FAMILY NEEDS HELP - EVERYTHING DESTROYED IN HOME FIRE

This home on Inwood Court at Lancaster was destroyed by fire on Monday. The home is owned by Brian & Julie Vipond and his mother, Joyce Woody. Their two pet dogs were killed in the fire. Everything was destroyed including their Christmas presents and Christmas Dinner. Anyone who would like to help this family is asked to contract Tammy Lawing at Lawrence Florist, 1322 North Second St. 636 947-3665 Brian is Tammy's brother and Joyce is Tammy's mother.

Greg Whittaker of Whittaker Homes, New Town at St. Charles, has provided the family with an apartment in New Town free of charge while they are making arrangements to replace their home. This home also caught fire about 2 years ago when it was owned by someone else.

FIRST CAPITOL NEWS - FRONT PAGE Decembere 17, 2005

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TR Hughes Planning Coup d’etat Of City Government?

Being Helped By The Secret Society, Citizens Empowerment Committee, St. Charles Citizens For Responsible Government and Friends Of Patti

By Tony Brockmeyer

A concerned friend and community leader gave us a copy of an e-mail he received from TR Hughes. (The e-mail can be found toward the middle of this story.) This person was concerned because he believes that like in Chile’, the Philippines and Nicaragua, there appears to be a well financed coup d’etat underway in St. Charles.

In those countries wealthy landowners and blue bloods used corrupt generals and politicians to overturn duly elected officials for fear their power base would erode. In St. Charles we have almost the same thing. The wealthy elite who are fearful the $90 million City budget and the $47,000 a day from the Casino will be spent on projects that would benefit all the residents and not be diverted to the pocket books of the wealthy.

In St. Charles it appears we have corrupt politicians who may have diverted City funds to spin doctors who may have co-opted Elliot Davis and many of the other press that depend on advertisements from companies such as TR Hughes Homes, SSM, the St. Charles Convention Center, to pay the bills. The coup is really about some of the wealthy landowners and millionaires being mad because they are losing control and easy access to the taxpayers’ money.

This City Council made Tom Hughes mad. In a Post Dispatch article dated August 19, 2005, Hughes told the reporter the St. Charles City Council tried to put him out of business. One councilman speaking on the basis of anonymity for fear he would be a larger target for Hughes and his moneyed friends told the First Capitol News, “Hughes tried to buy the last election and was unsuccessful, now he is paying for the re-call of two sitting Council members who refuse to do his bidding.” When asked about trying to put Hughes out of business the Councilperson replied, “What an ego. We would have never been concerned about the sewer hook ups in the area Hughes was developing if East Central Missouri, the private sewer company that Hughes is hooking the St. Andrews homes up to, wouldn’t have demanded that St. Charles City taxpayers pay for a broken flow meter. The meter is used to determined how much sewage they were sending into the City system so the City knows what to charge them. That started an investigation which disclosed ECM’s contract with St. Charles had expired some time ago and those who live in the county and were hooked up to the City sewer system were paying less than those in the City. Hughes should be concerned more about building homes under power lines and placing residents in harms way.”

The coup has some players who appear hell bent on taking over City Hall and the money that flows through the City budget.

Please read the e-mail below sent to friends and community leaders.

From: Tom Hughes

To: undisclosed recipients:
Sent: Tuesday, December 13, 2005 5:33 PM
Friends and community leaders

This is a copy of an editorial that ran in the St. Louis Post Dispatch last Week on 12-07-05. It was in the big Post, not just the St. Charles section Once again St. Charles City makes the news, unfortunately, once again it’s very ugly. In my opinion this editorial is right on the money. I’ve heard people say that they were afraid of the St. Charles City Council, but how terrified should we all be when the bad guys are allowed to use our Police Department to launch a criminal investigation to intimidate those who are willing to stand up to them. The innocent women, children, and men that lawfully collected recall signatures have been under a criminal police investigation for weeks with no end in sight. Who will be next? If Rory or one of the bad guys wants get to make your life, or that of your wife’s or children a living HELL all they have to do make up an allegation and a police detective will be knocking at your door. THIS IS VERY VERY SERIOUS AND SCARY!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! The more people that are willing to stand up to these guys, the greater our chances of changing this very bad situation.
There are two meetings scheduled to discuss St. Charles City. Tues/ 12-13-05 4pm to 5:30pm or Thurs. 12-15-05 7:30am to 9am at the St Charles Convention center. Please try to attend.

Approximately 30 people attended the meeting Tuesday afternoon at the Convention Center called by TR Hughes. Those in attendance included; T.R. Hughes, Ken Kielty, Kevin Kast, Roland Whetzel, John Smith, Bill Weber, Mike Sellenschutter, Hank Cleaver, Carl Maus, Raymond Stone, Paula Eberhardt, Linda Meyer, Ed Watkins, Mike Weller, and Bob Kneemiller.

Carl Maus and Raymond Stone are the leaders of Citizens for Responsible Community. Neither lives in St. Charles. TR Hughes, Glennon Jamboretz, Ken Kielty, Adolphus Busch, Don Musick Ameristar Casino and others have made significant contributions to Citizens for Responsible Community.

Roland Whetzel writes a Republican publication. He has also contributed to Conservative Factor articles published in the First Capitol News.

Kevin Kast is a confidant of Mayor York and TR Hughes. He was the head of SSM St. Joseph Health Center prior to his sudden resignation. It is rumored that TR is planning on running Kast for Mayor in 2007. Kast, along with Hughes are believed to be a member of the Secret Society (FCN 4/5/04 The Conservative Factor Column by Alex Spencer) allegedly headed by Bill Weber.

John Smith is the president of the St. Charles Board of Education. The Board is under fire from taxpayers for what is considered to be inept handling of school district affairs. One of the attendees remarked he did not know why he (the attendee) was invited by Hughes but wanted to see what the ruckus was all about. He said he thought the City Council was doing a fine job. He further remarked he was surprised to see Smith there because Smith should be worrying about the failure of the School District to respond to parent concerns instead of butting into City business.

Mike Sellenschutter is a local developer who has filed suit against the City and Councilman Mark Brown in an attempt to have his development in unincorporated St. Charles County hooked up to St. Charles City and sewer service without annexing into the City or complying with City building codes. He has also provided financing to the Citizens Empowerment Committee headed by Linda Meyer and Paula Eberhardt in their efforts to recall Councilwoman Dottie Greer and City Councilman Mark Brown.

Linda Meyer is the head of the Citizens Empowerment Committee and the wife of a St. Charles Police officer. She and Paula Eberhardt is leading the recall efforts of Brown and Greer. Sellenschutter, TR Hughes, and The St. Charles Citizens for Responsible Government headed by Glennon Jamboretz and Ken Kielty, both of whom are confidants of Mayor York, is financing Citizens Empowerment Committee. It has been rumored that Meyer intends to seek the City Council seat now held by Greer if her group is successful in removing Greer from office. Eberhardt is the assistant publisher of a local political advertising sheet whose sole purpose appears to be to vilify anyone who disagrees with the Mayor. A police investigation is currently underway due to a complaint that has been filed alleging the possibility of fraud in the collection of signatures for the recall effort. They are represented by Kielty

Ed Watkins has printed and distributed the ad sheet that currently vilifies whoever the Mayor chooses. But that may soon change. He is a confidant of the Mayor along with Hank Clever a local physician. Watkins does not live in St. Charles. It is alleged he is a member of the Secret Society.

Ken Kielty is a native New Yorker who controlled the license bureau in St. Charles after employment in the local school district. A recent telephone call threatening physical violence was traced by the St. Charles Police Department to a telephone registered to Ken Kielty after the resident placed a trace on the call and turned the matter over to the authorities.

Bob Kneemiller and Mike Weller are City Councilmen who are part of the Mayor’s team who stand ready to do her bidding without thought of how it might affect St. Charles taxpayers. One of the most noted examples of this was their vote in favor of allowing TR Hughes to hook his County development into the city sewers in spite of the development remaining outside of the city limits. St. Charles needs the capacity for its own growth.

Revelations Made In Paid Media Contradict Reasons For Recalls

Phyllis Schaltenbrand

When the Citizen Empowerment Committee announced their recall effort against City Councilwoman Dottie Greer they had a precise list of “reasons” why they launched their effort. Since then, an article has surfaced that would indicate those never were the real reasons behind the recall effort and that the committee misled voters as to why they were being asked to sign petitions against both Councilwoman Greer and Councilman Brown.

Top on their list of reasons for the recall of Dottie was her vote to support a cell phone tower in her ward.

It seemed like a pretty ludicrous reason to recall someone since FCC regulations have taken much of the control over where cell phone towers go out of the hands of local officials. Also, it isn’t like we don’t experience “dead zones” with cell phone service in St. Charles. It wasn’t even controversial at the time. Only three people showed up to protest the cell phone tower permit before the City Council. For her part, Dottie Greer worked with them to try to disguise the tower as much as possible.

Also on the list was the supposed high crime of voting to move the Mayor from the dais to a chair next to the City Administrator. It was a move the Mayor first agreed to and then recanted. How soon everyone seems to have forgotten the facts. The change was first proposed and strongly championed by Councilman Bob Hoepfner. He had just come off a bruising re-election campaign where the Mayor was personally going door-to-door working for his defeat. Now that Hoepfner has been, shall we say, “taken in” by the Mayor, his name gets left out of stories on television or other newspapers. Let’s call it selective amnesia.

The supposed list of reasons to recall Mark Brown was even thinner than the wafer thin complaints against Dottie Greer. It seems Brown had referred to the Public Works Department as a cesspool. He didn’t single anyone out, but six mailings have gone out against him, telling the voters of his ward, over and over again that Mark Brown has to be recalled because he called the Public Works Department a cesspool. If using tough words is a crime, let’s lock up Dick Cheny and Howard Dean.

Last week, a paid political insert in the Journal, disclosed the real reasons for the recall and the strategy that had been in place and funded by millionaire developers from the beginning. It was simply to take control of the City Council.

But the question for voters to ponder is why they didn’t admit that from the beginning? Why mislead residents of the 3rd and 7th Wards by making up a list of groundless reasons?

The same paid political insert, the official mouthpiece of millionaire homebuilder Tom Hughes, also announced that a mysterious citizen has been “recruited” to lead the climactic battle against good and evil in the days to come. Readers of the First Capitol News won’t have to hold their breath in suspense. We believe the great “leader” they have “recruited” is none other than long time Hughes friend and confidant Kevin Kast. His new role as citizen advocate for the rich and famous is the run-up to his being “recruited” later in the year to run for Mayor. That is provided the powers that be can get the salary of Mayor raised to at least $120,000 a year. Which is funny because this same article said the person being “recruited” wasn’t in it for personal gain.

