Dear Editor,
For several years, we have enjoyed walking the asphalt trails around the lakes at Fountain Lakes Nature Park in St. Charles. These trails go around several lakes which host abundant birdlife and other wildlife and are a source of good exercise and pleasure to many St. Charles City residents.
The asphalt surface has developed cracks and needs maintenance; however, we were astonished when the city replaced the hard surface paths around the north lake with packed gravel. This gravel surface makes it difficult for those who have to navigate wheelchairs to the handicapped-accessible fishing docks as well as for those who enjoy in-line skating and biking. What was once a nice all-weather surface for walking, similar to Creve Coeur Park paths, has now become a dusty, sometimes muddy, and uneven walking surface. We cannot imagine why the Parks Department thought it needed to grind up a mile and a half of existing asphalt surface rather than repair 10-20% of the surface.
We understand the Parks Department also has plans to grind up the paths around the south lakes and replace them with gravel as well. We would hope they would reconsider the purpose of the paths and type of usage they get and just repair the asphalt rather than chopping up the whole thing and replacing it with dusty, dirty gravel. Perhaps our Parks Department could check with the St. Louis County Parks Department to see how they are able to maintain user-friendly paths without destroying the hard surface when the paths need repair.
When we called the Parks Department, their representative told us they do not have the funds to maintain the asphalt paths that the city received as part of a TIF at Fountain Lakes. What has happened to all the money we receive from that Golden Goose down on our riverfront? Has it come to the point where we now do not have funds for basic maintenance of our green space? On the other hand, could this be a matter of poor management on the part of our Parks Department and our City leaders? We certainly hope they will reconsider and retain/repair the existing hard surface around the south lakes.
Larry & Eleanor McCune, St. Charles
Dear Tony,
I’m thinking about Veterans’ Day.
I got a phone call from Baghdad a week or so ago. A young man recruited into the Army fresh out of high school was trying to connect with my daughter. Joining was his choice, but he was just a kid when he made it. He still is. The Army promised him he’d not be sent to Iraq.
I realized I haven’t done a damned thing about the war except surrender my tax money. So yesterday, I went to meet with a representative from US Senator Claire McCaskill’s office. She was a kind-looking woman who sat at a table taking notes and listening to people who wanted the senator to intervene on their behalf. I asked the staffer to tell the senator that we need to support our troops by bringing them home, and that I was speaking for many people in saying so. Which is true. The man next to me blurted out something like, “Yeah? What about rising gas prices?” I said, “That’s actually a blessing, because we need to curtail our CO2 emissions, and high gas prices help us do that.” I added, “I’d like to talk to you about all that, but we don’t have time right now.” The staffer was due to leave in five minutes.
Then I asked the staffer to tell the senator that we need national health care, too. I asked her to encourage the senator to get discussions going alerting the public to the electronic voting machines which are sucking off the vote and killing democracy, and told her I believed it had happened locally. “And we need more veterans’ benefits.” “Are you a veteran?” she asked. “No,” I said. “But veterans need them.” And future veterans. Bush keeps cutting benefits. And there’s not enough medical staff overseas. Later, I told my husband, Jim, about the “rising gas prices” remark.
I understood then, that despite all our education, children — ours and those in countries at war— are still being thrown into the volcano to pacify the gods. And we’re letting it happen. We allow recruiters in our high schools! If we can’t do better than that, what are we doing? We’re hunkering down in fear, that’s what. We’re afraid to talk to people about what most needs talked about, to speak up. Whatever “side” you’re drawn to, however you feel, exchanging thoughts is what needs to happen.
Calmly. Respectfully. Talk. Listen. Write. Think. Please put hands to the wheel of democracy. And ask for a receipt when you vote.
Peggy Whetzel
Dear First Capitol News,
The ugliest block of North Second Street has one of the most insulting sights in town – an American flag is used as a curtain in a warehouse owned by Kelly’s Heating and Cooling.
Since every window in the cement-block building is curtained off, it looks as if the owners, Jerry Kelly and Steve Miles, are hiding behind the flag.
Guys take the flag out of the window and fly it properly, please.
More appropriate, how about putting a pirate flag in its place? It’s the perfect statement, considering the thousands of dollars you poured into getting Richard Veit on the City Council, and now it’s payback time – he’s working for you to industrialize Frenchtown.
As for Frenchtown, maybe it should succeed from St. Charles, because Councilman Veit has stripped every single Frenchtown-dedicated dollar from the city budget for years to come, even money for park benches. They probably don’t want any tourists or shoppers lured to Frenchtown’s upcoming industrial zone.
Call 636-946-4313 and tell Jerry and Steve how you feel.
Media Jane
Friday, December 14, 2007
CaSE IN POINT by Joe Koester
Selfishness is not living as one wishes to live, it is asking others to live as one wishes to live.
Oscar Wilde
In a public letter from Sunday, November 11, 2007 – State Representative, Cynthia Davis, R-19th District writes in a letter to the editor captioned, “Does this county need a public bus system?” (you need to read the letter in its entirety):
The idea of bringing public buses to St. Charles County is one issue that raises some philosophical questions that need answers before we are ready for a tax increase.
Many of our people live on cul-de-sacs and don’t even have sidewalks. To get to a bus stop, you have to be able to walk safely and not too far.
When I was in city government, I voted on approving most of these subdivisions because that is what our constituents wanted. Buses only work best with high density and streets laid out on a grid. St. Charles County is distinctively different from St. Louis County.
Some people think we need buses to get people to work. What kind of jobs are these that don’t pay people enough to afford a car? When my husband and I were first married, his take-home pay was $126 per week. Our pickup truck wasn’t very pretty, but it was enough for our basic needs. If the employer really needs employees, and can’t pay them enough so that they can afford to buy cars, why doesn’t he charter his own bus to bring them to work?
Our high school parking lots are filled with students’ cars. They are offered free bus rides to school, yet the demand for student parking always exceeds the amount of space available. Even our kids would rather drive.
Waiting at a bus stop in bad weather can be a bad experience if one has to sit out in the heat, rain and freezing temperatures to catch another bus. This is not a workable option for the elderly and those with fragile health conditions.
I believe we have enough kindhearted friends and families that will give their neighbors a ride if they can’t drive.
There is much that is wrong with this letter from a state lawmaker who represents a part of our county in Jefferson City. First off, however, let me say that my point here is not pro or con public buses in St. Charles County and I agree with one part of the letter from Mrs. Davis – namely, our county has epitomized sprawl-style growth that does make bussing, if not impossible, very challenging. It is the attitude of the remainder of the letter that seems pretty sad and off mark.
To start, where Mrs. Davis states that she approved most of these subdivisions complete with cul-de-sacs because “that is what our constituents wanted” I really must ask myself whether that is truly what the residents of O’Fallon wanted. More likely, new residents wanted a yard, a relatively low-priced home in a safe area with decent schools. The fact that their neighborhood was filled with curvilinear streets that created few connecting roads turning their otherwise three-minute commute into fifteen minutes is, perhaps, something the residents didn’t really want at all. The fact that some streets became major arteries lined with strip malls may just have been the price you paid if you wanted the big house with a yard in a safe area with good schools. Certainly, the very role of the community leader is to meet both the interests of his or her residents and also think about the consequences of actions that create wastefully laid out street grids that require great infrastructure with extremely low density and huge future costs both in street and sewer maintenance and hours wasted by residents sitting in traffic or zigzagging over field and dale to move a few blocks down the road (as the crow flies).
More likely, “constituents” are the same characters you know from St. Charles. Well, they are usually not so much “constituents” as “bankrollers” for chosen campaigns. You guessed it – the developers!
In fact, if the aldermen in O’Fallon had wanted to create both low-traffic streets and a basic overall grid pattern then one day of researching street options would have shown them several ways to build that provide both.
Next, to answer the question posed by Mrs. Davis, “What kind of jobs are these that don’t pay people enough to afford a car?” These are mostly service jobs that have been created as our country de-industrializes. Mrs. Davis, these are the jobs that employ the people that your own Party time and again works against by fighting living wage initiatives and universal health care, as well as a host of other public-good services that would benefit working women and poor children. You should remember, one of the first acts your own Governor took when entering office was to throw quite a few of these poor children off of such public assistance previously provided by the state. The next time you stop at a restaurant or pick up dry cleaning, or maybe even step into your own book store, you may see some of these people doing the very jobs you wonder about.
While we all use our own personal experiences to make generalized judgments about life, we also have enough experience as adults to know that many factors come into play and that sometimes the way we experience things is not how the next fellow will. This is why I find the anecdote above about take-home pay of “$126 per week” rather adolescent. It doesn’t tell the whole story – just one personal (maybe partial) story. Many have the luxury of strong family support, good education, etc. while others do not. In fact, some people may have no family support; have chronic health problems, etc. This is not to make excuses for anyone, but rather to illustrate the eventuality that many people who are hard-working may still be struggling due to factors that you and I do not know about.
As far as high school kids driving – indeed they do. These students pay a huge cost to drive too. Many work nights and weekends in order to pay for gasoline and insurance and they can afford this because they usually are supported from home. Besides, do we look to high school students to decide policy of transportation?
The last two paragraphs are also limited in their vision. Yes, when you ride a bus you are exposed to weather fluctuations. When you have no means of transportation you are exposed to dependence on others. There are options available to help with this problem too. For example, bus shelters can be built and even a fan or heater could be installed. There are cities that are looking into smaller buses that would pick up elderly closer to home and sometimes from their home.
Finally, there are not enough kindhearted friends and family for some folks to depend on for a daily trip to work and to the store, bank, doctor’s office, etc. Again, personal experience seems to somehow indicate reality for everyone else in the greater community in Representative Davis’ eyes. In case Cynthia Davis doesn’t know this, most citizens do not have a campaign account with which they can purchase a private vehicle either.
I believe that Representative Davis is sincere in her beliefs. I also believe that like so many who view the world solely from their own experiences and who see things in black and white with no shades of grey, she is also mistaken about how the real world works.
I would like to end by reiterating that I agree a bus system, as we traditionally think of it, would be difficult to operate, costly, and very likely not used by a huge portion of residents in our county due to our demographics and current infrastructure. I just think it is better to speak the truth about the matter rather than determine policy by, well-this-is-how-I-do-things approach. If a traditional bus system won’t work – what options are there? This is something that can be explored and debated as it should be. If you have a decent job and can afford a car, that’s terrific. Maybe you have gotten where you are today because you were smart, worked hard and just deserve it. I find that usually the story (if told honestly) more often is a combination of work, relationships and fortune. Some folks marry well; others inherit well; while others get help by family and friends. It is certain that many people “deserve” their wealth as much as many others “deserve” their poverty. I hope I never need to depend on a bus system in St. Charles County, however, that doesn’t change the fact that their may be a need for one. Who knows, if gasoline prices double or triple, we may all be asking, “Where’s the nearest bus stop?”
Oscar Wilde
In a public letter from Sunday, November 11, 2007 – State Representative, Cynthia Davis, R-19th District writes in a letter to the editor captioned, “Does this county need a public bus system?” (you need to read the letter in its entirety):
The idea of bringing public buses to St. Charles County is one issue that raises some philosophical questions that need answers before we are ready for a tax increase.
Many of our people live on cul-de-sacs and don’t even have sidewalks. To get to a bus stop, you have to be able to walk safely and not too far.
When I was in city government, I voted on approving most of these subdivisions because that is what our constituents wanted. Buses only work best with high density and streets laid out on a grid. St. Charles County is distinctively different from St. Louis County.
Some people think we need buses to get people to work. What kind of jobs are these that don’t pay people enough to afford a car? When my husband and I were first married, his take-home pay was $126 per week. Our pickup truck wasn’t very pretty, but it was enough for our basic needs. If the employer really needs employees, and can’t pay them enough so that they can afford to buy cars, why doesn’t he charter his own bus to bring them to work?
Our high school parking lots are filled with students’ cars. They are offered free bus rides to school, yet the demand for student parking always exceeds the amount of space available. Even our kids would rather drive.
Waiting at a bus stop in bad weather can be a bad experience if one has to sit out in the heat, rain and freezing temperatures to catch another bus. This is not a workable option for the elderly and those with fragile health conditions.
I believe we have enough kindhearted friends and families that will give their neighbors a ride if they can’t drive.
There is much that is wrong with this letter from a state lawmaker who represents a part of our county in Jefferson City. First off, however, let me say that my point here is not pro or con public buses in St. Charles County and I agree with one part of the letter from Mrs. Davis – namely, our county has epitomized sprawl-style growth that does make bussing, if not impossible, very challenging. It is the attitude of the remainder of the letter that seems pretty sad and off mark.
