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Saturday, January 28, 2006
FRONT PAGE - FIRST CAPITOL NEWS of January 28, 2006
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Citizen Empowerment Committee Leaders Profit Personally From Recall Efforts
Committee Head pays self $1,000 for signature collection & $1100 for bookkeeping
Petition circulator who invoked Fifth Amendment paid $3570 to solicit recall signatures
By Tony Brockmeyer
A report filed with the Missouri Ethics Commission on January 19, 2006 reveals that Melissa Root of Lacouer Drive in St. Louis, who took the fifth amendment and refused to answer any questions in a sworn deposition (FCN 1/14/06 also available at firstcapitolnews.blogspot.com) received $3570 from the Citizens Empowerment Committee for collecting signatures on recall petitions. The Citizens Empowerment Committee, headed by Linda Meyer, is attempting to recall Councilwoman Dottie Greer and Councilman Mark Brown. The Citizens Empowerment Committee was formed to recall St. Charles City Council members. At a recent City Council meeting millionaire developer Tom Hughes described himself as one of the main leaders of the recall drive. Hughes and Kevin Kast, the former head of SSM St. Joseph Hospital, in conjunction with the Empowerment Committee, has started an organization with the self-proclaimed name of Do The Right Thing.
Councilman Mark Brown, one of the targets of the recall effort asked the First Capitol News, “Is ‘doing the right thing’ buying elections and paying for influence at City Hall? Not on my watch,” he concluded. Brown went on to say, “In normal situations, people who conduct themselves in the manner in which this group has are put in jail. I can’t believe all this just because I refused to take a payoff.”
The report also reveals that Meyer, the wife of a St. Charles police officer who was the head of the police officers association, was paid $300 on November 10, 2005, $300 on November 12, 2005 and $400 on November 18, 2005. In addition, the report reflects that TLC Bookkeeping was paid $500 on October 24, 2005 and $600 on November 14, 2005 for accounting services. We could not find a record of TLC Bookkeeping on file with the Missouri Secretary of State. However, a city business license was issued for the company. The address given on the city license and on the Ethics Commission report is Meyer’s home address in St. Charles.
The report shows $1153.20 was incurred to Penmac a St. Charles temporary employment agency for personnel to collect recall signatures. On October 10, 2005, $657 was incurred to the Glennon Company and $12,525.07 was incurred on October 15, 2005 also to the Glennon Company. The Glennon Company is headed by Glennon Jamboretz, a confidant to Mayor York and a leader of the St. Charles Citizens for Responsible Government along with Ken Kielty. Kielty is also a confidant of the Mayor. Kielty and Jamboretz head up St. Charles Citizens for Responsible Government, a political action committee they formed for the recall of City Councilmen. (See Mayor Funnels City Money to Political Hit men FCN 10/08/05 available at firstcapitolnews.blogspot.com)
Others receiving money for collecting recall signatures are:
Cheryl Paxton of the 400 block of Pearl Ridge in St. Charles. She was paid $1830 to collect recall signatures. Dave Paxton was paid $430. Cheryl Paxton was one of the five people who signed on as the Committee to Recall Councilman Mark Brown. Cheryl Paxton is a retired flight attendant who worked with Mayor York at Ozark Airlines and TWA. Her husband, Dave Paxton, is employed at American Airlines along with Mayor York’s husband Lionel York who is a pilot for American. Dave Paxton also signed on as a committee member for the Recall Mark Brown Committee. It is also rumored that Dave Paxton wants to take over Brown’s office as City Councilman for Ward 3 if they are successful in getting Councilman Mark Brown recalled. The Paxtons are also next-door neighbors to the developer of Pearl Ridge. (Pearl Ridge is the subdivision that the city allowed the developer to build without storm drains and the street floods with each heavy rain. It is the area where Mark Brown lives and where Brown and the other neighbors have been fighting the developer to correct the problem for several years. Brown and the other neighbors have a lawsuit pending against the developer in an attempt to have the problem corrected.
Tara Hart of the 700 block of Wade Lane in St. Charles. She was paid $2290 to collect recall signatures. Hart was one of the five people who signed on as the Committee to Recall Councilman Mark Brown. Hart is also the sister of developer Easton Wade the developer of the Pearl Ridge subdivision. She is also the next-door neighbor of Cheryl and Dave Paxton. Tara Hart turned in over two pages of recall signatures from the senior living center on Friedens Road. The Mayor’s father is a resident there and was also a paid signature gatherer against Councilman Brown.
Kevin McCrery of the 300 block of Casteel Court in St. Peters. He was paid $810 to collect recall signatures.
Keith Meyer of Jumping Frog Court in St. Peters. He was paid $720 to collect recall signatures.
Mike McLean of the 1100 block of Reavis Barracks Road in St. Louis. He was paid $550 to collect recall signatures.
Gary Robinson of the 900 block of Chestnut Oaks in St. Charles. He was paid $340 to collect recall signatures. Robinson was a candidate for City Councilman for Ward 3 and was trounced by Brown in the election.
Kay Seemiller of the 10800 block of Tesson Ferry Road in St. Louis. She was paid $280 to collect recall signatures.
Julie Lakin of the 26300 block of Dull Knife Trail in San Antonio, Texas. She was paid $170 to collect recall signatures.
Paula Eberhard of the 2900 block of Edinburgh Court in St. Charles. She was paid $150 to collect recall signatures.
Matt Root of the 1000 block of Lacouer Drive in St. Louis. He was paid $140 to collect recall signatures.
Melissa Tucker of Raven Court in Wentzville. She was paid $30 to collect recall signatures.
Recently Melissa Root invoked the Fifth Amendment during a sworn deposition under questioning by St. Charles City Attorney Mike Valenti. A criminal defense attorney represented her and the refusal to answer any questions regarding the collection of recall signatures was made on his advice (FCN 1/12/06 also available on firstcapitolnews.blogspot.com). Her attorney told City Attorney Valenti, “She has invoked her rights to any and all questions on her behalf as her counsel, she does not have to say anything. She does not have to invoke her rights; her rights have been invoked by me. I’m acting as counsel. This is tantamount to her sitting next to me at a criminal defense table and the State trying to get her to take the stand.”
Root, was being questioned about signatures she allegedly collected on petitions to recall Councilwoman Greer. She is also responsible for about half the signatures allegedly collected in the Councilman Mark Brown recall attempt.
At the last regular meeting of the St. Charles City Council a bill was on the agenda to place the recall election of Councilman Mark Brown on the ballot in April. It was defeated on a five to five vote. Greer’s recall election is on the April ballot.
Petition circulator who invoked Fifth Amendment paid $3570 to solicit recall signatures
By Tony Brockmeyer
A report filed with the Missouri Ethics Commission on January 19, 2006 reveals that Melissa Root of Lacouer Drive in St. Louis, who took the fifth amendment and refused to answer any questions in a sworn deposition (FCN 1/14/06 also available at firstcapitolnews.blogspot.com) received $3570 from the Citizens Empowerment Committee for collecting signatures on recall petitions. The Citizens Empowerment Committee, headed by Linda Meyer, is attempting to recall Councilwoman Dottie Greer and Councilman Mark Brown. The Citizens Empowerment Committee was formed to recall St. Charles City Council members. At a recent City Council meeting millionaire developer Tom Hughes described himself as one of the main leaders of the recall drive. Hughes and Kevin Kast, the former head of SSM St. Joseph Hospital, in conjunction with the Empowerment Committee, has started an organization with the self-proclaimed name of Do The Right Thing.
Councilman Mark Brown, one of the targets of the recall effort asked the First Capitol News, “Is ‘doing the right thing’ buying elections and paying for influence at City Hall? Not on my watch,” he concluded. Brown went on to say, “In normal situations, people who conduct themselves in the manner in which this group has are put in jail. I can’t believe all this just because I refused to take a payoff.”
The report also reveals that Meyer, the wife of a St. Charles police officer who was the head of the police officers association, was paid $300 on November 10, 2005, $300 on November 12, 2005 and $400 on November 18, 2005. In addition, the report reflects that TLC Bookkeeping was paid $500 on October 24, 2005 and $600 on November 14, 2005 for accounting services. We could not find a record of TLC Bookkeeping on file with the Missouri Secretary of State. However, a city business license was issued for the company. The address given on the city license and on the Ethics Commission report is Meyer’s home address in St. Charles.
The report shows $1153.20 was incurred to Penmac a St. Charles temporary employment agency for personnel to collect recall signatures. On October 10, 2005, $657 was incurred to the Glennon Company and $12,525.07 was incurred on October 15, 2005 also to the Glennon Company. The Glennon Company is headed by Glennon Jamboretz, a confidant to Mayor York and a leader of the St. Charles Citizens for Responsible Government along with Ken Kielty. Kielty is also a confidant of the Mayor. Kielty and Jamboretz head up St. Charles Citizens for Responsible Government, a political action committee they formed for the recall of City Councilmen. (See Mayor Funnels City Money to Political Hit men FCN 10/08/05 available at firstcapitolnews.blogspot.com)
Others receiving money for collecting recall signatures are:
Cheryl Paxton of the 400 block of Pearl Ridge in St. Charles. She was paid $1830 to collect recall signatures. Dave Paxton was paid $430. Cheryl Paxton was one of the five people who signed on as the Committee to Recall Councilman Mark Brown. Cheryl Paxton is a retired flight attendant who worked with Mayor York at Ozark Airlines and TWA. Her husband, Dave Paxton, is employed at American Airlines along with Mayor York’s husband Lionel York who is a pilot for American. Dave Paxton also signed on as a committee member for the Recall Mark Brown Committee. It is also rumored that Dave Paxton wants to take over Brown’s office as City Councilman for Ward 3 if they are successful in getting Councilman Mark Brown recalled. The Paxtons are also next-door neighbors to the developer of Pearl Ridge. (Pearl Ridge is the subdivision that the city allowed the developer to build without storm drains and the street floods with each heavy rain. It is the area where Mark Brown lives and where Brown and the other neighbors have been fighting the developer to correct the problem for several years. Brown and the other neighbors have a lawsuit pending against the developer in an attempt to have the problem corrected.
Tara Hart of the 700 block of Wade Lane in St. Charles. She was paid $2290 to collect recall signatures. Hart was one of the five people who signed on as the Committee to Recall Councilman Mark Brown. Hart is also the sister of developer Easton Wade the developer of the Pearl Ridge subdivision. She is also the next-door neighbor of Cheryl and Dave Paxton. Tara Hart turned in over two pages of recall signatures from the senior living center on Friedens Road. The Mayor’s father is a resident there and was also a paid signature gatherer against Councilman Brown.
Kevin McCrery of the 300 block of Casteel Court in St. Peters. He was paid $810 to collect recall signatures.
Keith Meyer of Jumping Frog Court in St. Peters. He was paid $720 to collect recall signatures.
Mike McLean of the 1100 block of Reavis Barracks Road in St. Louis. He was paid $550 to collect recall signatures.
Gary Robinson of the 900 block of Chestnut Oaks in St. Charles. He was paid $340 to collect recall signatures. Robinson was a candidate for City Councilman for Ward 3 and was trounced by Brown in the election.
Kay Seemiller of the 10800 block of Tesson Ferry Road in St. Louis. She was paid $280 to collect recall signatures.
Julie Lakin of the 26300 block of Dull Knife Trail in San Antonio, Texas. She was paid $170 to collect recall signatures.
Paula Eberhard of the 2900 block of Edinburgh Court in St. Charles. She was paid $150 to collect recall signatures.
Matt Root of the 1000 block of Lacouer Drive in St. Louis. He was paid $140 to collect recall signatures.
Melissa Tucker of Raven Court in Wentzville. She was paid $30 to collect recall signatures.
Recently Melissa Root invoked the Fifth Amendment during a sworn deposition under questioning by St. Charles City Attorney Mike Valenti. A criminal defense attorney represented her and the refusal to answer any questions regarding the collection of recall signatures was made on his advice (FCN 1/12/06 also available on firstcapitolnews.blogspot.com). Her attorney told City Attorney Valenti, “She has invoked her rights to any and all questions on her behalf as her counsel, she does not have to say anything. She does not have to invoke her rights; her rights have been invoked by me. I’m acting as counsel. This is tantamount to her sitting next to me at a criminal defense table and the State trying to get her to take the stand.”
Root, was being questioned about signatures she allegedly collected on petitions to recall Councilwoman Greer. She is also responsible for about half the signatures allegedly collected in the Councilman Mark Brown recall attempt.
At the last regular meeting of the St. Charles City Council a bill was on the agenda to place the recall election of Councilman Mark Brown on the ballot in April. It was defeated on a five to five vote. Greer’s recall election is on the April ballot.
Robbery Suspect Shot & Killed
By Phyllis Schaltenbrand
Richard Stone, 56 of 57 Mark Twain Mobile Home Park in O’Fallon was shot and killed by St. Charles Police Detectives Wednesday morning at his home.
Stone was wanted for questioning in the armed robbery of the On The Run Mobile Station on South Fifth Street and Interstate 70 in St. Charles at 8:36 pm on Tuesday evening.
A white, male subject, wearing a tan baseball hat, tan jacket and dark sunglasses entered the station at 1402 South Fifth Street, advised the attendant of the robbery and showed the attendant a handgun that was in his belt. The attendant handed over an undetermined amount of cash and the subject fled the store in a pickup truck.
Chief of Police Tim Swope told the First Capitol News, “We had an excellent witness and also a video tape of the hold-up and a description of the get-away vehicle. Our detectives developed information that Stone was the subject who committed the robbery. They went to his home in the Mark Twain Mobile Home Park on Wednesday at approximately 11:30 am. In the driveway of the suspect’s home the police observed a vehicle fitting the description of the one in which the hold-up man left the scene of the Mobile Station robbery. Two of the detectives went to the front door and two went to the rear of the trailer. they knocked and attempted to have the suspect open the front door. They could hear movement inside the trailer but they could not get anyone to come to the door. After a period of time the front door was suddenly opened and the suspect pointed a gun at the officers. One of the detectives who was in the rear came around to the front of the trailer and the officers in fear of their lives and the lives of their partners opened fire and the suspect was killed.”.
Chief Swope said, “It appears to be a justified shooting. All four of the detectives were placed on administrative leave with pay pending a complete investigation. This is the policy of this department and most other departments when an officer is involved in a shooting.”
The crime scene investigation was handled by the forensics unit of the St. Charles County Sheriff’s office. According to Chief Swope, “Independent investigations are being conducted by the O’Fallon Police Department and the St. Charles Police Department.”
A baseball hat with a red bill and a tan jacket similar to the one worn by the suspect during the hold-up along with a black and silver pellet gun was found by detectives in Stone’s home.
The names of the detectives were not released.
Police Take Suspect Into Custody Involving Recall Petitions
By Tony Brockmeyer
On Tuesday, January 23, the St. Charles Police Department took its first suspect into custody in conjunction with the ongoing investigation of alleged recall voter fraud in the collection of signatures on recall petitions. Taken into custody at home in St. Louis, the subject was brought to the St. Charles Justice Center for questioning. The investigation involves the collection of signatures in the recall efforts against Councilman Mark Brown, Ward 3 and Councilwoman Dottie Greer, Ward 7. After being held for several hours the individual was released pending further inquiry. This newspaper is withholding the name of the individual until charges are filed.
The Citizens Empowerment Committee, funded by donations from Glennon Jamboritz, Kenneth Keilty, Tom Hughes and Kevin Kast, paid people to collect signatures for the recalls. According to the Missouri Ethics Commission report filed in January, Linda Meyer, who acts as treasurer of the group, has also been paid to collect signatures as well as being paid for keeping the books. The police investigation is looking at the possibility of forged signatures and coerced signatures on affidavits that are required by state law and the City Charter to bring the recall efforts forward.
County Election Commissioner, Rich Chismer, at the St. Charles County Election Authority certified the signatures on recall petitions turned in without any review or investigation other then to see if there were registered voters with those names. Marilyn McCoy, the St. Charles City Clerk certified the petitions also without any determination other than there were voters registered under those names. According to previous legal opinions by the St. Charles City Attorney, McCoy’s certification is considered ministerial and not quasi-judicial. “The current system does not have the built in protections they have in many other cities,” Council President Rory Riddler.
According to our sources the investigation into the Greer recall is almost completed and will be presented to the County Prosecutor, Jack Banas with a request for charges to be filed and warrants issued. Banas, an elected official, then has the discretion whether or not to prosecute. After the investigation on the Dottie Greer recall an investigation will be conducted into the Mark Brown Recall.
