The Brightest Lights In Washington
Aren’t Necessarily On Capitol Hill
Greetings from Washington, D.C. I’m filing this week’s column from our nation’s capitol while attending the National League of Cities Congressional Conference. While I didn’t score any press credentials for the White House (despite being an avid fan of The West Wing) there were lots of interesting people to talk to besides the President and Vice-President.
There was the doorman at the hotel, a night clerk, a cab driver and the woman behind the counter at the Krispy Kreme. They all knew about as much as anyone I met on Capitol Hill about what needs done in this country. Perhaps even a little bit more.
To start with, the rising cost of health care would be their top priority. None of them had health insurance. Everyone on Capitol Hill does. None of them got money from big drug manufacturers. But it seems a lot of people on Capitol Hill did.
The people I talked to were all working at night and probably had too much stress in their lives. Of course most members of Congress work nights too. There are a lot of parties to attend and somebody has to do it. The lobbyists aren’t going to just wine and dine themselves.
All of the real Washingtonians I met seemed to be counting on Social Security when they retire. They must not have had the same luck investing in stock portfolios as those Senators and Congressmen who want us to invest in private accounts.
Not that a majority of people on Capitol Hill really care what the residents of the District of Columbia think. They are a federally “managed” area, not a State or part of any state. They aren’t even allowed to have a real Congressman so they have no real voice in how our nation’s governed.
The Mayor of Washington, the Honorable Anthony Williams, made that point when he spoke to the delegates of our convention on Sunday. He pointed out that the District of Columbia, with a population of over 572,000, has more people than the State of Wyoming (the home of Vice-President Dick Cheny), but is still denied a vote in Congress. Seems to me we fought a revolution or something to insure no taxation without representation.
This morning I turned on the news and there was Mayor Williams appearing at a news conference. I thought it was a fluff piece about the conference, but they all looked too serious. Turning up the volume I learned there had been an anthrax scare involving the Pentagon and that a Washington Post Office had been closed and hundreds of workers were getting shots of antibiotics “just in case”…just in case.
It really made me think about how the people who live and work in our Nation’s Capitol are on the front line of the War On Terror. That made their lack of representation in Congress all the more egregious.
Abraham Lincoln understood the problem. Take out a penny and look at the back. There is the Lincoln Memorial, one of the most visible symbols of our United States. Most visitors take the time to read The Gettysburg Address carved on its walls. A few less take the time to read the text of Lincoln’s Second Inaugural Address on the opposite wall.
But if you take the time to visit the museum beneath the monument, they have a few more of Lincoln’s words carved in stone. Those who oppose giving the residents of the District of Columbia a vote in Congress should take the time to read these words:
“Allow all the governed an equal voice in government, and that, and only that, is self government.”
Abraham Lincoln (October 16, 1854, Peoria, Illinois)
I met a city official from Kansas my first day at the conference. He said he came to tell the Washington politicians and bureaucrats to quit ignoring the rest of the country. If he lived in Washington and had those views I would take him for a Democrat. But because he was from Kansas and had those same views, I figured he was a Republican. It’s funny how much Americans agree when they stop calling each other names during elections.
I think it was our own Harry Truman who said, “It’s amazing how much you can accomplish when you don’t take any of the credit.” I sometimes think the members of Congress have forgotten what it’s like to talk, just simply talk, to someone of the opposite political party without accusing them of something. Maybe we should mix up the seating arrangements or make them carpool together. Or every Thursday could be take a Republican or Democrat to lunch day. The lobbyists and special interest groups would just have to make do with six other luncheon dates a week.
With me in Washington are Council members Mark Brown, John Gieske and Larry Muench as well as the Mayor. We’re hearing some pretty good speakers, like Chris Mathews and Senators Joe Biden (D- Delaware) and Lamar Alexander (R-Tennessee). One speaker said, half tongue-in-cheek, that a “friend” in Washington is someone who stabs you in the chest instead of the back. Politics here is a full contact sport and there are a lot of issues at stake for cities.
One is the continuation of Community Development Block Grants (CDBG funds). The loss of CDBG funds just shifts more of the tax burden on to local taxpayers. The lack of Federal funding to help local police and public safety agencies to provide Homeland Security is another hot topic at the conference.
Other important issues are transportation funding (a big one for St. Charles) and trying to figure out what the United States Supreme Court will do with eminent domain powers. The Court is deliberating on a case involving eminent domain by a community for economic redevelopment. This has been a major tool for cities and counties across the nation to eliminate blight, assemble land for parks, new roads, etc. A major shift by the Court could have a profound effect on the role of government and is being followed closely by municipal officials.
As the conference participants flocked to Capitol Hill today, I didn’t hold out much hope of them changing the tenor or direction of the national debate. Tomorrow we leave town and the high priced lobbyists and special interest money remains. We’re talking about a town where standing on the street corner outside the Environmental Protection Agency you could be overcome by the bus fumes. Still, it can’t hurt to stay in touch.
The part of town where we’re staying is called Embassy Row. Embassies of a hundred nations, great and small, are here. Within a block of our hotel you can see the flags of Ireland, Portugal, France and Indonesia flying over these official residences. Walking past them every day did give me an idea. Maybe if working people and the middle-class opened an embassy, Washington insiders would care more about what we think. At least we could get diplomatic immunity.
Friday, March 18, 2005
Rambling With The Editor - Tony Brockmeyer
Easter Holiday
There will be no publication next week because due to the Easter holiday. Our publication will return on April 2, 2005.
If we receive breaking news we will upload it to our Web Log where you will be able to view it. Our Web Log is
firstcapitolnews.blogspot.com.
HEARING ON LANDFILL
On Tuesday, April 19, 2005 theDirector of the Division of Environmental Services, Department of Community Health and the Environment of St. Charles County will hold a public hearing in the County Administration Building, Multi-purpose room at 201 North Second at 7pm to consider a request from St. Peters Quarry L.L.C. N/K/A Metro Fill Development, L.L.C. to issue a license for the construction and operation of a demolition landfill. This is the property located on the southwest corner of Arena Parkway and Friedens Road. It consists of 27.338 acres.
Good For Her
You would think with all the fast food businesses in town they would be appreciative of your business. Not so at Steak and Shake on First Capitol Drive. A lady walked in the other day and walked over to the empty counter and took a seat. A man, later identified to be the manager, took it upon himself to berate her for not waiting for someone to seat her. She told him she thought the “Wait To Be Seated” sign applied to the tables and booths. Not so he admonished her. “The next time you come in here wait to be seated at the counter, do not seat yourself.” Much to her benefit she got up and walked out.
Mayor’s Salary in 2007
On Tuesday’s Council Agenda I noticed Councilman Larry Muench is requesting a date for the City Council to discuss what the Mayor’s salary will be in 2007. With the election for a new Mayor still two years away I wonder what the rush is all about? We have heard there are some individuals who want the job but they would not be interested unless the position pays a premium. Whatever happened to the days of public service?
Volunteer Subscribers
We recently had a campaign for volunteer subscribers. The response overwhelmed us. Thank you very much for your kind consideration. We will continue trying each week to bring our readers the news they can find no where else.
We are always looking for suggestions on how to improve the First Capitol News. If you have any ideas or suggestions we would be pleased if you would send them to us for consideration. Is there anything we are doing you would like us to change? Is there anything we are not doing you would like to see us do? Please let us know how you feel so we can continue to improve the First Capitol News.
There will be no publication next week because due to the Easter holiday. Our publication will return on April 2, 2005.
If we receive breaking news we will upload it to our Web Log where you will be able to view it. Our Web Log is
firstcapitolnews.blogspot.com.
HEARING ON LANDFILL
On Tuesday, April 19, 2005 theDirector of the Division of Environmental Services, Department of Community Health and the Environment of St. Charles County will hold a public hearing in the County Administration Building, Multi-purpose room at 201 North Second at 7pm to consider a request from St. Peters Quarry L.L.C. N/K/A Metro Fill Development, L.L.C. to issue a license for the construction and operation of a demolition landfill. This is the property located on the southwest corner of Arena Parkway and Friedens Road. It consists of 27.338 acres.
Good For Her
You would think with all the fast food businesses in town they would be appreciative of your business. Not so at Steak and Shake on First Capitol Drive. A lady walked in the other day and walked over to the empty counter and took a seat. A man, later identified to be the manager, took it upon himself to berate her for not waiting for someone to seat her. She told him she thought the “Wait To Be Seated” sign applied to the tables and booths. Not so he admonished her. “The next time you come in here wait to be seated at the counter, do not seat yourself.” Much to her benefit she got up and walked out.
Mayor’s Salary in 2007
On Tuesday’s Council Agenda I noticed Councilman Larry Muench is requesting a date for the City Council to discuss what the Mayor’s salary will be in 2007. With the election for a new Mayor still two years away I wonder what the rush is all about? We have heard there are some individuals who want the job but they would not be interested unless the position pays a premium. Whatever happened to the days of public service?
Volunteer Subscribers
We recently had a campaign for volunteer subscribers. The response overwhelmed us. Thank you very much for your kind consideration. We will continue trying each week to bring our readers the news they can find no where else.
We are always looking for suggestions on how to improve the First Capitol News. If you have any ideas or suggestions we would be pleased if you would send them to us for consideration. Is there anything we are doing you would like us to change? Is there anything we are not doing you would like to see us do? Please let us know how you feel so we can continue to improve the First Capitol News.
An Editorial Opinion
EDITORIAL OPINION
Conduct The Investigation
All too often in the past when charges or suspicions of wrong doing have been brought to the attention of previous City Councils they have conveniently been forgotten or decisions were made that it happened, probably won’t happen again, so lets forget about it and move on, rather than take action and upset anyone or make someone mad.
The current City Council has an opportunity to change that perception. This Council has initiated several investigations but it appears, other than the announcement of such investigations, no other action has yet been taken.
On February 22, 2005, by a 10-0 vote, the City Council initiated an investigation into the unauthorized signing of an insurance contract by the Mayor. It has been reported the signing of this contract without Council authorization could eventually cost the taxpayers of St. Charles in excess of $200,000.
The City Council needs to begin this authorized investigation, hold hearings, depose witnesses and determine if a wrong doing has occurred. If the Mayor is found guilty she needs to be impeached and removed from office. If it is determined there was no wrong doing her name needs to be cleared.
This is not a matter that can be ignored or swept under the rug. The residents of St. Charles expect the City Council members to do their sworn duty and conduct this investigation in a timely manner and report the results.
Conduct The Investigation
All too often in the past when charges or suspicions of wrong doing have been brought to the attention of previous City Councils they have conveniently been forgotten or decisions were made that it happened, probably won’t happen again, so lets forget about it and move on, rather than take action and upset anyone or make someone mad.
The current City Council has an opportunity to change that perception. This Council has initiated several investigations but it appears, other than the announcement of such investigations, no other action has yet been taken.
On February 22, 2005, by a 10-0 vote, the City Council initiated an investigation into the unauthorized signing of an insurance contract by the Mayor. It has been reported the signing of this contract without Council authorization could eventually cost the taxpayers of St. Charles in excess of $200,000.
The City Council needs to begin this authorized investigation, hold hearings, depose witnesses and determine if a wrong doing has occurred. If the Mayor is found guilty she needs to be impeached and removed from office. If it is determined there was no wrong doing her name needs to be cleared.
This is not a matter that can be ignored or swept under the rug. The residents of St. Charles expect the City Council members to do their sworn duty and conduct this investigation in a timely manner and report the results.
The People Speak - Letters To The Editor
Editor’s Note
In our last edition we published a letter but accidently cut off the name of the author. That letter was from Bob Breidensteiner.
Mike
Sports Editor
First Capitol News
I want to let you know how much I appreciate your work as sports editor at
the First Capitol News. I appreciate your reporting and you have done very
well in your coverage of high school sports and the Missouri River
Otters. Your coverage of the St. Charles West Warriors in their state
tournament run was the best coverage I have read, compared to even the main
sports section of the St. Louis Post-Dispatch. I agree that Mike Hollander
is one of the best basketball coaches in St. Charles and he definitely deserves recognition. He continues to stay in town and coach basketball, compared to another coaching legend (Gene Bartow) who went from St. Charles High School to coach at UCLA and later University of Alabama-Birmingham (UAB).
Please keep up the excellent work.
Louis J. Launer
To First Capitol News
Best Publication St. Charles
Dear Mr. Brockmeyer:
We enjoy reading the paper very much. It is nice to see that someone tells it like it is.
The Truth is something that some of our higher City officials seem to have forgotten. Thank you for keeping our citizens informed.
It is nice to see that some of our Council people are trying to look after the citizens and stop all the waste, not just rubber stamp what the Mayor wants. Keep up the good work.
Thanks,
Jerry Dinges
Dear Editor:
We would like to address some concerns about the safety of our children in the St. Charles City School district. The purpose of this letter is to help parents understand that there are other options. If you feel the district is not listening to you. There are differences in the way individual schools handle the same problems even though we have a District Student Code of Conduct book, a guide for everyone to follow.
We have heard several stories from parents who are having difficulties getting help dealing with harassment and abuse issues regarding students in the district. It seems that our students’ welfare is not the #1 priority of the district. The state of Missouri has set up a program that will help parents, students, and staff, if situations arise that need more help or resources than the school districts can offer. The program is called Missouri Violence Protection Hot Line and every school in Missouri has been provided with signs to post, which include the phone number, although some schools choose not to post this information. If you feel you need additional help, please call the agency at 1-866-748-7047, They have explained that they want to be contacted and get involved in issues that are not being dealt with at the school/district levels. Also, as a side note, if a student with an IEP (Individualized Education Program) in place is to be disciplined for violations the district may have to deal with the incidents differently than those without an IEP. If this is the case, ask questions, so the IEP isn’t “protecting” a child from consequences.
Looking at the high school level we have some very clear differences between the two schools. If you walk into St. Charles High you will see that every student is wearing a picture ID and if they are in the halls during class time they have a pass. Then, if you have walked in without a staff ID badge around your neck, you will be met immediately by a staff member asking if they can help you and direct you to where you need to go - this system indeed provides safety to our children guaranteeing that not just “anyone” can wander aimlessly around the school.
On the other hand, if you walk into St. Charles West, you have the freedom to roam the halls at your leisure. Also, since the students are not required to wear ID tags other problems are evident. This in particular frightens us because it seems no one, not parents, not teachers, not staff, have any control over who comes and goes in the school.
It would seem that two high schools within the same district would have similar, if not identical, ways of identifying and protecting our students. Since we have had the opportunity to view discipline incidents at both high schools, it is interesting to look at the Missouri Department of elementary and Secondary Education Core Data sheets that show the number of incidents in all Missouri schools. You willnote that St. Charles High shows a higher number of reported incidents over the last three years than St. Charles West. Funny, isn’t it? The school that reports more incidents is the one that also follows and enforces the Student Code of Conduct more consistently. If St. Charles West actually had a better policy to identify and discipline students, the incident numbers may rise and look less appealing but our children would be safer and better for it.
Since the safety of our children should be a major concern to the school district, we implore other parents to question why not every school has to follow the same district policies that have been written specifically to protect our children and take the guesswork out of how incidents should be handled.
Concerned Parents of the St. Charles School District.
Editor,
It is absolutely amazing that the one person who felt the need to accuse the council of name calling is none other than Pat Lang. (St. Charles Post letter to the editor 3/9/05)
For those of you who don’t know, Mrs. Lang is a member of the St. Charles Planning and Zoning Commission. In May of 2004, our neighborhood group appeared before the P&Z to oppose a rezoning. We presented our arguments clearly and concisely. Mrs. Lang repeatedly asked questions or made comments which made it clear she preferred the zoning change to be approved.
Fortunately for us, the proposition had failed. Before the microphones could be turned off Pat Lang was clearly heard to say, “I’ve never heard a bigger bunch of lies in my life”. It was not edited out of the subsequent rebroadcasts of the meeting. A day or two later, in a follow up story in the Post she calls my wife a liar.
Obviously, Pat Lang is uniquely unqualified to accuse anyone of name calling. More importantly, Mrs. Lang should be removed from the P&Z commission. Anyone who openly berates honest citizens while exercising their free democratic rights has no business being in government.
In true hypocritical fashion, I suspect that Mrs. Lang sees nothing wrong with her own comments. After all, this is the same woman who in 2001 was nearly successful in getting an ordinance through City Council to silence the St. Charles Borromeo Church bells. She had just purchased a home across the street and the bells, (which had been ringing for over one hundred years) bothered her.
Finally, since Mrs. Lang obviously missed this point, it was the interim police chief that called the Councilperson a name not the other way around. That police chief was asked to resign the next day. Mrs. Lang should be asked to resign too.
Chuck Marley
In our last edition we published a letter but accidently cut off the name of the author. That letter was from Bob Breidensteiner.
Mike
Sports Editor
First Capitol News
I want to let you know how much I appreciate your work as sports editor at
the First Capitol News. I appreciate your reporting and you have done very
well in your coverage of high school sports and the Missouri River
Otters. Your coverage of the St. Charles West Warriors in their state
tournament run was the best coverage I have read, compared to even the main
sports section of the St. Louis Post-Dispatch. I agree that Mike Hollander
is one of the best basketball coaches in St. Charles and he definitely deserves recognition. He continues to stay in town and coach basketball, compared to another coaching legend (Gene Bartow) who went from St. Charles High School to coach at UCLA and later University of Alabama-Birmingham (UAB).
Please keep up the excellent work.
Louis J. Launer
To First Capitol News
Best Publication St. Charles
Dear Mr. Brockmeyer:
We enjoy reading the paper very much. It is nice to see that someone tells it like it is.
The Truth is something that some of our higher City officials seem to have forgotten. Thank you for keeping our citizens informed.
It is nice to see that some of our Council people are trying to look after the citizens and stop all the waste, not just rubber stamp what the Mayor wants. Keep up the good work.
Thanks,
Jerry Dinges
Dear Editor:
We would like to address some concerns about the safety of our children in the St. Charles City School district. The purpose of this letter is to help parents understand that there are other options. If you feel the district is not listening to you. There are differences in the way individual schools handle the same problems even though we have a District Student Code of Conduct book, a guide for everyone to follow.
