Listen, everybody take a deep breath, relax a bit, then consider these facts. 1) The only problem here is that the child was considered underweight. (Five minutes of medical research on the net will confirm that a 12 lb. 10 month old is not automatically "malnourished")
2) Despite the obvious disagreement with Councilman Rodgerson on many issues, the laws of our land are suppose to protect us, and we are to be considered "innocent until proven guilty." No guilt has been established or proven in this case, and an indictment, or even arrest DOES NOT prove guilt! let them have their day in court please!
3) The prosecutor, Mark Williams, refused to allow them to meet with a judge so that the parents could be release on bond the Saturday before Father's Day! (They were immediately released after the bond hearing last Monday, even though Mark Williams tried to keep them in jail!)
4) The baby LOST WEIGHT under "medical care" after being ripped away from her mother, and it took FIFTEEN DAYS for her to regain her weight when she was admitted to the hospital!!
5) The facts will clearly show that Rodgerson did not neglect his duty, this is a witchhunt, or they would have indicted and jailed the Councilman's wife Veronica (who is a RN) as well. This did not happen.
6) The child's doctor is LIVID at the shoddy and inaccurate reporting. Call and ask him!
Please just breathe people, and realize that you are being manipulated by the press, you don't have all the facts, the child was not malnourished, and was not in danger, therefore the Councilman/Pastor did no wrong.
Open your eyes, before you find yourself crying and protesting because YOUR rights have been abused, trampled, or taken away.

I KNOW AARON RODGERSON AND FIND HIM TO BE AN OUTSTANDING MAN AND ONE WHO WOULD NEVER ENDANGER A CHILD. IT IS AMAZING THAT HE IS BEING VERBALLY ATTACKED BY COMMENTS CALLING HIM AMONG OTHER THINGS A HOMOPHOBIC. I READ THE NEWS STORY AND A HOSPITAL PHYSICIAN STATED THE CHILD WAS NOT MALNOURISHED OR NEGLECTED. AARON IS BEING SINGLED OUT YET LOOK AT ALL THE COMMENTS THAT HAVE ALREADY JUDGED HIM EVEN THOUGH THERE IS NO EVIDENCE. IT SEEMS BECAUSE HE HAS BELIEFS AND HAS STATED THEM, HE IS NOW INCURRING WRATH. I SUSPECT THAT IF HE WERE SOMEONE OTHER THAN A BAPTIST PREACHER AND SAID WHAT HE HAS, THERE WOULD NOT BE THIS KIND OF BARRAGE AGAINST HIM.
OH BY THE WAY, JUST BECAUSE A GOVERNMENT AGENCY MAKES AN ACCUSATION, THAT DOESN'T MEAN THAT IT'S AUTOMATICALLY TOTALLY ACCURATE. THERE HAVE BEEN SCORES OF EXAMPLES OF THIS.
I SAY SUPPORT THE BURNS FAMILY: PETITION TO GIVE THEM BACK THEIR CHILD THAT WAS UNJUSTLY TAKEN AWAY. I ALSO SAY GOD BLESS AARON RODGERSON.

Bee, there are those who don't like the way Rodgerson votes on issues concerning the City. It would seem some of the dislike is affecting judgment with regard to this matter involving the child. You know... ones who are delighting in the fact that he has been charged with a crime whether he is guilty or not.

Yes, the parents were charged.

One good thing coming from this case is that more and more people are finding out that the DFS is an out-of-control agency that needs to be held accountable for its actions. Too much power in any set of hands is a dangerous thing.

I am from out of town and don't know any of the individuals involved, but am wondering why we are receiving so much info concerning the city council member, but know nothing about the parents involved. Why are we not reading about the their charges, or have they even been charged with anything. The way I see it, if they haven't been charged, why has the pastor had charges placed against him. I am not defending anyone's actions, but am just curious.

Why on earth would you care what happens in NE MO if you live in Mississippi? Some of us do live here & don't want to use our real names because that can inflame certain people. I personally don't care what someone in Mississippi thinks of what goes on in our county. Perhaps find your own local forum maybe??

If it is true that all the rules go out the window when it has to do with protecting children, then I want to see the hospital, DFS and everyone else involved in removing this child from the home charged with child endangerment, if it is true that the child lost weight once removed from the home.