That of course is bad news for supporters of Mayor York. It seems the power brokers have decided she hasn’t been up to the job and are ready to give her a testimonial, a gold watch and an offer to help her clean out her office in 2007. How soon before this same “paid” political insert starts attacking the Mayor to pave the way for their personal political savior? More to come.

Williams Ouster Sought Thru Courts

A Petition for Temporary Restraining Order, Preliminary Injunction and Permanent Injunction was filed in St. Charles County Circuit Court Tuesday morning. St. Charles attorney Ronald J. Brockmeyer at the request of St. Charles City Councilmen, John Gieseke, Mark Brown, Joe Koester, and Councilwoman Dottie Greer filed the Petition.

The Petition was filed in response to the refusal of Allan Williams to refrain from acting as City Administrator after his contract expired and was not renewed for another year.

A hearing was scheduled for Thursday, December 15, 2005 but was postponed for a week because the attorney representing Williams is recovering from surgery. St. Charles attorney Claude Knight is defending Williams. Knight is the attorney representing the Citizens Empowerment Committee in their attempts to recall Councilman Mark Brown and Councilwoman Dottie Greer. He represents Adolphus Busch and his Great Rivers Habitat Alliance. Knight is the attorney who was caught placing unfavorable information on former St. Charles County Councilman Jeff Morrison in the mailbox of the First Capitol News. He also represented the Mayor in her lawsuit against a member of the City personnel commission. The member, who had been selected as part of a group to interview Robert G. Lowery, Jr. for the position of City Administrator, said in his letter, other members of the group had told him that no matter what the outcome of the interview the Mayor was not going to appoint Lowery.

Williams’s contract expired on December 1, 2005. In order for him to continue as City Administrator, Williams would have needed contract renewal, however, the bill to renew his contract failed at a November City Council meeting. Williams has refused to leave his office or release control of the City.

EDITORIAL

Editorial

I am growing tired of this never-ending attempt to spin things about the City Council and their actions. I am speaking for all of them at this point. Like them or not, they did something that none of you did. They decided to run for office and won. They didn’t hold guns to the voter’s heads, stuff ballot boxes or bribe election officials. They campaigned and convinced the voters that they were the right ones for the job. In 2007 there will be new elections and those who held to their word and those who did a good job in the eyes of the voters will win re-election.

Ninety percent of the votes of the City Council go 10 - 0. On divisive issues, issues that truly affect the people, there appears to be a split of 5-5 on the council. That isn’t a bad thing, it isn’t a good thing. It is a split of 5-5. If one side is voting in a block and it is wrong for them, wouldn’t it be just as wrong for the other side who does the same?

There is a group who vote for storm water projects that would fix flooding in people’s basements and houses on West Adams. There is a group that voted against it. There is a group that voted against a county development hooking into our sewer system because the developer wanted to build in a creek bed. There is a group that voted in favor of this developer. There is a group that actually followed the City Ordinance and had a judge of the County or City Clerk swear them in. There is a one that had the Mayor swear him in. There is a group that ran for office saying they would not be a rubber stamp for the administration. There is a group that can’t wait to vote yes on tax increases, increased spending, anything the City Administration wants.

I believe you are all very smart and able people and can see what is right and what is wrong. The voters need to know there are those who would sell them out for a plumbing contract or their son getting a real estate contract to sell for developers. You need to know the Mayor has spent your tax dollars illegally and without authority. You need to understand those who want to waste your money want chaos to rule the day because that covers up the true actions of this administration.

When you watch and read about the council ask yourself, which side would you be on? The side of those who want to represent the people or the side that wants to rubber stamp any and all decisions of City staff. If you want rubber stamps why even have Councilman? Our government needs a council that understands its role. The Council is not part of the administration. The Council is our watchdog, our eyes and ears,. They are our only defense from a corrupt administration.

EDITORIAL CARTOON

RAMBLING WITH THE EDITOR - Tony Brockmeyer

IT MAKES ME WONDER

It is said that imitation is the best form of flattery. I am not sure if I agree with that statement. Last weekend the Journal threw their papers in red wrappers. The First Capitol News has been using red wrappers since our beginning. Some said they were just imitating us. Others said that since their readership has gone down they were using the red wrappers to make people think it was the First Capitol News so their papers would be picked up. Whatever the reason, the Fist Capitol News is still he most read newspaper in St. Charles.

HAPPY HOLIDAYS

As has been our policy for the last five years, the First Capitol News will not publish between Christmas and New Years. We do not publish in weeks that contain a Holiday. Our next publication will therefore be on January 14, 2006.

The time off from publication will also allow us to spend more time on several investigations we have been conducting. If you have reported something to us and have not read anything about it in the First Captiol News do not get discouraged. We have a small staff and a vast number of tips to follow up on. Eventually we hope to get to yours. They are all important to us.

We hope you and your family have a safe and Merry Christmas and a very Happy New Year.

BREAKING NEWS WILL BE ON OUR WEB LOG

If there is important breaking news during the time we are off we will report it on our web log on the Internet. You will be able to find it at firstcapitolnews.blogspot.com. Check our web log daily for frequent updates.

HANGING ON

This cold and cough are hanging on. I just can’t seem to get rid of them. Several other friends and family members of mine have also been affected. I wonder if we are suffering from Pertussis. You can read about the warning about Pertussis from the County Health Department. The story starts on page 3.

Remember to check our web log
firstcapitolnews.blogspot.com
frequently for updates on any breaking news during the holidays.
Merry Christmas and Happy New Year from the First Capitol News.

THE PEOPLE SPEAK - Letters To The Editor

Dear Mr. Brockmeyer,

When are you going to look into the St. Charles School District? Doesn’t it
make you wonder who was on the school board when the $52 million bond was
passed for schools they now say have to be shut down. None other than Jerry
Reese!! Reese was a puppet for the administration and passed anything and
everything the administration told him. On top of that under his tenure the
school district was bilked out of hundreds of thousands by a worker.

Reese now is trying to get the City to pay for his mistakes. He convinced
the school board to buy a city building and now he is trying to get the city
to buy it back. Wake up St. Charles, guys like Reese only want to spend,
spend, spend. They don’t like doing the job of questioning the
administration. Look at him on the Council, you could have a monkey sit
there and do his job. All he does is protect the administration.

J Downey

Dear Editor,

Before the first stones are thrown at Councilwoman Greer and Councilman Brown, there are other councilpersons who need our attention. Not everyone is above reproach.

For weeks we were inundated with pictures of Hurricane Katrina in New Orleans. We were able to see women, children, men, Police, thugs walking in water filled with sewage. The networks made sure we were aware of the danger and imminent illness that would come from this activity. And then came Pearl Ridge and Harvest Ridge school to our attention. Once more we were told the water was filled with sewage and extremely toxic. We saw pictures of children and adults walking in this water. Strangely I believe it might have been on a Tuesday. I could be wrong. Anyway there was a City Council meeting near the time of the incident.

The councilman I am upset with is Jerry Reese. My husband and I voted for him for the School Board every time he ran. Both of us are teachers and we felt Jerry Reese was a heads up man with the desire to do what’a right for the children in the district. So much for that thought. Then the council meeting came and he voted not to work on the sewers in Pearl Ridge and in extension help the students and their flooded playground.

It seemed that right after his election he was a thinking person until the night he went to a bar and was asked to join Patti, Kneemilller, Weller, and Muench. He was brought into the fold. He now votes as how his Lieutenant tells him to vote. I can’t discern any signals being passed but I’m sure they are. I wish we had the old Jerry Reese back. Someone who knows right from wrong.

Ward 7 Voter

Dear Editor,

Watching the goings on in O’Fallon I now understand why Lowery wouldn’t have been a good fit for St. Charles. He actually is trying to clean up years a corruption and abuse by City Hall Staff and politicians alike. York must have known that her dealings, sweat heart deals and money flowing from one account to another would have been found out and stopped by Lowery. Criminal charges would have been filed against people taking kick backs and bribes to sell a million dollar building for a lot less by simply signing a name and giving $1,000 down, With Lowery here, it never would have occurred. Let’s face it, Lowery would not have been a good fit in a town like St. Charles. That would have been like letting Elliot Ness in the Capone family.

S. Thomas

Case In Point By Joe Koester, Councilman Ward 9

Abuse of Dollars

Dear Post-Dispatch Editor:

Your editorial states, “WHEN PEOPLE in power sic the police on their political opponents, democracy is the loser.” I was not aware that turning over a police complaint was to sic the police on political opponents. If the paper had bothered to first speak with the council president, it would have seen that several precautions were taken to guarantee there would be no abuse of power by council and that in fact, Allan Williams was present to witness the police report.

You mentioned that going to the police to report possible crimes will result in citizens fearing participation in government. More accurately, big money willing to undo elections it doesn’t like and attack anyone who they disagree with is what will cause citizens to opt out of participating in government. Or maybe it would be receiving threatening telephone calls and letters that will dissuade citizens’ participation.

You went on to state that he should have asked for a probe by an agency that’s not under the council’s thumb. Maybe the editor is unaware that we do not have control over the police department and have been the recipients of attacks by the F.O.P. – I would hardly declare the police under the thumbs of any council member!

This brings up the point, at the end of the editorial it reads. “…the city police should be kept out of city politics.” The Post-Dispatch, however, gladly accepted their money and placed a full-page ad that called certain council “wolves in sheep’s clothing.”

Furthermore, you state, “Citizens will certainly question the neutrality of any investigation of Mr. Riddler’s political opponents by a police department over which he holds influence” but just above those words you stated that the investigation has been handed over to the sheriff’s office so this is a moot point, is it not? Better, maybe if citizens question the neutrality of your editorial space and your reporting. I think the Post is under the influence of high-dollar customers and spin doctors buying its opinion. To paraphrase your editorial – you have a clear conflict of interest and the appearance is lousy!

One final thought – will the Post place a similar editorial in the St. Louis paper if Mayor Slay has his police look into signatures of long-deceased citizens who have apparently signed a recent petition to remove some of their alderman?

You Paid for What?

Twice within a couple of weeks St. Charles City got paid a visit by “You Paid for It.” There was, however, a problem with these reports. The reports seemed very hard pressed to actually make a case that any costs were incurred by city residents. This show is often not bad on the issues. But then came a couple of shows that seemed to be arranged by someone trading a favor or maybe just a friend of the reporter’s (I’m guessing he has the initials G.J.).

If Elliot Davis would like to come back to St. Charles and do a real story about something “You paid for” certainly Express Scripts or a certain letter to the St. Louis Chief of Police endangering millions of city dollars in a legal matter would make the cost of a few 2X4s, a few nails and some wiring seem trivial in comparison.

Mr. Davis, if you get the First Capitol News (everyone reads it) contact this newspaper for further information.

The un-citizen

A quick note to Mr. Watkins who is the editor of an ad sheet/newspaper insert that focuses on our City even though he is not a citizen or our community.

