By Jerry Haferkamp
I thought after failed attempts to intimidate the FCN advertisers, the FOP (Friends of Patti) would give up the attempts to eliminate the only newspaper in St. Charles. I was wrong. They are now willing to spend thousands every two weeks on a tabloid insert in Patti’s other paper. They claim they will report on issues, but they haven’t brought up an issue in their weeks of publication. Their only issue is that they don’t want the FCN to give you information on issues. I dislike giving them any publicity, but I see by reading it their readers are being given a lot of misinformation. I will attempt to enlighten them.
First, Karen Hoffman: Karen, I’m sorry you had a “very negative” reaction to the moving of the Mayor from the Council dais. You will be relieved to know the Mayor liked the idea. She must have had one of those John Kerry moments. (“I actually voted for it before I voted against it”) Of course, that was when she had puppets on the Council and it would have been to her advantage to say, “see…I’m for this issue down here and so are my puppets up there, so it must be good”. Then again, maybe it was just so she and Councilman Riggs could exchange “winks” easier without trying to look past Councilman Hoepfner who was seated between them. By the way, the Mayor never was, as you implied, “part of the Council”. You may have inferred she was with the previous Council, since she ran the Council back then. “What does this city have that works?” you asked. Answer: Everything. Finally, they even have a newspaper that works.
Next, ETM: If you get angered watching Council meetings, maybe you should take the blinders off and see how this Council is making department heads responsible. Sure, the former meetings were much easier on the delicate senses since everything brought to the Council from “staff” was just rubber-stamped. I’m sure the Mayor shares your angst since it is now harder for her friends to get sweetheart treatment. Oh, and can you cite an incident of “intimidation”, or is that just another untrue hit and run slap at the Council?
B.P.: What Pearl Ridge Scandal? The Public Works Department approved a developer’s plans that nature proved inadequate. Since the developer didn’t have the money to re-do this storm water retention basin, there was little choice but to have the City accept responsibility for the work they approved. If they didn’t, the property owners affected by the Public Works Departments miscalculations could have sued the City as well as the developer. Do you think a Councilman shouldn’t be allowed to vote on something which affects residents in his ward? Is your Councilman involved in a “scandal” if he votes in favor of replacing a crumbling street that happens to go past his home? If so, don’t vote for your neighbor, no matter how good he or she may be. Mr. Brown did not give up his rights as a resident just because he was elected to the Council.
J.F.: The Sister Cities program has been in place for years and we exchange visits regularly. Funny thing, though, you only attacked 2 Councilmen for participating. Why didn’t you mention the Mayor? She has gone there, too. Oh, that’s right. “Teflon” Patti.
Mr. Launer: Your letter proved you to be the best informed of the writers. I would, though, disagree with the part about “unwarranted and unprovoked attacks” on Stephen Powell. In the past, Mr. Powell was enjoying jaunts to foreign countries to promote St. Charles as a “world class destination”. What a waste of taxpayers’ dollars! He appears to have used inflated tourism figures to get increases in CVB budgets. We also have evidence of the meting out of work to a certain business in small increments in what to many would appear to be an attempt to by-pass the bidding process. This was not a business registered with the State, so they wouldn’t have been allowed to bid if ordinances were followed. Lo and behold, as soon as the State audit was announced, they quickly got registered. Did you ever see a cat covering up its deposits in a litter box? Same activity. Add to that he repeatedly ignored requirements to submit his expense reports to the Council and you get a less than stellar public “servant”. When “ETM”, who was mentioned above, spoke of “intimidation”, he should ask some of the South Main businessmen and businesswomen about tactics used by, lets say, a certain CVB employee.
You know, this all makes you wonder what Mr. Ed and his cronies are missing out on to make it worth their while to spend thousands every two weeks to attack the First Capitol News. Maybe it’s because in a few years we will have a new Mayor and they want to put their bid in early. My advice would be to wait and see if the office will be for sale. You may be trying to make the purchase too early. Actually, what you thought was a previous sale was only a lease, and the landlords (resident taxpayers) are looking forward to getting a new tenant.
That’s all for today. I have to go to therapy because someone over at stchuckwatch called me an idiot. (I hate it when they agree with my wife) I hope therapy will help me recover. By the way, that wailing sound you hear on the first Monday each month at 9a.m. is the testing of our storm warning sirens, not the pinheads at stchuckwatch posting on the site, as some folks think.
Has Steve Powell been fired yet? Why not?
Saturday, May 07, 2005
STRAIGHT TALK - Councilman Bob Hoepfner
Hey! Hey! Hey! It looks like I survived another week in this little village along the river. I have to tell you folks, we tried to hold a hearing last night. Some people showed up to testify. However the important ones refused to come. In order to get to the bottom of this insurance deal we not only have to have the records but those people who handled the records. Namely, our former HR director. The reason for this investigation is the City received a demand letter from an insurance company wanting $200,000 in anticipated profit loss. However, we didn’t have a record of the contract their demand is based on. All we know so far is our former HR director had the Mayor sign a contract with the firm. Again, there is no record of this contract, no copy in City Hall. The procedures for all this should have been followed. It gets approved by the Legal Department, Contract Administrator and the City Council as required by ordinance. Then the Mayor signs it and copies are made and placed on file with the City Clerk at City Hall. The only thing that happened was the Mayor signed it.
I can’t tell you how disappointed I am in the fact that part of our Council voted NOT to subpoena the main players in this escapade. How are we ever going to find out what really happened? How will we know what liabilities we have unless we can subpoena these people to testify? Not only the former HR director but representatives from our broker of record and the insurance company. The indication from the news media is our broker of record, that firm, is under investigation by the state of New York. Also, the insurance company. With all the dark clouds hanging around this transaction one would think those four individuals on the Council who blocked the subpoenas have made a major error. There is no prosecution of anybody at this point and time, there may never be. However, we have to sort through this mess to find out what went on. Those four individuals did a disservice to the City and the resident taxpayers.
If they are afraid someone is going to go after the Mayor, I can assure them this is not a witch hunt, it is a fact finding event. I know some people don’t want to be confused by the facts, however all I want to do is to gather the facts, look at the facts and make a determination if something was done wrong. If that is the case then we will go after whoever is responsible.
You know folks we have enough problems in this town and, as I have said for many years, politics in this town is a full contact sport. The Council is divided and there is always the game of one upmanship being played. My personal feelings in this particular case are everybody needs to put aside their personal agendas and support this effort to find out what has happened and how munch liability we have. After all it is your money, the resident taxpayer’s money.
On another note, much to my dismay and objections, we are still buying the firefighters underwear with no receipts required. In effect, they are getting a $900 a year bonus on top of their high salaries. I have a suggestion for the head of the firefighters union. He needs to start serving cheese and crackers with that whine he provides.
I would like to compliment Chief Tim Swope. I think he is doing an admirable job. If you notice the boys in blue are more visible, writing more tickets (I love it) and at the same time they are more friendly. Thank you Chief. Keep up the good work.
In closing I will remind you we are slowly turning this ship around to be more resident taxpayer friendly. We have a long way to go but it is turning. I appreciate all your support from around the city. All your phone calls, e-mails and letters. God love you, each and every one. Keep those post cards and phone calls coming. I care. I know you care. 949-0956.
I can’t tell you how disappointed I am in the fact that part of our Council voted NOT to subpoena the main players in this escapade. How are we ever going to find out what really happened? How will we know what liabilities we have unless we can subpoena these people to testify? Not only the former HR director but representatives from our broker of record and the insurance company. The indication from the news media is our broker of record, that firm, is under investigation by the state of New York. Also, the insurance company. With all the dark clouds hanging around this transaction one would think those four individuals on the Council who blocked the subpoenas have made a major error. There is no prosecution of anybody at this point and time, there may never be. However, we have to sort through this mess to find out what went on. Those four individuals did a disservice to the City and the resident taxpayers.
If they are afraid someone is going to go after the Mayor, I can assure them this is not a witch hunt, it is a fact finding event. I know some people don’t want to be confused by the facts, however all I want to do is to gather the facts, look at the facts and make a determination if something was done wrong. If that is the case then we will go after whoever is responsible.
You know folks we have enough problems in this town and, as I have said for many years, politics in this town is a full contact sport. The Council is divided and there is always the game of one upmanship being played. My personal feelings in this particular case are everybody needs to put aside their personal agendas and support this effort to find out what has happened and how munch liability we have. After all it is your money, the resident taxpayer’s money.
On another note, much to my dismay and objections, we are still buying the firefighters underwear with no receipts required. In effect, they are getting a $900 a year bonus on top of their high salaries. I have a suggestion for the head of the firefighters union. He needs to start serving cheese and crackers with that whine he provides.
I would like to compliment Chief Tim Swope. I think he is doing an admirable job. If you notice the boys in blue are more visible, writing more tickets (I love it) and at the same time they are more friendly. Thank you Chief. Keep up the good work.
In closing I will remind you we are slowly turning this ship around to be more resident taxpayer friendly. We have a long way to go but it is turning. I appreciate all your support from around the city. All your phone calls, e-mails and letters. God love you, each and every one. Keep those post cards and phone calls coming. I care. I know you care. 949-0956.
Native American Children’s Art Exhibit At the Foundry Art Centre
Native American Children’s Art Exhibit At the Foundry Art Centre
A Native American Children’s Art Exhibit will be on display Sunday, May 8 through Thursday, May 19 at the Foundry Art Centre, 520 North Main Center in Historic St. Charles. The exhibit in the Foundry’s Baue Children’s Gallery will feature artwork by Native American children, toddlers through preteens, from South Dakota and Arizona. The Callin’ Eagles Singers and Dancers, a student group from Arizona, will perform Native American dance at 1 p.m. and at 3 p.m. Sunday, May 15. For more information, call (636) 255-0270.
The Native American Children’s Art Exhibit was organized by St. Charles Community College, which invited Native American reservation schools to share their students’ art. As an incentive, each participating school was given $150 for art supplies. The program generated more than 100 pieces of original artwork, accompanied by biographies and narratives from the children.
The Callin’ Eagles Singers and Dancers is a group of dancers ages 5 through 15, from various tribes in Fort Defiance, Arizona. Using drums, songs and dances, the children view their performance as a source of healing the elders and “those who cannot dance.”
“This is a very positive exchange between cultures,” said Dee Miller, chairperson the for “Mentor Me” children’s exhibit at MOsaics Festival for the Arts, and one of the coordinators for the Native American exhibit at the Foundry. “It’s exciting to share such diversity with the St. Charles community.”
The Foundry Art Centre is a fine arts gallery overlooking the Missouri River at 520 North Main Center, in the Frenchtown district of Historic St. Charles. The Foundry features a Smithsonian-caliber art gallery hosting juried exhibitions plus 20 working artist studios where visitors can watch the creative process and buy art directly from the artists. This nonprofit organization also provides community meeting rooms, event space and a children’s art gallery. Hours are Tuesday through Saturday from 10 a.m. until 5 p.m. and Sunday from noon until 4 p.m. Admission is free, but donations are welcome. For more information, call (636) 255-0270 or visit
www.foundryartcentre.org.
A Native American Children’s Art Exhibit will be on display Sunday, May 8 through Thursday, May 19 at the Foundry Art Centre, 520 North Main Center in Historic St. Charles. The exhibit in the Foundry’s Baue Children’s Gallery will feature artwork by Native American children, toddlers through preteens, from South Dakota and Arizona. The Callin’ Eagles Singers and Dancers, a student group from Arizona, will perform Native American dance at 1 p.m. and at 3 p.m. Sunday, May 15. For more information, call (636) 255-0270.
The Native American Children’s Art Exhibit was organized by St. Charles Community College, which invited Native American reservation schools to share their students’ art. As an incentive, each participating school was given $150 for art supplies. The program generated more than 100 pieces of original artwork, accompanied by biographies and narratives from the children.
The Callin’ Eagles Singers and Dancers is a group of dancers ages 5 through 15, from various tribes in Fort Defiance, Arizona. Using drums, songs and dances, the children view their performance as a source of healing the elders and “those who cannot dance.”
“This is a very positive exchange between cultures,” said Dee Miller, chairperson the for “Mentor Me” children’s exhibit at MOsaics Festival for the Arts, and one of the coordinators for the Native American exhibit at the Foundry. “It’s exciting to share such diversity with the St. Charles community.”
The Foundry Art Centre is a fine arts gallery overlooking the Missouri River at 520 North Main Center, in the Frenchtown district of Historic St. Charles. The Foundry features a Smithsonian-caliber art gallery hosting juried exhibitions plus 20 working artist studios where visitors can watch the creative process and buy art directly from the artists. This nonprofit organization also provides community meeting rooms, event space and a children’s art gallery. Hours are Tuesday through Saturday from 10 a.m. until 5 p.m. and Sunday from noon until 4 p.m. Admission is free, but donations are welcome. For more information, call (636) 255-0270 or visit
www.foundryartcentre.org.
St. Charles County to Open Unique Youth Activity Park
The Youth Activity Park, a new 25-acre park located in Dardenne Prairie constructed primarily for youth ages 12-18, will open to the public on May 14 at 9am. The grand opening ceremony begins at 10am and celebration activities are scheduled until 2pm. This state-of-the-art addition to the St. Charles County Park system provides an array of recreational opportunities from extreme sports like skateboarding and rock climbing, to video arcades and study areas.
The park and its variety of recreational opportunities is a result of survey answers from area junior high and high school students which indicated a desire among youth for a park that they can call their own.
“We are excited about this park because it’s unique - we asked our youth what kind of recreation they wanted, they answered, and we listened. This park provides a safe place for our youth to gather outside of school and home,” said Bettie Yahn-Kramer, Director of St. Charles County Parks and Recreation. “We want youth off the street and off the couch – get them active and having fun.”
Park amenities include a 33,000 square foot skate park, a BMX trick track, an indoor/outdoor rock climbing wall, half-court basketball, sand volleyball, open play fields, and an activity center housing a video arcade, pro shop, and concessions. Covered park benches can be spotted throughout the 25-acre park, some near a pond that is home to giant goldfish. Video cameras located throughout the park will soon allow visitors to view the park on-line to check weather or see who else is visiting the park. Satellite radio systems will play music throughout the park and big screens adorn the activity center walls to show live shots of the skaters and BMX riders in action.
The skate area of the park has been open since October of 2003 and brings in regular visitors. Over 1,000 youth have registered for the skate park, including some from surrounding states and as far as Texas, New Hampshire, and Georgia who drop by the unique park during road trips or visits to area friends and family.
During the week, no one under 12 or over 18 will be allowed into the park other than qualified parks staff. Extended hours on Saturday mornings will allow visitors of all ages to enjoy the park together, but children under the age of 12 must be accompanied by an adult. All park users, regardless of age, will be required to have a membership card that is swiped to enter and exit the park, allowing computers to track visitors and help monitor the park for appropriate usage. When registering for a photo-identification membership card, all patrons will be required to show a legal form of identification that includes their birth date.
There is a low-cost, annual membership card fee of $24 and an additional daily fee of $3. A one day pass is also available for $10. Park hours vary by season, with longer hours in the summer to accommodate school breaks.
The Youth Activity Park is located at 7801 Highway N in Dardenne Prairie. Visit the St. Charles County Parks website at www.stccparks.org for a monthly calendar indicating park hours and age restrictions. Call the Youth Activity Park hotline at 636-949-7475 for park hours, weather-related closures and general information.