We have heard several stories from parents who are having difficulties getting help dealing with harassment and abuse issues regarding students in the district. It seems that our students’ welfare is not the #1 priority of the district. The state of Missouri has set up a program that will help parents, students, and staff, if situations arise that need more help or resources than the school districts can offer. The program is called Missouri Violence Protection Hot Line and every school in Missouri has been provided with signs to post, which include the phone number, although some schools choose not to post this information. If you feel you need additional help, please call the agency at 1-866-748-7047, They have explained that they want to be contacted and get involved in issues that are not being dealt with at the school/district levels. Also, as a side note, if a student with an IEP (Individualized Education Program) in place is to be disciplined for violations the district may have to deal with the incidents differently than those without an IEP. If this is the case, ask questions, so the IEP isn’t “protecting” a child from consequences.
Looking at the high school level we have some very clear differences between the two schools. If you walk into St. Charles High you will see that every student is wearing a picture ID and if they are in the halls during class time they have a pass. Then, if you have walked in without a staff ID badge around your neck, you will be met immediately by a staff member asking if they can help you and direct you to where you need to go - this system indeed provides safety to our children guaranteeing that not just “anyone” can wander aimlessly around the school.
On the other hand, if you walk into St. Charles West, you have the freedom to roam the halls at your leisure. Also, since the students are not required to wear ID tags other problems are evident. This in particular frightens us because it seems no one, not parents, not teachers, not staff, have any control over who comes and goes in the school.
It would seem that two high schools within the same district would have similar, if not identical, ways of identifying and protecting our students. Since we have had the opportunity to view discipline incidents at both high schools, it is interesting to look at the Missouri Department of elementary and Secondary Education Core Data sheets that show the number of incidents in all Missouri schools. You willnote that St. Charles High shows a higher number of reported incidents over the last three years than St. Charles West. Funny, isn’t it? The school that reports more incidents is the one that also follows and enforces the Student Code of Conduct more consistently. If St. Charles West actually had a better policy to identify and discipline students, the incident numbers may rise and look less appealing but our children would be safer and better for it.
Since the safety of our children should be a major concern to the school district, we implore other parents to question why not every school has to follow the same district policies that have been written specifically to protect our children and take the guesswork out of how incidents should be handled.
Concerned Parents of the St. Charles School District.
Editor,
It is absolutely amazing that the one person who felt the need to accuse the council of name calling is none other than Pat Lang. (St. Charles Post letter to the editor 3/9/05)
For those of you who don’t know, Mrs. Lang is a member of the St. Charles Planning and Zoning Commission. In May of 2004, our neighborhood group appeared before the P&Z to oppose a rezoning. We presented our arguments clearly and concisely. Mrs. Lang repeatedly asked questions or made comments which made it clear she preferred the zoning change to be approved.
Fortunately for us, the proposition had failed. Before the microphones could be turned off Pat Lang was clearly heard to say, “I’ve never heard a bigger bunch of lies in my life”. It was not edited out of the subsequent rebroadcasts of the meeting. A day or two later, in a follow up story in the Post she calls my wife a liar.
Obviously, Pat Lang is uniquely unqualified to accuse anyone of name calling. More importantly, Mrs. Lang should be removed from the P&Z commission. Anyone who openly berates honest citizens while exercising their free democratic rights has no business being in government.
In true hypocritical fashion, I suspect that Mrs. Lang sees nothing wrong with her own comments. After all, this is the same woman who in 2001 was nearly successful in getting an ordinance through City Council to silence the St. Charles Borromeo Church bells. She had just purchased a home across the street and the bells, (which had been ringing for over one hundred years) bothered her.
Finally, since Mrs. Lang obviously missed this point, it was the interim police chief that called the Councilperson a name not the other way around. That police chief was asked to resign the next day. Mrs. Lang should be asked to resign too.
Chuck Marley
Put St. Charles First
By Jerry Haferkamp
Due to scheduling conflicts, the meeting of March 24 has been cancelled. We hope to have the results of the audit before the next meeting. We will post the date and time.
Have you been to the Frenchtown Museum? It is a trip down memory lane for all of you “old fogies” like me who lived here in the 40’s and 50’s. The Museum exhibits memorabilia from an earlier St. Charles.
Did you know that a rail car got loose from the ACF facility years ago and sent a large section of the old bridge crashing down on Main Street? They have the pictures. Did you know the old bridge was a streetcar bridge? Do you remember the fans you got in church with ads on them from a local funeral home? Stop by. They are on North Second Street, just across from the old Dairy Queen. There is no admission, but please drop a few bucks in the jar when you leave.
Part of putting St. Charles First is investing in her future. Her future is, of course, in the hands of our young citizens. I have the pleasure of working with some of them.
The group I work with is the St. Charles West Marching Warriors Band. In this endeavor, I have found out the school district has little money to allot to these great kids. A large amount of money is needed to support this program that must come from the hard work of these kids and their parents. There are going to be many fundraisers throughout the year, and I’m going to try to get our readers involved.
The Band will have a barbeque on the Schnucks lot on Duchesne on Saturday, April 9th. Put down the paper and mark your calendar now! A choice of meats, sides and desserts will be available. If your office or workplace would like to put in an advance order, call Dave Eckhoff at 946-4321 for information.
The 9th annual Saint Charles West Warrior Band Golf Tournament will be Sunday, May 1 at Mid Rivers Golf Links. We will need players, prizes and hole sponsors. While there is no minimum or maximum for a donated prize, hole sponsorship has a $100.00 minimum. It’s a great way to help the band and advertise your business. Would you like to sponsor a beverage cart? If you would like to play, donate a prize or sponsor a hole, send the prize or check to Joan DeSplinter, 21 Huntington Parkway, St Charles 63301 or call her at 636-947-3620 for additional information. Joan also has information on donating to an upcoming silent auction.
We are also looking for sponsorships for the band program. You can have your business displayed on the band’s truck as well as in programs at school functions. Call me at 314-713-5867 for information. These kids are a fine example of what’s good in our teenagers. Help yourself while you help them in their music.
I’m feeling so good about the new police chief; I’m giving Steve a “bye” this week.
Due to scheduling conflicts, the meeting of March 24 has been cancelled. We hope to have the results of the audit before the next meeting. We will post the date and time.
Have you been to the Frenchtown Museum? It is a trip down memory lane for all of you “old fogies” like me who lived here in the 40’s and 50’s. The Museum exhibits memorabilia from an earlier St. Charles.
Did you know that a rail car got loose from the ACF facility years ago and sent a large section of the old bridge crashing down on Main Street? They have the pictures. Did you know the old bridge was a streetcar bridge? Do you remember the fans you got in church with ads on them from a local funeral home? Stop by. They are on North Second Street, just across from the old Dairy Queen. There is no admission, but please drop a few bucks in the jar when you leave.
Part of putting St. Charles First is investing in her future. Her future is, of course, in the hands of our young citizens. I have the pleasure of working with some of them.
The group I work with is the St. Charles West Marching Warriors Band. In this endeavor, I have found out the school district has little money to allot to these great kids. A large amount of money is needed to support this program that must come from the hard work of these kids and their parents. There are going to be many fundraisers throughout the year, and I’m going to try to get our readers involved.
The Band will have a barbeque on the Schnucks lot on Duchesne on Saturday, April 9th. Put down the paper and mark your calendar now! A choice of meats, sides and desserts will be available. If your office or workplace would like to put in an advance order, call Dave Eckhoff at 946-4321 for information.
The 9th annual Saint Charles West Warrior Band Golf Tournament will be Sunday, May 1 at Mid Rivers Golf Links. We will need players, prizes and hole sponsors. While there is no minimum or maximum for a donated prize, hole sponsorship has a $100.00 minimum. It’s a great way to help the band and advertise your business. Would you like to sponsor a beverage cart? If you would like to play, donate a prize or sponsor a hole, send the prize or check to Joan DeSplinter, 21 Huntington Parkway, St Charles 63301 or call her at 636-947-3620 for additional information. Joan also has information on donating to an upcoming silent auction.
We are also looking for sponsorships for the band program. You can have your business displayed on the band’s truck as well as in programs at school functions. Call me at 314-713-5867 for information. These kids are a fine example of what’s good in our teenagers. Help yourself while you help them in their music.
I’m feeling so good about the new police chief; I’m giving Steve a “bye” this week.
Severe Weather Drill and Preparedness
Severe Weather Drill and Preparedness
Scott Freitag
St. Charles Fire Department
As the Emergency Management Agency for the City of St. Charles, the St. Charles Fire Department would like to take this opportunity to remind residents what to do in case of severe weather. Should severe weather strike our area, pay close attention to local television and radio broadcasts, as well as emergency warning sirens. Key terms to listen for and remember are:
Tornado Watch-conditions are favorable for a tornado, watch the sky
Tornado Warning-seek shelter immediately
If you are at home, school, or work seek shelter in an interior room that does not have windows, or go to the lowest possible floor. For those at school or work, gymnasiums, cafeterias or any other large interior spaces are not considered a good place for shelter because of the possibility of a roof collapse. Persons living in mobile homes should leave immediately and seek shelter in a nearby building or ditch. If in a vehicle, seek shelter in a nearby building or ditch, DO NOT try to out run the tornado. Should you be outside and not near shelter, cover your head with your arms, coat, or a blanket to protect yourself from air borne debris.
Remember, overpasses are not a safe place to seek shelter in a tornado. Winds are intensified under overpasses creating a wind tunnel effect. Additionally, these areas tend to collect debris that could cause serious injury or death.
Spring brings with it numerous severe weather situations that do not include tornadic activity. Heavy rains, lightning and straight line winds have their own inherent dangers. During heavy rains or flooding, DO NOT attempt to cross flooded roadways, even when they do not appear to be very deep. Fast moving water can quickly sweep a car or truck down stream. If you are caught outside during a thunderstorm that is producing lightning, seek shelter. In the event that you cannot get to shelter, ensure that you stay away from metal, stay below ground level, do not go into open water, and cover your head. DO NOT stand under trees during severe storms. High winds and/or lightning can cause trees to fall crushing everything underneath them.
Finally, make sure your family has a disaster kit and a disaster plan. For more information about disaster plans and kits please visit the St. Charles Fire Department web-site at www.stcharlescity.com/fire and use the links to the State Emergency Management Agency and/or Red Cross. For further information, contact the St. Charles Fire Department through either the web-site or at 636-949-3250.
Scott Freitag
St. Charles Fire Department
As the Emergency Management Agency for the City of St. Charles, the St. Charles Fire Department would like to take this opportunity to remind residents what to do in case of severe weather. Should severe weather strike our area, pay close attention to local television and radio broadcasts, as well as emergency warning sirens. Key terms to listen for and remember are:
Tornado Watch-conditions are favorable for a tornado, watch the sky
Tornado Warning-seek shelter immediately
If you are at home, school, or work seek shelter in an interior room that does not have windows, or go to the lowest possible floor. For those at school or work, gymnasiums, cafeterias or any other large interior spaces are not considered a good place for shelter because of the possibility of a roof collapse. Persons living in mobile homes should leave immediately and seek shelter in a nearby building or ditch. If in a vehicle, seek shelter in a nearby building or ditch, DO NOT try to out run the tornado. Should you be outside and not near shelter, cover your head with your arms, coat, or a blanket to protect yourself from air borne debris.
Remember, overpasses are not a safe place to seek shelter in a tornado. Winds are intensified under overpasses creating a wind tunnel effect. Additionally, these areas tend to collect debris that could cause serious injury or death.
Spring brings with it numerous severe weather situations that do not include tornadic activity. Heavy rains, lightning and straight line winds have their own inherent dangers. During heavy rains or flooding, DO NOT attempt to cross flooded roadways, even when they do not appear to be very deep. Fast moving water can quickly sweep a car or truck down stream. If you are caught outside during a thunderstorm that is producing lightning, seek shelter. In the event that you cannot get to shelter, ensure that you stay away from metal, stay below ground level, do not go into open water, and cover your head. DO NOT stand under trees during severe storms. High winds and/or lightning can cause trees to fall crushing everything underneath them.
Finally, make sure your family has a disaster kit and a disaster plan. For more information about disaster plans and kits please visit the St. Charles Fire Department web-site at www.stcharlescity.com/fire and use the links to the State Emergency Management Agency and/or Red Cross. For further information, contact the St. Charles Fire Department through either the web-site or at 636-949-3250.
Conservative Factor - Alex Spencer
Oprah Winfrey said, “Lots of people want to ride with you in the limo, but what you want is someone who will take the bus with you when the limo breaks down.”
A wise person never loses touch with reality or misplaces his priorities. Everyone not only wants, but needs, to succeed in their careers. Everyone wants a happy family and respect within the community. We all want to succeed and, ideally, that success will not come at the expense of others or at the loss of our self-respect.
About 2000 years ago, the Roman statesman and philosopher, Cicero, wrote, “A major mistake of man is the delusion that personal gain is made by crushing others.” Mankind appears to still suffer from that delusion. Our mayor appears to have adopted this foolishness as her credo.
The end result has been wasteful spending, theatrics, chaos, and a zealous attempt to control and dictate. Numerous people have made their concerns and comments about the state of affairs at City Hall quite public.
I recently ran across an article in “Bits and Pieces” magazine which best sums up what is wrong with the picture. Our mayor should read, digest, and consider a different type of leadership for the future.
THE MAN IN THE GLASS
When you get what you want in your struggle for self And the world makes you king for a day, Just go to the mirror and look at yourself And see what that man has to say.
For it isn’t your father or mother or wife
Whose judgment upon you must pass.
The fellow whose verdict counts most in your life Is the one staring back from the glass.
You may be like Jack Horner and chisel a plum And think you’re a wonderful guy.
But the man in the glass says you’re only a bum If you can’t look him straight in the eye. He’s the fellow to please—never mind all the rest, For he’s with you clear to the end. And you’ve passed your most dangerous, difficult test If the man in the glass is your friend. You may fool the whole world down the pathway of years
And get pats on the back as you pass,
But your final reward will be heartache and tears If you’ve cheated the man in the glass.
A wise person never loses touch with reality or misplaces his priorities. Everyone not only wants, but needs, to succeed in their careers. Everyone wants a happy family and respect within the community. We all want to succeed and, ideally, that success will not come at the expense of others or at the loss of our self-respect.
About 2000 years ago, the Roman statesman and philosopher, Cicero, wrote, “A major mistake of man is the delusion that personal gain is made by crushing others.” Mankind appears to still suffer from that delusion. Our mayor appears to have adopted this foolishness as her credo.
The end result has been wasteful spending, theatrics, chaos, and a zealous attempt to control and dictate. Numerous people have made their concerns and comments about the state of affairs at City Hall quite public.
I recently ran across an article in “Bits and Pieces” magazine which best sums up what is wrong with the picture. Our mayor should read, digest, and consider a different type of leadership for the future.
THE MAN IN THE GLASS
When you get what you want in your struggle for self And the world makes you king for a day, Just go to the mirror and look at yourself And see what that man has to say.
For it isn’t your father or mother or wife
Whose judgment upon you must pass.
The fellow whose verdict counts most in your life Is the one staring back from the glass.
You may be like Jack Horner and chisel a plum And think you’re a wonderful guy.
But the man in the glass says you’re only a bum If you can’t look him straight in the eye. He’s the fellow to please—never mind all the rest, For he’s with you clear to the end. And you’ve passed your most dangerous, difficult test If the man in the glass is your friend. You may fool the whole world down the pathway of years
And get pats on the back as you pass,
But your final reward will be heartache and tears If you’ve cheated the man in the glass.
Busch Conservation Area Concessionaire Bait Shop Open for Business!
Busch Conservation Area Concessionaire Bait Shop Open for Business!
It’s that time of year to drop a line in the water and take advantage of the 32 fishing lakes at the August A. Busch Memorial Conservation Area! With species such as bluegill, catfish, muskie, bullheads, carp, largemouth bass and others, there’s something for everyone and you’re sure to get a bite. And to make your fishing trip even easier, the Outpost Bait Shop is offering bait and tackle, fishing permits, ice, snack items, boat and motor rentals, an ATM and much more!
The hours are from 6 a.m. to 9 p.m. seven days a week beginning March 20. They will be open this year through late fall.
In addition, the MDC St. Louis Regional Office, located right next door, has loads of great fishing information including regulation booklets, identification guides, fishing prospects, statewide trout maps, smallmouth bass maps, fish rulers and much more. While you’re there, stop by and see what you’ll be fishing for. Our interpretive room boasts exhibits on forest, fish and wildlife, an interactive oak tree and two aquariums – one over 1,500 gallons!
Fishing and restroom facilities accessible to people with disabilities are provided on lakes 2, 6, 15, 33 and 34. Lakes 33 and 34 have disabled-accessible floating fishing docks and are a great benefit for disabled anglers.
So come out and spend the day on the Busch Conservation Area fishing for some of Missouri’s finest fish. For more information log onto our website at www.conservation.state.mo.us.
It’s that time of year to drop a line in the water and take advantage of the 32 fishing lakes at the August A. Busch Memorial Conservation Area! With species such as bluegill, catfish, muskie, bullheads, carp, largemouth bass and others, there’s something for everyone and you’re sure to get a bite. And to make your fishing trip even easier, the Outpost Bait Shop is offering bait and tackle, fishing permits, ice, snack items, boat and motor rentals, an ATM and much more!
The hours are from 6 a.m. to 9 p.m. seven days a week beginning March 20. They will be open this year through late fall.
In addition, the MDC St. Louis Regional Office, located right next door, has loads of great fishing information including regulation booklets, identification guides, fishing prospects, statewide trout maps, smallmouth bass maps, fish rulers and much more. While you’re there, stop by and see what you’ll be fishing for. Our interpretive room boasts exhibits on forest, fish and wildlife, an interactive oak tree and two aquariums – one over 1,500 gallons!
Fishing and restroom facilities accessible to people with disabilities are provided on lakes 2, 6, 15, 33 and 34. Lakes 33 and 34 have disabled-accessible floating fishing docks and are a great benefit for disabled anglers.
So come out and spend the day on the Busch Conservation Area fishing for some of Missouri’s finest fish. For more information log onto our website at www.conservation.state.mo.us.
Northwinds Band Performs Here April 1
Northwinds Band Performs Here April 1
Featuring the repertoire that it will perform on a tour of Germany and Austria this summer, the Northwinds Concert Band will present a benefit concert on Friday, April 1, at 7:30 pm in the St. Charles High School auditorium.
The 60-piece band, directed by Larry Marsh, will be making its third appearance in St. Charles in the past two years, one of those being at the 2004 Burgermeister Ball.
The concert benefits the women’s college scholarship fund sponsored by the St. Charles branch of the American Association of University Women. Tickets are $8 at the door or may be obtained in advance by calling (636) 947-0687 or (636) 946-5916.
