struck a driveway and embankment.

She was taken to Barton County Memorial Hospital with minor injuries.

Mother: John Fleming was an incredibly special kid

A Webb City teen who was injured in a four-wheeler accident near Nevada Friday died this morning at Children's Mercy Hospital in Kansas City.

In a message on her Facebook page, Valerie Fleming, the mother of 14-year-old John Fleming, said that her son had died.

My heart is broken this morning, but I am completely amazed and very thankful for the love and support from my friends and family. He was declared brain dead at 112 this morning. He will be an organ donor. John Isaac ( aka J-Bird, Johnny Ponny bo Bonny, Johnny) was an incredibly special kid. He knew God. He spent many hours in devotion. Thank you to all who impacted his life. He would want you all to remain strong and declare your faith loudly.

John Fleming was taken by helicopter to Children's Mercy Hospital Friday night following a four-wheeler accident 9:37 p.m. five miles east of Nevada on Panama Road.

According to the Highway Patrol report, John Fleming, 14, on a 2005 Suzuki Eiger 4-wheeler, swerved to miss a dog and the vehicle overturned.

Video- Former MSSU President Julio Leon honored at dinner

A report from KODE News

Saturday, April 26, 2014

Five Randy Turner e-books available for 99 cents beginning Sunday

Five of my e-books will be reduced in price to 99 cents for 48 hours beginning at 10 a.m. Sunday on Amazon Kiudle. (Those of you who do not have a Kindle can download the free Kindle app.)

The five include my novels No Child Left Alive, The Devil's on Facebook, and Small Town News and non-fiction books Let Teachers Teach and The Best of Sports Talk.

No Child Left Alive is the story of one year in a dysfunctional high school as teachers battle out-of-control students and clueless, self-absorbed administrators (Where do I come up with these ideas?). It is the book that C. J. Huff testified has nothing to say whatsoever about education and frequent Joplin Globe columnist Anson Burlingame says is pornography. After you read it, you will begin to wonder if C. J. Huff knows anything about education and if Anson Burlingame knows anything about pornography.

The Devil's on Facebook is an updated version of my 2006 novel Devil's Messenger and is a combination horror story/murder mystery. A teenage girl communicates with her murdered father on Facebook. Devil's Messenger, you may remember, is another book that Joplin R-8 Administration cited in its eventually successful effort to fire me. This vile book (according to them) was also pornographic and I allowed students to read it. That is true. Of course, it was never mentioned that the book had been on the shelves at East/South and Joplin High School for seven years.

Small Town News was my first novel, originally published in 2005, and is a fictionalized version of the events of October 31, 2001, when the bank of Diamond was robbed and Diamond R-4 Superintendent Greg Smith on the same day. The book is a satire on what happens when a small town is besieged by the media as newspaper and television reporters battle to get the story.

Let Teachers Teach is a collection of my best writing on education, including some original essays, plus ones that have been published elsewhere. Topics featured include standardized tests, the war against public education and public schoolteachers, my experiences teaching after the Joplin Tornado, remembrances of colleagues and former students, and the challenges that face classroom teachers.

The Best of Sports Talk is a collection of my best sports writing, mostly from the 1990s, including features on current Joplin City Councilwoman Miranda Lewis, about her aunt Nancy Cruzan of the Supreme Court right-to-die case, former Lamar Coach Armando DeLaRosa, who murdered his wife and then killed himself, current Carthage teacher Peggy Lucas as she watched her daughter Tysha, also a teacher now, play her final high school volleyball match, and the girl who received her first kiss at a basketball game, plus the way a swimmer who died of meningitis affected a class of first graders and much, much more.


Webb City teen life-flighted to Kansas City after four-wheeler accident

A Webb City teenager was taken by helicoper to Children's Mercy Hospital in Kansas City Friday night following a four-wheeler accident 9:37 p.m. five miles east of Nevada on Panama Road.

According to the Highway Patrol report, John Fleming, 14, on a 2005 Suzuki Eiger 4-wheeler, swerved to miss a dog and overturned.

The report says Fleming suffered serious injuries.

Noel man cited for DWI following accident

A Noel man was cited for misdemeanor driving while intoxicated following a two-vehicle accident 1:55 p.m. today on MO 59, one mile south of Noel.

According to the Highway Patrol report, John Aneko, driving a 1999 Dodge Ram crossed the center line and struck a 1993 Ford F350 driven by William L. Heaton, 71, Noel. The Aneko vehicle left the roadway, hit a utility pole and overturned.