A source close to the investigation told the First Capitol News that more arrests are expected.
On Tuesday, January 23, the St. Charles Police Department took its first suspect into custody in conjunction with the ongoing investigation of alleged recall voter fraud in the collection of signatures on recall petitions. Taken into custody at home in St. Louis, the subject was brought to the St. Charles Justice Center for questioning. The investigation involves the collection of signatures in the recall efforts against Councilman Mark Brown, Ward 3 and Councilwoman Dottie Greer, Ward 7. After being held for several hours the individual was released pending further inquiry. This newspaper is withholding the name of the individual until charges are filed.
The Citizens Empowerment Committee, funded by donations from Glennon Jamboritz, Kenneth Keilty, Tom Hughes and Kevin Kast, paid people to collect signatures for the recalls. According to the Missouri Ethics Commission report filed in January, Linda Meyer, who acts as treasurer of the group, has also been paid to collect signatures as well as being paid for keeping the books. The police investigation is looking at the possibility of forged signatures and coerced signatures on affidavits that are required by state law and the City Charter to bring the recall efforts forward.
County Election Commissioner, Rich Chismer, at the St. Charles County Election Authority certified the signatures on recall petitions turned in without any review or investigation other then to see if there were registered voters with those names. Marilyn McCoy, the St. Charles City Clerk certified the petitions also without any determination other than there were voters registered under those names. According to previous legal opinions by the St. Charles City Attorney, McCoy’s certification is considered ministerial and not quasi-judicial. “The current system does not have the built in protections they have in many other cities,” Council President Rory Riddler.
According to our sources the investigation into the Greer recall is almost completed and will be presented to the County Prosecutor, Jack Banas with a request for charges to be filed and warrants issued. Banas, an elected official, then has the discretion whether or not to prosecute. After the investigation on the Dottie Greer recall an investigation will be conducted into the Mark Brown Recall.
A source close to the investigation told the First Capitol News that more arrests are expected.
Possible St. Charles Civic Center?
The First Capitol News has learned that the former Bally’s Fitness Building on First Capitol Drive just south of Interstate 70 is under consideration by some City officials as a possible City civic center. The building is unoccupied and we are told has a running track, swimming pool and locker rooms. We learned that the Mayor and Councilman Kneemiller recently toured the building with Gerry Prinster of the Delta Group. Prinster was the purchaser of the former St. Charles Police Headquarters on West Clay. The building was sold under the direction of former City Administrator Jim O’Connor and Mayor York for less than the appraised value and less than the highest offer. Proper bidding procedures were not followed and the sale was not publicized. Mayor York then called a special meeting of the City Council to have the sale approved before residents could move to stop the sale. Councilmen John Gieseke, Bob Hoepfner and Rory Riddler voted against the sale. Councilmen Larry Muench and Bob Kneemiller voted for the sale. The other members of the current City Council were not on the Council at the time. The sale was highly criticized by State Auditor Claire McCaskill during her audit of the City last year.
Members of the Parks and Recreation Board also toured the Bally facilities. Councilman Mark Brown, in whose ward the building is located, said he was not invited to tour the building but had heard rumors that it was being considered with a purchase price of $1.8 million or a lease price of approximately $260,000 a year. Brown told the FCN that Councilman Riddler is proposing a Civic center to be built on Fifth Street near Blanchette Park and that is expected to be on the ballot in November. Brown said he needs more information before making a decision but said, “It would be nice to have such a facility south of Hwy 70, a area that some members of the administration seem to neglect.
First Capitol News Photograph by Tony Brockmeyer
RAMBLING WITH THE EDITOR - Tony Brockmeyer
ONLY IN ST. CHARLES
Only in St. Charles can people be fooled into believing that recalling two elected officials is a good thing. Those who have decided to think the worst and jump on board really need to understand whom you are jumping on board with and the reasons why they are working to get this board changed.
Tom Hughes. Hughes has made his fortune in real estate development and knows his way around a City Hall. He really likes a City Hall that allows him access that others don’t receive. Just a note on this, Hughes has hired a former St. Charles City engineer to work for him. HMMMM, makes one wonder how and why things like that happen.
Second, you have Kevin Kast, the previous head of St. Josephs Health Center. Kast has his eye on occupying the Mayor’s office. I guess unemployment doesn’t fit his lifestyle very well. Kast was a wheeler-dealer with City Hall. He even got the city to close off a road so he could increase the size of the hospital. Kast understands what it means to have influence in City Hall. He has also donated $5000 to help recall the two Councilpersons.
Linda Meyer is the wife of the former St. Charles Police Association President and St. Charles Police officer. By the way it is our understanding her husband was one of the 73 police officers who signed the letter claiming they were stressed out because Councilman Bob Hoepfner was writing about them in this newspaper and talking about them on the Council floor. Meyer is critical of the way the council treats employees. I guess in the real world all employees are handled with kid gloves as not to hurt anyone’s feelings. Meyer is being paid for bookkeeping for the Citizens Empowerment Committee and was paid to collect recall signatures. It is also rumored she intends to run for Council woman Dottie Greer’s seat if she is successful in getting Greer recalled.
You see this really isn’t about what these two council members did wrong. It is about what the plans are for the future and where your tax dollars are going to be deposited. Believe me it isn’t going to be in your streets or sewers. It will probably be in the pockets of developers.
Case in point is the multi-million dollar proposal for a canal, boat marina; high rise condos that will be located along the river from highway 70 to the Family Arena. Developer Mike Schellenscheutter wants to build condos, offices, and a boat and recreation area on the Missouri River. The contention here is the reason the Missouri isn’t used more for recreation is there are not enough places to get fuel or something to eat. So this undertaking is going to involve you tax dollars. There will be a need for TIF’s to get this project off the ground. There are many on the Council who are tired of giving tax dollars to millionaire developers at the expense of the average citizen’s streets. Maybe Mr. Schellenscheutter missed the part in the Lewis and Clark journals that the Missouri River was treacherous and most of us who have lived in Missouri know they were right. That probably isn’t going to stop him from trying to develop the area because it won’t be his money at risk, it will be yours and your neighbors. Your tax dollars may be going to fund a project on a river that has 30-foot swings in depth in a matter of days. This is just one of many government funded projects that are on hold until after the recalls.
So when you look at these recalls look at the underlying reasons. In the Godfather there is a classic line, “Our true enemy has yet to show his face.” This is the case of the recalls. The true enemy is funding these recalls in an effort to get your cash for their use.
They must be crazy!
Note to the Convention Center, Mayor and those who want a new hotel built at the Convention Center. You must be crazy!!!!!! They are complaining that the Embassy Suites Hotel operated by John Q. Hammons of Springfield, Missouri is charging too high a rate for convention attendees. They believe they could book more conventions if there was a hotel there charging cheaper rates. Don’t they realize there are numerous hotels within the area that fall in the price range proposed by Councilman Rory Riddler.
To say that this convention center is a success is somewhat of a white lie. The fact is this convention center is not drawing the number of room nights proposed by the CH Johnson study. That being said why another hotel? Simply because there are some conventioneers that won't pay the Embassy Suites price? If they are so concerned about the cost of a room, do we really think they are spending the thousands of dollars when they get here?
This isn't about being successful it is about building the wrong type hotel next to the convention center. Back when this was being discussed, Councilman John Gieseke, who is in the hotel business, warned that the Embassy Suites hotels rates would not support the marketing efforts of a small to mid-sized convention center. He told the oversight committee the Embassy Suites prices would be too high for the small convention center. Guess what? It appears he was right but instead of admitting it they try to convince us of their success. This is just bad planning. Lucky for us though the solution is already in place. The names are Fairfield Inn, Comfort Suites and Ramada Inn. These hotels already exist and will be more than happy to take the prices that Riddler quoted. There isn't a need to create more lower priced hotels in the area. Here is a simple solution. Build a path from the Fairfield to the convention center. It is just across the parking lot.
City Wins Against Client Serv.
The Court of Appeals ruled in favor of the City and AGAINST Client Services in an
opinion handed down Tuesday. CSI can ask for a rehearing in the Court of Appeals and transfer to the Supreme Court. This will delay the case again from anywhere from 90 days to 1 year. CSI filed suit against the City when the City refused to sell them the City owned property along the Little Hills Expressway. CSI had negotiated with the City for the property to build facilities but then decided to build the new facilities on Harry S. Truman Blvd across the street from their current headquarters. They did not sign the contract so the City rescinded the offer of sale. CSI then decided they wanted to develop the property and filed suit when the City refused to accept their offer for the property.
Only in St. Charles can people be fooled into believing that recalling two elected officials is a good thing. Those who have decided to think the worst and jump on board really need to understand whom you are jumping on board with and the reasons why they are working to get this board changed.
Tom Hughes. Hughes has made his fortune in real estate development and knows his way around a City Hall. He really likes a City Hall that allows him access that others don’t receive. Just a note on this, Hughes has hired a former St. Charles City engineer to work for him. HMMMM, makes one wonder how and why things like that happen.
Second, you have Kevin Kast, the previous head of St. Josephs Health Center. Kast has his eye on occupying the Mayor’s office. I guess unemployment doesn’t fit his lifestyle very well. Kast was a wheeler-dealer with City Hall. He even got the city to close off a road so he could increase the size of the hospital. Kast understands what it means to have influence in City Hall. He has also donated $5000 to help recall the two Councilpersons.
Linda Meyer is the wife of the former St. Charles Police Association President and St. Charles Police officer. By the way it is our understanding her husband was one of the 73 police officers who signed the letter claiming they were stressed out because Councilman Bob Hoepfner was writing about them in this newspaper and talking about them on the Council floor. Meyer is critical of the way the council treats employees. I guess in the real world all employees are handled with kid gloves as not to hurt anyone’s feelings. Meyer is being paid for bookkeeping for the Citizens Empowerment Committee and was paid to collect recall signatures. It is also rumored she intends to run for Council woman Dottie Greer’s seat if she is successful in getting Greer recalled.
You see this really isn’t about what these two council members did wrong. It is about what the plans are for the future and where your tax dollars are going to be deposited. Believe me it isn’t going to be in your streets or sewers. It will probably be in the pockets of developers.
Case in point is the multi-million dollar proposal for a canal, boat marina; high rise condos that will be located along the river from highway 70 to the Family Arena. Developer Mike Schellenscheutter wants to build condos, offices, and a boat and recreation area on the Missouri River. The contention here is the reason the Missouri isn’t used more for recreation is there are not enough places to get fuel or something to eat. So this undertaking is going to involve you tax dollars. There will be a need for TIF’s to get this project off the ground. There are many on the Council who are tired of giving tax dollars to millionaire developers at the expense of the average citizen’s streets. Maybe Mr. Schellenscheutter missed the part in the Lewis and Clark journals that the Missouri River was treacherous and most of us who have lived in Missouri know they were right. That probably isn’t going to stop him from trying to develop the area because it won’t be his money at risk, it will be yours and your neighbors. Your tax dollars may be going to fund a project on a river that has 30-foot swings in depth in a matter of days. This is just one of many government funded projects that are on hold until after the recalls.
So when you look at these recalls look at the underlying reasons. In the Godfather there is a classic line, “Our true enemy has yet to show his face.” This is the case of the recalls. The true enemy is funding these recalls in an effort to get your cash for their use.
They must be crazy!
Note to the Convention Center, Mayor and those who want a new hotel built at the Convention Center. You must be crazy!!!!!! They are complaining that the Embassy Suites Hotel operated by John Q. Hammons of Springfield, Missouri is charging too high a rate for convention attendees. They believe they could book more conventions if there was a hotel there charging cheaper rates. Don’t they realize there are numerous hotels within the area that fall in the price range proposed by Councilman Rory Riddler.
To say that this convention center is a success is somewhat of a white lie. The fact is this convention center is not drawing the number of room nights proposed by the CH Johnson study. That being said why another hotel? Simply because there are some conventioneers that won't pay the Embassy Suites price? If they are so concerned about the cost of a room, do we really think they are spending the thousands of dollars when they get here?
This isn't about being successful it is about building the wrong type hotel next to the convention center. Back when this was being discussed, Councilman John Gieseke, who is in the hotel business, warned that the Embassy Suites hotels rates would not support the marketing efforts of a small to mid-sized convention center. He told the oversight committee the Embassy Suites prices would be too high for the small convention center. Guess what? It appears he was right but instead of admitting it they try to convince us of their success. This is just bad planning. Lucky for us though the solution is already in place. The names are Fairfield Inn, Comfort Suites and Ramada Inn. These hotels already exist and will be more than happy to take the prices that Riddler quoted. There isn't a need to create more lower priced hotels in the area. Here is a simple solution. Build a path from the Fairfield to the convention center. It is just across the parking lot.
City Wins Against Client Serv.
The Court of Appeals ruled in favor of the City and AGAINST Client Services in an
opinion handed down Tuesday. CSI can ask for a rehearing in the Court of Appeals and transfer to the Supreme Court. This will delay the case again from anywhere from 90 days to 1 year. CSI filed suit against the City when the City refused to sell them the City owned property along the Little Hills Expressway. CSI had negotiated with the City for the property to build facilities but then decided to build the new facilities on Harry S. Truman Blvd across the street from their current headquarters. They did not sign the contract so the City rescinded the offer of sale. CSI then decided they wanted to develop the property and filed suit when the City refused to accept their offer for the property.
THE CITY DESK - City Council President Rory Riddler
Do The Right Thing Movement
Has All The Right Answers…
And Saves Having To Think For Yourself
From the people who brought you the Citizen Empowerment Committee and St. Chuck Watch, there is yet another “All Things To All People” political committee you can join. They call themselves the “Do The Right Thing Committee”. Their mission is simple. They want local elected public officials to do the right thing. Brilliant!
Now if we can only get our State officials, Congress, the President, all the leaders of the world and every major political, religious, cultural and ethnic group to agree we could finally achieve that world peace thing and be well on the way to forming that “Federation” that seems to work so well on Star Trek.
There is just one small problem. Who gets to decide what doing the right thing is?
Now I’ve always been partial to making up my own mind. Call me old fashioned, but I really like to have all the facts and then vote the way I think is best. The voters of my ward entrusted me with that responsibility and it is not one I will lightly surrender to whomever can pack a Council meeting on a given evening.
Last Tuesday the “Do the Right Thing Committee” set about to storm City Hall. Blast e-mails went out to be there. They coordinated with their sister organization, The Citizen Empowerment Committee, which mailed out an estimated 1,400 invitations to people who had signed recall petitions in the 7th and 3rd Wards. They were going to storm City Hall. The City Administrator took them seriously. He had signs put up in the elevators telling people that television monitors had been set up on the first floor of City Hall for the overflow crowds.
But the turnout just didn’t match the hype. The largest part of the crowd in the Council Chambers turned out to be the returning Lewis & Clark Discovery Expedition. They were there, many in costume, to receive the well deserved accolades and thanks of the Mayor and Council for recreating a fantastic voyage of discovery and being wonderful ambassadors of our community. Then there were the people who came down in support of the City Parks Board’s plans for an off-leash dog park. There were also Parks Foundation members who were there to tell us how much good the money had done we contributed to help underprivileged children and families use our aquatic centers and other parks programs.
Take away the city staff members and regulars who are always at our meetings and the combined attendance of the Citizen Empowerment Committee and the Do The Right thing Committee was 28 people. Sorry, I also have to take away the one gentleman from the 7th Ward who said he got their letter telling people who signed the recall petitions to storm City Hall and just wanted to come down to the Council and tell us he never signed the petition.
Of the 27 remaining, most were familiar faces. There was also a former Councilman and another former candidate for the Council, and a few other erstwhile candidates who no doubt see these groups as their ticket to ride in the next election. After all, one of the stated objectives of the Do The Right Thing Committee is to pick a slate of candidates to run in the City elections in 2007.
One of the lighter moments of the evening was when one member of the group addressed the City Council and said with a straight face that their membership was approaching 1,000! I’m sure when he wrote those remarks he was expecting us to be looking out at a sea of people instead of a puddle. They need to stop believing their own press.
One of the strange things about ideological groups who claim a superior moral compass is they also have to make themselves believe they are in the majority. What’s dangerous is when elected public officials start to believe them and stop thinking for themselves.
Recently our Nation observed the 300th anniversary of the birth of American patriot, statesman, inventor and philosopher Benjamin Franklin. It prompted me to finish reading Walter Isaacson’s book, Benjamin Franklin – An American Life. I’m very glad I did, for within those pages was some great advice for anyone (including myself) who starts to take themselves too seriously.