The Northwind’s program will include traditional and contemporary marches and polkas, a medley of folk songs from Appalachia, a musical homage to the Chautauqua movement, a tribute to big band director Artie Shaw, a rhapsody for percussion featuring a young soloist, a symphonic band arrangement of music from Carl Orf’s “Carmina Burana” and music celebrating the 800th anniversary of Dresden, Germany.
Featuring the repertoire that it will perform on a tour of Germany and Austria this summer, the Northwinds Concert Band will present a benefit concert on Friday, April 1, at 7:30 pm in the St. Charles High School auditorium.
The 60-piece band, directed by Larry Marsh, will be making its third appearance in St. Charles in the past two years, one of those being at the 2004 Burgermeister Ball.
The concert benefits the women’s college scholarship fund sponsored by the St. Charles branch of the American Association of University Women. Tickets are $8 at the door or may be obtained in advance by calling (636) 947-0687 or (636) 946-5916.
The Northwind’s program will include traditional and contemporary marches and polkas, a medley of folk songs from Appalachia, a musical homage to the Chautauqua movement, a tribute to big band director Artie Shaw, a rhapsody for percussion featuring a young soloist, a symphonic band arrangement of music from Carl Orf’s “Carmina Burana” and music celebrating the 800th anniversary of Dresden, Germany.
A Little Bit of History by Clara Scott
Most of you know the famous Bunker Hill – of the Revolutionary War in Charleston, Mass, where the first considerable engagement of that war was fought in June 17, 1775.
How many of you know the famous Bunker Hill of the Civil War in St. Charles, MO?
St. Charles was an important town during the Civil War due to its location on the Missouri River. A fort was established atop the bluff of the river. It was first called “Look-Out” Fort and the regular soldiers were stationed there. It was a “Look-Out” for the Union soldiers to protect their boats and used to patrol the river and stop boats with soldiers and supplies for the Confederate forces.
General Simeon Bunker of Kentucky, who for years had served in the U.S. Army, was given command of this fort in April 1861. He officially changed the name of the fort to Bunker Fort and the section of the hill near the fort to Bunker Hill.
To get to Bunker Fort on Bunker Hill, go South on Main Street, in front of the St. Charles Water Works Reservoir (now Maryland Yards), turn right up Reservoir Hill, drive to the top of the hill which is approximately a city block and there is Fort Bunker No. 210 Reservoir Street.
The view of the river is marvelous. Near the Fort at 211 Reservoir Street is the charming old one room schoolhouse known as the Mount Pleasant School. This was taken over by General Bunker and used as living quarters for his soldiers. The old brick school building is now covered with stucco and has been converted into a delightful home of its owner, Mrs. Chester Owens. (This was in 1963)
General Bunker did valuable service for the Union cause. He controlled St. Charles and “took over” the building of the old Woolen Mills located on the northeast corner of South Main and Boone’s Lick Road. He closed the mill and converted the building into a prison and a hospital. He “took over” the St. Charles College on North Third Street opposite the court house, closed the school and used the building for another prison and hospital.
Edward Lewis, who was a student at the St. Charles College in April 1861, tells in his writings and printed lectures, of General Bunker taking over the school.
I want to tell you about Fort Bunker as records show at the time of the Civil War. It is described as a two story brick building with inside woodwork including oak floors. There was a large cupola on top of the building with a “widow’s walk” where soldiers walked around and watched for enemy boats. A picket fence enclosed the grounds. A large U.S. Flag waved from a pole attached to a tall oak tree near the Southeast corner of the Fort. A large cannon was placed facing the river.
Records tell of two boats with Confederate soldiers and their supplies being fired on by this huge cannon.
Judge James W. Owens tells of this fort in his official report of October 2, 1864. He tells of the protection General Bunker gave him with the “Bright Star”, a ferryboat that was owned by Joseph Kettler and used to evacuate Washington. Soldiers and civilians started on “Star Bright” for St. Charles and government property. The boat was under the command of Judge Owens, who had been ordered not to let the boat get into enemy hands. It was taken to St. Charles for the purpose of getting it beyond reach of General Price’s Raiders. About 75 rounds were fired at the boat as it passes South Point. (The St. Charles County Historical Society located at 101 South Main Street) has a fine picture of the “Bright Star” as it landed here with Judge Owens in command.
Now, I want to tell you about Fort Bunker as you will see it today. (1963). The huge cannon is gone. In a drive, this cannon and the huge cannon that was at the entrance of our Park was donated for iron during World War I.
When Grace Holmes owned the building there was a very bad fire. The roof was destroyed and the second story was badly damaged. The building was left that way until it was sold in 1938 to Henry Hassinger who is listed as a splendid carpenter. He bought the building “as was”. He dropped the second floor, making an attic room and put on a slant roof. Some of the old picket fence is still there. Of course, there were much larger grounds around the fort than you will find today as houses have been built near the old fort. When Henry Hassinger died in this old fort building in 1948, his daughter, Mrs. Edith Schneider, inherited the old fort building. She is historically minded and will preserve it.
The St. Charles County Historical Society will have a shield put on the building, as it certainly is a historical building
It is hoped a surplus cannon used in the Civil War will be donated and placed by the Civil War Fort where a cannon used to be.
Please drive to Bunker Hill, see the Bunker Fort, the old Mount Pleasant Schoolhouse and enjoy the glorious view of the Missouri River.A Little
(Reprinted from “Historical Series – Bunker Hill Fort” written by Edna McElhiney Olson, dated August 22, 1963 with permission of the St. Charles County Historical Society)
How many of you know the famous Bunker Hill of the Civil War in St. Charles, MO?
St. Charles was an important town during the Civil War due to its location on the Missouri River. A fort was established atop the bluff of the river. It was first called “Look-Out” Fort and the regular soldiers were stationed there. It was a “Look-Out” for the Union soldiers to protect their boats and used to patrol the river and stop boats with soldiers and supplies for the Confederate forces.
General Simeon Bunker of Kentucky, who for years had served in the U.S. Army, was given command of this fort in April 1861. He officially changed the name of the fort to Bunker Fort and the section of the hill near the fort to Bunker Hill.
To get to Bunker Fort on Bunker Hill, go South on Main Street, in front of the St. Charles Water Works Reservoir (now Maryland Yards), turn right up Reservoir Hill, drive to the top of the hill which is approximately a city block and there is Fort Bunker No. 210 Reservoir Street.
The view of the river is marvelous. Near the Fort at 211 Reservoir Street is the charming old one room schoolhouse known as the Mount Pleasant School. This was taken over by General Bunker and used as living quarters for his soldiers. The old brick school building is now covered with stucco and has been converted into a delightful home of its owner, Mrs. Chester Owens. (This was in 1963)
General Bunker did valuable service for the Union cause. He controlled St. Charles and “took over” the building of the old Woolen Mills located on the northeast corner of South Main and Boone’s Lick Road. He closed the mill and converted the building into a prison and a hospital. He “took over” the St. Charles College on North Third Street opposite the court house, closed the school and used the building for another prison and hospital.
Edward Lewis, who was a student at the St. Charles College in April 1861, tells in his writings and printed lectures, of General Bunker taking over the school.
I want to tell you about Fort Bunker as records show at the time of the Civil War. It is described as a two story brick building with inside woodwork including oak floors. There was a large cupola on top of the building with a “widow’s walk” where soldiers walked around and watched for enemy boats. A picket fence enclosed the grounds. A large U.S. Flag waved from a pole attached to a tall oak tree near the Southeast corner of the Fort. A large cannon was placed facing the river.
Records tell of two boats with Confederate soldiers and their supplies being fired on by this huge cannon.
Judge James W. Owens tells of this fort in his official report of October 2, 1864. He tells of the protection General Bunker gave him with the “Bright Star”, a ferryboat that was owned by Joseph Kettler and used to evacuate Washington. Soldiers and civilians started on “Star Bright” for St. Charles and government property. The boat was under the command of Judge Owens, who had been ordered not to let the boat get into enemy hands. It was taken to St. Charles for the purpose of getting it beyond reach of General Price’s Raiders. About 75 rounds were fired at the boat as it passes South Point. (The St. Charles County Historical Society located at 101 South Main Street) has a fine picture of the “Bright Star” as it landed here with Judge Owens in command.
Now, I want to tell you about Fort Bunker as you will see it today. (1963). The huge cannon is gone. In a drive, this cannon and the huge cannon that was at the entrance of our Park was donated for iron during World War I.
When Grace Holmes owned the building there was a very bad fire. The roof was destroyed and the second story was badly damaged. The building was left that way until it was sold in 1938 to Henry Hassinger who is listed as a splendid carpenter. He bought the building “as was”. He dropped the second floor, making an attic room and put on a slant roof. Some of the old picket fence is still there. Of course, there were much larger grounds around the fort than you will find today as houses have been built near the old fort. When Henry Hassinger died in this old fort building in 1948, his daughter, Mrs. Edith Schneider, inherited the old fort building. She is historically minded and will preserve it.
The St. Charles County Historical Society will have a shield put on the building, as it certainly is a historical building
It is hoped a surplus cannon used in the Civil War will be donated and placed by the Civil War Fort where a cannon used to be.
Please drive to Bunker Hill, see the Bunker Fort, the old Mount Pleasant Schoolhouse and enjoy the glorious view of the Missouri River.A Little
(Reprinted from “Historical Series – Bunker Hill Fort” written by Edna McElhiney Olson, dated August 22, 1963 with permission of the St. Charles County Historical Society)
Diabetes Workshop
THE AMERICAN DIABETES ASSOCIATION HOSTS A WORKSHOP
PROMOTING HEALTHY LIFESTYLES
The American Diabetes Association presents Tools for Healthy Lifestyle and Stress Management to be hosted at SSM St. Joseph Health Center in St. Charles. The community is invited to this FREE workshop where participants will receive the latest information on healthy diabetes management, the link between diabetes and depression, coping with the daily struggles of weight control and creating an exercise program. The workshop will take place at SSM St. Joseph Health Center in St. Charles on Saturday, April 2, 2005 from 8:00 a.m. to noon. The workshop is interactive and each participant will leave with a ‘lifestyle action plan’.
SSM St. Joseph Health Center’s Certified Diabetes Educator, Patty Shelton sums it up the need for this workshop, “We are interested in educating the community about how diabetes, heart disease, obesity and depression are affecting Americans at epidemic proportions and in an effort to decrease these numbers, we are working to teach people proper methods in maintaining healthy lifestyles.” Patty is the chairperson of the American Diabetes Association’s St. Charles Education Committee.
Space is limited and RSVP is required. Reservations can be made online on the American Diabetes Association’s local events web page www.diabetes.org or by calling 1-888-diabetes x6826.
Through our events, programs and presentations, the American Diabetes Association is focused to achieve its mission “To prevent and cure diabetes and to improve the lives of all people affected by diabetes”.
Diabe
PROMOTING HEALTHY LIFESTYLES
The American Diabetes Association presents Tools for Healthy Lifestyle and Stress Management to be hosted at SSM St. Joseph Health Center in St. Charles. The community is invited to this FREE workshop where participants will receive the latest information on healthy diabetes management, the link between diabetes and depression, coping with the daily struggles of weight control and creating an exercise program. The workshop will take place at SSM St. Joseph Health Center in St. Charles on Saturday, April 2, 2005 from 8:00 a.m. to noon. The workshop is interactive and each participant will leave with a ‘lifestyle action plan’.
SSM St. Joseph Health Center’s Certified Diabetes Educator, Patty Shelton sums it up the need for this workshop, “We are interested in educating the community about how diabetes, heart disease, obesity and depression are affecting Americans at epidemic proportions and in an effort to decrease these numbers, we are working to teach people proper methods in maintaining healthy lifestyles.” Patty is the chairperson of the American Diabetes Association’s St. Charles Education Committee.
Space is limited and RSVP is required. Reservations can be made online on the American Diabetes Association’s local events web page www.diabetes.org or by calling 1-888-diabetes x6826.
Through our events, programs and presentations, the American Diabetes Association is focused to achieve its mission “To prevent and cure diabetes and to improve the lives of all people affected by diabetes”.
Diabe
Assessor to send valuation notices
St. Charles County Assessor Scott Shipman reports the near completion of the 2005 reassessment of real estate. State law requires the Assessor to revalue all real property in the County every odd-numbered year for property tax purposes. The state constitution requires the values on property reflect fair market value. The statutes require the assessor to place accurate values on the tax rolls as of January 1 of each reassessment cycle. Real estate values in St. Charles County continue to increase as demand for affordable housing and low interest rates remain attractive.
The assessment authority (Assessor’s Office) is responsible for establishing the fair market value of all property within St. Charles County as of the tax date. This assures fair distribution of the tax burden among those responsible for payment. The taxing authority (school, city, fire districts, etc.) establishes the tax rate based on the budgetary requirements needed to appropriately fund the services provided within their jurisdiction. When property values increase, all taxing entities are responsible for rolling back their levies to offset the valuation increase.
Assessment notices have been redesigned to be easier to read, and include information on property tax relief, frequently asked questions, and information on the appeal process.
The St. Charles County Assessor’s Office will mail the 2005 “NOTICES OF REAL ESTATE ASSESSMENT” for the Washington, Wentzville, and St. Charles School Districts on or about March 21, 2005. The Fort Zumwalt and Orchard Farm School District notices are scheduled to be mailed on or about March 28, 2005 and the Francis Howell School District notices are scheduled to be mailed on or about April 4, 2005.
Taxpayers have ten days from the mailed date on the notice to schedule an informal hearing with a staff member from the Assessors office. This can be done by calling 636-949-7431 or 1-800-822-4012 ex. 7431 from 8:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m. Monday through Friday. Scheduled informal hearings will be conducted Monday through Thursday during the day, Tuesday and Wednesday evenings and select Saturdays at 201 North Second Street in St. Charles.
The assessment authority (Assessor’s Office) is responsible for establishing the fair market value of all property within St. Charles County as of the tax date. This assures fair distribution of the tax burden among those responsible for payment. The taxing authority (school, city, fire districts, etc.) establishes the tax rate based on the budgetary requirements needed to appropriately fund the services provided within their jurisdiction. When property values increase, all taxing entities are responsible for rolling back their levies to offset the valuation increase.
Assessment notices have been redesigned to be easier to read, and include information on property tax relief, frequently asked questions, and information on the appeal process.
The St. Charles County Assessor’s Office will mail the 2005 “NOTICES OF REAL ESTATE ASSESSMENT” for the Washington, Wentzville, and St. Charles School Districts on or about March 21, 2005. The Fort Zumwalt and Orchard Farm School District notices are scheduled to be mailed on or about March 28, 2005 and the Francis Howell School District notices are scheduled to be mailed on or about April 4, 2005.
Taxpayers have ten days from the mailed date on the notice to schedule an informal hearing with a staff member from the Assessors office. This can be done by calling 636-949-7431 or 1-800-822-4012 ex. 7431 from 8:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m. Monday through Friday. Scheduled informal hearings will be conducted Monday through Thursday during the day, Tuesday and Wednesday evenings and select Saturdays at 201 North Second Street in St. Charles.
Mike McMurran Sports Editor
Mike McMurran
Sports Editor
Once again I find myself in the “doghouse.” No surprise, the address which appears on my driver’s license should read: 2804 Kennel Avenue. It seems I have this uncanny ability to open my mouth and insert my foot – at least that is the way it appears to the uninformed.
Some weeks ago there were a couple of organizational meetings at The Academy of the Sacred Heart dealing with the athletic program. There are few things in life I know much about, but athletics seem to be one of them; my passion for the Academy is, well, just that, a passion. My being on the committee seemed a natural fit. How could I get in trouble? The answer is: we do what we do best.
Let’s discuss my passion for athletics, and in particular football. Regular readers of this column know I am a veteran of the U.S. Navy; serving two and a half years of active duty with a unit know as the “Fighting Seabees.” In the early 70’s the Marines and Navy would form football teams to compete with local teams; some being small colleges and such. If my memory serves me correctly, and times were very, very different in the early 70’s, we were stationed at Roosevelt Roads in Puerto Rico. Naval Mobile Construction Battalion 133 fielded a football team, a team made up of both officers and enlisted.
Those unfamiliar with Navy rules and regulations pay close attention here: Officers and enlisted were forbidden to socialize in any way, shape or form. Should an officer and enlisted become involved romantically, both could, and usually would be discharged from the military. It had something to do with their ability to lead in times of war. We were, however, allowed to compete on the same football team.
It seems after a practice, an officer and I were changing clothes next to each other. I asked permission to speak to him (yes, I had to “request permission to speak”). Permission was granted.
The conversation went something like this: “Sir, you know I am bigger, faster and stronger than you.” He nodded. “When we line up on the field I kick your butt all over the field.” He looked at me quizzically. “When we leave here, I go sleep in a barracks with 9 other guys, and you live in an apartment all by yourself.” He still remained silent. “When it is time to eat I must stand in line at the chow hall, while the Phillipinos serve you your meals.” The silence from him made me nervous. “I will spend an hour on my uniform this evening making sure it is up to par for tomorrow’s inspection, while the Phillipinos will prepare your uniform.” Finally he spoke. “Have you a point to this story,” he asked. Yeah, I had a point. “What makes you better than me?” He thought for only a second and responded, “I graduated from college.”
I had no idea in the world what it took to graduate from college. Heck, I was lucky to get out of high school (0.834 g.p.a.), but I knew if it made such a difference in life style, I too, would someday “graduate from college.” It took me 14 years to earn my undergraduate degree, but I earned it. Now, as I proudly like to say, “I am educated far beyond my level of intelligence.” I have not looked at it lately, but I think I am something like one or two classes from having two Master’s Degrees. In my strange application of logic, I owe it all to football.
There are others who feel they owe athletics for the quality of their life. I have a number of friends who played Division I, II and III sports in college. The main reason they attended college was to play sports; somewhere along the line they managed to earn their degree. That degree does things.
Now, back to paragraph one. I know not what percentage of graduates from ASH go on to earn their degrees; I suspect it is rather high. The academic expectations are the reason most send their children to school there. All I was trying to suggest is that maybe, just maybe we could hold the athletic program to the same high levels of expectations. That’s all. Boy did I fail. What I failed at was expressing myself clearly; at least I think that is what I failed at.
This too shall pass, and in some strange way I will probably learn from the experience. At the same time I know there are a handful of individuals who agree with me. The difference is they know how to present their case orally far better than I. Better yet, they know when NOT to present their case orally. There, that’s the lesson I was looking for.