To start, where Mrs. Davis states that she approved most of these subdivisions complete with cul-de-sacs because “that is what our constituents wanted” I really must ask myself whether that is truly what the residents of O’Fallon wanted. More likely, new residents wanted a yard, a relatively low-priced home in a safe area with decent schools. The fact that their neighborhood was filled with curvilinear streets that created few connecting roads turning their otherwise three-minute commute into fifteen minutes is, perhaps, something the residents didn’t really want at all. The fact that some streets became major arteries lined with strip malls may just have been the price you paid if you wanted the big house with a yard in a safe area with good schools. Certainly, the very role of the community leader is to meet both the interests of his or her residents and also think about the consequences of actions that create wastefully laid out street grids that require great infrastructure with extremely low density and huge future costs both in street and sewer maintenance and hours wasted by residents sitting in traffic or zigzagging over field and dale to move a few blocks down the road (as the crow flies).
More likely, “constituents” are the same characters you know from St. Charles. Well, they are usually not so much “constituents” as “bankrollers” for chosen campaigns. You guessed it – the developers!
In fact, if the aldermen in O’Fallon had wanted to create both low-traffic streets and a basic overall grid pattern then one day of researching street options would have shown them several ways to build that provide both.
Next, to answer the question posed by Mrs. Davis, “What kind of jobs are these that don’t pay people enough to afford a car?” These are mostly service jobs that have been created as our country de-industrializes. Mrs. Davis, these are the jobs that employ the people that your own Party time and again works against by fighting living wage initiatives and universal health care, as well as a host of other public-good services that would benefit working women and poor children. You should remember, one of the first acts your own Governor took when entering office was to throw quite a few of these poor children off of such public assistance previously provided by the state. The next time you stop at a restaurant or pick up dry cleaning, or maybe even step into your own book store, you may see some of these people doing the very jobs you wonder about.
While we all use our own personal experiences to make generalized judgments about life, we also have enough experience as adults to know that many factors come into play and that sometimes the way we experience things is not how the next fellow will. This is why I find the anecdote above about take-home pay of “$126 per week” rather adolescent. It doesn’t tell the whole story – just one personal (maybe partial) story. Many have the luxury of strong family support, good education, etc. while others do not. In fact, some people may have no family support; have chronic health problems, etc. This is not to make excuses for anyone, but rather to illustrate the eventuality that many people who are hard-working may still be struggling due to factors that you and I do not know about.
As far as high school kids driving – indeed they do. These students pay a huge cost to drive too. Many work nights and weekends in order to pay for gasoline and insurance and they can afford this because they usually are supported from home. Besides, do we look to high school students to decide policy of transportation?
The last two paragraphs are also limited in their vision. Yes, when you ride a bus you are exposed to weather fluctuations. When you have no means of transportation you are exposed to dependence on others. There are options available to help with this problem too. For example, bus shelters can be built and even a fan or heater could be installed. There are cities that are looking into smaller buses that would pick up elderly closer to home and sometimes from their home.
Finally, there are not enough kindhearted friends and family for some folks to depend on for a daily trip to work and to the store, bank, doctor’s office, etc. Again, personal experience seems to somehow indicate reality for everyone else in the greater community in Representative Davis’ eyes. In case Cynthia Davis doesn’t know this, most citizens do not have a campaign account with which they can purchase a private vehicle either.
I believe that Representative Davis is sincere in her beliefs. I also believe that like so many who view the world solely from their own experiences and who see things in black and white with no shades of grey, she is also mistaken about how the real world works.
I would like to end by reiterating that I agree a bus system, as we traditionally think of it, would be difficult to operate, costly, and very likely not used by a huge portion of residents in our county due to our demographics and current infrastructure. I just think it is better to speak the truth about the matter rather than determine policy by, well-this-is-how-I-do-things approach. If a traditional bus system won’t work – what options are there? This is something that can be explored and debated as it should be. If you have a decent job and can afford a car, that’s terrific. Maybe you have gotten where you are today because you were smart, worked hard and just deserve it. I find that usually the story (if told honestly) more often is a combination of work, relationships and fortune. Some folks marry well; others inherit well; while others get help by family and friends. It is certain that many people “deserve” their wealth as much as many others “deserve” their poverty. I hope I never need to depend on a bus system in St. Charles County, however, that doesn’t change the fact that their may be a need for one. Who knows, if gasoline prices double or triple, we may all be asking, “Where’s the nearest bus stop?”
WINE NOW BEING PRODUCED IN WATER STREET CAVERNS
By Tony Brockmeyer
Photos by Tony Brockmeyer
Little Hills Winery of St. Charles now has a new home in which to make and store their famous wines. Although the location may be new to Little Hills Winery it has been a fixture in St. Charles since 1851. Little Hills Winery wines are now stored and produced about 50 feet underground in historic St. Charles in about 5000 to 7000 square feet of caverns under Water Street.
Until the early 60’s the caverns were the home of the Fishback Brewing Company. In 1965 Nick Van Dyke purchased them from the Fishback family and began brewing batches of Van Dyke Beer. After the Van Dyke Brewing Company closed the caverns were purchased by Jim Reed of Cavern Springs Winery. Now they are the new home of the Little Hills Winery production division.
Ten years ago David Campbell and his family purchased the Little Hills Winery Restaurant at 501 South Main Street and operate it on a daily basis. “When we bought the restaurant 10 years ago there was a gentleman who made our wine for us and put our label on it,” David Campbell told the First Capitol News. “In the last three years we have made the change over to producing our own wine. Making sure it really is a legitimate winery.” The Campbell family also operates the Little Hills Winery Wine Shop at 710 South Main Street in St. Charles.
According to David Campbell, “Little Hills Winery sells about 8,000 cases of wine in the wine shop and restaurant a year. A case is 2.3 gallons of wine. In the caverns we are only going to do about 3,000 gallons. Anything more than that would be difficult because the caverns are really not designed for a heavy commercial production. We are somewhat limited.”
Little Hills Winery has a secondary bottling line in the St. James area where they will do another 3,000 cases. “We may be able to get production a little bit higher in the caverns but this will be more intended for red aging in barrels,” he said.
When asked if wine was good for your health David said, “Typically the red wines more than white. The tannins are very good I drink a glass in the evening. They have some other scientific components in there but it is the red. White wine is okay but it is the tannins that help digest your food and help lower the blood pressure.”
Little Hills Winery can bottle about 50 bottles an hour in their cavern production area. They have a small vineyard in Eolia, Missouri where Vignoles and Norton are grown and they have just purchased a small farm in Wentzville where they will be planting more grapes next year. “As grapes are a popular crop, there are many available for our purchase,” David said. “We get grapes from Mountain Grove, St. James and Augusta, Missouri areas.”
The only power equipment used by Little Hills Winery in the caverns is a corker. The machine that places the corks in the bottle. Everything else is pretty much gravity driven. “We pump the wine into tanks,” he said. “The wine then gravity feeds into our filler where we can fill six bottles at a time. They get corked and then we put labels on by hand. We place capsules over the corks and the top of the bottles and a heat gun is used to shrink the capsules onto the bottles which are then placed in a case and they are stored in the driest room in the caverns.”
The caverns usually maintain a temperature of about 64 degrees year round. In the lower chamber of the caverns a spring flows at a rate of about 85 gallons a minute. According to David that is why the street was named Water Street.
When we visited the winery David and his crew along with his wine maker, Phil Grazyk, were bottling Alpenglow and Alpenglow Blanc, a holiday wine best served warm, that Little Hills has produced for almost 20 years.
Grapes are usually obtained in the fall. Some juices and concentrates are available throughout the year and are used for fruit wines like Little Hills Winery Strawberry that is usually made in July. Traditionally the grape crop isn’t ready until the last part of September through October.
When asked if he was planning on expanding his restaurant operation into the caverns, David said, “I think one restaurant is enough. The goal is to be able to get the caverns to a point where we can share them back to the community because they are truly historic. Our intention is to do some private wine tasting activities down here but we will not be making this into a restaurant.”
The caverns also contain beer brewing barrels that are thought to be over 100 years old.
Photos by Tony Brockmeyer
Little Hills Winery of St. Charles now has a new home in which to make and store their famous wines. Although the location may be new to Little Hills Winery it has been a fixture in St. Charles since 1851. Little Hills Winery wines are now stored and produced about 50 feet underground in historic St. Charles in about 5000 to 7000 square feet of caverns under Water Street.
Until the early 60’s the caverns were the home of the Fishback Brewing Company. In 1965 Nick Van Dyke purchased them from the Fishback family and began brewing batches of Van Dyke Beer. After the Van Dyke Brewing Company closed the caverns were purchased by Jim Reed of Cavern Springs Winery. Now they are the new home of the Little Hills Winery production division.
Ten years ago David Campbell and his family purchased the Little Hills Winery Restaurant at 501 South Main Street and operate it on a daily basis. “When we bought the restaurant 10 years ago there was a gentleman who made our wine for us and put our label on it,” David Campbell told the First Capitol News. “In the last three years we have made the change over to producing our own wine. Making sure it really is a legitimate winery.” The Campbell family also operates the Little Hills Winery Wine Shop at 710 South Main Street in St. Charles.
According to David Campbell, “Little Hills Winery sells about 8,000 cases of wine in the wine shop and restaurant a year. A case is 2.3 gallons of wine. In the caverns we are only going to do about 3,000 gallons. Anything more than that would be difficult because the caverns are really not designed for a heavy commercial production. We are somewhat limited.”
Little Hills Winery has a secondary bottling line in the St. James area where they will do another 3,000 cases. “We may be able to get production a little bit higher in the caverns but this will be more intended for red aging in barrels,” he said.
When asked if wine was good for your health David said, “Typically the red wines more than white. The tannins are very good I drink a glass in the evening. They have some other scientific components in there but it is the red. White wine is okay but it is the tannins that help digest your food and help lower the blood pressure.”
Little Hills Winery can bottle about 50 bottles an hour in their cavern production area. They have a small vineyard in Eolia, Missouri where Vignoles and Norton are grown and they have just purchased a small farm in Wentzville where they will be planting more grapes next year. “As grapes are a popular crop, there are many available for our purchase,” David said. “We get grapes from Mountain Grove, St. James and Augusta, Missouri areas.”
The only power equipment used by Little Hills Winery in the caverns is a corker. The machine that places the corks in the bottle. Everything else is pretty much gravity driven. “We pump the wine into tanks,” he said. “The wine then gravity feeds into our filler where we can fill six bottles at a time. They get corked and then we put labels on by hand. We place capsules over the corks and the top of the bottles and a heat gun is used to shrink the capsules onto the bottles which are then placed in a case and they are stored in the driest room in the caverns.”
The caverns usually maintain a temperature of about 64 degrees year round. In the lower chamber of the caverns a spring flows at a rate of about 85 gallons a minute. According to David that is why the street was named Water Street.
When we visited the winery David and his crew along with his wine maker, Phil Grazyk, were bottling Alpenglow and Alpenglow Blanc, a holiday wine best served warm, that Little Hills has produced for almost 20 years.
Grapes are usually obtained in the fall. Some juices and concentrates are available throughout the year and are used for fruit wines like Little Hills Winery Strawberry that is usually made in July. Traditionally the grape crop isn’t ready until the last part of September through October.
When asked if he was planning on expanding his restaurant operation into the caverns, David said, “I think one restaurant is enough. The goal is to be able to get the caverns to a point where we can share them back to the community because they are truly historic. Our intention is to do some private wine tasting activities down here but we will not be making this into a restaurant.”
The caverns also contain beer brewing barrels that are thought to be over 100 years old.
The View From The Cheap Seats by Jerry Hafferkamp
The View From The Cheap Seats
By Jerry Haferkamp
The long wait is over. We have a permanent Chief of Police and will soon have our new Director of Administration.
The Director of Administration should be what our mayor calls a “good fit”. He comes from Miami, Oklahoma. Miami has less than 1/4th our population and probably 1/20th our revenue. I don’t know if he’s up to the task ahead, but I’m sure the mayor will “guide” him.
Chief Corley has had time to become adjusted to the position. The mayor called him a “proven person”. One of the first actions he took as interim Chief was to re-assign an officer that happened to have supported the wrong mayoral candidate. Patti says Corley had a “calming” effect on the department. That type of activity will calm anyone who dares to speak out against this mayor. It’s sort of like in The Godfather, waking with your horse’s head under your covers. Maybe a better analogy would be the “calming effect” the bombing of Hiroshima and Nagasaki had on the Japanese Empire. He has definitely “proven” that he knows the requirements of his position.
While Frenchtown residents and business owners are trying to improve the area, it seems like someone is working against them. There is a proposal before the Council to spot-zone certain properties, adding to the problems facing Frenchtown. There were several speakers at the last Council meeting expressing opposition. It will be interesting to see if Councilman Veit listens to his constituents, or turns a deaf ear as he did in the parking situation. We all know the businessmen and women lost their parking after political contributions were made and the Veit contributor benefited. But while this beneficiary eats steak shouldn’t Richard at least throw his constituents a bone? Or maybe he has already given them exactly that.
Note to Frenchtown: Money talks, and apparently Veit can’t hear you talking. Maybe if you hold an illegal poker game and contribute the house cut to his campaign, he’ll listen.
Of course, that’s just the view from the cheap seats.
By Jerry Haferkamp
The long wait is over. We have a permanent Chief of Police and will soon have our new Director of Administration.