“…having lived long, I have experienced many instances of being obliged, by better information or fuller consideration, to change opinions even on important subjects, which I once thought right, but found to be otherwise. It is therefore that the older I grow, the more apt I am to doubt my own judgment and pay more respect to the judgment of others…Most men, indeed as most sects in religion, think themselves in possession of all truth…But, though many private persons think almost as highly of their own infallibility as of that of their sect, few express it so naturally as a certain French lady, who, in a little dispute with her sister said: “I don’t know how it happens sister, but I meet with nobody but myself that is always in the right.”
Case In Point By Joe Koester, Councilman Ward 9
“The things that will destroy us are: politics without principle; pleasure without conscience; wealth without work; knowledge without character;
business without morality; science without humanity; and worship without
sacrifice.”
—Mahatma Gandhi
Reformation is rarely celebrated until long after the battle has ended.
Our City’s namesake, Charles Borromeo was a Church reformer who stood up against corruption that he saw in the Church around him. Martin Luther’s protests even split the Church and his “protesters” would eventually become today’s Protestants. Luther’s protests helped give rise to other movements within the Church and today Christians around the globe follow their faith based upon their understanding of the Gospel.
When Christ entered into the temple and saw corruption, he upturned the tables or benches where money was being exchanged! His protest was in both word and deed! Christ did not try and just “get along” but stood up for change, honesty, social justice, and reform.
Of course, Christ stood to reform all of mankind and we hold Him up as our example of how we can reform ourselves and the world around us.
His examples lead Christians to strive towards a world where Love conquers hate. Much goes along with this including: striving for honesty, standing up for social justice, and engaging wrongdoing.
Sometimes such battles may even appear to be hateful but do not confuse hatred with anger. Christ was angry enough to over turn the tables in the temple but did so without hatred.
Consider the quote by Bede Jarrett from, The House of Gold:
“The world needs anger. The world often continues to allow evil because it isn’t angry enough.”
Sometimes during council meetings I become angry but I can assure you that I do not hate anyone with whom I deal. I do not wish anyone ill will, I don’t send hate mail, make hate telephone calls, etc. It would be terribly exhausting to harbor and live with such hatred. Instead, I become angry and take those steps entrusted me to correct those things I see as wrong. Obviously, striving for better city government is not the most earth shaking undertaking a soul can set out to do, but remember the parable of the mustard seed! Most likely, Congressmen in the hot seat today didn’t start out by accepting a million dollar yacht, but with something far more innocuous, something small — like a mustard seed.
Let me provide you with an example of something that angers me, but does not cause me to hatred. At last January 10th’s work session I placed on the agenda an item regarding updating of software sorely needed by code enforcement to make them more efficient. This matter goes back more than six months. Councilwoman Greer and I met with Community Development staff to see what we could do to help make their work more expeditious because one of the main complaints we have as council members is the time it takes to enforce city codes. Staff recommended software that they liked and felt was user-friendly. Mrs. Greer and I met with the software provider for a presentation and committee recommended we make the move to update software that is currently antiquated to say the least.
Some time later, administrator, Allan Williams sent us some paperwork related to the company of choice’s financial stability. He then makes mention of software he liked. Better would have been to bring this up in Technology Committee and allow department input and frankly, maybe even a chance for the company to answer questions our city may have had. Heck, I would have even been content with some immediate action to improve software with the firm of William’s choice - anything to help stop the need for citizens to call three - nine - twelve times about the same code violations!
Instead, what we got was, seven months later an administrator who has taken no action to improve this critical role of municipal government; staff who still cannot do their reports in the field; a system that takes forty minutes to make one report; a system where citizens still have to call city hall to get a progress report on their complaint rather than have the ability to follow the progress online.
So ask your council member if he or she is trying to improve city hall or improve his or her own lot. Ask your local newspapers whether they are complicit with, or strive against wrongdoing. It is fitting in a town named after a saint who fought for reformation that each of us take on the role of Charles Borromeo!
CONSERVATIVE FACTOR Alex Spencer
Democracy can sometimes be imperfect. The intersection of money and politics is one of those relationships that often leads to problems – political problems, public relations problems, and sometimes (as in the case of Jack Abramoff) even criminal problems. Special interest groups and the money pumped into political campaigns serve to shape legislative policy more than constituent concerns, safety concerns or any other concerns for that matter. I’m afraid this has become the practical reality of our democracy.
Have you ever wondered why Missouri has no meaningful open container law?
Simple, the answer is A.B.
Have you ever wondered why Missouri turns down millions of federal dollars for highway construction each year so that passengers can drink out of open beer cans when driving around the state?
Simple, the answer is A.B.
Have you ever wondered why the tenor of political debate has reached an all-time low in St. Charles County?
Simple, the answer is A.B.
This, dear readers, is a story about the unbridled arrogance of A.B.
Once upon a time (last April), State Senator Bill Alter (R) was elected in a squeaker of a special election by the slim margin of 68 votes. Senator Alter came up with an idea – wouldn’t it be great to give the school children in the district a civics lesson. He proposed the “It Ought to Be a Law” essay contest for fifth graders. It’s actually an admirable program allowing children to learn more about the legislative process by suggesting ideas they’d like to see signed into law. Senator Alter said he would propose the winner’s idea during the upcoming legislative session.
Eleven year old Kristen Bogert suggested a relatively common-sense concept: grocery and convenience stores should be prohibited from selling refrigerated beer. She thinks there may be a correlation between readily available refrigerated alcohol and drunk driving. In accordance with his essay contest, Senator Alter filed S.B. 763, which is currently languishing before the Pensions, Veterans’ Affairs and General Laws Committee, where it will likely die at the hands of politicians bought and paid for by A.B.
Kristen thought this idea may discourage drunk drivers. She said that she couldn’t understand why people need to buy individual cans or bottles of beer out of ice bins by the checkout at local convenience stores and gas stations. She thinks there will be less drunk driving and fewer accidents. She might be right, but we’ll never know thanks to A.B.
Kristen has riled an angry giant with her innocent idea – A.B. (more formally known as Anheuser-Busch Cos., Inc.) Anheuser Busch has gone on the offensive against this eleven-year old. It has criticized this legislation for a number of reasons including: refrigerated beer is a convenience for adults and drunken-driving fatalities in Missouri have declined over the past four years. Thankfully, a few courageous politicians have introduced stiffer penalties for drunk drivers, which is probably why the number of fatalities has declined, but A.B. has never been big on truth or details. Rumors suggest that A.B. will punish Senator Alter as well, since he brought forth this idea. Senator Alter will be up for election again this November, and I suspect his opponent will be well-financed, courtesy of A.B.
The St. Louis Post Dispatch Editorial Board (firmly in the pocket of A.B.) decided to weigh in on the issue and let readers know that “this is remarkably dumb idea.” Basically the Post suggests that we can’t really save the drunk drivers from themselves and Kristen probably should stay home with her nanny.
Well folks, I wholeheartedly disagree. I think that Kristen should be commended for such an insightful idea. Whether you agree with the content of the proposed legislation or not, I hope that we can all agree on the fact that 11-year olds are learning more about our legislative branch. I challenge Senator Alter to really see this legislation through the process – let’s give her idea a hearing and meaningful debate. Let’s not give into A.B. this time. I fear we know exactly how the legislative process will work: S. B. 763 will die in committee at the hands of politicians bought and paid for with “beer” money. Can’t we let Kristen learn that first-hand as opposed to subjecting her to mean and spiteful attacks in the press?
That brings us to our local A.B. (estranged Anheuser-Busch heir Adolphus Busch IV). Adolphus and his cronies are largely responsible for the unfortunate level of political discourse in St. Charles County. The one place that Adolphus cannot buy his desired outcome is the court system, where he continually loses his battles against the elected officials in St. Peters. His puppet regime in O’Fallon has made a mockery of government, and his attempt to recall elected officials in St. Charles is pathetic. Adolphus was at the microphone as recently as two weeks ago threatening the St. Peters Board of Aldermen (who aren’t even up for election until 2007). He warned them: “change is coming.” Well, I for one am looking forward to some changes. It’s about time that we, the regular people, show some courage and stand up to A.B.
Apparently, Anheuser-Busch is now taking lessons from Adolphus and his cronies. Adolphus picks on politicians. Anheuser-Busch prefers to pick on eleven-year olds. Good luck Kristen. I’m sorry that you are learning the ugliest lesson of politics at the hands of A.B. Don’t lose hope though; good women and men, just like you, can make a difference.
Have you ever wondered why Missouri has no meaningful open container law?
Simple, the answer is A.B.
Have you ever wondered why Missouri turns down millions of federal dollars for highway construction each year so that passengers can drink out of open beer cans when driving around the state?
Simple, the answer is A.B.
Have you ever wondered why the tenor of political debate has reached an all-time low in St. Charles County?
Simple, the answer is A.B.
This, dear readers, is a story about the unbridled arrogance of A.B.
Once upon a time (last April), State Senator Bill Alter (R) was elected in a squeaker of a special election by the slim margin of 68 votes. Senator Alter came up with an idea – wouldn’t it be great to give the school children in the district a civics lesson. He proposed the “It Ought to Be a Law” essay contest for fifth graders. It’s actually an admirable program allowing children to learn more about the legislative process by suggesting ideas they’d like to see signed into law. Senator Alter said he would propose the winner’s idea during the upcoming legislative session.
Eleven year old Kristen Bogert suggested a relatively common-sense concept: grocery and convenience stores should be prohibited from selling refrigerated beer. She thinks there may be a correlation between readily available refrigerated alcohol and drunk driving. In accordance with his essay contest, Senator Alter filed S.B. 763, which is currently languishing before the Pensions, Veterans’ Affairs and General Laws Committee, where it will likely die at the hands of politicians bought and paid for by A.B.
Kristen thought this idea may discourage drunk drivers. She said that she couldn’t understand why people need to buy individual cans or bottles of beer out of ice bins by the checkout at local convenience stores and gas stations. She thinks there will be less drunk driving and fewer accidents. She might be right, but we’ll never know thanks to A.B.
Kristen has riled an angry giant with her innocent idea – A.B. (more formally known as Anheuser-Busch Cos., Inc.) Anheuser Busch has gone on the offensive against this eleven-year old. It has criticized this legislation for a number of reasons including: refrigerated beer is a convenience for adults and drunken-driving fatalities in Missouri have declined over the past four years. Thankfully, a few courageous politicians have introduced stiffer penalties for drunk drivers, which is probably why the number of fatalities has declined, but A.B. has never been big on truth or details. Rumors suggest that A.B. will punish Senator Alter as well, since he brought forth this idea. Senator Alter will be up for election again this November, and I suspect his opponent will be well-financed, courtesy of A.B.
The St. Louis Post Dispatch Editorial Board (firmly in the pocket of A.B.) decided to weigh in on the issue and let readers know that “this is remarkably dumb idea.” Basically the Post suggests that we can’t really save the drunk drivers from themselves and Kristen probably should stay home with her nanny.
Well folks, I wholeheartedly disagree. I think that Kristen should be commended for such an insightful idea. Whether you agree with the content of the proposed legislation or not, I hope that we can all agree on the fact that 11-year olds are learning more about our legislative branch. I challenge Senator Alter to really see this legislation through the process – let’s give her idea a hearing and meaningful debate. Let’s not give into A.B. this time. I fear we know exactly how the legislative process will work: S. B. 763 will die in committee at the hands of politicians bought and paid for with “beer” money. Can’t we let Kristen learn that first-hand as opposed to subjecting her to mean and spiteful attacks in the press?
That brings us to our local A.B. (estranged Anheuser-Busch heir Adolphus Busch IV). Adolphus and his cronies are largely responsible for the unfortunate level of political discourse in St. Charles County. The one place that Adolphus cannot buy his desired outcome is the court system, where he continually loses his battles against the elected officials in St. Peters. His puppet regime in O’Fallon has made a mockery of government, and his attempt to recall elected officials in St. Charles is pathetic. Adolphus was at the microphone as recently as two weeks ago threatening the St. Peters Board of Aldermen (who aren’t even up for election until 2007). He warned them: “change is coming.” Well, I for one am looking forward to some changes. It’s about time that we, the regular people, show some courage and stand up to A.B.
Apparently, Anheuser-Busch is now taking lessons from Adolphus and his cronies. Adolphus picks on politicians. Anheuser-Busch prefers to pick on eleven-year olds. Good luck Kristen. I’m sorry that you are learning the ugliest lesson of politics at the hands of A.B. Don’t lose hope though; good women and men, just like you, can make a difference.
VIEW FROM THE CHEAP SEATS by Jerry Haferkamp
The View From The Cheap Seats
By Jerry Haferkamp
In a previous PSCF column, some may have inferred that I compared one of the carpetbaggers trying to buy influence in our city to Satan. I don’t need to do that. You are all smart enough to read his tabloid and come to your own conclusion. I do know that he published altered documents to smear Councilman Brown and upon finding out they were altered, hasn’t yet, to my knowledge, apologized to Mr. Brown.
We have another activist group forming in St. Charles. Our hopes would be that they won’t further escalate the problems in St. Charles government, but if the attendance reported in the St. Peters ad paper is correct there will be just more “piling on” by another elitist faction. This group has chosen a name (Do The Right Thing) that appeals to everyone. I guess the name “Citizens For Mom, Apple Pie and Chevrolet was already taken. Maybe the first “Right Thing” they do is to rename it the “Kevin Kast for Mayor Committee”. Let the truth out.
We can only assume that one of their first projects would be to convince the former City Administrator to “Do The Right Thing” and pack up. After all, his lease has expired. Do any of you remember when a man’s word was his bond? Apparently that concept never entered the thought process of our former Administrator, Mr. Williams. He says the binding contract he signed isn’t really any good.
Next, “Do The Right Thing” by drafting a letter to our Mayor telling her that unauthorized signing of changes to a contract is the same as signing a totally new contract without Council authorization, so knock it off! You might add a sentence or two about how she should not have been an obstruction to the investigation of her actions. Send copies to Muench, Kneemiller, Weller, and Reese.
I am waiting for a few of our civic leaders to “Do The Right Thing” and speak out publicly denouncing the current recalls. One in particular has strong influence in this town and I’m sure doesn’t like what these recall elections will do to our city. This person knows about whom I’m writing, but just to be sure, you are the person who stopped me on the Schnucks lot to inquire as to why I stopped writing the PSCF column last year. Go ahead and speak out. We need your voice of reason now more than ever.
These two recall votes are going to be a defining moment in St. Charles’ history. Will all of our residents have a say in our government, or only those with enough money to buy influence?
Our city’s future is on the line and, unfortunately, only two wards get to decide it. The rest of us can only hope the voters in these wards “Do the Right Thing” and pull the For Sale sign off of City Hall. Keep Dottie Greer in office.
By Jerry Haferkamp
In a previous PSCF column, some may have inferred that I compared one of the carpetbaggers trying to buy influence in our city to Satan. I don’t need to do that. You are all smart enough to read his tabloid and come to your own conclusion. I do know that he published altered documents to smear Councilman Brown and upon finding out they were altered, hasn’t yet, to my knowledge, apologized to Mr. Brown.
We have another activist group forming in St. Charles. Our hopes would be that they won’t further escalate the problems in St. Charles government, but if the attendance reported in the St. Peters ad paper is correct there will be just more “piling on” by another elitist faction. This group has chosen a name (Do The Right Thing) that appeals to everyone. I guess the name “Citizens For Mom, Apple Pie and Chevrolet was already taken. Maybe the first “Right Thing” they do is to rename it the “Kevin Kast for Mayor Committee”. Let the truth out.
We can only assume that one of their first projects would be to convince the former City Administrator to “Do The Right Thing” and pack up. After all, his lease has expired. Do any of you remember when a man’s word was his bond? Apparently that concept never entered the thought process of our former Administrator, Mr. Williams. He says the binding contract he signed isn’t really any good.
Next, “Do The Right Thing” by drafting a letter to our Mayor telling her that unauthorized signing of changes to a contract is the same as signing a totally new contract without Council authorization, so knock it off! You might add a sentence or two about how she should not have been an obstruction to the investigation of her actions. Send copies to Muench, Kneemiller, Weller, and Reese.