Sports Editor
Once again I find myself in the “doghouse.” No surprise, the address which appears on my driver’s license should read: 2804 Kennel Avenue. It seems I have this uncanny ability to open my mouth and insert my foot – at least that is the way it appears to the uninformed.
Some weeks ago there were a couple of organizational meetings at The Academy of the Sacred Heart dealing with the athletic program. There are few things in life I know much about, but athletics seem to be one of them; my passion for the Academy is, well, just that, a passion. My being on the committee seemed a natural fit. How could I get in trouble? The answer is: we do what we do best.
Let’s discuss my passion for athletics, and in particular football. Regular readers of this column know I am a veteran of the U.S. Navy; serving two and a half years of active duty with a unit know as the “Fighting Seabees.” In the early 70’s the Marines and Navy would form football teams to compete with local teams; some being small colleges and such. If my memory serves me correctly, and times were very, very different in the early 70’s, we were stationed at Roosevelt Roads in Puerto Rico. Naval Mobile Construction Battalion 133 fielded a football team, a team made up of both officers and enlisted.
Those unfamiliar with Navy rules and regulations pay close attention here: Officers and enlisted were forbidden to socialize in any way, shape or form. Should an officer and enlisted become involved romantically, both could, and usually would be discharged from the military. It had something to do with their ability to lead in times of war. We were, however, allowed to compete on the same football team.
It seems after a practice, an officer and I were changing clothes next to each other. I asked permission to speak to him (yes, I had to “request permission to speak”). Permission was granted.
The conversation went something like this: “Sir, you know I am bigger, faster and stronger than you.” He nodded. “When we line up on the field I kick your butt all over the field.” He looked at me quizzically. “When we leave here, I go sleep in a barracks with 9 other guys, and you live in an apartment all by yourself.” He still remained silent. “When it is time to eat I must stand in line at the chow hall, while the Phillipinos serve you your meals.” The silence from him made me nervous. “I will spend an hour on my uniform this evening making sure it is up to par for tomorrow’s inspection, while the Phillipinos will prepare your uniform.” Finally he spoke. “Have you a point to this story,” he asked. Yeah, I had a point. “What makes you better than me?” He thought for only a second and responded, “I graduated from college.”
I had no idea in the world what it took to graduate from college. Heck, I was lucky to get out of high school (0.834 g.p.a.), but I knew if it made such a difference in life style, I too, would someday “graduate from college.” It took me 14 years to earn my undergraduate degree, but I earned it. Now, as I proudly like to say, “I am educated far beyond my level of intelligence.” I have not looked at it lately, but I think I am something like one or two classes from having two Master’s Degrees. In my strange application of logic, I owe it all to football.
There are others who feel they owe athletics for the quality of their life. I have a number of friends who played Division I, II and III sports in college. The main reason they attended college was to play sports; somewhere along the line they managed to earn their degree. That degree does things.
Now, back to paragraph one. I know not what percentage of graduates from ASH go on to earn their degrees; I suspect it is rather high. The academic expectations are the reason most send their children to school there. All I was trying to suggest is that maybe, just maybe we could hold the athletic program to the same high levels of expectations. That’s all. Boy did I fail. What I failed at was expressing myself clearly; at least I think that is what I failed at.
This too shall pass, and in some strange way I will probably learn from the experience. At the same time I know there are a handful of individuals who agree with me. The difference is they know how to present their case orally far better than I. Better yet, they know when NOT to present their case orally. There, that’s the lesson I was looking for.
River City Rage
r
Will open against Fayetteville Heat at Family Arena
By: Mike McMurran
Sports Editor
River City Rage Head Football Coach Mike Wyatt is busy making preparations and decisions regarding the Rage season opener on Saturday, March 26 at Family Arena. “The 22 man roster is never gonna be set until game day,” said Wyatt. National Indoor Football League rules require each team to submit a 25 man roster on the Thursday prior to game day; from that 22 players will be selected to dress.
Among the top returning veterans is Scott Pingel (6’1” 186 lb. WR), a 3 year indoor veteran and 2 time All Conference player from Westminster College where he won the Melberger Award, one of NCAA III football’s highest honors. Pingel led the NIFL in receiving yards in 204 with a NIFL record 1415 yards on a NIFL record 118 catches while finding the end zone 26 times. Pingel is joined in the Rage receiving corps by, what Wyatt calls “the world’s largest wide receiver” in Moses Regular, a 6’5”, 284 pounder. Regular hauled in 534 catches for 616 yards and 14 TDs in 2003. The Missouri Valley College product was converted to a tight end in the “NFL-Europe” and has been in three NFL camps.
Deciding which linemen to keep will be like working on a puzzle for Wyatt. Chase Denton (6’5”, 355 lb) and veteran center Gabe Dunkmann (6’4”, 325) are all but certain to anchor the offensive line. “It has yet to be determined if we are going to carry 4 O linemen or 4 D linemen,” Wyatt stated, “at least 1 lineman is going to have to be what we call a ‘swingman’ and be prepared to see action both ways.”
“Basically we keep 16 starters,” explained Wyatt, “there will be a back up quarterback and a kicker,” which puts the game day roster at 18 players, “which gives us 4 slots to fill,” Wyatt said. “Those 4 players will back up 14 positions, so a guy may be on the depth chart at defensive back, linebacker and running back.”
The Rage top newcomer is running back Rod Malone (6’2” 204 lb) from North Dakota State University. “Rod played in the Cactus Bowl last year, which is the Division II all-star game,” Wyatt boasts, “he led his team in rushing with over 1200 yards and scored something like 15 (17 to be exact) touchdowns.” Also being counted on in the backfield is SIU product JerMarsh Robinson (6’1”, 212). “We need to make some decisions on our backfield, and we need to do it quickly,” Wyatt conceded, “that might just be the area where will still need to sign a player or two.”
Defensively, the Rage will look to newcomer James Green (DL, 6’1”, 291) from the University of Southern Mississippi and a sack leader in 2004 for the Lubbock Lone Stars in the Intense Football League. Green will be joined on the defensive line by Western New Mexico University product Bruce Blue (6’1”, 264) who was his team’s defensive MVP while recording 25 tackles for losses to rank 2nd in the nation.
The Rage’s strong point would appear to be their defensive secondary where they will start 4 Division I starters. Heading the group is Mizzou Alumnus Clarence Jones (5’11” 205), who was 2nd team All Big 12.
The starting quarterback position has yet to be decided. “It will be between Clay (Groefsema) and Anthony Fisher,” tells Wyatt. Groefsema is returning for his third season of indoor action, where Fisher is fresh out of Southern University via the University of Miami. “If we have any questions as to who will be starting it will be at quarterback and running back,” Wyatt declared. “We hope to answer a lot of questions this evening as we go full speed.”
The Rage will open their season on Saturday, March 26 as they host the Fayetteville Heat with a 7 p.m. kick off. Individual ticket prices are $20 for front row, $15 for lower level and $10 for upper level. Season tickets are still available for $120, $90 and $60 respectively. Both can be purchased by calling 636-916-0132.
Will open against Fayetteville Heat at Family Arena
By: Mike McMurran
Sports Editor
River City Rage Head Football Coach Mike Wyatt is busy making preparations and decisions regarding the Rage season opener on Saturday, March 26 at Family Arena. “The 22 man roster is never gonna be set until game day,” said Wyatt. National Indoor Football League rules require each team to submit a 25 man roster on the Thursday prior to game day; from that 22 players will be selected to dress.
Among the top returning veterans is Scott Pingel (6’1” 186 lb. WR), a 3 year indoor veteran and 2 time All Conference player from Westminster College where he won the Melberger Award, one of NCAA III football’s highest honors. Pingel led the NIFL in receiving yards in 204 with a NIFL record 1415 yards on a NIFL record 118 catches while finding the end zone 26 times. Pingel is joined in the Rage receiving corps by, what Wyatt calls “the world’s largest wide receiver” in Moses Regular, a 6’5”, 284 pounder. Regular hauled in 534 catches for 616 yards and 14 TDs in 2003. The Missouri Valley College product was converted to a tight end in the “NFL-Europe” and has been in three NFL camps.
Deciding which linemen to keep will be like working on a puzzle for Wyatt. Chase Denton (6’5”, 355 lb) and veteran center Gabe Dunkmann (6’4”, 325) are all but certain to anchor the offensive line. “It has yet to be determined if we are going to carry 4 O linemen or 4 D linemen,” Wyatt stated, “at least 1 lineman is going to have to be what we call a ‘swingman’ and be prepared to see action both ways.”
“Basically we keep 16 starters,” explained Wyatt, “there will be a back up quarterback and a kicker,” which puts the game day roster at 18 players, “which gives us 4 slots to fill,” Wyatt said. “Those 4 players will back up 14 positions, so a guy may be on the depth chart at defensive back, linebacker and running back.”
The Rage top newcomer is running back Rod Malone (6’2” 204 lb) from North Dakota State University. “Rod played in the Cactus Bowl last year, which is the Division II all-star game,” Wyatt boasts, “he led his team in rushing with over 1200 yards and scored something like 15 (17 to be exact) touchdowns.” Also being counted on in the backfield is SIU product JerMarsh Robinson (6’1”, 212). “We need to make some decisions on our backfield, and we need to do it quickly,” Wyatt conceded, “that might just be the area where will still need to sign a player or two.”
Defensively, the Rage will look to newcomer James Green (DL, 6’1”, 291) from the University of Southern Mississippi and a sack leader in 2004 for the Lubbock Lone Stars in the Intense Football League. Green will be joined on the defensive line by Western New Mexico University product Bruce Blue (6’1”, 264) who was his team’s defensive MVP while recording 25 tackles for losses to rank 2nd in the nation.
The Rage’s strong point would appear to be their defensive secondary where they will start 4 Division I starters. Heading the group is Mizzou Alumnus Clarence Jones (5’11” 205), who was 2nd team All Big 12.
The starting quarterback position has yet to be decided. “It will be between Clay (Groefsema) and Anthony Fisher,” tells Wyatt. Groefsema is returning for his third season of indoor action, where Fisher is fresh out of Southern University via the University of Miami. “If we have any questions as to who will be starting it will be at quarterback and running back,” Wyatt declared. “We hope to answer a lot of questions this evening as we go full speed.”
The Rage will open their season on Saturday, March 26 as they host the Fayetteville Heat with a 7 p.m. kick off. Individual ticket prices are $20 for front row, $15 for lower level and $10 for upper level. Season tickets are still available for $120, $90 and $60 respectively. Both can be purchased by calling 636-916-0132.
Saturday, March 12, 2005
SHERIFF TIM SWOPE APPOINTED ST. CHARLES POLICE CHIEF
By Tony Brockmeyer
At a special meeting of the St. Charles City Council Tuesday evening, City Administrator Allan Williams, brought forward St. Charles County Sheriff Tim Swope as his choice to be St. Charles Police Chief. The appointment was approved by the Mayor and the City Council and Swope will assume his new duties Monday morning.
St. Charles County voters decided they wanted a new leader in the Sheriff’s Office. In November of 2002 they elected Tim Swope to be that leader. Sheriff Swope took office in January of 2003.
Tim Swope has three children. Sheriff Swope is a 1984 graduate of St. Charles High School and attended college at Central Missouri State University – Warrensburg on a baseball scholarship. He played peewee football at J.F.L. and the Boy’s Club. In 1982-83 he was a member of the St. Charles High School Pirates who won the State Championship in football. He also played baseball and coached for American Legion Post 312 in St. Charles.
Sheriff Swope’s education includes thousands of hours of training with the U.S. Department of Justice, Drug Enforcement Administration; Cook County Sheriff’s Department; Chicago Police Department; Atlanta, Georgia Metro PD; Las Vegas Metropolitan Police Department; Indianapolis PD; Arkansas State Police; Illinois State Police; Los Angeles PD and the Los Angeles County Sheriff’s Department. He also attended Lindenwood University.
Sheriff Swope has numerous commendations for exemplary performance in the line of duty, including the Sheriff’s “Award of Excellence”. The Sheriff promoted him in February 1997, to Sergeant over the highly successful Drug Unit, having served as an undercover investigator. He was appointed Team Leader for the St. Charles County SWAT Team and in August of 2000 was appointed acting Lieutenant within the patrol division. He was deputized by the U.S. Department of Treasury and served on a Federal Task Force, which investigated organized crime in the metropolitan area. Sheriff Swope received a meritorious service award for his work on the task force.
In the March 22, 2003 edition of the First Capitol News we published an interview with Sheriff Swope. We have excerpts from that interview that we feel are pertinent and present them here:
First Capitol News (FCN) How did you get involved in law enforcement?
Sheriff Swope (SS) Years ago when I was in college, I was playing baseball on a scholarship. As many young men do who played sports back then, I had delusions of grandeur about becoming a professional athlete. Then I realized that it probably was not going to happen, so I came home from college one summer and one of my friends, Ronnie Lloyd who was an officer at St. Charles City police department, asked me if I would like to ride with him. From the minute I got in that police car with him I was hooked. It was something that I knew I wanted to do. Soon after that, at 20 years old, I went into the academy. A month after my 21st birthday I was a policeman. That’s all I have been doing for the last 16 years.
FCN Have you been with the sheriff’s office the whole 16 years?
SS For about 10 months I was a police officer with the Warrenton Police Department. I learned some aspects of law enforcement that you don’t get in a big department. At a small department you have to kind of do it all. It also gave me a sense of community. I was from St. Charles and St. Charles was not a metropolis by any means, but I had never been in a small town like that and it really gave me a sense of community. I learned that there is a lot more to police work than just writing tickets and arresting people. It is also developing relationships with people that you work with and around. I had a dream of working for the Sheriff’s Department. A very good friend of mine, Tony Bishop, who still works here with me, his father, Pete Bishop, was a deputy with the Sheriff’s Department for years. He worked undercover, worked throughout the department. I knew that as a long-term goal I wanted to be with the Sheriff’s Department. At the time the Sheriff’s Department was mostly hiring people to go to work straight into the jail as opposed to going on the street. I was just lucky enough that at the time I applied they were short some deputies on the street. I didn’t have to go to work in the jail but went straight to the street and have been here ever since.
FCN Throughout your career with the St. Charles County Sheriff’s Office what different assignments or responsibilities have you had?
SS I was a patrolman; I got involved with the SWAT Team after a couple of years. That was something I really enjoyed. Honing my skills tactically. Being part of a unit I took a lot of pride in. After being on the SWAT Team for a couple of years I had to make a big decision. I had an opportunity of going into the drug unit working undercover but I would have to give up the SWAT Team to do that. I did, it was a difficult decision. One I have looked back on and thanked God it worked out for me. The majority of my career has been spent in drug enforcement. Either on the local task force or assigned to a Department of Treasury Task Force in St. Louis where we investigated organized crime and large-scale drug operations. I was also involved in the intelligence division in the Sheriff’s Department and was the Commander of the Sheriff’s Department Drug Unit. Then I came back to patrol and worked as a shift commander and as a team leader on the SWAT Team again. As I found going in and out of the drug unit and back to patrol, it is a good job being a patrolmen in uniform. It is structured but there is a lot of diversity. As in any job there are days when it is slow or fast, but as a policeman, if you are not handling a lot of radio calls you get out there and work hard and catch criminals. That’s what I enjoy.
FCN You have only been the Sheriff for a short time. Have you had any surprises or things that you didn’t expect?
SS My biggest surprise was the amount of administrative work. I knew coming in it was going to be tough. There is a tremendous amount of paper work that I am not efficient at yet but I know in six months I will be able to whip through these things without giving them much thought. But right now I have to read through everything, sometimes two or three times, just to know what I am signing. Soon I will be more efficient, but right now it kind of bogs me down. Because of that I am working 12 – 13 hour days but I enjoy it. I have had a couple of occasions of going to DARE Graduations and that was a part of this department that I had not seen before. I was really taken aback on how fulfilling it was to watch the kids go through the program. I had no idea of what kind of event a DARE graduation was. I though it was just going and handing out a certificate and the kids going home. It’s not! It’s really an event and we are very proud to be a part of that type of program and other ones that I had no idea of.
FCN Besides patrol duties and drug enforcement what other areas is the Sheriff’s Office responsible for?
SS We have a little over 200 employees, approximately 150 sworn deputies. Obviously patrol is one of our functions. Patrol and investigations. We are also involved in court services, court security, civil process, the community education program, and communications, which has 22 employees. We run the county range and the training center. There is forensics and identification, crime scene investigation, records management and personnel. There are many, many different divisions within the Sheriff’s Department. That is a good thing for the people who work here because they have a lot more avenues to pursue for their career. In many departments you don’t have that flexibility. You work the street and that’s all you do. In here our personnel has the opportunity to move around quite a bit more. That’s a good thing for all of us.
FCN You ran against, and won the election over, an opponent who was evidently entrenched with the political system that is in power here in the County. It appears a number of County politicians who have nothing to do with the Sheriff’s Office now think they should be the ones running it. Has that caused you any problems?
SS Change is difficult sometimes. I will give you an example. Changing our cellular phone system from one service to another was more difficult than I would have ever imagined. It’s just a phone but the bottom line is that it is change. Sometime it is hard to see past that. All of that is behind us. We are all on the same page. We are all pushing towards the same goals. Getting more officers on the street. Having a better department. Providing better service to the residents of the County. I know we will all come together and try to meet all the goals we have set. I would also say the charter spells out that the Sheriff is the lead law enforcement officer in the County which is a great responsibility. One I know is on my shoulders now. But one I knew going into this I would have to undertake and I am willing to do that. I am a young guy. I am only 37 years old now but I do have vast experience in law enforcement, specifically this department. I am going to bring some new ideas here and hope ultimately the people will accept those ideas and know in the end they were best for the department and the community.
FCN If the County Council said, “Sheriff, money is no object.” Is there any type of equipment or personnel you would like to have?
SS If money was no object, and I know it always is, I think we could double the amount of officers we have on the street and still find room for more. That is what every department in the country is struggling for and will always struggle for. There is so much more that we can do proactively as opposed to reactively. Proactive law enforcement is now. It’s the future. Getting out and stopping crimes from being committed before they happen. Catching them in the act of committing crimes. That’s proactive law enforcement. I am going to strive to get the whole department involved in a much higher level of proactive policing.
FCN How much of a coverage area are you responsible for?