If the child lost one single pound in the care of the hospital and system -- I want to see them charged equal to the parents.

hey all you law experts. Since no more information about this case has been release than the Ketterlinus case or the Glaspie case or who ever the other guy is, do you all feel that the suspects are also as innocent as the Burns and Rogerson? Just curious since everyone seems ready to castrate, hang, draw and quarter them. Of course they were sexual abuse charges, and not possible starvation of an infant.

Your first question.....Whatever happened to pastor priviledge?
When it comes to child abuse reporting, there is no priviledge. He is mandated by law to report it.

2nd....Sounds like Kirksville needs a lawsuit against them for exercising unconstitutional practices....
Sounds like you need to educate yourself on the laws pertaining to child abuse... The constitution, especially the 4th Amendment, does NOT apply when there is suspected child abuse... There are laws that over-ride it... Yeah, I know, you are thinking that is not possible.. but yeah, it is. Children are not covered by the First Amendment either because they are minors... children... And if someone is suspected of child abuse in any way, then the 4th Amendment does not apply...

You said.....A pastor definately has constituational rights more so than the TV station that is trying to destroy Mr Rodgerson....
I have not seen anywhere where the TV station is trying to destroy Mr. Rodgerson... he is the one who chooses to talk to them... he is the one who was arrested... they didn't MAKE that happen! Rodgerson continually seeks out the media to try to "sell" his beliefs...

You said...I have personally met Pastor Rodgerson who is a law abiding citizen who expresses his opinion clearly and effectively and respectfully....
Couldn't disagree with you more! I have met Pastor Rodgerson myself and he does not express his opinion effectively because he continually twists information or makes up his own in his mind... He is pompous, arrogant and a know it all that continually tries to shove his beliefs down everyone else's throats. He tries to sell his points on information that he misquotes, misreads or misinterprets and without knowing all the facts... sort of reminds me of our ex-president!

You said....social services has no legal rights....
WRONG! Now you are sounding like Rodgerson, believing that you know the law. Social services has every right to step in when they believe there is child abuse or neglect happening... that is THEIR JOB! And frankly, I am glad it is and that they ARE doing their jobs! Think of the children they have saved!

YOu said....If I were citizen of kirksville I would be calling for new council members to back up my constituational rights as a citizen of Kirksville....
ACtually, we have a FANTASTIC city council, not including Aaron ROdgerson... so, no, we don't need to call for new council members to back up our rights... they do a fine job as it is... once again, not including Rodgerson who would rather put someone on the street just because he believes they might be gay, than to give them a roof over their heads... nice CHRISTIAN attitude there!

YOu said... I was a service member and I swore an oath to defend this constitution against all enemies foreign and domestic. So you can come and try to take away these rights the 1st and the 4th amendment, but unfortuantely for you, you will be met with the 2nd amendment, that is if you don't have a warrant....
Ya see... it is fanatics like YOU that cause our basic rights to be taken away. You make threats on here... and for WHAT? Because YOU don't truly understand the laws that are set up to protect all CHILDREN!!! You are dangerous. You are angry, unforgiving and very closed minded. While I appreciate your service to this nation, please refrain from stomping all over my rights and those who are NOW SWORN to protect and serve the public... as in our law makers and our law enforcement...

AND FINALLY!!!! YOu said... As for concerning the child and the burns family, I don't see how social services had any part in the conception or birth of that child. last i checked it took one man and one woman and one God to make a child. that child is a direct gift from God to parents who can take care of it. Otherwise God would not have allowed that child to be born. May God save America!!!!!

Yes, parents are SUPPOSED to take care of their children, but it doesn't always happen that way! That is why laws are now in place to protect the innocent children who are not being taken care of... who have no choice in matters and no way of defending themselves...

While I feel for the Burns, they should thank God they live in a country where law enforcement and the powers that be WOULD step in and protect a child! I would rather them over react and be wrong than, God-FORBID they were right! How horrible that would be!

So, stop defending the adults in this case... be happy a child was being protected...