I am waiting for a few of our civic leaders to “Do The Right Thing” and speak out publicly denouncing the current recalls. One in particular has strong influence in this town and I’m sure doesn’t like what these recall elections will do to our city. This person knows about whom I’m writing, but just to be sure, you are the person who stopped me on the Schnucks lot to inquire as to why I stopped writing the PSCF column last year. Go ahead and speak out. We need your voice of reason now more than ever.
These two recall votes are going to be a defining moment in St. Charles’ history. Will all of our residents have a say in our government, or only those with enough money to buy influence?
Our city’s future is on the line and, unfortunately, only two wards get to decide it. The rest of us can only hope the voters in these wards “Do the Right Thing” and pull the For Sale sign off of City Hall. Keep Dottie Greer in office.
Judge’s Dismissal of Lawsuit against City Administrator to Be Appealed
Judge’s Dismissal of Lawsuit against City Administrator to Be Appealed
A ruling by St. Charles County Circuit Judge Jon Cunningham dismissing a request for a restraining order against St. Charles City Administrator Allan Williams will be appealed,” says Councilman.
Councilman John Gieseke who along with Councilmen Joe Koester, Mark Brown and Councilwoman Dottie Greet filed the request for the restraining order said, “We have told our attorney to appeal the decision of the judge and he will be filing a motion to have the judge’s ruling set aside.”
Williams, who signed a contract with the City calling for a yearly contract renewal, has refused to leave his office even though his contract has not been renewed. Williams and City Attorney Mike Valenti are saying that the City Charter says the City Administrator will be appointed for an “indefinite time” and they claim the Charter overrules the signed contract that calls for yearly renewals. The one year renewal of the contract was asked for by Williams when during contract negotiations the Council suggested a six month renewal.
At a recent meeting of the City Council a motion was made to renew Williams’s contract. It failed on a five to five vote. Williams then brought up his argument that the Charter supercedes the contract and he holds the office of City Administrator indefinitely.
Several members of the Council have refused to accept the argument put forth by Williams and Valenti and have refused to recognize him as City Administrator. They have also discovered that in an apparent attempt to bypass the Council on financial matters, Williams has started breaking down contracts with some vendors in multiple contracts so that any one contract does not exceed $20,000. Williams has authority to approve contacts under $20,000 without Council Approval. If Williams’s contract would have been renewed he would have received medical insurance coverage for life plus a substantial retirement.
A ruling by St. Charles County Circuit Judge Jon Cunningham dismissing a request for a restraining order against St. Charles City Administrator Allan Williams will be appealed,” says Councilman.
Councilman John Gieseke who along with Councilmen Joe Koester, Mark Brown and Councilwoman Dottie Greet filed the request for the restraining order said, “We have told our attorney to appeal the decision of the judge and he will be filing a motion to have the judge’s ruling set aside.”
Williams, who signed a contract with the City calling for a yearly contract renewal, has refused to leave his office even though his contract has not been renewed. Williams and City Attorney Mike Valenti are saying that the City Charter says the City Administrator will be appointed for an “indefinite time” and they claim the Charter overrules the signed contract that calls for yearly renewals. The one year renewal of the contract was asked for by Williams when during contract negotiations the Council suggested a six month renewal.
At a recent meeting of the City Council a motion was made to renew Williams’s contract. It failed on a five to five vote. Williams then brought up his argument that the Charter supercedes the contract and he holds the office of City Administrator indefinitely.
Several members of the Council have refused to accept the argument put forth by Williams and Valenti and have refused to recognize him as City Administrator. They have also discovered that in an apparent attempt to bypass the Council on financial matters, Williams has started breaking down contracts with some vendors in multiple contracts so that any one contract does not exceed $20,000. Williams has authority to approve contacts under $20,000 without Council Approval. If Williams’s contract would have been renewed he would have received medical insurance coverage for life plus a substantial retirement.
Bridgeway Women’s Center fights domestic violence in St. Charles County
By Lynndi Lockenour
The sunrise mural painted in the kitchen reads “Everyday is a new beginning” and for the women who stay at Bridgeway Women’s Center, that is their motto. The center began in 1979 as a counseling service for everything from domestic violence to drug and gambling addiction. Since that time, the center, affiliated with Bridgeway Counseling Services, has narrowed its care just to include domestic violence.
The center is the only one of its kind in St. Charles County. It focuses on providing support and emergency shelter for battered women and their children. They provide food, clothing, hygiene products, beds and most other items needed to survive. Their program, averaging a length of six weeks, also offers counseling for the women, education for their children, and a support system once they leave.
The center is open 24 hours a day, seven days a week, with someone always on call. Since it is the only shelter of its type in the area, site director Pat Kulik said transportation is of the biggest problems they face. “With no public transportation system it’s difficult to get women here when they often don’t have a vehicle,” she said.
Neighboring St. Louis County has four shelters similar to Bridgeway and Kulik said they all work closely together to care for as many women as possible. “Not every woman that calls is going to end up staying with us,” she said. “But our job is to make sure they get to a place where they feel safe again.”
In 2004, law enforcement agencies in Missouri reported 39,097 cases of domestic violence, according to the National Coalition Against Domestic Violence (NCADV). Being that only 25 percent of all cases are actually reported, the number of domestic instances is actually much higher. These numbers, said Kulik, illustrate all the more reason for everyone to be aware of the situation. “What we do here is so important,” she said. “If everyone was honest, I bet they know at least one person who’s experienced or is experiencing domestic abuse of some kind.”
Contrary to popular belief, domestic violence isn’t always about physical abuse. It also includes things like verbal or emotional abuse and sexual assault. In the state of Missouri, the NCADV estimates one in three women will experience domestic violence in their lifetime. In 2004 alone, 51 people in the state of Missouri died as a result of domestic homicide.
The Bridgeway Women’s Center receives over 2,000 hotline calls and houses approximately 200 women and children every year. In addition, they care for about 50 women each year through their outreach program. This program is designed to follow-up with women at one month, six month, and one year intervals once they leave the shelter.
Though the stories of the women run the gamete, Kulik said since she began working at the shelter there’s been a change in the type of women coming to the shelter. “I see more mature women who’ve been in relationships for a long time,” she said. “They are leaving after years of abuse and to me that’s amazing.”
While Kulik admits it’s difficult to take children away from their toys, friends, and home, she also said that it’s important for women to realize there are options out there. “I just want women to understand there is someone available who they can talk to 24 hours a day,” she said. “Someone who will treat them with respect and confidentiality.”
Though an increasing number of women at the shelter either don’t have children or choose to leave them with a relative while they are at Bridgeway, Kulik said children are often involved. Without intervention or education, she said the domestic violence circle is likely to repeat itself. “If children think this behavior is okay, that it’s okay for Daddy to hit Mommy, they are more prone to become involved in violent relationships in the future.”
For this reason, Kulik and others are constantly pushing to have domestic violence added to the school curriculum. Because it is a delicate issue for many, most children receive no education pertaining to the issue. “It’s a shame to know there are children out there who think this behavior is okay, even normal,” she said.
Bridgeway is designed to feel like a home, from the handmade curtains, to the hand-painted murals throughout the house, it welcomes women and children. Equipped with a children’s room, kitchen, and multiple bedrooms and bathrooms, the house is warm and offers women a space to recuperate. “We want the women to know that no matter what, they don’t deserve what’s happening to them,” Kulik said. “They are safe here.”
More than anything, Kulik stresses the support of the center, even if a woman decides to return to her relationship. The national average, according to the NCADV, states that a woman facing domestic violence will leave and return to her abusive partner an average of seven times before terminating the relationship. “I’ve seen women come in here without a car, a job, or a home, but when they left, they had all three,” she said. “To me, that’s why we are here.”
If you or someone you know is suffering from domestic violence please call the Bridgeway Women’s Center Hotline at 1-877-946-6854.
The sunrise mural painted in the kitchen reads “Everyday is a new beginning” and for the women who stay at Bridgeway Women’s Center, that is their motto. The center began in 1979 as a counseling service for everything from domestic violence to drug and gambling addiction. Since that time, the center, affiliated with Bridgeway Counseling Services, has narrowed its care just to include domestic violence.
The center is the only one of its kind in St. Charles County. It focuses on providing support and emergency shelter for battered women and their children. They provide food, clothing, hygiene products, beds and most other items needed to survive. Their program, averaging a length of six weeks, also offers counseling for the women, education for their children, and a support system once they leave.
The center is open 24 hours a day, seven days a week, with someone always on call. Since it is the only shelter of its type in the area, site director Pat Kulik said transportation is of the biggest problems they face. “With no public transportation system it’s difficult to get women here when they often don’t have a vehicle,” she said.
Neighboring St. Louis County has four shelters similar to Bridgeway and Kulik said they all work closely together to care for as many women as possible. “Not every woman that calls is going to end up staying with us,” she said. “But our job is to make sure they get to a place where they feel safe again.”
In 2004, law enforcement agencies in Missouri reported 39,097 cases of domestic violence, according to the National Coalition Against Domestic Violence (NCADV). Being that only 25 percent of all cases are actually reported, the number of domestic instances is actually much higher. These numbers, said Kulik, illustrate all the more reason for everyone to be aware of the situation. “What we do here is so important,” she said. “If everyone was honest, I bet they know at least one person who’s experienced or is experiencing domestic abuse of some kind.”
Contrary to popular belief, domestic violence isn’t always about physical abuse. It also includes things like verbal or emotional abuse and sexual assault. In the state of Missouri, the NCADV estimates one in three women will experience domestic violence in their lifetime. In 2004 alone, 51 people in the state of Missouri died as a result of domestic homicide.
The Bridgeway Women’s Center receives over 2,000 hotline calls and houses approximately 200 women and children every year. In addition, they care for about 50 women each year through their outreach program. This program is designed to follow-up with women at one month, six month, and one year intervals once they leave the shelter.
Though the stories of the women run the gamete, Kulik said since she began working at the shelter there’s been a change in the type of women coming to the shelter. “I see more mature women who’ve been in relationships for a long time,” she said. “They are leaving after years of abuse and to me that’s amazing.”
While Kulik admits it’s difficult to take children away from their toys, friends, and home, she also said that it’s important for women to realize there are options out there. “I just want women to understand there is someone available who they can talk to 24 hours a day,” she said. “Someone who will treat them with respect and confidentiality.”
Though an increasing number of women at the shelter either don’t have children or choose to leave them with a relative while they are at Bridgeway, Kulik said children are often involved. Without intervention or education, she said the domestic violence circle is likely to repeat itself. “If children think this behavior is okay, that it’s okay for Daddy to hit Mommy, they are more prone to become involved in violent relationships in the future.”
For this reason, Kulik and others are constantly pushing to have domestic violence added to the school curriculum. Because it is a delicate issue for many, most children receive no education pertaining to the issue. “It’s a shame to know there are children out there who think this behavior is okay, even normal,” she said.
Bridgeway is designed to feel like a home, from the handmade curtains, to the hand-painted murals throughout the house, it welcomes women and children. Equipped with a children’s room, kitchen, and multiple bedrooms and bathrooms, the house is warm and offers women a space to recuperate. “We want the women to know that no matter what, they don’t deserve what’s happening to them,” Kulik said. “They are safe here.”
More than anything, Kulik stresses the support of the center, even if a woman decides to return to her relationship. The national average, according to the NCADV, states that a woman facing domestic violence will leave and return to her abusive partner an average of seven times before terminating the relationship. “I’ve seen women come in here without a car, a job, or a home, but when they left, they had all three,” she said. “To me, that’s why we are here.”
If you or someone you know is suffering from domestic violence please call the Bridgeway Women’s Center Hotline at 1-877-946-6854.
ST. PETERS WINS TIF LAWSUIT; COURT RULES ST. PETERS ACTIONS CONSTITUTIONAL
ST. PETERS WINS TIF LAWSUIT; COURT RULES ST. PETERS ACTIONS CONSTITUTIONAL
The Circuit Court in Cole County, Missouri has ruled in favor of the City of St. Peters on ten counts of a lawsuit filed by the Great Rivers Habitat Alliance, St. Charles County, the Adolphus A. Busch Revocable Living Trust, Andrew Riney, Alan Poggemoeller, Randy Hudson and Delores Wetzell. The eleventh count of the lawsuit was called moot. In its sixteen page detailed ruling, the Court found that the City of St. Peters actions under the State’s Tax Increment Financing (TIF) laws were appropriate and have always
been in accordance with the law.
The Court said that all the actions taken by the City of St. Peters regarding the TIF district for the Lakeside 370 Business Park Project were entirely appropriate, from the decision to blight the property to the
decision to use TIF financing to assist in developing the property. The Court rejected ten different claims made by the plaintiffs in the lawsuit challenging the constitutionality of the actions taken by the city and
dismissed the final one as being moot.
The original plaintiffs filed the lawsuit in December 2004 and St. Charles County joined them in September 2005. The Great Rivers Habitat Alliance had also previously joined in with St. Charles County in another unsuccessful lawsuit against the City regarding St. Peters use of TIF. Both of these legal challenges have cost City taxpayers hundreds of thousands of dollars in legal fees as St. Peters’ defended itself against the GRHA and their surrogates’ efforts to stop the St. Peters Lakeside 370 Business Park project.
President of the St. Peters Board of Aldermen, Terry Hawkins (Ward 1) said, “We have always believed we’ve been doing the right thing and here is another judge saying that. Unfortunately, the people who are trying to stop our City just don’t get it. The message from this decision should be loud and clear. The City of St. Peters does things right, we do things according to the law and we are working in the best interest of our residents. Our next step to benefit our residents is to sue to recover the costs of all the lawyers we’ve had to pay to defend ourselves against these bullies. I hope the opponents to our City have finally gotten get this message-enough is enough. Take your lawyers, take your cronies and move on.”
Alderman John “Rocky” Reitmeyer (Ward 1) said, “This reaffirms the fact that the City of St. Peters is consistent in its efforts to do everything according to the law and in the best interest of our residents. It is unfortunate that what the opponents to this project have been consistent about is their efforts to tie things up in the courts and cost our residents hundreds of thousands of dollars to fight their frivolous lawsuits.”
Alderman David Hayes (Ward 2) – said, “Two St. Charles County judges, three judges from the Missouri Court of Appeals and now another judge from Cole County have all determined that everything the City of St. Peters has done is perfectly legal and in accordance with the law. The fact that the judge ruled in the city’s favor on each and every issue shows the continuing frivolousness of this litigation. “
Alderman Bruce Holt (Ward 3) said, “It’s bad enough that this is the second time that Great Rivers and St. Charles County led by County Executive Joe Ortwerth have teamed up to try to stop development in the City of St. Peters—it’s the second time the courts have told them that we’ve been doing
things right. I’d like to thank the City staff and legal team for staying the course and helping us do what is right for our residents.”
Alderman Bob Morrison (Ward 4) said, “This is a very good day for our City and our residents. We’re very proud that the Court confirmed that we’ve done things the way the law says they should be done.”
The Circuit Court in Cole County, Missouri has ruled in favor of the City of St. Peters on ten counts of a lawsuit filed by the Great Rivers Habitat Alliance, St. Charles County, the Adolphus A. Busch Revocable Living Trust, Andrew Riney, Alan Poggemoeller, Randy Hudson and Delores Wetzell. The eleventh count of the lawsuit was called moot. In its sixteen page detailed ruling, the Court found that the City of St. Peters actions under the State’s Tax Increment Financing (TIF) laws were appropriate and have always
been in accordance with the law.
The Court said that all the actions taken by the City of St. Peters regarding the TIF district for the Lakeside 370 Business Park Project were entirely appropriate, from the decision to blight the property to the
decision to use TIF financing to assist in developing the property. The Court rejected ten different claims made by the plaintiffs in the lawsuit challenging the constitutionality of the actions taken by the city and
dismissed the final one as being moot.
The original plaintiffs filed the lawsuit in December 2004 and St. Charles County joined them in September 2005. The Great Rivers Habitat Alliance had also previously joined in with St. Charles County in another unsuccessful lawsuit against the City regarding St. Peters use of TIF. Both of these legal challenges have cost City taxpayers hundreds of thousands of dollars in legal fees as St. Peters’ defended itself against the GRHA and their surrogates’ efforts to stop the St. Peters Lakeside 370 Business Park project.
President of the St. Peters Board of Aldermen, Terry Hawkins (Ward 1) said, “We have always believed we’ve been doing the right thing and here is another judge saying that. Unfortunately, the people who are trying to stop our City just don’t get it. The message from this decision should be loud and clear. The City of St. Peters does things right, we do things according to the law and we are working in the best interest of our residents. Our next step to benefit our residents is to sue to recover the costs of all the lawyers we’ve had to pay to defend ourselves against these bullies. I hope the opponents to our City have finally gotten get this message-enough is enough. Take your lawyers, take your cronies and move on.”