SS Almost 600 square miles. There are over 300,000 people in this County. That is not only the unincorporated areas. We provide services to the entire County. Services that we are obligated to provide. If a municipality calls us for traffic enforcement or to provide forensic or ID for a homicide. To provide a fugitive unit to go out and arrest some bad guys or to provide a SWAT Team to serve a high-risk search warrant, that’s the obligation of the Sheriff’s Department. It is something that we take great pride in.
FCN What would you say to any young man or woman reading this article that is thinking about a law enforcement career?
SS Understand it is not what you watch on TV. It is really a lot more community oriented. Not just in this community but all over the country we need to make an investment as law enforcement within the community. There is nothing truer than we are public servants. If we drive down the road and see somebody broken down on the side of the highway, it’s our job to help the people out. That’s a basic part of our job that may have been forgotten over the past few years, but one that is very necessary for us to provide for everyone. For a young man or woman coming into this field it is exciting. It is an exhilaration to find a criminal and chase them down. To arrest somebody. It is also self-fulfilling just helping people out. If someone has a question or if they need some help with some family problems we help them. It takes younger officers a little bit of time to learn that, but once they do, I think the job is great. Ninety nine percent of the people we deal with are good people. That one percent is usually bad people and they go to jail. As a police officer you have to realize that most of the contacts you have are with good people and if you are in the mood of constantly thinking that everyone is on the other side, you are not going to last long in this job. Most of the community is behind us. That is not to say that they are in every part of this country but in our area we are lucky enough to have their support. In a metropolitan area if we are lucky enough to have a community that supports us then we are grateful for that and we want to continue that sense of working with the people to make this a better community.
FCN Is there anything you would like to say to our readers I haven’t thought to ask you about?
SS We are committed as a department as we move into the future, to not become stagnant. We have a lot of good men and women here that work their tails off. They should be recognized for the good job they do. We will continue to provide excellent law enforcement services to our residents.
At a special meeting of the St. Charles City Council Tuesday evening, City Administrator Allan Williams, brought forward St. Charles County Sheriff Tim Swope as his choice to be St. Charles Police Chief. The appointment was approved by the Mayor and the City Council and Swope will assume his new duties Monday morning.
St. Charles County voters decided they wanted a new leader in the Sheriff’s Office. In November of 2002 they elected Tim Swope to be that leader. Sheriff Swope took office in January of 2003.
Tim Swope has three children. Sheriff Swope is a 1984 graduate of St. Charles High School and attended college at Central Missouri State University – Warrensburg on a baseball scholarship. He played peewee football at J.F.L. and the Boy’s Club. In 1982-83 he was a member of the St. Charles High School Pirates who won the State Championship in football. He also played baseball and coached for American Legion Post 312 in St. Charles.
Sheriff Swope’s education includes thousands of hours of training with the U.S. Department of Justice, Drug Enforcement Administration; Cook County Sheriff’s Department; Chicago Police Department; Atlanta, Georgia Metro PD; Las Vegas Metropolitan Police Department; Indianapolis PD; Arkansas State Police; Illinois State Police; Los Angeles PD and the Los Angeles County Sheriff’s Department. He also attended Lindenwood University.
Sheriff Swope has numerous commendations for exemplary performance in the line of duty, including the Sheriff’s “Award of Excellence”. The Sheriff promoted him in February 1997, to Sergeant over the highly successful Drug Unit, having served as an undercover investigator. He was appointed Team Leader for the St. Charles County SWAT Team and in August of 2000 was appointed acting Lieutenant within the patrol division. He was deputized by the U.S. Department of Treasury and served on a Federal Task Force, which investigated organized crime in the metropolitan area. Sheriff Swope received a meritorious service award for his work on the task force.
In the March 22, 2003 edition of the First Capitol News we published an interview with Sheriff Swope. We have excerpts from that interview that we feel are pertinent and present them here:
First Capitol News (FCN) How did you get involved in law enforcement?
Sheriff Swope (SS) Years ago when I was in college, I was playing baseball on a scholarship. As many young men do who played sports back then, I had delusions of grandeur about becoming a professional athlete. Then I realized that it probably was not going to happen, so I came home from college one summer and one of my friends, Ronnie Lloyd who was an officer at St. Charles City police department, asked me if I would like to ride with him. From the minute I got in that police car with him I was hooked. It was something that I knew I wanted to do. Soon after that, at 20 years old, I went into the academy. A month after my 21st birthday I was a policeman. That’s all I have been doing for the last 16 years.
FCN Have you been with the sheriff’s office the whole 16 years?
SS For about 10 months I was a police officer with the Warrenton Police Department. I learned some aspects of law enforcement that you don’t get in a big department. At a small department you have to kind of do it all. It also gave me a sense of community. I was from St. Charles and St. Charles was not a metropolis by any means, but I had never been in a small town like that and it really gave me a sense of community. I learned that there is a lot more to police work than just writing tickets and arresting people. It is also developing relationships with people that you work with and around. I had a dream of working for the Sheriff’s Department. A very good friend of mine, Tony Bishop, who still works here with me, his father, Pete Bishop, was a deputy with the Sheriff’s Department for years. He worked undercover, worked throughout the department. I knew that as a long-term goal I wanted to be with the Sheriff’s Department. At the time the Sheriff’s Department was mostly hiring people to go to work straight into the jail as opposed to going on the street. I was just lucky enough that at the time I applied they were short some deputies on the street. I didn’t have to go to work in the jail but went straight to the street and have been here ever since.
FCN Throughout your career with the St. Charles County Sheriff’s Office what different assignments or responsibilities have you had?
SS I was a patrolman; I got involved with the SWAT Team after a couple of years. That was something I really enjoyed. Honing my skills tactically. Being part of a unit I took a lot of pride in. After being on the SWAT Team for a couple of years I had to make a big decision. I had an opportunity of going into the drug unit working undercover but I would have to give up the SWAT Team to do that. I did, it was a difficult decision. One I have looked back on and thanked God it worked out for me. The majority of my career has been spent in drug enforcement. Either on the local task force or assigned to a Department of Treasury Task Force in St. Louis where we investigated organized crime and large-scale drug operations. I was also involved in the intelligence division in the Sheriff’s Department and was the Commander of the Sheriff’s Department Drug Unit. Then I came back to patrol and worked as a shift commander and as a team leader on the SWAT Team again. As I found going in and out of the drug unit and back to patrol, it is a good job being a patrolmen in uniform. It is structured but there is a lot of diversity. As in any job there are days when it is slow or fast, but as a policeman, if you are not handling a lot of radio calls you get out there and work hard and catch criminals. That’s what I enjoy.
FCN You have only been the Sheriff for a short time. Have you had any surprises or things that you didn’t expect?
SS My biggest surprise was the amount of administrative work. I knew coming in it was going to be tough. There is a tremendous amount of paper work that I am not efficient at yet but I know in six months I will be able to whip through these things without giving them much thought. But right now I have to read through everything, sometimes two or three times, just to know what I am signing. Soon I will be more efficient, but right now it kind of bogs me down. Because of that I am working 12 – 13 hour days but I enjoy it. I have had a couple of occasions of going to DARE Graduations and that was a part of this department that I had not seen before. I was really taken aback on how fulfilling it was to watch the kids go through the program. I had no idea of what kind of event a DARE graduation was. I though it was just going and handing out a certificate and the kids going home. It’s not! It’s really an event and we are very proud to be a part of that type of program and other ones that I had no idea of.
FCN Besides patrol duties and drug enforcement what other areas is the Sheriff’s Office responsible for?
SS We have a little over 200 employees, approximately 150 sworn deputies. Obviously patrol is one of our functions. Patrol and investigations. We are also involved in court services, court security, civil process, the community education program, and communications, which has 22 employees. We run the county range and the training center. There is forensics and identification, crime scene investigation, records management and personnel. There are many, many different divisions within the Sheriff’s Department. That is a good thing for the people who work here because they have a lot more avenues to pursue for their career. In many departments you don’t have that flexibility. You work the street and that’s all you do. In here our personnel has the opportunity to move around quite a bit more. That’s a good thing for all of us.
FCN You ran against, and won the election over, an opponent who was evidently entrenched with the political system that is in power here in the County. It appears a number of County politicians who have nothing to do with the Sheriff’s Office now think they should be the ones running it. Has that caused you any problems?
SS Change is difficult sometimes. I will give you an example. Changing our cellular phone system from one service to another was more difficult than I would have ever imagined. It’s just a phone but the bottom line is that it is change. Sometime it is hard to see past that. All of that is behind us. We are all on the same page. We are all pushing towards the same goals. Getting more officers on the street. Having a better department. Providing better service to the residents of the County. I know we will all come together and try to meet all the goals we have set. I would also say the charter spells out that the Sheriff is the lead law enforcement officer in the County which is a great responsibility. One I know is on my shoulders now. But one I knew going into this I would have to undertake and I am willing to do that. I am a young guy. I am only 37 years old now but I do have vast experience in law enforcement, specifically this department. I am going to bring some new ideas here and hope ultimately the people will accept those ideas and know in the end they were best for the department and the community.
FCN If the County Council said, “Sheriff, money is no object.” Is there any type of equipment or personnel you would like to have?
SS If money was no object, and I know it always is, I think we could double the amount of officers we have on the street and still find room for more. That is what every department in the country is struggling for and will always struggle for. There is so much more that we can do proactively as opposed to reactively. Proactive law enforcement is now. It’s the future. Getting out and stopping crimes from being committed before they happen. Catching them in the act of committing crimes. That’s proactive law enforcement. I am going to strive to get the whole department involved in a much higher level of proactive policing.
FCN How much of a coverage area are you responsible for?
SS Almost 600 square miles. There are over 300,000 people in this County. That is not only the unincorporated areas. We provide services to the entire County. Services that we are obligated to provide. If a municipality calls us for traffic enforcement or to provide forensic or ID for a homicide. To provide a fugitive unit to go out and arrest some bad guys or to provide a SWAT Team to serve a high-risk search warrant, that’s the obligation of the Sheriff’s Department. It is something that we take great pride in.
FCN What would you say to any young man or woman reading this article that is thinking about a law enforcement career?
SS Understand it is not what you watch on TV. It is really a lot more community oriented. Not just in this community but all over the country we need to make an investment as law enforcement within the community. There is nothing truer than we are public servants. If we drive down the road and see somebody broken down on the side of the highway, it’s our job to help the people out. That’s a basic part of our job that may have been forgotten over the past few years, but one that is very necessary for us to provide for everyone. For a young man or woman coming into this field it is exciting. It is an exhilaration to find a criminal and chase them down. To arrest somebody. It is also self-fulfilling just helping people out. If someone has a question or if they need some help with some family problems we help them. It takes younger officers a little bit of time to learn that, but once they do, I think the job is great. Ninety nine percent of the people we deal with are good people. That one percent is usually bad people and they go to jail. As a police officer you have to realize that most of the contacts you have are with good people and if you are in the mood of constantly thinking that everyone is on the other side, you are not going to last long in this job. Most of the community is behind us. That is not to say that they are in every part of this country but in our area we are lucky enough to have their support. In a metropolitan area if we are lucky enough to have a community that supports us then we are grateful for that and we want to continue that sense of working with the people to make this a better community.
FCN Is there anything you would like to say to our readers I haven’t thought to ask you about?
SS We are committed as a department as we move into the future, to not become stagnant. We have a lot of good men and women here that work their tails off. They should be recognized for the good job they do. We will continue to provide excellent law enforcement services to our residents.
St. Peters Police Confirm Street Race Led to Fatal Crash
Other vehicle involved in race has been identified
Investigators from the St. Peters Police Department have learned additional information concerning the events that led up to the tragic crash that occurred this past Saturday evening on Highway 94 just south of Jungs Station Road.
It started that evening at a house party in St. Charles. At the party Brad Boss (the driver of the 98 Honda Prelude) had a conversation with another 16 year old boy (driver of a silver Mitsubishi Lancer) that his car was faster. The boys agreed to see who had the faster car. They left the party to race each other.
Brad Boss and Jacob Liscombe were in the Honda and two other 16 year boys were in the Mitsubishi. They turned onto the North Outer Road at Heritage landing and started to speed up as they drove next to each other going south on the North Outer Road. According to the boys in the Mitsubishi they were traveling between 80 and 100 mph on the North Outer Road. The North Outer Road narrows to one lane as the entrance ramp onto Hwy 94 southbound. It is at that location that Mr. Boss lost control of his car skidding across all the lanes of Hwy 94 south and impacting the guard rail.
The Mitsubishi continued down Highway 94 and according to the occupants of the Mitsubishi they were unaware that Mr. Boss had been involved in an accident.
St. Peters police say they will not be releasing the names of the driver and passenger of the Mitsubishi due to the fact that they are juveniles.
Investigators from the St. Peters Police Department have learned additional information concerning the events that led up to the tragic crash that occurred this past Saturday evening on Highway 94 just south of Jungs Station Road.
It started that evening at a house party in St. Charles. At the party Brad Boss (the driver of the 98 Honda Prelude) had a conversation with another 16 year old boy (driver of a silver Mitsubishi Lancer) that his car was faster. The boys agreed to see who had the faster car. They left the party to race each other.
Brad Boss and Jacob Liscombe were in the Honda and two other 16 year boys were in the Mitsubishi. They turned onto the North Outer Road at Heritage landing and started to speed up as they drove next to each other going south on the North Outer Road. According to the boys in the Mitsubishi they were traveling between 80 and 100 mph on the North Outer Road. The North Outer Road narrows to one lane as the entrance ramp onto Hwy 94 southbound. It is at that location that Mr. Boss lost control of his car skidding across all the lanes of Hwy 94 south and impacting the guard rail.
The Mitsubishi continued down Highway 94 and according to the occupants of the Mitsubishi they were unaware that Mr. Boss had been involved in an accident.
St. Peters police say they will not be releasing the names of the driver and passenger of the Mitsubishi due to the fact that they are juveniles.
JAYCEES EASTER EGG HUNT
Jaycees Easter Egg Hunt March 19th
The St. Charles Jaycees are going to hold their annual Easter Egg Hunt at McNair Park on Saturday, March 19, 2005. Registration will begin at 9:30 A.M. and the hunts will begin promptly at 10:00.
The children will be divided up into 3 age groups. The 1-3 year olds will begin at 10:00, the 4-6 year olds at 10:20, and the 7-10 year olds at 10:40. Parents will only be allowed to escort the 1-3 year old age group. The cost for the hunt is $2.00 per child.
This year we will be having visits from the Easter Bunny, clowns, and Ruffie from the Rascals. For more information, please contact Melanie Wetter at 314-494-6421.
The St. Charles Jaycees are going to hold their annual Easter Egg Hunt at McNair Park on Saturday, March 19, 2005. Registration will begin at 9:30 A.M. and the hunts will begin promptly at 10:00.
The children will be divided up into 3 age groups. The 1-3 year olds will begin at 10:00, the 4-6 year olds at 10:20, and the 7-10 year olds at 10:40. Parents will only be allowed to escort the 1-3 year old age group. The cost for the hunt is $2.00 per child.
This year we will be having visits from the Easter Bunny, clowns, and Ruffie from the Rascals. For more information, please contact Melanie Wetter at 314-494-6421.
OUR EDITORIAL OPINION
TIM SWOPE CHIEF OF POLICE - A great choice!
The City Administrator, Mayor and City Council did themselves proud Monday evening when they appointed St. Charles County Sheriff TIM SWOPE as St. Charles Police Chief.
Chief Swope, a St. Charles native, has served as the elected Sheriff of St. Charles County for a little over two years. During that time Chief Swope has shown himself to be an exemplary leader for the men and women of the Sheriff’s Department. A qualified and experienced law enforcement officer, Chief Swope will now bring his talents and leadership ability to the officers of the St.Charles Police Department where it is truly needed.
Chief Swope will begin his duties Monday morning with a full plate. There are 30 to 40 officers who refused to sign the recent letters citing emotional distress. These officers showed courage in holding the line and refusing to be made part of nothing more than a political ploy hatched by other members of their department in an attempt to wrest control from the Administration and City Council. These officers need to be shown that their dedication to duty and to the residents of St. Charles will not go unrewarded. The 73 officers who did claim stress and emotional problems need to be dealt with. They need to receive treatment if it is required or if their claims are found to be unjustified they need to be dealt with in a swift manner.
There are officers in the department who violated the civil rights of Council Members and residents and who broke state and federal laws in their attempts to embarrass the City Council. These law breakers need to be dealt with in the same fashion as any other law breakers. Investigation needs to be conducted, charges filed, a trial held and punishment assessed. These are just a few of the challenges facing incoming Police Chief Tim Swope.
These are items that can no longer be swept under the rug. All too often when problems have been uncovered, the attitude of some city officials has been;, well we discovered it, hopefully it won’t happen again. Rather than take any action against anyone they just move on and expect all to be friends. It is time for that attitude to stop. The citizens of St. Charles are looking for leaders who are not afraid to make decisions no matter who is affected.
There has been a lack of discipline and lack of accountability in this City and this police department for too long. When Swope took over the Sheriff’s office he brought with him accountability, leadership, and responsibility and he didn’t take s_ _ _ from anybody. Everyone knew there was a new Sheriff in town.
The residents of St. Charles who have been without a police chief for more than 18 months will be watching Chief Swope very closely. They want a police chief who will hold the members of his department accountable and responsible for their safety and protection. Chief Swope has accepted their challenge.
Chief Swope has demonstrated he has the capability to overcome obstacles and turn the St. Charles Police Department into a unit all residents can be proud of. We wish Chief Swope well and thank him for taking on a task that will bring him new challenges every day.
Chief Swope has shown that he has the capabilities of overcoming obstacles and turning the St. Charles Police Department into a unit that all residents can be proud of. We wish Chief Swope well and thank him for taking on a task that will bring him new challenges every day.
The City Administrator, Mayor and City Council did themselves proud Monday evening when they appointed St. Charles County Sheriff TIM SWOPE as St. Charles Police Chief.
Chief Swope, a St. Charles native, has served as the elected Sheriff of St. Charles County for a little over two years. During that time Chief Swope has shown himself to be an exemplary leader for the men and women of the Sheriff’s Department. A qualified and experienced law enforcement officer, Chief Swope will now bring his talents and leadership ability to the officers of the St.Charles Police Department where it is truly needed.
Chief Swope will begin his duties Monday morning with a full plate. There are 30 to 40 officers who refused to sign the recent letters citing emotional distress. These officers showed courage in holding the line and refusing to be made part of nothing more than a political ploy hatched by other members of their department in an attempt to wrest control from the Administration and City Council. These officers need to be shown that their dedication to duty and to the residents of St. Charles will not go unrewarded. The 73 officers who did claim stress and emotional problems need to be dealt with. They need to receive treatment if it is required or if their claims are found to be unjustified they need to be dealt with in a swift manner.