I have lived all my 55 years in Kirksville and I can tell you that the city, law enforcement, DFS, Pros attorney have done this and worse in the past and will continue to do this untill we stand up for ourselves and the victims and rally around the families involved or the next time it may be you unless you have the big bucks and then you can never do no wrong

first of all i am NOT standing up for mr. rodgerson. i can't feel any sympathy for a homophobic. but what i do have to say is this...my neighbor's 4 year old granddaughter weights less than my 30lb. 2 year old. she was diagnosed w/ a form of dwarfism but not until she was 2 or 3. when she was 10 months old she weighed about the same. i know this b/c i babysat her. so who's to say this child is malnourished. what have the doctor's that examined this child have to say about her condition. she could have dwarfism, you never know. it's unfair to everyone in this situation to be so quick on the trigger making abuse accusations. let the proper health officials decide for sure what is going on w/ the child.

Sarah,

Not posting your name only makes good safety sense. It's not an issue of expressing your opinion & owning up to it. It's an issue of crazy people (who may be your next-door neighbors) that may wish to cause you harm.

Honestly, I wish most people would stop overreacting to things. I have two daughters that could not be more different from each other. My first daughter wil be four years old next month and weighs almost 60 lbs. and my one year old daughter is only 20 lbs. My second child is five to six lbs lighter than our first daughter. Should I been in trouble because my oldest daughter is extremely large or that my second daughter barely eats enough to feed a bird? If the parents were following their doctors and insurance coverages guidelines for well baby checks, who is at fault?

In addition to the issue with the child's growth. If Mr. Rogerson happened to be a member of the Catholic Church I feel he would have not even been indicted for these charges. The only value that this incident is bringing to Kirksville, is how horribly unintelligent and the complete lack of open mindedness the community has become. I for one am glad that I had the sense to move away and stay away after I finished my education. Especially if this is how you are going to treat people who are trying to help families in crisis.

I think that everyone should be able to voice their opinion of this case,I mean, after all this is America and we do have the freedom of the press still, right? Right? As a proud American, I think that those who voice their opinions anywhere that they will be read by the public should post their real name, that is, unless they are ashamed of the stand that they take or lack thereof. I also have a question. If you can't post your real name and face the comments and consequences of your personal opinion, than it is the personal opinion of Sarah Charboneau (that's me) that your right to an opinion should be revoked and you should be put on opinion probation.

I am just wondering what the childs doctor says. I mean the child should have been going for wellness visits during the first year. Wouldn't the doctor be a mandated reporter as well and should have said something if it was that bad. Maybe the child is healthy for that child. We are all different.
I have two kids and both are on the small size for there ages. I have had them to the doctors and they have all said not to worry about it. As long as they are eating and drinking they will gain weight when their bodies are ready.

Regardless if the child was malnourished (hey, maybe he's just a preemie) and whether or not stating an opinion constitutes practicing law really don't matter. If Mr. Rodgerson is a mandatory reporter, then he failed to do his job. As a mandatory reporter, it is not his place to try and make a judgment call if he sees signs of neglect. If the signs are there, he must report. It's a shame if the family has been damaged in any way, but that's not what this is really about. If the allegations are true than an elected official made a concious decision to not do his job. Kirksville law enforcement did the right thing.

child stealing is big money for social services..how else do those folks keep their jobs?

want to learn more (and I hope someone will send the Burns this link--they need to protect themselves now from the corrupt DSS system!!)

massoutrage.com
if links wont work try

massoutrage dot com

I dont understand why it's ok to steal the kid and then decide if the child is endanger? why not have the parents take the kid to a few doctors BEFORE you cause such stress and heartache to the family. This craziness is happening all over..the Burns are lucky to have a support system many parents who have their kids taken do not. And dont believe the " i have nothing to hide and the dear social workers will judg fairly" a nice dream that isnt always the raliy.