In your publication you stated that I have attacked your religion. If any scripture that I have quoted has offended you, rest assured, it was intended for all readers. I’m not certain who all has contracts with our City and who makes money from our tax dollars – my request that each person pointing his or her finger at anyone should first examine his or her motives and make certain that the actions they take are altruistic, just, and not brought about due to personality differences or because of potential financial gain from one group or another being in charge at city hall. Not one thing that I wrote applies solely to you but to you and me and all parties who are involved in city government. My words were sincere that all of us who call ourselves Christians make sure that our motives have to do with what is right and not a budget of 90+million dollars.

The City Desk - Rory Riddler City Council President

Christmas Lost And Found


This is a story of a special Christmas gift lost and how I came to find it again.

We can all remember those special toys from our childhood. Faces and names may fade from our memories, but call to mind a special Christmas gift and the years melt away. Close your eyes and think back.

Suddenly it’s a Christmas morning from our youth. The Christmas Tree seems so much larger, the lights and the ornaments more magical. The Nativity is there, right where little hands carefully placed each lamb and wise man, before settling baby Jesus down in the hay.

Familiar Christmas carols are playing on the radio and the kitchen is filled with the smell of pumpkin pies, roast turkey and gingerbread. Once more perched on a well-worn kitchen chair, we press out bells, reindeer and forests of trees with the old tin cookie cutters of many a Christmas past. For some reason Mom always seemed to need our help.

Parents, grandparents, uncles, aunts and siblings are all there as we remembered them…all gathered again at the appointed time and place. Even the beloved family pet, in my case a wee Scottish Terrier, is there in our minds eye once more to tug at bows and jump on piles of wrapping paper.

And then you find the special gift. You can still see it clearly in your minds eye. Not chipped, faded, torn or broken, but fresh and new as only the bright clear eyes of a child can see a favorite toy.

Through the love and sacrifice of our parents, my brother and I were fortunate enough to have our letters to Santa answered on Christmas morning. Through the years there were many special toys.

One of my earliest toys was a metal telephone company truck, complete with linemen and poles to set up. My father remembers that after setting everything up, I would carefully take it down and put it all away again in the back of the truck. I guess any kid putting his toys away is a memory that sticks with a parent, especially since I had armies of plastic soldiers from every period of history that never seemed to make it off the living room floor.

Every boy who ever was given one, remembers his first Lionel train. Setting up the track was half the fun, then running your short-line railroad round and round the Christmas Tree. Like many a model and toy train enthusiasts, I never quite grew up and still live for the hours I can steal away to work on my never ending rail empire.

Of course, growing up in the 50’s and 60’s we had one eye on the future. You know, the far future of say 2000, when we would be living in space. There were robots like Mr. Machine with his cogs and gears to march across the living room floor. There was a flying saucer with a gyroscope you wound to make it spin and stand on end.

Let’s not forget the Cold War. My brother was partial to James Bond and the Man From U.N.C.L.E. He still has the Aston-Martin Gorgi Car from Goldfinger, the one that ejects the bad guy through the roof. One year he got the toy James Bond briefcase, with caps that exploded if you opened it the wrong way. Like many toys we didn’t keep, this one now goes for around $10,000…if you can find a kid who keeps their toys in the original box and never plays with them.

The very earliest toy I can remember from my childhood was a wooden soldier that stood nearly nine inches tall. He had a glossy red military tunic, blue trousers, crossed white webbing across the chest and a shinny tall black bonnet, the kind made out of bearskin. My wooden solder was made in Denmark, where similarly attired soldiers guard their royal palace.

It wasn’t in the toys I had saved and I often wondered what became of that proud soldier, so far from his native land. When I grew up, I would often check out antique toy booths with an eye for finding another one.

I soon discovered how hard it was to find a nearly fifty-year-old toy from Denmark in Missouri. But my hopes were raised a few years ago when I saw a book about the old Captain Kangaroo children’s show. There in the black and white still pictures was one of the Captain where you could see the toys on the shelf behind him. There stood the exact same wooden soldier. Not willing to believe that Captain Kangaroo had stolen my toy, I had renewed hope of finding one.

Then, just before Christmas last year, my wife Sue and I were going through an antique mall on Tesson Ferry. There in one of the hundreds of cases was the wooden solder I had hoped for so long to find. It had been partially repainted, but otherwise it was the same.

In the excitement of making this find all sorts of thoughts went through my mind. Perhaps, given their scarcity, this was the very same soldier I had when I was three or four. Somehow it had been lost and made its way from one owner to the next, till at last in a Christmas miracle I had found it after all these years.

I gave the soldier a prominent position among the holiday decorations in our dining room, where he was standing at attention when my parents came to visit. I was excited to be able to show my parents what I had found.

“Look, what do you think of this?” I asked.

My Father, not showing the desired level of enthusiasm I had expected, simply said, “That’s nice.”

“But it’s the wooden soldier you gave me as a kid,” I explained.

My Father looked a little puzzled and said, “That’s not your wooden solder.”

“Sure it is,” I insisted, “The paint has changed a bit, but it’s the same one.”

“No it’s not.”

“Why not?” I asked.

“Because I have your’s in a drawer at home.”

It seems I wasn’t the only one who thought that gift was special all these years. My “original” wooden soldier soon arrived as a gift from two loving parents…for a second time.

This Christmas both soldiers stand at attention beneath our Christmas Tree. They are still a long way from Denmark. That’s where you will find them…evidence of my Christmas lost and found.

THE CONSERVATIVE FACTOR - Alex Spencer

As you well know, I proudly wear the label of conservative Republican. Unfortunately, when I see the exploits of some of our Republican leaders in St. Charles County, I am ashamed to admit my political affiliation. I am truly at a loss to explain the actions of our own Republican Central Committee Vice-Chairwoman, Brandy Pedersen. I think it might be possible that she is a Democratic spy let loose in our midst to wreak havoc internally in Republican politics. In reality, her efforts to destroy fellow Republicans will only yield one logical result – a loss for Governor Matt Blunt in St. Charles County (and possibly statewide) when re-election rolls around.

How can I draw such a conclusion you might ask – well, it’s fairly easy. You need only look at her crusade against former County Councilman Jeff Morrison and the City of St. Peters (her hometown).

First, she decided to spearhead an effort to recall County Councilman Morrison (an elected Republican from St. Peters) for reasons including his opposition to the County suing the City of St. Peters over tax increment financing, and his pro-business philosophy.

Then, she fell off her bike while riding it on the sidewalk in the City of St. Peters, which is illegal. Pathetic Brandy Pedersen filed a lawsuit against the city because she hurt herself. The city settled with her out of court, but it seems it wasn’t enough to pacify her. She still appears to be holding a grudge.

Now, she’s a regular participant during St. Peters Board of Aldermen meetings where she rants and raves about a variety of completely unimportant issues – centering most of her criticism on Mayor Shawn Brown’s appointment of Jeff Morrison as Prosecuting Attorney. The appointment was perfectly legal and Morrison turned out to be a good City Prosecutor, but yet she returns to each meeting to attack the Board of Aldermen (most of whom are Republicans). The most amusing aspect of her “performances” in St. Peters involves which false hairpiece (the most recent resembling roadkill) she might choose to wear that evening.

I have some friends on the Republican Central Committee, and I have asked them how the Republican establishment can tolerate this sort of behavior from Ms. Pedersen. They laughingly tell me that it’s not that bad anymore since she keeps skipping Central Committee meetings in favor of television airtime during the St. Peters Board of Aldermen meetings.

I do not envy Central Committee Chairman Tom Kuypers as he tries to keep his troops in line. He seems to be making every attempt to present a unified front for the Republican Party in St. Charles County; however Pathetic Brandy Pedersen and her crusade against the City of St. Peters may be the downfall of the Republican juggernaut otherwise known as St. Charles County.

Last month, County Councilman Jeff Morrison resigned his posts as a County Councilman and as St. Peters Prosecuting Attorney to take an “unexpected professional opportunity” that he could not refuse. Apparently, according to his estranged wife, he has taken a job with a law firm out east. In any case, I think I speak for my journalistic colleagues in saying that he will be dearly missed, and we hope that he remains a fixture in local politics.

The unanimously elected GOP nominee to succeed Morrison, Darrel Lackey (a Wentzville Alderman), is an incredibly likable fellow with an outstanding resume. Like Morrison, Lackey is staunch pro-business Republican. It seems like it should be a “slam dunk” for Republicans to retain this county council seat. In addition to the democratic challenger, two candidates have filed as independents in the special election. Ironically these “independent” candidates, Joe Cronin (an active participant in the first unsuccessful recall attempt against Councilman Morrison) and Harry Bogart (an active participant in the second unsuccessful recall attempt against Councilman Morrison) both originally sought the Republican nomination.

Joe Cronin, no doubt at the urging of Ms. Pedersen, has decided to file a lawsuit and contest the results of an election in which he did not receive even a single vote. His theory of the case is that apparently there should be no Republican nominee. The proxy exercised in the special election was approved and witnessed by Central Committee Chairman Tom Kuypers. The proxy holder, Amanda Darnell (from St. Peters), is a duly qualified registered voter in the O’Fallon Township. She exercised the proxy of Terry Hawkins (a St. Peters Alderman and Morrison ally). Either way, all the votes were for Darrel Lackey. The only problem with the process appears to be that Pathetic Brandy Pedersen was unhappy with the outcome because she thinks Morrison had a role in Lackey’s selection. Since no one seems to have heard anything at all from Morrison since his resignation, this seems unlikely at best. It is much more likely that the participants selected the best candidate, Darrel Lackey, to be the Republican nominee.

The Democrats should be rubbing their hands together with glee this holiday season. Ms. Pedersen may have gift-wrapped a victory in the special election for the Democrats. Last year’s democratic victory for County Councilman Joe McCulloch is a harbinger of things to come and a new page from the Democratic playbook: select conservative candidates and work the elections, one race at a time, on the grassroots level. Democrats will begin to force every race into a referendum on an unfortunately unpopular young Republican governor, and Republican candidates statistically pay the price during off-year elections, especially when the party is not unified behind the Republican nominee.

I don’t know what Santa’s political affiliation might be, but assuming that he is a Republican (he certainly fits the demographic with all that charitable giving before the end of the tax year), I think Pathetic Brandy Pedersen should be expecting a lump of coal in her stocking this Christmas.

After all, as we like to remind the kids: “he’s making a list, checking it twice, gonna find out who’s naughty or nice…Santa Claus is coming to town…”

From the Spencer clan to you and yours: Merry Christmas!

COMMENTS & COMMENTARY by CHARLES HILL

Leave no Child Behind!

I usually just write about Main Street but our editor and publisher knew that I have grandchildren in school and an concerned with some of the issues before the school board. It is at their request that I submit my comments regarding the St. Charles School District.