Alderman John “Rocky” Reitmeyer (Ward 1) said, “This reaffirms the fact that the City of St. Peters is consistent in its efforts to do everything according to the law and in the best interest of our residents. It is unfortunate that what the opponents to this project have been consistent about is their efforts to tie things up in the courts and cost our residents hundreds of thousands of dollars to fight their frivolous lawsuits.”
Alderman David Hayes (Ward 2) – said, “Two St. Charles County judges, three judges from the Missouri Court of Appeals and now another judge from Cole County have all determined that everything the City of St. Peters has done is perfectly legal and in accordance with the law. The fact that the judge ruled in the city’s favor on each and every issue shows the continuing frivolousness of this litigation. “
Alderman Bruce Holt (Ward 3) said, “It’s bad enough that this is the second time that Great Rivers and St. Charles County led by County Executive Joe Ortwerth have teamed up to try to stop development in the City of St. Peters—it’s the second time the courts have told them that we’ve been doing
things right. I’d like to thank the City staff and legal team for staying the course and helping us do what is right for our residents.”
Alderman Bob Morrison (Ward 4) said, “This is a very good day for our City and our residents. We’re very proud that the Court confirmed that we’ve done things the way the law says they should be done.”
First Capitol Counseling Connection - Dr Howard Rosenthal
Dr. Howard Rosenthal
How To Pick A Winning Name For Your Child!
Dear Dr. Rosenthal,
We are having our first child and my husband and I want to give our child a name that will help him (or her!) succeed. Any suggestions? Kiana
Dear Kiana,
There’s an old true story about Robert Lane of New York who in 1958 named his first son Winner, and then three years later named his second son Loser. When the two boys grew up, the one with the name Winner had a rap sheet that overflowed with 30 arrests, while Loser (who never hid his name) was an extremely successful police officer!
The problem with attempting to pick a great name (or simply a common or trendy one) is that popular names for boys and girls seem to change at the speed of light. For example, Social Security Administration data indicate that Jacob is currently the most popular name for boys, while Emily tops the list for girls. The question, nevertheless, is whether the name will stand the test of time.
Assume you had a child in 1975, which would make the child 30 years old today. Those same Social Security statistics indicate that the names Jacob and Emily didn’t even make it into the top 20 slots! Consider the name Joshua that currently holds the number 3 spot. Joshua is in the 26th spot for 1975. The name Madison is quite popular and ranks number 3 for girls in the US and number 2 in Missouri. If you had suggested to parents in 1975 that they name their little princess Madison they probably would have questioned your sanity!
Folks often assume that names become popular because of celebrities. Hence, parents might name their daughter Britney after Britney Spears. Most research indicates this is a fallacy. A family is more likely to choose Britney because a little girl down the street named Britney is unusually successful.
Behavioral scientists and economists also note that an affluent name may become popular with those who are at the bottom of the economic ladder within 20 years or less. So much for picking a power name!
There is some evidence to show that names that incorporate alliteration such as Marilyn Monroe, Ronald Reagan, Clark Kent, Lois Lane, and Mickey Mouse are easy to remember and can help the individual. But would you really want to name your first- born Tiny Tim?
Of course, some names are better than others. Imagine if John Wayne used his real name, Marion Morrison . . . not very macho . . . or Marilyn Monroe, sporting her birth name Norma Jean Baker . . . not very glamorous. Or how about Richard Starkey instead of his stage name Ringo Starr? Hey, I don’t think so!
Trying to pick a winning name is a little like trying to figure out who will win the 2035 World Series. My name (Howard) now comes in at the 779th spot. My advice would be to forget about all the research and recommendations from books and pick a name you and your hubby feel is appropriate.
Dr. Howard Rosenthal is Professor and Program Coordinator of Human Services at St. Louis Community College at Florissant Valley. His book Help Yourself to Positive Mental Health is available on www.amazon.com. Copyright 2006 Dr. Howard Rosenthal
COMMENTS & COMMENTARY by Charles Hill
The old St. Louis Gas Light Square had nothing on St. Charles. The famed square named for a street lined with gaslights has long since died then revived only to die again. The life is coming back again but maybe this time they will look at a more economical way to light the streets.
I am mentioning this because at the last South Main Preservation Society Meeting the cost of gas was a “hot” topic. It appears that the cost of gas for the lights has risen just like at home. This cost of course is being passed on to the taxpayers so South Main can preserve the past. The lights are on all the time yet they are only noticeable at night. I ask, what does it matter because the shops are all closed at night?
In their defense, the SMPS is looking at an alternative electric light. They previously discussed how Colonial Williamsburg has used electric for years. The lights in Williamsburg look like gaslights yet cost a fraction to illuminate the streets.
This is just another adventure in the misadventures of South Main. They focus so much on making things like 1804 they forget the fact this is 2006 and most people really wouldn’t care or notice if the lights were gas or electric.
Note to the SMPS the “Gas Light Era” was from 1865-1875 it wasn’t part of our original city streetscape. Why didn’t they do this in the first place? The electric lights would have been perfect for a street that closes down to retail traffic before dark. I have a suggestion, when the merchants open after dark, light the streets.
I have been told that the man who runs Christmas Traditions has resigned. That is too bad. He has been doing a wonderful job. We have heard he is tired of all the bickering from Archie, Paul, Gene, Venetia and V’Anne about the use of professional actors to portray Mary and Joseph during the Christmas Pageant. Prior to last year, Paul was Joseph and Venetia was Mary. I don’t know what they are complaining about because that would also take a lot of acting.
I thought it would be good for the street when Bill Goellner was elected president of SMPS and brought along his own slate of officers. I am still waiting for the good to occur. At the last SMPS meeting he seemed to me to be trying to appease Paul instead of providing the street with the leadership he is capable of. Come on Bill, we know you can do the job. Let’s make it happen. Bring some life back to the street.
I am mentioning this because at the last South Main Preservation Society Meeting the cost of gas was a “hot” topic. It appears that the cost of gas for the lights has risen just like at home. This cost of course is being passed on to the taxpayers so South Main can preserve the past. The lights are on all the time yet they are only noticeable at night. I ask, what does it matter because the shops are all closed at night?
In their defense, the SMPS is looking at an alternative electric light. They previously discussed how Colonial Williamsburg has used electric for years. The lights in Williamsburg look like gaslights yet cost a fraction to illuminate the streets.
This is just another adventure in the misadventures of South Main. They focus so much on making things like 1804 they forget the fact this is 2006 and most people really wouldn’t care or notice if the lights were gas or electric.
Note to the SMPS the “Gas Light Era” was from 1865-1875 it wasn’t part of our original city streetscape. Why didn’t they do this in the first place? The electric lights would have been perfect for a street that closes down to retail traffic before dark. I have a suggestion, when the merchants open after dark, light the streets.
I have been told that the man who runs Christmas Traditions has resigned. That is too bad. He has been doing a wonderful job. We have heard he is tired of all the bickering from Archie, Paul, Gene, Venetia and V’Anne about the use of professional actors to portray Mary and Joseph during the Christmas Pageant. Prior to last year, Paul was Joseph and Venetia was Mary. I don’t know what they are complaining about because that would also take a lot of acting.
I thought it would be good for the street when Bill Goellner was elected president of SMPS and brought along his own slate of officers. I am still waiting for the good to occur. At the last SMPS meeting he seemed to me to be trying to appease Paul instead of providing the street with the leadership he is capable of. Come on Bill, we know you can do the job. Let’s make it happen. Bring some life back to the street.
THE PEOPLE SPEAK - Letters To The Editor
Dear Tony,
I may not always agree with Mark Brown on every issue or his delivery. I am convinced that he is looking out for the taxpayers of St. Charles.
Silent Majority
Ward 3 resident
Gene Fitzwalter
Dear Tony:
While my husband and I listen to Channel 20 City Council hearings i realize there are many residents of St. Charles City who do not have access to cable television and in addition are not able to attend the council hearings. It is also apparent to those of us who do listen to the meetings that the Post-Dispatch reporters who cover them are not accurate in what they report. Therefore, my proposal to you is that you devote some space in the First Capitol News accordingly:
have a column devoted to: HOW THEY VOTED (give the date of the meeting)
1. List the matter to be voted on (many of which would not be of general interest and need not be listed)
2. List the councilperson in either a YES or a NO column.
As you may have noticed some of the councilmen (especially Bob Hoepfner) speak so low it is difficult or impossible to hear their vote. An example of things i the past that were voted down were:
When Mayor York’s signing of the Express Scripts contract was brought up it was proposed subpoenas be issued on the Human Resources person and several Express Scripts people which would help clarify what occurred. THIS WAS VOTED DOWN.
While I am not suggesting you go over old history by mentioning the above, there were things at last night’s meeting that were voted down and future meetings will continue in this vein.
Dear Editor:
Imagine that! On January 21st the Post-Dispatch printed an article about two St. Louis County Councilmen recently receiving thousands of dollars from a group of developers. Could that happen St. Charles City and if it did would you suppose the Post-Dispatch writers Sonderegger and Jason Lee would print about it?
Also, doesn’t it seem strange for the St. Charles County Prosecuting Attorney to recommend putting Mark Brown’s recall petition on the City ballot in April when it was discovered during a deposition that one of the people canvassing for signatures admitted she did not actually see the people signing her petition as required by law and while in the course of taking another deposition a different canvasser took the Fifth Amendment (or her lawyer did) regarding the method of collecting signatures on her petition. The police department have not even started investigating the legality of the Mark Brown recall petitions as they are busy investigating the signatures of Ms. Greer’s recall petition and are already discovering signatures of people who deny they signed the petitions.
When it was suggested that Mr. Riddler and Dr. Williams were at fault taking this to the police department implying it was a political matter and somehow the police would be favoring Mr. Riddler I would ask where would they ask for an investigation?
All of this is indeed unfortunate and as one who loves the city in which they live, let us all get together now and Do The Right Thing. Ask the Post-Dispatch to print all of the St. Charles City news and not just pick out the items favorable to their advertisers and power people. Ask Mr. Banas, the Prosecuting Attorney, why he would make such a statement regarding Mr. Brown’s recall petition even as he admitted he did not have the means to enforce it and also at the time an investigation was ongoing as to the validity of the recall petition. Ask Mr. Weller who he thought should be handling the investigation if not the police department.
Carol Diller
Dear Editor,
I was watching the council meeting last Tuesday and I am positive that I saw John Smith in the audience with the people promoting the recall of two council people. John Smith is the head of the School Board that has been mismanaging the district for years. Who is he to even begin to think that he is qualified to determine if someone is fit for office or not? His actions or lack of action has created a crisis in the school district and his answer is to ask the tax payers to bail them out. John Smith has forgotten the reason we have public schools is not to have the best administration money can buy but to educate the kids. The fact is he hasn’t given a clear or concise idea of what to cut, what to do, he just sits back and says well this is what the superintendent has told us. He is void of any leadership skills and lacks the ability to lead our school district. I say recall the school board president before anyone on the council. The council isn’t asking for tax increases. If fact they are trying to cut our taxes, decrease the size of government and hold the administration accountable.John Smith should dream about having the guts to do what this council is doing.
M. Wilson
We do not negotiate; we put them out of business". That's what the White House tells America. We don't believe you guys? You're no threat to us? We're bigger and tougher and we will send our young men and women to fight you and we will win? Wow, would that it were that easy, but then this White is known to carry a big stick. "Bring'em on", the President said; how about, "Bring'em on with your son's and daughter's, not ours", as one of my Vietnam Veteran friends recently said. Remember the "Wanted Dead or Alive" - "Osama bin Laden, you can't hide, we'll find you". Lets see, that was 4 years ago, right and they are bigger and stronger than ever with or without him now? How many of our young men and women are dead; how many wounded, paralyzed, traumatized?
So lets just dare them again, how about it? And while we're at it, why bother having others around the world negotiate? Why try and get Israel to negotiate with the Palestinians on a "Roadmap to Peace"? Why negotiate with North Korea? Why work on peaceful solutions between Russia and Chechnya or Serbia and Croatia, or for that matter why negotiate peace talks anywhere in the world, why not just solve them all with whomever can wipe out the other one the fastest; last man standing, as it were? Then we'd never have to negotiate with anybody we could just have an all out world war and we could all just put each other out of business and get it over with once and for all. Who needs peaceful negotiations anyway?
Sandra M. Vago
Dear Editor,
Wanted to pass this wonderful story onto you. A lady who has been suffering from Plantar Fasciitis and who has a friend who has been trying to get her to buy some Birkenstock shoes came into our store Wednesday. She said her husband sat in his chair and read the article out loud to hear because of all of the foot pain he knows she’s been experiencing, this convinced her to come in and try on a pair of Birkenstock clogs. She couldn’t believe how good they felt, she walked out with them on her feet and a great big smile.
I just had to share this with you, I thought you would enjoy knowing how we were able to help someone feel better.
Sincerely,
Pat Hamilton
Aaron’s Birkenstock Store & All Brand Shoe Repair
Aarons1.com
I may not always agree with Mark Brown on every issue or his delivery. I am convinced that he is looking out for the taxpayers of St. Charles.
Silent Majority
Ward 3 resident
Gene Fitzwalter
Dear Tony:
While my husband and I listen to Channel 20 City Council hearings i realize there are many residents of St. Charles City who do not have access to cable television and in addition are not able to attend the council hearings. It is also apparent to those of us who do listen to the meetings that the Post-Dispatch reporters who cover them are not accurate in what they report. Therefore, my proposal to you is that you devote some space in the First Capitol News accordingly:
have a column devoted to: HOW THEY VOTED (give the date of the meeting)
1. List the matter to be voted on (many of which would not be of general interest and need not be listed)
2. List the councilperson in either a YES or a NO column.
As you may have noticed some of the councilmen (especially Bob Hoepfner) speak so low it is difficult or impossible to hear their vote. An example of things i the past that were voted down were:
When Mayor York’s signing of the Express Scripts contract was brought up it was proposed subpoenas be issued on the Human Resources person and several Express Scripts people which would help clarify what occurred. THIS WAS VOTED DOWN.
While I am not suggesting you go over old history by mentioning the above, there were things at last night’s meeting that were voted down and future meetings will continue in this vein.
Dear Editor:
Imagine that! On January 21st the Post-Dispatch printed an article about two St. Louis County Councilmen recently receiving thousands of dollars from a group of developers. Could that happen St. Charles City and if it did would you suppose the Post-Dispatch writers Sonderegger and Jason Lee would print about it?
Also, doesn’t it seem strange for the St. Charles County Prosecuting Attorney to recommend putting Mark Brown’s recall petition on the City ballot in April when it was discovered during a deposition that one of the people canvassing for signatures admitted she did not actually see the people signing her petition as required by law and while in the course of taking another deposition a different canvasser took the Fifth Amendment (or her lawyer did) regarding the method of collecting signatures on her petition. The police department have not even started investigating the legality of the Mark Brown recall petitions as they are busy investigating the signatures of Ms. Greer’s recall petition and are already discovering signatures of people who deny they signed the petitions.
When it was suggested that Mr. Riddler and Dr. Williams were at fault taking this to the police department implying it was a political matter and somehow the police would be favoring Mr. Riddler I would ask where would they ask for an investigation?
All of this is indeed unfortunate and as one who loves the city in which they live, let us all get together now and Do The Right Thing. Ask the Post-Dispatch to print all of the St. Charles City news and not just pick out the items favorable to their advertisers and power people. Ask Mr. Banas, the Prosecuting Attorney, why he would make such a statement regarding Mr. Brown’s recall petition even as he admitted he did not have the means to enforce it and also at the time an investigation was ongoing as to the validity of the recall petition. Ask Mr. Weller who he thought should be handling the investigation if not the police department.
Carol Diller
Dear Editor,
I was watching the council meeting last Tuesday and I am positive that I saw John Smith in the audience with the people promoting the recall of two council people. John Smith is the head of the School Board that has been mismanaging the district for years. Who is he to even begin to think that he is qualified to determine if someone is fit for office or not? His actions or lack of action has created a crisis in the school district and his answer is to ask the tax payers to bail them out. John Smith has forgotten the reason we have public schools is not to have the best administration money can buy but to educate the kids. The fact is he hasn’t given a clear or concise idea of what to cut, what to do, he just sits back and says well this is what the superintendent has told us. He is void of any leadership skills and lacks the ability to lead our school district. I say recall the school board president before anyone on the council. The council isn’t asking for tax increases. If fact they are trying to cut our taxes, decrease the size of government and hold the administration accountable.John Smith should dream about having the guts to do what this council is doing.
