Monday, December 30, 2013
Sunday, December 29, 2013
Stupid criminals: Couple shows at parole hearing with guns, drugs, stolen property
An Arkansas couple never received the message that you leave the weapons and drugs at home when you visit your parole officer:
A report from the Baxter County Sheriff indicates that the Lakeview Police Dept. suspected Jack Creameans of stealing a ring and other items from an elderly couple in the summer of 2013.
When he came to his parole hearing, according to the report, police searched him and his wife, Kimberly Creameans. They found the ring, a crystalline substance that tested positive for methamphetamine, and a leafy substance that tested positive for marijuana.
Police then searched the couple's 2010 Ford Mustang and found several syringes, a set of scales, a glass pipe and a muzzle loading rifle.
According to the report, both Kimberly and Jack Creameans are convicted felons and cannot legally possess a firearm.
Wednesday, December 25, 2013
Tuesday, December 24, 2013
Missouri Supreme Court will not hear Carthage child killer's appeal
In a decision issued this afternoon, the Missouri Supreme Court said it would not hear the appeal of Eddie Salazar Sr., the man who killed his infant child and threw him in Spring River.
The Southern District Court of Appeals rejected Salazar's appeal in October.
Salazar’s crime was described in the appellate court’s opinion:
On the evening of February 4, 2010, Child was in Defendant’s care. Shortly after 11:00 p.m., an officer made contact with Defendant at a Carthage residence in response to a 9-1-1 call in which Defendant stated that two men had entered his home and had taken Child. Defendant subsequently gave differing accounts of the event — including that he had found Child dead in his crib — but he eventually told law enforcement that he had shaken Child because he was frustrated that Child would not stop crying, and Child slipped from his hands, striking his head on the tile floor. Defendant admitted throwing Child’s body into a river, and Child’s body was eventually recovered from the river. Recorded statements from Defendant were admitted into evidence as State’s Exhibits 3, 6, 8A, and 9. The jury also heard a recording of Defendant’s 9-1-1 call, admitted as State’s Exhibit 2.3
The pathologist who performed the autopsy on Child testified that the cause of death was “blunt head trauma” and that Child had three fractures to his skull, accompanied by “swelling of the brain and bleeding inside of the head as well.”
Salazar’s attorney asked for a new trial, claiming that the public was wrongly kept out of the courtroom during jury selection because so many people were brought in due to the nature of the trial.The opinion suggested that there was no evidence that anyone wanted to attend and was kept from doing so because of the judge’s decision.
The seating of a juror who had indicated she was not sure she could render an impartial decision was also rejected as a reason for the mistrial since Salazar’s attorney could have exercised one of his peremptory challenges to have that juror removed. During further questioning, the juror, who was a teacher who had students who had been victims of child abuse, said she thought she could put that aside and make her decision based on the evidence.
Search committee names three finalists for Crowder College president
(From Crowder College)
The Presidential Search Committee for Crowder College met on December 20th and reviewed reference information on seven semi-finalists selected earlier. After careful review and discussion the Committee, which consisted of a cross-section of college personnel, Board members, and community representatives, recommended three finalists to the Board of Trustees.
The three finalists are Dr. Brent Bates of Sedalia, Mo.; Dr. Jim Cummins of Neosho; and Dr. Jennifer Methvin of Hope, Ark.
Dr. Bates currently serves as Vice President of Education and Student Support Services at State Fair Community College. He has 26 years at Missouri and Kansas community colleges, with the past 14 years in senior administrative roles. He holds a PhD in Curriculum and Instruction, with an emphasis in Community College Curriculum, from Kansas State University.
Dr. Cummins currently serves as Vice President of Finance at Crowder College. Prior to coming to Crowder College in January 2012, he served in various area school districts as Superintendent, Assistant Superintendent, Principal and teacher. He holds a doctorate in Educational Leadership and Policy Analysis from the University of Missouri.
Dr. Methvin currently serves as Vice Chancellor for Academics at the University of Arkansas-Community College at Hope. Prior to coming to her job at the Community College at Hope, she was a division chair at the University of Arkansas-Community College at Batesville, and taught English in various universities. Her PhD in Community College leadership is from Walden University.
These three will be brought to campus for extensive interviews with the Board of Trustees, tours of the college and community, and open forums to which the public will be invited. Information on the forums will be disseminated once the schedule is determined.
The Board hopes to offer the position to the winning candidate by April. The start date of the new President will depend on the schedule of the person selected for the position, but no later than July 1st.
The Presidential Search Committee for Crowder College met on December 20th and reviewed reference information on seven semi-finalists selected earlier. After careful review and discussion the Committee, which consisted of a cross-section of college personnel, Board members, and community representatives, recommended three finalists to the Board of Trustees.
The three finalists are Dr. Brent Bates of Sedalia, Mo.; Dr. Jim Cummins of Neosho; and Dr. Jennifer Methvin of Hope, Ark.
Dr. Bates currently serves as Vice President of Education and Student Support Services at State Fair Community College. He has 26 years at Missouri and Kansas community colleges, with the past 14 years in senior administrative roles. He holds a PhD in Curriculum and Instruction, with an emphasis in Community College Curriculum, from Kansas State University.
Dr. Cummins currently serves as Vice President of Finance at Crowder College. Prior to coming to Crowder College in January 2012, he served in various area school districts as Superintendent, Assistant Superintendent, Principal and teacher. He holds a doctorate in Educational Leadership and Policy Analysis from the University of Missouri.
Dr. Methvin currently serves as Vice Chancellor for Academics at the University of Arkansas-Community College at Hope. Prior to coming to her job at the Community College at Hope, she was a division chair at the University of Arkansas-Community College at Batesville, and taught English in various universities. Her PhD in Community College leadership is from Walden University.
These three will be brought to campus for extensive interviews with the Board of Trustees, tours of the college and community, and open forums to which the public will be invited. Information on the forums will be disseminated once the schedule is determined.
The Board hopes to offer the position to the winning candidate by April. The start date of the new President will depend on the schedule of the person selected for the position, but no later than July 1st.
Monday, December 23, 2013
Flood advisory issued for Branson area
(From the National Weather Service)
MOC067-091-149-153-203-213-215-229-231600- /O.CON.KSGF.FA.Y.0085.000000T0000Z-131223T1600Z/ /00000.0.ER.000000T0000Z.000000T0000Z.000000T0000Z.OO/ DOUGLAS MO-HOWELL MO-OREGON MO-OZARK MO-SHANNON MO-TANEY MO-TEXAS MO- WRIGHT MO- 351 PM CST SUN DEC 22 2013 ...THE FLOOD ADVISORY FOR HEAVY RAIN REMAINS IN EFFECT UNTIL 1000 AM CST MONDAY FOR DOUGLAS...HOWELL...OREGON...OZARK...SHANNON...TANEY... TEXAS AND WRIGHT COUNTIES... AT 345 PM CST...THE DEPARTMENT OF TRANSPORTATION INDICATED THAT MINOR FLOODING CONTINUED ACROSS THE ADVISORY AREA. NUMEROUS SMALL STREAMS HAD SWOLLEN OUT OF THEIR BANKS AND FLOODED LOW LYING AREAS. A FEW STATE HIGHWAYS REMAINED FLOODED...WHILE LOW WATER CROSSINGS ACROSS THE AREA ARE ALSO INUNDATED. NO ADDITIONAL RAIN IS EXPECTED...THEREFORE...STREAMS ARE EXPECTED TO CONTINUE FALLING THROUGH TONIGHT. RUNOFF FROM THIS HEAVY RAINFALL IS CAUSING MINOR FLOODING. CREEKS... STREAMS AND LOW WATER CROSSINGS WILL BE ESPECIALLY SUSCEPTIBLE TO THE DANGERS OF FLOODING. PRECAUTIONARY/PREPAREDNESS ACTIONS... IN HILLY TERRAIN THERE ARE HUNDREDS OF LOW WATER CROSSINGS WHICH ARE POTENTIALLY DANGEROUS IN HEAVY RAIN. DO NOT ATTEMPT TO TRAVEL ACROSS FLOODED ROADS. FIND ALTERNATE ROUTES. IT TAKES ONLY A FEW INCHES OF SWIFTLY FLOWING WATER TO CARRY VEHICLES AWAY.
Sunday, December 22, 2013
Thursday, December 19, 2013
Couple pleads not guilty to murdering Carthage man
The next hearing for Brian Benefiel, 48, and his wife, Kelli, 27, is scheduled for 9 a.m. Jan. 29. A public defender was appointed for the couple.
The Benefiels are charged with first degree murder, first degree burglary, and armed criminal action, and are being held on $500,000 bond.
The Benefiels, who were neighbors of Ritchhart, were allegedly surprised by him while they were burglarizing his home at 1237 Douglas Court looking for prescription drugs. Police say they beat and stabbed Ritchhart to death.
Jasper County online records show Brian Benefiel pleaded guilty to a theft charge in 2008 and was placed on probation, which he violated when he was arrested for receiving stolen property the following year. He was again placed on supervised probation.Benefiel pleaded guilty to a DWI charge in 2011 and was again place on probation.
Kelli Benefiel pleaded guilty to a misdemeanor drug charge in 2011.
Plane, weapons seized at West Plains Regional Airport
(From the U. S. Attorney for the Western District of Missouri)
This case is being prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorney Randall D. Eggert. It was investigated by the Drug Enforcement Administration, the Air and Marine Operations Center (AMOC) of the Department of Homeland Security (DHS), DHS Custom and Border Patrol, the Missouri State Highway Patrol, the Howell County, Mo., Sheriff’s Department, the Bollinger County, Mo., Sheriff’s Department and the Missouri South Central Drug Task Force.
Tammy Dickinson, United States Attorney for the Western District of Missouri, announced that a Marble Hill, Mo., man and a Shirley, N.Y., man have been indicted by a federal grand jury for a marijuana trafficking conspiracy in which the government has seized an aircraft and dozens of firearms.
Joshua William Vawter, 36, of Marble Hill, and Angelo Charles Vetrano, 33, of Shirley, were charged in a two-count indictment returned by a federal grand jury in Springfield, Mo., on Tuesday, Dec. 17, 2013. Vawter and Vetrano were arrested at West Plains Regional Airport in West Plains, Mo., on Oct. 31, 2013.