The park and its variety of recreational opportunities is a result of survey answers from area junior high and high school students which indicated a desire among youth for a park that they can call their own.
“We are excited about this park because it’s unique - we asked our youth what kind of recreation they wanted, they answered, and we listened. This park provides a safe place for our youth to gather outside of school and home,” said Bettie Yahn-Kramer, Director of St. Charles County Parks and Recreation. “We want youth off the street and off the couch – get them active and having fun.”
Park amenities include a 33,000 square foot skate park, a BMX trick track, an indoor/outdoor rock climbing wall, half-court basketball, sand volleyball, open play fields, and an activity center housing a video arcade, pro shop, and concessions. Covered park benches can be spotted throughout the 25-acre park, some near a pond that is home to giant goldfish. Video cameras located throughout the park will soon allow visitors to view the park on-line to check weather or see who else is visiting the park. Satellite radio systems will play music throughout the park and big screens adorn the activity center walls to show live shots of the skaters and BMX riders in action.
The skate area of the park has been open since October of 2003 and brings in regular visitors. Over 1,000 youth have registered for the skate park, including some from surrounding states and as far as Texas, New Hampshire, and Georgia who drop by the unique park during road trips or visits to area friends and family.
During the week, no one under 12 or over 18 will be allowed into the park other than qualified parks staff. Extended hours on Saturday mornings will allow visitors of all ages to enjoy the park together, but children under the age of 12 must be accompanied by an adult. All park users, regardless of age, will be required to have a membership card that is swiped to enter and exit the park, allowing computers to track visitors and help monitor the park for appropriate usage. When registering for a photo-identification membership card, all patrons will be required to show a legal form of identification that includes their birth date.
There is a low-cost, annual membership card fee of $24 and an additional daily fee of $3. A one day pass is also available for $10. Park hours vary by season, with longer hours in the summer to accommodate school breaks.
The Youth Activity Park is located at 7801 Highway N in Dardenne Prairie. Visit the St. Charles County Parks website at www.stccparks.org for a monthly calendar indicating park hours and age restrictions. Call the Youth Activity Park hotline at 636-949-7475 for park hours, weather-related closures and general information.
MY COLUMN - MIKE MCMURRAN SPORTS EDITOR
There is justice in St. Charles County! Sphincter Boy was suspended for one game by the authorities of St. Charles County Youth Soccer Association. It is not exactly the punishment I would have given him, but then I would be the first to admit it is impossible to be objective about your own children. Since my daughter was on the field and thus subjected to his behavior, it would be impossible for me to be objective. Those who have knowledge of the progressive discipline policy have informed me should there be a next time, the suspension will be stiffer. Three times and you are banned for life.
One idea from paragraph one parents might wish to pay attention to is: it is impossible to be objective about your own children. In my two decades of teaching and coaching I learned just such lesson. Luckily for me I learned it prior to having my own children and allow myself to try and remove myself as far as possible from most situations. Never do I question a teacher or a coach in front of my children. NEVER, NEVER, NEVER! It only undermines the authority of the teacher or coach. So many times I have heard parents questioning coaches and teachers in front of their children; such behavior is a mistake. Say what you wish, disagree if you dare, the research will support me on this one.
This past week I found out first hand that a local celebrity is a regular reader of this column. That’s right, Pat Holt, international performer who makes her home right here in beautiful St. Charles whispered in my ear (that in itself was worth the price of admission) during her Just Kids performance at the Knights of Columbus Mother-Daughter Banquet this past Sunday morning, that she likes my column. Also present, yet not a confirmed reader was Sarah Kirtley and her lovely daughter Katelyn. The performance was moving, it really was. The highlight, at least for me, was the singing of Bob Strickland, son of Laurie and Jeff Strickland. This young man sang Frank Sinatra’s “Come Fly with Me” so well it left me humming the tune all day long.
My buddy T.J. Slattery let me know he appreciated the exposure given to youth soccer, he only wished it could have been more positive. In this week’s addition of the FCN we have included some of T.J.’s thoughts, reflections and ideas on youth soccer. Hey, only the best for our readers.
Because of T.J.’s article, I will hold off my story of the time a senior state representative from Florissant assaulted me with an aluminum baseball bat. Did I deserve it? Was he charged with assault? Tune in next week for the details.
One idea from paragraph one parents might wish to pay attention to is: it is impossible to be objective about your own children. In my two decades of teaching and coaching I learned just such lesson. Luckily for me I learned it prior to having my own children and allow myself to try and remove myself as far as possible from most situations. Never do I question a teacher or a coach in front of my children. NEVER, NEVER, NEVER! It only undermines the authority of the teacher or coach. So many times I have heard parents questioning coaches and teachers in front of their children; such behavior is a mistake. Say what you wish, disagree if you dare, the research will support me on this one.
This past week I found out first hand that a local celebrity is a regular reader of this column. That’s right, Pat Holt, international performer who makes her home right here in beautiful St. Charles whispered in my ear (that in itself was worth the price of admission) during her Just Kids performance at the Knights of Columbus Mother-Daughter Banquet this past Sunday morning, that she likes my column. Also present, yet not a confirmed reader was Sarah Kirtley and her lovely daughter Katelyn. The performance was moving, it really was. The highlight, at least for me, was the singing of Bob Strickland, son of Laurie and Jeff Strickland. This young man sang Frank Sinatra’s “Come Fly with Me” so well it left me humming the tune all day long.
My buddy T.J. Slattery let me know he appreciated the exposure given to youth soccer, he only wished it could have been more positive. In this week’s addition of the FCN we have included some of T.J.’s thoughts, reflections and ideas on youth soccer. Hey, only the best for our readers.
Because of T.J.’s article, I will hold off my story of the time a senior state representative from Florissant assaulted me with an aluminum baseball bat. Did I deserve it? Was he charged with assault? Tune in next week for the details.
The Benefits of Youth Soccer
Submitted by:
T. J. Slattery
Nice to see an article about the benefits of youth soccer. Not exactly what I had hoped for, but I too heard about the unfortunate incident at Maggie’s game last weekend. It is up to us, as parent volunteers, to put an end to the bad behavior and focus on the true benefits associated with this sport. Here are just a few:
More than 18 million children participate in youth soccer programs. Why, you might ask?
1. It’s easy to learn. Kids can learn how to kick a ball- although it might take some work to get them to go the correct direction. Its fairly simple to teach them the object of kicking the ball through a couple of goal posts. It holds their attention and kids as young as 3 or 4 can partake if they choose.
2. Boys and girls of all abilities can play- its all inclusive
3. It’s excellent exercise. With the growing concern of childhood obesity, soccer is a natural remedy to the ever popular computer games and game boy activities and get our children outside and active.
Fitness Benefits include:
Cardiovascular endurance
Muscle strength
Flexibility
Coordination
Balance
Weight control
Most importantly, youth soccer coaches have the awesome responsibility to instill social traits such as: discipline, teamwork, leadership, fairness and self-esteem with each of their team members.
All too often we hear stories in the media about “That Guy” or “That Coach” who behaved badly at a soccer game, or a hockey game or a youth basketball game and these accounts overshadow all the positives that happen in the program everyday. We need to hear more about the Coach Mark (Francis), Matt (Fairless) and Coach (Dr. Richard) Heises. Or what was that Wolfpack coach’s name? What he did certainly sounded fair and reasonable.
That could be the lead story right? One of my team parents sums it up pretty well— “The fact is plain and simple, God gave all of our children the talent and desire to play and to have fun. This is not professional sports, it’s a kids’ soccer league. It’s not whether you win or lose, it’s about attitude. It’s not about you or me or winning, it’s about them. Its about teaching them sportsmanship, fun, and good attitude. Life is imperfect and will go on. Win or lose. Negativeness breeds failure. Positiveness breeds success. “
Opposing points of view are respected and welcomed at the Sports’ desk. Should you wish to contribute your thoughts, kindly forward them to mcmurran@charter.net
T. J. Slattery
Nice to see an article about the benefits of youth soccer. Not exactly what I had hoped for, but I too heard about the unfortunate incident at Maggie’s game last weekend. It is up to us, as parent volunteers, to put an end to the bad behavior and focus on the true benefits associated with this sport. Here are just a few:
More than 18 million children participate in youth soccer programs. Why, you might ask?
1. It’s easy to learn. Kids can learn how to kick a ball- although it might take some work to get them to go the correct direction. Its fairly simple to teach them the object of kicking the ball through a couple of goal posts. It holds their attention and kids as young as 3 or 4 can partake if they choose.
2. Boys and girls of all abilities can play- its all inclusive
3. It’s excellent exercise. With the growing concern of childhood obesity, soccer is a natural remedy to the ever popular computer games and game boy activities and get our children outside and active.
Fitness Benefits include:
Cardiovascular endurance
Muscle strength
Flexibility
Coordination
Balance
Weight control
Most importantly, youth soccer coaches have the awesome responsibility to instill social traits such as: discipline, teamwork, leadership, fairness and self-esteem with each of their team members.
All too often we hear stories in the media about “That Guy” or “That Coach” who behaved badly at a soccer game, or a hockey game or a youth basketball game and these accounts overshadow all the positives that happen in the program everyday. We need to hear more about the Coach Mark (Francis), Matt (Fairless) and Coach (Dr. Richard) Heises. Or what was that Wolfpack coach’s name? What he did certainly sounded fair and reasonable.
That could be the lead story right? One of my team parents sums it up pretty well— “The fact is plain and simple, God gave all of our children the talent and desire to play and to have fun. This is not professional sports, it’s a kids’ soccer league. It’s not whether you win or lose, it’s about attitude. It’s not about you or me or winning, it’s about them. Its about teaching them sportsmanship, fun, and good attitude. Life is imperfect and will go on. Win or lose. Negativeness breeds failure. Positiveness breeds success. “
Opposing points of view are respected and welcomed at the Sports’ desk. Should you wish to contribute your thoughts, kindly forward them to mcmurran@charter.net
FIRST CAPITOL NEWS ATHLETE OF THE WEEK
First Capitol News Athlete of the Week
“…he gets me though some tough times, and I know it…” – of his father, killed in an auto accident in 1989.
Mike Schrader, Sophomore, St. Charles West High School
By: Mike McMurran
Sports Editor
St. Charles West head baseball coach Brian Kessler hasn’t been hiding sophomore pitcher Mike Scrader, but you would be hard pressed to convince the Lindbergh Flyers of such. All Scrader did in his first start of the year was go the distance while shutting out the south St. Louis County school. “We wanted to work him along slowly, get him a few innings here and a few innings there before we threw him into the starting rotation,” said Kessler, “its not that he hasn’t been playing. He’s as good a first baseman and as good a hitter as he is a pitcher. We’ve even used him as a designated hitter, so its not like pitching is all he can do.” Mike is presently hitting at a .296 clip for the 3-14 Warriors.
It may not be all he can do, but he sure seems to do it well. At 6’ 4” and a southpaw, the underclassman seems to have all the tools to get the job done, and possesses a hefty dose of modesty. “All I did was throw strikes (against Lindbergh), the defense did all the real work. Its easy when your defense plays as they did.” Sure, and when a 6’ 4” left-hander is throwing 84 mile an hour fast balls, as Mike has been clocked, the hitters are going to be somewhat off balance.
Not being in the starting rotation ate at the competitive nature of the sophomore. “I wanted to get out there and compete. I wanted to get out there and contribute as a starter,” he shared. “Mike was penciled in as a starter at the beginning of the season,” offered Kessler, “unfortunately he developed some arm problems. Couple that with the season we are having. The coaching staff decided to bring him along slowly. We were not going to jeopardize Mike’s arm, no way,” said the skipper. “Now it is going to pay dividends, because now Mike is back. Back and stronger than ever.”
Mike gives most of the credit of his development to Kessler. “There is no question in my mind that I am the ball player I am today because of Coach Kessler. He knows so much about every aspect of the game. Playing for him is just plain awesome.”
Mike has more than just Kessler on his side. When Mike was in the 3rd grade he was riding in the car with his dad when his dad was killed in an automobile accident. It happened on Easter Sunday 1998. “I ask my dad for help all the time, whether it be pitching, hitting – he’s there, he gets me though some tough times, and I know it,” proudly says the young man.
Mike lives with his mom and step dad, Debbie and James Zahn. When asked his favorite eating establishment he quickly responded “Red Lobster.” He knew not exactly what he would order, but did know, “that if someone else was paying for it he would order a lot, ‘cause everything on their menu is good, and I really do like to eat there.”
To nominate an athlete contact Mike McMurran at mcmurran@charter.net or 314.280.9189
“…he gets me though some tough times, and I know it…” – of his father, killed in an auto accident in 1989.
Mike Schrader, Sophomore, St. Charles West High School
By: Mike McMurran
Sports Editor
St. Charles West head baseball coach Brian Kessler hasn’t been hiding sophomore pitcher Mike Scrader, but you would be hard pressed to convince the Lindbergh Flyers of such. All Scrader did in his first start of the year was go the distance while shutting out the south St. Louis County school. “We wanted to work him along slowly, get him a few innings here and a few innings there before we threw him into the starting rotation,” said Kessler, “its not that he hasn’t been playing. He’s as good a first baseman and as good a hitter as he is a pitcher. We’ve even used him as a designated hitter, so its not like pitching is all he can do.” Mike is presently hitting at a .296 clip for the 3-14 Warriors.
It may not be all he can do, but he sure seems to do it well. At 6’ 4” and a southpaw, the underclassman seems to have all the tools to get the job done, and possesses a hefty dose of modesty. “All I did was throw strikes (against Lindbergh), the defense did all the real work. Its easy when your defense plays as they did.” Sure, and when a 6’ 4” left-hander is throwing 84 mile an hour fast balls, as Mike has been clocked, the hitters are going to be somewhat off balance.
Not being in the starting rotation ate at the competitive nature of the sophomore. “I wanted to get out there and compete. I wanted to get out there and contribute as a starter,” he shared. “Mike was penciled in as a starter at the beginning of the season,” offered Kessler, “unfortunately he developed some arm problems. Couple that with the season we are having. The coaching staff decided to bring him along slowly. We were not going to jeopardize Mike’s arm, no way,” said the skipper. “Now it is going to pay dividends, because now Mike is back. Back and stronger than ever.”
Mike gives most of the credit of his development to Kessler. “There is no question in my mind that I am the ball player I am today because of Coach Kessler. He knows so much about every aspect of the game. Playing for him is just plain awesome.”
Mike has more than just Kessler on his side. When Mike was in the 3rd grade he was riding in the car with his dad when his dad was killed in an automobile accident. It happened on Easter Sunday 1998. “I ask my dad for help all the time, whether it be pitching, hitting – he’s there, he gets me though some tough times, and I know it,” proudly says the young man.
Mike lives with his mom and step dad, Debbie and James Zahn. When asked his favorite eating establishment he quickly responded “Red Lobster.” He knew not exactly what he would order, but did know, “that if someone else was paying for it he would order a lot, ‘cause everything on their menu is good, and I really do like to eat there.”