M. Wilson
We do not negotiate; we put them out of business". That's what the White House tells America. We don't believe you guys? You're no threat to us? We're bigger and tougher and we will send our young men and women to fight you and we will win? Wow, would that it were that easy, but then this White is known to carry a big stick. "Bring'em on", the President said; how about, "Bring'em on with your son's and daughter's, not ours", as one of my Vietnam Veteran friends recently said. Remember the "Wanted Dead or Alive" - "Osama bin Laden, you can't hide, we'll find you". Lets see, that was 4 years ago, right and they are bigger and stronger than ever with or without him now? How many of our young men and women are dead; how many wounded, paralyzed, traumatized?
So lets just dare them again, how about it? And while we're at it, why bother having others around the world negotiate? Why try and get Israel to negotiate with the Palestinians on a "Roadmap to Peace"? Why negotiate with North Korea? Why work on peaceful solutions between Russia and Chechnya or Serbia and Croatia, or for that matter why negotiate peace talks anywhere in the world, why not just solve them all with whomever can wipe out the other one the fastest; last man standing, as it were? Then we'd never have to negotiate with anybody we could just have an all out world war and we could all just put each other out of business and get it over with once and for all. Who needs peaceful negotiations anyway?
Sandra M. Vago
Dear Editor,
Wanted to pass this wonderful story onto you. A lady who has been suffering from Plantar Fasciitis and who has a friend who has been trying to get her to buy some Birkenstock shoes came into our store Wednesday. She said her husband sat in his chair and read the article out loud to hear because of all of the foot pain he knows she’s been experiencing, this convinced her to come in and try on a pair of Birkenstock clogs. She couldn’t believe how good they felt, she walked out with them on her feet and a great big smile.
I just had to share this with you, I thought you would enjoy knowing how we were able to help someone feel better.
Sincerely,
Pat Hamilton
Aaron’s Birkenstock Store & All Brand Shoe Repair
Aarons1.com
Local Citizen-Soldier Helps Build New National Guard Battalion
Local Citizen-Soldier Helps Build New National Guard Battalion
By Katherine L. Collins,
Unit Public Affairs Representative,
Missouri Army National Guard
JEFFERSON BARRACKS – Maj. Douglas L. Gifford of St. Peters accepted the position as the executive officer of the Missouri Army National Guard’s (MOARNG) new 205th Military Police Battalion (MP Bn.), located in Poplar Bluff. Effective Oct. 1, 2005, Gifford relinquished his command of the 135th Military History Detachment (MHD), in Jefferson City, to begin his new assignment. In addition to his duties as the executive officer, Gifford is also currently commanding the new battalion in the absence of the battalion commander.
Gifford has served in the MOARNG for 20 years. He began his National Guard career as an enlisted Citizen-Soldier, later commissioning into the Military Police Branch. His prior military assignments include serving as an instructor with the Regional Training Institute at Fort Leonard Wood, Mo., commander of the 2175th Military Police Company (MP Co.) and Assistant Operations Officer of the 175th MP Bn.
Gifford’s active duty service includes serving with the 3175th MP Co. in support of the 1993 Missouri Flood Relief Efforts, commanding the 2175th MP Co. in Kosovo from 2001 to 2002 and commanding the 135th MHD in Iraq in 2003. The Army awarded Gifford the Bronze Star for his service in Iraq.
Gifford expressed enthusiasm for his National Guard career, saying he joined the National Guard for the patriotism, excitement, travel, camaraderie and financial benefits and has experienced them all. He became an officer out of a desire to impact the organization and lead troops, he said.
Commenting on his new assignment, Gifford said, “I am honored to serve as the executive officer of the 205th MP Bn. Although a challenge, it is a great opportunity to be a part of building a new battalion from scratch. We must recruit, train and equip approximately 600 soldiers to be ready to defend and assist their Nation and local community when called.”
Gifford added that he expects to asset the new battalion as well as grow from his service with it. “I have served in many different military police units over the years, gaining a great deal of experience. This will allow me to help solve the many issues the unit will face as it grows to full strength,” he said. “I expect I will continue to learn a great deal too as I increase my experience through serving as the executive officer.”
“That is the key – to learn from every new experience and those who go before you, and then to pass on your knowledge, wisdom and example to those who follow in your footsteps, as you also use your experience to better serve your mission,” he continued. “This ensures the continued growth and fortification of the National Guard and the United States, as well as all that our great nation stands for, such as the world-wide practice of human rights and democracy. As the executive officer of the new 205th MP Bn., I hope to do my small part of just that, learning, teaching and serving more successfully as I progress.”
Gifford said he plans to continue his National Guard service beyond his current 20 years until he has commanded a military police battalion and become eligible to retire as a colonel.
Gifford is a graduate of Winfield High School and the University of the State of New York. He is employed with the U.S. Post Office in St. Peters.
For more information about the Missouri Army National Guard go to www.moguard.com or call 1-888-526-6664.
SPORTS - First Capitol News - Mike McMurran Sports Editor
MY COLUMN by Mike McMurran Sports Editor
Time to take this column to the next level, I think. Last week my sons were invited to a birthday party at the O’Fallon Civic Center. I knew St. Peters had the “Rec Plex,” but I was completely unaware O’Fallon had constructed such a beautiful facility. I know of the controversy of changing the name; that is not the issue I wish to address. My question is this: Why does St. Charles City not provide the same services, yes, they would be considered services, that both St. Peters and O’Fallon provide? Why is there not a “civic-center” in beautiful St. Charles? My boys were there on a Saturday evening the place was full of both adults and children. Some were swimming, some were playing basketball; as I walked down the hall I noticed a number of the meeting rooms full. I could only wonder what crafts or topic of discussion might have been going on.
My friend and former swimming buddy Greg Almus informed me that he must go to the Rec Plex to swim. My question is WHY? So here is what I am going to do. The following e-mail will be sent to each and every member of the St. Charles City Council.
An open letter to the members of the St. Charles City Council:
Why is it St. Peters and O’Fallon have such beautiful civic centers for their residents to utilize and St. Charles does not? Please do not respond in a “chop-logic” manner. I have served as a Councilman and Mayor of a small bedroom community prior to moving to St. Charles, and recognize responses that “talk in circles.”
Further more, would you be willing to introduce legislation and support the construction of such a facility? Would you go so far as to make it a priority so that failure of such a project might be an issue in the next election for St. Charles City Council?
It would only be fair to inform you your response will be published in The First Capitol News, and that your response will be treated with the respect it deserves. I would be foolish not to be aware that some of you have issues with the FCN – warranted or not. I would only hope that you are not foolish enough to think, “guilt by association is logical.” The first lesson in any “Logic” class teaches it is not.
Most importantly I would like a response from Mr. Riddler (president) and Mr. Kneemiller (my councilman). Should I not receive a response I will be in contact with you again. Thank you for your attention in this matter.
Stay tuned ladies and gentlemen. Next week I hope to be able to shed some light upon this topic.
Another question Almus had for me had to do with youth baseball. He was wondering what exactly made a good youth baseball manager; it was a valid, and important question. With a little research I found out the “expert” on youth baseball coaching is a gentleman out of Alamo California, John T. Reed. In this week’s edition you will find some of his comments on “…common mistakes youth baseball coaches make.” If you like what you read you can purchase his book, Youth Baseball Coaching.
Due to prior commitments I was unable to attend the St. Charles/St. Charles West basketball games this past Friday. Luckily our minor league reporter, Louis Launer was in attendance and covered the game. What I can tell you is to mark the week of February 20-24 on your calendars, as that is the week Duchesne will be hosting the district tournament. On the girls side of the ledger it looks like it is going to come down to St. Charles and Duchesne. The boys’ crown should come down to St. Charles, St. Charles West and Duchesne. Anyway you look at it high school basketball junkies will want to be there.
Speaking of Duchesne boys’ basketball, the St. Louis Post Dispatch reported in January 24th’s edition that Duchesne junior Zach Plackemeier scored 42 points in Duchesne’s 71-52 title game win over GAC-South’s Howell. As regular readers of this column know, one of my collateral duties is the voice of the Lady Titans at Trinity Catholic High School. During last Monday’s game against Cardinal Ritter I mentioned to the official score keeper, Dwayne Lund, how Plackemeier had lit up the scoreboard in the finals. “He sure did,” said Lund, “but I don’t know where they got 42 points. I had him down for 47.” I suspect one could argue what’s the big deal over 5 points – except Plackemeier is on target to break the school’s scoring record next season. And, as any basketball junkie knows, the official scorekeeper is just that; his data is what is official. Now, something may have been miscommunicated when calling in the statistics to Stats on Line, but the fact remains, according to the official scorer, he had 47 points. Wouldn’t it be a shame that he would fall 4 points short of the school record next year, when in reality the record was his? Stay turned for further developments in this story.
See you next week; hopefully we have some input from some Council members.
League Names Information Director From Rivercity Rage
Weekly contributor to First Capitol News
By: Mike McMurran
Sports Editor
Mike Thompson, Director of Media Relations for the RiverCity Rage Pro Indoor Football Team has been named as the Director of Information for the National Indoor Football League. Thompson will team with Morris Groves, Rage Director of Operations who holds the title of Media Director for the NIFL, as well. The two will also continue in their respective roles with the Rage while serving the dual capacity for the league.
Thompson, a long time local radio air personality, has been Media Relations Director for the Rage for the past year. He also serves as the voice of the RiverCity Rage doing their play by play on their game day radio broadcasts. During his tenure, the Rage has seen their visibility tremendously increase in the St. Louis sports market.
We are thrilled to have Mike come onboard to help raise our awareness both at the local and national level. He has done a fine job in St. Louis and we felt it would only compliment the work that was already being done in St. Louis by Morris Groves. It was a natural fit.” stated Carolyn Shiver, NIFL President.
The new role for Thompson was discussed when the NIFL held their fall league meetings in St.Louis in November, but it was not until the winter meetings that concluded last week in Houston that Thompson received the appointment.
“I am excited about the challenge. There is no question that I will have a lot on my plate, but it will be a labor of love. Everyone can rest assured that it will in no way diminish my role with the Rage, in fact, it will only enhance it.” stated Thompson.
The NIFL is in it’s sixth season and will begin play in March 2006. Twenty four teams ranging from Pasco, Washington to Miami, Florida to Billings, Montana, to Beaumont, Texas will vie for the league title during the season that will conclude at the end of July.
The Rage who will make Savvis Center their home in 2006 will open their season on the March 17 on the road before returning for their home opener on March 26.
GAC Basketball
St. Charles West Pulls Out A Thriller
Kramer Soderberg, Bob Barton First Capitol News Photo
By Louis J. Launer
It wasn’t a buzzer beater, but it was one of the most exciting games of the 2004-05 high school basketball season. St. Charles High School may have the height, but St. Charles West held the strategy of a basketball team. From the opening tip-off, the packed house of fans knew that this basketball game was going to be close.
The St. Charles Pirates scored first and some West Warrior fans thought that the Pirates were going to dominate early. Unfortunately, West kept their composure. On the first whistle for a Pirate team foul in the opening minutes, the Pirates appeared to be rather rattled. Head Coach Gary Wacker argued with officials from the very start. St. Charles West appeared more relaxed with head coach Terry Hollander focusing on the team’s game plan.
Josh Harrellson, a 6’8” tower of a Pirate forward, scored 23 points and was there to block many of the St. Charles West shots. He even included one slam-dunk in the game. Clay Zerr, a 6’ 6” senior guard, scored 11 points. Two of his baskets were from the 3-point range.
The night belonged to St. Charles West’s Kramer Soderberg. The 6’ 2” senior scored 34 points, one of them out from 3-point range. But he was able to get the loose balls that the Pirates could not keep. Brian Maurer of the Warriors scored 19 and had 2 three-pointers.
Both teams played their own games in the first half. By the end of the half, the Warriors took advantage of some fouls that the Pirates committed and also used their timeouts wisely. West led 32-28 at the half. Fans for both sides thought it could go either way.
The Pirates regained some composure in the second half, but the Warriors remained consistent in ball control and finding the open man. After 3 quarters, the score remained close, with West still leading, 44-42.
Offense and defense made the difference. West played both very well. All game long, West’s players stayed in the middle, trying to keep Pirate forwards from using the center lane to shoot. In the fourth quarter, the Pirates resorted to shooting out in the three-point range as West’s lead was as high as 11 at one point in the fourth quarter. With 3 minutes remaining, St. Charles West took advantage of the bonus situation both teams had. On ever foul, the Warriors went to the line and concentrated on simple set-shots, which gave St. Charles West a 71-64 victory over archrival St. Charles High.
After the game, St. Charles West’s head coach Terry Hollander was relieved that his team was able to win. But for St. Charles High, who had such a good start and such a good season so far, the season might be starting to crumble. After the game a source that preferred to remain anonymous said that the St. Charles Pirates lacked discipline. Terry Hollander’s St. Charles West teams over the years have been known to be very disciplined and focused on the game. SCW’s victory over SCHS proved that discipline and dedication is what wins basketball games.
St. Charles West High School Alumni Association Announces Fifth Annual Alumni Basketball Tournament To Be Held March 17-18
The St. Charles West High School Alumni Association is currently planning the Fifth Annual S.C. West Alumni Basketball Tournament to be held March 17-18, 2006 at S.C. West H.S. The tournament will include team competition on both Friday, March 17th and Saturday, March 18th and an optional skills competition on Friday before team play. The tournament will offer Rookie and Veteran Division play. To register for the tournament or receive more information, please contact Dave Riazi at 636-949-2993.
ALL SYSTEMS ‘GO’ FOR RAGE COACH WYATT AS THIRD SEASON GEARS UP
Mike Thompson
Director of Media Relations
RiverCity Rage
NIFL
Media@ragefootball.com
Will the third time be the charm? RiverCity Rage Head Football Coach Mike Wyatt certainly hopes so, but knowing that hope is never enough to make things happen, Wyatt paused briefly last week in his office amidst playbook diagrams, phone calls and game film to give an honest answer to a question he’s pondered since the surprising, and most upsetting, playoff loss to the Cincinnati Marshals last July.
“If hard work is the answer, we’re already champions of the NIFL,” he said with a smile, “but I’ve been around this game long enough to know that every team, every coach, works hard in the off-season. The key is to be able to secure fresh talent, hit the ground running from the first practice, and get your team mentally focused on football.” While Wyatt is certain his team will come to camp next month ready to embrace the new season, he says the main challenge he faces is keeping that mindset in place with the Rage throughout the entire year, and certainly, come playoff time.
“It’s no secret we were one of the top teams heading into the playoffs last season, but toward the end of the year, I felt we let our guard down just a bit, losing the last two games of the regular season to Lubbock and Dayton. We tried to re-group mentally for the playoffs, but found we just couldn’t tune it up on a dime, and we ended up falling short of our goal of a league title. We opened the season well, but this year my job is to make sure we finish well. I really feel we have an even better squad than last year, these new additions are a huge boost to this football team, but we need to work on becoming more fundamentally sound.” Wyatt, entering his third year with the Rage as an award winning coach and general manager, finally admitted he does, in fact, hope the third time around brings home the football charm. “This team and this city deserve a championship,” he said, “with the improvements we’ve made and with the nucleus of our team from last season in place, I feel the talent is there, but we need to keep our focus on that prize throughout the entire season this time around. If we succeed there, I’ll feel good about our chances of holding an NIFL title trophy come the end of July.”
Ready to make an impact on Rage opponents in 2006 is new offensive lineman Fred Layne, a 6’3” 315lb rookie who is no stranger to success. Layne was a 3 time All-Gateway selection at Western Illinois and says that pass blocking is his strong suite. “I’m used to being an interior lineman, so playing on the edge is an adjustment,” says the Granite City native, “but I’ve worked too hard to let this chance slip by. I see this as a great opportunity to play pro football, so whatever changes need to be made in my game, it’ll happen. I’m excited about coming to St. Louis.”