The Director of Administration should be what our mayor calls a “good fit”. He comes from Miami, Oklahoma. Miami has less than 1/4th our population and probably 1/20th our revenue. I don’t know if he’s up to the task ahead, but I’m sure the mayor will “guide” him.
Chief Corley has had time to become adjusted to the position. The mayor called him a “proven person”. One of the first actions he took as interim Chief was to re-assign an officer that happened to have supported the wrong mayoral candidate. Patti says Corley had a “calming” effect on the department. That type of activity will calm anyone who dares to speak out against this mayor. It’s sort of like in The Godfather, waking with your horse’s head under your covers. Maybe a better analogy would be the “calming effect” the bombing of Hiroshima and Nagasaki had on the Japanese Empire. He has definitely “proven” that he knows the requirements of his position.
While Frenchtown residents and business owners are trying to improve the area, it seems like someone is working against them. There is a proposal before the Council to spot-zone certain properties, adding to the problems facing Frenchtown. There were several speakers at the last Council meeting expressing opposition. It will be interesting to see if Councilman Veit listens to his constituents, or turns a deaf ear as he did in the parking situation. We all know the businessmen and women lost their parking after political contributions were made and the Veit contributor benefited. But while this beneficiary eats steak shouldn’t Richard at least throw his constituents a bone? Or maybe he has already given them exactly that.
Note to Frenchtown: Money talks, and apparently Veit can’t hear you talking. Maybe if you hold an illegal poker game and contribute the house cut to his campaign, he’ll listen.
Of course, that’s just the view from the cheap seats.
Comments & Commentary by Charles Hill
This past month the South Main business owners had the opportunity to experience a water main break. The dedicated City Staff fixed the break and business went on. At the next council meeting the break was discussed and our illustrious City Council President, Bob Kneemiller, had this to say,”At least they didn’t complain like the North Main businesses.” That might not be an exact quote but it is close. This statement sums up the council and mayor’s belief of what our opinions are to them. We are a nuisance when we hold them accountable, we are troubling them when we want a street fixed, it’s an inconvenience to them when they have to repair something. This attitude exists because the fish rots from the head down. Mayor York has always placed the average residents in second place. Kneemiller’s comment was directed at the hard working business owners who had to endure weeks and weeks of North Main Street being closed. This closure hurt our only means of income, hurt our families and our customers. So Bob, next time you want to call us complainers be ready to fork over the money for our loss when you can’t keep the city running. Last time I looked that was your job.
The other part of my anger is about South Main and our usual complainers. Archie Scott, Gene Woods, Karen House and the infamous Mydler family. They just can’t stop complaining about one thing or another. Archie complains because the city won’t spend a million dollars on a visitors center, Wood complains about a business simply wanting to increase revenues for the city by adding a temporary tent that can’t be seen from the street. House complains about the building of new housing on South Main. They all complain and rightfully so about the lack of maintenance of the street.
When it comes down to it. Main Street is not full of complainers per se. There are people who actually believe the city is responsible to them as taxpayers and the city should be able to fix things in a timely manner.
Back to the tent and South Main. Only in Historic St. Charles can you get permission to place a crappy looking tent on Main Street, blocking a Historic Marker to sell cookies that were baked in a residence off of Sibley Street. Then the same South Main complainers decided that a tent that would help support a business, bring in tax dollars, bring people to Main Street, a tent that is high quality and can’t be seen from the street, doesn’t cover anything historic, should not be allowed. Come on!
Lastly, I watched the Veterans Day Memorial Service and want to thank our Veterans. The one thing that struck me as we honored our Vets in front of a memorial that cost in excess of $300,000, is how many vets could we have helped with that money? Recently it was discovered that 25 percent of those homeless in the US were veterans who had served our country. This is a national disgrace. Instead of spending money on monuments we should be finding out ways to help our service men and women. Creating an environment that helps them find jobs, helps them find shelter. This monument was spearheaded by a group of self-serving veterans who felt they deserved a statue. These veterans should be finding ways to help their brothers in arms, not create monuments to themselves.
The other part of my anger is about South Main and our usual complainers. Archie Scott, Gene Woods, Karen House and the infamous Mydler family. They just can’t stop complaining about one thing or another. Archie complains because the city won’t spend a million dollars on a visitors center, Wood complains about a business simply wanting to increase revenues for the city by adding a temporary tent that can’t be seen from the street. House complains about the building of new housing on South Main. They all complain and rightfully so about the lack of maintenance of the street.
When it comes down to it. Main Street is not full of complainers per se. There are people who actually believe the city is responsible to them as taxpayers and the city should be able to fix things in a timely manner.
Back to the tent and South Main. Only in Historic St. Charles can you get permission to place a crappy looking tent on Main Street, blocking a Historic Marker to sell cookies that were baked in a residence off of Sibley Street. Then the same South Main complainers decided that a tent that would help support a business, bring in tax dollars, bring people to Main Street, a tent that is high quality and can’t be seen from the street, doesn’t cover anything historic, should not be allowed. Come on!
Lastly, I watched the Veterans Day Memorial Service and want to thank our Veterans. The one thing that struck me as we honored our Vets in front of a memorial that cost in excess of $300,000, is how many vets could we have helped with that money? Recently it was discovered that 25 percent of those homeless in the US were veterans who had served our country. This is a national disgrace. Instead of spending money on monuments we should be finding out ways to help our service men and women. Creating an environment that helps them find jobs, helps them find shelter. This monument was spearheaded by a group of self-serving veterans who felt they deserved a statue. These veterans should be finding ways to help their brothers in arms, not create monuments to themselves.
Kratzer's Corner by Mel Kratzer
The Changing of Johnson-Shut-Ins
During the late spring and summer months, many of us St. Charles Countians make the two and a half hour pilgrimage drive to the crown jewel nature paradise known as “Johnson Shut-ins.” This refreshing special conservation area consists of a mile stretch of various boulders overrun by a crystal clear river offshoot creating a swimming mecca made up of mini waterfalls, whirlpools, and deep waterholes. But a few years ago, the enormous Tom Sauk Mountain reservoir collapsed transforming Johnson Shut-ins into a place very different than before.
A few years ago, my woman and I were wrapping up a mini-camping trip and decided to satisfy our curiosity by visiting the Tom Sauk Mountain Dam and Reservoir operation. After an up close view of the dam, we traveled up a protracted incline to the reservoir, which was encompassed in a large lake- sized aboveground pool-like concrete container. The showing -wear exterior reservoir walls revealed a hint that a structure failure could be a possibility. Your mind’s imagination kicked into full gear contemplating wondering what the disaster scenario would be if this reservoir gave way. Little did we know that two months later, that dam reservoir breakage would become a reality?
In laymen’s terms, here’s how AmerenUE’s Tom Sauk Mountain Dam works. Water is released from the mountain top reservoir flowing downhill to the energy turning turbines of the dam below. The water is subsequently pumped back up to the reservoir, as this process is repeated over and over constantly generating electricity for you and me. When Tom Sauk Mountain Dam Reservoir collapsed, the water in the top-of the mountain tank was at full capacity, a definite worse case scenario.
Driving to Johnson Shut-Ins entrance, you’ll notice a two hundred yard empty swath of space carved down the mountain through the forest into the state park’s beginning. What really looks like what happened is a F5 tornado buzz sawed its way through the area with vengeance. A high chain link prison-like fence is also at the park’s front part to the middle as I am told some restoration is still taking place.
Johnson-Shut-Ins inside the park characteristics have made a mind-boggling transformation. There are house-sized boulders that were picked up and moved downstream that no human or human made machine could move. Trees throughout the park are permanently bent into an “Arch” shape due to the force of the wall of water that overran them. The deck-like wooden walkway has vanished courtesy of that fifteen-minute gigantic burst of water that barreled its way by. The width of Johnson-Shut-Ins banks is now enormous nearly quadruple in size. That’s what happens when a two-football field wide water sudden release takes place.
The Shut-Ins themselves are recognizable but very different too. What strikes out first to your eyes is the massive amount of gravel all over the Shut-Ins area. It’s everywhere and I’m told its there to stay, as workers and AmerenUE have no equipment to get it out of there. In bulldozers or backhoes would sink into the small river’s bottom. Sound’s to me that AmerenUE doesn’t want to pay to remove the gravel manually by shovel and wheel barrel. This electric company got a sweetheart damage pay-off deal thanks to our sell-out Governor Blunt, so they don’t have to worry much about the park anymore unless Missouri Attorney General Jay Nixon successfully sues the paints off them.
Favorite Shut-Ins spots like the brief underwater under boulder cave, the mini waterfall/whirlpool, and the steeper mini waterfalls have disappeared. Only millions of years of natural river transformation can change them back so you and I will never see them again. The deep pool at the Shut-Ins ending is smaller and shallower to a point where it’s outlawed to jump from the cliffs and boulders. If you do jump from these upper rock formations, a six hundred dollar fine will be levied against you if a ranger witnesses it and they are almost always on patrol. In the years past, you would see cliff jumpers plunge into the deep pool below occasionally seeing someone come up to the water’s surface with a strawberry of blood on their body from hitting bottom.
An enlightening item about the Shut-Ins is that the water is still clear as a bell and comfortably cool. Park workers tell me that a biodegradable substance was put into the water to remove all the mud and murk that was present after the reservoir breakage mishap. Varieties of fish and turtle are still plentiful and can be spotted easily from the surface to the bottom. I do not know how clean the waters are as my little girl accidentally swallowed some of it and was sick with a virus for two weeks.
The amount of water that flows through the Shut-Ins is less than before and the reasons for that are quite interesting as I learned from chatting with the park’s workers. A nine-year drought has plagued the area to a point where people in the county may have to figure out alternative ways of getting water and go into a full-blown conservation mode. Also “Leaky Creek” as locals and park workers refer to it as, has dried up. The Tom Sauk Mountain Reservoir leaked from its inception and the leakage formed Leaky Creek which fed the Shut-Ins. AmerenUe always new about this and maybe that’s why Attorney General Nixon maybe be going after the company for neglect damages.
In August through early September, the park opened, but you were restricted to use of the Shut-Ins only. The Johnson Shut-Ins Parks’ trails and campgrounds were off limits due to under repairs. The park’s store is open and in decent shape. Next year the park will open sometime but in what kind of capacity is unsure. I know the adjacent businesses near the park would welcome the opening as they have suffered immensely from the park’s prolonged closure. You’ll see some closed down “ghost-town-like businesses” not too far from the park. It depressing to see how this “disaster’ caused economic strife to these park-related companies.
But all is not gloom and doom with the Shut-Ins as the park still is the great getaway paradise you can’t wait to get to visit when you get a hot summer day off and want to escape the heat. Hopefully a lesson has been learned here; never build anything that will adversely affect an ecological treasure. And the Johnson-Shut-Ins are still a beautiful though they are not quite like you may remember them.
Editor’s note. Since this article was written AmerenUE has agreed to a settlement with the state.
During the late spring and summer months, many of us St. Charles Countians make the two and a half hour pilgrimage drive to the crown jewel nature paradise known as “Johnson Shut-ins.” This refreshing special conservation area consists of a mile stretch of various boulders overrun by a crystal clear river offshoot creating a swimming mecca made up of mini waterfalls, whirlpools, and deep waterholes. But a few years ago, the enormous Tom Sauk Mountain reservoir collapsed transforming Johnson Shut-ins into a place very different than before.
A few years ago, my woman and I were wrapping up a mini-camping trip and decided to satisfy our curiosity by visiting the Tom Sauk Mountain Dam and Reservoir operation. After an up close view of the dam, we traveled up a protracted incline to the reservoir, which was encompassed in a large lake- sized aboveground pool-like concrete container. The showing -wear exterior reservoir walls revealed a hint that a structure failure could be a possibility. Your mind’s imagination kicked into full gear contemplating wondering what the disaster scenario would be if this reservoir gave way. Little did we know that two months later, that dam reservoir breakage would become a reality?
In laymen’s terms, here’s how AmerenUE’s Tom Sauk Mountain Dam works. Water is released from the mountain top reservoir flowing downhill to the energy turning turbines of the dam below. The water is subsequently pumped back up to the reservoir, as this process is repeated over and over constantly generating electricity for you and me. When Tom Sauk Mountain Dam Reservoir collapsed, the water in the top-of the mountain tank was at full capacity, a definite worse case scenario.
Driving to Johnson Shut-Ins entrance, you’ll notice a two hundred yard empty swath of space carved down the mountain through the forest into the state park’s beginning. What really looks like what happened is a F5 tornado buzz sawed its way through the area with vengeance. A high chain link prison-like fence is also at the park’s front part to the middle as I am told some restoration is still taking place.
Johnson-Shut-Ins inside the park characteristics have made a mind-boggling transformation. There are house-sized boulders that were picked up and moved downstream that no human or human made machine could move. Trees throughout the park are permanently bent into an “Arch” shape due to the force of the wall of water that overran them. The deck-like wooden walkway has vanished courtesy of that fifteen-minute gigantic burst of water that barreled its way by. The width of Johnson-Shut-Ins banks is now enormous nearly quadruple in size. That’s what happens when a two-football field wide water sudden release takes place.