To nominate an athlete contact Mike McMurran at mcmurran@charter.net or 314.280.9189
BOOK SIGNING BY LOCAL ARTIST
Book Signing By Local Author At Main Street Books
Local author, Cathi La Marche, will be signing copies of her book “While The Daffodils Dances,” at Main Street Books, 621 South Main Street in Historic downtown St. Charles.
The signing will be on Saturday, May 14, 2005 from 1pm to 3pm. If you would like to reserve a copy please call 636-949-0105.
Local author, Cathi La Marche, will be signing copies of her book “While The Daffodils Dances,” at Main Street Books, 621 South Main Street in Historic downtown St. Charles.
The signing will be on Saturday, May 14, 2005 from 1pm to 3pm. If you would like to reserve a copy please call 636-949-0105.
Saturday, April 30, 2005
HEARING REGARDING MAYOR'S ALLEGED ILLEGAL SIGNING OF CONTRACT WILL BE HELD MAY 4th at 6pm
SPECIAL NOTICE
HEARING TO BE HELD MAY 4th at 6pm
The Administrative Hearings by the City Council regarding the contract the Mayor allegedly illegally signed with Express Scripts without Council approval, as required by Section 40.23 of the City Ordinances, will be held on Wednesday, May 4th not the 5th as originally reported. The hearings will be held in the City Council chambers at City Hall and will begin at 6pm. They will be televised on Charter Cable Channel 20.
HEARING TO BE HELD MAY 4th at 6pm
The Administrative Hearings by the City Council regarding the contract the Mayor allegedly illegally signed with Express Scripts without Council approval, as required by Section 40.23 of the City Ordinances, will be held on Wednesday, May 4th not the 5th as originally reported. The hearings will be held in the City Council chambers at City Hall and will begin at 6pm. They will be televised on Charter Cable Channel 20.
Council Members Angry Over Senator Gross’s Bill Restricting Gaming Funds
By Phyllis Schaltenbrand
Missouri Senate Bill 272 was introduced by Senator Chuck Gross ® St. Charles. The bill and calls for limiting all Missouri home dock cities use of gaming funds for the operation of their cities.
Now Councilmen Brown, Riddler and Gieseke plan to introduce a resolution to attempt to halt the bill’s progress.
Shortly after introduction, Senator Gross cut a deal with other legislators in the Senate, exempting every City in the State except St. Charles. The other Senators, with gambling casinos in their cities, did not want their cities included in, or to be restricted by, the bill.
This move is what has many on the Council upset. “If this was such a great idea, why only St. Charles? Why did Gross allow every other Senator the chance to remove their City from the bill?” Councilman John Gieseke remarked to the First Capitol News.
“This bill takes local control away from St. Charles and places it in the hands of those in Jefferson City. The day Gross fixes the school funding problems and has real tax relief for seniors funded without reservation, maybe then he can say he has an idea about the City’s finances. He was elected to represent us at the State level. If he wants to ruin our budget like the state’s budget he can run for the City Council,” commented Councilman Joe Koester.
The bill would have a severe impact on the City’s operations. To date, the City has collected $102 million in gaming taxes and has spent over 90 percent of that money on Capitol Improvement Projects in the City. Over $6 million of gaming funds were spent on the newly constructed convention center.
Over the past three years, Mayor Patti York has used a portion of gaming funds to help balance the budget because other revenue sources have decreased. “Every City in the state of Missouri understands how hard the past few years have been,” commented Councilman John Gieseke. “The State continues to burden us with the need for higher property tax bills because they are failing to fund the schools. Now Gross is grandstanding, telling us the residents are not experiencing the full benefits of gaming. He’s right if he looks at the budget he controls at the state level. Here at the City level, we have been able to keep our service levels high without major layoffs. We on the City Council understand we need to decrease the use of gaming fundsfor salaries, but we need the economy to turn around first”.
According to testimony given to the Senate by Allan Williams, the City Administrator, and Karen McDermott, City Finance Director, “The schools and other taxing entities would be sorely affected. This bill will have a negative impact on all our tax incremental financing projects including Fountain Lakes, Mark Twain Mall and the Convention Center project. The TIF districts will generate less incremental property tax revenues. The pass through to the schools will be less, and the debt will pay off slower or not at all.”
Council President Riddler told the First Capitol News, “I have a portion of my ward, as does Councilman Gieseke, within the Orchard Farm School District. The Orchard Farm School District was forced to ask for a tax increase because the State’s school funding formula does not provide enough revenue to support their schools. This change would decrease the amount of pass through generated at Fountain Lakes and would create a larger burden on the residents.”
Councilman John Gieseke continued, “This is the way big brother has been able to increase taxes without having to take the heat for it. They don’t fund their responsibilities and this forces the schools to ask for more and more as they create laws in Jefferson City that hurt all of us and act like they did us all a favor. The tax increase isn’t on their record yet. They basically forced the local taxing districts to increase taxes.”
In other testimony the City officials told the Senate, “The City has used the funds for many street improvements, facilities, parks, storm water projects, economic development, enhanced service levels in police and fire departments, increased reserves to appropriate levels and enhanced arts and cultural activities.” The testimony continues, “It is unclear what benefit the legislation, as proposed, brings the citizens of St. Charles or the State of Missouri.”
Councilman Mark Brown told the First Capitol News, “That statement tells it all. I firmly believe the City Council is in the best position to decrease the use of gaming funds for ongoing expenses. The Council began the process in the last budget. This Council took over $1 million of gaming money that went to recurring cost out of this budget and we will get more with the next budget. I believe in making the City more accountable and have been working toward that goal. It confuses me why Senator Gross, who was elected to represent the taxpayers of our area, has created legislation that would have such a detrimental impact on St. Charles. If passed, this bill will force us to cut services and raise taxes. I strongly urge Gross to reconsider, think about the people he represents, and not hurt those he represents.”
Gieseke stated, “We are committed to decrease the day-to-day cost of running the City whether it is paid with gaming funds or general funds. I would like to change to a merit based pay system, change the way our insurance is handled, and decrease the redundancy that exists in our processes that add cost without benefits.”
The resolution will be introduced Tuesday evening at the St. Charles City Council meeting. The City of St. Charles Finance Director Karen McDermott and City Administrator Allan Williams prepared the referenced testimony to the State.
Missouri Senate Bill 272 was introduced by Senator Chuck Gross ® St. Charles. The bill and calls for limiting all Missouri home dock cities use of gaming funds for the operation of their cities.
Now Councilmen Brown, Riddler and Gieseke plan to introduce a resolution to attempt to halt the bill’s progress.
Shortly after introduction, Senator Gross cut a deal with other legislators in the Senate, exempting every City in the State except St. Charles. The other Senators, with gambling casinos in their cities, did not want their cities included in, or to be restricted by, the bill.
This move is what has many on the Council upset. “If this was such a great idea, why only St. Charles? Why did Gross allow every other Senator the chance to remove their City from the bill?” Councilman John Gieseke remarked to the First Capitol News.
“This bill takes local control away from St. Charles and places it in the hands of those in Jefferson City. The day Gross fixes the school funding problems and has real tax relief for seniors funded without reservation, maybe then he can say he has an idea about the City’s finances. He was elected to represent us at the State level. If he wants to ruin our budget like the state’s budget he can run for the City Council,” commented Councilman Joe Koester.
The bill would have a severe impact on the City’s operations. To date, the City has collected $102 million in gaming taxes and has spent over 90 percent of that money on Capitol Improvement Projects in the City. Over $6 million of gaming funds were spent on the newly constructed convention center.
Over the past three years, Mayor Patti York has used a portion of gaming funds to help balance the budget because other revenue sources have decreased. “Every City in the state of Missouri understands how hard the past few years have been,” commented Councilman John Gieseke. “The State continues to burden us with the need for higher property tax bills because they are failing to fund the schools. Now Gross is grandstanding, telling us the residents are not experiencing the full benefits of gaming. He’s right if he looks at the budget he controls at the state level. Here at the City level, we have been able to keep our service levels high without major layoffs. We on the City Council understand we need to decrease the use of gaming fundsfor salaries, but we need the economy to turn around first”.
According to testimony given to the Senate by Allan Williams, the City Administrator, and Karen McDermott, City Finance Director, “The schools and other taxing entities would be sorely affected. This bill will have a negative impact on all our tax incremental financing projects including Fountain Lakes, Mark Twain Mall and the Convention Center project. The TIF districts will generate less incremental property tax revenues. The pass through to the schools will be less, and the debt will pay off slower or not at all.”
Council President Riddler told the First Capitol News, “I have a portion of my ward, as does Councilman Gieseke, within the Orchard Farm School District. The Orchard Farm School District was forced to ask for a tax increase because the State’s school funding formula does not provide enough revenue to support their schools. This change would decrease the amount of pass through generated at Fountain Lakes and would create a larger burden on the residents.”
Councilman John Gieseke continued, “This is the way big brother has been able to increase taxes without having to take the heat for it. They don’t fund their responsibilities and this forces the schools to ask for more and more as they create laws in Jefferson City that hurt all of us and act like they did us all a favor. The tax increase isn’t on their record yet. They basically forced the local taxing districts to increase taxes.”
In other testimony the City officials told the Senate, “The City has used the funds for many street improvements, facilities, parks, storm water projects, economic development, enhanced service levels in police and fire departments, increased reserves to appropriate levels and enhanced arts and cultural activities.” The testimony continues, “It is unclear what benefit the legislation, as proposed, brings the citizens of St. Charles or the State of Missouri.”
Councilman Mark Brown told the First Capitol News, “That statement tells it all. I firmly believe the City Council is in the best position to decrease the use of gaming funds for ongoing expenses. The Council began the process in the last budget. This Council took over $1 million of gaming money that went to recurring cost out of this budget and we will get more with the next budget. I believe in making the City more accountable and have been working toward that goal. It confuses me why Senator Gross, who was elected to represent the taxpayers of our area, has created legislation that would have such a detrimental impact on St. Charles. If passed, this bill will force us to cut services and raise taxes. I strongly urge Gross to reconsider, think about the people he represents, and not hurt those he represents.”
Gieseke stated, “We are committed to decrease the day-to-day cost of running the City whether it is paid with gaming funds or general funds. I would like to change to a merit based pay system, change the way our insurance is handled, and decrease the redundancy that exists in our processes that add cost without benefits.”
The resolution will be introduced Tuesday evening at the St. Charles City Council meeting. The City of St. Charles Finance Director Karen McDermott and City Administrator Allan Williams prepared the referenced testimony to the State.
Director of Public Works Michael Pratt Forced Out By City Administrator
By Tony Brockmeyer
The First Capitol News has learned City Administrator Allan Williams has apparently forced Director of Public Works, Michael Pratt, to resign. Our sources told us Friday, April 16th was Pratt’s last day on the job. Sources also said Williams called Pratt into his office April 13th and told him he could resign or be fired. A compromise was worked out whereby Pratt would resign if he received the six months severance pay called for in his contract.
At an executive session of the City Council, held Tuesday evening, a motion was passed to pay Pratt three months severance pay. The City Council passed an ordinance recently which prohibits severance pay being paid without their approval.
Pratt has served as Director of Public Works since May of 2002. He is a retired Army Colonel. Pratt resigned on August 30th, 2002 to take a job in the private sector. After his resignation was accepted and the position was advertised, he changed his mind and wanted to come back to work for the City.
Jim O’Connor, City Administrator at the time, hired Pratt back, gave him a raise of approximately $9,000 and a new contract.
On November 16, 2004 The First Capitol News reported Pratt was one of the finalists for the Public Works Director’s job in Champaign, Illinois. He was not offered the position.
St. Charles Engineering, a private firm, will be handling engineering until a new Public Works Director is hired.
The First Capitol News has learned City Administrator Allan Williams has apparently forced Director of Public Works, Michael Pratt, to resign. Our sources told us Friday, April 16th was Pratt’s last day on the job. Sources also said Williams called Pratt into his office April 13th and told him he could resign or be fired. A compromise was worked out whereby Pratt would resign if he received the six months severance pay called for in his contract.
At an executive session of the City Council, held Tuesday evening, a motion was passed to pay Pratt three months severance pay. The City Council passed an ordinance recently which prohibits severance pay being paid without their approval.
Pratt has served as Director of Public Works since May of 2002. He is a retired Army Colonel. Pratt resigned on August 30th, 2002 to take a job in the private sector. After his resignation was accepted and the position was advertised, he changed his mind and wanted to come back to work for the City.
Jim O’Connor, City Administrator at the time, hired Pratt back, gave him a raise of approximately $9,000 and a new contract.
On November 16, 2004 The First Capitol News reported Pratt was one of the finalists for the Public Works Director’s job in Champaign, Illinois. He was not offered the position.
St. Charles Engineering, a private firm, will be handling engineering until a new Public Works Director is hired.
THE CITY DESK by Rory Riddler City Council President
River Shows Us Where We’ve
Been And Where We’re Going
Nothing helps define the City of St. Charles better than the Missouri River. It gives us a sense of place, of history and beautiful backdrop for buildings, public space, the arts and recreation. It’s what separates us from so many other communities whose only front door ends up being eight lanes of concrete highway. Rivers are valuable assets, which make cities more livable for residents and more memorable for visitors.
The Missouri River connects us with our environment, with nature and with something greater than ourselves. Its tree-lined shores are both a haven for wildlife and oasis for the spirit. Walk along its banks or simply sit and watch the river roll by. You’ll be surprised how the waters seem to carry away the stress of modern life.
Sometimes little changes can make a big difference. For years merchants on North Main Street have wanted to thin out the brush along the river to open up their scenic view of the river. What stood in the way was fear of Federal regulations.
It seems that some of the cottonwood trees along our riverfront may be home to Indiana bats. Why they are here and not in Indiana I don’t know, but their preference for Missouri over Indiana must be a terrible embarrassment to the Hoosier State. Let’s suffice it to say their dwindling numbers have gained them some sort of protected status.
Meanwhile, I had been regularly passing along to the City Administrator complaints of beer bottles and other trash along this section of the KATY Trail. To his credit, City Administrator Allan Williams, without fanfare or much expense, had street crews clear out underbrush during the time of year the Indiana bat apparently isn’t nesting or in the mood. The larger trees are still there for the bats to frolic in, but the underbrush has opened up another three blocks of scenic river for all to enjoy.
Since this clean up, there have been many more people using this section of the trail and stopping to view the river. Riverside Drive has become an even more scenic place to be and area merchants are positively giddy about the impact this small but important improvement has had.
Our earliest French inhabitants must have also appreciated the scenic beauty of the river from these “little hills” on which they settled. The river was their front door and the route to riches from the fur trade. Our relationship with the river has not always been so idyllic.
Later generations would turn their backs on the river as factories, warehouses and junk accumulated along its shores. It took the vision of the Land Clearance for Redevelopment Authority, merchants and City officials to clear away the blight and reintroduce St. Charles citizens to their river heritage.
As a High School Senior I went with friends to sandbag in West Alton during the Flood of ‘73 (you know, way back in the 20th Century). That was the first five-hundred year flood I experienced before another five-hundred year flood hit us in ‘93. That would make me about 530 years old the way the Army Corps of Engineers reckons things.
Back then, the prevailing mindset seemed to be that rivers had to be tamed to protect lives and property. Since then attitudes have changed. After the 1993 flood, the vast majority of families who were routinely flooded out, were bought out and relocated with FEMA grant money. The Missouri River is no longer used for commercial navigation like the Mississippi. With high demand for water in the Western States, river levels will probably be lower in the long term. We have an opportunity to establish a different relationship with the river.