The federal indictment alleges that Vawter and Vetrano participated in a conspiracy to distribute 50 kilograms or more of marijuana from Oct. 26 to Nov. 1, 2013, in Howell County, Mo. Vawter and Vetrano are also charged with one count of possessing 50 kilograms or more of marijuana with the intent to distribute.
The indictment also contains a forfeiture allegation, which would require Vawter and Vetrano to forfeit to the government any property used to commit the alleged violations, or any property obtained as proceeds of the alleged violations, including a 1968 Piper Cherokee Six aircraft seized from Vawter and $1,800 seized from Vawter and Vetrano on Oct. 31, 2013, as well as $75,000 in cash, a 2009 John Deere tractor and 60 firearms, all of which was seized from Vawter’s residence.
Dickinson cautioned that the charges contained in this indictment are simply accusations, and not evidence of guilt. Evidence supporting the charges must be presented to a federal trial jury, whose duty is to determine guilt or innocence.
Wednesday, December 18, 2013
Tuesday, December 17, 2013
Thursday arraignment set for accused killers of Carthage man
Brian Benefiel, 48, and his wife, Kelli, 27, are charged with first degree murder, first degree burglary, and armed criminal action, and are being held on $500,000 bond.
The Benefiels, who were neighbors of Ritchhart, were allegedly surprised by him while they were burglarizing his home at 1237 Douglas Court looking for prescription drugs. Police say they beat and stabbed Ritchhart to death.
Benefiel pleaded guilty to a DWI charge in 2011 and was again place on probation.
Kelli Benefiel pleaded guilty to a misdemeanor drug charge in 2011.
Monday, December 16, 2013
West Plains men plead guilty to drug trafficking charges
(From the U. S. Attorney for the Western District of Missouri)
This case was prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorney Randall D. Eggert. It was investigated by the Drug Enforcement Administration, the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives, the South Central Drug Task Force, the Howell County, Mo., Sheriff’s Department, the Kansas City, Mo., Police Department, and the Grandview, Mo., Police Department.
ammy Dickinson, United States Attorney for the Western District of Missouri, announced today that two West Plains, Mo., men have been sentenced in federal court for their roles in a conspiracy to distribute methamphetamine and marijuana in Howell County, Mo.
Joseph R. Ledwa, 63, and David L. Collins, 38, both of West Plains, were sentenced by U.S. District Judge Beth Phillips on Thursday, Dec. 12, 2013. Ledwa was sentenced to 15 years in federal prison without parole and must forfeit to the government $43,871 that was seized by law enforcement officers during the investigation, as well as 10 firearms and miscellaneous ammunition that were seized during the investigation. Collins was sentenced to eight years and four months in federal prison without parole and must forfeit to the government two rifles that were seized by law enforcement officers during the investigation.
Ledwa pleaded guilty on May 28, 2013, to his role in a conspiracy to distribute 50 grams or more of methamphetamine and 100 kilograms or more of marijuana in Howell County from April 2009 to May 19, 2011. Ledwa also pleaded guilty to one count of possessing a firearm in furtherance of that drug-trafficking conspiracy, and two counts of illegally possessing firearms.
According to Ledwa’s plea agreement, the total amount that the government can prove Ledwa distributed is at least 50 grams, but less than 150 grams of actual methamphetamine and at least 2.5 kilograms but less than five kilograms of marijuana.
Ledwa admitted that he was in possession of a Ruger .45-caliber pistol on Dec. 20, 2009, which he carried in order to protect himself while distributing methamphetamine and marijuana.
Ledwa also admitted that he was in possession of 11 firearms – including pistols, revolvers, shotguns and rifles – on Dec. 20, 2009. He was also in possession of a Saiga 7.62x39-caliber rifle on Aug. 13, 2010. Under federal law, it is illegal for anyone who has been convicted of a felony to be in possession of any firearm or ammunition. Ledwa has a prior felony conviction for robbery.
On Nov. 19, 2012, Collins pleaded guilty to his role in the drug-trafficking conspiracy, to being a felon in possession of firearms and to possessing a firearm in furtherance of a drug-trafficking crime.
Collins admitted that he initially received “eight ball” (3.5 grams) quantities of methamphetamine from Ledwa to distribute, but then began to receive larger amounts (seven to 14 grams). Within a couple of months, Collins was receiving one to four ounces of methamphetamine a week from Ledwa. During the conspiracy, Collins also received marijuana from Ledwa for distribution.
On two occasions, Collins admitted, he assisted Ledwa in obtaining methamphetamine from Ledwa’s source of supply. On both occasions the two traveled to pick up methamphetamine. On one occasion, Ledwa gave Collins $10,000 and Collins went to Kansas City and obtained 7.5 ounces of methamphetamine from one of Ledwa’s sources.
Collins also admitted that he was in possession of a Smith & Wesson .38-caliber revolver on May 19, 2011. On this date, Collins was in possession of a distribution amount of methamphetamine and marijuana. Law enforcement officers executed a search warrant at Collins’s residence the same day and found various controlled substances in the master bedroom, along with the revolver, which Collins admitted he had for protection.
Collins, who has a prior felony conviction, was also in possession of a Mossberg .22-calbier rifle and a Remington .22-caliber rifle on May 19, 2011.
Reeds Spring man pleads guilty to tax fraud
(From the U. S. Attorney for the Western District of Missouri)
Tammy Dickinson, United States Attorney for the Western District of Missouri, announced that a Reeds Spring, Mo., man pleaded guilty in federal court today to making more than $124,000 in fraudulent tax refund claims.
Michael R. Jett, 47, of Reeds Spring, waived his right to a grand jury and pleaded guilty before U.S. Magistrate Judge David P. Rush to a federal information that charges him with making a false claim against the government.
By pleading guilty today, Jett admitted that he filed 22 false or fraudulent tax returns in order to obtain larger tax refunds between January 2009 and January 2012. Jett prepared tax returns for himself, his family and for other individuals using fraudulent W-2 forms issued by companies under his control, including Air1Assault, Creative Designs, Southwest Missouri Home Products and Corvette Specialist. Using the fraudulent W-2 forms, Jett prepared tax returns requesting tax refunds in amounts larger than actually owed. Those refunds were electronically deposited in bank accounts in his name, or the names of family members.
Jett requested a total of $124,493 in refunds on those 22 tax returns, which actually qualified for only $19,137 in legitimate refunds. The total loss for the scheme was $105,356.
Under federal statutes, Jett is subject to a sentence of up to five years in federal prison without parole, plus a fine up to $250,000 and an order of restitution. A sentencing hearing will be scheduled after the completion of a presentence investigation by the United States Probation Office.
This case is being prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorney Gary Milligan. It was investigated by IRS-Criminal Investigation.
Slowdowns expected across area as potholes are fixed
(From MODOT)
Drivers can expect slow-moving lines of equipment, lane closings and work zones throughout southwest Missouri over the next several days as Missouri Department of Transportation crews patch potholes.
Many potholes have developed on state routes after recent winter storms and extreme cold temperatures.
Crews use a variety of methods to patch potholes including self-contained patching machines and workers on-foot shoveling patching materials into holes.
Drivers are urged to use extreme caution as they travel state routes throughout southwest Missouri. Watch for MoDOT crews using patching equipment and large protection trucks as they work to make temporary fixes to the pavement. More permanent pavement repairs will be made in the spring.
Drivers can report potholes on state routes to MoDOT by calling 1.888.275.6636 or emailing the location and the route via the MoDOT website atwww.modot.org/southwest .
Potholes develop when moisture seeps into cracks in the pavement. Water freezes in the cracks and then expands which causes the pavement to crumble creating a pothole.
For more information, call MoDOT at 417-895-7600 or visit modot.org/southwest.
Sunday, December 15, 2013
Saturday, December 14, 2013
Joplin man killed in I-44 chain reaction accident
Matthew Cozad, 44, Joplin, was killed in the chain reaction accident.
Friday, December 13, 2013
Carthage man appointed to Southeast Missouri State University Board of Regents
(From Gov. Jay Nixon)
Governor Jay Nixon has appointed Donald G. LaFerla (R), of Carthage, to the Southeast Missouri State University Board of Regents. The six-member Board of Regents appoints the President of the University, employs faculty and staff, and makes budgetary and policy decisions necessary to implement the University's mission.
LaFerla is a retired corporate senior executive from Leggett and Platt. He obtained his bachelor's degree from Southeast Missouri State University and has served on the Southeast Missouri State University Foundation Board and the Missouri Southern State University Foundation Board. LaFerla has held leadership positions for several non-profit and civic boards. The Governor has appointed him for a term ending Jan. 1, 2019.
Half-million dollar bond set for accused killers of Carthage man
The Jasper County Prosecuting Attorney filed formal charges of first degree murder, first degree burglary, and armed criminal action today against a Carthage couple in connection with the December 7 death of Raymond Ritchhart, 87, Carthage.
Bond for Brian and Kelli Benefiel has been set at $500,000.
The Benefiels, who were neighbors of Ritchhart, were allegedly surprised by him as they were burglarizing his home at 1237 Douglas Court looking for prescription medicine, according to Carthage Police reports. They are charged with beating and stabbing him to death.
As noted last night, Jasper County online records show Brian Benefiel, 48, pleaded guilty to a theft charge in 2008 and was placed on probation, which he violated when he was arrested for receiving stolen property the following year. He was again placed on supervised probation.
Benefiel pleaded guilty to a DWI charge in 2011 and was again placed on probation.
Kelli Benefiel, 27, pleaded guilty to a misdemeanor drug charge in 2011.
Thursday, December 12, 2013
Two arrested for murder of Carthage man
Formal charges are expected to be filed Friday against Kelli and Brian Benefiel, Carthage, Friday in connection with the death of 87-year-old Raymond Ritchhart of Carthage.
The two were arrested today for first degree murder, just one day after Ritchhart's body was found at his home at 1237 Douglas Court, Carthage.
Jasper County online records show Brian Benefiel, 48, pleaded guilty to a theft charge in 2008 and was placed on probation, which he violated when he was arrested for receiving stolen property the following year. He was again placed on supervised probation.
Benefiel pleaded guilty to a DWI charge in 2011 and was again placed on probation.
Kelli Benefiel, 27, pleaded guilty to a misdemeanor drug charge in 2011.