Wasn’t that the battle cry that helped to land “W” in the White House? Yet it appears that our school system is ready to do just that. Why? Because school board after school board refused to look at the fact that just because that is the way it has been done for years doesn’t mean it must be right. The school boards of past made that mistake and this one might have a chance to right some wrongs. Let’s get down to business:

1st If the High Schools have fewer kids why the need for three principles, a secretary for the head principle and a school resource officer? Let’s take one principle out of each high school and save some money.

2nd If the school district is getting smaller, why is the school district administration getting larger? The fact is, school boards have been hesitant to decrease administration but more than willing to cut the number of teachers. Let’s cut out 15 percent to 20 percent of the administration budget and get them working harder with less. After all, isn’t that is what they tell the teachers?

3rd Why did the district hire a person who would cut teachers in favor of adding administrative staff? This school board needs to look at what the schools are supposed to do, educate kids and work from that premise forward. Take the budget and ask, does this educate kids? Does this increase test scores? If there isn’t a clear answer than cut it.

4th The proposed plan calls for numerous different schemes that bus kids across town? How can that be a savings to the district? One of the biggest costs is transportation.

5th Let’s cut the teacher planning by one day a week. That way there are more teachers available to teach classes without adding cost. Study Hall can be a time for the teacher to grade and plan. I am sympathetic to teachers but they have to realize with school boards and administrations that are openly trying to cut them out, they need to give a little.

6th School Board President John Smith needs to focus on the School District and stay out of City Politics and hate papers. Maybe if Smith spent as much time on the school district budget as he does palling around with the likes of TR Hughes and Ed Watkins he would see that he is part of the problem with his inaction.

I will continue to offer suggestions to the school board over the next few months. One thing they really need to be reminded of is the cost of running an election. To attempt to have two issues regarding taxes in one election cycle is suicide for both issues. Pick one and run with it first.

Please school board members, realize that these are our kid’s lives that you control. If you begin to experiment and it fails you have failed the thousands of kids you profess to care about. Superintendent Cale is not all knowing and really hasn’t thought this past the next five years. Please don’t just listen to them, take this district apart, and find the waste that exist and cut it. Don’t start with the teachers that touch the kids. That approach has been tried and failed, start with those who are “overhead” and cut them, if after all those cuts are made and you still need to find more money than ask the people. Cutting teachers is not the answer it won’t raise test scores it won’t fulfill the true reason we have schools. You are in a unique position, take that budget and go line from line and ask what does this do for the kids? If the answer is not enough get rid of that cost and move to the next. I would bet if you took the budget you would find that this district has been mismanaged by previous school boards who were merely a rubber stamp for administration and not an advocate for the kids.

CITY ISSUES by R.L. Greer

CITY ISSUES
R. L. Greer - Author

The first topic of this article is TAXPAYERS GET SNUBBED BY ST CHARLES SCHOOL DISTRICT. I read that the School District has requested a meeting with Mayor York on December 22nd but have ignored the Council. If I remember correctly the Council are the ones who passed a resolution recommending against the closing of schools for concern what the closings may have on property values of the citizens, one of many other reasons. Since the citizens are the ones who elected all of the Council members as well as the Mayor, needless to say this meeting is not only a snub towards the Council but indirectly towards the people of St Charles City. Could it be they feel her contacts with the money people will help them solve their problems. I am delighted to hear there are some on the Board who are not ready to give the ok without further considerations.

I’ve just finished reading the editorial in this week’s advertisement insert in the Journal. Currently there are three statements made by the publisher of the advertisement that is worth reiterating and commenting on. (1) “The bible warns us about pleasing men over pleasing God”; (2) “This is the first time I’ve talked about my faith in the…”; and (3) “For us Christians, it is our command and our duty to spread the message of Christ.” What I do not understand is if you believe all that you stated, how you could write the derogative, nasty editorials about someone whom you have never met and have no understanding regarding that person. I believe the message from Jesus Christ is one just the opposite. My faith prevents me from ordinarily writing particulars about any person but only truth in regards to the methods they are using. It is very obvious this whole issue of recalls is simply directed towards one particular individual and being orchestrated by individuals who have a personal vendetta towards this person. This county is being torn apart and causing disruption through out, all in the guise of bringing honesty back into government. Why not honesty and truth in statements written in articles? Merry Christmas and a very blessed New Year to everyone, and may the New Year bring forth true honestly for the residents of St Charles,

Last week I asked the question concerning Council Rule 43. Here it is in its entirety. “When the chair is putting any question, or addressing the Council, no one shall walk out of, or across the room in which the Council is sitting, nor in such case, or when a member is speaking, or when the Clerk is reading the minutes or any other paper, shall any member engage in private discourse. During Council Meetings no member shall engage in electronic discourse, including instant messaging, test messaging, and e-mailing. No person visiting the meeting of the Council shall engage in any private discourse, or speak to the Council or to any member thereof, without leave of the President or Council.” When you are attending a Council Meeting in person watch for violations of this rule. If you want to know why the rule was adopted by this Council, once again I refer you to ask your Council Representative.

“But someone will say, ‘You have faith, and I have works. Show me your faith without your works, and I will show you my faith by my works’.”
James 2:18 NKJV
“You will know them by their fruits. Do men gather grapes from thorn bushes or figs from thistles. Even so, every good tree bears good fruit but a bad tree bears bad fruit.”
Mathew 17:16-17 NKJV

SPORTS - First Capitol News Sports Section - MIKE MCMURRAN Sports Editor

First Capitol News High School Athlete of the Week
St. Charles West Hockey Warriors
By: Mike McMurran
Sports Editor

How can an entire team be honored as athlete of the week you ask? Simple: the modesty of one player. One of the young men on the St. Charles West Hockey team was nominated as athlete of the week. An appointment was made to interview the young man and take his picture.

Upon arriving the youngster pulled the same thing the New England Patriots did in their Super Bowl against the Rams, remember that. After introducing the Rams starters the public address announcer stated: “The Patriots refuse to be introduced individually, so here they are, the New England Patriots.” I personally remember it as if it were yesterday for a couple of reasons. One, it was the first time I had ever heard such, especially in an age when individuality seems to dominate team sports, and two I remember saying to myself, “these guys mean business.”

The same can be said for the Hockey Warriors. The young man nominated, refused to be interviewed, instead only said, “we have no starts on this team, we are a team – we win as a team, we lose as a team, we play as a team.”

Well, thus far they have played and won as a team, but not lost, as they are undefeated – as a team.

So here they are, the First Capitol New High School Athlete of the Week, the St. Charles West Hockey Warriors.


MY COLUMN Mike McMurran Sports Editor

Since this is the final publication of the year, I traditionally, or at least for two years running now, save postage by sending my Christmas Greetings via my column. They are in no particular order, with possible exception of the final greetings – God knows I would want to offend anyone by putting someone of less importance ahead of them.

With that being said I would like to congratulate, wish Christmas Greetings and the best of luck in his new business venture to my nephew, Brad Bullerdieck. Brad is a sophomore in college, studying business, and has decided maybe the best way to learn business is to open one. He is the co-owner of Petopia, located on North 3rd Street. His mom and dad, Denise and Brian Bullerdieck are very proud of his venture (o.k., he is my nephew on my wife’s side of the family).

I am sure this will come as a surprise to one of my oldest and dearest friends John Kozlowski, who just a few short years ago volunteered to watch Brad for a few short hours. In reality it was more like 15 years ago. John and I have been wishing each other Merry Christmas now for over 30 years – hard to believe.

Last year I thanked my friend Mark Francis for helping me keep my foot out of my mouth. He has done such a wonderful time that I have reduced my apologies in 2005 by 48% - thank you Mark, and happy holidays. May God bless you and your wonderful family: Tammy, Elizabeth and Eric.

Last year I would have been able to wish Elizabeth and Eric Merry Christmas at Henry and Jill Kruse’s annual Cocktails and Cookies Christmas Celebration; unfortunately, this year’s gathering will simply be cocktails. I have looked at the guest list and I cannot believe they have invited close to 75 people to gather, drink and tell lies. I don’t even know 75 people, or at least 75 people who would want to hang out with me. Someone who I would like to say a special thank you and wish Merry Christmas is Mike Lemke and his wife Lynette. Mike is the individual responsible for most of the ads that appear in the Sports Section of the paper. He will be at Kruse’s, as will Dr. Bill and Sue Solomon, Greg and Becky Padavan, Jim and Chris Freeman – holiday greetings to all of you.

Thank you and holiday greetings to Phyllis Schaltenbrand and Tony Brockmeyer who have allowed me the privilege of coming into your homes now for just over a year. Philosophically speaking, I truly think St. Charles City is a better place to live due their contributions.

On a related note, Merry Christmas and Happy New Year to my dear, old friend, and partner in crime, Bob Barton. Bob and I met over 27 years ago, became pretty close friends – and then didn’t see each other for over 20 years. Once reunited it was as if we had been hanging out together the entire time. Happy holidays to his lovely wife Kitty, to his favorite daughter, Jessie, and favorite son, Bobby.

I’ve often said the best choice I’ve ever made in my life was to marry my wife; the second was to send my kids to the Academy of the Sacred Heart. Both my wife and I value education very highly – hence, we put our money where our hearts are – our kid’s education. A very special Christmas greetings and sincere thank you to the entire faculty and staff at ASH. In particular to Sister Maureen Glavin, who had the imposing task of replacing an icon – and did so without a glitch.
Next to our kid’s education, their activities probably take up most of our time. Dr. Richard Heise and Matt Fairless have dedicated literally hundreds of hours to a 2nd grade soccer team – the Falcons, of which my son Joe is a member. Merry Christmas to both these gentlemen, as well as their better halves, Marry O’Connor and Sandy Fairless. Sandy likes to tell the story of how when we first met she thought I was the biggest horse’s ass she had ever met – and she would stress the definite article the. Now I am only an indefinite article as she refers to me as one of the biggest.

In addition to soccer and softball, Maggie’s primary activity is the Patt Holt Singers. To the casual observer it seems like simply dancing and singing – and that is an important part of it. Behind the scenes one would never imagine the hours, and hours and hours of work put in by the kids and their instructors. My hat is off to both Patt Holt and Laurie Strickland who instill a discipline in their students second to no activity I have ever experienced. They demand and accept nothing less than excellence – Merry Christmas ladies, thank you for what you do!

Joe’s baseball coach is none other than yours’ truly – but the real work is done by my assistants: Tom (Becky) Clark, Joe (Paige) Murray, and Brian (Susie) Green. Merry Christmas to all of you –and thank you for putting up with me.

Lastly, Dee’s soccer and baseball team are coached by individuals who have already been mentioned in this column, which brings me back to ASH for a moment. The icon Sister Glavin replaced, Sister Margaret Caire, informed us during orientation, over 6 years ago, that the Sacred Heart Experience was all encompassing. At the time I was not sure of what she meant, now I know. It is a way of life. Enough said.