Mr. Rodgerson is great. I like the fact that he stands up for what he believes. His not wanting to rent to gays has nothing to do with this ten month old child, but several times it has been mentioned. Sounds like the government is against his previous decision. Could they be after this family because of Mr. Rodgerson? What irritates me more is that he is not allowed to council his church members. Where is the seperation of church and state now? We are supposed to keep the church out of the state, but the state feels it has a right to nose in on a PRIVATE pastor/church member counciling session. Hello! If they really want seperation of church and state then they need to keep their nose out of the church. Back to the baby, like someone has said, the doctors checked the baby out and the baby was fine. Leave the parents alone. You did not birth the child, you frankly don't care about the child. God gave the parent the right and responsibility to care for their OWN children. Nowhere in God's Word does He ever ever give the government or social service the right to take that responsibility from the parent. Maybe there is something medically wrong with the child. Is that the parent's fault? Is it not abuse to let children, no matter what age, watch things on tv that promote physical relationships of men and women outside of marriage, drunkeness, murdering, and other things that our children might potentially become? No wonder America is in the shape it is in. They are going after loving parents, while neglecting to see what is really happening around them. Keep going Mr. Rodgerson and Burns family. We're praying for you! God is still in control.

Is he a mandated reporter as a 'preacher/minister' or as an employee of the City of Kirksville, or BOTH?

Isn't it interesting that when they took the child to the hospital, the hospital staff actually found nothing physically wrong with her and that she was not malnourished at all but that she actually lost weight in the hospital because she was traumatized because she was away from her parents? That the hospital force fed her with a tube in her nose to try and make her gain weight? The Burns love that child, DFS does not.

I have a 10 month old Grandson who has just learned how to crawl.He's a happy little guy..Now the question...HAS THIS LITTLE GIRL LEARNED HOW TO CRAWL,AND IS SHE HAPPY ?

Contrary to popular belief -- being accused of a crime does not necessarily mean the person is guilty as charged. Law enforcement, prosecutors and even the "Adair County Grand Jury" do make mistakes.

Contrary to popular belief -- being innocent does not necessarily mean being found not-guilty and/or cleared. Innocent people have actually been wrongly convicted and/or always believed to have been guilty and simply gotten off.

Contrary to popular belief -- DFS is not some super intelligent and highly trained set of people that can be looked at as experts in the field of child protection. They are, however, a powerful, out-of-control agency that is not being held accountable for their actions.

Law enforcement officers would be fired, sued and even criminally charged if they did what many DFS workers did and do. Until DFS is as well trained and held as accountable as our law enforcement officers, they should have no authority beyond a civilian being concerned and reporting their concerns to trained personnel.

I have no respect for DFS as an agency, nor for most of the employees I have met. There are exceptions! There have been DFS employees who truly, truly wished to help and make things right. Sad that there are so few and that they are devoured by the others, who enjoy the power wrongly given them so easily.

People need to wake up! Wake up before it is too late!

Whatever happened to pastor priviledge? Sounds like Kirksville needs a lawsuit against them for exercising unconstitutional practices .Some of these readers need to understand the constitution better and read it for themselves. nowhere in the constitution does it say separation from church and state. It says the federal government shall make no law establishing a state church. A pastor definately has constituational rights more so than the TV station that is trying to destroy Mr Rodgerson.I have personally met Pastor Rodgerson who is a law abiding citizen who expresses his opinion clearly and effectively and respectfully. last time i checked there was still a 4th amendment against unlawful search and seizure of persons on the property or the property itself without a warrant stating what property or persons are to be seized. social services has no legal rights. sounds like the constitutional bill of rights for the citizens of Kirksville has been flushed down the toilet.If I were citizen of kirksville I would be calling for new council members to back up my constituational rights as a citizen of Kirksville. I was a service member and I swore an oath to defend this constitution against all enemies foreign and domestic. So you can come and try to take away these rights the 1st and the 4th amendment, but unfortuantely for you, you will be met with the 2nd amendment, that is if you don't have a warrant. As for concerning the child and the burns family, I don't see how social services had any part in the conception or birth of that child. last i checked it took one man and one woman and one God to make a child. that child is a direct gift from God to parents who can take care of it. Otherwise God would not have allowed that child to be born. May God save America!!!!!

Some of you are correct in your statements. Some of you, however, are not. So, you think you know what really happened? Well, you don't. And you don't know the Rodgersons, and you don't care to. You just want to claim he's guilty, get him off the city council, and go about your little lives. Well, I know the Rodgerson's, personally. I've spent years with them. I shared meals with them. And no, I'm not a member of their church. They are wonderful, sweet, God-fearing people.