The two were arrested today for first degree murder, just one day after Ritchhart's body was found at his home at 1237 Douglas Court, Carthage.
Jasper County online records show Brian Benefiel, 48, pleaded guilty to a theft charge in 2008 and was placed on probation, which he violated when he was arrested for receiving stolen property the following year. He was again placed on supervised probation.
Benefiel pleaded guilty to a DWI charge in 2011 and was again placed on probation.
Kelli Benefiel, 27, pleaded guilty to a misdemeanor drug charge in 2011.
Wednesday, December 11, 2013
Springfield business expanding, hiring up to 88 new employees
(From the Missouri Department of Economic Development)
The Missouri Department of Economic Development (DED) today announced that Stainless Technology, a manufacturer of stainless steel tanks, is expanding its Springfield operations. The company plans to hire up to 88 new employees, more than doubling the current workforce at the facility.
“This is big news for Stainless Technology and big news for Missouri’s economy,” said Mike Downing, acting director of the Missouri Department of Economic Development. “Manufacturing has long been a staple part of our economy and it is thrilling to see that this important sector is still growing and still creating jobs in the Show-Me State.”
Stainless Technology, a division of ABEC, Inc., has been operating in Springfield for more than 30 years. The company manufactures and supplies high-quality stainless steel tanks and vessels for the biopharmaceutical industry. The company’s innovative products have prompted a significant increase in sales. To meet increased demand for its products and accommodate expected future growth, Stainless Technologies is planning to expand its current facility by up to 75,000 square feet and hiring additional employees.
“Missouri has been a great place to do business and we’re excited to be expanding in Springfield,” said Scott Pickering, President and CEO of ABEC, Inc. “Here we have access not only to a highly-skilled workforce, but a growing client base as well. Being located in Missouri has really allowed us to grow our company quickly and produce the quality product that our customers expect.”
To assist Stainless Technology with its expansion, the Department of Economic Development and the City of Springfield have authorized a strategic economic incentive package that the company can receive if it meets strict job creation and investment criteria.
Tuesday, December 10, 2013
Anderson Affordable Health Care meeting canceled
(From University Extension)
University of Missouri Extension’s Health Insurance Education workshop titled, “Affordable Care Act: What Individuals Need to Know” scheduled for 6:30 p.m. to 8 p.m., Tuesday, Dec. 10 in Anderson has been canceled due to the weather. For more information, contact Janet LaFon at the Jasper County Extension Center at (417) 358-2158. The program will be rescheduled at a later date.
An updated list of other health insurance education classes in southwest Missouri that are scheduled can be found online at http://extension.missouri.edu/insure/families.aspx.
PROGRAM BACKGROUND
“The Health Insurance Education Initiative will help Show-Me State citizens understand their health insurance options and learn how to get help in their own communities if they choose to enroll in Missouri’s health insurance marketplace,” said Brenda Procter, associate professor of consumer and family economics for MU Extension.
A new website, at extension.missouri.edu/insure, provides educational materials and links to information. There’s a map of Missouri educators who can provide local workshops and a calendar where you can learn about upcoming events near you.
“The website is a one-stop source for factual, unbiased information about the changes in health insurance that are required by the new law,” Procter said.
MU Extension’s Health Insurance Education Initiative website will also provide resources for the state’s small businesses, including information about tax credits for offering insurance to employees and explanations of rules that might affect their bottom line, she said.
Monday, December 9, 2013
Video: Some slick spots on Springfield area roads
The roads may look good, but the winter weather has left some Springfield area roads with icy spots and has closed a number of schools, including the Springfield Public Schools.
Sunday, December 8, 2013
Alleged rape victim says she turned and fire marshal was in her house naked
She said she was riding with (Michael) Creswell to complete hours for fire fighter training when Creswell allegedly told her "she was going to have sex with him or she was not going to get her training."
According to the woman, Creswell drove her to her house near Blue Eye so she could gather her firefighting gear. She said she wasn't aware that Creswell had followed her into the house until she turned around and found him naked in the room with her. She told the court that Creswell then "raped" her.
Even more sordid details are available on Ms. Baird's blog.
Creswell was marshal for the Southern Stone County Fire Protection District.
Saturday, December 7, 2013
Friday, December 6, 2013
Obituary provided for Granby Mayor Ron Arnall
Ronald Leon Arnall
June 23, 1949 - December 5, 2013
Ronald Leon Arnall, 64, Granby, died Dec. 5, 2013 from injuries sustained in a automobile accident 4 miles north of Pierce City. Ronald was born June 23, 1949 in Neosho, the son of Peter and Myrtle (Griffin) Arnall. He was a lifelong Granby resident and served in the U.S. Army and Navy Reserves. Ronald was retired and has served as Mayor of Granby since April 2013 and has been a lifelong member of the Granby Gospel Tabernacle Church. He married Wyleta (McGehee) on April 26, 1969 in Seneca and she survives. Also surviving are two children, Gina Eberle, Freeman, MO and Michael Arnall, Neosho; five grandchildren, Caitlyn Eberle, Hannah Eberle, Madison Eberle, Gage Eberle and Aliyah Young; one brother, Bob Arnall, Neosho and a sister, Pam McMahan, Neosho. In addition to his parents, he is preceded in death by a daughter, Lisa Young.
Viewing
Tuesday December 10, 2013, 9:00 AM - 6:30 PM
Clark Funeral Home Granby Chapel
Visitation
Tuesday December 10, 2013, 4:30 PM - 6:30 PM
Clark Funeral Home Granby Chapel
Graveside Services
Wednesday December 11, 2013, 10:00 AM
Granby Memorial Cemetery
First signing for Scars from the Tornado canceled
I called Jeff Auckerman, book manager at Vintage Stock on the Mall a few minutes ago and canceled the event, which had been scheduled for Saturday afternoon. I will reschedule sometime after Christmas.
The book, which details former East Middle School students' tornado experiences and our first year in a warehouse school, features essays by students and by me and student poems.
Scars was published in March, but due to the problems Joplin R-8 school officials had with the book, which have been written about on this blog numerous times, it and the wonderful writing done by these young people never received the attention it deserved.
For those who do not yet have a copy of the book, it is available locally at Vintage Stock on the Mall, Always Buying Books, and Changing Hands Book Shoppe in Joplin, and at Pat's Books in Carthage. Amazon has them on sale at the moment for $8.60.
Thursday, December 5, 2013
Lamar West Elementary students dedicate thank-you notes to community
A report from KSN's Rae Patterson
Joplin Tornado books available at discount prices
(I originally ran this in August, but some of the prices have been reduced even further by Amazon. For those who want the most thorough history of the tornado, complete with first person stories, photos, essays, transcripts of speeches, and the obituaries of all of those who died in the May 22, 2011 Joplin Tornado, these books offer the most comprehensive look at the disaster that has been published to this date.)
Three books authored or co-authored by Inside Joplin Editor Randy Turner on the Joplin Tornado have been reduced in price on Amazon.com.
The first book, 5:41: Stories from the Joplin Tornado, by Turner and Carthage Press Managing Editor John Hacker, originally $20 is now selling for $15.26 on Amazon, while its follow-up, Spirit of Hope: The Year After the Joplin Tornado, again written by Turner and Hacker, originally $26.99 is now selling for $14.39.
The final book in the trilogy, Scars from the Tornado: One Year at Joplin East Middle School, originally priced at $12.99, is on sale for $8.60.
The three books, which formerly would have cost approximately $60 can be purchased together for $38.25, plus shipping, or separately.
A chapter-by-chapter breakdown of the contents of each book is featured below:
5:41: Stories from the Joplin Tornado
Introduction
Chapter One- Surviving- John Hacker's on-the-scene reporting minutes after the tornado.
Chapter Two- 45 Seconds- Kelly Maddy's tornado experience
Chapter Three- Armageddon at the Hospital- Emergency room doctor Kevin Kitka's details of the tornado at St. John's.
Chapter Four- Death, Destruction Hit Joplin, Missouri- Randy Turner essay on the morning after in Joplin
Chapter Five- Nightmare at Freeman- Carthage artist and Lamar native Kristin Huke offers an eyewitness account of May 22 at Freeman Hospital.
Chapter Six- Fire Chief Was a Hero- John's story on Joplin Fire Chief Mitch Randles
Chapter Seven- Death at the Full Gospel Church- Randy Turner's story on the tragic death of Ozark Christian College student Natalia Puebla, one of four people killed at the Full Gospel Church.
Chapter Eight- God Was With Me- Melissa Rainey-Campbell's survival story
Chapter Nine- Back to the Country For Me- Diamond High School graduate Gary Harrall made a momentous decision after his Joplin home was destroyed.
Chapter 10- Laela's Story- Former Joplin Daily reporter Kaylea Hutson's interview with Joplin High School senior Laela Zaidi, whose family lost its home, but whose doctor parents continued working to help those who were injured.
Chapter 11- Sarcoxie Soldier Saved Lives at Wal-Mart- John Hacker's story on Jeffrey Price, one of the heroes at the 15th Street Wal-Mart
Chapter 12- A Survivor's Story- Rhonda Hatfield's tale of returning home to a nightmare moments after the Joplin High School graduation
Chapter 13- McCune-Brooks Deals with Disaster- John Hacker offers a look at one of the overlooked stories of the tornado, the yeoman work done by those at McCune-Brooks Hospital in Carthage, which had to take much of the traffic that normally would be going to St. John's.
Chaper 14- Code Black- Randy Turner's story of life and death in the 15th Street Wal-Mart.
Chapter 15- Missouri Southern Tested After Tornado- John Hacker takes a look at how Missouri Southern State University stepped up after the tornado.
Chapter 16- Hall's Half Hour- Michael R. Sharp takes a unique look at the entire tornado as an act of the devil, but at the same time reaffirms the faith of the people of Joplin.
Chapter 17- A Graduation Day I Will Never Forget- It was a day that certainly will stand out for Lacy Heiskell, who offers her first person account.
Chapter 18- In An Instant, Everything Was Gone- Iris Fountain tells how her family survived the tornado.
Chapter 19- An Incredible Ride- The first person account of a Freeman Hospital maintenance worker
Chapter 20- The Day That Changed Everything- Joplin High School student Shaney Delzell waits out the tornado at Wal-Mart.