Finally, to my favorite daughter, Margaret “Maggie” Kurtz McMurran, to my first born son, Joseph Conway McMurran, and my last born child, Daniel “DEE” Patrick McMurran, Merry Christmas kids – someday I hope you will understand how much you mean to me. If you do, and I suspect you will, that means you will have experienced the special kind of love your mother and I have for each other. Merry Christmas and Happy New Year to someone who has been my best friend now for over 20 years, my wife for over 13, and the mother of my children for over 10 – Lynn Marie McMurran. Believe me, putting up me with for all these years warrants sainthood for Lynn, and I realize that.

Merry Christmas to all of the regular readers of this column, and thank you for your comments, both positive and negative, they are all read.

See y’all next year – I hope all of your wishes for 2005 were realized.



Missouri River Otters Hockey
Pettersen Remains Consistent
Team notches 4 wins in a row

By Louis J. Launer

Lars Pettersen makes St. Charles home so far. The last two seasons for the River Otters has seen the veteran forward as the team’s leading scorer, sometimes drawing the first score for the team in most of the games. It hasn’t been easy this season for Pettersen as the team had a rough start.

“Wins have been tough to come by,” said Pettersen. “But I think we have finally found a way to win and we have to keep on doing that.”

Pettersen doesn’t lead the team in goals or assists this season. That belongs to Frank Littlejohn (with 10 goals) and Damian Surma (14 assists). Although there have been few wins, Pettersen has seen his share of game winning goals and power play goals. Although Missouri’s power play still needs work.

“We’ll definitely be battling it out with Surma when it comes to the goals and assists,” Pettersen said. “Littlejohn is doing great this season. Once we get everything together, we’ll see some more goals and we hope to win.”

The River Otters are slow in putting things together this season. That doesn’t stop or put a damper on team morale. All of the teammates are working well and try to help each other out on and off the ice.

“We have a great chemistry this season and the team works well,” he said. “We had to get used to everyone’s style and what the others could do. We’ve worked some long hours in practice. The competition is tough and we can be able to do well with the other teams in the league.”

Pettersen tries to at least get a goal or an assist once every game. With teammates such as Brian Heckendorn, Damian Surma and Jim Duhart on the team, Pettersen could have quite a season.

RIVER OTTERS WIN TWO MORE GAMES: You might want to call it a lifting of the Mark Reeds Curse, or you might want to call it the Jim Duhart Factor. In either way, the River Otters have won four games in a row so far in the month of December. This past weekend, The Kalamazoo Wings arrived in St. Charles holding first place in the United Hockey League Central Division standings. They have been winning games and before their arrival added Dustin Virag to their roster. Virag played for several seasons with the Fort Wayne Komets, including the Komets’ 2003 Colonial Cup championship.

Last Friday, the River Otters drew first blood at 7:59 of the first period as Lars Pettersen scored thanks to a Brian Heckendorn shot that was blocked by the K-Wings’ goaltender. In the second period, Frank Littlejohn and Jim Duhart scored two quick goals at 13 seconds and 3:37 giving the River Otters a 3-0 lead. But halfway through the game, Kalamazoo came back and the River Otters forgot that no one counts a Mark Reeds-coached team out until it is over. Reeds coached the River Otters from 1999 through 2003. But no one on the current River Otter roster ever had Reeds as a head coach.

Forward Mike Manley of the K-Wings began their rally, skating into their own zone on a 2-on-1 break receiving a Jason Deitsch pass. Manley’s goal at 12:59 was the beginning of the K-Wings getting even over the last-place River Otters. Todd Grant scored next for the K-Wings at 7:33 of the third period.

Late in the third period as the River Otter fans thought the team would hang on for a victory, saw Pettersen get caught for slashing at 17:47. That put the K-Wings in the drivers seat with the power play for almost the rest of the game. In addition, Reeds pulled goaltender Joel Martin, giving Kalamazoo a 2-man advantage. It gave K-Wing veteran Joe Seroski to score his eighth power play goal with 43 seconds remaining in regulation. That tied the game at 3-3 and it was shootout time.

Martin went up against River Otters’ goaltender Kevin Reiter. Martin had 11 wins and was a big reason why the K-Wings were in first place. Reiter only began his comeback from an early season slump. After four rounds of the shootout, no one scored. That included River Otters shooters Duhart, Littlejohn, Pettersen and Surma. It came down to Joe Seroski who scored the last goal in regulation and Reiter rejected him. Brad Church was the last shooter for the River Otters before sudden death. Church was the only player in the five rounds to stuff it past Martin to give the River Otters the win.

K-Wings head coach Mark Reeds did have some good things to say about his former team. “Missouri played a good game,” he said, “and Jim Duhart got his 900th and 901st career points, which is quite a milestone.”

Last Saturday, the River Otters decided to get a little more physical. It started thirteen seconds into the game when K-Wing Tom Willis and River Otter Dave Stewart dropped the gloves and started fighting. It did set the tone for the game as both teams concentrated on checking and hitting, rather than passing the puck during the first period. Seroski scored first for the K-Wings at 13:33. But Duhart tied the game for Missouri at 18:04. Missouri let a little matters get out of hand late in the first period and early in the second period as Karl Karlander scored at 18:49 of the first. At 4:36 of the second, the River Otters were on a power play and someone missed the puck. Mark Manley of the K-Wings took advantage and scored, giving Kalamazoo a 3-1 advantage.

Someone had to tell the River Otters to get tough. Maybe it was Jim Duhart. Duhart scored at 15:09 of the second. Brad Church, still hot from the previous night’s shootout, scored unassisted at 1:33 of the third period, tying it up at 3 again. Church’s goal was a shorthanded goal, thanks to Brian Heckendorn being penalized for interference a minute before. Thanks to one K-Wing player in the penalty box for unsportsmanlike conduct, Tim O’Connell led the River Otters’ power play drive and scored on a Damian Surma rebound at 10:24. O’Connell’s goal was the game winner in another 4-3 victory for the River Otters, this time within regulation.


By: Mike McMurran
Sports Editor

Over twenty-five years ago, Tony Glavin came to the St. Louis region, for what he thought was to be only five months. He has yet to leave and now calls the City of Cotteville home.

Champion Sports Management, Inc., a Missouri Corporation, founded by Tony Glavin, Lefteris Patelis and a local group of investors, have announced that it has acquired the franchise rights from United Soccer Leagues (USL) for an outdoor soccer team in the Premier Development League (PDL). The name of the new team will be the St. Louis Lions Soccer Club, and it will begin play in the 2006 season that runs from mid-April through mid-August.

Champions Sports Management (CSM) is a full-service sports marketing resource committed to increasing brand awareness through creative marketing campaigns, soccer related event activities, and community outreach programs. Patelis, CSM’s executive vice president and chief operations officer said, “Champions Sports building foundation is focused on serving our local businesses and the community while providing great family entertainment, and growing the game of soccer from the grassroots level up.”

“We are excited about the Lions and the future of USL soccer in St. Louis,” said USL director of PDL operations, Steve Clamp. “We are confident in CSM’s ability to make the Lions a premier sports entertainment attraction in the market.

CSM has named Glavin as the St. Louis Lions head coach. Glavin, who is also CSM’s president, is better known to soccer fans as the “Pocket Rocket” and “Motorman,” and is a former soccer great who played professionally for the Philadelphia Fury of the NASL and the St. Louis Steamers of the MISL. Glavin also coached professionally the St. Louis Steamers, the Kansas City Comets and the Dayton Dynamo.

The Lions will be competing in the Heartland Division of the Central Conference against teams from Boulder Colorado, Colorado Springs CO, Des Moines Iowa, Overland Park Kansas, Sioux Falls South Dakota and Thunder Bay Ontario. In the 2006 season there will be 59 teams competing in the PDL throughout the U.S. and Canada within four conferences (Central, Eastern, Southern and Western).

The PDL provides top U.S. and Canadian players under 23 (U23) years of age with the opportunity to compete in a professional setting during the summer months while maintaining their collegiate eligibility. The U23 design of the league was created with the goal of continuing the development of players as they transition from the youth to professional ranks, often times while attending college. “CSM, with the St. Louis Lions, will join in this goal with great pride as the development of players benefits the game as a whole,” said Glavin.

The Lions will actively recruit local college talent from St. Louis University, Washington University, UM-St.Louis, Lindenwood University and the Junior College ranks. “The Lions are looking forward to working with the soccer programs of regional colleges and amateur clubs to allow the players to participate in a league simulating a professional atmosphere. Our goal is to put together a group of players that represent the soccer talent of this region, train them physically and mentally to compete at the next level, and present them to the soccer world through a very competitive cohesive team that plays entertaining and attack minded soccer,” said Glavin. “We hope some our St. Louis Lions hometown heroes will also reach the professional level and become role models to youngster who hope to develop their games to play at the top level,” Glavin concluded.

The St. Louis Lions will play 16 regular season games, eight of which will be played at home at the Tony Glavin Soccer Complex, in Cotteville. Construction will soon begin on seating, locker rooms, expanding the parking facilities and other improvements required to meet USL stadium standards.


Rage sacks are filled with money at Christmas time
 
“It’s the holiday season” (chorus: ‘the holiday season’)
and the indoor league, is goin’ ‘round
to every good little owner in town
reminding them, that monies abound
and should be comin’ down the chimney down…………
 
By Mike Thompson
 
Sorry, Andy….but hey, it IS the most wonderful time of the year….with parties for hosting, marshmallows for….well, you get the idea, and first of all, from The Rage to you and yours, here’s hoping this holiday season brings everything you wish. It’s been a great year for this NIFL franchise, beginning with a press conference one year ago this week to announce the new ownership of GST Sports, Inc., unveil a new team logo and turn loose the RiverCity Rage on the St. Louis area. A lot has happened since that first media round up at Family Arena. Like a kid waiting for Santa to appear, I remember well the anxious feeling I endured while sitting in The Locker Room Restaurant, keeping an eye on the entrance door, waiting for all the invited media to show up. Radio and TV reporters who had been personally contacted by me, the newly appointed Media Relations Director, to come see this new upstart team, meet the new owners, start the cameras rolling when the new logo was revealed and have the microphones well in place when those profound sound bytes were coming from the mouths of babes. Because we were ‘babes’ so to speak, in many ways…..but from the get-go, players, coaches, owners and everyone associated with this team were ready to tackle the NIFL challenge with a Lombardi like gusto that carried through a 10 win regular season and a playoff game at Savvis Center.
 The growth of this franchise, from its new owner infancy to its rise as one of the premier teams in the league, has been well documented in previous articles. There’s still growth to be had, but we’ve elbowed out some space for ourselves and taken a deep breath, and moving into the new year, our second season promises to be filled with plenty of excitement, with many returning veteran players, some new shining stars, and a new home in downtown St. Louis.
And the media….that day last December?
Ooohh, yeah!……and I for one say ‘thank you’ to the reporters, sports anchors, and newspaper writers who embraced this team in 2005. True, our play on the field gave the team credibility in terms of coverage, but the effort was made by the various media outlets to go the extra mile in some way, at some time…an appearance on The Sports Couch on KSDK Channel 5….coverage by Fox Sports Net….a feature with Maurice Drummond on Fox 2… press conference and game coverage on KMOV-TV…. play by play on ESPN 1380…. interviews and reporting on KMOX Radio….KTRS Radio…. WB11….WGNU….KWRE…KLOU…93.7 The Bull….and at some time or other throughout the season, mention on just about every radio outlet in the metro St. Louis area. And a special thanks to Randy Gardner at News channel 20, for monthly features on The Rage, all the game-day coverage, and for being a big booster of this football team in it’s inaugural season!! May your days be merry and bright….and hey, the best is yet to come.
 