While I'm at this, let me tell you a little about babies. All babies are different. No two grow up the same way, and quite frequently, not even twins. When my mother was carrying me, she had TB and was on medication. I came out at 7 pounds and almost two feet long. They didn't think I would live because I was throwing up all the time. So, are you saying my mother was neglectful?! The Burns' baby LOST WEIGHT IN THE HOSPITAL due to the fact that they were feeding her food she couldn't tolerate through a tube down her nose. She was throwing it up. Maybe we should prosecute the hospital for neglect? One of you stated that "any circumstance wherein abuse of any kind is SUSPECTED" should be reported. Okay. Maybe I should suspect YOU next! Where does it end?! Are you so foolish to think they won't come after you next?!

In Kansas, SRS literally hounded a family in my church due to FALSE claims of bruises on their oldest boy, made by someone who was angry at and jealous of them. They were forced to flee from home to home, despite the fact that they had affidavits from three different doctors that the boy had no bruises. Then, SRS started hounding my church! At about the same time, in Kansas City, Missouri, a small boy was being abused by his father. If the boy "stole" some food, his father would hang the boy upside down by chains and spin him around until he threw up the "stolen" food. The boy would quite often be left locked up in the basement. SRS KNEW, yes KNEW about the situation for 6 months, and did nothing! If SRS/DFS/DCF organizations are so concerned about the well-being of children, then why are they conducting witch hunts after God-fearing people while disregarding truly abused children?! It's these so-called "child welfare" organizations that need to be reigned-in like the dogs they are. And by the way, they're using YOUR tax dollars to perpetrate these frauds!

You say that Mr. Rodgerson is a "Mandatory Reporter". Really? Does that also apply to Catholic Priests? Because it's my understanding that if a priest is told something in the confessional, they are bound to keep the confidentiality of that confession. I guess if a priest is also a "Mandatory Reporter", then the confessional isn't quite so confidential as people think, now is it?

Mr. or Ms. "Kidding" writes about "Separation of Church and State". Well, I lived in Missouri for several years, and I learned one phrase very well--SHOW ME!!! I defy, DEFY you to show my from the US Constitution where it mentions "separation of church and state". You can't. Know why? BECAUSE IT'S NOT IN THERE!!! In fact, before our forefathers completed the Declaration of Independence, they fasted and prayed for God's guidance, and they set up Congress to pray before each session. In fact, the Third Article to the First Amendment states:

Congress shall make no law respecting an establishment of religion, or prohibiting the free exercise thereof; or abridging the freedom of speech, or of the press; or the right of the people peaceably to assemble, and to petition the Government for a redress of grievances.

Oops! Am I practicing law without a license? Sorry! This article, and our forefathers, made it clear that our government was to stay out of churches, NOT vice versa. Many of you need to start reading your Constitution before more of you end up in jail for false and unfounded charges. Think it can't happen to you? Think again.

I think there are 3 sides to every story and then somewhere there is the truth, however I am disturbed at the growing power of DFS, JO, and KV law. Where does government end and our personal lives begin? Anyone that has been involved in the system personally or professionally knows the flaws (and there are many). It's scary to think the checks and balances that may have, at one time, been put into place to protect parents, families, and children are walking hand in hand to make decisions. What if someone wants to take your baby away because you don't want to give them immunizations that now have a lot of buzz linking them to autism? Who gets to make that decision, your or government? It's scary to think that people that have no tie to my child can make decisions for them and there is nothing I could do about it as a parent. They say you have rights, but when someone runs the judicial system and the legal system, in the time it takes you to stand up to that and access your rights the damage may be done. Let's concentrate on imminent risk for abuse rather than social and political issues that don't have a right to be regulated. If the pastor would have reported possible abuse because a child was being raised by gay parents (which I think it perfectly fine-parents are parents if they are loving and do their best-and you need to remember their best is not always "your" best) he would have been given hell for that too. I'm not saying anyone is right or wrong in this case, but I will say be careful what you wish for, things always seem fair and right from the outside looking in, it's always easier to judge from that viewpoint. But ultimately there is a mom and a child that have been damaged in this process regardless. And it is sad that I could not feel comfortable going to my pastor for advice with now feeling this would establish a precedent that my pastor couldn't give me advice without fear of being prosecuted (not persecuted). Sadly (in some people's opinions) I trust my own judgment and the judgment of those I surround myself with and trust more than that of government officials...