Chapter 21- The Voice of Joplin- Randy Turner's story on the incredible work done by Zimmer Radio which helped hold the community together in the time right after the tornado and since.
Chapter 22- Lucky to Have a Home- Joplin High School junior Denton Williams' final year at East Middle School was cut short, but he and his family made it through.
Chapter 23- Life of Will Norton celebrated- Randy Turner's coverage of the memorial service for Will Norton, who died shortly after graduating from Joplin High School
Chapter 24- The Story That Affected Me for Life- Shanti Navarre's tornado story, which includes thoughts about the death of her daughter Cheyla's friend, Will Norton
Chapter 25- Tornado Victim was a Shooting Star- Randy Turner's look at Will Norton's YouTube fame and his death
Chapter 26- How Will Norton Led Me to Joplin- Rose Fogarty tells the story of coming from St. Louis to help with tornado recovery and the formation of the St. Lou Crew for Joplin
Chapter 27- Tornado Ends School Year for Most Inspirational Teacher- Randy Turner feature on former East Middle School teacher Andrea Thomas, who was scheduled to be named Most Inspirational Teacher at East Middle School, but the ceremony was never held...and she lost her home in the tornado
Chapter 28- Calm in the Storm- That same teacher, Andrea Thomas, tells the story of how faith helped her and her husband Joe survive.
Chapter 29- Joplin Forever Changed Our Hearts- Tanya Snedden, a volunteer from Harrisonville, writes about her experiences.
Chapter 30- Joplin's Apocalypse Now- Randy Turner's trip through Duquesne and the apartments behind Wal-Mart, including his conversation with the father of Pizza Hut hero Chris Lucas.
Chapter 31- The Volunteer Spirit- Stephen and Della Bergen of Samaritan's Purse tell their tornado stories to John Hacker.
Chapter 32- A Return to East Middle School- Randy Turner returns to his tornado-damaged school
Chapter 33- Finding "Hi" in My Joplin Classroom" A special gift survives the tornado.
Chapter 34- The School Year That Never Ended- East Middle School students come to the Fourth Street Bowl three weeks after the tornado for a final get-together, but the belongings of many students remained unclaimed
Chapter 35- The transcript of Rev. Aaron Brown's speech at the Joplin Tornado Memorial Service
Chapter 36- The transcript of Gov. Jay Nixon's memorial service speech
Chapter 37- The transcript of President Barack Obama's memorial service speech
The official National Weather Service report on the Joplin Tornado
In Memory of Lives Lost- The obituaries of those who were killed in the Joplin Tornado
Spirit of Hope: The Year After the Joplin Tornado
Preface- Joplin Fire Chief Mitch Randles offers the introduction to the book.
1. Spirit of Hope- Randy Turner's introductory story and thoughts about how the people of Joplin have provided an example for the nation.
2. Historic Storm, History Reoovery- John Hacker relives the moment he arrived at the tornado site moments after it occurred.
3. One Year, One Community, One Direction- John Hacker's coverage of the Day of Unity
4. I'm Proud of Joplin- The transcript of City Manager Mark Rohr's speech from the Day of Unity
5. God Was With Me- Randy Turner's story on the Joplin High School Graduation, featuring senior Sarah Kessler, who lost her home during the tornado
6. St. John's Has Been Hit That's All We Know For Sure- Rebecca Williams of Joplin Tornado Info tells the story of how that innovative and essential web page began.
7. A Lazy Afternoon- One of the most searing memories of the days after the tornado was the viral video of people inside Fastrip when the tornado hit. One of those people, Carthage Press Sports Editor Brennan Stebbins, tells the story.
8. Love Led Me Through- Former East Middle School teacher Andrea Thomas told her tornado story in 5:41. In this stirring story of faith, Andrea tells the story of what has happened to her and her husband Joe since May 22, 201, and what she has seen while helping others.
9. Pancakes, Prayers, and Progress- Former reporter Rick Nichols relives the tornado as it hit the International House of Pancakes.
10. The House of Bricks- Randy Turner's journey to the apartment complex behind the 15th Street Wal-Mart after the tornado and his conversation with a father whose son died at Pizza Hut.
11. A Tale of Survival- Andrea Queen writes about how she and her family survived the tornado.
12. Ground Zero- Former Joplin Tri-State Business Editor Jeff Wells describes the helplessness of being in Texas while his mother and grandmother are fighting for their lives in Joplin.
13. Will There be a Christmas Tree?- Marty Oetting's moving essay on the items left behind after the tornado.
14. We Were All Affected- Joplin Tornado Information's Rebecca Williams shares stories from her website.
15. This Town is My Home- Joplin High School junior Laela Zaidi's story was told in 5:41. This time, she writes the story of how she wanted nothing more than to remain in Joplin.
16-17- The Peace in the Midst of the Storm/Miracles at Walmart- A two-part story with two friends offering their versions of what happened at the 15th Street Walmart.
18. My Tornado Story: A Story About the Heart of America- An eighth grader at the time she wrote this, former East Middle School student Jennifer Nguyen tells a harrowing story of a birthday party that turned into a nightmare.
19. Big Builds- John Hacker's coverage of Extreme Makeover: Home Edition and Ten for Joplin, two building projects that brought the nation's attention to Joplin.
20. Pushed to the Breaking Point- John's story on Joplin Emergency Management Director Keith Stammer and what happened May 22 and in the days afterward.
21. Local Radio's Finest Hour- In this speech to the Missouri Broadcasters Association, Gov. Jay Nixon praises the work done by the Zimmer radio stations during and after the tornado.
22. Miracle of the Human Spirit- The transcript of City Manager Mark Rohr's speech at Cunningham Park one week after the tornado
23. Sometimes, Love Is All You Have- Amy Gilbert's family lost its home in the tornado, but her survival story has a twist when the band Sugarland invites her daughters to appear with them at the Country Music Association Awards.
24. I'll Never Forget- Pittsburg State University student Amy Herron's touching essay about the tornado.
25. Coming Together- John Hacker's story about how the tornado has affected three hospitals, Mercy (St. John's), Freeman, and McCune-Brooks
26. Autistic Children Benefit from Ozark Center- John Hacker tells another story of how the local health industry was affected by the tornado.
27. Mercy Joplin Opens Component Hospital- A few months after the tornado, Mercy offers a new temporary structure for its patients in this story written by John Hacker
28. An End and a Beginning- John Hacker's portrait of the day the wrecking ball hit St. John's
29. We Will Have School- Randy Turner's story of the Joplin Schools family gathering at the site of the destroyed high school where Superintendent C. J. Huff promised that school would begin on time.
30. Will Norton is With Us In Spirit- This is an article that Turner wrote for the magazine at Chapman University about the effect Will Norton's death had on the campus though he never had a chance to go to school there. It includes Turner's interview with Will's father, Mark Norton.
31. I Will Keep The Spotlight on Joplin, Missouri- The transcript of Rush Limbaugh's July 4 speech in Cunningham Park
32. Blessing in Disguise- John Hacker's story of the incredible job Samaritan's Purse has done in Joplin
33. We Will Not Be Kept Down- Mary Jean Miller, who was president of Joplin High School's Key Club, tells her own tornado story and then writes about how Key Club did everything it could to help the recovery effort.
34. These Are My Students: This Is My School- Randy Turner's essay on the difficulty he had getting ready to teach school in a converted warehouse
35. School Begins Today in Joplin- Randy Turner's story on the day teachers returned to duty and found themselves greeted by a hundreds of community members
36. The Toughest Town on God's Green Earth- The transcript of Gov. Jay Nixon's speech to returning Joplin Schools staff members
37. An Opportunity to Move Forward Together- The transcript of Superintendent C. J. Huff's speech as staff returned to duty
38. A Day of Miracles, Joplin Schools Start on Time- Randy Turner writes about the first day of classes.
39. Back to the Country- In 5:41, Gary Harrall wrote the shortest story, telling about how he wanted to leave the city after the tornado. Continuing the tradition, Gary has the shortest story in this book, too, with a much happier ending.
40. Nothing Stops Us- Denton Williams, another contributor to 5:41, offers an update and a tribute to those who have helped Joplin recover.
41. Tornado-Battered Joplin Honors Victims of Terrorists Attacks- John Hacker writes about the moving ceremony held in Joplin on Sept. 11.
42. Anti-Muslim Sentiment Clouds Gift to Joplin Schools- In every success story, there are a few discordant notes and they were offered here by some people who were not happy about the gift of laptops to Joplin High School students. Randy Turner takes on that sentiment in this story.
43. I'm Proud to be a Rising Joplin Eagle- Joplin High School student Micaela Tennis writes about the first day of school.
44. The Six-Month Anniversary: Nov. 22, 2011, in Cunningham Park- John Hacker's coverage of the activities on that eventful day, including the texts of speeches by Mayor Mike Woolston, Billy Long, Jay Nixon, and Chris Cotton
45. Come Home to Joplin- The text of Mark Rohr's speech at the six-month anniversary observance in Cunningham Park
46. Cunningham Park: Joplin's First Park- John Hacker writes the history of the park.
47. God Bless the People of Joplin, Missouri- In 5:41, Rose Fogarty wrote about how the story of Will Norton brought her to Joplin. Since then, she has continued her volunteer work and she offers a moving story about that volunteer work.
48. Remembering the Forgotten School- Not much attention was paid to the desruction of the old South Middle School, where Randy Turner taught. In this essay, he offers a tribute to it.
49. A Day in the Life of a Joplin Student- Karissa Dowell offers a different look at going to the mall high school- the feeling of a being on display in a glass house with different visitors every day.
50-51. Student to Student: Sharing Stories/College Students Forego the Beach to Help with Recovery- John Hacker writes about college students giving up their spring breaks to volunteer in Joplin.
52. A New Hope High School for Joplin- Randy Turner writes about the passage of the bond issue for new schools in Joplin.
53. A Seventh Grader's Gift That Keeps On Giving- Randy Turner's story about how a seventh grader from New York contributed to my students.
54. Avenue of Hope- John Hacker's story about Peace Lutheran Church, which had its building destroyed, beginning with outdoor services a week later and ending with outdoor services one year later
55. God Remains With Us in Joplin- Peace Lutheran Church's interim pastor Bill Pape writes about those first outdoor services.