The Shut-Ins themselves are recognizable but very different too. What strikes out first to your eyes is the massive amount of gravel all over the Shut-Ins area. It’s everywhere and I’m told its there to stay, as workers and AmerenUE have no equipment to get it out of there. In bulldozers or backhoes would sink into the small river’s bottom. Sound’s to me that AmerenUE doesn’t want to pay to remove the gravel manually by shovel and wheel barrel. This electric company got a sweetheart damage pay-off deal thanks to our sell-out Governor Blunt, so they don’t have to worry much about the park anymore unless Missouri Attorney General Jay Nixon successfully sues the paints off them.
Favorite Shut-Ins spots like the brief underwater under boulder cave, the mini waterfall/whirlpool, and the steeper mini waterfalls have disappeared. Only millions of years of natural river transformation can change them back so you and I will never see them again. The deep pool at the Shut-Ins ending is smaller and shallower to a point where it’s outlawed to jump from the cliffs and boulders. If you do jump from these upper rock formations, a six hundred dollar fine will be levied against you if a ranger witnesses it and they are almost always on patrol. In the years past, you would see cliff jumpers plunge into the deep pool below occasionally seeing someone come up to the water’s surface with a strawberry of blood on their body from hitting bottom.
An enlightening item about the Shut-Ins is that the water is still clear as a bell and comfortably cool. Park workers tell me that a biodegradable substance was put into the water to remove all the mud and murk that was present after the reservoir breakage mishap. Varieties of fish and turtle are still plentiful and can be spotted easily from the surface to the bottom. I do not know how clean the waters are as my little girl accidentally swallowed some of it and was sick with a virus for two weeks.
The amount of water that flows through the Shut-Ins is less than before and the reasons for that are quite interesting as I learned from chatting with the park’s workers. A nine-year drought has plagued the area to a point where people in the county may have to figure out alternative ways of getting water and go into a full-blown conservation mode. Also “Leaky Creek” as locals and park workers refer to it as, has dried up. The Tom Sauk Mountain Reservoir leaked from its inception and the leakage formed Leaky Creek which fed the Shut-Ins. AmerenUe always new about this and maybe that’s why Attorney General Nixon maybe be going after the company for neglect damages.
In August through early September, the park opened, but you were restricted to use of the Shut-Ins only. The Johnson Shut-Ins Parks’ trails and campgrounds were off limits due to under repairs. The park’s store is open and in decent shape. Next year the park will open sometime but in what kind of capacity is unsure. I know the adjacent businesses near the park would welcome the opening as they have suffered immensely from the park’s prolonged closure. You’ll see some closed down “ghost-town-like businesses” not too far from the park. It depressing to see how this “disaster’ caused economic strife to these park-related companies.
But all is not gloom and doom with the Shut-Ins as the park still is the great getaway paradise you can’t wait to get to visit when you get a hot summer day off and want to escape the heat. Hopefully a lesson has been learned here; never build anything that will adversely affect an ecological treasure. And the Johnson-Shut-Ins are still a beautiful though they are not quite like you may remember them.
Editor’s note. Since this article was written AmerenUE has agreed to a settlement with the state.
First Capitol News Sports - Mike McMurran Sports Editor
“Deferred gratification,” is a phrase that pretty much describes my life. Don’t think it wasn’t hard being thirty something years old and trying to complete my undergraduate degree at UMSL. Often times I would run into people I grew up with and they would share with me how they had started a family and were working on furthering their career. All I could say was, “I’m still going to school.” All they while they were making money and collecting “stuff.” As time went on things kind of balanced out and in some cases I even surpassed them in the race “to collect stuff.”
As regular readers of this column know, I started having children later in life – I was 41 years-old when my daughter, Maggie, was born. Today’s column deals with Maggie, having my priorities in order – and the opposite of deferred gratification – immediate gratification.
For the past three years or so, Bob Barton and I have covered the “Guns and Hoses” event held downtown on Thanksgiving Eve. This year was to be no different. Of course as those of you with children know, when you have children – things change at the drop of a hat. It seems Maggie’s performing arts troupe, Just Kids (the youngest group from the Patt Holt Singers) had a gig at Macy’s on Thanksgiving Eve. The group has a Christmas Show where the children dress up like elves and sing and dance and make everyone within the sound of their voices smile and feel better. That’s pretty much what they do – make people feel better. Well, it seems Macy’s was having a giant celebration to kick off the official holiday season and they needed some elves. The folks at Macy’s did what anybody with any sense would do if they needed some elves, they called Patt Holt. “How many elves do you need and what size,” is probably what Patt said to the folks at Macy’s. You see she has a wide variety of elves for just such an occasion.
The “t’s” were crossed and the “i’s” were dotted and my daughter had a Thanksgiving Eve gig – a real paying gig! The girls had to be downtown by 6 p.m. Ah, but you see, Lynn, who usually volunteers to transport the girls, wouldn’t get home from work until 5:45 or so – she wouldn’t be able to take the girls. I couldn’t because I had to go to Guns and Hoses – or so I thought. “Dad, can you drive us downtown to Macy’s – please?” Well, I guess if you’ve seen one fight you’ve seen them all – so I agreed. On Thanksgiving Eve I was in a van full of young elves on their way to their paying gig.
All went well, the girls had a good time, and were home by 10 p.m. I was none the worse for missing Guns and Hoses.
Thanksgiving morning the dogs woke me up at their usual 5 a.m. – they didn’t know it was a holiday and they could have slept in. I’m one of those types of people that once I get up I’m awake – at least for a few hours. So I made some coffee and read the morning paper. By the time the rest of the family was up, I was ready for a nap. So at about 11 or so I laid down for a power nap.
Then it happened, not deferred gratification, but rather one of those magic moments of being a parent. One of those moments that make everything you’ve done worth wild! At noon, on Thanksgiving Day, Maggie came in and woke me. “Dad, it’s noon, it’s noon on Thanksgiving Day, and that song we always listen to will be coming on soon – get up!” For those of you who don’t have a rock and roll background, every Thanksgiving Day, at high noon KSHE 95, the rock station most of us grew up with, plays Arlo Guthrie’s, Alice’s Restaurant. It’s been their tradition for over thirty years. Well, some five years ago, I turned Maggie on to the song. Remember now, Maggie loves music, and found the song very interesting.
Rather than go downstairs and listen to Alice’s Restaurant, Maggie and I laid down in the bed, my arm around her, and listened to the classic tune – that is until the final two stanzas of the song. On Thanksgiving Day, at around 12:20 or so, Maggie and I were singing out loud, together, one sounding sweet, the other terrible: “You can get anything your want, at Alice’s Restaurant.”
In case I didn’t make my point clear, I would have missed the song had she not waken me from my Thanksgiving morning nap – she remembered our Thanksgiving tradition. I couldn’t help but think – this is what you get for giving up Guns and Hoses and taking your daughter to do her Thanksgiving Eve paying gig at Macy’s. Then it really struck me, I bet, years after I’m dead and gone, my daughter will be listening to Alice’s Restaurant with her kids, and saying something like, “I used to listen to this song with my dad when I was your age. Now I’m listening to it with you.” And for a moment, she’ll remember her dear old dad.
As regular readers of this column know, I started having children later in life – I was 41 years-old when my daughter, Maggie, was born. Today’s column deals with Maggie, having my priorities in order – and the opposite of deferred gratification – immediate gratification.
For the past three years or so, Bob Barton and I have covered the “Guns and Hoses” event held downtown on Thanksgiving Eve. This year was to be no different. Of course as those of you with children know, when you have children – things change at the drop of a hat. It seems Maggie’s performing arts troupe, Just Kids (the youngest group from the Patt Holt Singers) had a gig at Macy’s on Thanksgiving Eve. The group has a Christmas Show where the children dress up like elves and sing and dance and make everyone within the sound of their voices smile and feel better. That’s pretty much what they do – make people feel better. Well, it seems Macy’s was having a giant celebration to kick off the official holiday season and they needed some elves. The folks at Macy’s did what anybody with any sense would do if they needed some elves, they called Patt Holt. “How many elves do you need and what size,” is probably what Patt said to the folks at Macy’s. You see she has a wide variety of elves for just such an occasion.
The “t’s” were crossed and the “i’s” were dotted and my daughter had a Thanksgiving Eve gig – a real paying gig! The girls had to be downtown by 6 p.m. Ah, but you see, Lynn, who usually volunteers to transport the girls, wouldn’t get home from work until 5:45 or so – she wouldn’t be able to take the girls. I couldn’t because I had to go to Guns and Hoses – or so I thought. “Dad, can you drive us downtown to Macy’s – please?” Well, I guess if you’ve seen one fight you’ve seen them all – so I agreed. On Thanksgiving Eve I was in a van full of young elves on their way to their paying gig.
All went well, the girls had a good time, and were home by 10 p.m. I was none the worse for missing Guns and Hoses.
Thanksgiving morning the dogs woke me up at their usual 5 a.m. – they didn’t know it was a holiday and they could have slept in. I’m one of those types of people that once I get up I’m awake – at least for a few hours. So I made some coffee and read the morning paper. By the time the rest of the family was up, I was ready for a nap. So at about 11 or so I laid down for a power nap.
Then it happened, not deferred gratification, but rather one of those magic moments of being a parent. One of those moments that make everything you’ve done worth wild! At noon, on Thanksgiving Day, Maggie came in and woke me. “Dad, it’s noon, it’s noon on Thanksgiving Day, and that song we always listen to will be coming on soon – get up!” For those of you who don’t have a rock and roll background, every Thanksgiving Day, at high noon KSHE 95, the rock station most of us grew up with, plays Arlo Guthrie’s, Alice’s Restaurant. It’s been their tradition for over thirty years. Well, some five years ago, I turned Maggie on to the song. Remember now, Maggie loves music, and found the song very interesting.
Rather than go downstairs and listen to Alice’s Restaurant, Maggie and I laid down in the bed, my arm around her, and listened to the classic tune – that is until the final two stanzas of the song. On Thanksgiving Day, at around 12:20 or so, Maggie and I were singing out loud, together, one sounding sweet, the other terrible: “You can get anything your want, at Alice’s Restaurant.”
In case I didn’t make my point clear, I would have missed the song had she not waken me from my Thanksgiving morning nap – she remembered our Thanksgiving tradition. I couldn’t help but think – this is what you get for giving up Guns and Hoses and taking your daughter to do her Thanksgiving Eve paying gig at Macy’s. Then it really struck me, I bet, years after I’m dead and gone, my daughter will be listening to Alice’s Restaurant with her kids, and saying something like, “I used to listen to this song with my dad when I was your age. Now I’m listening to it with you.” And for a moment, she’ll remember her dear old dad.
Saturday, November 10, 2007
FIRST CAPITOL NEWS FRONT PAGE November 10, 2007
(Click to enlarge image) Please scross down to read highlights of November 10 - 30 edition of the First Capitol News. The entire edition including the ads can be found at firstcapitolnews.com.
Is the Ghostly Lady In Red Still Haunting The Goldenrod Showboat and Bringing It Bad Luck?
By Phyllis Schaltenbrand
The Goldenrod Showboat, once a main attraction on the great rivers of the United States, and later the St. Louis Riverfront, was sold to the city of St. Charles in 1989. It was later moved into specially designed mooring facilities on the Missouri river causing a drain of $5 million in St. Charles taxpayer dollars. It has now become a drain on its current owners and is still siphoning off tens of thousands of dollars and causing major problems without any return on the more than $225,000 they have invested to keep the boat afloat. Many are wondering if the owner is suffering the curse from the ghostly “Lady In Red” known as Victoria who is said to haunt the vessel.
For years the Goldenrod has been rumored to be inhabited by a ghost called the “The Lady In Red.” She has been seen by many people wearing a red Victorian type dress in many locations throughout the boat. She apparently roams the Goldenrod at all hours. Rumor has it that a young lady and her father were visiting St. Louis and upon seeing the Goldenrod the young girl and her father had an argument over her wanting to be an actress. Her father reportedly said no and, in a fit of anger, she ran off the boat and was murdered that night.
The current owner of the vessel, John Schwarz of St. Charles said, “I have heard the stories but have never seen the Lady In Red myself, but apparently she is angry and still on board.” Schwarz said that after they moved the Goldenrod from St. Charles they stored it for a short time on the St. Louis riverfront south of the Gateway Arch. “We had ADT put an alarm on the boat and numerous times we were notified that the alarm had gone off but before we arrived it had reset itself. Once when the alarm went off the St. Louis police discovered that the boat had been broken into and during their investigation they discovered that on a table in the main lounge someone had written Victoria with salt on a table.”
The Goldenrod had been moored in St. Louis at the foot of Locust Street from 1937 until it was purchased by the city and brought to St. Charles in 1989 at the behest of the then CEO of the Convention and Visitors Bureau, Steve Powell. The Goldenrod was considered by many residents to have been a financial drain on the city.