This country has in place laws and guidelines for just such instances. Whether one does, or does not, know the facts is of no consequence! Laws were put in place to stop this sort of chaotic mob-mentality-type nonsense because we are imperfect humans, who usually operate on emotion and sentiment. I have two words for you, "Mandatory Reporter." People in certain professions (nurses, teachers, day-care providers, pastors, etc.) are, by law, obliged to report any circumstance wherein abuse of any kind is SUSPECTED! Yes, suspected, folks...then, the proper authorities are brought in to sort it all out. Have faith, people. Yes, have faith. If this "good Christian," as he has been called, has not broken the law, then he will not be held accountable. If the parents of this fragile infant have not broken the law, then they have nothing to worry about. However, that being said, there are moral laws in place (originating from the Almighty!) that ought to guide our judgement. It looks like there are some misguided souls out there...and I'm not altogether referring to whom this story is about. Take a look around, Kirksville.

What does a person have to do to get a comment posted? This is the third attempt I've made to post my opinion, all to no avail so far. One brave commenter hit the nail on the head - get the facts before passing judgement on anyone involved in this case, and the true facts - not necessarily what is being broadcast and contained in an errant report. Anyone who knows personally the people involved in this display of governmental power (the Burns and Rodgerson families) know that both these families are caring, loving, and devoted parents. Why would anyone automatically assume that the charges proclaimed are 100% on the money unless they had another problem with these people, say an opinion on homosexuality? Last I knew, it was innocent until proven guilty. It makes my blood boil to think that a governmental agency with absolutely no (and I mean NO) proof of wrongdoing can jail a couple, especially a woman almost 8 month pregnant! She was allowed to "babysit" for her own child 8 hrs daily while the foster mother worked - does that make sence to turn around and jail her? What kind of a state are you folks running down there? Just because someone does things differently than I do doesn't make them wrong, and it certainly doesn't make them a danger to society! I wish I had the money to help in the fight to reunite this family - if we as citizens do not take a stand and stop this kind of injustice, someday we will have lost all control in our own homes. I am a professional who has dealt with abused and neglected children for years. It's difficult to consider a child in true danger when their parents love them fiercly, keep them clean and tend to their needs, the child is developmentally on the same level as their peers, happy, etc. I intend to do anything in my power to help with this struggle. I would encourage anyone out there who agrees to put your money where your mouth is!

if Mr. Rogerson's wife is in fact a Registered Nurse (RN) She to is required (as is most of licensed professionals) to report any type of abuse or neglect.why didnt she go to jail with him is my question?

When we enter into certain professions we are regulated by certain obligations. These are the laws of our country, made by officials voted into office by us. Life is all about choices. If you are unwilling to adhere to the laws governing your profession then you have the choice of choosing a different profession. Being convinced that you are right, does NOT provide you the opportunity to break laws. If Mr. Rodgerson drove a truck he would not have been breaking the law. As a minister/counselor he is. If there are laws making obligations on certain professions that are wrong, then the voters need to exercise their rights. As for me personally, if there is ANY doubt as to whether as child is being provided with the basics it is indicative that the proper authorities step in and investigate.

It is interesting how strongly folk's opinions are regarding this event considering that very few of you know the facts that surround the Burns infant and Pastor Rogerson. It is apparent that most comments herein are upset at Rogerson's opinions and apply that frustration to him personally. Folks, this is still America and we still operate on a representative government. Rodgerson was elected and is doing what he believes is correct. If you do not agree with him, stop complaining and remove him from the city council.
Secondly, after the child was removed from the Burns home, it was seen by more than one physician. Of those physicians, I know that at least one said the child was fine and was in no danger. It seems to me the DCFS agency may be a bit aggressive in Kirksville. I would encourage many of you not to shout too loudly as the States foot can fall near your doorstep without much proof needing to be supplied. Maybe some outrage could be pointed in their direction.