56. Thanks Be To This Ever-Present God- A transcript of Pastor Kathy Redpath's sermon at the outdoor service at Peace Lutheran Church one year later.
57. Rejoicing, Remembering, and Rebuilding- Laela Zaidi's thoughts after the Joplin High School commencement program about how far this city has come.
58. Tornado Teaches the True Meaning of School- Randy Turner's story about the last day of the 2011-2012 school year in our East Middle School warehouse
59. Joplin High School Prom Photos- taken by John Hacker
The following items are featured in the back of the book:
Death Doesn't Get the Last Word: Life Wins- The text of Rev. Aaron Brown's sermon at the Joplin Tornado Memorial Service
The Long Journey- The text of Gov. Jay Nixon's speech at the Joplin Tornado Memorial Service
Joplin Taught the World- The text of President Barack Obama's speech at the Joplin Tornado Memorial Service
The World Will Never Forget What You Achieved- Gov. Jay Nixon's speech at the Joplin High School Graduation
Because You Are From Joplin- President Barack Obama's speech at the Joplin High School Graduation
Center for Disease Control Report on Fungal Infections from Joplin Tornado
National Weather Service Central Region Assessment- The Joplin Tornado
Scars from the Tornado: One Year at Joplin East Middle School
Foreword- This features a story that a former East student, Joplin High School sophomore Rylee Hartwell, wrote about the school shortly after the tornado.
A Teacher's Story- Over several chapters, Randy Turner writes about the last day at East before the tornado hit, the tornado and his first trip back to the school, the meeting at Missouri Southern where Principal Bud Sexson outlined what the warehouse school was going to be like, the return to school, the first day and much more.
Tornado Stories- This section features the students recounting their tornado stories. Some were right in the middle of it. Others feared for their friends. It affected all of them. Students with stories in this section include Jennifer Nguyen, Nick Shellenbarger, Abi Killinger, Alexandra Stelts, Donna Tomlinson, Maggie Baker, Cami Sanders, Kaley Moser, Amber Fleming, Desirae Orlaski, Taylor Robinson, Keisha Grunden, Courtney Hunt, Victoria Stehm, Garrett Severs, and Ryan Ball.
The School Year- This section features stories from the students about our year in the warehouse, with some commenting about the school. Those contributing stories include Sarah Peterson, Megan Hickey, Amy Koch, Jennifer Nguyen, Annie Strickling, Stella Ndauwa, and Melinda Adams. Megan, Amy, and Jennifer contributed multiple stories in this section.
Parting Shots- This section includes a longer story that Randy Turner wrote about the people from around the world who let those at East know that they were not alone in our battle. His story centers around his class's 86-year-old pen-pal from Santa Barbara who came to mean a lot to his students. The section also has shorter comments from Cara Marshall, Jimmie Willerton, Audrey Kanan, Taelor Stone, Logan Whitehead, Amelia Street, and Madison Meinhardt.
Tornado Poems- Among those contributing to this section are students Mykah Campbell, Michaela West, Sean Harrison, Ashton McGehee, Karly Weber, Jacy Welch, Mackenzie Gunderson, Bridget Ingham, Jerry Bland, Joseph Fry, Beth Dulinsky, and teacher Kathy Weaver.
The book also includes a photo section.
Three books authored or co-authored by Inside Joplin Editor Randy Turner on the Joplin Tornado have been reduced in price on Amazon.com.The first book, 5:41: Stories from the Joplin Tornado, by Turner and Carthage Press Managing Editor John Hacker, originally $20 is now selling for $15.26 on Amazon, while its follow-up, Spirit of Hope: The Year After the Joplin Tornado, again written by Turner and Hacker, originally $26.99 is now selling for $14.39.
The final book in the trilogy, Scars from the Tornado: One Year at Joplin East Middle School, originally priced at $12.99, is on sale for $8.60.
The three books, which formerly would have cost approximately $60 can be purchased together for $38.25, plus shipping, or separately.
A chapter-by-chapter breakdown of the contents of each book is featured below:
5:41: Stories from the Joplin Tornado
Introduction
Chapter One- Surviving- John Hacker's on-the-scene reporting minutes after the tornado.
Chapter Two- 45 Seconds- Kelly Maddy's tornado experience
Chapter Three- Armageddon at the Hospital- Emergency room doctor Kevin Kitka's details of the tornado at St. John's.
Chapter Four- Death, Destruction Hit Joplin, Missouri- Randy Turner essay on the morning after in Joplin
Chapter Five- Nightmare at Freeman- Carthage artist and Lamar native Kristin Huke offers an eyewitness account of May 22 at Freeman Hospital.
Chapter Six- Fire Chief Was a Hero- John's story on Joplin Fire Chief Mitch Randles
Chapter Seven- Death at the Full Gospel Church- Randy Turner's story on the tragic death of Ozark Christian College student Natalia Puebla, one of four people killed at the Full Gospel Church.
Chapter Eight- God Was With Me- Melissa Rainey-Campbell's survival story
Chapter Nine- Back to the Country For Me- Diamond High School graduate Gary Harrall made a momentous decision after his Joplin home was destroyed.
Chapter 10- Laela's Story- Former Joplin Daily reporter Kaylea Hutson's interview with Joplin High School senior Laela Zaidi, whose family lost its home, but whose doctor parents continued working to help those who were injured.
Chapter 11- Sarcoxie Soldier Saved Lives at Wal-Mart- John Hacker's story on Jeffrey Price, one of the heroes at the 15th Street Wal-Mart
Chapter 12- A Survivor's Story- Rhonda Hatfield's tale of returning home to a nightmare moments after the Joplin High School graduation
Chapter 13- McCune-Brooks Deals with Disaster- John Hacker offers a look at one of the overlooked stories of the tornado, the yeoman work done by those at McCune-Brooks Hospital in Carthage, which had to take much of the traffic that normally would be going to St. John's.
Chaper 14- Code Black- Randy Turner's story of life and death in the 15th Street Wal-Mart.
Chapter 15- Missouri Southern Tested After Tornado- John Hacker takes a look at how Missouri Southern State University stepped up after the tornado.
Chapter 16- Hall's Half Hour- Michael R. Sharp takes a unique look at the entire tornado as an act of the devil, but at the same time reaffirms the faith of the people of Joplin.
Chapter 17- A Graduation Day I Will Never Forget- It was a day that certainly will stand out for Lacy Heiskell, who offers her first person account.
Chapter 18- In An Instant, Everything Was Gone- Iris Fountain tells how her family survived the tornado.
Chapter 19- An Incredible Ride- The first person account of a Freeman Hospital maintenance worker
Chapter 20- The Day That Changed Everything- Joplin High School student Shaney Delzell waits out the tornado at Wal-Mart.
Chapter 21- The Voice of Joplin- Randy Turner's story on the incredible work done by Zimmer Radio which helped hold the community together in the time right after the tornado and since.
Chapter 22- Lucky to Have a Home- Joplin High School junior Denton Williams' final year at East Middle School was cut short, but he and his family made it through.
Chapter 23- Life of Will Norton celebrated- Randy Turner's coverage of the memorial service for Will Norton, who died shortly after graduating from Joplin High School
Chapter 24- The Story That Affected Me for Life- Shanti Navarre's tornado story, which includes thoughts about the death of her daughter Cheyla's friend, Will Norton
Chapter 25- Tornado Victim was a Shooting Star- Randy Turner's look at Will Norton's YouTube fame and his death
Chapter 26- How Will Norton Led Me to Joplin- Rose Fogarty tells the story of coming from St. Louis to help with tornado recovery and the formation of the St. Lou Crew for Joplin
Chapter 27- Tornado Ends School Year for Most Inspirational Teacher- Randy Turner feature on former East Middle School teacher Andrea Thomas, who was scheduled to be named Most Inspirational Teacher at East Middle School, but the ceremony was never held...and she lost her home in the tornado
Chapter 28- Calm in the Storm- That same teacher, Andrea Thomas, tells the story of how faith helped her and her husband Joe survive.
Chapter 29- Joplin Forever Changed Our Hearts- Tanya Snedden, a volunteer from Harrisonville, writes about her experiences.
Chapter 30- Joplin's Apocalypse Now- Randy Turner's trip through Duquesne and the apartments behind Wal-Mart, including his conversation with the father of Pizza Hut hero Chris Lucas.
Chapter 31- The Volunteer Spirit- Stephen and Della Bergen of Samaritan's Purse tell their tornado stories to John Hacker.
Chapter 32- A Return to East Middle School- Randy Turner returns to his tornado-damaged school
Chapter 33- Finding "Hi" in My Joplin Classroom" A special gift survives the tornado.
Chapter 34- The School Year That Never Ended- East Middle School students come to the Fourth Street Bowl three weeks after the tornado for a final get-together, but the belongings of many students remained unclaimed
Chapter 35- The transcript of Rev. Aaron Brown's speech at the Joplin Tornado Memorial Service
Chapter 36- The transcript of Gov. Jay Nixon's memorial service speech
Chapter 37- The transcript of President Barack Obama's memorial service speech
The official National Weather Service report on the Joplin Tornado
In Memory of Lives Lost- The obituaries of those who were killed in the Joplin Tornado
Spirit of Hope: The Year After the Joplin Tornado
Preface- Joplin Fire Chief Mitch Randles offers the introduction to the book.1. Spirit of Hope- Randy Turner's introductory story and thoughts about how the people of Joplin have provided an example for the nation.
2. Historic Storm, History Reoovery- John Hacker relives the moment he arrived at the tornado site moments after it occurred.
3. One Year, One Community, One Direction- John Hacker's coverage of the Day of Unity
4. I'm Proud of Joplin- The transcript of City Manager Mark Rohr's speech from the Day of Unity
5. God Was With Me- Randy Turner's story on the Joplin High School Graduation, featuring senior Sarah Kessler, who lost her home during the tornado
6. St. John's Has Been Hit That's All We Know For Sure- Rebecca Williams of Joplin Tornado Info tells the story of how that innovative and essential web page began.
7. A Lazy Afternoon- One of the most searing memories of the days after the tornado was the viral video of people inside Fastrip when the tornado hit. One of those people, Carthage Press Sports Editor Brennan Stebbins, tells the story.