In 2003 the Coast Guard declared the vessel unsafe and the boat was closed thus saving the St. Charles taxpayers the bleeding of millions more. After suffering the loss of millions of dollars of taxpayer money on the vessel, including building a $1.5 million dock that sits vacant at Bishop's Landing in Frontier Park, the city gave the boat to Schwarz and his group in May of 2003 by a unanimous vote of the St. Charles City Council and the approval of the Mayor. (As a side note on the dock, several years ago one of the largest vessels ever to be on the Missouri River, The Hotel Barge, was tied to a tree near downtown St. Charles and passengers were disembarked. When we questioned the Captain why his vessel was not using the $1.5 million dock he replied, “ I am a river man. We don't need any fancy docks. All I need for my boat is a large tree and a stout rope.”)
Schwarz and his group had planned bringing the Goldenrod up to Coast Guard safety standards and then having it moored somewhere in Missouri as a regional entertainment draw. While contemplating on what could be done with the vessel Schwarz had it towed to Calhoun County, Illinois and put in storage. There, with probably some urging by the Lady In Red, an argument between the storage company and Schwarz’s group escalated into a court fight where the outcome could have resulted in a sheriff's sale of the Goldenrod and the eventual dismantling of the vessel. Its steel hull would be valuable if sold for salvage.
Hopefully the Goldenrod will be saved and the boat will continue to float and be the home of the elusive and angry Lady In Red. According to attorney Scott Schultz, who represents Schwarz, “We are close to working out an agreement that is satisfactory to all parties and maintain the historical value of the boat.”
Built in 1909 by the Pope Dock Company of Parkersville, West Virginia for W.R. Markle, the boat cost $75,000 when it was new. It was 200 feet long and 45 feet wide and had an auditorium 162 feet long with twenty-one red velour upholstered boxes and a seating capacity of 1,400.
Several notable entertainers worked on the Goldenrod during its glory days. Red Skelton was a dockhand and when an actor fell ill he took his place and the rest is history. Ted Mack played an offstage bloodhound in one of the melodramas and Bob Hope toured with the Goldenrod. It has also been reported The Goldenrod served as an inspiration for the musical Showboat.
Hopefully by the time this story appears in print a settlement will have been reached. Schwarz told the First capitol News that his group is looking at several options and maybe soon the vessel will be alive with the sounds of music and fine dining and the “Lady In Red” will once again roam the decks of the Historical Landmark Goldenrod Showboat greeting its many guests.
The Goldenrod Showboat, once a main attraction on the great rivers of the United States, and later the St. Louis Riverfront, was sold to the city of St. Charles in 1989. It was later moved into specially designed mooring facilities on the Missouri river causing a drain of $5 million in St. Charles taxpayer dollars. It has now become a drain on its current owners and is still siphoning off tens of thousands of dollars and causing major problems without any return on the more than $225,000 they have invested to keep the boat afloat. Many are wondering if the owner is suffering the curse from the ghostly “Lady In Red” known as Victoria who is said to haunt the vessel.
For years the Goldenrod has been rumored to be inhabited by a ghost called the “The Lady In Red.” She has been seen by many people wearing a red Victorian type dress in many locations throughout the boat. She apparently roams the Goldenrod at all hours. Rumor has it that a young lady and her father were visiting St. Louis and upon seeing the Goldenrod the young girl and her father had an argument over her wanting to be an actress. Her father reportedly said no and, in a fit of anger, she ran off the boat and was murdered that night.
The current owner of the vessel, John Schwarz of St. Charles said, “I have heard the stories but have never seen the Lady In Red myself, but apparently she is angry and still on board.” Schwarz said that after they moved the Goldenrod from St. Charles they stored it for a short time on the St. Louis riverfront south of the Gateway Arch. “We had ADT put an alarm on the boat and numerous times we were notified that the alarm had gone off but before we arrived it had reset itself. Once when the alarm went off the St. Louis police discovered that the boat had been broken into and during their investigation they discovered that on a table in the main lounge someone had written Victoria with salt on a table.”
The Goldenrod had been moored in St. Louis at the foot of Locust Street from 1937 until it was purchased by the city and brought to St. Charles in 1989 at the behest of the then CEO of the Convention and Visitors Bureau, Steve Powell. The Goldenrod was considered by many residents to have been a financial drain on the city.
In 2003 the Coast Guard declared the vessel unsafe and the boat was closed thus saving the St. Charles taxpayers the bleeding of millions more. After suffering the loss of millions of dollars of taxpayer money on the vessel, including building a $1.5 million dock that sits vacant at Bishop's Landing in Frontier Park, the city gave the boat to Schwarz and his group in May of 2003 by a unanimous vote of the St. Charles City Council and the approval of the Mayor. (As a side note on the dock, several years ago one of the largest vessels ever to be on the Missouri River, The Hotel Barge, was tied to a tree near downtown St. Charles and passengers were disembarked. When we questioned the Captain why his vessel was not using the $1.5 million dock he replied, “ I am a river man. We don't need any fancy docks. All I need for my boat is a large tree and a stout rope.”)
Schwarz and his group had planned bringing the Goldenrod up to Coast Guard safety standards and then having it moored somewhere in Missouri as a regional entertainment draw. While contemplating on what could be done with the vessel Schwarz had it towed to Calhoun County, Illinois and put in storage. There, with probably some urging by the Lady In Red, an argument between the storage company and Schwarz’s group escalated into a court fight where the outcome could have resulted in a sheriff's sale of the Goldenrod and the eventual dismantling of the vessel. Its steel hull would be valuable if sold for salvage.
Hopefully the Goldenrod will be saved and the boat will continue to float and be the home of the elusive and angry Lady In Red. According to attorney Scott Schultz, who represents Schwarz, “We are close to working out an agreement that is satisfactory to all parties and maintain the historical value of the boat.”
Built in 1909 by the Pope Dock Company of Parkersville, West Virginia for W.R. Markle, the boat cost $75,000 when it was new. It was 200 feet long and 45 feet wide and had an auditorium 162 feet long with twenty-one red velour upholstered boxes and a seating capacity of 1,400.
Several notable entertainers worked on the Goldenrod during its glory days. Red Skelton was a dockhand and when an actor fell ill he took his place and the rest is history. Ted Mack played an offstage bloodhound in one of the melodramas and Bob Hope toured with the Goldenrod. It has also been reported The Goldenrod served as an inspiration for the musical Showboat.
Hopefully by the time this story appears in print a settlement will have been reached. Schwarz told the First capitol News that his group is looking at several options and maybe soon the vessel will be alive with the sounds of music and fine dining and the “Lady In Red” will once again roam the decks of the Historical Landmark Goldenrod Showboat greeting its many guests.
Trial Date Set For Express Scripts vs St. Charles Lawsuit
By Phyllis Schaltenbrand
An April 2008 jury trail date has been set for the Express Scripts vs St. Charles lawsuit that was filed against the City in November of 2006.
The lawsuit was filed after the city rejected demands for $200,000 in damages that Express Scripts claim it suffered after the illegal signing of a contract by Mayor York without the approval of the city council.
In filings with the court the city has admitted that the Mayor signed the contract illegally in violation of the city charter and state statutes.
The contract, illegally signed by Mayor York on June 22, 2004, was not sent through the approval process and it could not be found in any records at city hall. Express Scripts furnished the city legal department with a copy of the signed contract.
This incident was the subject of several city council discussions during the term of the last city council but enough votes among council members could not be found to take action against the Mayor.
A federal grand jury subpoena was served on the city for records including those associated with the signing of this contract.
Further information can be found at firstcapitolnews.blogspot.com in the search field enter Mayor York.
An April 2008 jury trail date has been set for the Express Scripts vs St. Charles lawsuit that was filed against the City in November of 2006.
The lawsuit was filed after the city rejected demands for $200,000 in damages that Express Scripts claim it suffered after the illegal signing of a contract by Mayor York without the approval of the city council.
In filings with the court the city has admitted that the Mayor signed the contract illegally in violation of the city charter and state statutes.
The contract, illegally signed by Mayor York on June 22, 2004, was not sent through the approval process and it could not be found in any records at city hall. Express Scripts furnished the city legal department with a copy of the signed contract.
This incident was the subject of several city council discussions during the term of the last city council but enough votes among council members could not be found to take action against the Mayor.
A federal grand jury subpoena was served on the city for records including those associated with the signing of this contract.
Further information can be found at firstcapitolnews.blogspot.com in the search field enter Mayor York.
Business Owner Complains City Hall Plays Favorites
By Phyllis Schaltenbrand
A St. Charles business owner, who for obvious reasons, does not want to be identified has complained to the First Capitol News that the people at St. Charles City Hall are playing favorites. That comes as no surprise as the First Capitol News has been reporting that for the past seven years.
This particular business owner said a member of the city staff threatened to send him to court and close the business if the banner, approximately 2 foot by 3 foot was not removed from the property. The banner, being used to announce a sale, was only up for a couple of days when the business owner was threatened.
“There are over 80 pods on the parking lot of Bass Pro along with boats and trailers but the city just lets them get by with it,” the business owner said. “And look at St. Joseph Hospital. I like the hospital and feel the folks there do a wonderful job providing health care for me and my neighbors but they have had two four story tall banners hanging on the west side of their building for over four years. The message changes but the banners remain. But when I put up a small banner to grow my business I am harassed. I complain to city hall and instead of my complaints being answered I get more harassment.”
Several months ago the First Capitol News made inquiries to the Community Development Department regarding the large number of pods being used by Bass Pro but the city has not yet responded to our inquiries. Another inquiry is being made to determine the legality of a large number of pods being allowed at Bass Pro for such a long period of time.
A St. Charles business owner, who for obvious reasons, does not want to be identified has complained to the First Capitol News that the people at St. Charles City Hall are playing favorites. That comes as no surprise as the First Capitol News has been reporting that for the past seven years.
This particular business owner said a member of the city staff threatened to send him to court and close the business if the banner, approximately 2 foot by 3 foot was not removed from the property. The banner, being used to announce a sale, was only up for a couple of days when the business owner was threatened.
“There are over 80 pods on the parking lot of Bass Pro along with boats and trailers but the city just lets them get by with it,” the business owner said. “And look at St. Joseph Hospital. I like the hospital and feel the folks there do a wonderful job providing health care for me and my neighbors but they have had two four story tall banners hanging on the west side of their building for over four years. The message changes but the banners remain. But when I put up a small banner to grow my business I am harassed. I complain to city hall and instead of my complaints being answered I get more harassment.”
Several months ago the First Capitol News made inquiries to the Community Development Department regarding the large number of pods being used by Bass Pro but the city has not yet responded to our inquiries. Another inquiry is being made to determine the legality of a large number of pods being allowed at Bass Pro for such a long period of time.
Casino Bars To Stay Open Till 3:00 AM
Casino Bars To Stay Open Till 3:00 AM
The Missouri Gaming Commission has given approval for the bars at Ameristar Casino & Hotel to remain open until 3:00 am while other bars in St. Charles have to adhere to the 1:30 am closing time.
The bars on the casino floor have always been allowed extended closing hours but the bars in the non-casino areas had to close at 1:30 am. Recently the St. Charles City Council and the St. Charles County Council voted to designate the Ameristar property as a convention area thus clearing a path for the subsequent action by the Gaming Commission. Just in time for the opening of the new multi million nightclub at the Casino Hotel which is scheduled to open in December.
The Missouri Gaming Commission has given approval for the bars at Ameristar Casino & Hotel to remain open until 3:00 am while other bars in St. Charles have to adhere to the 1:30 am closing time.
The bars on the casino floor have always been allowed extended closing hours but the bars in the non-casino areas had to close at 1:30 am. Recently the St. Charles City Council and the St. Charles County Council voted to designate the Ameristar property as a convention area thus clearing a path for the subsequent action by the Gaming Commission. Just in time for the opening of the new multi million nightclub at the Casino Hotel which is scheduled to open in December.
Liquor Task Force Plans To Stop Binge Drinking On North Main
By Tony Brockmeyer
In a discussion regarding how to monitor whether licensed liquor establishments in the historic business district comply with the 51% food requirement, Councilman Richard Veit told the council,”The liquor task force is going to have a lot of suggestions. We are discussing cheap alcohol, in fact not allowing certain discounts. We will encourage people to have a high class outfit where they can charge an expensive amount for alcohol to discourage binge drinking.We may have very fine establishments that run afoul of the 51% food requirement. We will have some stuff on using fake ID’s to get into bars and stuff.”
In the past two weeks the city council has approved three new liquor licenses for the historic business district.
Complaints from nearby business owners have prompted councilmembers to take a closer look when new liquor licenses are applied for.
In a discussion regarding how to monitor whether licensed liquor establishments in the historic business district comply with the 51% food requirement, Councilman Richard Veit told the council,”The liquor task force is going to have a lot of suggestions. We are discussing cheap alcohol, in fact not allowing certain discounts. We will encourage people to have a high class outfit where they can charge an expensive amount for alcohol to discourage binge drinking.We may have very fine establishments that run afoul of the 51% food requirement. We will have some stuff on using fake ID’s to get into bars and stuff.”