There are officers in the department who violated the civil rights of Council Members and residents and who broke state and federal laws in their attempts to embarrass the City Council. These law breakers need to be dealt with in the same fashion as any other law breakers. Investigation needs to be conducted, charges filed, a trial held and punishment assessed. These are just a few of the challenges facing incoming Police Chief Tim Swope.
These are items that can no longer be swept under the rug. All too often when problems have been uncovered, the attitude of some city officials has been;, well we discovered it, hopefully it won’t happen again. Rather than take any action against anyone they just move on and expect all to be friends. It is time for that attitude to stop. The citizens of St. Charles are looking for leaders who are not afraid to make decisions no matter who is affected.
There has been a lack of discipline and lack of accountability in this City and this police department for too long. When Swope took over the Sheriff’s office he brought with him accountability, leadership, and responsibility and he didn’t take s_ _ _ from anybody. Everyone knew there was a new Sheriff in town.
The residents of St. Charles who have been without a police chief for more than 18 months will be watching Chief Swope very closely. They want a police chief who will hold the members of his department accountable and responsible for their safety and protection. Chief Swope has accepted their challenge.
Chief Swope has demonstrated he has the capability to overcome obstacles and turn the St. Charles Police Department into a unit all residents can be proud of. We wish Chief Swope well and thank him for taking on a task that will bring him new challenges every day.
Chief Swope has shown that he has the capabilities of overcoming obstacles and turning the St. Charles Police Department into a unit that all residents can be proud of. We wish Chief Swope well and thank him for taking on a task that will bring him new challenges every day.
THE CITY DESK - Rory Riddler City Council President
Swope Selection As Chief
Is Grand Slam For Citizens
You can tell when you’ve hit a home run in baseball, by the loud groan that comes from the fans of the opposing team. When I saw the reaction by a former “sports reporter” for the Post-Dispatch to the City’s selection of Sheriff Tim Swope as Police Chief, I knew we had hit a grand slam.
Sure he was drafted late in the season, but Tim Swope is a hometown favorite. His “come from behind” big victory in the Sheriff’s race (without the use of steroids) was a classic. He already has the endorsement of the citizens of St. Charles who, with their votes, put their faith and confidence in Tim to be their chief law enforcement official in the County.
For the new Chief, this is a homecoming. St. Charles is, and was, Tim’s hometown since he was five years old. He grew up here, graduated from St. Charles High and spent a lot of his free time at the Boys and Girls Club. Did I mention he played baseball in college? His parents still live here. It was that connection to this community that helped Tim make up his mind to take the job when it was offered. His hometown needed him.
It is also a great career move. As Sheriff, Tim earned $69,000. After the next election the salary for Sheriff goes up to around $80,000, but you have to raise and spend that much getting elected. As Police Chief for the City of St. Charles, Tim will start at $110,000. The City also offers better health coverage and retirement benefits.
The departments are about the same size from a manpower standpoint. But as Police Chief, Tim Swope will have more of a free hand than he did working with County Executive Joe Ortwerth. Just as the County is trying to take control of the fire districts, ambulance district and our own fire department (a move that would raise our property taxes significantly), Joe has also had his eye on controlling the Sheriff’s Department. They took away control of the dispatchers, jailers and bailiffs from the elected Sheriff. They moved the Sheriff’s Office, against the will of the Sheriff, to O’Fallon. I’m not even sure that was legal as St. Charles is still the County Seat.
My understanding is the Sheriff tried to explain the inefficiencies of moving the department miles away from the site of the County Jail, but his advice fell on deaf ears. The new building in O’Fallon has three sets of County Seals on it, but not the Sheriff’s Department seal. Sounds like Ortwerth doesn’t even want anyone to know the County Sheriff is an independently elected office.
The idea of asking Tim Swope to consider serving as Police Chief began with a chance meeting on North Main Street. I had the opportunity to introduce City Administrator Allan Williams to the Sheriff for the first time outside of Tony’s Restaurant. Allan Williams gets the credit for following up and offering the job to Swope.
A few weeks later he floated the idea by the Mayor and me. We each had the opportunity to personally interview Swope. I already knew the Sheriff, but was anxious to hear his vision for law enforcement in our community. I was impressed. So were other Council members who spoke with him.
Of course, I was disappointed that another local resident, Major Robert Lowery, could not be our Police Chief because of the inexplicable opposition to his appointment by the Mayor. In the meantime, we avoided hiring a few other applicants, each with their own share of baggage. That gave lots of fodder to one local gossip columnist, who no doubt would have hired the first stranger with a sheepskin and a badge, so long as he was from out of town. But the City Council held out for someone with local roots, someone who knows and cares about the City of St. Charles.
I believe the Council will give Chief Swope the support and backing he needs to address our crime problems, meth labs, domestic violence, vandalism, speeding, etc. I believe Tim Swope will provide the leadership the department has needed for so long. He will help us get the most from our dedicated professionals and be fair, fast and firm in dealing with any personnel problems.
Swope has also shown himself to be creative in getting the most out of limited resources as Sheriff. He was able to get the cooperation of cities across the County to be part of a collective SWAT Team. After some initial resistance to change, I believe five of our officers are now trying out for the team. Swope also established a Meth Task Force and secured voluntary sites for Sheriff’s Substations when the County wouldn’t fund them.
The voters won’t be allowed to fill the vacancy in the Sheriff’s Office in a special election. While the County Charter provides for County Councilmen to be selected in special elections, vacancies in countywide offices are appointed by the County Executive. The appointee must also be approved by the County Council from someone of the same political party as the prior officeholder. That person will then serve till January 1st 2007.
Fortunately, voters only have to wait till August 2006 for the next primary elections for Sheriff and the General Election in November of next year. Word on the street is Major Lowery is being approached by both Democrats and Republicans to toss his hat in the ring. Being elected Sheriff would certainly be a nice outcome for the citizens and for a man of great personal character and talent.
I know the other dugout is solemn. They certainly didn’t want the City Council to be so decisive or swift in approving the City Administrator’s recommendation. This wasn’t the outcome they wanted. They would have preferred the debate over a Police Chief go on forever. I’ve already heard a few of them complain that Tim Swope doesn’t have the kind of degree “they” would have liked. But he has something they lack…humility. He’s the real deal and now he’s our Chief of Police.
Tuesday night you could hear the crack of the bat. The cheers for the hometown team…the groans from the visitors.
And that’s a winner!
Is Grand Slam For Citizens
You can tell when you’ve hit a home run in baseball, by the loud groan that comes from the fans of the opposing team. When I saw the reaction by a former “sports reporter” for the Post-Dispatch to the City’s selection of Sheriff Tim Swope as Police Chief, I knew we had hit a grand slam.
Sure he was drafted late in the season, but Tim Swope is a hometown favorite. His “come from behind” big victory in the Sheriff’s race (without the use of steroids) was a classic. He already has the endorsement of the citizens of St. Charles who, with their votes, put their faith and confidence in Tim to be their chief law enforcement official in the County.
For the new Chief, this is a homecoming. St. Charles is, and was, Tim’s hometown since he was five years old. He grew up here, graduated from St. Charles High and spent a lot of his free time at the Boys and Girls Club. Did I mention he played baseball in college? His parents still live here. It was that connection to this community that helped Tim make up his mind to take the job when it was offered. His hometown needed him.
It is also a great career move. As Sheriff, Tim earned $69,000. After the next election the salary for Sheriff goes up to around $80,000, but you have to raise and spend that much getting elected. As Police Chief for the City of St. Charles, Tim will start at $110,000. The City also offers better health coverage and retirement benefits.
The departments are about the same size from a manpower standpoint. But as Police Chief, Tim Swope will have more of a free hand than he did working with County Executive Joe Ortwerth. Just as the County is trying to take control of the fire districts, ambulance district and our own fire department (a move that would raise our property taxes significantly), Joe has also had his eye on controlling the Sheriff’s Department. They took away control of the dispatchers, jailers and bailiffs from the elected Sheriff. They moved the Sheriff’s Office, against the will of the Sheriff, to O’Fallon. I’m not even sure that was legal as St. Charles is still the County Seat.
My understanding is the Sheriff tried to explain the inefficiencies of moving the department miles away from the site of the County Jail, but his advice fell on deaf ears. The new building in O’Fallon has three sets of County Seals on it, but not the Sheriff’s Department seal. Sounds like Ortwerth doesn’t even want anyone to know the County Sheriff is an independently elected office.
The idea of asking Tim Swope to consider serving as Police Chief began with a chance meeting on North Main Street. I had the opportunity to introduce City Administrator Allan Williams to the Sheriff for the first time outside of Tony’s Restaurant. Allan Williams gets the credit for following up and offering the job to Swope.
A few weeks later he floated the idea by the Mayor and me. We each had the opportunity to personally interview Swope. I already knew the Sheriff, but was anxious to hear his vision for law enforcement in our community. I was impressed. So were other Council members who spoke with him.
Of course, I was disappointed that another local resident, Major Robert Lowery, could not be our Police Chief because of the inexplicable opposition to his appointment by the Mayor. In the meantime, we avoided hiring a few other applicants, each with their own share of baggage. That gave lots of fodder to one local gossip columnist, who no doubt would have hired the first stranger with a sheepskin and a badge, so long as he was from out of town. But the City Council held out for someone with local roots, someone who knows and cares about the City of St. Charles.
I believe the Council will give Chief Swope the support and backing he needs to address our crime problems, meth labs, domestic violence, vandalism, speeding, etc. I believe Tim Swope will provide the leadership the department has needed for so long. He will help us get the most from our dedicated professionals and be fair, fast and firm in dealing with any personnel problems.
Swope has also shown himself to be creative in getting the most out of limited resources as Sheriff. He was able to get the cooperation of cities across the County to be part of a collective SWAT Team. After some initial resistance to change, I believe five of our officers are now trying out for the team. Swope also established a Meth Task Force and secured voluntary sites for Sheriff’s Substations when the County wouldn’t fund them.
The voters won’t be allowed to fill the vacancy in the Sheriff’s Office in a special election. While the County Charter provides for County Councilmen to be selected in special elections, vacancies in countywide offices are appointed by the County Executive. The appointee must also be approved by the County Council from someone of the same political party as the prior officeholder. That person will then serve till January 1st 2007.
Fortunately, voters only have to wait till August 2006 for the next primary elections for Sheriff and the General Election in November of next year. Word on the street is Major Lowery is being approached by both Democrats and Republicans to toss his hat in the ring. Being elected Sheriff would certainly be a nice outcome for the citizens and for a man of great personal character and talent.
I know the other dugout is solemn. They certainly didn’t want the City Council to be so decisive or swift in approving the City Administrator’s recommendation. This wasn’t the outcome they wanted. They would have preferred the debate over a Police Chief go on forever. I’ve already heard a few of them complain that Tim Swope doesn’t have the kind of degree “they” would have liked. But he has something they lack…humility. He’s the real deal and now he’s our Chief of Police.
Tuesday night you could hear the crack of the bat. The cheers for the hometown team…the groans from the visitors.
And that’s a winner!
RAMBLING WITH THE EDITOR - Tony Brockmeyer
IT CAME BACK!
Just when I thought I had recovered from the flu I got hit again. I was concerned until I begin hearing stories from other people who had also suffered two consecutive bouts of the flu.
If I have not yet responded to your phone call or e-mail, my intention is to do so within the next couple of days. Wednesday was my first full day of work in a couple of weeks.
One of our delivery drivers had a death in his family and had to leave town. This caused some of our deliveries to be late and we discovered one or two areas may have been missed. We believe all of those problems will be history by this weekend.
CHECK OUR WEB LOG
If you do miss your copy of the First Capitol News you can find us on the net. We publish a web log that can be found at firstcapitolnews.blogspot.com.
The current issue of the First Capitol News is usually posted on the web log by Saturday afternoon each week. In the event of breaking news we try to post it as soon as we learn of it.
NO CITY COUNCIL MEETING THIS WEEK
The regular meeting of the St. Charles City Council will not be held Tuesday evening. It has been rescheduled to be held on Tuesday, March 22nd.
ST. PETER FISH FRY
St. Peter Parish on First Capitol across from the h ospital will hold their last Fish Fry on Friday March 18th.
They begin serving at 4pm and the fish is delicious. You can choose between Cod, Catfish and Shrimp. Complete dinners are available to eat-in or for carry out. While you are waiting in line you can avail yourself of a refreshing beverage or peel and eat shrimp.
Having grown up in St. Ferdinand Parish in Florissant where the Fish Fry is held on a year round basis, we thought there could be none better until we had the opportunity to experience St. Peters’.
Just when I thought I had recovered from the flu I got hit again. I was concerned until I begin hearing stories from other people who had also suffered two consecutive bouts of the flu.
If I have not yet responded to your phone call or e-mail, my intention is to do so within the next couple of days. Wednesday was my first full day of work in a couple of weeks.
One of our delivery drivers had a death in his family and had to leave town. This caused some of our deliveries to be late and we discovered one or two areas may have been missed. We believe all of those problems will be history by this weekend.
CHECK OUR WEB LOG
If you do miss your copy of the First Capitol News you can find us on the net. We publish a web log that can be found at firstcapitolnews.blogspot.com.
The current issue of the First Capitol News is usually posted on the web log by Saturday afternoon each week. In the event of breaking news we try to post it as soon as we learn of it.
NO CITY COUNCIL MEETING THIS WEEK
The regular meeting of the St. Charles City Council will not be held Tuesday evening. It has been rescheduled to be held on Tuesday, March 22nd.
ST. PETER FISH FRY
St. Peter Parish on First Capitol across from the h ospital will hold their last Fish Fry on Friday March 18th.
They begin serving at 4pm and the fish is delicious. You can choose between Cod, Catfish and Shrimp. Complete dinners are available to eat-in or for carry out. While you are waiting in line you can avail yourself of a refreshing beverage or peel and eat shrimp.
Having grown up in St. Ferdinand Parish in Florissant where the Fish Fry is held on a year round basis, we thought there could be none better until we had the opportunity to experience St. Peters’.
COMMENTS & COMMERTARY By Charles Hill
What did the City and the Convention and Sports Authority Sell us?
At a recent convention center meeting the committee was presented an operating budget for the first year of operation that shows a loss of over $900,000. What does that mean to you and me? The convention center business has to bring in over $90,000,000 in spending for us to begin to have the tax revenue necessary to pay the shortfall. Over $246,000 in daily spending, spurred by those attending the conventions, has to take place to pay for the operating loss. That figure uses the 1 percent sales tax charged by the businesses that are supposed to be the big winners of conventions.
The Mayor and those who supported the convention center have sold us down the river. Stop and think. What the money we are wasting on the convention center could do for the City of St. Charles. If we had invested the $6 million the City paid for the land the convention centers sits on, in the city’s failing infrastructure, the Council’s concern about sewer capacity would be mute. The $6 million over the next ten years would have paid for improvements on our City streets without the need of outside help. In general an investment should make you money. The convention center is hardly an investment.
Sure it is a pretty building, yes they built it. This is not a field of dreams where “if you build it they will come.” The convention business is highly competitive and the larger markets are adding on. Not to attract more large conventions. They are adding on to get the smaller conventions. Those are the conventions we built our center for. Now we have to compete with Chicago, Vegas and Atlanta.
The “SMERF” market that comprises social, military, educational, religious and fraternal markets brings in cost conscience attendees that do not spend money. So where are we going to get the money to support this center? Simple. They will take it from the City’s coffers. Once again you and I take a back seat to those from out of town.
In St. Charles under York the focus has moved away from the residents to her and those who visit. The fact is, the money we spend to try to get people to visit could actually be used to increase our quality of life. The residents have taken a back seat to the tourism industry. Priorities need to change and that won’t happen as long as York and her crowd control politics.
Recently The Brookings Institution released a study titled “Space Available: The Realities of Convention Centers as Economic Development Strategy.” The author, Haywood Sanders, is a professor in the Department of Public Administration at the University of Texas at San Antonio. Using historical data and actual numbers Sanders paints a picture that looks to place the residents of St. Charles holding the bag on a dream of success in the convention center business. The executive summary states, “The overall convention marketplace is declining in a manner that suggest that a recovery or turnaround is unlikely to yield much increased business for any given community, contrary to repeated industry predictions. Localities sometimes with state assistance have continued a type of arms race with competing cities to host these events, investing massive amounts of capitol in new convention center construction and expansion of existing facilities. Faced with increased competition, many cities spend more money on additional convention amenities, like publicly financed hotels to serve as convention headquarters.” The study can be found at www.brookings.edu/metro and is very informative.
Just think. The doors are not open and already they are projecting a $900,000 loss to the St. Charles taxpayers in the first year.
At a recent convention center meeting the committee was presented an operating budget for the first year of operation that shows a loss of over $900,000. What does that mean to you and me? The convention center business has to bring in over $90,000,000 in spending for us to begin to have the tax revenue necessary to pay the shortfall. Over $246,000 in daily spending, spurred by those attending the conventions, has to take place to pay for the operating loss. That figure uses the 1 percent sales tax charged by the businesses that are supposed to be the big winners of conventions.
The Mayor and those who supported the convention center have sold us down the river. Stop and think. What the money we are wasting on the convention center could do for the City of St. Charles. If we had invested the $6 million the City paid for the land the convention centers sits on, in the city’s failing infrastructure, the Council’s concern about sewer capacity would be mute. The $6 million over the next ten years would have paid for improvements on our City streets without the need of outside help. In general an investment should make you money. The convention center is hardly an investment.
Sure it is a pretty building, yes they built it. This is not a field of dreams where “if you build it they will come.” The convention business is highly competitive and the larger markets are adding on. Not to attract more large conventions. They are adding on to get the smaller conventions. Those are the conventions we built our center for. Now we have to compete with Chicago, Vegas and Atlanta.
The “SMERF” market that comprises social, military, educational, religious and fraternal markets brings in cost conscience attendees that do not spend money. So where are we going to get the money to support this center? Simple. They will take it from the City’s coffers. Once again you and I take a back seat to those from out of town.
In St. Charles under York the focus has moved away from the residents to her and those who visit. The fact is, the money we spend to try to get people to visit could actually be used to increase our quality of life. The residents have taken a back seat to the tourism industry. Priorities need to change and that won’t happen as long as York and her crowd control politics.