8. Love Led Me Through- Former East Middle School teacher Andrea Thomas told her tornado story in 5:41. In this stirring story of faith, Andrea tells the story of what has happened to her and her husband Joe since May 22, 201, and what she has seen while helping others.
9. Pancakes, Prayers, and Progress- Former reporter Rick Nichols relives the tornado as it hit the International House of Pancakes.
10. The House of Bricks- Randy Turner's journey to the apartment complex behind the 15th Street Wal-Mart after the tornado and his conversation with a father whose son died at Pizza Hut.
11. A Tale of Survival- Andrea Queen writes about how she and her family survived the tornado.
12. Ground Zero- Former Joplin Tri-State Business Editor Jeff Wells describes the helplessness of being in Texas while his mother and grandmother are fighting for their lives in Joplin.
13. Will There be a Christmas Tree?- Marty Oetting's moving essay on the items left behind after the tornado.
14. We Were All Affected- Joplin Tornado Information's Rebecca Williams shares stories from her website.
15. This Town is My Home- Joplin High School junior Laela Zaidi's story was told in 5:41. This time, she writes the story of how she wanted nothing more than to remain in Joplin.
16-17- The Peace in the Midst of the Storm/Miracles at Walmart- A two-part story with two friends offering their versions of what happened at the 15th Street Walmart.
18. My Tornado Story: A Story About the Heart of America- An eighth grader at the time she wrote this, former East Middle School student Jennifer Nguyen tells a harrowing story of a birthday party that turned into a nightmare.
19. Big Builds- John Hacker's coverage of Extreme Makeover: Home Edition and Ten for Joplin, two building projects that brought the nation's attention to Joplin.
20. Pushed to the Breaking Point- John's story on Joplin Emergency Management Director Keith Stammer and what happened May 22 and in the days afterward.
21. Local Radio's Finest Hour- In this speech to the Missouri Broadcasters Association, Gov. Jay Nixon praises the work done by the Zimmer radio stations during and after the tornado.
22. Miracle of the Human Spirit- The transcript of City Manager Mark Rohr's speech at Cunningham Park one week after the tornado
23. Sometimes, Love Is All You Have- Amy Gilbert's family lost its home in the tornado, but her survival story has a twist when the band Sugarland invites her daughters to appear with them at the Country Music Association Awards.
24. I'll Never Forget- Pittsburg State University student Amy Herron's touching essay about the tornado.
25. Coming Together- John Hacker's story about how the tornado has affected three hospitals, Mercy (St. John's), Freeman, and McCune-Brooks
26. Autistic Children Benefit from Ozark Center- John Hacker tells another story of how the local health industry was affected by the tornado.
27. Mercy Joplin Opens Component Hospital- A few months after the tornado, Mercy offers a new temporary structure for its patients in this story written by John Hacker
28. An End and a Beginning- John Hacker's portrait of the day the wrecking ball hit St. John's
29. We Will Have School- Randy Turner's story of the Joplin Schools family gathering at the site of the destroyed high school where Superintendent C. J. Huff promised that school would begin on time.
30. Will Norton is With Us In Spirit- This is an article that Turner wrote for the magazine at Chapman University about the effect Will Norton's death had on the campus though he never had a chance to go to school there. It includes Turner's interview with Will's father, Mark Norton.
31. I Will Keep The Spotlight on Joplin, Missouri- The transcript of Rush Limbaugh's July 4 speech in Cunningham Park
32. Blessing in Disguise- John Hacker's story of the incredible job Samaritan's Purse has done in Joplin
33. We Will Not Be Kept Down- Mary Jean Miller, who was president of Joplin High School's Key Club, tells her own tornado story and then writes about how Key Club did everything it could to help the recovery effort.
34. These Are My Students: This Is My School- Randy Turner's essay on the difficulty he had getting ready to teach school in a converted warehouse
35. School Begins Today in Joplin- Randy Turner's story on the day teachers returned to duty and found themselves greeted by a hundreds of community members
36. The Toughest Town on God's Green Earth- The transcript of Gov. Jay Nixon's speech to returning Joplin Schools staff members
37. An Opportunity to Move Forward Together- The transcript of Superintendent C. J. Huff's speech as staff returned to duty
38. A Day of Miracles, Joplin Schools Start on Time- Randy Turner writes about the first day of classes.
39. Back to the Country- In 5:41, Gary Harrall wrote the shortest story, telling about how he wanted to leave the city after the tornado. Continuing the tradition, Gary has the shortest story in this book, too, with a much happier ending.
40. Nothing Stops Us- Denton Williams, another contributor to 5:41, offers an update and a tribute to those who have helped Joplin recover.
41. Tornado-Battered Joplin Honors Victims of Terrorists Attacks- John Hacker writes about the moving ceremony held in Joplin on Sept. 11.
42. Anti-Muslim Sentiment Clouds Gift to Joplin Schools- In every success story, there are a few discordant notes and they were offered here by some people who were not happy about the gift of laptops to Joplin High School students. Randy Turner takes on that sentiment in this story.
43. I'm Proud to be a Rising Joplin Eagle- Joplin High School student Micaela Tennis writes about the first day of school.
44. The Six-Month Anniversary: Nov. 22, 2011, in Cunningham Park- John Hacker's coverage of the activities on that eventful day, including the texts of speeches by Mayor Mike Woolston, Billy Long, Jay Nixon, and Chris Cotton
45. Come Home to Joplin- The text of Mark Rohr's speech at the six-month anniversary observance in Cunningham Park
46. Cunningham Park: Joplin's First Park- John Hacker writes the history of the park.
47. God Bless the People of Joplin, Missouri- In 5:41, Rose Fogarty wrote about how the story of Will Norton brought her to Joplin. Since then, she has continued her volunteer work and she offers a moving story about that volunteer work.
48. Remembering the Forgotten School- Not much attention was paid to the desruction of the old South Middle School, where Randy Turner taught. In this essay, he offers a tribute to it.
49. A Day in the Life of a Joplin Student- Karissa Dowell offers a different look at going to the mall high school- the feeling of a being on display in a glass house with different visitors every day.
50-51. Student to Student: Sharing Stories/College Students Forego the Beach to Help with Recovery- John Hacker writes about college students giving up their spring breaks to volunteer in Joplin.
52. A New Hope High School for Joplin- Randy Turner writes about the passage of the bond issue for new schools in Joplin.
53. A Seventh Grader's Gift That Keeps On Giving- Randy Turner's story about how a seventh grader from New York contributed to my students.
54. Avenue of Hope- John Hacker's story about Peace Lutheran Church, which had its building destroyed, beginning with outdoor services a week later and ending with outdoor services one year later
55. God Remains With Us in Joplin- Peace Lutheran Church's interim pastor Bill Pape writes about those first outdoor services.
56. Thanks Be To This Ever-Present God- A transcript of Pastor Kathy Redpath's sermon at the outdoor service at Peace Lutheran Church one year later.
57. Rejoicing, Remembering, and Rebuilding- Laela Zaidi's thoughts after the Joplin High School commencement program about how far this city has come.
58. Tornado Teaches the True Meaning of School- Randy Turner's story about the last day of the 2011-2012 school year in our East Middle School warehouse
59. Joplin High School Prom Photos- taken by John Hacker
The following items are featured in the back of the book:
Death Doesn't Get the Last Word: Life Wins- The text of Rev. Aaron Brown's sermon at the Joplin Tornado Memorial Service
The Long Journey- The text of Gov. Jay Nixon's speech at the Joplin Tornado Memorial Service
Joplin Taught the World- The text of President Barack Obama's speech at the Joplin Tornado Memorial Service
The World Will Never Forget What You Achieved- Gov. Jay Nixon's speech at the Joplin High School Graduation
Because You Are From Joplin- President Barack Obama's speech at the Joplin High School Graduation
Center for Disease Control Report on Fungal Infections from Joplin Tornado
National Weather Service Central Region Assessment- The Joplin Tornado
Scars from the Tornado: One Year at Joplin East Middle School
Foreword- This features a story that a former East student, Joplin High School sophomore Rylee Hartwell, wrote about the school shortly after the tornado.A Teacher's Story- Over several chapters, Randy Turner writes about the last day at East before the tornado hit, the tornado and his first trip back to the school, the meeting at Missouri Southern where Principal Bud Sexson outlined what the warehouse school was going to be like, the return to school, the first day and much more.
Tornado Stories- This section features the students recounting their tornado stories. Some were right in the middle of it. Others feared for their friends. It affected all of them. Students with stories in this section include Jennifer Nguyen, Nick Shellenbarger, Abi Killinger, Alexandra Stelts, Donna Tomlinson, Maggie Baker, Cami Sanders, Kaley Moser, Amber Fleming, Desirae Orlaski, Taylor Robinson, Keisha Grunden, Courtney Hunt, Victoria Stehm, Garrett Severs, and Ryan Ball.
The School Year- This section features stories from the students about our year in the warehouse, with some commenting about the school. Those contributing stories include Sarah Peterson, Megan Hickey, Amy Koch, Jennifer Nguyen, Annie Strickling, Stella Ndauwa, and Melinda Adams. Megan, Amy, and Jennifer contributed multiple stories in this section.
Parting Shots- This section includes a longer story that Randy Turner wrote about the people from around the world who let those at East know that they were not alone in our battle. His story centers around his class's 86-year-old pen-pal from Santa Barbara who came to mean a lot to his students. The section also has shorter comments from Cara Marshall, Jimmie Willerton, Audrey Kanan, Taelor Stone, Logan Whitehead, Amelia Street, and Madison Meinhardt.
Tornado Poems- Among those contributing to this section are students Mykah Campbell, Michaela West, Sean Harrison, Ashton McGehee, Karly Weber, Jacy Welch, Mackenzie Gunderson, Bridget Ingham, Jerry Bland, Joseph Fry, Beth Dulinsky, and teacher Kathy Weaver.
The book also includes a photo section.
Springfield felon sentenced to 13 years for second child porn offense
Tammy Dickinson, United States Attorney for the Western District of Missouri, announced that a Springfield, Mo., man who has been convicted twice for possessing child pornography was sentenced in federal court today.