In the past two weeks the city council has approved three new liquor licenses for the historic business district.
Complaints from nearby business owners have prompted councilmembers to take a closer look when new liquor licenses are applied for.
RAMBLING WITH The Editor Tony Brockmeyer
In 2008 the voters in St.Charles City will be asked to elect a new State Representative for the 18th District. I wish I could say that Tom Dempey's shoes will be hard to fill, but that would not be true. Tom wasted his political leadership capitol by focusing on special interests. As a matter of fact the entire Republican contingent wasted a lot of time and effort. The only interest they displayed was securing a job other than representing the people who voted them into office. Representative Carl Bearden is now a lobbyist, Representative Tom Dempsey left early for a State Senate Seat and State Senator Chuck Gross is now on the county government payroll.
So now that the Republican leadership has special interested our County and City we need to look for someone who can help represent the rest of us. There are two front runners on the Republican side for Dempsey's old seat. Matthew Seed is a newcomer, yet has made his presence felt. Seed has been involved in the lucrative money laundromat once run by Thomas Smith. Seed certainly understands the special interest needed to garner huge donations. Ann Zerr has the old line Republicans believing she can win. The name recognition certainly will help.
The Democrats have two trying to gain support. Mindy Primm a perennial candidate for higher office is on the short list. Mindy's dad, Jim Primm, was one of the most respected political figures in the county before his untimely death. That being said, Mindy is not her dad and she needs to try to get elected at the city or county level before going for the big seats. She would fit perfectly in a race against County Councilman Dan Foust or for the City Council.
Former St. Charles Police Chief Tim Swope has all but announced he is running and running hard as a Democrat. It appears the special interest politics of the Republican party has turned him off. Swope also experienced the politics of personal destruction the Republicans employed with his friend Joe Brazil at the receiving end. Swope has won county wide and is electable in the City.
So here is my prediction, Zerr vs. Primm, Zerr wins 51%-49%. Seed vs. Primm, Seed wins 51%-49%. Zerr vs. Swope, Swope 60%-40%, Seed vs. Swope, Swope 65%-35%. Pretty much a no brainier for the dems, Swope wins hands down.
So now that the Republican leadership has special interested our County and City we need to look for someone who can help represent the rest of us. There are two front runners on the Republican side for Dempsey's old seat. Matthew Seed is a newcomer, yet has made his presence felt. Seed has been involved in the lucrative money laundromat once run by Thomas Smith. Seed certainly understands the special interest needed to garner huge donations. Ann Zerr has the old line Republicans believing she can win. The name recognition certainly will help.
The Democrats have two trying to gain support. Mindy Primm a perennial candidate for higher office is on the short list. Mindy's dad, Jim Primm, was one of the most respected political figures in the county before his untimely death. That being said, Mindy is not her dad and she needs to try to get elected at the city or county level before going for the big seats. She would fit perfectly in a race against County Councilman Dan Foust or for the City Council.
Former St. Charles Police Chief Tim Swope has all but announced he is running and running hard as a Democrat. It appears the special interest politics of the Republican party has turned him off. Swope also experienced the politics of personal destruction the Republicans employed with his friend Joe Brazil at the receiving end. Swope has won county wide and is electable in the City.
So here is my prediction, Zerr vs. Primm, Zerr wins 51%-49%. Seed vs. Primm, Seed wins 51%-49%. Zerr vs. Swope, Swope 60%-40%, Seed vs. Swope, Swope 65%-35%. Pretty much a no brainier for the dems, Swope wins hands down.
EDITORIAL _ County Executive Steve Ehlmann
COUNTY EXECUTIVE STEVE EHLMANN IS THE BEST LOCAL POLITICIAN
A local publication came out with it’s Best Of list this past week. I was happy to see the best of sealant company listed. God knows we all sit down and worry who the best is in the sealant world. The one that made me laugh was the best local politician. Mayor York won again. I guess Lionel, Patti and the council are the only ones that get to vote. My bet is the publication couldn’t produce the proof that would support any of their best of list.
That being said, The First Capitol News is nominating, voting and proclaiming a victor in the First Capitol News best local political figure, and the winner is St. Charles County Executive Steve Ehlmann.
Steve Ehlmann has quietly made his mark on St. Charles County and it’s a positive one. Steve Ehlmann has taken the Family Arena and turned it into a first class venue. Now the patrons choose who they see, not the County Executive.
Former county executive Joe Ortwerth censored the arena events and then the taxpayers had to pay the deficit. Steve Ehlmann has taken the hate for cities out of the county government. He understands he represents all the residents in the county and it’s not a city vs. county world.
County Executive Steve Ehlmann is a quiet politician and appears to be in politics for the right reason, to help and serve the public. For Steve Ehlmann it’s not about being named by a publication the “Best Of”. Nobody need vote in some bogus mail in Best Of contest. Nobody needs to act like the contest wasn’t fixed.
Our winner is a person who appreciates the history of the County and the people. Mayor York is so far out of Steve Ehlmann’s league she needs a telescope to watch the game. We are not going to ask our winner to purchase an ad nor our we going to try and sell ads to anyone for this bestowment upon Steve Ehlmann. But there was a St. Charles taxpayer paid for ad congratulating York for her winning. Wonder if that check and the other thousands to that publication are why she won? Mr. Ehlmann if you ever want to speak about this honor or any other subject please feel free to call.
A local publication came out with it’s Best Of list this past week. I was happy to see the best of sealant company listed. God knows we all sit down and worry who the best is in the sealant world. The one that made me laugh was the best local politician. Mayor York won again. I guess Lionel, Patti and the council are the only ones that get to vote. My bet is the publication couldn’t produce the proof that would support any of their best of list.
That being said, The First Capitol News is nominating, voting and proclaiming a victor in the First Capitol News best local political figure, and the winner is St. Charles County Executive Steve Ehlmann.
Steve Ehlmann has quietly made his mark on St. Charles County and it’s a positive one. Steve Ehlmann has taken the Family Arena and turned it into a first class venue. Now the patrons choose who they see, not the County Executive.
Former county executive Joe Ortwerth censored the arena events and then the taxpayers had to pay the deficit. Steve Ehlmann has taken the hate for cities out of the county government. He understands he represents all the residents in the county and it’s not a city vs. county world.
County Executive Steve Ehlmann is a quiet politician and appears to be in politics for the right reason, to help and serve the public. For Steve Ehlmann it’s not about being named by a publication the “Best Of”. Nobody need vote in some bogus mail in Best Of contest. Nobody needs to act like the contest wasn’t fixed.
Our winner is a person who appreciates the history of the County and the people. Mayor York is so far out of Steve Ehlmann’s league she needs a telescope to watch the game. We are not going to ask our winner to purchase an ad nor our we going to try and sell ads to anyone for this bestowment upon Steve Ehlmann. But there was a St. Charles taxpayer paid for ad congratulating York for her winning. Wonder if that check and the other thousands to that publication are why she won? Mr. Ehlmann if you ever want to speak about this honor or any other subject please feel free to call.
THE CITY DESK - Rory Riddler
When Did Halloween Get
Run Over By Christmas?
Maybe it is the pumpkin shortage that got to me, but I’m really missing the normal flow of the seasons. Sometime shortly after Labor Day, Sears opened their Christmas trim-a-tree display. Even the sales people winced a bit at all the comments they were getting about jumping the gun.
It was bad enough a few years ago to see retailers rush to put up Christmas right after Halloween. But now, to see aisles of the undead competing with Frosty the Snowman sends shudders up my spine.
I got a big dose of this kind of holiday compression when I tuned in to Tim Ezell’s segment on Channel 2 one morning last week. He was promoting a St. Louis County park that was holding a Christmas tree lighting ceremony on the first of November!
Of course Halloween got its start simply as the eve of All Saints Day. Bad enough to have the good works of thousands of Saints (at least the thousands that existed pre-Vatican II) upstaged by an annual costumed sugar harvest. Now it’s being further downgraded to “Christmas Tree Lighting Day” by the St. Louis County Parks System. Sorry Saint Peter.
Then in the calendar section I saw that Fete de Noel de Soulard was going to take place last Saturday, November 3rd, with the arrival of Santa in Soulard! Are they sure he didn’t just get drunk at Mardi Gras and forget to go home?
I went to Schnucks on Zumbehl with my brother that same Saturday. And what to my wondering eyes should appear…but a bell ringer for the Salvation Army Tree of Lights. It seems that after falling a bit short last year, they decided to start a week or two earlier. This put them in direct competition with a poor guy trying to collect money for diabetes research. I gave him a dollar on the way out just because I felt sorry for him having to compete with the bell ringers. He might want to try selling candy next time. (And yes, I am only kidding about the candy.)
Keeping holidays separate has always been important around our house. Our daughter was scheduled to be induced on October 31st. but my wife Sue told the doctor that wasn’t happening. First, we had a four year old son to take trick or treating and secondly, we weren’t going to have our daughter’s birthday compete with Halloween.
My father remembers when families got their Christmas trees just a few days before the holiday and decorated them on Christmas Eve. For younger readers, and by that I mean anyone born after 1950, you may find that hard to believe. Rent a copy of the Bishop’s Wife, the good version with Cary Grant. You’ll see he’s helping decorate the Christmas tree on December 24th.
Today I feel like Scrooge if the tree isn’t up and decorated by the second week in December. That’s a bit trickier with a real tree. I’m still waiting for bio-engineers to make a tree whose needles won’t turn brown and fall off till January 2nd.
What all of these little assaults end up doing, is reducing Thanksgiving to the “Half-Time” show of the Christmas Shopping Season. Call me old fashioned…wait, no, that makes me sound too old. Call me a neo-traditionalist. I remember when Christmas was “unveiled” by the big department stores the Friday after Thanksgiving.
That’s when your parents loaded the family into the ’59 Chevy and you would all drive downtown to admire the Christmas windows at Famous-Barr and Stix, to visit Santa Land (before Santa started hanging out in Soulard all year) and to see the wonderful decorations and displays that graced the main floor. Sure the downtown department stores became economic dinosaurs in the 1970s, but it really isn’t asking too much for Macys to keep a little more of that Miracle On 34th Street feeling alive.
Perhaps I’m a little overprotective of Thanksgiving, but I enjoy contemplating harvest time, our debt to the Pilgrims, to Native Americans and to college football. Once the turkey and cranberry sauce has been relegated to the status of leftovers, then I’m ready for the start of the Christmas Season. I just want to enjoy all the holidays and season’s of the year without someone putting them in a blender and making them come out homogenized…like most of the Disney characters of the past twenty years.
Maybe I’m just tired of having to be a quick change artist, rushing to get up the next set of holiday decorations before I’m done enjoying the current ones. At this rate I’ll have to install a conveyor belt to get boxes of decorations out of the basement faster.
Personally I blame the 2008 Presidential Election. Several states keep battling to be the first primary state in a giant game of chicken called “How early can you schedule a 2008 primary election and still call it the 2008 election?” Now that the Iowa Caucus has been moved up to January 3rd, New Hampshire is probably eyeing New Years. This, of course, caused a rift in the space-time continuum which explains Santa Claus being spotted in Soulard before we even Fall Back for Daylight Savings Time.
It may also all be a result of global warming. Santa’s reindeer are becoming confused and disoriented as the ice shelves melt around them. Perhaps I can get a government grant to study that.
At this rate, we’ll be handing out candy canes at the door next Halloween.
ttt
Run Over By Christmas?
Maybe it is the pumpkin shortage that got to me, but I’m really missing the normal flow of the seasons. Sometime shortly after Labor Day, Sears opened their Christmas trim-a-tree display. Even the sales people winced a bit at all the comments they were getting about jumping the gun.
It was bad enough a few years ago to see retailers rush to put up Christmas right after Halloween. But now, to see aisles of the undead competing with Frosty the Snowman sends shudders up my spine.
I got a big dose of this kind of holiday compression when I tuned in to Tim Ezell’s segment on Channel 2 one morning last week. He was promoting a St. Louis County park that was holding a Christmas tree lighting ceremony on the first of November!
Of course Halloween got its start simply as the eve of All Saints Day. Bad enough to have the good works of thousands of Saints (at least the thousands that existed pre-Vatican II) upstaged by an annual costumed sugar harvest. Now it’s being further downgraded to “Christmas Tree Lighting Day” by the St. Louis County Parks System. Sorry Saint Peter.
Then in the calendar section I saw that Fete de Noel de Soulard was going to take place last Saturday, November 3rd, with the arrival of Santa in Soulard! Are they sure he didn’t just get drunk at Mardi Gras and forget to go home?
I went to Schnucks on Zumbehl with my brother that same Saturday. And what to my wondering eyes should appear…but a bell ringer for the Salvation Army Tree of Lights. It seems that after falling a bit short last year, they decided to start a week or two earlier. This put them in direct competition with a poor guy trying to collect money for diabetes research. I gave him a dollar on the way out just because I felt sorry for him having to compete with the bell ringers. He might want to try selling candy next time. (And yes, I am only kidding about the candy.)