St. Charles can be proud of having done so much more with its riverfront than many other communities. In Hannibal and Cape Girardeau, for example, the downtown is cut off from the river by concrete flood walls. In Jefferson City, rail lines and sidings block access to most of the riverfront. Our mile long Frontier Park, adjacent KATY Trail and Depot, Lewis & Clark Boathouse, statue, Blanchette’s Landing in Frenchtown, the Foundry Art Center and historic downtown are the envy of other river towns.
Soon to be added to that mix is the new Veterans Memorial at Bishop’s Landing and an Eco-Park. The Riverfront Development Committee, which I serve on, was given a sneak peak of plans about to be bid out by the St. Charles Parks & Recreation Department for the new Eco-Park. From Blanchette’s Landing in Frenchtown (at the foot of Olive Street off Second) to the northernmost city limits, sand and rock trails, bridges and river overlooks will be built on the river side of the levy. The Eco-Park will help teach current and future generations of students about the wetlands and it’s wildlife.
Even more exciting are plans for additional riverfront amenities, anticipated to be built in the next five years, but still on the drawing board. These include a riverfront plaza, additional river overlooks, a restaurant on the river and new wayfaring signage. The plaza would provide a stepped area of stone blocks to allow people easier access to the river. Frenchtown merchants are eager to see another river overlook at the foot of Randolph Street and some condominium projects are being planned specifically to take advantage of views of the river.
While these projects are just around the bend, long range plans would expand the riverfront parks system south towards the Page Avenue Bridge. Public trail systems will one day give easy access to Howell Island. One of the most ambitious plans I’ve seen floated, would create a canal on the land side of the island for water taxis and to shelter pleasure boats. With decreased water levels, the current on the Missouri may decrease enough to make pleasure boating safer and more attractive. On the Northern city limits, ninety-eight acres of FEMA flood buyout property may be the start of a living history farm.
We may have one of the best riverfronts of any community in the State already, but we aren’t taking that for granted. With enthusiastic local officials and broad based citizen support, we’ll keep things “rollin on the river” for generations to come. Just in case any Federal agencies get a copy of this, let me just add that…no Indiana bats were harmed in the writing of this column.
Been And Where We’re Going
Nothing helps define the City of St. Charles better than the Missouri River. It gives us a sense of place, of history and beautiful backdrop for buildings, public space, the arts and recreation. It’s what separates us from so many other communities whose only front door ends up being eight lanes of concrete highway. Rivers are valuable assets, which make cities more livable for residents and more memorable for visitors.
The Missouri River connects us with our environment, with nature and with something greater than ourselves. Its tree-lined shores are both a haven for wildlife and oasis for the spirit. Walk along its banks or simply sit and watch the river roll by. You’ll be surprised how the waters seem to carry away the stress of modern life.
Sometimes little changes can make a big difference. For years merchants on North Main Street have wanted to thin out the brush along the river to open up their scenic view of the river. What stood in the way was fear of Federal regulations.
It seems that some of the cottonwood trees along our riverfront may be home to Indiana bats. Why they are here and not in Indiana I don’t know, but their preference for Missouri over Indiana must be a terrible embarrassment to the Hoosier State. Let’s suffice it to say their dwindling numbers have gained them some sort of protected status.
Meanwhile, I had been regularly passing along to the City Administrator complaints of beer bottles and other trash along this section of the KATY Trail. To his credit, City Administrator Allan Williams, without fanfare or much expense, had street crews clear out underbrush during the time of year the Indiana bat apparently isn’t nesting or in the mood. The larger trees are still there for the bats to frolic in, but the underbrush has opened up another three blocks of scenic river for all to enjoy.
Since this clean up, there have been many more people using this section of the trail and stopping to view the river. Riverside Drive has become an even more scenic place to be and area merchants are positively giddy about the impact this small but important improvement has had.
Our earliest French inhabitants must have also appreciated the scenic beauty of the river from these “little hills” on which they settled. The river was their front door and the route to riches from the fur trade. Our relationship with the river has not always been so idyllic.
Later generations would turn their backs on the river as factories, warehouses and junk accumulated along its shores. It took the vision of the Land Clearance for Redevelopment Authority, merchants and City officials to clear away the blight and reintroduce St. Charles citizens to their river heritage.
As a High School Senior I went with friends to sandbag in West Alton during the Flood of ‘73 (you know, way back in the 20th Century). That was the first five-hundred year flood I experienced before another five-hundred year flood hit us in ‘93. That would make me about 530 years old the way the Army Corps of Engineers reckons things.
Back then, the prevailing mindset seemed to be that rivers had to be tamed to protect lives and property. Since then attitudes have changed. After the 1993 flood, the vast majority of families who were routinely flooded out, were bought out and relocated with FEMA grant money. The Missouri River is no longer used for commercial navigation like the Mississippi. With high demand for water in the Western States, river levels will probably be lower in the long term. We have an opportunity to establish a different relationship with the river.
St. Charles can be proud of having done so much more with its riverfront than many other communities. In Hannibal and Cape Girardeau, for example, the downtown is cut off from the river by concrete flood walls. In Jefferson City, rail lines and sidings block access to most of the riverfront. Our mile long Frontier Park, adjacent KATY Trail and Depot, Lewis & Clark Boathouse, statue, Blanchette’s Landing in Frenchtown, the Foundry Art Center and historic downtown are the envy of other river towns.
Soon to be added to that mix is the new Veterans Memorial at Bishop’s Landing and an Eco-Park. The Riverfront Development Committee, which I serve on, was given a sneak peak of plans about to be bid out by the St. Charles Parks & Recreation Department for the new Eco-Park. From Blanchette’s Landing in Frenchtown (at the foot of Olive Street off Second) to the northernmost city limits, sand and rock trails, bridges and river overlooks will be built on the river side of the levy. The Eco-Park will help teach current and future generations of students about the wetlands and it’s wildlife.
Even more exciting are plans for additional riverfront amenities, anticipated to be built in the next five years, but still on the drawing board. These include a riverfront plaza, additional river overlooks, a restaurant on the river and new wayfaring signage. The plaza would provide a stepped area of stone blocks to allow people easier access to the river. Frenchtown merchants are eager to see another river overlook at the foot of Randolph Street and some condominium projects are being planned specifically to take advantage of views of the river.
While these projects are just around the bend, long range plans would expand the riverfront parks system south towards the Page Avenue Bridge. Public trail systems will one day give easy access to Howell Island. One of the most ambitious plans I’ve seen floated, would create a canal on the land side of the island for water taxis and to shelter pleasure boats. With decreased water levels, the current on the Missouri may decrease enough to make pleasure boating safer and more attractive. On the Northern city limits, ninety-eight acres of FEMA flood buyout property may be the start of a living history farm.
We may have one of the best riverfronts of any community in the State already, but we aren’t taking that for granted. With enthusiastic local officials and broad based citizen support, we’ll keep things “rollin on the river” for generations to come. Just in case any Federal agencies get a copy of this, let me just add that…no Indiana bats were harmed in the writing of this column.
RAMBLING WITH THE EDITOR - Tony Brockmeyer
They have their own agenda!
You have probably read or heard from some of the people who think it is terrible and embarrassing to the City when the City Council and the Mayor do not agree. Or when there is a disagreement among the Council members and/or City staff. I laugh when I hear from them.
That is politics and life. People are going to disagree. If we all agreed on everything where do you think our country would be today? We disagree with our spouse or significant other. We disagree with our boss and co-workers. Disagreements occur on a daily basis. Why would we expect our political leaders to never disagree and why would we want political leaders to always get along?
Those who complain want you to believe disagreement is bad for our City. Nothing could be further from the truth. They want you to believe such disagreement only happens in St. Charles and our elected leaders should be ashamed of themselves. Nothing could be further from the truth.
If they all agreed, why would we even need to elect people to office? Just let the City staff make all the decisions because we don’t want any disagreement.
Hundreds of decisions are made everyday that affect how we live our lives. What roads are going to be repaired? How much tax are we going to have to pay? What quality of water will be coming from our pipes? How is our sewage going to be disposed of? How are our tax dollars going to be spent? How much utility tax will we have to pay? Are we going to have sidewalks? What type of police protection will be available to us? What type of schooling will our children receive? Who will benefit from City contracts? Will we have a community center? Just to mention a few.
Can you imagine what would happen if there was no debate? If our leaders did not look at both sides of an issue before making a decision? Is that what you want from your government?
The people who have been complaining have their own agenda. An agenda they do not want you to be aware of.
For years, a group of people have been profiting from the actions and decisions made by our City government. But this is changing and they do not like it. They will do whatever they believe is necessary in their attempt to regain the control they once had over our City.
There are now five, sometimes six, sometimes seven, members of the City Council who represent the interests of the citizens of St. Charles. The special interests are bleeding and they do not like it. Do not let them fool you. The next time someone is disdainful of this publication or members of the City Council you can be sure they have a personal agenda which is probably detrimental to you and your neighbors.
HEARING SET FOR MAY 4TH
In case you missed the notice on the front page, the City Council Hearings regarding the alleged illegal signing of a contract with Express Scripts will be held on Wednesday, May 4th not the 5th as previously reported. The hearing will begin at 6pm in the City Council Chambers on the fourth floor of City Hall. It is an open hearing and the public is invited to attend.
The hearing will also be televised on Charter Cable Channel 20.
RED CROSS MOTHER’S DAY
The American Red Cross is offering a special card and commemorative Mother’s Day pin to all presenting blood donors now through Sunday, May 8. The cards and pins can then be given to mothers as gifts on Mother’s Day. To schedule an appointment call 1-800-GIVE LIFE.
REC-PLEX SUMMER CLASS REGISTRATION BEGINS SOON
It’s time to reserve your spot in a new class or program at the St. Peters Rec-Plex. The Rec-Plex offers swimming, ice skating, fitness, weight training and many other classes. St. Peters residents and Rec-Plex passholders may sign up for classes in person, online or by phone beginning on May 2. The rest of the general public may begin registering for classes beginning May 7.
HOME & GARDEN SHOW THIS WEEKEND
The Home Builders Association Home and Garden Show will be this weekend at the new St. Charles Convention Center. This is a great opportunity not only to visit with the many vendors but to also see the new convention center.
LOOKING FOR A CHARITY
Several people who make a practice of visiting many of the local trivia nights have decided they would like to host one. They want to do it as a fund raiser for a deserving charity. If you have a charity you would like them to consider please call the First Capitol News and let us know. We will put them in touch with you.
St. Peters Looking For Artists
St. Peters Community & Arts Center invites artists, amateur and professional, to enter the Center's first Wildlife Art Show and competition. Receiving for this unique competition is scheduled for July 19-20 with an awards reception on July 24. All competition entries will be displayed at the St. Peters Community & Arts Center from July 24 - Aug 15.
All entries should be works completed within the last three years. Adult Community & Arts Center members may enter up to three pieces for the $15 entry fee. All other adults may enter up to three pieces for an entry fee of $20. Adult categories include: Woodcarving, Sculpture, Drawing, Painting and Photography. For entry rules and information call 636-397-6903.
KATIE MELODY KASPRZYCKI
A baby girl was born to Valerie and Joe Kasprzychi on March 28 at 2:14am at Crossroads regional Medical Center. Katie weighed 6 pounds 4 ounces and was 20 inches long. Mother and baby and father are all doing well.
You have probably read or heard from some of the people who think it is terrible and embarrassing to the City when the City Council and the Mayor do not agree. Or when there is a disagreement among the Council members and/or City staff. I laugh when I hear from them.
That is politics and life. People are going to disagree. If we all agreed on everything where do you think our country would be today? We disagree with our spouse or significant other. We disagree with our boss and co-workers. Disagreements occur on a daily basis. Why would we expect our political leaders to never disagree and why would we want political leaders to always get along?
Those who complain want you to believe disagreement is bad for our City. Nothing could be further from the truth. They want you to believe such disagreement only happens in St. Charles and our elected leaders should be ashamed of themselves. Nothing could be further from the truth.
If they all agreed, why would we even need to elect people to office? Just let the City staff make all the decisions because we don’t want any disagreement.
Hundreds of decisions are made everyday that affect how we live our lives. What roads are going to be repaired? How much tax are we going to have to pay? What quality of water will be coming from our pipes? How is our sewage going to be disposed of? How are our tax dollars going to be spent? How much utility tax will we have to pay? Are we going to have sidewalks? What type of police protection will be available to us? What type of schooling will our children receive? Who will benefit from City contracts? Will we have a community center? Just to mention a few.
Can you imagine what would happen if there was no debate? If our leaders did not look at both sides of an issue before making a decision? Is that what you want from your government?
The people who have been complaining have their own agenda. An agenda they do not want you to be aware of.
For years, a group of people have been profiting from the actions and decisions made by our City government. But this is changing and they do not like it. They will do whatever they believe is necessary in their attempt to regain the control they once had over our City.
There are now five, sometimes six, sometimes seven, members of the City Council who represent the interests of the citizens of St. Charles. The special interests are bleeding and they do not like it. Do not let them fool you. The next time someone is disdainful of this publication or members of the City Council you can be sure they have a personal agenda which is probably detrimental to you and your neighbors.
HEARING SET FOR MAY 4TH
In case you missed the notice on the front page, the City Council Hearings regarding the alleged illegal signing of a contract with Express Scripts will be held on Wednesday, May 4th not the 5th as previously reported. The hearing will begin at 6pm in the City Council Chambers on the fourth floor of City Hall. It is an open hearing and the public is invited to attend.
The hearing will also be televised on Charter Cable Channel 20.
RED CROSS MOTHER’S DAY
The American Red Cross is offering a special card and commemorative Mother’s Day pin to all presenting blood donors now through Sunday, May 8. The cards and pins can then be given to mothers as gifts on Mother’s Day. To schedule an appointment call 1-800-GIVE LIFE.
REC-PLEX SUMMER CLASS REGISTRATION BEGINS SOON
It’s time to reserve your spot in a new class or program at the St. Peters Rec-Plex. The Rec-Plex offers swimming, ice skating, fitness, weight training and many other classes. St. Peters residents and Rec-Plex passholders may sign up for classes in person, online or by phone beginning on May 2. The rest of the general public may begin registering for classes beginning May 7.
HOME & GARDEN SHOW THIS WEEKEND
The Home Builders Association Home and Garden Show will be this weekend at the new St. Charles Convention Center. This is a great opportunity not only to visit with the many vendors but to also see the new convention center.
LOOKING FOR A CHARITY
Several people who make a practice of visiting many of the local trivia nights have decided they would like to host one. They want to do it as a fund raiser for a deserving charity. If you have a charity you would like them to consider please call the First Capitol News and let us know. We will put them in touch with you.
St. Peters Looking For Artists
St. Peters Community & Arts Center invites artists, amateur and professional, to enter the Center's first Wildlife Art Show and competition. Receiving for this unique competition is scheduled for July 19-20 with an awards reception on July 24. All competition entries will be displayed at the St. Peters Community & Arts Center from July 24 - Aug 15.