Lattrell Anthony Morris, 30, of Springfield, was sentenced by U.S. District Judge Gary A. Fenner to 13 years in federal prison without parole for possessing child pornography and for violating the terms of his supervised release (which was being served for an earlier conviction, also for possessing child pornography). Morris was sentenced to 10 years in prison for possessing child pornography and to five years in prison for violating his supervised release, with two years of that sentence to be served concurrently to his 10-year sentence, for a total of 13 years. Following his prison term, Morris will be on supervised release for the rest of his life.
Today’s sentence is more than double the length of his previous sentence for possessing child pornography. Morris was sentenced in 2007 to serve 70 months in federal prison for possessing child pornography, followed by a lifetime term of supervised release. Morris had been on supervised release for only a few months when he was caught downloading child pornography on his cell phone.
Morris received a cell phone in September 2012, approximately four months after being released from federal prison. Despite Morris’s supervised release restrictions against Internet services, Morris paid $50 a month for unlimited Internet access through his cell phone. Morris admitted that he used his cell phone daily to conduct Internet searches for child pornography. Law enforcement officers examined Morris’s cell phone and found more than 15 images of child pornography.
As a result, Morris’s supervised release was revoked and he was charged again with possessing child pornography. Morris pleaded guilty in the second case on May 21, 2013.
This case was prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorney Abram McGull II. It was investigated by the FBI, the Springfield, Mo., Police Department and the U.S. Probation and Pretrial Services Office.
Winter storm warning issued for Newton, McDonald, Barry, Lawrence counties
WINTER STORM WARNING REMAINS IN EFFECT FROM 9 AM THIS MORNING TO 6 PM CST FRIDAY... A WINTER STORM WARNING SNOW...SLEET AND FREEZING RAIN REMAINS IN EFFECT FROM 9 AM THIS MORNING TO 6 PM CST FRIDAY. * TIMING AND AREAS AFFECTED...AREAS OF SOUTHERN MISSOURI ALONG AND SOUTH OF AN ANDERSON TO OZARK TO WINONA LINE FROM THURSDAY MORNING THROUGH LATE FRIDAY AFTERNOON. * SNOW AND SLEET ACCUMULATIONS...4 TO 8 INCHES OF SNOW IS EXPECTED BY THE TIME PRECIPITATION ENDS LATE FRIDAY AFTERNOON. * ICE ACCUMULATIONS...PRECIPITATION WILL LIKELY BEGIN AS FREEZING RAIN OVER SOUTH CENTRAL MISSOURI TODAY WHICH COULD LINGER INTO THE EARLY EVENING BEFORE CHANGING OVER TO SNOW. ICE ACCUMULATIONS OF A TENTH TO QUARTER OF AN INCH WILL BE POSSIBLE SOUTH AND EAST OF A GAINESVILLE TO EMINENCE LINE. * IMPACTS...SIGNIFICANT IMPACTS TO TRAVEL ARE EXPECTED ACROSS THE REGION TODAY AND FRIDAY. THIS WILL INCLUDE THIS AFTERNOON AND FRIDAY MORNING COMMUTES. WITH TEMPERATURES DROPPING TO OR BELOW FREEZING IN MANY LOCATIONS BEFORE PRECIPITATION STARTS TO FALL...RAPID ACCUMULATIONS AND IMPACTS TO AREA ROADWAYS ARE EXPECTED ONCE PRECIPITATION BEGINS. PRECAUTIONARY/PREPAREDNESS ACTIONS... A WINTER STORM WARNING MEANS SIGNIFICANT AMOUNTS OF SNOW SLEET AND FREEZING RAIN ARE EXPECTED OR OCCURRING. GUSTY WINDS ARE ALSO POSSIBLE. THIS WILL MAKE TRAVEL VERY HAZARDOUS OR IMPOSSIBLE. CONSIDER TAKING A WINTER STORM KIT ALONG WITH YOU. THIS KIT SHOULD INCLUDE SUCH ITEMS AS TIRE CHAINS...BOOSTER CABLES...A FLASHLIGHT...SHOVEL...BLANKETS...EXTRA CLOTHING AND ANYTHING ELSE THAT WOULD HELP YOU SURVIVE IN CASE YOU BECOME STRANDED.
Wednesday, December 4, 2013
Winter Storm Watch issued for Branson, Monett, McDonald County areas
(From the National Weather Service)
CHRISTIAN-DOUGLAS-HOWELL-SHANNON-MCDONALD-BARRY-STONE-TANEY-OZARK-
OREGON-
INCLUDING THE CITIES OF...NIXA...OZARK...AVA...WEST PLAINS...
WINONA...EMINENCE...ANDERSON...PINEVILLE...MONETT...CASSVILLE...
KIMBERLING CITY...GALENA...BRANSON...FORSYTH...GAINESVILLE...
THEODOSIA...THAYER...ALTON
332 AM CST WED DEC 4 2013
...WINTER STORM WATCH IN EFFECT FROM THURSDAY MORNING THROUGH
FRIDAY AFTERNOON...
THE NATIONAL WEATHER SERVICE IN SPRINGFIELD HAS ISSUED A WINTER
STORM WATCH...WHICH IS IN EFFECT FROM THURSDAY MORNING THROUGH
FRIDAY AFTERNOON.
* TIMING AND AREAS AFFECTED...AREAS SOUTH OF A PINEVILLE TO
EMINENCE LINE THURSDAY MORNING THROUGH FRIDAY.
* SNOW AND SLEET ACCUMULATIONS OF 2 TO 4 INCHES IS EXPECTED.
* FREEZING RAIN ACCUMULATIONS OF A TENTH OF AN INCH TO TWO TENTHS
OF AN INCH WILL BE POSSIBLE.
* WINDS AND VISIBILITY...WIND GUSTS OF 15 TO 20 MPH WILL BE
POSSIBLE AT TIMES. VISIBILITY WILL LIKELY DIMINISH WITH THE
MODERATE TO HEAVIER SNOW.
* IMPACTS...THE COMBINATION OF ACCUMULATING ICE AND SNOW WILL MAKE
ROADWAYS AND TRAVEL TREACHEROUS.
PRECAUTIONARY/PREPAREDNESS ACTIONS...
A WINTER STORM WATCH MEANS THERE IS A POTENTIAL FOR SIGNIFICANT
SNOW...SLEET...OR ICE ACCUMULATIONS THAT MAY IMPACT TRAVEL.
CONTINUE TO MONITOR THE LATEST FORECASTS.
Tuesday, December 3, 2013
Branson sex scandal finally receiving national attention
It has been about four years since the Turner Report broke the story of the arrest of Kanakuk director Pete Newman on sex charges involving several underage boys.
After all of this time the story, which to this point developed into numerous lawsuits and the arrest and conviction of a Kanakuk counselor on different charges, the story may finally be ready to shed its regional label and receive nationwide attention.
Veteran Kansas City Star reporter Judy Thomas detailed Kanakuk's problems in a report Monday,
While the report does not break much new ground, it still brings an important story to a wider audience, since it has been picked up by national wire services.
After my initial reporting on Kanakuk, I wrote the following post July 13, 2012, shortly after the Penn State scandal hit:
After all of this time the story, which to this point developed into numerous lawsuits and the arrest and conviction of a Kanakuk counselor on different charges, the story may finally be ready to shed its regional label and receive nationwide attention.
Veteran Kansas City Star reporter Judy Thomas detailed Kanakuk's problems in a report Monday,
While the report does not break much new ground, it still brings an important story to a wider audience, since it has been picked up by national wire services.
After my initial reporting on Kanakuk, I wrote the following post July 13, 2012, shortly after the Penn State scandal hit:
It has all of the earmarks of
a national scandal.
A godlike figure, Joe, in
charge of the fate of hundreds of young people. In the late ‘90s, one of his
trusted assistants is charged with inappropriate activities with underage obys. The assistant is
allowed to keep his job and continues his illegal, predatory activities.
When the assistant is finally
brought to justice, a decade after the warning signals were sounded, the people
at the institution gather around the godlike figure and mercilessly hammer at
anyone who suggests that Joe might have anything to do with the evil that
occurred on his watch.
I am not writing about Penn
State, but the Christian sports camp Kanakuk, with its main location in
Branson, Missouri. I was not describing the evils of Jerry Sandusky, but those
of former Kanakuk camp director Pete Newman, and the godlike figure is not the
late Joe Paterno, but the very much still in control Joe White, a nationally known motivational speaker connected with Promise Keepers.
The Kanakuk scandals began
with Newman’s 2009 arrest on multiple charges involving sex with teenage boys over a
10-year period.
The crimes were described in
the Taney County Sheriff’s Department report:
"Between 2005 and 2008, Pete Newman became a close friend of his by attending family dinners, sleepovers, bible studies, taking vacations together and writing letters. Pete would hold one-on-one sessions with (the boy) in Pete's hot tub (at Pete's residence) and would request they be naked. Pete would discuss life's struggles with (him) and talk about masturbation. Pete would explain that if (the boy) would masturbate with him in his hot tub then there would be no lust and therefore (the boy) would not be sinning."
The boy told Roberts he and
Newman masturbated together 10 times over a four-year period.
The sex went further than masturbation with another teenager, according to the report. After beginning with the masturbation sessions with the 13-year-old, the report said, "Pete started masturbating (the boy) and (the boy) would then masturbate Pete." That led to oral sex when the boy turned 15.
Newman allegedly used the hot tub trick on a 14-year-old, again resulting in mutual masturbation sessions.
When the Sheriff's Department began contacting former campers from other states, they heard more disturbing stories. Parents from Tennessee told the deputy their son, who was 14 at the time, reported engaging in the same type of activity with Newman.
Roberts described Newman's tactics, saying Newman became close to boys aged 11 to 15, hung out with them, gained their parents' trust, then beginning slowly with the hot tub and leading to sexual experiences. Roberts referred to it as "the grooming process" used by sexual offenders.
The sex went further than masturbation with another teenager, according to the report. After beginning with the masturbation sessions with the 13-year-old, the report said, "Pete started masturbating (the boy) and (the boy) would then masturbate Pete." That led to oral sex when the boy turned 15.
Newman allegedly used the hot tub trick on a 14-year-old, again resulting in mutual masturbation sessions.
When the Sheriff's Department began contacting former campers from other states, they heard more disturbing stories. Parents from Tennessee told the deputy their son, who was 14 at the time, reported engaging in the same type of activity with Newman.