And, oh, yeah, I haven’t forgotten. There was money in those sacks…yes sir!
Rage players were notified on Monday that bonus checks had arrived just in time for Christmas. Players who were active for two or more games and in good standing with the team will receive a check for $200 for attaining one of the two playing incentives set forth in 2005. The NIFL, perhaps anticipating the holidays, had allowed for a fixed number of dollars to be used by each team as incentive money. That pre-season arrangement was at the discretion of each individual team. The owners could opt to give the extra cash to one player, a multiple of players, or the entire team. The Rage opted to purchase the incentive insurance that would pay larger dividends for the entire team, provided goals were reached.

 And it was the Rage defense that proved to be the super stocking stuffer for the guys, as the recorded 39 sacks on quarterback outdistanced the goal of 36 set in the beginning of the year. That category led the league, and before he leaves for camp next month with the New York Dragons of the AFL, every Rage player should shake the hand of defensive end Bruce Blue who led the team with 11 sacks in 2005.
Rage Head Football Coach Mike Wyatt said it was satisfying to know that every player receiving a bonus check had earned his money with his play on the field and his involvement in the community. “These are top quality guys, players who are fun to coach and great to be around. I never lacked for effort on the field, but it was also good to see a vast number of our players get involved with youth programs, junior football leagues, and other community type programs. And it speaks well of both Tye and Scott (Rage owners) for having the vision and the belief in our players, coaches and system to have purchased the incentive insurance through the league. It’s a great bonus, and very timely at Christmas.”
 
So…Whoop-dee-doo
and dickery-dock…….
 
Happy Holidays!! (Thanks, Andy!!)

NEWS NOTES

County Health Department Reminds Community of Pertussis Risk

The St. Charles County Department of Community Health and the Environment’s Division of Public Health would like to remind the community of the dangers and consequences of pertussis.

Pertussis is a highly contagious respiratory disease. It begins with mild upper respiratory symptoms including runny nose and mild cough. A severe chronic cough can develop producing episodes of coughing accompanied by a whooping sound. The cough spasm can be so severe that it causes vomiting. Fever may or may not be present. While pertussis is most often considered a young child’s disease, it can occur at any age.

Younger children who have not been immunized have the most severe symptoms. Adults and older children may have the persistent cough but no whoop. Incubation time for this illness, the time from exposure to actual disease, is 7 to 20 days from the date of exposure. Pertussis is treated with antibiotics to help reduce the spread of infection and, if given during the early stage of illness, may help shorten the illness. If left untreated, the severe cough could last one to two months or longer. Pertussis is not usually life-threatening in adults or adolescents. However, it can be extremely serious in younger children and infants.

While a widespread outbreak of pertussis is not expected in the community, the county has had an increasing incidence of the disease. St. Charles County has had 54 reported cases of pertussis so far this year after only 9 reported in 2004. One explanation for the increase in cases may be because of an increased awareness of the disease and better reporting measures.

Children should be kept up-to-date on their immunizations. The vaccine for pertussis is typically given in combination with diphtheria and tetanus and is recommended to be given in several doses between the ages of 2 months and 6 years. Older children and adults may be more at risk of infection since immunity tends to wane with age; therefore it is very important to keep infants and children vaccinated against this easily preventable illness.

Adults and adolescents who have been previously vaccinated can receive a newly licensed booster vaccine. This vaccine is not available at the St. Charles County Department of Community Health and the Environment. Check with your physician for availability.

Additional Information about pertussis can be found on the St. Charles County Department of Community Health and the Environment website at www.scchealth.org.

St. Charles Resident Wins Grand Prize In First Community Credit Union Promotion

First Community Credit Union awarded a $500 Visa gift card to Jane Shelnutt, of St. Charles Missouri, as a result of the credit union’s Kick Off campaign.

In a recent promotion, First Community current and new members were automatically entered into a prize drawing when they opened a checking or money management account or applied for a loan. Anyone could enter the contest through the mail or by dropping their name in a drawing box. Jane Shelnutt visited First Community’s St. Charles branch and was the lucky winner of the $500 prize!

First Community is state chartered to serve all persons living or working in the city of St. Louis and a 16-county region in the metropolitan St. Louis area and the Illinois counties of Monroe, St. Clair and Madison. They also serve employees and retirees of over 250 select employee groups and their immediate family members.



Hundreds of Native American children will have a Merry Christmas Due to Efforts of Joyce Smith

Last Friday morning members of the Metro West SWA Team and other volunteers packed a large semi-trailer with Christmas gifts bound for Lakota Sioux Children at the Cheyenne River Youth Project in Eagle Bluff, South Dakota.

Joyce Smith of St. Charles has been collecting toys and gifts for the Indian children for the past nine years. Smith’s husband, a former assistant superintendent of the Fort Zumwalt School District, passed away in 1997 and this has been her project ever since.

Each year Joyce Smith receives hundreds of letters to Santa written by the Native American children. She and a group of volunteers then start to work to answer the requests of the children. In addition to answering the requests in the letters, Smith’s group also obtained beds for an entire family and a washer and dryer for another.” We had one child who wanted a saddle and tackle. One of our volunteers drove many miles to get the saddle and the items needed to fulfill that Christmas wish. She was so excited and it reminded her of when she was a child with her first horse,” Smith told the First Capitol News.

While camping in South Dakota with her late husband, Ms. Smith met Julie Garreau who started the youth camp for the Indian children in 1988. After learning about the plight of the Indian children Joyce Smith started her annual Christmas project. Erv Emerling, a local businessman, provides storage for the toys and gifts while they are being packed and awaiting shipment to the children. This year the gifts filled a large five room house along with the garage and basement.


More flu shots available at Barnes-Jewish St. Peters Hospital

Have you not received your flu shot yet? It’s not too late. With all the holiday rush and upcoming family gatherings, it’s the perfect time to get your immunization. Barnes-Jewish St. Peters Hospital will have one more clinic. The CDC recommends flu shots for all individuals 50 years of age and older, especially those with chronic illness.
WHAT: Flu Shots
WHEN: Monday, December 19 from 1 to 4 p.m.
WHERE: 6 Jungermann Circle, Suite 117, professional building #1 on the Barnes-Jewish St. Peters Hospital campus
COST: $20, Medicare part B covers the fee for eligible participants.
Please register by calling 636-928-WELL (9355) to make an appointment. Visit the hospital online at www.bjsph.org


FIRST BANK WRAPS UP HURRICANE KATRINA RELIEF EFFORTS

Bank, employees and community team up to raise $82,000 for victims

By accepting and encouraging community and customer donations at all First Bank locations, First Bank helped raise $82,000 for victims of Hurricane Katrina.

“Hurricane Katrina was one of the most catastrophic events in our nation’s history,” said Terry McCarthy, chairman, president and chief executive officer for First Bank. “We want to thank everyone for their generation donations to raise badly needed funds for the victims in Louisiana and Mississippi.”

To assist the victims of Hurricane Katrina, First Bank supported and matched First Bank employee donations through a Hurricane Katrina Relief Fund Drive. The bank also accepted community donations. All donations went to American Red Cross Hurricane Relief.

“Our Hurricane Katrina Relief Fund Drive was a very important cause and the efforts on behalf of the victims were really outstanding,” said McCarthy. “We can all be proud.”


AMERICAN HEART ASSOCIATION HOLIDAY CARDS AVAILABLE AT FIRST BANK
Proceeds from 2005 Landmark Holiday Cards will help fight heart disease in St. Louis
Those looking to get into the holiday spirit while helping out a good cause can now purchase the American Heart Association’s 2005 Landmark Holiday Cards at 44 First Bank locations in metro St. Louis and metro Illinois.
“Sleigh Bells Ring” is the card available for purchase from award winning artist Billyo O’Donnell, a Missouri native who has produced the American Heart Association cards for the past four years. Nationally recognized, O’Donnell is known for his impressionistic painting style of landscapes created in a single on-site setting.
The “Sleigh Bells Ring” card features a snowy, holiday scene of downtown St. Louis, complete with a horse and carriage, the Old Courthouse, and a view of the Arch.
Proceeds from the holiday cards will be used locally in the American Heart Association’s fight against cardiovascular disease and stroke. To order the 2005 Landmark Holiday Cards stop by any Metro St. Louis First Bank office, visit our Web site at firstbanks.com, or contact Sharon Loberg from the American Heart Association at 314-692-5625.

MEET LIBERTY THE BALD EAGLE

Christmas shopping getting you down? Take a break from the bustle to enjoy some of the region’s best eagle viewing opportunities, right here at the confluence of the mighty Mississippi and Missouri Rivers.
The confluence attracts hundreds of bald eagles during the cold winter months, becoming an eagle watcher’s paradise. Eagle watchers are invited to oogle their favorite bird from the Riverlands Migratory Bird Sanctuary along Riverlands Way near West Alton, MO. Managed by the US Army Corps of Engineers and located along the western edge of the Mississippi River just above Melvin Price Locks and Dam, this area is a favorite fishing spot for the Bald Eagle. From late December to late February dozens of eagles scan the waters of Ellis Bay for a bite to eat. Visitors are also welcome to stop in at the Rivers Project Office to pick up information, use the restrooms, or view the eagles from the comfort of the indoors. The Rivers Project Office will also be open on weekends from January 7th to February 5th from 11 AM to 3 PM for your viewing pleasure.
Another way to learn more about these majestic birds is to attend a program sponsored by the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers and the Meeting of the Rivers Foundation, presented by the World Bird Sanctuary.
Free public programs will be held at the National Great Rivers Museum on the following Sundays: January 22, February 5 and February 12 from noon to 3 p.m. Attendees will get to meet Liberty, a rescued bald eagle, whose handler will discuss eagle lifestyles and habitats.
Liberty arrived at the Florida Rehabilitation Center in 1992 with a fractured collarbone. He received medical attention and was then released back into the wild. Three weeks later he was found again, this time with a dislocated shoulder and eye damage. Soon after, Liberty was transferred to the World Bird Sanctuary in Valley Park, Mo., where he resides today and helps tell the story of these great birds through the education programs he participates in.
The National Great Rivers Museum will also host a “Masters of the Sky” program February 18-20. Daily program times will be 10 a.m., noon and 2 p.m. The World Bird Sanctuary will demonstrate several different kinds of birds of prey including hawks, owls, and eagles. There will be a charge of $4 for adults and $2 for children 12 and under. Children under the age of 3 will be free. Please call the museum at 1-877-462-6979 for more information.
The World Bird Sanctuary was founded in 1977 by renowned ornithologist Walter C. Crawford. The sanctuary’s mission is to preserve the earth’s biological diversity and to secure the future of threatened bird species. Environmental education is the primary focus of the organization, and the programs are a wealth of interesting details concerning the natural history of raptors, some problems they face, and what people can do to insure their survival.
The National Great Rivers Museum is located at the foot of the Melvin Price Locks and Dam on the Illinois side of the river. From the Clark Bridge, go 2 miles South on Illinois Route 143 to Lock and Dam Way, and turn right.