All entries should be works completed within the last three years. Adult Community & Arts Center members may enter up to three pieces for the $15 entry fee. All other adults may enter up to three pieces for an entry fee of $20. Adult categories include: Woodcarving, Sculpture, Drawing, Painting and Photography. For entry rules and information call 636-397-6903.
KATIE MELODY KASPRZYCKI
A baby girl was born to Valerie and Joe Kasprzychi on March 28 at 2:14am at Crossroads regional Medical Center. Katie weighed 6 pounds 4 ounces and was 20 inches long. Mother and baby and father are all doing well.
THE PEOPLE SPEAK - Letters to The Editor
TO THE EDITOR,
Wow, the Mayors of O’Fallon and St. Peters decline to return phone calls to John “Charleytown” Sonderegger, so he denounces them in his column and threatens them with not getting their side of the story told.
Sounds like Morrow and Brown have a great idea. Because even if these folks do respond, they are NOT likely to get their side of the story told. He is famous for that.
So heres a proposal: how about if NOBODY return Sonderegger’s phone calls? Put a moratorium on this irresponsible, egotistical clown.
Good columnists amplify and comment on the news, but Sonderegger doesn’t do either one. Sonderegger is the master of telling only half or less of the story, the antithesis of ethical journalism. He tells some facts and carefully leaves out the real story. He recreates the “news” in his own image, telling readers what he thinks they should know instead of what’s going on.
Leadership at the Post - which apparently could care less about St. Charles County - turns its head.
Until the Post sees fit to hire a columnist that can be counted on to tell the truth and give people in the news and readers too, a fair shake, the Post is showing contempt for everyone in St. Charles County, especially people who buy the paper.
If I were an elected official or someone else put on the spot, I would say nothing to Sonderegger except something like this: “It would be irresponsible for me to talk to you because you can’t be counted on to tell the truth or give the whole story.”
And I would stick to that until he goes away.
Please withhold my name
Thank you
Dear Editor,
Friends of ours invited us to attend the Mayor’s Charity Ball last Saturday evening. I have never wanted to be part of the movers and shakers but they begged and begged until we relented and accepted the invitation.
Having watched the City Council meetings on television we recognized several of the Councilmen in attendance. There were Rory Riddler, Larry Muench, Bob Hoepfner, Mike Weller and Bob Kneemiller. Several of the others may have been there but I did not see them.
I had occasion throughout the evening to see the fine members of our City Council in action. The residents of Ward 1, Ward 2 and Ward 10 can be proud of their Council Representatives, Riddler, Muench and Hoepfner. They acted with decorum and represented the City as well they should.
Had I been a resident of Ward 4 or Ward 5 I would have been thoroughly disgusted with the actions of my representative. Their behavior might be fine for a neighborhood party in their basement but for a charity function in our new Convention Center in front of hundreds of people, it was unacceptable and embarrassing.
I would suggest until they are able to control themselves they do their drinking at home.
E. Wilson
First Capitol News
State Rep. Cynthia Davis of O’Fallon wants to create laws that will tell us how to teach science and sex education in our schools. She wants to create laws that will dictate when we, our designated family members or doctors can remove life support from our brain-dead bodies. Actually, she wants to create laws giving the state the right to determine when and if a feeding tube can be yanked from an unresponsive individual.
Now comes news that this woman, who is so concerned with creating laws to dictate our ethics and morality, can not even comprehend the state’s simple campaign-finance rules. It seems she’s used campaign donations to pay $1,084 in property taxes on her Jefferson City home and $2,850 for a pickup truck.
“Campaign finance rules are extremely complex,” she says. She claims that she never intentionally violated the law.
I suggest that anybody who thinks they have the time and intelligence to make laws governing ethics and morality, including the teaching of evolution and sex ed while mandating state control of end-of-life issues, had better be damn sure she can read and understand campaign finance rules.
Howard Hoskins
St. Charles
An Open Letter To St. Charles Residents
Privatizing our Social Security is President Bush's top domestic priority. State Representative Clint Zweifel believes that stopping Bush's risky privatization plan should be a state priority. That's why he sponsored HCR 14 encouraging our Congressional delegation to oppose private accounts. Unfortunately, Missouri Republicans refused to call the Resolution for a hearing. But we refuse to be silenced on this most important issue!
With Pro-Vote's help, Rep. Zweifel successfully circulated a petition to discharge HCR 14 from committee and put it on the calendar for a Floor vote! Check out the article in the April 27th Columbia Missourian for more details.
Call your Representative and demand a "yes" vote on HCR 14. If you don't know his or her name, visit the Legislative Look Up page.
With help from progressive Missourians just like you, we've been able to move HCR 14 from Rep. Zweifel's desk all the way to floor so that Missouri can have voice in the national debate over Social Security. For more information on how Social Security privatization would hurt Missouri see the reports released by the Campaign for America's Future.
Call your state Representative at 573-751-3659 today and tell him/her that Social Security brings over $10 billion into our state every year and keeps Missouri's elderly, disabled workers, orphans and widow(er)s out of poverty. Vote "yes" to oppose privatization!
Mailings@Marketvolt.com
Wow, the Mayors of O’Fallon and St. Peters decline to return phone calls to John “Charleytown” Sonderegger, so he denounces them in his column and threatens them with not getting their side of the story told.
Sounds like Morrow and Brown have a great idea. Because even if these folks do respond, they are NOT likely to get their side of the story told. He is famous for that.
So heres a proposal: how about if NOBODY return Sonderegger’s phone calls? Put a moratorium on this irresponsible, egotistical clown.
Good columnists amplify and comment on the news, but Sonderegger doesn’t do either one. Sonderegger is the master of telling only half or less of the story, the antithesis of ethical journalism. He tells some facts and carefully leaves out the real story. He recreates the “news” in his own image, telling readers what he thinks they should know instead of what’s going on.
Leadership at the Post - which apparently could care less about St. Charles County - turns its head.
Until the Post sees fit to hire a columnist that can be counted on to tell the truth and give people in the news and readers too, a fair shake, the Post is showing contempt for everyone in St. Charles County, especially people who buy the paper.
If I were an elected official or someone else put on the spot, I would say nothing to Sonderegger except something like this: “It would be irresponsible for me to talk to you because you can’t be counted on to tell the truth or give the whole story.”
And I would stick to that until he goes away.
Please withhold my name
Thank you
Dear Editor,
Friends of ours invited us to attend the Mayor’s Charity Ball last Saturday evening. I have never wanted to be part of the movers and shakers but they begged and begged until we relented and accepted the invitation.
Having watched the City Council meetings on television we recognized several of the Councilmen in attendance. There were Rory Riddler, Larry Muench, Bob Hoepfner, Mike Weller and Bob Kneemiller. Several of the others may have been there but I did not see them.
I had occasion throughout the evening to see the fine members of our City Council in action. The residents of Ward 1, Ward 2 and Ward 10 can be proud of their Council Representatives, Riddler, Muench and Hoepfner. They acted with decorum and represented the City as well they should.
Had I been a resident of Ward 4 or Ward 5 I would have been thoroughly disgusted with the actions of my representative. Their behavior might be fine for a neighborhood party in their basement but for a charity function in our new Convention Center in front of hundreds of people, it was unacceptable and embarrassing.
I would suggest until they are able to control themselves they do their drinking at home.
E. Wilson
First Capitol News
State Rep. Cynthia Davis of O’Fallon wants to create laws that will tell us how to teach science and sex education in our schools. She wants to create laws that will dictate when we, our designated family members or doctors can remove life support from our brain-dead bodies. Actually, she wants to create laws giving the state the right to determine when and if a feeding tube can be yanked from an unresponsive individual.
Now comes news that this woman, who is so concerned with creating laws to dictate our ethics and morality, can not even comprehend the state’s simple campaign-finance rules. It seems she’s used campaign donations to pay $1,084 in property taxes on her Jefferson City home and $2,850 for a pickup truck.
“Campaign finance rules are extremely complex,” she says. She claims that she never intentionally violated the law.
I suggest that anybody who thinks they have the time and intelligence to make laws governing ethics and morality, including the teaching of evolution and sex ed while mandating state control of end-of-life issues, had better be damn sure she can read and understand campaign finance rules.
Howard Hoskins
St. Charles
An Open Letter To St. Charles Residents
Privatizing our Social Security is President Bush's top domestic priority. State Representative Clint Zweifel believes that stopping Bush's risky privatization plan should be a state priority. That's why he sponsored HCR 14 encouraging our Congressional delegation to oppose private accounts. Unfortunately, Missouri Republicans refused to call the Resolution for a hearing. But we refuse to be silenced on this most important issue!
With Pro-Vote's help, Rep. Zweifel successfully circulated a petition to discharge HCR 14 from committee and put it on the calendar for a Floor vote! Check out the article in the April 27th Columbia Missourian for more details.
Call your Representative and demand a "yes" vote on HCR 14. If you don't know his or her name, visit the Legislative Look Up page.
With help from progressive Missourians just like you, we've been able to move HCR 14 from Rep. Zweifel's desk all the way to floor so that Missouri can have voice in the national debate over Social Security. For more information on how Social Security privatization would hurt Missouri see the reports released by the Campaign for America's Future.
Call your state Representative at 573-751-3659 today and tell him/her that Social Security brings over $10 billion into our state every year and keeps Missouri's elderly, disabled workers, orphans and widow(er)s out of poverty. Vote "yes" to oppose privatization!
Mailings@Marketvolt.com
THE CONSERVATIVE FACTOR - Alex Spencer
County Councilman Dan Foust, our favorite retriever, appears to be rabid about insuring every fire station in the county is under the jurisdiction of one fire district, including the St. Charles Fire Dept. He recently sent e-mails to numerous people requesting help in securing an opponent to run against another Republican office holder because he didn’t quite see things his way. Those Republicans who have an opinion different than Dan’s should immediately arm themselves with a stick and a can of mace to ward off possible attacks. Mailmen have advised the stick, the mace and a sharp command of “Down Fido” works 90 percent of the time when their ankles are chewed on.
There is controversy and heated discussion on both sides and I am not advocating either at this early date. However, those citizens who wish to discuss this issue with Mr. Foust can find him everyday at noon at the first table on the right just before the bar area at Pio’s on First Capitol Drive. I’m sure Mr. Foust would welcome discussing this matter with you if you have any concerns.
County Executive Joe Ortwerth is also adamant about placing all fire departments under one fire district under his jurisdiction. However, Mr. Ortwerth is not seeking reelection and will not be dealing with the issue. Ortwerth selected Steve Ehlmann to be his successor and appointed him County Administrator so he could run the county prior to being elected County Executive. To date, Ehlmann does not appear to have stated an opinion on this issue, although he has declared his candidacy for the office. Therefore we have to presume his stance by association. Joe Ortwerth is his boss and Dan Foust claims to be his “close friend”.
It was reported some time ago Ernie Dempsey, owner of Pio’s, is business partners with Ken Kielty in the building housing the local license bureau and also in partnership with another democrat, Roger Pryor, of the Columns Banquet Center. Dempsey is also in a partnership with Steve Ehlmann in the building once occupied by Ehlmann when he practiced law. That space is now leased to Senator Chuck Gross for his district senate office and the rent is paid by the State of Missouri. With Dempsey being awarded the local license office, he now receives all that revenue after paying expenses. In conjunction with Ehlmann, he also receives state money in the rental by Chuck Gross.
If we look at these political business partnerships as family, does this make Ehlmann first cousins to Kielty and Pryor? If they are cousins to Ehlmann, does this make Pryor and Kielty aristocrats? If Mr. Dempsey is in partnerships with various people, but none of these people are in business with each other, does this make Ernie Dempsey his own grandfather? Goodness, a money tree can get just as complicated as a real family tree.
After being retired from the senate due to term limits, Ehlmann announced his candidacy for the 2nd district to represent us in Washington. Unable to raise the funds needed, he dropped out and filed for Associate Circuit Judge. He then moved up and was elected Circuit Judge. He vacated the office of Circuit Judge to be the County administrator for mentoring under Ortwerth to insure his election as County Executive.
Prior to Ehlmann vacating his judgeship, Senator Chuck Gross was planning to run for County Executive next election. Not wishing for Ehlmann to have a primary opponent, Gross was enticed to consider running for Mayor of St. Charles. I don’t know if he is actually serious about that but he did step aside for Ehlmann when he decided he did not like being a judge. Chuck Gross is the Nathan Hale of our times; “I regret that I have but one life to give to my Steve Ehlmann.” Gross’ district office will continue on in the Dempsey-Ehlmann building because Dempsey’s son, Tom, will be seeking the vacated position now held by Gross.
Senator Gross and Tom Dempsey have made public statements that they are unhappy with the current City Council who assumed office one year ago. This is where we need to review history. How did Patti York become Mayor? She was first blessed, anointed, and then endorsed by Steve Ehlmann who was a senator, Chuck Gross who was a state rep. and Tom Dempsey. They also financially supported her campaign. The object was to retire Rory Riddler so they could also control the St. Charles City Council. For York’s first term, she had a rubber-stamp Council who walked in lock-step with the exception of Hoefpner, Riddler, Scheer and Gieseke.
One year ago, the Dempsey group attempted to again remove Hoefpner, Riddler, Scheer, and Gieseke. Their candidates lost 6 of the 10 city council races. This did not dissuade the Dempsey group. Ernie Dempsey helped spearhead the drive to change the City Charter to give the total power to a full-time Mayor. Huge sums of money were spent on slick mailings which persuaded the voters to change the charter. That has not gone into effect yet, therefore, the new City Council has been under constant, vicious attack by York and her minions.
Ehlmann, Gross, and Tom Dempsey have supported every action of the Mayor and never said a public word, and as far as anyone knows did not even attempt to persuade her to stop blocking the City Council so business could be conducted. The object of this group was never to smoothly conduct City business, but to destroy the majority of councilmen whom the voters chose in order to put people in office who were under their control. The public should pay close attention to the public hearings soon to be conducted investigating the Mayor’s alleged illegall signing of a city contract . Bear in mind, the Mayor thought she could do anything because she had the support and backing of powerful people. There is plenty of blame to spread around to others for any fault found.
Thus far, we have heard two people may run for the office of Mayor: John Gieseke, and Chuck Gross. If Gross runs, it is because Ehlmann would not allow him to seek the office of County Executive and he needs to be in public office until he moves up to something higher. If Gieseke runs, it is because his commitment is to this City as proven by two successful terms as Councilman. There are marked differences between these two possible candidates. John Giseke could not be bullied into not running for the office he really wants in the area of his personal commitment. If John Gieseke were playing the Nathan Hale role, I believe he would say; “I regret that I have but one life to give to my city.”
There is controversy and heated discussion on both sides and I am not advocating either at this early date. However, those citizens who wish to discuss this issue with Mr. Foust can find him everyday at noon at the first table on the right just before the bar area at Pio’s on First Capitol Drive. I’m sure Mr. Foust would welcome discussing this matter with you if you have any concerns.
County Executive Joe Ortwerth is also adamant about placing all fire departments under one fire district under his jurisdiction. However, Mr. Ortwerth is not seeking reelection and will not be dealing with the issue. Ortwerth selected Steve Ehlmann to be his successor and appointed him County Administrator so he could run the county prior to being elected County Executive. To date, Ehlmann does not appear to have stated an opinion on this issue, although he has declared his candidacy for the office. Therefore we have to presume his stance by association. Joe Ortwerth is his boss and Dan Foust claims to be his “close friend”.