Nine other new players have inked contracts with the Rage, including NIFL veteran defensive back Jabari Smith, who saw service last season with the Lubbock Gunslingers. Aggressive on the line with bump coverage and a great cover corner, Smith will add to the new and re-vamped defensive in 2006. Also on board is wide receiver Mario Patton, a 4 year NIFL vet who was second in receiving in 2004 behind league leader Scott Pingel of the RiverCity Rage. Patton, who played his college football at Lindenwood University in St. Charles, says it’s good now to have that kind of competition lining up with him. “Scott is one of the premier receivers in our league, and now I get the chance to compliment him, not compete against him. I’m looking forward to being on the field with other quality Rage receivers this season. We’re gonna light up the scoreboard!”
It’s talk like that that gets Wyatt excited. Coming off a year that found him accepting the NIFL awards for Atlantic Conference Coach of the Year, while also corralling the General Manager of the Year trophy, Wyatt says the last game of the season for the Rage in 2005 still looms as the biggest disappointment of his NIFL career. “The double overtime loss to Cincinnati in the playoffs actually hurt worse than losing the playoff game the year before, basically because we had beaten them twice in the regular season and we were the favored team to go all the way. I wondered time and again in the off-season if there was something I could have done, some play I could have called that might have made a difference in that one, but it was a lesson hard learned.”
That ‘lesson’ says Wyatt, is one he will address to his players when practices get underway in February. Simply stated, “It’s not always the team that has the best players, it’s the team playing the best in the playoffs. THAT’S the team usually accepting the trophy when all’s said and done. Look Tri-Cities, they came out of nowhere, got hot towards the end of the season, and ended up winning it all. I feel confident about our chances this season, but a bit of attitude adjustment is in order for the RiverCity Rage in 2006.”
From special teams, to the shut-em-down defense, to the high-octane explosive offense Wyatt’s teams are renowned for, it’s time to get on the same page, get with the program, re-learn the terms and gear up for what should prove to be an exciting NIFL season for the new look RiverCity Rage. A new home at Savvis Center, some new players ready to mark their mark on this team and this league, and the solid foundation of the returning veterans, players who know what it takes to bring it home, guys who have been there-done that in the NIFL. The playing for keeps gets underway for the Rage the weekend of Saint Patrick’s Day. The beginning of a season that should be absolutely charming!!
Time to take this column to the next level, I think. Last week my sons were invited to a birthday party at the O’Fallon Civic Center. I knew St. Peters had the “Rec Plex,” but I was completely unaware O’Fallon had constructed such a beautiful facility. I know of the controversy of changing the name; that is not the issue I wish to address. My question is this: Why does St. Charles City not provide the same services, yes, they would be considered services, that both St. Peters and O’Fallon provide? Why is there not a “civic-center” in beautiful St. Charles? My boys were there on a Saturday evening the place was full of both adults and children. Some were swimming, some were playing basketball; as I walked down the hall I noticed a number of the meeting rooms full. I could only wonder what crafts or topic of discussion might have been going on.
My friend and former swimming buddy Greg Almus informed me that he must go to the Rec Plex to swim. My question is WHY? So here is what I am going to do. The following e-mail will be sent to each and every member of the St. Charles City Council.
An open letter to the members of the St. Charles City Council:
Why is it St. Peters and O’Fallon have such beautiful civic centers for their residents to utilize and St. Charles does not? Please do not respond in a “chop-logic” manner. I have served as a Councilman and Mayor of a small bedroom community prior to moving to St. Charles, and recognize responses that “talk in circles.”
Further more, would you be willing to introduce legislation and support the construction of such a facility? Would you go so far as to make it a priority so that failure of such a project might be an issue in the next election for St. Charles City Council?
It would only be fair to inform you your response will be published in The First Capitol News, and that your response will be treated with the respect it deserves. I would be foolish not to be aware that some of you have issues with the FCN – warranted or not. I would only hope that you are not foolish enough to think, “guilt by association is logical.” The first lesson in any “Logic” class teaches it is not.
Most importantly I would like a response from Mr. Riddler (president) and Mr. Kneemiller (my councilman). Should I not receive a response I will be in contact with you again. Thank you for your attention in this matter.
Stay tuned ladies and gentlemen. Next week I hope to be able to shed some light upon this topic.
Another question Almus had for me had to do with youth baseball. He was wondering what exactly made a good youth baseball manager; it was a valid, and important question. With a little research I found out the “expert” on youth baseball coaching is a gentleman out of Alamo California, John T. Reed. In this week’s edition you will find some of his comments on “…common mistakes youth baseball coaches make.” If you like what you read you can purchase his book, Youth Baseball Coaching.
Due to prior commitments I was unable to attend the St. Charles/St. Charles West basketball games this past Friday. Luckily our minor league reporter, Louis Launer was in attendance and covered the game. What I can tell you is to mark the week of February 20-24 on your calendars, as that is the week Duchesne will be hosting the district tournament. On the girls side of the ledger it looks like it is going to come down to St. Charles and Duchesne. The boys’ crown should come down to St. Charles, St. Charles West and Duchesne. Anyway you look at it high school basketball junkies will want to be there.
Speaking of Duchesne boys’ basketball, the St. Louis Post Dispatch reported in January 24th’s edition that Duchesne junior Zach Plackemeier scored 42 points in Duchesne’s 71-52 title game win over GAC-South’s Howell. As regular readers of this column know, one of my collateral duties is the voice of the Lady Titans at Trinity Catholic High School. During last Monday’s game against Cardinal Ritter I mentioned to the official score keeper, Dwayne Lund, how Plackemeier had lit up the scoreboard in the finals. “He sure did,” said Lund, “but I don’t know where they got 42 points. I had him down for 47.” I suspect one could argue what’s the big deal over 5 points – except Plackemeier is on target to break the school’s scoring record next season. And, as any basketball junkie knows, the official scorekeeper is just that; his data is what is official. Now, something may have been miscommunicated when calling in the statistics to Stats on Line, but the fact remains, according to the official scorer, he had 47 points. Wouldn’t it be a shame that he would fall 4 points short of the school record next year, when in reality the record was his? Stay turned for further developments in this story.
See you next week; hopefully we have some input from some Council members.
League Names Information Director From Rivercity Rage
Weekly contributor to First Capitol News
By: Mike McMurran
Sports Editor
Mike Thompson, Director of Media Relations for the RiverCity Rage Pro Indoor Football Team has been named as the Director of Information for the National Indoor Football League. Thompson will team with Morris Groves, Rage Director of Operations who holds the title of Media Director for the NIFL, as well. The two will also continue in their respective roles with the Rage while serving the dual capacity for the league.
Thompson, a long time local radio air personality, has been Media Relations Director for the Rage for the past year. He also serves as the voice of the RiverCity Rage doing their play by play on their game day radio broadcasts. During his tenure, the Rage has seen their visibility tremendously increase in the St. Louis sports market.
We are thrilled to have Mike come onboard to help raise our awareness both at the local and national level. He has done a fine job in St. Louis and we felt it would only compliment the work that was already being done in St. Louis by Morris Groves. It was a natural fit.” stated Carolyn Shiver, NIFL President.
The new role for Thompson was discussed when the NIFL held their fall league meetings in St.Louis in November, but it was not until the winter meetings that concluded last week in Houston that Thompson received the appointment.
“I am excited about the challenge. There is no question that I will have a lot on my plate, but it will be a labor of love. Everyone can rest assured that it will in no way diminish my role with the Rage, in fact, it will only enhance it.” stated Thompson.
The NIFL is in it’s sixth season and will begin play in March 2006. Twenty four teams ranging from Pasco, Washington to Miami, Florida to Billings, Montana, to Beaumont, Texas will vie for the league title during the season that will conclude at the end of July.
The Rage who will make Savvis Center their home in 2006 will open their season on the March 17 on the road before returning for their home opener on March 26.
GAC Basketball
St. Charles West Pulls Out A Thriller
Kramer Soderberg, Bob Barton First Capitol News PhotoBy Louis J. Launer
It wasn’t a buzzer beater, but it was one of the most exciting games of the 2004-05 high school basketball season. St. Charles High School may have the height, but St. Charles West held the strategy of a basketball team. From the opening tip-off, the packed house of fans knew that this basketball game was going to be close.
The St. Charles Pirates scored first and some West Warrior fans thought that the Pirates were going to dominate early. Unfortunately, West kept their composure. On the first whistle for a Pirate team foul in the opening minutes, the Pirates appeared to be rather rattled. Head Coach Gary Wacker argued with officials from the very start. St. Charles West appeared more relaxed with head coach Terry Hollander focusing on the team’s game plan.
Josh Harrellson, a 6’8” tower of a Pirate forward, scored 23 points and was there to block many of the St. Charles West shots. He even included one slam-dunk in the game. Clay Zerr, a 6’ 6” senior guard, scored 11 points. Two of his baskets were from the 3-point range.
The night belonged to St. Charles West’s Kramer Soderberg. The 6’ 2” senior scored 34 points, one of them out from 3-point range. But he was able to get the loose balls that the Pirates could not keep. Brian Maurer of the Warriors scored 19 and had 2 three-pointers.
Both teams played their own games in the first half. By the end of the half, the Warriors took advantage of some fouls that the Pirates committed and also used their timeouts wisely. West led 32-28 at the half. Fans for both sides thought it could go either way.
The Pirates regained some composure in the second half, but the Warriors remained consistent in ball control and finding the open man. After 3 quarters, the score remained close, with West still leading, 44-42.
Offense and defense made the difference. West played both very well. All game long, West’s players stayed in the middle, trying to keep Pirate forwards from using the center lane to shoot. In the fourth quarter, the Pirates resorted to shooting out in the three-point range as West’s lead was as high as 11 at one point in the fourth quarter. With 3 minutes remaining, St. Charles West took advantage of the bonus situation both teams had. On ever foul, the Warriors went to the line and concentrated on simple set-shots, which gave St. Charles West a 71-64 victory over archrival St. Charles High.
After the game, St. Charles West’s head coach Terry Hollander was relieved that his team was able to win. But for St. Charles High, who had such a good start and such a good season so far, the season might be starting to crumble. After the game a source that preferred to remain anonymous said that the St. Charles Pirates lacked discipline. Terry Hollander’s St. Charles West teams over the years have been known to be very disciplined and focused on the game. SCW’s victory over SCHS proved that discipline and dedication is what wins basketball games.
St. Charles West High School Alumni Association Announces Fifth Annual Alumni Basketball Tournament To Be Held March 17-18
The St. Charles West High School Alumni Association is currently planning the Fifth Annual S.C. West Alumni Basketball Tournament to be held March 17-18, 2006 at S.C. West H.S. The tournament will include team competition on both Friday, March 17th and Saturday, March 18th and an optional skills competition on Friday before team play. The tournament will offer Rookie and Veteran Division play. To register for the tournament or receive more information, please contact Dave Riazi at 636-949-2993.
ALL SYSTEMS ‘GO’ FOR RAGE COACH WYATT AS THIRD SEASON GEARS UP
Mike Thompson
Director of Media Relations
RiverCity Rage
NIFL
Media@ragefootball.com
Will the third time be the charm? RiverCity Rage Head Football Coach Mike Wyatt certainly hopes so, but knowing that hope is never enough to make things happen, Wyatt paused briefly last week in his office amidst playbook diagrams, phone calls and game film to give an honest answer to a question he’s pondered since the surprising, and most upsetting, playoff loss to the Cincinnati Marshals last July.
“If hard work is the answer, we’re already champions of the NIFL,” he said with a smile, “but I’ve been around this game long enough to know that every team, every coach, works hard in the off-season. The key is to be able to secure fresh talent, hit the ground running from the first practice, and get your team mentally focused on football.” While Wyatt is certain his team will come to camp next month ready to embrace the new season, he says the main challenge he faces is keeping that mindset in place with the Rage throughout the entire year, and certainly, come playoff time.
“It’s no secret we were one of the top teams heading into the playoffs last season, but toward the end of the year, I felt we let our guard down just a bit, losing the last two games of the regular season to Lubbock and Dayton. We tried to re-group mentally for the playoffs, but found we just couldn’t tune it up on a dime, and we ended up falling short of our goal of a league title. We opened the season well, but this year my job is to make sure we finish well. I really feel we have an even better squad than last year, these new additions are a huge boost to this football team, but we need to work on becoming more fundamentally sound.” Wyatt, entering his third year with the Rage as an award winning coach and general manager, finally admitted he does, in fact, hope the third time around brings home the football charm. “This team and this city deserve a championship,” he said, “with the improvements we’ve made and with the nucleus of our team from last season in place, I feel the talent is there, but we need to keep our focus on that prize throughout the entire season this time around. If we succeed there, I’ll feel good about our chances of holding an NIFL title trophy come the end of July.”
Ready to make an impact on Rage opponents in 2006 is new offensive lineman Fred Layne, a 6’3” 315lb rookie who is no stranger to success. Layne was a 3 time All-Gateway selection at Western Illinois and says that pass blocking is his strong suite. “I’m used to being an interior lineman, so playing on the edge is an adjustment,” says the Granite City native, “but I’ve worked too hard to let this chance slip by. I see this as a great opportunity to play pro football, so whatever changes need to be made in my game, it’ll happen. I’m excited about coming to St. Louis.”
Nine other new players have inked contracts with the Rage, including NIFL veteran defensive back Jabari Smith, who saw service last season with the Lubbock Gunslingers. Aggressive on the line with bump coverage and a great cover corner, Smith will add to the new and re-vamped defensive in 2006. Also on board is wide receiver Mario Patton, a 4 year NIFL vet who was second in receiving in 2004 behind league leader Scott Pingel of the RiverCity Rage. Patton, who played his college football at Lindenwood University in St. Charles, says it’s good now to have that kind of competition lining up with him. “Scott is one of the premier receivers in our league, and now I get the chance to compliment him, not compete against him. I’m looking forward to being on the field with other quality Rage receivers this season. We’re gonna light up the scoreboard!”
It’s talk like that that gets Wyatt excited. Coming off a year that found him accepting the NIFL awards for Atlantic Conference Coach of the Year, while also corralling the General Manager of the Year trophy, Wyatt says the last game of the season for the Rage in 2005 still looms as the biggest disappointment of his NIFL career. “The double overtime loss to Cincinnati in the playoffs actually hurt worse than losing the playoff game the year before, basically because we had beaten them twice in the regular season and we were the favored team to go all the way. I wondered time and again in the off-season if there was something I could have done, some play I could have called that might have made a difference in that one, but it was a lesson hard learned.”
That ‘lesson’ says Wyatt, is one he will address to his players when practices get underway in February. Simply stated, “It’s not always the team that has the best players, it’s the team playing the best in the playoffs. THAT’S the team usually accepting the trophy when all’s said and done. Look Tri-Cities, they came out of nowhere, got hot towards the end of the season, and ended up winning it all. I feel confident about our chances this season, but a bit of attitude adjustment is in order for the RiverCity Rage in 2006.”
From special teams, to the shut-em-down defense, to the high-octane explosive offense Wyatt’s teams are renowned for, it’s time to get on the same page, get with the program, re-learn the terms and gear up for what should prove to be an exciting NIFL season for the new look RiverCity Rage. A new home at Savvis Center, some new players ready to mark their mark on this team and this league, and the solid foundation of the returning veterans, players who know what it takes to bring it home, guys who have been there-done that in the NIFL. The playing for keeps gets underway for the Rage the weekend of Saint Patrick’s Day. The beginning of a season that should be absolutely charming!!
Missouri Court of Appeals Eastern District Allows St. Peters to Annex Harvestowne Industrial Area
Missouri Court of Appeals Eastern District Allows St. Peters to Annex Harvestowne Industrial Area
The Missouri Court of Appeals for the Eastern District has given the City of St. Peters the go-ahead to complete the annexation of the area known as “Harvestowne.” Harvestowne is an 80-acre area with mostly industrial property and some commercial property along Highway 94.
Harvestowne was the last pocket of property along South Highway 94 in St. Peters that was unincorporated, but it was one of many unincorporated sections of land surrounded by the City. Thousands of county residents and businesses in these unincorporated areas benefit from St. Peters’ services
such as snow removal and street maintenance.
The City of St. Peters is addressing this problem by following existing Missouri laws, and the Harvestowne annexation is its latest success in these efforts. In 1992, the State of Missouri changed its annexation laws
affecting only St. Charles County. This special legislation was enacted applying only to St. Charles County out of the 114 counties in the state. In order to annex property, a St. Charles County municipality must now win two votes: one election by the voters in the City annexing the parcel, and another election of voters inside the annexation property. In all other counties of the state of Missouri, annexations can be approved either by the majority of the combined total of votes in both areas.