Roberts described Newman's tactics, saying Newman became close to boys aged 11 to 15, hung out with them, gained their parents' trust, then beginning slowly with the hot tub and leading to sexual experiences. Roberts referred to it as "the grooming process" used by sexual offenders.
Sexual assault charges were
also filed against Newman in Durango, Colorado, though those were dismissed
after Newman pleaded guilty and was sentenced to serve two life sentences plus 30 years.
The questions about what Joe
White knew and when he knew it were spelled out in two lawsuits filed against
Kanakuk, one in Taney County and the other in a federal court in Texas.
Among the allegations in the
Taney County petition:
-Kanakuk officials received sexual misconduct reports about Newman as early as 1999. (He remained in Kanakuk's employ until 2009.)
-Kanakuk's cost-saving policies encouraged employees recruiting campers in the off-season to stay with families, providing opportunities for Newman to zero in on potential victims.
-Kanakuk promoted Newman as a "camp director, devoted husband, loving, beloved friend and mentor to youth" long after being made aware of sexual misconduct allegations. Camp officials also allowed Newman to "continue to promote himself all over America as an expert on teenage sexual purity."
-Newman had one-on-one Bible studies with boys in his hot tub.
-Newman used his unrestricted access to Kanakuk facilities to lure underage boys to the facilities during the off-season for sexual purposes.
-Newman bombarded the plaintiff, referred to as "John Doe, J. G." in the petition with phone calls and letters and engaged in phone sex with him.
-Newman had sexual relations with boys in Missouri, Arkansas, Oklahoma, and Tennessee. (Not mentioned was Colorado)
-At a "Purity Conference" in Memphis, Newman engaged a group of boys in sex talk, telling them what it was like to "have sex with a woman now that he was married."
-Newman invited the plaintiff to a conference in Oklahoma where he tried to get the boy to engage in sodomy, was turned down, and finally convinced him to engage in a mutual masturbation session.
According to the petition, the plaintiff was first seduced by Newman on Feb. 7, 2003, and then again the following day at K-Kountry in Taney County, at an area known as "The Pit," a foam pit next to the gymnastics equipment.
In the summer of 2003, the petition says, Newman lured the children with a yellow jeep into "spending time with him on Kanakuk property."
Kanakuk officials and Newman are charged with fraud, negligent supervision of a minor, breach of fiduciary duty, negligent infliction of emotional damage, breach of duty in loco parentis (serving in place of the parents) and negligent infliction of emotional distress.
-Kanakuk officials received sexual misconduct reports about Newman as early as 1999. (He remained in Kanakuk's employ until 2009.)
-Kanakuk's cost-saving policies encouraged employees recruiting campers in the off-season to stay with families, providing opportunities for Newman to zero in on potential victims.
-Kanakuk promoted Newman as a "camp director, devoted husband, loving, beloved friend and mentor to youth" long after being made aware of sexual misconduct allegations. Camp officials also allowed Newman to "continue to promote himself all over America as an expert on teenage sexual purity."
-Newman had one-on-one Bible studies with boys in his hot tub.
-Newman used his unrestricted access to Kanakuk facilities to lure underage boys to the facilities during the off-season for sexual purposes.
-Newman bombarded the plaintiff, referred to as "John Doe, J. G." in the petition with phone calls and letters and engaged in phone sex with him.
-Newman had sexual relations with boys in Missouri, Arkansas, Oklahoma, and Tennessee. (Not mentioned was Colorado)
-At a "Purity Conference" in Memphis, Newman engaged a group of boys in sex talk, telling them what it was like to "have sex with a woman now that he was married."
-Newman invited the plaintiff to a conference in Oklahoma where he tried to get the boy to engage in sodomy, was turned down, and finally convinced him to engage in a mutual masturbation session.
According to the petition, the plaintiff was first seduced by Newman on Feb. 7, 2003, and then again the following day at K-Kountry in Taney County, at an area known as "The Pit," a foam pit next to the gymnastics equipment.
In the summer of 2003, the petition says, Newman lured the children with a yellow jeep into "spending time with him on Kanakuk property."
Kanakuk officials and Newman are charged with fraud, negligent supervision of a minor, breach of fiduciary duty, negligent infliction of emotional damage, breach of duty in loco parentis (serving in place of the parents) and negligent infliction of emotional distress.
It was the Texas lawsuit that placed Joe
White’s role in a darker light.
The father of a child who was
victimized by Pete Newman says White,a nationally known Christian motivational
speaker, encouraged him to send his son to Kanakuk following a speech at a Promise Keepers
meeting in Irving, Texas.
"Defendant Joe T. White appeared and lectured at a Promise Keepers event at Texas Stadium in Irving Texas. (The father) attended this event and heard (his) presentation advocating Christian values." White spoke of Kanakuk Kamp and distributed literature, and later sent letters and Internet messages to him, his wife, and other parents encouraging them to send their children to the Missouri camp.
When their son was sent to the camp, the lawsuit said, Pete Newman, the camp director, sexually molested him, "appearing nude with an erection in a hot tub for Bible studies with (the boy) as Newman masturbated himself, he masturbated (the boy) and had the boy masturbate him."
The abuse included games of naked truth or dare, and having the boy spend the night in Newman's living quarters, where he was sexually abused.
"At other times, Defendant Newman's inappropriate behavior and sexual abuse of (the boy) occurred in the presence of other Kanakuk Kamp personnel." The child was in the camp during the summers of 2005-2007.
The petition goes into specifics about White's prior knowledge of Newman's perversions:
"At least as early as 1999, Defendant Joe T. White, Kanakuk Ministries and/or Kanakuk Heritage, Inc. knew that Newman, in the nude, was riding four-wheelers at the 'kamp' with nude 'kampers,' who were minor children entrusted to the care of Defendants. In response to this sexually inappropriate behavior, Newman was placed on probation."
That was not the last time Newman's perverted antics were known to White and Kanakuk officials, the lawsuit charges. "In or about 2003, a nude Defendant Newman was streaking through the 'kamp' property with nude minor 'kampers.' Although this conduct came to the attention of Defendants Joe T. White, Kanakuk Ministries, and/or Kanakuk, Heritage, Inc., again Newman remained on staff in easy reach of his future victims, including John Doe I."
The lawsuit charged White and Kanakuk with negligence, fraud, misrepresentation, and unfair and deceptive practices, negligent infliction of emotional distress.
"Defendant Joe T. White appeared and lectured at a Promise Keepers event at Texas Stadium in Irving Texas. (The father) attended this event and heard (his) presentation advocating Christian values." White spoke of Kanakuk Kamp and distributed literature, and later sent letters and Internet messages to him, his wife, and other parents encouraging them to send their children to the Missouri camp.
When their son was sent to the camp, the lawsuit said, Pete Newman, the camp director, sexually molested him, "appearing nude with an erection in a hot tub for Bible studies with (the boy) as Newman masturbated himself, he masturbated (the boy) and had the boy masturbate him."
The abuse included games of naked truth or dare, and having the boy spend the night in Newman's living quarters, where he was sexually abused.
"At other times, Defendant Newman's inappropriate behavior and sexual abuse of (the boy) occurred in the presence of other Kanakuk Kamp personnel." The child was in the camp during the summers of 2005-2007.
The petition goes into specifics about White's prior knowledge of Newman's perversions:
"At least as early as 1999, Defendant Joe T. White, Kanakuk Ministries and/or Kanakuk Heritage, Inc. knew that Newman, in the nude, was riding four-wheelers at the 'kamp' with nude 'kampers,' who were minor children entrusted to the care of Defendants. In response to this sexually inappropriate behavior, Newman was placed on probation."
That was not the last time Newman's perverted antics were known to White and Kanakuk officials, the lawsuit charges. "In or about 2003, a nude Defendant Newman was streaking through the 'kamp' property with nude minor 'kampers.' Although this conduct came to the attention of Defendants Joe T. White, Kanakuk Ministries, and/or Kanakuk, Heritage, Inc., again Newman remained on staff in easy reach of his future victims, including John Doe I."
The lawsuit charged White and Kanakuk with negligence, fraud, misrepresentation, and unfair and deceptive practices, negligent infliction of emotional distress.
That case is scheduled to go to trial in the
summer of 2013.
Where the Kanakuk case differs from Penn State
is that Newman is not the only person connected with Kanakuk to be charged with
sexual crimes involving underage boys.
Lee Bradberry, 22, Auburn, Alabama, pleaded not
guilty Thursday in Taney County Circuit Court to two counts of statutory
sodomy, two counts of sexual molestation and single counts of sexual misconduct
and attempted statutory sodomy, with all onf the incidents taking place in June
2011 with boys aged, 9, 11, and 12.
A third person connected to Kanakuk is scheduled to plead guilty
July 27 in Orange County, Florida to a charge of lewd and lascivious
molestation, again involving underage boys.
Ringheim, a former Universal Orlando employee,
allegedly treated young men to free trips to
Universal Studios by using his employee pass, one of the victims told
authorities
Parents also let Ringheim accompany their children to Kanakuk's Branson facility according to published reports. Investigators say he brought about 30 kids to Kanakuk for summer camp over a four-year period.
Parents also let Ringheim accompany their children to Kanakuk's Branson facility according to published reports. Investigators say he brought about 30 kids to Kanakuk for summer camp over a four-year period.
The scandals surrounding
Kanakuk have been almost ignored outside of local media.
Kanakuk, of course, is not
the only sports camp, Christian or otherwise, to run into problems with sexual
predators on staff. The April 1 Cape Cod Times reported that Camp Good News,
which was shut down last year due to a sex scandal, took a proactive approach
this year, bringing in an expert to talk to the staff.
Next month, (Rick Braschler) will also offer a workshop to teach camp leaders and others in the community willing to pay $100 how to protect children from predators. But the training goes beyond criminal background checks and establishing protocols to report abuse."We need insight into how does a person with bad intent infiltrate an organization and then gain trust so they can follow through on their bad intent," Braschler said.
The same day the
newspaper ran that interview with Braschler, who is the risk management director for
Kanakuk, Lee Bradberry was arrested.
Why isn’t anybody
covering this story?
***
***
Available now at Amazon.com, Spirit of Hope, the story of the city of Joplin, during its journey from tornado to triumph. From the authors of 5:41: Stories from the Joplin Tornado.
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