Aneko was taken to Freeman West with moderate injuries.

In addition to the DWI charge, Aneko was cited for no valid driver's license, no seat belt, and careless and imprudent driving.

Joplin man injured in one-vehicle accident

A Joplin man was injured in a one-vehicle accident at 3:50 p.m. today on Highway 71, six miles north of Neosho.

According to the Highway Patrol report, a 1993 Ford Ranger driven by Jeremy D. Nelson, 31, left the roadway and struck a concrete culvert.

Nelson was taken to Freeman West with moderate injuries.

Mercy Hospital to receive $23 million from FEMA for rebuilding

A report from KOAM News KOAM TV 7

Minerva Candy in Webb City closing

A report from KOAM news KOAM TV 7

Video- Webb City holds Saturday school

A report from KOAM/Fox 14's Lisa Olliges KOAM TV 7

Video- 1717 Marketplace on auction block, developer indicted

A report from KOAM's Lisa Olliges KOAM TV 7

Joplin Schools honor retiring ROTC instructor

A report from KSN's Melanie Huonker

Video- Downtown Joplin Alliance fighting Third Thursday scam

A report from KSN News

New mural to be unveiled at 8th and Main

A report from KSN's Carla Pesono

Victory Ministry packages foods for Haitian children

A report from KSN News

Autism Awareness Walk held

A report from KSN News

Highway Patrol DWI arrests, April 25-26

The Highway Patrol arrested the following people for driving while intoxicated:

Zachary S. Dillow, 21, Stella
Nickolas  S. Vallero, 21, Salem
Richard E. Shockley, 65, Aurora
Daniel Barrientos-Perez, 30, Purdy
Robert G. McKenna, 66, Seneca
Dennis L. Wagner, 40, Branson
Raymond W. Hyncik, 50, Chadwick
Zachary M. Morris, 27, Elkland

Carthage holds fourth annual Art Walk

A report from KSN's Felicia Lawrence

Orthor4States recognized for clinical excellence

(From Ortho4States Physical Therapy)
Through hard work, clinical expertise, and personalized care, the Ortho4States physical therapy team has been recognized by FOTO ( Focus On Therapy Outcomes) for clinical excellence for patient reported functional outcomes in the top 10% in the nation for the past year ending 3/2014.

Our team has also been honored for clinical excellence and exceeding the national average for functional outcomes for each month in the past 18 months. These national awards are presented to a select group of clinics that are setting the standard for care and clinical outcomes in our profession. Additional information provided to us about our clinic from FOTO include:

• Overall patient Satisfaction 98.13 %

• I would tell a friend I was satisfied 99.44%

About FOTO:

FOTO is considered the standard for independent measuring of patient reported functional outcomes and benchmarking in rehabilitation. FOTO is a Knoxville, TN, based corporation that has been reliably measuring and reporting functional outcomes for the Rehab industry for 20 years. FOTO's web-based solutions are risk-adjusted to enable fair and accurate measurements. Approximately 5 million patient surveys have been compiled in the FOTO database, and researchers have utilized FOTO data to publish over 85 articles on functional outcomes in medical journals. More than 2,500 clinics contribute to the FOTO database for benchmarking.

About ORTHO4STATES PHYSICAL THERAPY:

Our spacious modern facilities with state-of-the-art rehabilitation gym, certified hand therapy clinic, and two Hydroworx therapy pools are unmatched in the area. While our facilities and equipment are cutting-edge, we feel our experienced therapists, caring attitude, and excellent patient care truly make us a standout in the region.

Our individualized, "hands-on" approach and close patient/physician collaboration is highly valued by our patients and promotes excellent clinical outcomes. Each patients individualized plan of care can promotes pain relief, decreased swelling, improved strength, functional gains, improved balance, coordination, and range of motion. Whether you have a back strain or have had surgery, our approach allows our patients to return to work, sport participation, and normal activities of daily living earlier.