This is simply ludicrous! The W.H.O. Stats on normal child development do not account for breast-fed only children. Read the label on a formula container. It is full of sugar to help "plump" the child up. The La Leche League, an International Breastfeeding Organization, documents that breast-fed babies can grow at slower rates (see http://www.lllofnorthaz.org/article/is-my-baby-gaining-enough-weight). Do the research people! Check the facts before you crucify an innocent man. I did. I contacted this man, asked for the facts in the case. One of the charges is "practicing law without a license." This is bunk. He told his church member, the mother, that she had a fourth amendment right to resist unlawful search and seizure of persons or properties. So this is a misdemeanor now? Quoting the Bill of Rights? The Councilman's wife is a registered nurse, saw the child several times a week, this whole thing is unbelievable! When the DFS ripped the child away from her mother back on May 6th (She spent her first mother's day, this is her first child, away from her baby), TWO hospitals verified that her vitals and everything were just fine, just a little underweight (According to the WHO outdated and non-factored charts). She LOST weight in the Hospital and it took 15 days for her to get back up to her ADMIT WEIGHT! Check the facts people! Don't be mindless sheep that believe everything you read! The police report is factually incorrect (that's what the prosecutor and the Grand Jury used to convict the parents and Rodgerson), contradicted by the HOSPITAL reports! This is crazy. Now the parents are in JAIL with a 25,000.00 CASH ONLY Bond on FATHER'S DAY for crying out loud. The father, Mr. Burns, works in the Public school system like myself. You have to be extensively background checked to even SUBSTITUTE in a Public School! They are not a "flight risk," have no criminal record...but jailed on FATHER'S DAY because someone thinks their baby is a little underweight, but otherwise perfectly alert, healthy, and growing. Man, my head's gonna explode. Welcome to the "Land of the FEE and the Home of the SLAVE." We had better wake up, before it's too late and we've lost ALL our freedoms.

Two sides to every story. I would guess that he did nothing wrong.

But for those of you who are convinced that the government holds the answer to every situation and problem I would say GEE WHAT AN OUTRAGE. This man is not a lawyer and normal citizens without a law degree should not be allowed to think or counsel other people.

He is way out of control!!!!! If he had knowledge that a child was being neglected or abused and dind't report it, he needs to be held accountable, pastor or council member or not! OK,

Firstly, can we get a city council member that can stay out of jail. If they aren't setting fires they are driving drunk, or not reporting child abouse.

Don't get me wront, the parents need to answer for what they have done, but as a council member of this "fine" city of Kirksville, he is held to a higher standard.

I seem to recall him making a statement about the safety of children not long ago.... wait, I have that statement right here.

For those who don't remember or don't know, this pertains to the ordinance the city council visited pertaining to alcohol being allowed in city parks, downtown district, etc... Please read it carefully...
"City Council member Aaron Rodgerson has been against the policy from the beginning. At Monday night’s meeting, he talked about what he thinks God would think of the policy and “How God would look at Kirksville if it passed.”

KTVO asked Rodgerson about the separation of church and state. “This has nothing to do with the separation of church and state. Once again, I’ve approached this as someone could be drunk and run over a child. But am I concerned about God’s opinion on it? Absolutely.”

Is there a difference between letting some drunk driver running over a child or letting parents abuse or neglect thier child??? I don't really see a huge difference.

People, open your eyes about the "TRUE" Aaron Rodgerson!!! Demand he be removed from our city council right away. As for his church, I should think the board or aldermen would certainly discuss dismissing him from the church.

Unbelievable...

If a person feels they can't fulfill the legal responsibilities of being an elected official of the entire community, including potential conflicts between those responsibilities and their religious beliefs, they should resign their office and let someone take their place who can fulfill those responsiblities.

Aaron Rodgerson holds his head up high all the time claiming he is Mr. Moral. No Alcohol. No Gays.

Well look who is in trouble now. Isn't it funny the way these right wing christian conservatives end up being the bad ones.

Christians in Kirksville are persecuted? Really? By whom? All the council members ARE Christians, even including the mayor. And the Sheriff, the police chief... uh, yeah. Not much persecution happening there. If you'd like to talk about persecution, you might talk to the Pastor himself on why he won't rent his properties to gay people.

And to the person complaining about the use of a Grand Jury -- are you actually complaining that a group of people that gets paid almost nothing (so it doesn't cost the taxpayers) were asked to do their job, which is make a decision in a very controversial case? The more brains the better. Mark Williams was wise to pass this to the Grand Jury, so he couldn't be accused of something crazy -- like, oh, persecuting Christians or something.