O’Fallon Board approves ordinance on requirement for signs advertising public hearings

The O’Fallon Board of Aldermen passed an ordinance at their last meeting which requires developers to post signs advertising public hearings on development issues including zoning, conditional use permits, area plans, etc. The specifics of the hearing will be required to be included on the signs, which will be at the developers’ cost.

Currently for public hearings, the City sends letters to any property owners adjacent to the area in question within 185 feet. Mailings will continue for any public hearings, and the new ordinance will extend that adjacency to 300 feet.

The new requirement for signs will apply to public hearings for the Planning and Zoning Commission as well as the Board of Aldermen. It will also apply to preliminary plats that are brought before the Planning and Zoning Commission. In the past, public hearings were not required for preliminary plats, but if the proposed ordinance is passed, a hearing at the Planning and Zoning Commission level will be required. This will provide an opportunity for residents to comment on proposed subdivision plats.

FRONT PAGE FIRST CAPITOL NEWS - Decmber 10, 2005

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Double click photographs to enlarge them.

EDITORIAL CARTOON

Bill Introduced By Greer For April Date For Recall

This past Tuesday night a bill was on the Council agenda for introduction setting an April date for Dottie Greer’s recall election. The sponsor of the bill is Dottie Greer. This comes after the defeat of a bill
sponsored by Councilmen Weller, Kneemiller, Reese, Muench and Hoepfner who were determined to have the recall election held in February. The five other Council members voted against that bill, many citing the Charter and the fact that the next legally available election according to the St. Charles City Charter and ordinances would be in April.

Many speculated that the Weller group of Council members wanted to have the election held in February because traditionally there is lower turnout for February elections. The weather is usually worse in February and the older voters find it difficult to turn our in numbers. It would also waste taxpayer’s money on a special election in February because those against Greer could disenfranchise many of the voters in Ward 7.

Councilman John Gieseke, Ward 8 told the First Capitol News, “The state makes elections dates available for the City to choose from. Under the charter, the voters picked April for City elections. It amazes me when those who claim to want to uphold the Charter only want to uphold the sections that serve their needs. I just wish more people would read the entire Charter. None of us ever voted not to allow for an election, we just want to make sure we uphold our oath of office and follow the Charter and laws of the City.”

When asked why she was sponsoring the bill calling for a vote on her recall Councilwomen Greer said, “This is what the Charter says has to happen and that is why I am sponsoring the bill. The Charter and City ordinance is clear on when our legally available elections can be held. If this would be the same year as a Mayoral election then a February election would be available. It isn’t. Those who sponsored the bill calling for a February election don’t want to see fair elections. They would rather disenfranchise many of the elderly voters who can’t brave the cold and inclement weather that occurs in February.”

SECTION 9.1 CITY ELECTIONS of the Charter reads as follows….

(a) Regular Elections. Regular city elections shall be held on the first Tuesday in April.
(b) Primary Election for Mayor. The city primary election, if needed, for the office of Mayor shall be held on the first Tuesday after the first Monday in February.

(c) Special Elections. The council may by resolution order special elections, fix the time for such elections, and provide for holding such elections.

(d) Conduct of Elections. All city elections shall be governed by the provisions of the charter and applicable state law. The council by ordinance may further regulate elections, subject to the provisions of the charter and applicable state law.

(Approved by electorate, November 3, 1981; Amendment approved by electorate, April 7, 1992; Amendment approved by electorate, August 6, 1996)

Councilman Joe Koester, Ward 9 told the First Capitol News, “An April election will not disenfranchise the voters of the Ward. Our Charter allows for the April election to make sure that special interests can’t buy elections. I am confident that Dottie will win if the election is held in April, Special Interest money bought the recall and I hope the voters of Ward 7 keep money from buying the election.”

The bill will have its first reading at next Tuesdays City Council meeting.

Council Offers Details on Not Renewing Allan Williams

A year ago, Saint Charles City Council voted 7 to 3 approving a one-year contract with Dr. Allan Williams as City Administrator. The council reserved the right to decide whether or not to renew William’s contract after a one-year period of review. In November, the council chose not to renew the administrator’s contract and brought forward a compensation package per the original contractual agreement.

First Capitol News wanted to look into what events lead to William’s inability to muster six votes of approval by council. Here are some of the issues of concern gathered by our paper regarding this matter.

Williams came to St. Charles and there was much hope among council that he would help create an atmosphere in which the three councilmen of the opposition minority would work closer with the seven-member majority who entered city hall to try and end wasteful politics-as-usual. Early on, the majority advanced in several areas including re-bidding city employee health insurance that has resulted in a one-year savings of more than $700,000. However, as one councilman pointed out, this was achieved in spite of Mr. Williams, not because of his assistance. In fact, early on several council members noticed that the new administrator hindered efforts by council to perform its fiduciary duties including blocking a forensic audit of the health insurance prior to the change to the current provider, United Health Care.

More was expected and promised of the highest-paid city administrator in the metropolitan area. In fact, complaints have come from both sides of council regarding unanswered and unreturned telephone calls (this is particularly important because council members may not contact department heads without administration approval); slow response time or inaction on council requests; and the sluggishness of department head candidate interviews and proposal to council. Council has no direct ability to hire or fire any department head, and after losing or firing employee after employee, Williams has done little to fill the vacancies. One instance pointed out is the termination of the Public Works Director in which after seven months the administrator has brought only one name forward for council and mayoral consideration. To date, that is the only name for any open position that has been brought before the council with the exception of Police Chief Tim Swope.

Lack of communication and accessibility seem to be a regular point of frustration for many on council. Williams has yet to move his family to St. Charles. Because they still reside out of state, Williams is often gone for several days at a time and often not reachable by telephone. Travel expense for these flights are paid for over and above William’s base salary of $148,000 and his automobile expenses.

Another disappointment was the haste in which Williams went from role of mediator for all sides to that of one-sided ally of mayor and select council members. At one meeting, Williams seemed to have set a trap for Councilwoman Greer and then openly attacked her because he felt that her appeal for a department head to attend a budget meeting sounded more like a demand than a request. A few months prior, Williams had praised the same council member for being so organized and thorough in her duties.

In another instance, Mr. Williams ignored the opinion of all the city attorneys regarding a disputed bill allegedly owed by Councilman Mark Brown. Wasting the time of seven staff members and spending two days to get to the bottom of this supposed $225 charge resulted in a finding that the City in fact owes Councilman Brown $425! Mr. William’s actions give the appearance of helping developers harass council instead of doing the work of the people. To the chagrin of several council members, Williams is willing to expend great effort for $225 but impedes a forensic audit that could have resulted in thousands of dollars for city coffers and the discovery of possible corruption.

The proposed administration budget for 2006 is a sharp increase over that of 2005 in spite of budget warnings coming from city hall that indicate flat growth in city revenues. After advising council to tighten the belt on the budget, Williams then proposed inflated government causing many council members to question the fiscal prudence of Williams. Further concerns in this matter include William’s use of a city credit card for personal expenses, which is thought to be a violation of state law.

From the evaluations submitted, only one council member gave Williams high marks with several giving very low marks.

The courts will apparently decide William’s future because he now disagrees with the interpretation of the contract that he signed. Several council members have indicated that they plan on filing a case against Williams soon. In jeopardy is a severance package worth about eight months salary. Also per contract Williams would have received lifetime health insurance had he been re-approved and fulfilled a second year of service as city administrator.

One council member summed it up with the following: “We had great hopes for Mr. Williams and thought we might have gotten ourselves someone ready to help clean up rather than cover up things at city hall.”

RAMBLING WITH THE EDITOR - Tony Brockmeyer

THANKS FOR THE RULES

I sit here this evening trying to write while fighting a cold. I am also watching the St. Peters Board of Alderman meeting. Their meetings are on Thursday evenings and they can be seen on Charter Cable 10. If you have an opportunity to watch you will easily understand why the St. Charles City Council and County Council have set limits on people speaking before the boards.

The purpose of the meetings is for the elected members to conduct business. In O’Fallon and St. Peters the meetings have been taken over by residents who have their own agendas. Attempts have been made recently to take over the St. Charles City Council meetings but the attempt have failed because of rules in place that prevent such action.

JEFF MORRISON

St. Charles County Councilman Jeff Morrison resigned recently as County Councilman and also as City Prosecutor for the City of St. Peters. Morrison said that he had a professional opportunity he wanted to take. He would give no other information . Rumors abound but the one that comes from the forefront and appears to be most likely is that he has accepted a position with the United States Department of Justice in Washington, D.C. Good luck Mr. Morrison.

RECALL LEADERS WANT TO RUN FOR CITY COUNCIL

It is being bandied about that Linda Meyer, the wife of a St. Charles Police Officer and leader of the recall effort against Mark Brown and Dottie Greer, has her sights set on Greer’s City Council seat. David and Cheryl Paxton who live in Mark Brown’s Ward and in his subdivision are working with Meyer in the attempt to recall Brown. Rumors have it that Paxton, who is a mechanic with American Airlines, where the Mayor’s husband Lionel is employed as a pilot, wants to take over Brown’s seat on the City Council. We are told His wife Cheryl is a flight attendant for AA and also worked at Ozark and TWA with the Mayor. Hmmmmmmm

RON BROCKMEYER REPRESENTS COUNCIL AT HEARING

Attorney Ron Brockmeyer represented members of the City Council last Friday at a hearing before Judge Ted House on a Writ of Mandamus that the recall committee filed in an effort to force the recall election of Dottie Greer in February rather than April. Some people have asked why he was there. Mike Valenti, the City Attorney had notified the City Council members that because the Council members were split on a five to five vote he was not going to represent the interests of the City in this matter.