Recently The Brookings Institution released a study titled “Space Available: The Realities of Convention Centers as Economic Development Strategy.” The author, Haywood Sanders, is a professor in the Department of Public Administration at the University of Texas at San Antonio. Using historical data and actual numbers Sanders paints a picture that looks to place the residents of St. Charles holding the bag on a dream of success in the convention center business. The executive summary states, “The overall convention marketplace is declining in a manner that suggest that a recovery or turnaround is unlikely to yield much increased business for any given community, contrary to repeated industry predictions. Localities sometimes with state assistance have continued a type of arms race with competing cities to host these events, investing massive amounts of capitol in new convention center construction and expansion of existing facilities. Faced with increased competition, many cities spend more money on additional convention amenities, like publicly financed hotels to serve as convention headquarters.” The study can be found at www.brookings.edu/metro and is very informative.
Just think. The doors are not open and already they are projecting a $900,000 loss to the St. Charles taxpayers in the first year.
THE PEOPLE SPEAK - Letters To The Editor
To The Editor of The First Capitol News
“All this turmoil, this downright meanness is distressing to me,” he said. (Kevin Kast article in Sunday 2/27/05 in another publication. It’s a good thing to have a balance of power, but the balance of power should not limit the Mayor’s ability to act in the best interest of the community. I fear the Council members can be myopic. They think in terms of what is in the best interest of their ward instead of the community as a whole. I favor a stronger Mayor rather than a stronger City Council.”
This is a direct quote by Mr. Kevin Kast. I very much disagree with Kevin’s way of thinking. The Mayor does have the power right now and the ability to act in the best interest of the community. She just chooses not to. Let’s look at her two years so far of her second term.
* Mayor, last Council & City Administrator cheated the taxpayers out of a large sum of money by the unethical way the sale of the old police station was handled and by giving take home cars to police who choose not to live in our City and 200 hours of comp time for her “Top Cop” to work on union business.
* The Mayor tried to get the Veterans Memorial in McNair Park over objections of the residents and park board. Her tactics failed.
* Tried to get taxpayers money for the ShowMe Aquatic Center.
* The issuance of fraudulent Executive orders which she was not authorized to issue.
* Secret meetings she and her husband had with Major Lowery in her attempts to get him to withdraw his name from consideration as police chief.
* Remember her lawsuit against a city board member. Also the $104 million lawsuit against the city by her “Top Cop.”
* Remember her transferring large sums of money from one department to another without Council approval.
* Remember the meeting of St. Chuck watch at the police station with her, police officers, Mr. Hughes and Mr. Jamboretz.
* Let’s get recent and talk about Mayor Patti’s signing of a contract with Express Scripts. If this is illegal the Council should start the necessary proceedings.
* A cool $500,000 for parties for the opening of the Convention Center. Patti and Steve Powell are at it again as well as Ken Kielty, Roger Pryor and the County Sports Authority who are also spending our money (taxpayers) for this tribute to Steve and Patti parties.
Mr. Kast, I could go on and on about the Mayor of this town and debate you forever about her needing more power and her ability to act in the best interest of our community. You raise a good question. Do we really need a full time Mayor? The Charter Amendment for a full time Mayor only passed by 302 votes. Look at what is going on now. Let’s be cautious. Maybe we need to vote gain before 2007 to see if we really want a full time Mayor. Apparently you are confused as to the real reason for what you call TURMOIL & MEANNESS in our City government.
As to our City Council, I would suggest at least seven of them have a great deal of understanding and foresight when it comes to doing what is best for the City contrary to your fear of them to be myopic.
Mr. Kast, after reading the article about your life and professional career, I believe you to be at the top of our profession and I applaud you. After reading the resume of Mr. Robert Lowery, Jr. and meeting him and his wife two times I believe him to be right at the top of his profession. Eight Council members voted for him, the City Administrator wanted him, he received the highest score of all by the City Board charged with saying yea or nea about him for the job of police chief. And the Mayor says he doesn’t fit.
Yes, Mr. Kast, she does need more power but not as Mayor of this town. Maybe you could get her a job in the Health Care Industry as a Jr. Executive and see how private corporations react when you sign contracts you are not supposed to, or keep a well qualified individual from employment because he’s more intelligent than you. Yes, she needs more Power! I suggest she apply at Express Scripts. She apparently already knows someone working there and you, Mr. Kast, could give her a good foot in the door with some of your connections since you think so highly of her.
Respectfully
Bob Bredensteiner
“All this turmoil, this downright meanness is distressing to me,” he said. (Kevin Kast article in Sunday 2/27/05 in another publication. It’s a good thing to have a balance of power, but the balance of power should not limit the Mayor’s ability to act in the best interest of the community. I fear the Council members can be myopic. They think in terms of what is in the best interest of their ward instead of the community as a whole. I favor a stronger Mayor rather than a stronger City Council.”
This is a direct quote by Mr. Kevin Kast. I very much disagree with Kevin’s way of thinking. The Mayor does have the power right now and the ability to act in the best interest of the community. She just chooses not to. Let’s look at her two years so far of her second term.
* Mayor, last Council & City Administrator cheated the taxpayers out of a large sum of money by the unethical way the sale of the old police station was handled and by giving take home cars to police who choose not to live in our City and 200 hours of comp time for her “Top Cop” to work on union business.
* The Mayor tried to get the Veterans Memorial in McNair Park over objections of the residents and park board. Her tactics failed.
* Tried to get taxpayers money for the ShowMe Aquatic Center.
* The issuance of fraudulent Executive orders which she was not authorized to issue.
* Secret meetings she and her husband had with Major Lowery in her attempts to get him to withdraw his name from consideration as police chief.
* Remember her lawsuit against a city board member. Also the $104 million lawsuit against the city by her “Top Cop.”
* Remember her transferring large sums of money from one department to another without Council approval.
* Remember the meeting of St. Chuck watch at the police station with her, police officers, Mr. Hughes and Mr. Jamboretz.
* Let’s get recent and talk about Mayor Patti’s signing of a contract with Express Scripts. If this is illegal the Council should start the necessary proceedings.
* A cool $500,000 for parties for the opening of the Convention Center. Patti and Steve Powell are at it again as well as Ken Kielty, Roger Pryor and the County Sports Authority who are also spending our money (taxpayers) for this tribute to Steve and Patti parties.
Mr. Kast, I could go on and on about the Mayor of this town and debate you forever about her needing more power and her ability to act in the best interest of our community. You raise a good question. Do we really need a full time Mayor? The Charter Amendment for a full time Mayor only passed by 302 votes. Look at what is going on now. Let’s be cautious. Maybe we need to vote gain before 2007 to see if we really want a full time Mayor. Apparently you are confused as to the real reason for what you call TURMOIL & MEANNESS in our City government.
As to our City Council, I would suggest at least seven of them have a great deal of understanding and foresight when it comes to doing what is best for the City contrary to your fear of them to be myopic.
Mr. Kast, after reading the article about your life and professional career, I believe you to be at the top of our profession and I applaud you. After reading the resume of Mr. Robert Lowery, Jr. and meeting him and his wife two times I believe him to be right at the top of his profession. Eight Council members voted for him, the City Administrator wanted him, he received the highest score of all by the City Board charged with saying yea or nea about him for the job of police chief. And the Mayor says he doesn’t fit.
Yes, Mr. Kast, she does need more power but not as Mayor of this town. Maybe you could get her a job in the Health Care Industry as a Jr. Executive and see how private corporations react when you sign contracts you are not supposed to, or keep a well qualified individual from employment because he’s more intelligent than you. Yes, she needs more Power! I suggest she apply at Express Scripts. She apparently already knows someone working there and you, Mr. Kast, could give her a good foot in the door with some of your connections since you think so highly of her.
Respectfully
Bob Bredensteiner
AN OPEN LETTER FROM JOHN GIESEKE Councilman Ward 8
Open Letter to the Residents of St. Charles
From JOHN GIESEKE
City Councilman Ward 8
I am writing this in response to the hiring of a new chief but I also want to apologize for the action and comments attributed to the previous acting Chief. Acting Chief White was quoted as saying that the crowd at a recent multiple ward meeting was “unruly.” To the 100 residents who attended; you know the truth. I hope you now understand the backbiting and unprofessionalism of some of the City’s upper level staff, we, your elected representatives, have to put up with.
Everyday the decisions and actions of the duly elected body of this City go untouched by many of the department heads in this City. Am I pushy when it comes to those who do their job? No. When someone is not doing their job and acting in a way I believe is detrimental to St. Charles, absolutely. I don’t shy away from an issue because it might be politically tough. My job is to represent the residents of Ward 8. I am not here to represent and stand up for the department heads; they work for us, the residents of this City. The problem is, too often they are working against us, not for us. There are some who believe the tax dollars flow in, and are free for then to waste. You and I work too hard to allow this wasteful spending to occur. I have made it a point to expand our tax base to spread the cost of doing business, yet some in the City only look at one side of the equation.
This is why I am so pleased and honored to say Tim Swope is the new Chief of Police of St. Charles. Chief Swope grew up in St. Charles and I have observed in him many of the same values I possess and want to see instilled in our City. I am confident Chief Swope will bring a new and fresh outlook to a department in need of some fine-tuning.
With the addition of Chief Swope, I can say public safety in St. Charles is no longer a place to send those waiting to retire. With Chief Rhodes of the Fire Department and Chief Swope at the helm of our Police Department St. Charles has two very dynamic leaders. I am confident the residents of St. Charles will be served for years to come by these two, and our public safety is in good hands.
Thank you,
John Gieseke
City Councilman Ward 8
From JOHN GIESEKE
City Councilman Ward 8
I am writing this in response to the hiring of a new chief but I also want to apologize for the action and comments attributed to the previous acting Chief. Acting Chief White was quoted as saying that the crowd at a recent multiple ward meeting was “unruly.” To the 100 residents who attended; you know the truth. I hope you now understand the backbiting and unprofessionalism of some of the City’s upper level staff, we, your elected representatives, have to put up with.
Everyday the decisions and actions of the duly elected body of this City go untouched by many of the department heads in this City. Am I pushy when it comes to those who do their job? No. When someone is not doing their job and acting in a way I believe is detrimental to St. Charles, absolutely. I don’t shy away from an issue because it might be politically tough. My job is to represent the residents of Ward 8. I am not here to represent and stand up for the department heads; they work for us, the residents of this City. The problem is, too often they are working against us, not for us. There are some who believe the tax dollars flow in, and are free for then to waste. You and I work too hard to allow this wasteful spending to occur. I have made it a point to expand our tax base to spread the cost of doing business, yet some in the City only look at one side of the equation.
This is why I am so pleased and honored to say Tim Swope is the new Chief of Police of St. Charles. Chief Swope grew up in St. Charles and I have observed in him many of the same values I possess and want to see instilled in our City. I am confident Chief Swope will bring a new and fresh outlook to a department in need of some fine-tuning.
With the addition of Chief Swope, I can say public safety in St. Charles is no longer a place to send those waiting to retire. With Chief Rhodes of the Fire Department and Chief Swope at the helm of our Police Department St. Charles has two very dynamic leaders. I am confident the residents of St. Charles will be served for years to come by these two, and our public safety is in good hands.
Thank you,
John Gieseke
City Councilman Ward 8
PUT ST. CHARLES FIRST
By Jerry Haferkamp
I’ll have to start this column with an apology to our new Chief of Police. Although we haven’t had a meeting of PSCF since Tim Swope was approved for the position, I’m sure we all approve of Chief Swope. I’m apologizing since I know the endorsement of PSCF, the First Capitol News or any of its writers will make his job more difficult. The small group currently in charge at the Criminal Justice Center will have their hackles raised by any sign of approval from any of the above. They are already upset that he is bringing a couple of his most trusted with him. He apparently is going into the job ready to roll. It’s good to see one of our own “home grown” citizens get the nod.
Now all we need to calm the waters is the resolution of the lawsuit that resulting from the City Council’s decision to stop paying one of the policemen for work not being done for our City. Let’s get this done with too. Let’s hope it goes in front of a competent judge around 11:30 a.m. It should be tossed in time to get the noon special at one of the Main Street eateries. It is no wonder there are so many “lawyer” jokes.
Several of the citizens at the multi-ward meeting wanted an update on what was being done in reference to the police officers that have put us all in jeopardy of a lawsuit. They didn’t get one due to secrecy of “personnel issues”. Are closed sessions really in our best interest?
Speaking of the multi-ward meeting, our local gadabout (for those of you over at stchuckwatch, a gadabout is a social person who flits from party to party), John S., published an astoundingly one-sided column the other day telling what happened at a meeting he didn’t attend. His column was a study in hearsay. For any of you who read his misrepresentation of what happened, let me point out a few things. The questions asked of Larry White, as well as other department heads and elected officials, were written by the residents attending. They were then given to their Council representative to ask of the officials and department heads. If Larry White was “set up”, it was because he put himself in front of a public irate over what transpires out on Zumbehl and Greystone, not to mention what occurs behind the Mayor’s closed doors. When Mr. White referred to Mr. Gieseke as an a__ ___e, he was calling the resident who gave the question to Gieseke an a__ __e. That was not a nice way to treat the public. Mr. White should follow Harry Truman’s advice, “If you can’t take the heat, stay out of the kitchen.”
John S. also wrote that Mr. White claimed Joe Koester said St. Charles is a “police state”. That isn’t true. While Mr. Koester did use the phrase, it was used to describe the result if a police department runs a city. It was kind of an “if the shoe fits” type of situation. Apparently Mr. White, and only Mr. White, felt that the shoe fit.
I kept my question mild. I just wanted to know if the storm sewers on West Clay would ever be brought up to the level they should have been three years ago when the street was resurfaced. I didn’t think street resurfacing should include built-in potholes in the form of storm grates.
For those of you who are upset over John S.’s column, remember it is an “op-ed” column and doesn’t require any factual information. Sure, he’s biased against the Council, but cut him some slack. There wasn’t a “Patti party” to report on this week and he has to “publish or perish”.
The audit should be finished some time this month. Our meeting will be late this month in hopes the audit is made public by then. Linnemann Library, Thursday, March 24 @ 7:15 p.m.
Flood out your resume, Steve. The fat chick is about to belt out an aria.
I’ll have to start this column with an apology to our new Chief of Police. Although we haven’t had a meeting of PSCF since Tim Swope was approved for the position, I’m sure we all approve of Chief Swope. I’m apologizing since I know the endorsement of PSCF, the First Capitol News or any of its writers will make his job more difficult. The small group currently in charge at the Criminal Justice Center will have their hackles raised by any sign of approval from any of the above. They are already upset that he is bringing a couple of his most trusted with him. He apparently is going into the job ready to roll. It’s good to see one of our own “home grown” citizens get the nod.
Now all we need to calm the waters is the resolution of the lawsuit that resulting from the City Council’s decision to stop paying one of the policemen for work not being done for our City. Let’s get this done with too. Let’s hope it goes in front of a competent judge around 11:30 a.m. It should be tossed in time to get the noon special at one of the Main Street eateries. It is no wonder there are so many “lawyer” jokes.
Several of the citizens at the multi-ward meeting wanted an update on what was being done in reference to the police officers that have put us all in jeopardy of a lawsuit. They didn’t get one due to secrecy of “personnel issues”. Are closed sessions really in our best interest?
Speaking of the multi-ward meeting, our local gadabout (for those of you over at stchuckwatch, a gadabout is a social person who flits from party to party), John S., published an astoundingly one-sided column the other day telling what happened at a meeting he didn’t attend. His column was a study in hearsay. For any of you who read his misrepresentation of what happened, let me point out a few things. The questions asked of Larry White, as well as other department heads and elected officials, were written by the residents attending. They were then given to their Council representative to ask of the officials and department heads. If Larry White was “set up”, it was because he put himself in front of a public irate over what transpires out on Zumbehl and Greystone, not to mention what occurs behind the Mayor’s closed doors. When Mr. White referred to Mr. Gieseke as an a__ ___e, he was calling the resident who gave the question to Gieseke an a__ __e. That was not a nice way to treat the public. Mr. White should follow Harry Truman’s advice, “If you can’t take the heat, stay out of the kitchen.”
John S. also wrote that Mr. White claimed Joe Koester said St. Charles is a “police state”. That isn’t true. While Mr. Koester did use the phrase, it was used to describe the result if a police department runs a city. It was kind of an “if the shoe fits” type of situation. Apparently Mr. White, and only Mr. White, felt that the shoe fit.
I kept my question mild. I just wanted to know if the storm sewers on West Clay would ever be brought up to the level they should have been three years ago when the street was resurfaced. I didn’t think street resurfacing should include built-in potholes in the form of storm grates.
For those of you who are upset over John S.’s column, remember it is an “op-ed” column and doesn’t require any factual information. Sure, he’s biased against the Council, but cut him some slack. There wasn’t a “Patti party” to report on this week and he has to “publish or perish”.
The audit should be finished some time this month. Our meeting will be late this month in hopes the audit is made public by then. Linnemann Library, Thursday, March 24 @ 7:15 p.m.
Flood out your resume, Steve. The fat chick is about to belt out an aria.
The Conservative Factor - ALex Spencer
By a unanimous vote, the St. Charles City Council and the Mayor have appointed former Sheriff Tim Swope to be the City Chief of Police. Mr. Swope has the ability and opportunity to remove the politics from our Police Department while applying a firm, even hand.
There was guarded enthusiasm for the appointment because it was assumed the Mayor received some sort of guarantee from Mr. Swope to keep the “hands off Tommy Mayer,” or she would not have approved the appointment. Swope has been a strong, innovative Sheriff and appears to have had no difficulty in standing up to County Executive Joe Ortwerth. We trust this appointment will bring to a close the ugly business of the Fraternal Order of Police and Mayor York using our police force for political and/or personal agendas. We wish Chief Swope the very best.
For more than 18 months, our Mayor has demonstrated to us repeatedly how it takes five people, shaking the stove while Patti holds the pan, to pop the corn! It was no surprise her “interim chief” White was there to praise the department and please Tommy Mayer. We should never forget that Mayer has leveled a multi-million dollar lawsuit against our City. After White was dismissed from a public meeting for calling a Councilman a profane name, he then misrepresented the meeting to the media as “unruly.” I always thought the one cussing was the one that was unruly!
Time will tell whether Mr. White will be a useful tool for Mr. Mayer in the upcoming lawsuit. It is highly unlikely his brief tenure as “interim chief,” at Patti’s request for the sum of $20,000, will prove beneficial to this City in any way.