Keeping holidays separate has always been important around our house. Our daughter was scheduled to be induced on October 31st. but my wife Sue told the doctor that wasn’t happening. First, we had a four year old son to take trick or treating and secondly, we weren’t going to have our daughter’s birthday compete with Halloween.
My father remembers when families got their Christmas trees just a few days before the holiday and decorated them on Christmas Eve. For younger readers, and by that I mean anyone born after 1950, you may find that hard to believe. Rent a copy of the Bishop’s Wife, the good version with Cary Grant. You’ll see he’s helping decorate the Christmas tree on December 24th.
Today I feel like Scrooge if the tree isn’t up and decorated by the second week in December. That’s a bit trickier with a real tree. I’m still waiting for bio-engineers to make a tree whose needles won’t turn brown and fall off till January 2nd.
What all of these little assaults end up doing, is reducing Thanksgiving to the “Half-Time” show of the Christmas Shopping Season. Call me old fashioned…wait, no, that makes me sound too old. Call me a neo-traditionalist. I remember when Christmas was “unveiled” by the big department stores the Friday after Thanksgiving.
That’s when your parents loaded the family into the ’59 Chevy and you would all drive downtown to admire the Christmas windows at Famous-Barr and Stix, to visit Santa Land (before Santa started hanging out in Soulard all year) and to see the wonderful decorations and displays that graced the main floor. Sure the downtown department stores became economic dinosaurs in the 1970s, but it really isn’t asking too much for Macys to keep a little more of that Miracle On 34th Street feeling alive.
Perhaps I’m a little overprotective of Thanksgiving, but I enjoy contemplating harvest time, our debt to the Pilgrims, to Native Americans and to college football. Once the turkey and cranberry sauce has been relegated to the status of leftovers, then I’m ready for the start of the Christmas Season. I just want to enjoy all the holidays and season’s of the year without someone putting them in a blender and making them come out homogenized…like most of the Disney characters of the past twenty years.
Maybe I’m just tired of having to be a quick change artist, rushing to get up the next set of holiday decorations before I’m done enjoying the current ones. At this rate I’ll have to install a conveyor belt to get boxes of decorations out of the basement faster.
Personally I blame the 2008 Presidential Election. Several states keep battling to be the first primary state in a giant game of chicken called “How early can you schedule a 2008 primary election and still call it the 2008 election?” Now that the Iowa Caucus has been moved up to January 3rd, New Hampshire is probably eyeing New Years. This, of course, caused a rift in the space-time continuum which explains Santa Claus being spotted in Soulard before we even Fall Back for Daylight Savings Time.
It may also all be a result of global warming. Santa’s reindeer are becoming confused and disoriented as the ice shelves melt around them. Perhaps I can get a government grant to study that.
At this rate, we’ll be handing out candy canes at the door next Halloween.
ttt
THE PEOPLE SPEAK - Letters To The Editor
Dear Editor,
Once again I have to agree with Rory Riddler.
So glad you “stood up” for the much-needed arts, Rory.
From the Crescendo Concert series to Act II, Flood Stage, St. Charles County Symphony, Missouri Choral, (and other chorales and instrumentalists) all are needed: Lindenwood and the City Band, Jazz, Classical all, give to the well being of this town.
I’ve harped on the need to support them (no pun intended) and to attend the music, dance and voice.
I consider myself blessed.
Most of this is free or very inexpensive. May I continue to be entertained by these fine artists for a long time yet.
I applaud you all.
Lilah Contine
Dear Editor,
In March, the Saint Charles School District administration went before the school board with the bus plan for their new reorganization. This amazing plan, according to them, was capable of transporting the increased numbers of children, across greater distances, yet would not require any additional busses.
When this plan was finally revealed months later, this administration described the horrible retching noise that followed as just “a few hick-ups”, blaming the parents and children for the problems. As their plan continued to crumble, this administration decided they also needed to blame the bus drivers and the bus company.
We pay these administrator’s six-figure salaries and they bungled the most important aspect of their reorganization. This administration failed miserably then refused to take responsibility. In my book that makes them irresponsible, but it’s even worse.
In April, their financial officer said it costs this district about $50,000 a year for each bus. They are currently hoping to lease out a school they closed for $100,000 a year, the cost of two buses. If this administration had kept that school open, they could have left the fifth graders in the elementary schools, wouldn’t have needed to bus them and the other middle school children all over town. Instead of the 40+ buses they’re using now, they could have done it with 30, maybe even the original 25. This administration’s ill-conceived reorganization is wasting more than $500,000 on buses rather than saving money (and schools).
Since this administration can’t do the job they claimed they would do, can’t do the job they’re over-paid to do, then perhaps the best solution for our district is to not pay them at all. The only “children” to blame for this mess are the incompetents on Country Club Road.
Jim DuMontelle
Once again I have to agree with Rory Riddler.
So glad you “stood up” for the much-needed arts, Rory.
From the Crescendo Concert series to Act II, Flood Stage, St. Charles County Symphony, Missouri Choral, (and other chorales and instrumentalists) all are needed: Lindenwood and the City Band, Jazz, Classical all, give to the well being of this town.
I’ve harped on the need to support them (no pun intended) and to attend the music, dance and voice.
I consider myself blessed.
Most of this is free or very inexpensive. May I continue to be entertained by these fine artists for a long time yet.
I applaud you all.
Lilah Contine
Dear Editor,
In March, the Saint Charles School District administration went before the school board with the bus plan for their new reorganization. This amazing plan, according to them, was capable of transporting the increased numbers of children, across greater distances, yet would not require any additional busses.
When this plan was finally revealed months later, this administration described the horrible retching noise that followed as just “a few hick-ups”, blaming the parents and children for the problems. As their plan continued to crumble, this administration decided they also needed to blame the bus drivers and the bus company.
We pay these administrator’s six-figure salaries and they bungled the most important aspect of their reorganization. This administration failed miserably then refused to take responsibility. In my book that makes them irresponsible, but it’s even worse.
In April, their financial officer said it costs this district about $50,000 a year for each bus. They are currently hoping to lease out a school they closed for $100,000 a year, the cost of two buses. If this administration had kept that school open, they could have left the fifth graders in the elementary schools, wouldn’t have needed to bus them and the other middle school children all over town. Instead of the 40+ buses they’re using now, they could have done it with 30, maybe even the original 25. This administration’s ill-conceived reorganization is wasting more than $500,000 on buses rather than saving money (and schools).
Since this administration can’t do the job they claimed they would do, can’t do the job they’re over-paid to do, then perhaps the best solution for our district is to not pay them at all. The only “children” to blame for this mess are the incompetents on Country Club Road.
Jim DuMontelle
CASE IN POINT by Joe Koester
“Always design a thing by considering it in its next larger context — a chair in a room, a room in a house, a house in an environment, an environment in a city plan.”
Eliel Saarinen
One exciting plan that the City had been planning is a city-wide trail system. While on council, I had an opportunity to see the preliminary plans and give some input on the project. It was my hope that the greatest majority of the trails would be off-street whenever possible. This can be a challenge in an older town that has established neighborhoods and little open space; however, there are several key projects that should be considered immediately so that at least these projects can be tied into the trails plan effortlessly. One location includes the golf course development off of Friedens (Had the St. Andrews location been annexed into the St. Charles City, then I would include this location – perhaps the County could still consider hooking that location into the City plan). While many in St. Charles may not think of our town as a walking city, we have the best chance in the county to become just that. It is this kind of advantage that can help make St. Charles a viable option for young families who now overlook us mainly due to cheaper and newer housing stock farther west. If a house in St. Charles were to come with greater amenities such as intricate trails that allow for biking around town, this could help draw residents here who see St. Charles as a true community rather than a boring bedroom community filled with cul-de-sacs and strip malls.
One of the factors placing Columbia, Missouri regularly among the most desirable communities in the nation is its “walkability.”
St. Charles has many other factors already that help to make it a desirable town and a few that detract from this. Readers know most of what both of these lists include – some pros: varied housing stock; hospital; proximity to highways, airport, and services; parks and recreation; identifiable downtown area; arts; festivals; entertainment. Some cons: shuttered businesses; lack of services such as retail; grade schools and middle schools that are far from many residents resulting in longer bussing times; many areas of town with old infrastructure; *good-old-boy politics. *This last one is particularly entertaining to hear people talk about because this claim goes back as long as I can remember. Many moving here in the 1970s and 1980s made the same claims and you see that addition of St. Louisians has not changed this gripe and in many regards many people believe it is worse than ever.
I remember as a young adult being amazed at what little our City asked of developers – I’m talking about when St. Charles really was the place to move to! Many developments weren’t required to put in sidewalks or any amenities for that matter. Some developments allowed shoddy construction resulting in buildings inferior buildings that look pretty bad for their age. Of course, this is a direct result of the “best democracy money can buy” and should be expected when politicians have to finance expensive elections and depend upon businesses – including developers – for contributions to run those campaigns.
Regardless, an opportunity was passed up and now St. Charles needs to take steps to make our town more and more desirable. One way this can be done is to embrace a “greening” of our community, including a trail system that could be used by bikers to get from here to there.
Other things that could be included into a green plan would be continued encouragement of the recycling program; a rebate program for installing compact florescent lighting and a recycle program for those same bulbs; a tree planting initiative for both businesses and residential properties; study of where wind/solar power could be implemented in town to cut utility costs for our schools and public spaces.
One place that comes to mind where the City could permit tree plantings would be the farthest portion of Target’s parking lot. No one has ever parked in this lot (at least not someone who then went to Target to shop). The City mandates parking space requirements and could reduce the number required here and ask Target to plant a mixed stand of trees that would reduce water runoff, trap tons of carbon, and provide wildlife habitat. As for residential tree plantings – the City could contract to put in a set number of trees in front yards throughout town each year free of charge to residents to help green up the streetscape. Take a drive through parts of Bob Kneemiller’s neighborhood and you’ll be amazed after fifteen or more years the number of homes that still have no trees in their yards!
Our town does need the vision to make certain that we do not become the “stagnant, old part of the county.” One very good way to stave off this perception is to become the most progressive town in the county.
Eliel Saarinen
One exciting plan that the City had been planning is a city-wide trail system. While on council, I had an opportunity to see the preliminary plans and give some input on the project. It was my hope that the greatest majority of the trails would be off-street whenever possible. This can be a challenge in an older town that has established neighborhoods and little open space; however, there are several key projects that should be considered immediately so that at least these projects can be tied into the trails plan effortlessly. One location includes the golf course development off of Friedens (Had the St. Andrews location been annexed into the St. Charles City, then I would include this location – perhaps the County could still consider hooking that location into the City plan). While many in St. Charles may not think of our town as a walking city, we have the best chance in the county to become just that. It is this kind of advantage that can help make St. Charles a viable option for young families who now overlook us mainly due to cheaper and newer housing stock farther west. If a house in St. Charles were to come with greater amenities such as intricate trails that allow for biking around town, this could help draw residents here who see St. Charles as a true community rather than a boring bedroom community filled with cul-de-sacs and strip malls.
One of the factors placing Columbia, Missouri regularly among the most desirable communities in the nation is its “walkability.”
St. Charles has many other factors already that help to make it a desirable town and a few that detract from this. Readers know most of what both of these lists include – some pros: varied housing stock; hospital; proximity to highways, airport, and services; parks and recreation; identifiable downtown area; arts; festivals; entertainment. Some cons: shuttered businesses; lack of services such as retail; grade schools and middle schools that are far from many residents resulting in longer bussing times; many areas of town with old infrastructure; *good-old-boy politics. *This last one is particularly entertaining to hear people talk about because this claim goes back as long as I can remember. Many moving here in the 1970s and 1980s made the same claims and you see that addition of St. Louisians has not changed this gripe and in many regards many people believe it is worse than ever.
I remember as a young adult being amazed at what little our City asked of developers – I’m talking about when St. Charles really was the place to move to! Many developments weren’t required to put in sidewalks or any amenities for that matter. Some developments allowed shoddy construction resulting in buildings inferior buildings that look pretty bad for their age. Of course, this is a direct result of the “best democracy money can buy” and should be expected when politicians have to finance expensive elections and depend upon businesses – including developers – for contributions to run those campaigns.
Regardless, an opportunity was passed up and now St. Charles needs to take steps to make our town more and more desirable. One way this can be done is to embrace a “greening” of our community, including a trail system that could be used by bikers to get from here to there.
Other things that could be included into a green plan would be continued encouragement of the recycling program; a rebate program for installing compact florescent lighting and a recycle program for those same bulbs; a tree planting initiative for both businesses and residential properties; study of where wind/solar power could be implemented in town to cut utility costs for our schools and public spaces.