Council members Riddler, Gieseke, Greer, Koester and Brown asked Brockmeyer to represent them because they felt there would be no one protecting their interests as City Council members. Several of the Council members pointed out to Valenti his oath of office and duties to the City. He relented and did appear in court.

WIN – WIN – WIN

Check page 11 for all the details on how to be eligible to win one of five $100 Gift Certificates. You will be able to use the certificates at any of the merchants who have ads on that page. You can enter as many times as you want and as many merchants as you want but you can only enter once during each visit. The winner will be announced in the January 14, 2006 edition of the First Capitol News. In the event of any disputes the decision of the First Capitol News is final
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THE PEOPLE SPEAK - Letters To The Editor

Dear Editor:

It is rather alarming that the only major newspaper in our region employs a former sports writer as a columnist who is about as unobjective as unobjective can be. He constantly supports the recall effort of Councilpersons Greer and Brown, yet cries out loud of the injustice his friend, drinking buddy, and God knows what else, Mayor York faces in her recall.

In his column dated December 6 he quotes Roland Wetzel, editor of the publication The Republican, as Wetzel gives us all a lesson in Missouri Civics. It had to do with Council President Riddler stopping Linda Meyer and Tom Hughes from making derogatory remarks directed at Council members. It seems his interpretation of the Missouri Constitution gives citizens the right to “say, write or publish, or otherwise communicate whatever he will on any subject.” I couldn’t help but think of poor Tom Green, and how the Republican Party smeared his record, total lies mind you, but stood behind their “Freedom of Speech” to spread untruths.

Does Article 1 of the Missouri Constitution give me the right to have published, fictitious allegations against Mayor York, Roland Wetzel, pudgy (and that is being kind), washed up sports writers, Sally Faith, and others who feel they know what is best for our City. I would think not. I would think there would have to be at least some merit to the allegations. Maybe not. If the latter is the case, I would warn most dog owners to keep their canines locked up, as pudgy’s attraction and fondness for dogs has been well documented in his columns.

And as far as the Mayor goes, in The City Newsletter she shares with City residents how she likes to spend holidays, shacked up in hotels with airlines pilots.

In fairness to those who are not fair to others, Chucky is a dog lover, and not sexually, at least I do not think so. And our Mayor, well her first Christmas was spent with her husband, a pilot, on the road. I have no idea if Wetzel is married, and if he is, if Faith even knows his wife. Mr. Wetzel I know nothing about – but that is my point.

It seems these people say things, repeat them, repeat them again, and then attempt to pass them off as truths.

Now, I for one think Riddler was correct in stopping both Hughes and Meyer. Had he not they would have said things and tried to pass them off as truths; justifying their allegations by saying: “Its a fact, its in the minutes of the meeting.”

Thank you for your service to our community. I look forward to your paper each week.

Please withhold my name

Message to Councilman Funderburk

I read with interest your comments recently in a local newspaper regarding the 600-foot extension of a runway at Smartt Airport. Before I proceed, perhaps I should mention that you and three of your four cohorts opposing the extension voted to approve the 2004 budget that included $850,000 funding for the extension. WHAT HAPPENED? Enter Adolphus Busch and Charlie Hager with a lot of money and suggestions on how to defeat the extension. In fact Adolphus stood before the Council and informed the proponents of the extension that they were going to lose.

You state you do not agree with the reports finding that there have been no bird strikes in 64 years because you spend a lot of time in the area. I am sure you saw a number of planes on the ramp while making one of your trips to the area, and if you had taken a few minutes to stop and see the Airport Director, you would have found that all hangers are rented, (NO VACANCIES) and that there are more than 50, 000 take-offs and landings per year. The citizens of this County are concerned about their Airport, not Creve Couer or Marthasville.

Your other frivolous argument that is also Mr. Brazil’s crutch relates to development that will occur after the 600-foot extension. The Fountains have hundreds of acres remaining for development, St. Peters will have 1,600 acres, and the Baudendistel tract has 1,200 acres. With over 3,000 acres available with City water and sewer all within a few minutes of the Airport, why would anyone want to develop anything in the area of the Airport?

In all my 73 years in this County I have never seen such an abuse of power. Perhaps the five opponents should give consideration to what a wise man once said, “You can fool some of the people all of the time, and all of the people some of the time, but you can’t fool all of the people all of the time.”

Gerald E. Ohlms
Former President Commissioner
St. Charles County

Editor First Capitol News;

I guess Ken Kielty couldn’t get the legitimate press to call TR to interview TR. You would think with all TR’s advertising power he could have pulled that off especially when he wanted to be interviewed about freedom of speech. TR had to rely on his top advertising man Ed, and spend his own money on Ed’s advertising piece. I guess, what it did cost him, did not come from any of the savings he has received or maybe be receiving when this Citizen Empowerment Committee, Kietly and Jamboretz and that police officer’s wife, get this council changed around to suit the Mayor and TR’s appetite for power and money. Money should really start flowing again when the Mayor gets her 7-3 majority on the Council. TR will probably not need Representative Dempsey’s new law that was passed just for TR and Company on the backs of the St. Charles taxpayers.

Apparently the several “great people” you TR say were insulted and demeaned in a most reprehensible way, you are talking about Caskey, Powell and Pratt. I’ve already addressed these good people in a letter to the editor and I’ll suggest the same to you. Go back and look at the tapes of the Council meetings when thee people were put on the spot for doing a lot of things that shouldn’t have taken place. Like costing the people who pay the bills of their town a lot more money than it should have. Caskey and Powell know why they are not employed any longer and Pratt does also. Check it out and ask them to respond see if they will answer you. We’ll probably never know about Jockerst. I hear it had something to do with computers and him and Chief Swope and closed sessions and all that good stuff that keeps the taxpayer from ever knowing about a lot of happenings that cost us, the taxpayers, a lot of money.

To quote TR, “Citizens should not be afraid of their government. That’s wrong and it’s also very dangerous.” TR you should make the Mayor and her two cronies Kietly and Hayden a plaque with those two sentences on for them to read daily. They could probably save face and not get caught doing threatening phone calls and alleged threats on the internet site and unsigned anonymous letters.

Seeing how I quoted you TR, here is a quote for you. “I’ve never been afraid of anybody in City government. Especially the Mayor and all her money friends like you, TR, nor her two cronies Ken and Tom nor anyone else. You should make sure Ken realized what he did is very dangerous. But then to see Ken and Tom at the 11/15 Council meeting setting next to one another. When Kevin Kast started praising TR and all his money friends and they, Ken & Tom turned around and saw myself and started making gestures like a couple school year bullies that would be real quick on their feet if actually confronted.

That’s all for now!
Bob Bredensteiner

Dear Tony,

Thank you for printing my letter and trying to find the answer to my questions. I hope you can clear up one of Mr. Spellmann's statement. Is he saying that the houses owned by Lindenwood and used for student housing are subject to taxes, or are those considered educational? Also, with the current real estate boom, virtually every property in the country has doubled or more in the last 10 years.

Another item that I though of was the amount of money that is paid by the state to the school district for each student in attendance. I have heard it is over $6,000 per student. If that is truly the case, the school district would be loosing a lot of money by the student houses not having families live there. Perhaps Mr. Spellmann could clarify these things in the next installment.

Thank you,
Mike Femmer

Editor’s response.
Mike I will have your information next week. I have been plagued with a cold this week and have not felt like doing anything.

An open letter to the Editor of the Post Dispatch from Council President Rory Riddler in response to an editorial in the Post criticizing Riddler for reporting to the St. Charles Police what he considers apparent voter fraud in the collection of signatures on the recall petitions on Councilwoman Dottie Greer.

Dear Post Dispatch Editor:

I would appreciate the opportunity to acquaint your readers with all of the facts surrounding my turning in a complaint concerning what I felt were irregularities and violations of State Law by a committee seeking the recall of Councilwoman Dottie Greer in the City of St. Charles.

1. I had exhausted other avenues to try to have these petitions and sworn affidavits reviewed by authorities. The City Clerk, whom our Charter says is to certify if the petitions are “valid”, said that she was not in a position to investigate if they were or not valid and simply performed a ministerial function.

2. Likewise, the St. Charles County Election Authority told the Clerk that they only verify if the names are on the list of registered voters or not. They do not check signatures against signed voter registration cards, nor would they have jurisdiction to investigate if false affidavits were filed.

3. I felt that I had the right to file a complaint with law enforcement if I felt a crime may have been committed.

4. To avoid the very situation you criticize me for in your editorial, I followed proper procedures under our Charter and took the issue to the City Administrator to ask that he be present and help assure that my complaint was not treated differently than any other citizen.

5. The Police Chief, for his part, asked for an investigator from the Sheriff’s Office be assigned to assist and make sure any investigation was fair and impartial.

6. Other than being interviewed to explain the concerns I had, I have had no other contact with the investigators nor sought any updates.

While your editorial offers a very helpful suggestion that the Missouri Highway Patrol should have been called in to handle the complaint, what State Law gives an individual the right to call in the Highway Patrol to investigate a local matter? What State Law says that a local official is a second class citizen and can not avail themselves of filing a police complaint?

Will this new standard be applied by the Post-Dispatch to criticize any local official that believes they have cause to report a crime?

Frankly, I was shocked that there are so few safeguards to prevent abuse of the recall process. I am further surprised that the Post-Dispatch has not done more to follow the money trail involved in this recall effort.

To date over $36,000 has been reported being spent to try to recall two members of the St. Charles City Council. Those hired to gather the signatures were from Belleville, Cahokia, Ferguson, Florissant, Kirkwood, Rolla, St. Peters, Wright City and Berkeley. They were paid $5 per signature and later as much as $10 per signature to get the petitions signed.

The two co-chairs of one committee funding this effort are Ken Kielty and Glennon Jamboretz. Glennon Jamboretz lives in St. Louis County and owns a public relations firm in St. Louis. Ken Kielty doesn’t live in the 7th Ward either. His son, however, is the attorney you quoted in the editorial criticizing my police complaint
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Earlier this year, Mr. Jamboretz was awarded a City contract without the knowledge of the City Council. In looking into the matter, we discovered that Mr. Kielty was listed as one of the three “oral” bids that were sought for the work. It appears to be a very small world.

In conclusion, I would welcome the Missouri Highway Patrol looking into this case, or reviewing the investigative work being conducted by the Police and Sheriff’s Office. I would welcome the Missouri Attorney General looking into it. I would particularly appreciate the St. Louis Post-Dispatch looking into it.

I merely did what I thought was right and followed the proper channels. No undue pressure was brought to bear and the facts uncovered will ultimately speak for themselves.

Sincerely,

Rory Riddler
City Councilman
City of St. Charles