Friday, April 25, 2014

Arbor Day celebrated in Joplin

(From the City of Joplin)

Officials from the City of Joplin, Empire District Electric Company, and the Missouri Department of Conservation (MDC) gathered today with the public in recognizing Friday, April 25 as Arbor Day in Joplin. The event recognized the benefits trees provide our community with a short program at Parr Hill Park, with a tree giveaway following.
Councilwoman Miranda Lewis, representing the Joplin City Council, presented a Proclamation naming April 25, 2014 as Arbor Day for the City of Joplin. Immediately following the program, foresters with Empire and City’s Parks and Recreation gave complimentary trees to residents. These foresters, along with representatives of the MDC and the City’s Tree Advisory Board, were on hand to provide information about the importance of planting the right tree in the right place. A variety of trees specifically selected to aid in reforestation efforts in Joplin were available.

JFD responds to garage fire at 727 S. Harlem

(From the Joplin Fire Department)

The Joplin Fire Department responded to a reported Garage Fire at 727 S Harlem Ave at 10:52 AM, Thursday, April 24, 2014. Fire crews arrived on the scene at 10:58 AM to find a detached garage/carport with heavy fire showing. Fire fighters extinguished the fire and contained it to the garage/carport. 
The fire was declared under control at 11:12 AM and out at 11:24 AM. Crews remained on scene until 12:02 PM. 


The home is owned by Wayne Philliber and occupied by Kimberly Swaggert. The owner had finished mowing and parked a lawn mower inside the carport. He began weed eating and looked back to see the carport area burning.


No injuries were reported to either fire personnel or others in the area. Four Joplin Fire units and 12 Joplin Fire personnel responded, as well as JPD and METS. 


The cause of the fire was determined to be accidental and mower related.. 

In case you ever wanted to be a temporary assistant Joplin city attorney

For those who are interested, these are the qualfications the city of Joplin is looking for in a temporary assistant city attorney:

Temporary Assistant City Attorney Legal

Definition: Under limited direction, provides legal counsel and representation to the management, staff, and officials of the City of Joplin and/or prosecutes cases on behalf of the City of Joplin in Joplin Municipal Court.

Essential Functions: (Essential functions, as defined under the Americans with Disabilities Act, may include the following tasks, knowledge, skills, and other characteristics. This list of tasks is ILLUSTRATIVE ONLY, and is not a comprehensive listing of all functions and tasks performed by positions in this class.)

Tasks:
Provides legal advice and interpretations of laws/statutes to the City Council, City Manager, Mayor, Department heads, Boards, and Commissions, including reviewing and evaluating and recommending approval/modification of legal documents such as contracts, deeds, and bonds; drafts and interprets City Ordinances; reviews, evaluates, and oversees disposition of all claims against the City; represents the City in court/administrative proceedings. May serve as the City Attorney in the absence of the City Attorney, including attendance at City Council meetings.

Reviews cases involving violation of City Code and signs charges when case is prosecutable; prepares cases for prosecution in Joplin Municipal Court; meets with defense attorneys to discuss appropriate resolution of cases (plea bargain or court trial); interviews witnesses, including arresting officer, to prepare effective prosecution case; prosecutes City Code violations in Court; answers questions from the public regarding City Code.

Knowledges, Skills, and Other Characteristics:
Knowledge of Missouri statutes impacting municipalities.
Knowledge of the City of Joplin Code.
Knowledge of the practices, procedures, and techniques for effectively prosecuting violations of City Code in Municipal Court.
Knowledge of legal reference resources and research techniques used to prepare and present an effective prosecution of City Code violations in Municipal Court.


Skill in establishing and maintaining effective working relationships with City Council members, other Department heads, defense attorneys, and the public.
Skill in both oral and written communication and media relations.
Skill in interpreting State and Federal laws, rules, and regulations impacting municipal governments in the State of Missouri.
Skill in interpreting City Ordinances, rules, and regulations.


Physical Requirements:

Requires high levels of sitting and standing; manual dexterity sufficient to operate essential job function equipment such as computers, typewriters, copiers, FAX machines, and telephones; may require hearing and sightedness with color and depth perception; must be sighted, hearing, and mobile to such a degree as not to compromise safety rules or the safety of self or others while working.

Qualifications: Must possess a license to practice law in the State of Missouri. It is recommended that the attorney have been practicing for at least three (3) years.

Salary: Salary range is $48,618 - $73,283, with excellent benefits

Deadline: Resumes will be accepted in addition to, but not in lieu of, a City application. Obtain required application from the City of Joplin Human Resources Office at 602 South Main Street in Joplin, MO. 64801. Open Until Filled, However 1stReview Date 5.2.14.

The City of Joplin is an Affirmative Action, ADA and Equal Opportunity Employer.