One place that comes to mind where the City could permit tree plantings would be the farthest portion of Target’s parking lot. No one has ever parked in this lot (at least not someone who then went to Target to shop). The City mandates parking space requirements and could reduce the number required here and ask Target to plant a mixed stand of trees that would reduce water runoff, trap tons of carbon, and provide wildlife habitat. As for residential tree plantings – the City could contract to put in a set number of trees in front yards throughout town each year free of charge to residents to help green up the streetscape. Take a drive through parts of Bob Kneemiller’s neighborhood and you’ll be amazed after fifteen or more years the number of homes that still have no trees in their yards!
Our town does need the vision to make certain that we do not become the “stagnant, old part of the county.” One very good way to stave off this perception is to become the most progressive town in the county.
The View From The Cheap Seats by Jerry Hafferkamp
By Jerry Haferkamp
It was the 11th hour of the 11th day of the 11th month, 1918. The German surrender took place in the railway carriage of French General Ferdinand Foch. This act signified the end of World War I, the “War to end all wars”. When it ended, an estimated 13 million soldiers were dead or missing. Of course, it wasn’t really the end of all wars. In fact, when Germany forced the surrender of the French in World War II, Hitler thought it poetic justice that the French surrender in that same rail carriage.
There have been wars since the beginning of time. When people can’t come to a resolution of their differences, wars and killing are sometimes the result. Probably the first reference to this is when Cain killed his brother in the Garden of Eden and it progressed as time went on.
War always spawns the “anti-war” protesters. The only “pro-war” faction that I can think of would be war profiteers. In the past, they were punished. Today, they are rewarded with military contracts. No one I know is “pro-war”, not even those who support the current war.
The most “anti-war” people I can think of are the brave men and women in our military. No on hates war more than the ones who could ultimately die in war, these men and women. But to protect our way of life and bring freedom to millions, they answer the call. Whether their assignment is in a safe area or in the teeth of the fight, they would all probably rather be at home having dinner with their families.
On Sunday, Veterans’ Day, there will be an opportunity for all of us to give thanks to our protectors. On that day, at the 11th hour of the 11th day of the 11th month, a ceremony will be held at the Veterans’ Memorial monument on our riverfront. The monument is located adjacent to the boathouse/museum at the foot of Boone’s Lick Road.
Attending won’t mean you are supporting this or any other war. It means you are supporting those who served when called. Come down and show our veterans you care. They certainly care for you.
That’s the view from the cheap seats.
It was the 11th hour of the 11th day of the 11th month, 1918. The German surrender took place in the railway carriage of French General Ferdinand Foch. This act signified the end of World War I, the “War to end all wars”. When it ended, an estimated 13 million soldiers were dead or missing. Of course, it wasn’t really the end of all wars. In fact, when Germany forced the surrender of the French in World War II, Hitler thought it poetic justice that the French surrender in that same rail carriage.
There have been wars since the beginning of time. When people can’t come to a resolution of their differences, wars and killing are sometimes the result. Probably the first reference to this is when Cain killed his brother in the Garden of Eden and it progressed as time went on.
War always spawns the “anti-war” protesters. The only “pro-war” faction that I can think of would be war profiteers. In the past, they were punished. Today, they are rewarded with military contracts. No one I know is “pro-war”, not even those who support the current war.
The most “anti-war” people I can think of are the brave men and women in our military. No on hates war more than the ones who could ultimately die in war, these men and women. But to protect our way of life and bring freedom to millions, they answer the call. Whether their assignment is in a safe area or in the teeth of the fight, they would all probably rather be at home having dinner with their families.
On Sunday, Veterans’ Day, there will be an opportunity for all of us to give thanks to our protectors. On that day, at the 11th hour of the 11th day of the 11th month, a ceremony will be held at the Veterans’ Memorial monument on our riverfront. The monument is located adjacent to the boathouse/museum at the foot of Boone’s Lick Road.
Attending won’t mean you are supporting this or any other war. It means you are supporting those who served when called. Come down and show our veterans you care. They certainly care for you.
That’s the view from the cheap seats.
Success Despite Adversity - St. Charles Office Furniture
Success Despite Adversity
St. Charles
Office Furniture
A profile of Pete Barteau, former police chief, deli operator and owner of St. Charles New & Used Office Furniture
By Tony Brockmeyer
We first wrote about Pete and St. Charles Office Furniture in March of 2002. After operating out of several strip mall stores on Highway 94 North, they are now located in a large 17,000 square foot warehouse on Fountain Lakes.
Pete Barteau and I grew up a few blocks apart in Florissant. That was back when the population was about 250. Somewhere in our lineage we believe that we were related. My grandmother was a Barteau. But more of that later.
While Pete worked as a police chief in Hillsdale, Edmundson, St. John and Pevely, his wife Pat operated a deli for ten years on Highway 94 South. At the urging of his wife, Pete quit the Pevely police department to help her at the deli. Then came the 1993 flood, which ruined the deli and left them both out of work.
“After the flood we didn’t know what to do,” Pete said. “Everybody around us was filing bankruptcy. We told our creditors, don’t sue us and we will get you all paid.” Pepsi wrote us a nice letter of credit for $7000 but we didn’t want to get back in the deli business because the business is hard and you are on your feet a lot.”
In December of 1993 Pete started selling office furniture out of a two-car garage with two desks that he got from McDonnell Douglas. “They were so ugly you wouldn’t even want them in your garage, but, I sold them. I remember going to the hospital and telling my father, dad I sold those two desks that I cleaned up and painted for $75. Two ugly old desks that I fixed up. He was in intensive care dying. He rose up smiled and layed back down. He has passed, but, if he could see me now he would really be happy”.
When asked how he decided on office furniture Pete said, “I knew that every office had to have a desk and every desk had to have a chair and I just though I would give it a try. That is how I started. I had a dream. I wanted to be the biggest and the best and actually my dream has come true. I pray a lot when I go to bed at night. I really do. I thank God for all the good things that have happened to me throughout the day. Things just seem to get better and better, I swear.”
Pete started with used office furniture but later added new office furniture. “I never thought I could sell new,” Pete remarked. “But I had customers come in who wanted new furniture. So I started a little piece here and a little piece there. I gave them good deals that they couldn’t get anywhere else. I actually helped little businesses that were starting out and couldn’t afford to put out a lot of money so I gave them a lot of credit. I extended credit to them with no interest. Helped small little insurance companies and things like that get started. They have come back to me bought more and more because nobody else would do for them what I did. I kind of grew my business that way. I have the best.”
When St. Charles Office Furniture sells office furniture it is cleaned up and is fixed up before it is ever offered for sale because Pete wants his customers to have a good product. At St. Charles Office Furniture they care about their customers.
Pete was asked as a successful businessman what advice would he give to someone just starting out in business. “Be honest with your customers. Give them a good product for their money. And above all stand behind your product,” he said.
Pete said that the most important things he has learned, as a businessman was integrity. ‘When I sell a product to a person I am excited about the product. When they walk out the door I know they have a good product. I know they have a product that is going to last them. I know they have a product that is going to hold up. Be honest with your customers, give them a good value and stand behind it.”
St. Charles Office Furniture sells top of the line business furniture. Steel Case, Hayworth, Herman Miller, DSA, Performance, and most major brands. If you need something that St. Charles Furniture does not have they will get it for you. Financing is available. Delivery and set-up is also available.
Asked if he had any disappointments Pete said, “No disappointments, not really. Everything has been good. I have to say, and I don’t know why everything has been good. I am just treated well. Maybe it is the praying I do at night before I go to bed. God has been good to me. I have to say that.”
Pete’s wife Pat has retired from the business but other members of his family are involved.
The 17,000 square feet of office furniture at St. Charles Office furniture can be found at 710 Fountain Lakes Boulevard. Their hours are 9:00 am to 5:00 pm Monday through Friday and 9:00 am to 3:00 pm on Saturday and they can be reached at 636 947-3172.
During the time we were growing up in Florissant the city had a volunteer fire department. When you called the station for a fire alarm the hone would set off the siren that was located atop the firehouse. When you heard the siren go off drivers knew it was time to get off the streets. The firemen, most of whom were local businessmen, would jump in their cars; turn on their red lights and sirens and race to the firehouse. When they arrived they leaped from their vehicles and ran for the fire truck. Their personal cars were sitting all over the streets by the firehouse with their motors running, headlights on and red lights flashing. Pete lived across the street from the firehouse. The volunteer firemen trained him on how to turn off their cars and lights. When the fire truck pulled out Pete would run over and turn off the cars and the lights and stay there and keep an eye on things until the firemen returned. His reward was a bottle of soda. I would have liked to have had that job, but, Pete had it sewed up.
St. Charles
Office Furniture
A profile of Pete Barteau, former police chief, deli operator and owner of St. Charles New & Used Office Furniture
By Tony Brockmeyer
We first wrote about Pete and St. Charles Office Furniture in March of 2002. After operating out of several strip mall stores on Highway 94 North, they are now located in a large 17,000 square foot warehouse on Fountain Lakes.
Pete Barteau and I grew up a few blocks apart in Florissant. That was back when the population was about 250. Somewhere in our lineage we believe that we were related. My grandmother was a Barteau. But more of that later.
While Pete worked as a police chief in Hillsdale, Edmundson, St. John and Pevely, his wife Pat operated a deli for ten years on Highway 94 South. At the urging of his wife, Pete quit the Pevely police department to help her at the deli. Then came the 1993 flood, which ruined the deli and left them both out of work.
“After the flood we didn’t know what to do,” Pete said. “Everybody around us was filing bankruptcy. We told our creditors, don’t sue us and we will get you all paid.” Pepsi wrote us a nice letter of credit for $7000 but we didn’t want to get back in the deli business because the business is hard and you are on your feet a lot.”
In December of 1993 Pete started selling office furniture out of a two-car garage with two desks that he got from McDonnell Douglas. “They were so ugly you wouldn’t even want them in your garage, but, I sold them. I remember going to the hospital and telling my father, dad I sold those two desks that I cleaned up and painted for $75. Two ugly old desks that I fixed up. He was in intensive care dying. He rose up smiled and layed back down. He has passed, but, if he could see me now he would really be happy”.
When asked how he decided on office furniture Pete said, “I knew that every office had to have a desk and every desk had to have a chair and I just though I would give it a try. That is how I started. I had a dream. I wanted to be the biggest and the best and actually my dream has come true. I pray a lot when I go to bed at night. I really do. I thank God for all the good things that have happened to me throughout the day. Things just seem to get better and better, I swear.”
Pete started with used office furniture but later added new office furniture. “I never thought I could sell new,” Pete remarked. “But I had customers come in who wanted new furniture. So I started a little piece here and a little piece there. I gave them good deals that they couldn’t get anywhere else. I actually helped little businesses that were starting out and couldn’t afford to put out a lot of money so I gave them a lot of credit. I extended credit to them with no interest. Helped small little insurance companies and things like that get started. They have come back to me bought more and more because nobody else would do for them what I did. I kind of grew my business that way. I have the best.”
When St. Charles Office Furniture sells office furniture it is cleaned up and is fixed up before it is ever offered for sale because Pete wants his customers to have a good product. At St. Charles Office Furniture they care about their customers.
Pete was asked as a successful businessman what advice would he give to someone just starting out in business. “Be honest with your customers. Give them a good product for their money. And above all stand behind your product,” he said.
Pete said that the most important things he has learned, as a businessman was integrity. ‘When I sell a product to a person I am excited about the product. When they walk out the door I know they have a good product. I know they have a product that is going to last them. I know they have a product that is going to hold up. Be honest with your customers, give them a good value and stand behind it.”
St. Charles Office Furniture sells top of the line business furniture. Steel Case, Hayworth, Herman Miller, DSA, Performance, and most major brands. If you need something that St. Charles Furniture does not have they will get it for you. Financing is available. Delivery and set-up is also available.
Asked if he had any disappointments Pete said, “No disappointments, not really. Everything has been good. I have to say, and I don’t know why everything has been good. I am just treated well. Maybe it is the praying I do at night before I go to bed. God has been good to me. I have to say that.”
Pete’s wife Pat has retired from the business but other members of his family are involved.
The 17,000 square feet of office furniture at St. Charles Office furniture can be found at 710 Fountain Lakes Boulevard. Their hours are 9:00 am to 5:00 pm Monday through Friday and 9:00 am to 3:00 pm on Saturday and they can be reached at 636 947-3172.
During the time we were growing up in Florissant the city had a volunteer fire department. When you called the station for a fire alarm the hone would set off the siren that was located atop the firehouse. When you heard the siren go off drivers knew it was time to get off the streets. The firemen, most of whom were local businessmen, would jump in their cars; turn on their red lights and sirens and race to the firehouse. When they arrived they leaped from their vehicles and ran for the fire truck. Their personal cars were sitting all over the streets by the firehouse with their motors running, headlights on and red lights flashing. Pete lived across the street from the firehouse. The volunteer firemen trained him on how to turn off their cars and lights. When the fire truck pulled out Pete would run over and turn off the cars and the lights and stay there and keep an eye on things until the firemen returned. His reward was a bottle of soda. I would have liked to have had that job, but, Pete had it sewed up.
Subscribe to:
Posts (Atom)