Voters in the April 2004 municipal elections approved the annexation of the area. In the fall of 2004, St. Charles Circuit Court Judge William T. Lohmar decided that the results of the April 2004 municipal elections would stand, and allowed the annexation to proceed.
The City sought to annex Harvestowne to protect property values in both Harvestowne and the areas surrounding it through building code enforcement and the zoning process, and more fairly support the City services already being provided.
Annexation will give neighboring St. Peters property owners a chance to voice their opinions at City Hall if there are proposed land use changes in Harvestowne. Enforcement of City building codes will also ensure that all the properties along this very visible stretch of Highway 94 in St. Peters adhere to the same high
standards.
The annexation should be completed in 30-45 days unless the case is further appealed to the Missouri Supreme Court. The Harvestowne area will soon receive St. Peters City services including street maintenance, trash service, timely snow removal, and police patrols.
The Missouri Court of Appeals for the Eastern District has given the City of St. Peters the go-ahead to complete the annexation of the area known as “Harvestowne.” Harvestowne is an 80-acre area with mostly industrial property and some commercial property along Highway 94.
Harvestowne was the last pocket of property along South Highway 94 in St. Peters that was unincorporated, but it was one of many unincorporated sections of land surrounded by the City. Thousands of county residents and businesses in these unincorporated areas benefit from St. Peters’ services
such as snow removal and street maintenance.
The City of St. Peters is addressing this problem by following existing Missouri laws, and the Harvestowne annexation is its latest success in these efforts. In 1992, the State of Missouri changed its annexation laws
affecting only St. Charles County. This special legislation was enacted applying only to St. Charles County out of the 114 counties in the state. In order to annex property, a St. Charles County municipality must now win two votes: one election by the voters in the City annexing the parcel, and another election of voters inside the annexation property. In all other counties of the state of Missouri, annexations can be approved either by the majority of the combined total of votes in both areas.
Voters in the April 2004 municipal elections approved the annexation of the area. In the fall of 2004, St. Charles Circuit Court Judge William T. Lohmar decided that the results of the April 2004 municipal elections would stand, and allowed the annexation to proceed.
The City sought to annex Harvestowne to protect property values in both Harvestowne and the areas surrounding it through building code enforcement and the zoning process, and more fairly support the City services already being provided.
Annexation will give neighboring St. Peters property owners a chance to voice their opinions at City Hall if there are proposed land use changes in Harvestowne. Enforcement of City building codes will also ensure that all the properties along this very visible stretch of Highway 94 in St. Peters adhere to the same high
standards.
The annexation should be completed in 30-45 days unless the case is further appealed to the Missouri Supreme Court. The Harvestowne area will soon receive St. Peters City services including street maintenance, trash service, timely snow removal, and police patrols.
Harvest Ridge School Tiger Cub Den 9 Visits FCN Offices
Members of Tiger Cub Den 9 of Pack 971 of Harvest Ridge School visited the offices of the First Capitol News to learn how a newspaper is put together and to earn a bead badge. Pictured in the front row from left to right; Joseph Burnitt-Erp, Zach Hoffman, Cody Phegley, second row; Alex Gordon, Harjot Ubhi, Derek Prell and Ethan McNevin. In the back row are Robert Erp the assistant den leader and Scott McNevin the den leader. The group meets three times a month. During their meetings they talk, sing, hold pinewood derby and read books. You have to be six years and and in the 1st grade to be a member.
First Capitol News Photo by Tony Brockmeyer
TOO SHORT A TURN TAKES OUT BANK WALL
The driver of the truck pictured above evidently turned too short and ended up on the wall in front of Regions Bank Wednesday evening when attempting to make a right turn onto First Capitol Drive from north bound Fifth Street.
First Capitol News Photo by Tony Brockmeyer
Saturday, January 21, 2006
OUR NEXT EDITION JANUARY 28TH
Because of the Martin Luther King Jr. Holiday this week our next publication will be on Janaury 28th. Since our inception we have not published for weeks that include a National Holiday. Thank you for being a reader of the First Capitol News.
Sunday, January 15, 2006
FRONT PAGE - FIRST CAPITOL NEWS of January 14, 2006
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Recall Fraud Admitted In Deposition
By Phyllis Schaltenbrand
Charita Walker, a part time employee of Penmac Personnel Services, a St. Charles temporary employment agency, admitted in a sworn deposition that she signed a notarized affidavit that she had collected signatures that were on a recall petition when in fact she had not collected the signatures. She said she had been told by Linda Meyer to sign the affidavit after she told Meyer she had not collected the signatures and did not witness them being signed on the recall petition.
Meyer, the wife of a St. Charles police officer who at one time headed the St. Charles Police Officers Association, is heading the Citizens Empowerment Committee. That group is conducting recall efforts against City Councilwoman Dottie Greer and City Councilman Mark Brown. The deposition was being taken regarding the recall effort.
Walker admitted that she falsely swore on the affidavit she had collected the signatures when in fact she had not, because Meyer had told her to sign it.
This revelation of apparent fraud was made under oath in a deposition that was taken on December 14, 2005 in the office of City Attorney Mike Valenti at St. Charles City Hall. Under questioning by Valenti, Walker admitted she had not collected nor witnessed the signatures on the recall form.
According to Walker, the incident occurred on July 9th in Jaycee Park in St. Charles when several employees of Penmac, who were paid to collect signatures for the recall petitions, met there with Meyer and another person who was a notary public.
Also present in addition to Valenti when the admission by Walker was made were John C. Maxwell an attorney who was sitting as a Court Commissioner appointed by Judge Ted House, Attorney Joshua Knight and Attorney Mike Kielty who were representing Meyer; Attorney Eric Tolen, Special Counsel to the St. Charles City Council, Attorney Harold Ellis, St. Charles County Counselor representing the election commissioner and Councilwoman Greer.
Copies of the depositions are available from the St. Charles City Clerk under the Sunshine Law by filing a Freedom of Information request.
Greer and Brown and other members of the Council have complained of fraud during the recall campaign. Council President Rory Riddler made a complaint with the St. Charles Police Department and an investigation is in progress. His complaint involved numerous signatures that appeared to be signed by the same person and inconsistencies of names and dates on the petitions and sworn affidavits. Councilman Mark Brown has filed similar complaints for the St. Charles police department. Police Chief Tim Swope has said that upon completion of the investigations the facts will be presented to St. Charles County Prosecuting Attorney Jack Banas for prosecution.
Kielty and millionaire developer TR Hughes, who is providing financing for the Empowerment Committee, have complained about the investigating detectives going so far as to call them thugs and brown shirts. Kielty made his comments during a City Council meeting.
Despite this information and other information pertaining to fraud that has been discovered in the recall efforts, Mayor York and her followers on the City Council have continued to push for the recall elections.
The City of St. Louis has recently been faced with the same set of circumstances and has halted any further recall efforts and are attempting to bring justice to the political system and prosecute those who are responsible for the fraud.
Attorney Invokes Fifth Amendment Won’t let petition circulator answer questions about recall efforts
Melissa Root, one of the persons who was paid up to $10 per name to collect signatures in recent recall efforts against Councilwoman Dottie Greer and Councilman Mark Brown recently invoked the Fifth Amendment during a sworn deposition.
Root, represented by a Criminal Defense Attorney refused to answer any questions regarding the collection of signatures on recall petitions. The refusal was made on the advise of her attorney.
When questioned by St. Charles City Attorney Mike Valenti, Root refused to answer. Her criminal defense attorney Mike Kielty told Valenti, “She has invoked her rights as to any and all questions on her behalf as her counsel, she does not have to say anything. She does not have to invoke her rights, her rights have been invoked by me, I’m acting as counsel. This is tantamount to her sitting next to me at a criminal defense table and the State trying to get her to take the stand.
Attorney Eric Tolen, special counsel to the City Council raised what he said was a conflict of interest in Kielty representing Root. Tolen said, “I believe there’s a conflict of interest in that Mr. Kielty has indicated and has entered his representation of the Relator (Linda Meyer) here and now is, in fact, representing one of the witnesses to this matter in a potential criminal matter. And I think that that, in and of itself, is a conflict of interest which would necessitate a removal of either Mr. Kielty in this matter or in the matter with regards to representation of Ms. Melissa Root in any criminal matter.” The Commissioner said that matter would have to be taken up before Judge House.Valenti asked Root if each and every signature contained on a petition for recall she had signed and had notarized if she observed the person who had signed that petition for recall affix their signature to the petition for recall. Kielty answered Fifth. Valenti asked Root if on each and every occasion in which a person affixed their signature to the petition for recall if she observed them physically affix their signature to that petition for recall. Kielty answered, Fifth. On each and every question Valenti presented to Root, Kielty answered Fifth. The Fifth Amendment provides that a person cannot be made to testify to any matter that could be used for criminal prosecution against themselves. The lawsuit was dropped by the Empowerment Committee before this information could be presented before a judge to make a determination.
Councilman Mark Brown complained, “How could you accept the petitions from a person who would not acknowledge whether she forged the signatures or if she even got the signatures at all. It would seem to me if you were going to turn in petitions you would have to testify that you got the signatures legally and if they can’t do that then they should not be accepted at all. In the City of St. Louis they would go to jail. In St. Charles it appears that everyone thinks it is okay.”
Police Mobile Reserve Unit Impressive Record In A Short Time
“Best job on the department I have ever had,” Officer Dave Senter
“More arrests in 5 months including homicide suspect,” Officer Todd Wilson
By Tony Brockmeyer
They could be called out at any time. They may be in uniform or they could be in plain clothes. They could be in a marked patrol car or in an undercover vehicle. They might be following up on an investigation, providing backup for other officers or just cruising through an area that has experienced recent criminal activity. They could be riding alone or have a partner beside them. But you can be sure that the Mobile Reserve Unit of the St. Charles Police Department is out there and they like what they are doing. Solving crime and preventing criminal activity in St. Charles.
The concept and inception of the Mobile Reserve Unit (MRU) in June of 2005, arose out of what Police Chief Tim Swope received as the need for a proactive contingent of sworn personnel to address criminal activity and quality of life issues that are outside the normal scope of the Field Operations Bureau capabilities. According to Chief Swope, “The creation of such a unit was an effort to combat criminal infiltration into the City of St. Charles from those elements that operate on a global and regional basis, versus those confined only to city limit boundaries.
The MRU is designed to create a small group of experienced police officers available to investigate crime rapidly and with the resources necessary to successfully quell disturbances, investigate crime and bring about the arrest of dangerous individuals. The unit is available at any time for scheduled assignment at any time of day depending upon the nature of the detail. The unit can be plugged in to respond to any activity that threatens the quality of life in St. Charles. Details can include roadside crime interdiction, gang interdiction, security at City hosted functions, surveillance activities and traffic details.”
The St. Charles MRU is comprised of Sergeant Donovan Kenton, Officer Paul Yadlosky, Officer Grant Jansen who works with his canine partner Zzar. Dave Senter a 15 year veteran of the department and Todd Wilson a 17 year veteran.
Officers Wilson and Senter were available on the day this interview was conducted.
Officer Jansen and Zzar usually patrol the interstate highways but they are available to put their talents to work in any area of the city. Zzar is a professional drug dog. Officers claim that Jansen has the uncanny instinct of knowing just what vehicles traveling through on the interstates need to be investigated. He and Zzar spend about 80 percent of their time on highway interdiction.
“With major interstates it is necessary to have that type of unit available,’ said Officer Senter. “Our unit also does a lot of intelligence gathering and working with Federal agencies.”
When asked about gang activity in St. Charles, Officer Wilson said, “We have a lot of wanna be’s. We keep a close watch on them. Wilson went on.” We are on call 24/7 and rarely a day goes by where we would begging for work.”
The MRU recently provided surveillance and increased patrol of the area of San Juan and Riverbluff apartment complexes due to an escalation of disturbance calls involving new residents to the area with self-proclaimed ties to gang activity.
Members of the MRU have taken part in uniform enforcement details for the Fourth of July Festival, the Festival of the Little Hills and the Oktoberfest. On the same weekend of the Oktoberfest, the MRU worked in conjunction with the St. Charles County Sheriffs in providing uniformed patrol in the area of North Hwy 94 in reference to a motorcycle “rat run” involving several thousand motorcycles. Many of these motorcyclist had affiliations with outlaw groups. With the presence of the MRU the lengthy procession passed through St. Charles City without the disturbances that occurred last year.
Roadside interdiction activities of the Mobile reserve Unit resulted in the seizure of over $445,000 in illicit money, 30 pounds of marijuana, 12 pounds of cocaine, the recovery of two stolen vehicles and $10,000 in stolen property.
One seizure of illegal drug money and the identification of the suspect have provided the DEA and ATF with information that will help with federal prosecution of the subject, who without information developed by the MRU would not have been possible. The investigation involving the 6 kilograms of cocaine is continuing with the DEA and will probably lead to further seizures of property worth thousands, located in St. Louis County.
Further information gained through interdiction efforts had lead to the identification of one subject who is a major person of interest with a current FBI Task Force investigation reference to cocaine distribution and money laundering conspiracy occurring through a locally owned business. Interdiction efforts have also lead to the locating of an individual that is on the FBI’s terrorist watch list who frequents the City of St. Charles and surrounding area and is a subject of interest in drug trafficking. Through criminal interdiction efforts a fugitive suspect from Kansas with felony weapon and drug charges was identified and taken into custody for extradition back to Kansas to fact charges.
Members of the MRU assisted the St. Charles County Drug task Force (DTF) on a significant quantity marijuana buy/bust resulting in the arrest of seven individuals in the area of Sun Lake Apartments. The involvement of the MRU avoided the DTF having to use on-duty uniformed patrol officers to assist the, minimizing the impact on patrol services.
Of notable arrests, the Unit has identified seven illegal aliens involved in criminal activity, one of which is wanted in the country of Chile for attempted murder.
According to Officer Dave Senter, during a plainclothes surveillance of a suspected narcotics/money courier, Officer Dave Senter noticed suspicious behavior on the part of four subjects entering a retail electronics store, Best Buy. Breaking off the original surveillance, the subjects were subsequently watched and followed after leaving the store and stopped by another municipality. The subjects were found to be in possession of in excess of $5500 worth of stolen merchandise. As a result of that stop and investigation that municipality obtained arrest warrants for the four subjects for receiving stolen property. It was also discovered that three of the four were illegal aliens and Immigration Customs Enforcement was notified.
Following their initial arrest one of the subjects gave consent for a search of a location in the City of St. Charles where they had been staying while in the area. That search revealed in excess of $20,000 worth of additional stolen merchandise and suspected cash profits. the merchandise consisted of video games, digital flash cards, digital cameras, video game play systems and other electronic components.
Warrants against all four suspects for receiving stolen property are pending.
Information of this case continues as information from throughout the midwest continues to come in daily concerning similar cases possibly involving the same suspects. Information discovered during this investigation indicates that these suspects were active throughout the country, most recently in the Chicago area and appear to have exclusively targeted retail electronics store.
According to Officer Todd Wilson, on December 12, 2005, members of the MRU began surveillance of suspected narcotic/money couriers. Members of the unit followed the subjects as they traveled to seven Office Max and two Office Depots in the St. Charles/St. Louis areas.
After a period of time the subjects were confronted outside one of the stores after members of the unit had followed them inside and watched the subjects conceal merchandise under their outer garments and leave the store without paying for them.
During the subsequent arrest and inventory search of the vehicle they had been operating the MRU members discovered 36 print cartridges in shipping boxes along with other items such as maps. the maps that were located included the Denver, Indianapolis, Columbus and Cincinnati. Each map had handwritten markings of the locations of Office Max type store on them.
thirty three of the 36 print cartridges were tracked back to the stores that the subjects had been to during the surveillance. the other three are currently being tracked by Hewlett Package. The total value of the stolen merchandise was valued at $10,000.
Chief Swope said, “MRU also consecrate on criminal identification on the interstate highway system traveling thru St. Charles by focusing on criminal activity, drug trafficking, money laundering etc. MRU also has the capability to establish relationships with not only neighboring agencies but nationwide agencies to deter crime and continue an enforcement presence while people travel through St. Charles. The MRU specializes in several areas however the way it is set up now allows the Unit to continue its commitment to respond to the needs of the department, whatever they may be.”
Officer Dave Senter sums it up for the members of the St. Charles Police Mobile Reserve Unit, “It’s the best job I have ever had with this department.”
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