It was reported some time ago Ernie Dempsey, owner of Pio’s, is business partners with Ken Kielty in the building housing the local license bureau and also in partnership with another democrat, Roger Pryor, of the Columns Banquet Center. Dempsey is also in a partnership with Steve Ehlmann in the building once occupied by Ehlmann when he practiced law. That space is now leased to Senator Chuck Gross for his district senate office and the rent is paid by the State of Missouri. With Dempsey being awarded the local license office, he now receives all that revenue after paying expenses. In conjunction with Ehlmann, he also receives state money in the rental by Chuck Gross.
If we look at these political business partnerships as family, does this make Ehlmann first cousins to Kielty and Pryor? If they are cousins to Ehlmann, does this make Pryor and Kielty aristocrats? If Mr. Dempsey is in partnerships with various people, but none of these people are in business with each other, does this make Ernie Dempsey his own grandfather? Goodness, a money tree can get just as complicated as a real family tree.
After being retired from the senate due to term limits, Ehlmann announced his candidacy for the 2nd district to represent us in Washington. Unable to raise the funds needed, he dropped out and filed for Associate Circuit Judge. He then moved up and was elected Circuit Judge. He vacated the office of Circuit Judge to be the County administrator for mentoring under Ortwerth to insure his election as County Executive.
Prior to Ehlmann vacating his judgeship, Senator Chuck Gross was planning to run for County Executive next election. Not wishing for Ehlmann to have a primary opponent, Gross was enticed to consider running for Mayor of St. Charles. I don’t know if he is actually serious about that but he did step aside for Ehlmann when he decided he did not like being a judge. Chuck Gross is the Nathan Hale of our times; “I regret that I have but one life to give to my Steve Ehlmann.” Gross’ district office will continue on in the Dempsey-Ehlmann building because Dempsey’s son, Tom, will be seeking the vacated position now held by Gross.
Senator Gross and Tom Dempsey have made public statements that they are unhappy with the current City Council who assumed office one year ago. This is where we need to review history. How did Patti York become Mayor? She was first blessed, anointed, and then endorsed by Steve Ehlmann who was a senator, Chuck Gross who was a state rep. and Tom Dempsey. They also financially supported her campaign. The object was to retire Rory Riddler so they could also control the St. Charles City Council. For York’s first term, she had a rubber-stamp Council who walked in lock-step with the exception of Hoefpner, Riddler, Scheer and Gieseke.
One year ago, the Dempsey group attempted to again remove Hoefpner, Riddler, Scheer, and Gieseke. Their candidates lost 6 of the 10 city council races. This did not dissuade the Dempsey group. Ernie Dempsey helped spearhead the drive to change the City Charter to give the total power to a full-time Mayor. Huge sums of money were spent on slick mailings which persuaded the voters to change the charter. That has not gone into effect yet, therefore, the new City Council has been under constant, vicious attack by York and her minions.
Ehlmann, Gross, and Tom Dempsey have supported every action of the Mayor and never said a public word, and as far as anyone knows did not even attempt to persuade her to stop blocking the City Council so business could be conducted. The object of this group was never to smoothly conduct City business, but to destroy the majority of councilmen whom the voters chose in order to put people in office who were under their control. The public should pay close attention to the public hearings soon to be conducted investigating the Mayor’s alleged illegall signing of a city contract . Bear in mind, the Mayor thought she could do anything because she had the support and backing of powerful people. There is plenty of blame to spread around to others for any fault found.
Thus far, we have heard two people may run for the office of Mayor: John Gieseke, and Chuck Gross. If Gross runs, it is because Ehlmann would not allow him to seek the office of County Executive and he needs to be in public office until he moves up to something higher. If Gieseke runs, it is because his commitment is to this City as proven by two successful terms as Councilman. There are marked differences between these two possible candidates. John Giseke could not be bullied into not running for the office he really wants in the area of his personal commitment. If John Gieseke were playing the Nathan Hale role, I believe he would say; “I regret that I have but one life to give to my city.”
PUT ST CHARLES FIRST
By Jerry Haferkamp
Well, folks, we’re on the way. Our new Convention Center has hosted its first function that fulfilled its mission to bring tourists to St. Charles. They hosted the annual Mayors’ Ball and it drew at least 18 tourists. I know it is fact because I saw 8 of them on the front page of the St. Peters paper and I assume they, and the one not pictured, each brought along an escort or guest. I wonder how many came a day early and visited South Main. I’m sure they stayed in our motels, ate at our restaurants and shopped in our stores. Some came from as far away as Foristell, way out on the edge of St. Charles County.
This weekend’s Home and Garden Show should bring guests from at least that far. I’m sure Steve will tell us of the hundreds, no, thousands who stayed in our motels from as far away as Warrenton and had an economic impact in the millions. Mission accomplished. Now, can they get another $300,000 to pat themselves on the back?
Yes, it is a beautiful building, but the types of events being booked and the parties they throw for themselves on your dollar make some people wonder where their heads are. I don’t wonder. I know.
Did you ever notice how, in an attempt to be “first”, some news organizations put out a story without checking to be sure of the facts? It’s really annoying. You’ll not get that in the St. Peters Journal. They finally mentioned the Tommy Mayer/ City administrator incident the TV stations and the FCN told you about a month ago. Good going, St. Pete Journal. You don’t want to rush into these things. Of course, when they did finally get around to doing some St. Charles news, it was headlined, “Police officer fights firing”. It should have read, “Officer fired for not doing what his boss told him to do”. Under their banner they could add: “All The Spin You Need To Read In 45 Days Or Less”
Maybe former officer Mayer’s lawsuit against us can be settled out of court. Naturally the Council (and the public) doesn’t want to pay him thousands of dollars for doing FOP work for which the FOP is already paying. Maybe he would drop the suit if we re-instate him and pay him 100 hours per year for time off to visit his lady friend. C’mon folks! We know a “win-win” when we see one.
Note to Stchuckwatch: Don’t whine about “trying the suit in the paper”. His attorney couldn’t file the case without TV there. Oh, heck. Go ahead and whine. We know it’s what you do best.
Letter to the Editor of the St. Peters Journal” (I have to write it here since they won’t print any letter I send them-I think it’s something about them disliking truth and fact)
Dear Editor;
Your recent tirade against Dottie Greer for wanting to make using fireworks in St. Charles legal is typical of your editorial thinking.
Councilwoman Greer tried to make the sale illegal, but failed. Since Mrs. Greer is not a hypocrite, (look it up in the dictionary. It’s spelled H-Y-P-O-C-R-I-T-E) she probably felt it is wrong to sell fireworks and profit from the sales while making the subsequent use illegal. There has been much said about the hypocrisy (look it up-it’s there, too) of our present ordinance. Councilwoman Greer tried to eliminate this hypocrisy and you took her to task over it.
Your defense of hypocrisy explains much of what I read in your editorials.
Jerry Haferkamp
Last week I wondered aloud whether our City could fire anyone. Apparently they can, so:
Has Steve Powell been fired yet? Why not?
Well, folks, we’re on the way. Our new Convention Center has hosted its first function that fulfilled its mission to bring tourists to St. Charles. They hosted the annual Mayors’ Ball and it drew at least 18 tourists. I know it is fact because I saw 8 of them on the front page of the St. Peters paper and I assume they, and the one not pictured, each brought along an escort or guest. I wonder how many came a day early and visited South Main. I’m sure they stayed in our motels, ate at our restaurants and shopped in our stores. Some came from as far away as Foristell, way out on the edge of St. Charles County.
This weekend’s Home and Garden Show should bring guests from at least that far. I’m sure Steve will tell us of the hundreds, no, thousands who stayed in our motels from as far away as Warrenton and had an economic impact in the millions. Mission accomplished. Now, can they get another $300,000 to pat themselves on the back?
Yes, it is a beautiful building, but the types of events being booked and the parties they throw for themselves on your dollar make some people wonder where their heads are. I don’t wonder. I know.
Did you ever notice how, in an attempt to be “first”, some news organizations put out a story without checking to be sure of the facts? It’s really annoying. You’ll not get that in the St. Peters Journal. They finally mentioned the Tommy Mayer/ City administrator incident the TV stations and the FCN told you about a month ago. Good going, St. Pete Journal. You don’t want to rush into these things. Of course, when they did finally get around to doing some St. Charles news, it was headlined, “Police officer fights firing”. It should have read, “Officer fired for not doing what his boss told him to do”. Under their banner they could add: “All The Spin You Need To Read In 45 Days Or Less”
Maybe former officer Mayer’s lawsuit against us can be settled out of court. Naturally the Council (and the public) doesn’t want to pay him thousands of dollars for doing FOP work for which the FOP is already paying. Maybe he would drop the suit if we re-instate him and pay him 100 hours per year for time off to visit his lady friend. C’mon folks! We know a “win-win” when we see one.
Note to Stchuckwatch: Don’t whine about “trying the suit in the paper”. His attorney couldn’t file the case without TV there. Oh, heck. Go ahead and whine. We know it’s what you do best.
Letter to the Editor of the St. Peters Journal” (I have to write it here since they won’t print any letter I send them-I think it’s something about them disliking truth and fact)
Dear Editor;
Your recent tirade against Dottie Greer for wanting to make using fireworks in St. Charles legal is typical of your editorial thinking.
Councilwoman Greer tried to make the sale illegal, but failed. Since Mrs. Greer is not a hypocrite, (look it up in the dictionary. It’s spelled H-Y-P-O-C-R-I-T-E) she probably felt it is wrong to sell fireworks and profit from the sales while making the subsequent use illegal. There has been much said about the hypocrisy (look it up-it’s there, too) of our present ordinance. Councilwoman Greer tried to eliminate this hypocrisy and you took her to task over it.
Your defense of hypocrisy explains much of what I read in your editorials.
Jerry Haferkamp
Last week I wondered aloud whether our City could fire anyone. Apparently they can, so:
Has Steve Powell been fired yet? Why not?
STRAIGHT TALK by Councilman Bob Hoepfner
Hello again out there folks. Well, it is the same old story in the same old town, depending upon where you are in this magical kingdom called St. Charles. Let’s start out with some positive thoughts. The new convention center, I have to admit, does look good. It appears the quality of the construction is good but of course it hasn’t rained yet. Oh there I go again. Well anyway, if you get a chance to go over and look at it, it did turn out fairly nice. It would be interesting to go to the home and garden show this weekend. For those of you who do care to pay to park, that is a decision made by the promoters of each event. That is not mandated from the people who run the convention center.
I believe the merger of the fire departments in the County is a good idea because we have such a duplication of services. What we have here are the fire chiefs of the different fire protection districts trying to protect their little piece of turf. My opinion, they don’t care about public service. They want to keep their domain, their kingdom, in tact. If you ever meet any of these guys you have to introduce yourselves to their egos before you can enter the room to talk to them in person. Even though Chief Rhodes of the City of St. Charles Fire Department and I do not always agree, I think the man is trying to do a good job. As an example of this, I was told by a resident a firefighter was using a St. Charles fire department vehicle for his personal use in O’Fallon. I brought it to Chief Rhodes attention. The fire department pickup truck was pulled from the firefighter and further discipline is to follow.
By the way, even though they are the highest paid fire department in the state, our local fire brigade wants to maintain a $1,000 bonus whenever they re-certify as a paramedic. They want to keep getting $200 every three months for clothing. However, they do not have to produce any receipts to show they bought any clothing. Now, in my opinion, if these fine individuals are making over $100,000 a year in wages and benefits, don’t you think they can buy their own underwear?
Enough about this drain on taxpayer dollars. We will move onto another subject. In the struggle to gain a community center I think before $18 or $20 million of our tax dollars are spent on a community center it should go to a vote of the people. You and I should have a say at the ballot box. Remember, we can’t take the utility tax off, but for some reason we can go into debt for a community center. WRONG, WRONG, WRONG!
In closing, keep the faith, there are some of us who are struggling to get you some tax relief. Keep sending those cards and letters. Keep calling me on that telephone whether you live in my ward or not. Next election cycle I will let you know who is on your side. 949-0956.
I believe the merger of the fire departments in the County is a good idea because we have such a duplication of services. What we have here are the fire chiefs of the different fire protection districts trying to protect their little piece of turf. My opinion, they don’t care about public service. They want to keep their domain, their kingdom, in tact. If you ever meet any of these guys you have to introduce yourselves to their egos before you can enter the room to talk to them in person. Even though Chief Rhodes of the City of St. Charles Fire Department and I do not always agree, I think the man is trying to do a good job. As an example of this, I was told by a resident a firefighter was using a St. Charles fire department vehicle for his personal use in O’Fallon. I brought it to Chief Rhodes attention. The fire department pickup truck was pulled from the firefighter and further discipline is to follow.
By the way, even though they are the highest paid fire department in the state, our local fire brigade wants to maintain a $1,000 bonus whenever they re-certify as a paramedic. They want to keep getting $200 every three months for clothing. However, they do not have to produce any receipts to show they bought any clothing. Now, in my opinion, if these fine individuals are making over $100,000 a year in wages and benefits, don’t you think they can buy their own underwear?
Enough about this drain on taxpayer dollars. We will move onto another subject. In the struggle to gain a community center I think before $18 or $20 million of our tax dollars are spent on a community center it should go to a vote of the people. You and I should have a say at the ballot box. Remember, we can’t take the utility tax off, but for some reason we can go into debt for a community center. WRONG, WRONG, WRONG!
In closing, keep the faith, there are some of us who are struggling to get you some tax relief. Keep sending those cards and letters. Keep calling me on that telephone whether you live in my ward or not. Next election cycle I will let you know who is on your side. 949-0956.
$1 Million+ Missing From A St. Charles Title Company - Owner Has Not Been Found
Phoenix Title at 324 N. Main Street has closed leaving 50 to 60 people out of work. They were given pay checks on April 15th and told the office was closing. The bank has refused to honor the checks and the owner of the company, James Thurman, has not been located. A sister company, James Andrew GMAC Realty, with 10 offices and 375 agents also owned by Thurman, is closing as well. About $1 million is reported missing from the title company. The Missouri Division of Insurance and the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development are investigating.
Capital Title, located on West Clay, closed in January. Federal and State Investigators are checking into alleged embezzlement of funds from that business. More than $12 million is missing from Capital Title.
First Capitol News Photo by Tony Brockmeyer
Capital Title, located on West Clay, closed in January. Federal and State Investigators are checking into alleged embezzlement of funds from that business. More than $12 million is missing from Capital Title.
First Capitol News Photo by Tony Brockmeyer
Spring Concert by St. Peters Choral Society May 1st
St. Peters Choral Society Spring Concert May 1st
“TOP 10”, the Spring Concert of the St. Peters Choral Society will be presented for the public on Sunday, May 1st at 2pm at Fort Zumwalt South High School Auditorium, 8050 Mexico Road in St. Peters.
Chorus members have selected their favorites from 14 years on the stage! This means you will hear a wide range of music from Beatles to Mozart, from the spiritual to patriotic from Broadway to opera. Just to add to the variety, banjos will entertain during intermission
The concert is free (No tickets required).
For additional information you can call Jim Kellen at 636-447-5341.