There are still a number of issues facing our Mayor which pertain to possible illegal activity and/or misconduct. Her actions regarding our City’s insurance are currently under investigation by the Attorney General’s Office and the Department of Insurance. Our County Council is also investigating and will be deposing Carrie Caskey and others to get to the bottom of things. It appears the Mayor has willfully violated our City Charter.
There has been much public pressure exerted upon the Council members to suspend the Mayor while the investigations are pending. The Council will make their decision after receiving more information from these investigations.
While the Mayor still holds her office, she would do well to start attempting to bring unity to the City, make an effort at leadership, not permissive weakness toward department heads, and start telling the truth. The public effort to “recall the Mayor” has intensified since learning of the Mayor illegally signing contracts, executive orders, and the questionable transferring of monies from one account to another.
Always lurking out there, to put the mayor’s proper spin on events, is Chubby Chucky, the ace reporter from that other newspaper who continues to bore us with his perpetual namedropping. He has sat in his chair for so long, taking calls from his movers and shakers, it has been speculated he is actually stuck to the chair and can no longer stand up. We always knew he couldn’t stand up; we just didn’t know why. When Chucky attacks our editor, Tony Brockmeyer, on behalf of his Mayor, we think he is just real jealous because Tony is a stand-up guy and Chucky is not.
There was guarded enthusiasm for the appointment because it was assumed the Mayor received some sort of guarantee from Mr. Swope to keep the “hands off Tommy Mayer,” or she would not have approved the appointment. Swope has been a strong, innovative Sheriff and appears to have had no difficulty in standing up to County Executive Joe Ortwerth. We trust this appointment will bring to a close the ugly business of the Fraternal Order of Police and Mayor York using our police force for political and/or personal agendas. We wish Chief Swope the very best.
For more than 18 months, our Mayor has demonstrated to us repeatedly how it takes five people, shaking the stove while Patti holds the pan, to pop the corn! It was no surprise her “interim chief” White was there to praise the department and please Tommy Mayer. We should never forget that Mayer has leveled a multi-million dollar lawsuit against our City. After White was dismissed from a public meeting for calling a Councilman a profane name, he then misrepresented the meeting to the media as “unruly.” I always thought the one cussing was the one that was unruly!
Time will tell whether Mr. White will be a useful tool for Mr. Mayer in the upcoming lawsuit. It is highly unlikely his brief tenure as “interim chief,” at Patti’s request for the sum of $20,000, will prove beneficial to this City in any way.
There are still a number of issues facing our Mayor which pertain to possible illegal activity and/or misconduct. Her actions regarding our City’s insurance are currently under investigation by the Attorney General’s Office and the Department of Insurance. Our County Council is also investigating and will be deposing Carrie Caskey and others to get to the bottom of things. It appears the Mayor has willfully violated our City Charter.
There has been much public pressure exerted upon the Council members to suspend the Mayor while the investigations are pending. The Council will make their decision after receiving more information from these investigations.
While the Mayor still holds her office, she would do well to start attempting to bring unity to the City, make an effort at leadership, not permissive weakness toward department heads, and start telling the truth. The public effort to “recall the Mayor” has intensified since learning of the Mayor illegally signing contracts, executive orders, and the questionable transferring of monies from one account to another.
Always lurking out there, to put the mayor’s proper spin on events, is Chubby Chucky, the ace reporter from that other newspaper who continues to bore us with his perpetual namedropping. He has sat in his chair for so long, taking calls from his movers and shakers, it has been speculated he is actually stuck to the chair and can no longer stand up. We always knew he couldn’t stand up; we just didn’t know why. When Chucky attacks our editor, Tony Brockmeyer, on behalf of his Mayor, we think he is just real jealous because Tony is a stand-up guy and Chucky is not.
A Little Bit of History
A Little Bit of History
By Clara E. Scott
St. Charles Woolen Mills, located at 920 South Main Street, will be the topic of this “little bit of history”.
Louis Blanchette first identified this site as an ideal site for a gristmill in 1769 and was the first woolen mill to be erected in St. Charles. Pierre Choteau, who was granted one of the first land grants here, later made improvements on the old Blanchette grist mill, but a flood of 1788 carried most of the structure (including Choteau’s dual water wheel) away. The considerable volume of water that rushed through the Blanchette Creek into the Missouri River drove the wheel for the mill. The mill specialized in making woolen blankets and mittens.
Choteau was the younger brother of one co-founder of St. Louis and a stepson to the other. He made the earliest surviving survey of St. Charles in 1789. President Thomas Jefferson later appointed him “Indian Agent for Upper Louisiana” in 1804.
It has been ascertained through remodeling efforts that there have been five separate additions to this building over the years. (Note the unusual number of windows for a “mill”). Frankin S. Newbill enlarged the mill and increased production capacity tenfold, but went bust in 1840. In 1848, this was a site of a German School for children affiliated with Emmanuel Lutheran Church.
On July 2, 1851, future Mayor William P. Gibbs and Charles H. Broadwater converted the mill site into the town’s first woolen mill. Blanchette Creek (later called Factory Branch) powered the mill wheel. For many years, elderly women supplemented their income by coming here to piecemeal sewing work back when the heels of stockings had to be finished by hand.
During the War Between the States, the mill building was temporarily occupied by Yankee troops and used to imprison local citizens who refused to take the Oath of Loyalty to the Union. Gibbs reopened the mill after the war with Edward C. Cunningham but soon sold out to Robert A. Walton. Gibbs was back with new partners from 1872-1882, but finally gave up the ghost after this third attempt. It was later used briefly as a corncob pipe factory.
In 1922, Sarah Frasier, who established the first Christian Scientist Church in St. Charles County, operated a tomato canning business here.
In 1966, the building was badly damaged by fire, but it has been restored to its earlier appearances is now part of the South Main Commercial District.
(My Notes: I have lived here in St. Charles since 1949 and seem to remember that this site once was a brewery, then Broadwaters Restaurant, now the notable TRAILHEAD BREWERY. If anyone can help me out with more history on this site, please contact me at the First Capitol News and I will add additional information to this “little bit of history”.
(Information for this article obtained from McElhiney’s Guidebook to Historic St. Charles, Missouri, Richard G. Sperandio. Editor, with his permission).
By Clara E. Scott
St. Charles Woolen Mills, located at 920 South Main Street, will be the topic of this “little bit of history”.
Louis Blanchette first identified this site as an ideal site for a gristmill in 1769 and was the first woolen mill to be erected in St. Charles. Pierre Choteau, who was granted one of the first land grants here, later made improvements on the old Blanchette grist mill, but a flood of 1788 carried most of the structure (including Choteau’s dual water wheel) away. The considerable volume of water that rushed through the Blanchette Creek into the Missouri River drove the wheel for the mill. The mill specialized in making woolen blankets and mittens.
Choteau was the younger brother of one co-founder of St. Louis and a stepson to the other. He made the earliest surviving survey of St. Charles in 1789. President Thomas Jefferson later appointed him “Indian Agent for Upper Louisiana” in 1804.
It has been ascertained through remodeling efforts that there have been five separate additions to this building over the years. (Note the unusual number of windows for a “mill”). Frankin S. Newbill enlarged the mill and increased production capacity tenfold, but went bust in 1840. In 1848, this was a site of a German School for children affiliated with Emmanuel Lutheran Church.
On July 2, 1851, future Mayor William P. Gibbs and Charles H. Broadwater converted the mill site into the town’s first woolen mill. Blanchette Creek (later called Factory Branch) powered the mill wheel. For many years, elderly women supplemented their income by coming here to piecemeal sewing work back when the heels of stockings had to be finished by hand.
During the War Between the States, the mill building was temporarily occupied by Yankee troops and used to imprison local citizens who refused to take the Oath of Loyalty to the Union. Gibbs reopened the mill after the war with Edward C. Cunningham but soon sold out to Robert A. Walton. Gibbs was back with new partners from 1872-1882, but finally gave up the ghost after this third attempt. It was later used briefly as a corncob pipe factory.
In 1922, Sarah Frasier, who established the first Christian Scientist Church in St. Charles County, operated a tomato canning business here.
In 1966, the building was badly damaged by fire, but it has been restored to its earlier appearances is now part of the South Main Commercial District.
(My Notes: I have lived here in St. Charles since 1949 and seem to remember that this site once was a brewery, then Broadwaters Restaurant, now the notable TRAILHEAD BREWERY. If anyone can help me out with more history on this site, please contact me at the First Capitol News and I will add additional information to this “little bit of history”.
(Information for this article obtained from McElhiney’s Guidebook to Historic St. Charles, Missouri, Richard G. Sperandio. Editor, with his permission).
Straight Talk Councilman Bob Hoepfner
I am introducing a bill about dog control. It is aimed at the owner of the person in possession of the dog and not at the dog itself. There have been several instances of dog attacks in the city and it is time that we held the owners responsible and put some teeth, pardon the pun into the ordinance of dog control.
The outlook of Senator Chuck Gross’s bill to help out on the property taxes via the casino money does not look promising for this year. Maybe we can get it through next year.
Call Senator Gross and let him know you support his bill.
On another issue, that being the consolidation of the fire districts and the City of St. Charles fire department and the county fire districts, just want you to know that I support the County Council and Executive Orthwerth in this endeavor. It is time we get back to supporting the taxpayers and not employees.
Well the convention center is going to open soon. It is my understanding that the couty sports authority is going to spend $500,000 on parties. That is a disservice to the taxpayers because that extra money should come to the city to help pay down the bond debt that the City spent to build this. Why would I say that,? You know we are not interested in paying off any debts. We are just interested in going into deeper debt. What a joke. This Councilman is against going further in debt and we don’t need to be making loan payments on projects but keep the faith and we will talk to you next week.
The outlook of Senator Chuck Gross’s bill to help out on the property taxes via the casino money does not look promising for this year. Maybe we can get it through next year.
Call Senator Gross and let him know you support his bill.
On another issue, that being the consolidation of the fire districts and the City of St. Charles fire department and the county fire districts, just want you to know that I support the County Council and Executive Orthwerth in this endeavor. It is time we get back to supporting the taxpayers and not employees.
Well the convention center is going to open soon. It is my understanding that the couty sports authority is going to spend $500,000 on parties. That is a disservice to the taxpayers because that extra money should come to the city to help pay down the bond debt that the City spent to build this. Why would I say that,? You know we are not interested in paying off any debts. We are just interested in going into deeper debt. What a joke. This Councilman is against going further in debt and we don’t need to be making loan payments on projects but keep the faith and we will talk to you next week.
Mike McMurran - Sports Editor
Webster’s Pocket Dictionary defines the word character as “A quality or trait that distinguishes an individual or group.” As the old joke goes, next to the definition is a picture Saint Charles West coach Terry Hollander and his entire 2004-05 basketball squad.
Hollander’s Warriors could have, and many in attendance would say should have, blamed their 50-47 loss to Westminster Christian Academy on the officials. The fact is the Warriors were whistled for 21 personal fouls to Westminster’s 12. The fact is the most fouls any Westminster player had was 3. The fact is the Warrior’s defensive specialist, senior Eric Crider fouled out with five, while the team’s leading scorer and floor leader Jeff Coffey finished with 4. The fact is Westminster hit 16 of 25 free throws while West hit 3 of 6. The fact is the Warriors failed to attempt a single free throw in the second half, not one!
Regular readers of this column know all to well I subscribe to the Oelklaus philosophy of officiating; officials never determine the outcome of a contest. Philosophies are very much like religions, and Saturday’s contest certainly toyed with my faith, almost to the point of turning me into a convert.
Hollander would have no part of it. Rather than focus on the officiating, he wanted to discuss his team’s character. Rather than make mention of the questionable “moving screen” call on Crider that negated freshman phenom Kramer Soderberg’s three pointer, he wanted to praise his team’s effort. “I have always wondered what it would be like to coach the perfect team; perfect in that they do everything a coach asks of them. A team that was limited in their athletic ability, but made up for it with desire and work ethic. I now know just what it would be like, because those boys in the locker room are just such a team.” Was that a bead of sweat or tear on his cheek?
When told his team did not get a free throw in the second half, St. Hollander acted as if he were unaware of such, “Is that right,” he said, “well maybe we didn’t deserve one.” Bad breaks, he called it,.“We had a couple of bad breaks that cost us 5 points. Those 5 points changed the outcome of the game.”
The Warriors finished the season with a 23-7 record. In addition to their second district title in the past three years, and their sectional victory over St. Francis Borgia, they earned the Gateway Athletic Conference North division title. Not bad, not bad at all for a group of young men with “limited athletic ability.”
Congratulations men, you not only represented your school, you represented your families and the entire St. Charles community very proudly.
Hollander’s Warriors could have, and many in attendance would say should have, blamed their 50-47 loss to Westminster Christian Academy on the officials. The fact is the Warriors were whistled for 21 personal fouls to Westminster’s 12. The fact is the most fouls any Westminster player had was 3. The fact is the Warrior’s defensive specialist, senior Eric Crider fouled out with five, while the team’s leading scorer and floor leader Jeff Coffey finished with 4. The fact is Westminster hit 16 of 25 free throws while West hit 3 of 6. The fact is the Warriors failed to attempt a single free throw in the second half, not one!
Regular readers of this column know all to well I subscribe to the Oelklaus philosophy of officiating; officials never determine the outcome of a contest. Philosophies are very much like religions, and Saturday’s contest certainly toyed with my faith, almost to the point of turning me into a convert.
Hollander would have no part of it. Rather than focus on the officiating, he wanted to discuss his team’s character. Rather than make mention of the questionable “moving screen” call on Crider that negated freshman phenom Kramer Soderberg’s three pointer, he wanted to praise his team’s effort. “I have always wondered what it would be like to coach the perfect team; perfect in that they do everything a coach asks of them. A team that was limited in their athletic ability, but made up for it with desire and work ethic. I now know just what it would be like, because those boys in the locker room are just such a team.” Was that a bead of sweat or tear on his cheek?
When told his team did not get a free throw in the second half, St. Hollander acted as if he were unaware of such, “Is that right,” he said, “well maybe we didn’t deserve one.” Bad breaks, he called it,.“We had a couple of bad breaks that cost us 5 points. Those 5 points changed the outcome of the game.”
The Warriors finished the season with a 23-7 record. In addition to their second district title in the past three years, and their sectional victory over St. Francis Borgia, they earned the Gateway Athletic Conference North division title. Not bad, not bad at all for a group of young men with “limited athletic ability.”
Congratulations men, you not only represented your school, you represented your families and the entire St. Charles community very proudly.
The Thrill of Victory; The Agony of Defeat
Saint Charles West’s dream
season comes up short
Warriors fail to take a free throw in the second half
By: Mike McMurran
Sports Editor
It is hard to defend a 6’7” forward when your tallest forward is some 3 inches shorter. Saint Charles West found this out the hard way when they ran into Westminster’s senior forward Andrew Wiele Saturday afternoon at the new Hazelwood Central Field house. Wiele not only was a force to deal with on the low post, he was perfect from the 3 point arc going 3 for 3.
In what can only be described as ironic, West senior forward Eric Crider opened the day’s scoring with a 3 pointer, the old fashion way, by being fouled whiled shooting, hitting his shot and making the bonus shot. Ironic because it took West all of 1:13 to take their first free throw of the game; they would take only 5 more free throws the remainder of the contest, all in the first half.
Head coach Terry Hollander’s Warriors battled Westminster point for point for the first half. Senior guard Mike Ford put the Warriors on top 26-22 at half time when he buried at 3-pointer at the buzzer. “We took some momentum into halftime, but we weren’t able to build on it the way we would’ve liked,” Hollander offered. “Obviously we would’ve preferred to play with the lead, and we talk a lot about getting control in those first three minutes after halftime. But today Westminster came out strong, hit a couple of shots and hung right with us.”
West did its best to try and stop the taller Wildcats. Foul trouble (Coffey and Crider both playing with 4) forced the Warriors to play a zone defense. Westminster’s 6’3” guard Jeffrey Ehrhardt, who was held scoreless in the first three quarters of the contest, scored 10 points in the closing quarter, including 7 straight free throws to nail the coffin closed for West.
West had one last chance with 6 seconds remaining. Freshman guard Kramer Soderberg (9 pts) took a three pointer under heavy defensive pressure from the Wildcats, ending the Warriors’ dream season.
“I have always wondered what it would be like to coach the perfect team; perfect in that they do everything a coach asks of them,” said Hollander. “A team that was limited in their athletic ability, but made up for it with desire and work ethic. I now know just what it would be like, because those boys in the locker room are just such a team.” He said following the game.
season comes up short
Warriors fail to take a free throw in the second half
By: Mike McMurran
Sports Editor
It is hard to defend a 6’7” forward when your tallest forward is some 3 inches shorter. Saint Charles West found this out the hard way when they ran into Westminster’s senior forward Andrew Wiele Saturday afternoon at the new Hazelwood Central Field house. Wiele not only was a force to deal with on the low post, he was perfect from the 3 point arc going 3 for 3.
In what can only be described as ironic, West senior forward Eric Crider opened the day’s scoring with a 3 pointer, the old fashion way, by being fouled whiled shooting, hitting his shot and making the bonus shot. Ironic because it took West all of 1:13 to take their first free throw of the game; they would take only 5 more free throws the remainder of the contest, all in the first half.
Head coach Terry Hollander’s Warriors battled Westminster point for point for the first half. Senior guard Mike Ford put the Warriors on top 26-22 at half time when he buried at 3-pointer at the buzzer. “We took some momentum into halftime, but we weren’t able to build on it the way we would’ve liked,” Hollander offered. “Obviously we would’ve preferred to play with the lead, and we talk a lot about getting control in those first three minutes after halftime. But today Westminster came out strong, hit a couple of shots and hung right with us.”
West did its best to try and stop the taller Wildcats. Foul trouble (Coffey and Crider both playing with 4) forced the Warriors to play a zone defense. Westminster’s 6’3” guard Jeffrey Ehrhardt, who was held scoreless in the first three quarters of the contest, scored 10 points in the closing quarter, including 7 straight free throws to nail the coffin closed for West.
West had one last chance with 6 seconds remaining. Freshman guard Kramer Soderberg (9 pts) took a three pointer under heavy defensive pressure from the Wildcats, ending the Warriors’ dream season.
“I have always wondered what it would be like to coach the perfect team; perfect in that they do everything a coach asks of them,” said Hollander. “A team that was limited in their athletic ability, but made up for it with desire and work ethic. I now know just what it would be like, because those boys in the locker room are just such a team.” He said following the game.
Subscribe to:
Posts (Atom)