Before everyone goes jumping the gun, there is ALWAYS more to the story than we know. Let's let this one play out. So far it looks like Rodgerson -- who would know as a pastor and elected official what his legal responsibilities are to a neglected child -- messed up, at the expense of a baby.

You stay classy, Rodgerson.

Aaron Rodgerson is a good man in general, but he has been a pain in the city council's butt for a while. He doesn't understand the seperation of church and state. Every vote that the council has made has been like 4-1. Even if there voting on the choice of granting a liquor license to a new business. And that whole "I wouldn't rent to a gay person" thing was unbelievable. Imagine, we could actually have a new councilmen that might actually do something productive instead of sit in a corner and pout about how Kirksville can't be a conservative town.

I can't believe that ANYONE would think that the "good" pastor was being persecuted! A 10 month old child that weighs less than some newborns is CLEARLY being neglected & abused. He allowed this child to continue to suffer when he CHOSE not to report the parents. Given his position he should have better judgement than that. In my humble opinion he is just as guilty as whoever was neglecting this baby and should be charged the same. If he were anyone else you would be outraged that he sat by and did NOTHING while this helpless infant continued to die. My only problem with his arrest is the fact that his charges are only minor offenses. As a christian myself, it would NEVER occur to me not to reach out to the baby, and the negligent parents be damned

It is very important in any comments regarding the arrest of someone to first consider the constitutional rights of any U.S. citizen, one of which is that they are to be considered innnocent until proven guilty. May we also consider that a 10 month old child weighing 12 pounds does not proven malnourishment. There are many cases of children being this small at that age due to various medical conditions.

I agree with Margaret. Pastor Rodgerson probably knew the people well enough that he did not feel it was malnourishment. The family services are not physicians either. Only a pediatrician would be able to say the child was malnourished. What if a child is overweight at 10 months of age? Are we supposed to report this as neglect for not pulling the child away from the table or just plain being heavier than the normal child. Some children might not gain as much weight so fast. I do not know the whole background behind it all but has a physician seen the child? It seems like anyone is out to get Rodgerson. As far as the lawyer situation goes, do we not have the right to voice our opinions of situations to individuals without being accused of practicing to be lawyers? I hope I do not need a license to practice my opinion. Where is our freedom of speech? Poor people never will have rights in this community. I know. I grew up here.Sounds to me like the family services have been practicing medicine.Just my opinion. I have not heard the whole story yet.

so what if a ten mo old weighs 12 pounds
do they get enough to eat? are they healthy?
so what if a 14 mo old weighs 20 lbs
what about the 20 month old that weighs in at 40 lbs?
do they get hollered at?
make them eat high calorie food and then they complain we have a would of obese children that turn into obese adults
not all families run large
some people have a lot of smaller sizes in they famly
dfs needs to but out

Doesn't it concern you that we don't know all the facts? What if he isn't guilty of failing to report child abuse/neglect? Will you still be happy that he was arrested for something he wasn't guilty of?

First, as a human being, and as a kirksville Citizen, it makes me incredibly happy to see that our councilman was arrested. Does it not concern anyone that a city official, who was elected by us, would fail to report child abuse or neglect? If we cant trust our city government to protect the welfare of our children, who can we trust?

could it be that pastor rodgerson being a christian would make a difference in his arrest? could it be that Pastor rodgerson is quite familiar with the process of going to family services for assistance and having your child taken away? As a christian he has been persecuted by the city for his stand on what is right and what is wrong. A christian sees things through spiritual eyes that the world system can not see and no we are not attorneys but we are spiritually equipped to judge between right and wrong. GOD bless pastor Rodgerson we need more people like him in our sin ridden city and f.y.i. i am not a member of his congregation!

I know a great many people who would suggest not talking to DFS. Are they all practicing law? What a bunch of stuff is this?

And... I see once again that Mark Williams had to use the Grand Jury, rather than make a decision on his own. This was a real tough case to decide on, I'm sure! Next election maybe the Grand Jury should be elected to the position of Prosecutor, since it is used so frequently to decide whether to file or not.