“TOP 10”, the Spring Concert of the St. Peters Choral Society will be presented for the public on Sunday, May 1st at 2pm at Fort Zumwalt South High School Auditorium, 8050 Mexico Road in St. Peters.
Chorus members have selected their favorites from 14 years on the stage! This means you will hear a wide range of music from Beatles to Mozart, from the spiritual to patriotic from Broadway to opera. Just to add to the variety, banjos will entertain during intermission
The concert is free (No tickets required).
For additional information you can call Jim Kellen at 636-447-5341.
Scouts Celebrate 95 Years of Service
Scouts Celebrate 95 Years of Service
The Boy Scouts of America celebrates 95 years of service. In celebration, local Scouts from the Trails West Council, headquarters in Wood River, Illinois, will participate in a special celebration to mark 95 years of Boy Scouts and 75 years of Cub Scouts. The event, an encampment, will be held at the St. Louis Regional Airport in Bethalto, May 13 through 15, 2005. “This is a celebration of Scouting,” said Tim Garber, Scout Executive for the Trails West Council. “It’s designed to highlight the service Scouts and Scouting volunteers provide in their communities.”
“The purpose of the Boy Scouts of America is the same today as it was 95 years ago,” said Chief Scout Executive Roy L. Williams.
“So many things have changed in our world—Scouting has remained constant and true to its mission of serving youth and helping them learn to make better decisions throughout their lives,” Williams said.
The Boy Scouts was founded in Great Britain in 1907 by British military hero Lord Robert Baden-Powell. Two years later, William D. Boyce, a Chicago publisher traveling in London, became lost in a fog. A young boy helped him find his way. When Boyce thanked the boy for his aid and offered him a tip, the boy explained that it was his duty as a Scout to help others, and he declined the tip.
Impressed with the boy’s actions, Boyce met with Baden-Powell and laid the groundwork to bring Scouting to the United States. With the help of Ernest Thompson Seton, Daniel Carter Beard, and James E. West, the Boy Scouts of America was established on February 8, 1910.
“Anyone who was ever a Scout and would like to relive the experiences, or anyone who would like to find out what Scouts is all about, is invited to show up at the airport on Saturday, May 14th” Garber says. Events begin with a flag ceremony by the American Legion at 9 am followed by a full day of activities put on by local community organizations. First Aid by the American Red Cross, crafts by Tandy Leather, displays by the Metro East Humane Society, St. Louis Herpetological Society, the Nature Institute, St. Louis Science Center, The Magic House, Center for American Archeology, and Metro Search and Rescue are only some of the activities that will be available.
For more information on the Encampment, contact the Trails West Council, BSA, Service Center at (618) 259-2145.
The Boy Scouts of America celebrates 95 years of service. In celebration, local Scouts from the Trails West Council, headquarters in Wood River, Illinois, will participate in a special celebration to mark 95 years of Boy Scouts and 75 years of Cub Scouts. The event, an encampment, will be held at the St. Louis Regional Airport in Bethalto, May 13 through 15, 2005. “This is a celebration of Scouting,” said Tim Garber, Scout Executive for the Trails West Council. “It’s designed to highlight the service Scouts and Scouting volunteers provide in their communities.”
“The purpose of the Boy Scouts of America is the same today as it was 95 years ago,” said Chief Scout Executive Roy L. Williams.
“So many things have changed in our world—Scouting has remained constant and true to its mission of serving youth and helping them learn to make better decisions throughout their lives,” Williams said.
The Boy Scouts was founded in Great Britain in 1907 by British military hero Lord Robert Baden-Powell. Two years later, William D. Boyce, a Chicago publisher traveling in London, became lost in a fog. A young boy helped him find his way. When Boyce thanked the boy for his aid and offered him a tip, the boy explained that it was his duty as a Scout to help others, and he declined the tip.
Impressed with the boy’s actions, Boyce met with Baden-Powell and laid the groundwork to bring Scouting to the United States. With the help of Ernest Thompson Seton, Daniel Carter Beard, and James E. West, the Boy Scouts of America was established on February 8, 1910.
“Anyone who was ever a Scout and would like to relive the experiences, or anyone who would like to find out what Scouts is all about, is invited to show up at the airport on Saturday, May 14th” Garber says. Events begin with a flag ceremony by the American Legion at 9 am followed by a full day of activities put on by local community organizations. First Aid by the American Red Cross, crafts by Tandy Leather, displays by the Metro East Humane Society, St. Louis Herpetological Society, the Nature Institute, St. Louis Science Center, The Magic House, Center for American Archeology, and Metro Search and Rescue are only some of the activities that will be available.
For more information on the Encampment, contact the Trails West Council, BSA, Service Center at (618) 259-2145.
What Do You Think About This - Daniel Roach
What Do You Think About This?
By Daniel Roach
For some time Councilman Bob Hoepfner has been trying to do away with the utility tax but he is getting strong opposition.
Now I wonder, would this really hurt the City of St. Charles financially? I ask all of the senior citizens in this great City to get behind this. Please call your Councilman and ask him to support the efforts to do away with the utility tax. It only takes a minute or two to pick up the phone and call your Council member.
Recently I took a walk around town. I went up some alleys. Boy oh boy. Alleys are not major throughways but I would not drive my car in these alleys. Some have huge pot holes. A lot of them have large cracks. In one alley the cracks were so large if you got your tire caught in one of the cracks you would probably lose your tire, rim and damage your front end. We need to get these alleys fixed. I read where Mr. Riddler says the City is finding left over money. Can some of this money go to repair our alleys? And where are our City inspectors? Some of the alleys look like junk yards.
What do you think about this?
Remember, when you are walking up the ladder of life be careful not to step on anyone’s fingers. Some day you may be coming down that ladder.
Some time ago we offered our readers the opportunity to make their feelings known to our readers in the form of an opinion article. Mr. Roach took us up on our offer. This is his opinion. Do you have one?
By Daniel Roach
For some time Councilman Bob Hoepfner has been trying to do away with the utility tax but he is getting strong opposition.
Now I wonder, would this really hurt the City of St. Charles financially? I ask all of the senior citizens in this great City to get behind this. Please call your Councilman and ask him to support the efforts to do away with the utility tax. It only takes a minute or two to pick up the phone and call your Council member.
Recently I took a walk around town. I went up some alleys. Boy oh boy. Alleys are not major throughways but I would not drive my car in these alleys. Some have huge pot holes. A lot of them have large cracks. In one alley the cracks were so large if you got your tire caught in one of the cracks you would probably lose your tire, rim and damage your front end. We need to get these alleys fixed. I read where Mr. Riddler says the City is finding left over money. Can some of this money go to repair our alleys? And where are our City inspectors? Some of the alleys look like junk yards.
What do you think about this?
Remember, when you are walking up the ladder of life be careful not to step on anyone’s fingers. Some day you may be coming down that ladder.
Some time ago we offered our readers the opportunity to make their feelings known to our readers in the form of an opinion article. Mr. Roach took us up on our offer. This is his opinion. Do you have one?
Volunteers Needed for Emergency Preparedness Exercise
Volunteers Needed
for Emergency Preparedness Exercise
The St. Charles County Department of Community Health and the Environment is coordinating the skills of practicing and retired physicians, nurses, pharmacists and other health care professionals who are eager to volunteer and help their community during large-scale, public health emergency situations.
Volunteers may deliver necessary public health services during a crisis, assist emergency response teams with patients, and provide care directly to those with other health-related issues.
More immediately, volunteers will have the opportunity to assist their community by participating in a Cities Readiness Initiative (CRI) exercise on June 15. During the exercise, St. Charles and other Region C counties, will demonstrate and assess their emergency response plans by operating medication dispensing sites.
A medication dispensing site would be used, in the event of a Bioterrorism attack or widespread disease outbreak, to distribute medication to large numbers of people as efficiently and quickly as possible.
The St. Charles County Department of Community Health and the Environment is requesting volunteers to participate in the June 15th exercise, as well as in the event of an actual public health emergency.
If you are a health care professional (pharmacist, physician, nurse, mental health counselor, etc.) and would like to volunteer, please contact Hope Woodson, Public Health Response Planner at 636-949-7554.
for Emergency Preparedness Exercise
The St. Charles County Department of Community Health and the Environment is coordinating the skills of practicing and retired physicians, nurses, pharmacists and other health care professionals who are eager to volunteer and help their community during large-scale, public health emergency situations.
Volunteers may deliver necessary public health services during a crisis, assist emergency response teams with patients, and provide care directly to those with other health-related issues.
More immediately, volunteers will have the opportunity to assist their community by participating in a Cities Readiness Initiative (CRI) exercise on June 15. During the exercise, St. Charles and other Region C counties, will demonstrate and assess their emergency response plans by operating medication dispensing sites.
A medication dispensing site would be used, in the event of a Bioterrorism attack or widespread disease outbreak, to distribute medication to large numbers of people as efficiently and quickly as possible.
The St. Charles County Department of Community Health and the Environment is requesting volunteers to participate in the June 15th exercise, as well as in the event of an actual public health emergency.
If you are a health care professional (pharmacist, physician, nurse, mental health counselor, etc.) and would like to volunteer, please contact Hope Woodson, Public Health Response Planner at 636-949-7554.
A Free Family-Friendly Fun Fest - Worldwide Free Comic Book Day Comes To St. Charles With Comics For All Ages
Join the excitement on May 7 as millions of comic books are given away absolutely free!
Two thousand comic book shops across the continent and around the planet will be celebrating Free Comic Book Day, but the most fun will be at St. Charles’s own Comic Relief, 1325 North Second Street.
“They say you can’t get something for nothing, but they’re wrong!”, said owner Michael Hetzler. “On May 7, there’s absolutely no purchase required to get a free comic book. Just get yourself to Comic Relief and see what’s available with no strings attached. Bring your family, your friends, your neighbors - there’s plenty available, and a comic book for everyone’s taste!”
Now in its fourth year, Free Comic Book Day, has proven to be a smashing success, spreading the word that comics are terrific reading. “No matter what sort of stories or characters you like, we’ll have something for you on May 7”, promised Hetzler. “Readers of all ages will find something appropriate to stir their imaginations.”
Free Comic Book day kicks off a summer of exhilarating adventure. Discover how Batman Begins! Witness the long-awaited big-screen debut of the Fantastic Four. In fact characters from all three films are a huge part of the comic book giveaway.
“Our visitors on May 7 can get a sneak peek at Revenge of Sith thanks to a special Star Wars comic. They’ll also see The Batman Strikes, a thrilling all-ages title focusing on a young Dark Knight,” said Hetzler. “They can also grab Marvel Adventures: Spider-Man and the Fantastic Four and experience a team-up with these favorite characters.”
Wonderful choices beyond the world of super-heros will be available too. Archie comics recounts the timeless exploits of Betty & Veronica, with the return of Katy Keene. Homer, Marge and the rest of the brood show up in the Bongo comics Gimme Gimme Giveaway. G.I. Joe reports for duty in a comic kids and adults alike will love, while Disney’s Uncle Scrooge makes an appearance (no doubt horrified at being in a comic book given away for free).
For those looking for something entirely new, there’s even an inspired retelling of the Robin Hood legend that takes place in feudal Japan: Robin Hood of the 47 Samurai, as well as special anthology of stories revolving around the theme of Flight. Budding artists will be particularly taken with Impact University, a collection of lessons on how to create comic books.
For those who are new to comics, don’t fret: Comic relief is proud to offer Wizard presents the Top 100 Trade Paperbacks of All Time # 1 from the publishers of Wizard magazine. It’s a thorough listing of popular stories from the history of comics, and it’s completely free.
We at Comic Relief want to spread the word that comics are alive and well in 2005,” Hetzler continued. “More than that - they are thriving. We invite everyone to come in on May 7 and see for themselves how vital, relevant, powerful, and just-plain cool comic books are. Better yet, you get to do it for free.”
Regular up-dates, information about comic books, and lists of participating publishers (and their comics) are all online at www.FreeComicBookDay.com.
Free Comic Book Day kicks off at Noon and runs until 7pm at Comic Relief, 1325 North Second Street in St. Charles. Call 636-940-1244 for more information.
Two thousand comic book shops across the continent and around the planet will be celebrating Free Comic Book Day, but the most fun will be at St. Charles’s own Comic Relief, 1325 North Second Street.
“They say you can’t get something for nothing, but they’re wrong!”, said owner Michael Hetzler. “On May 7, there’s absolutely no purchase required to get a free comic book. Just get yourself to Comic Relief and see what’s available with no strings attached. Bring your family, your friends, your neighbors - there’s plenty available, and a comic book for everyone’s taste!”
Now in its fourth year, Free Comic Book Day, has proven to be a smashing success, spreading the word that comics are terrific reading. “No matter what sort of stories or characters you like, we’ll have something for you on May 7”, promised Hetzler. “Readers of all ages will find something appropriate to stir their imaginations.”
Free Comic Book day kicks off a summer of exhilarating adventure. Discover how Batman Begins! Witness the long-awaited big-screen debut of the Fantastic Four. In fact characters from all three films are a huge part of the comic book giveaway.
“Our visitors on May 7 can get a sneak peek at Revenge of Sith thanks to a special Star Wars comic. They’ll also see The Batman Strikes, a thrilling all-ages title focusing on a young Dark Knight,” said Hetzler. “They can also grab Marvel Adventures: Spider-Man and the Fantastic Four and experience a team-up with these favorite characters.”
Wonderful choices beyond the world of super-heros will be available too. Archie comics recounts the timeless exploits of Betty & Veronica, with the return of Katy Keene. Homer, Marge and the rest of the brood show up in the Bongo comics Gimme Gimme Giveaway. G.I. Joe reports for duty in a comic kids and adults alike will love, while Disney’s Uncle Scrooge makes an appearance (no doubt horrified at being in a comic book given away for free).
For those looking for something entirely new, there’s even an inspired retelling of the Robin Hood legend that takes place in feudal Japan: Robin Hood of the 47 Samurai, as well as special anthology of stories revolving around the theme of Flight. Budding artists will be particularly taken with Impact University, a collection of lessons on how to create comic books.
For those who are new to comics, don’t fret: Comic relief is proud to offer Wizard presents the Top 100 Trade Paperbacks of All Time # 1 from the publishers of Wizard magazine. It’s a thorough listing of popular stories from the history of comics, and it’s completely free.
We at Comic Relief want to spread the word that comics are alive and well in 2005,” Hetzler continued. “More than that - they are thriving. We invite everyone to come in on May 7 and see for themselves how vital, relevant, powerful, and just-plain cool comic books are. Better yet, you get to do it for free.”
Regular up-dates, information about comic books, and lists of participating publishers (and their comics) are all online at www.FreeComicBookDay.com.
Free Comic Book Day kicks off at Noon and runs until 7pm at Comic Relief, 1325 North Second Street in St. Charles. Call 636-940-1244 for more information.
“World Class Exhibition Shooter Will Star at Family Day”
“World Class Exhibition Shooter Will Star at Family Day”
Tom Knapp Will Be at Busch Range/Outdoor Education Center
World Class Exhibition Shooter Tom Knapp – The Shooting Star – takes center stage May 14 during Family Day at the August A. Busch Memorial Conservation Area Shooting Range & Outdoor Education Center, 2360 Hwy. D, St. Charles. Co-sponsored by the St. Louis Big Game Hunters and the Missouri Department of Conservation, Knapp will present shooting exhibitions at 11:30 a.m. and 2:30 p.m.
From 10 a.m. to 4 p.m., your family will also enjoy free archery, air rifle, .22 caliber rifle and shotgun shooting; demonstrations
by the champion Lindenwood University Shooting Team; kids’ laser shot; exhibits and much more! Representatives from Benelli USA will be on hand with a full line of their shotguns for display and attendees may fire free of charge. Refreshments and food will be available for purchase, through the Youth Hunter Education Challenge.
Knapp, who holds world records in Freestyle Target Shooting and Exhibition Shooting, travels the world for Benelli Arms Company and the Federal Premium Ammunition Company. He has performed throughout Europe and the Middle East, and has been featured on numerous national and local TV networks.
Family Day will be held rain or shine. Bring a blanket or lawn chairs with you and enjoy the show! No privately owned firearms, no coolers and no alcoholic beverages permitted. Plenty of free parking is available and no reservations are required. For more information please call (636) 300-1953 x23 or visit www.mdc.mo.gov/areas/stlouis.
Tom Knapp Will Be at Busch Range/Outdoor Education Center
World Class Exhibition Shooter Tom Knapp – The Shooting Star – takes center stage May 14 during Family Day at the August A. Busch Memorial Conservation Area Shooting Range & Outdoor Education Center, 2360 Hwy. D, St. Charles. Co-sponsored by the St. Louis Big Game Hunters and the Missouri Department of Conservation, Knapp will present shooting exhibitions at 11:30 a.m. and 2:30 p.m.
From 10 a.m. to 4 p.m., your family will also enjoy free archery, air rifle, .22 caliber rifle and shotgun shooting; demonstrations
by the champion Lindenwood University Shooting Team; kids’ laser shot; exhibits and much more! Representatives from Benelli USA will be on hand with a full line of their shotguns for display and attendees may fire free of charge. Refreshments and food will be available for purchase, through the Youth Hunter Education Challenge.
Knapp, who holds world records in Freestyle Target Shooting and Exhibition Shooting, travels the world for Benelli Arms Company and the Federal Premium Ammunition Company. He has performed throughout Europe and the Middle East, and has been featured on numerous national and local TV networks.
Family Day will be held rain or shine. Bring a blanket or lawn chairs with you and enjoy the show! No privately owned firearms, no coolers and no alcoholic beverages permitted. Plenty of free parking is available and no reservations are required. For more information please call (636) 300-1953 x23 or visit www.mdc.mo.gov/areas/stlouis.
MY COLUMN BY MIKE MCMURRAN Sports Editor
My buddy T.J. Slattery has on more than one occasion approached me and asked me to write about youth soccer. My standard reply is “I hate soccer; all it does is take some quality athletes away from football.” I really don’t hate soccer, I don’t think I hate anything or anybody – let’s just say I am not a big soccer fan. It seems to serve as a lightning rod for controversy and confrontation. This past week did nothing to change my point of view.
Take for example my daughter Maggie’s third grade team, coached by Mark Francis. Now, Mark is far, far from being an angel, but as a youth coach he goes out of his way to give quality instruction to the young ladies on his third grade team (I am aware of the fact I have repeated “third grade team,” and will do so a few more times to make my point). He never yells at, or to, his players, never uses profanity and does his very best to point out something positive the girls have done. By now I am certain most of the readers of this column understand how involved I am in my kids’ lives, maybe even overly so. Still, Mark Francis can coach my daughter as long as he wishes to, and as long she wishes to play. The fact is I think part of the reason she has so much fun is because Mark makes it fun. Some of the games are rather competitive, some aren’t. For third grade girls’ soccer it is exciting and entertaining – until this past Sunday.
This past Sunday at a girls’ third grade soccer game, the official had to eject one of the coaches of my daughter’s opposing team for yelling “F*#@ Y$&,” to the official. This is not a “he said, she said” situation. I heard it first hand. Have I ever told you I refuse to sit with the other parents during my daughter’s games because they yell and scream and cheer when the wind changes direction? Well they do, and so I do (refuse to sit with them). On this particular Sunday I positioned myself at about the 10-yard line, or at least that is what you would call it in football – I have no idea what you would call it in soccer. For the most part I was standing there all by myself enjoying the contest when I heard the youth coach yell the magic “F word” at the official. As I said, he was kicked out of the game, and should have been kicked out of the park, but was not. He simply walked to the other side of the field where he continued to taunt the officials and question their calls. Since this is a family publication I can only describe his behavior as “sphincter like.”
Granted, some of the calls made were probably incorrect, but this is third grade soccer. For that matter there is no level of any sport where “sphincter boy’s” behavior would be acceptable.
That being said let me say something positive about youth soccer. Two weeks ago my son Dee’s team (0-9 this spring) was warming up before a contest against a squad called the “Wolfpack.” Granted, Dee’s team, the Rams are playing “up,” which means they are playing against kids a year older. The parents decided it was only fair since we “hand picked” our team. By the way, we hand picked kids who attend school together, not because of their ability. All right, for the most part that is true – but we did agree to “play up.” As I watched the Wolfpack warm up I sensed we were in some serious trouble. As Napoleon Dynamite might say, “those guys had some real soccer skills.” As tactfully as I knew how I approached the coach and asked him to take it easy on us. He understood and suggested we play 5 on 4; as time went on it turned into 6 on 4 – we still got beat soundly. My point is the guy had class – or so it seemed. As fate would have it we had one game to make up. When the opposing coach contacted me to reschedule I asked him how his team was doing. “Fine,” he said. I then asked him how he did against the Wolfpack and he informed me they tied them 4-4. “With all do respect,” I shared with him, “we have no right playing you.” He understood completely. As it turned out both the Wolfpack and the team we forfeited against are hand picked teams which have played together for at least two years now. As fate would have it I found out the other teams in our league complained about how lopsided the games were and how both should not be allowed to play in a recreational league such as ours’. You see it is all relative.
While I am at it, kudos to my son Joe’s coaches Dr. Richard Heise and Matt Fairless. These gentlemen have the dubious task of coaching a team with players whose talent levels range from aggressive to well, shall we say not so aggressive, and have attention levels from intense to…well, remember what I said about wind direction? Yeah, that challenged. Remember though, we are talking about first graders here, and their attention span is suppose to be about two minutes. All of the boys have improved noticeably, and it is because of the patience and instruction of these two men. That and the unconditional support of most of the parents.
There T.J., is that better?
Take for example my daughter Maggie’s third grade team, coached by Mark Francis. Now, Mark is far, far from being an angel, but as a youth coach he goes out of his way to give quality instruction to the young ladies on his third grade team (I am aware of the fact I have repeated “third grade team,” and will do so a few more times to make my point). He never yells at, or to, his players, never uses profanity and does his very best to point out something positive the girls have done. By now I am certain most of the readers of this column understand how involved I am in my kids’ lives, maybe even overly so. Still, Mark Francis can coach my daughter as long as he wishes to, and as long she wishes to play. The fact is I think part of the reason she has so much fun is because Mark makes it fun. Some of the games are rather competitive, some aren’t. For third grade girls’ soccer it is exciting and entertaining – until this past Sunday.
This past Sunday at a girls’ third grade soccer game, the official had to eject one of the coaches of my daughter’s opposing team for yelling “F*#@ Y$&,” to the official. This is not a “he said, she said” situation. I heard it first hand. Have I ever told you I refuse to sit with the other parents during my daughter’s games because they yell and scream and cheer when the wind changes direction? Well they do, and so I do (refuse to sit with them). On this particular Sunday I positioned myself at about the 10-yard line, or at least that is what you would call it in football – I have no idea what you would call it in soccer. For the most part I was standing there all by myself enjoying the contest when I heard the youth coach yell the magic “F word” at the official. As I said, he was kicked out of the game, and should have been kicked out of the park, but was not. He simply walked to the other side of the field where he continued to taunt the officials and question their calls. Since this is a family publication I can only describe his behavior as “sphincter like.”
Granted, some of the calls made were probably incorrect, but this is third grade soccer. For that matter there is no level of any sport where “sphincter boy’s” behavior would be acceptable.
That being said let me say something positive about youth soccer. Two weeks ago my son Dee’s team (0-9 this spring) was warming up before a contest against a squad called the “Wolfpack.” Granted, Dee’s team, the Rams are playing “up,” which means they are playing against kids a year older. The parents decided it was only fair since we “hand picked” our team. By the way, we hand picked kids who attend school together, not because of their ability. All right, for the most part that is true – but we did agree to “play up.” As I watched the Wolfpack warm up I sensed we were in some serious trouble. As Napoleon Dynamite might say, “those guys had some real soccer skills.” As tactfully as I knew how I approached the coach and asked him to take it easy on us. He understood and suggested we play 5 on 4; as time went on it turned into 6 on 4 – we still got beat soundly. My point is the guy had class – or so it seemed. As fate would have it we had one game to make up. When the opposing coach contacted me to reschedule I asked him how his team was doing. “Fine,” he said. I then asked him how he did against the Wolfpack and he informed me they tied them 4-4. “With all do respect,” I shared with him, “we have no right playing you.” He understood completely. As it turned out both the Wolfpack and the team we forfeited against are hand picked teams which have played together for at least two years now. As fate would have it I found out the other teams in our league complained about how lopsided the games were and how both should not be allowed to play in a recreational league such as ours’. You see it is all relative.
While I am at it, kudos to my son Joe’s coaches Dr. Richard Heise and Matt Fairless. These gentlemen have the dubious task of coaching a team with players whose talent levels range from aggressive to well, shall we say not so aggressive, and have attention levels from intense to…well, remember what I said about wind direction? Yeah, that challenged. Remember though, we are talking about first graders here, and their attention span is suppose to be about two minutes. All of the boys have improved noticeably, and it is because of the patience and instruction of these two men. That and the unconditional support of most of the parents.
There T.J., is that better?
MOUSE RACES BY KNIGHTS OF COLUMBUS
Mouse Races Offered By Knights of Columbus
The Knights of Columbus and Ladies Auxiliary of St. Roberts Bellarmine Catholic Church are offering Mouse Races on May 14th at 7 pm. The church is located at 1424 First Capitol Drive South in St. Charles.
Tickets are $10 per person. A reserved table of eight is $70. Included is beer, wine and soda. There will be door prizes and raffles.
For additional information call Rich Wulf at 636-940-7338.
The Knights of Columbus and Ladies Auxiliary of St. Roberts Bellarmine Catholic Church are offering Mouse Races on May 14th at 7 pm. The church is located at 1424 First Capitol Drive South in St. Charles.
Tickets are $10 per person. A reserved table of eight is $70. Included is beer, wine and soda. There will be door prizes and raffles.
For additional information call Rich Wulf at 636-940-7338.
Rage truly are Pinball Wizards
By: Mike McMurran
Sports Editor
How does a team come back from a disappointing loss on the road? For the River City Rage of the NIFL on Friday night it was simply a matter of average, and then some!
The Rage went into Friday’s game at Family Arena against the Lakeland Thunderbolts averaging 60 points per game and in an offensive display of ESPN type highlights, stayed on track and came away with a 60-38 victory against a team that had previously allowed it’s opponents an average of only 30. The Rage used a number of new defensive formations to shut down the Thunderbolt’s passing game and improve it’s record to 4-1 on the year, good for first place in the Atlantic East Conference. Lakeland fell to 2-4 in the Atlantic South.
“We could hear them yelling ‘they changed the defense, they changed the defense,’ all night long,” said defensive back Maurice McClain. McClain’s interception with just over two minutes left in the game, doomed any chances Lakeland had at a comeback. “This game was over at half-time,” boasted McClain. “The coaching staff had us ready for this one, they never knew what hit ‘em.”
Facing a Thunderbolt team, Coach Mike Wyatt called “far better than it’s record and one with no quit in it at all”, the Rage again used an amazing array of offensive weapons to strike early and often in ringing up 23 first downs, 240 passing yards, and 8 touchdown passes from quarterback Clay Groefsema to three different receivers. The Red-Zone scoring was the real tale-of-the-tape as the team scored on all 6 of it’s chances from inside the 10 yard line. The Rage ran 9 fewer plays from scrimmage, yet still came out on top in every offensive category as the “Pinball Wizards” lit up the scoreboard again to the delight of a Family Arena crowd that has come to expect nothing less.
The confidence of the Rage is becoming contagious. Missouri Valley College product Moses Regular, who again had two first half touchdowns was almost unstoppable. Certainly his 6’4” 285 lb. frame contributes to his dominance, yet he sees things differently. “We have three great receivers on this team, there is no way they can cover all three of us.” The other two receivers would be Hurtis Chinn and Scott Pignel. It brings back memories of another St. Louis football team who fielded three wide-outs. “If they cover me, either Hurtis or Scott is going to be open. They couldn’t stop us tonight and we knew it. More importantly,” he concluded, “they knew it.”
The Rage tilted the scoreboard for two more touchdowns in the final quarter, both on touchdown passes from Groefsema to Pingel. Newly employed running back JerMarsh Robinson’s grab of the two- point conversion on one TD helped account for the final score.
The Rage will attempt to get road victory number two this Friday when the team travels to Lincoln, Nebraska to take on the Lincoln Capitals. The game can be heard on 1380 ESPN Radio and audio- streamed on the 1380 website.
Sports Editor
How does a team come back from a disappointing loss on the road? For the River City Rage of the NIFL on Friday night it was simply a matter of average, and then some!
The Rage went into Friday’s game at Family Arena against the Lakeland Thunderbolts averaging 60 points per game and in an offensive display of ESPN type highlights, stayed on track and came away with a 60-38 victory against a team that had previously allowed it’s opponents an average of only 30. The Rage used a number of new defensive formations to shut down the Thunderbolt’s passing game and improve it’s record to 4-1 on the year, good for first place in the Atlantic East Conference. Lakeland fell to 2-4 in the Atlantic South.
“We could hear them yelling ‘they changed the defense, they changed the defense,’ all night long,” said defensive back Maurice McClain. McClain’s interception with just over two minutes left in the game, doomed any chances Lakeland had at a comeback. “This game was over at half-time,” boasted McClain. “The coaching staff had us ready for this one, they never knew what hit ‘em.”
Facing a Thunderbolt team, Coach Mike Wyatt called “far better than it’s record and one with no quit in it at all”, the Rage again used an amazing array of offensive weapons to strike early and often in ringing up 23 first downs, 240 passing yards, and 8 touchdown passes from quarterback Clay Groefsema to three different receivers. The Red-Zone scoring was the real tale-of-the-tape as the team scored on all 6 of it’s chances from inside the 10 yard line. The Rage ran 9 fewer plays from scrimmage, yet still came out on top in every offensive category as the “Pinball Wizards” lit up the scoreboard again to the delight of a Family Arena crowd that has come to expect nothing less.
The confidence of the Rage is becoming contagious. Missouri Valley College product Moses Regular, who again had two first half touchdowns was almost unstoppable. Certainly his 6’4” 285 lb. frame contributes to his dominance, yet he sees things differently. “We have three great receivers on this team, there is no way they can cover all three of us.” The other two receivers would be Hurtis Chinn and Scott Pignel. It brings back memories of another St. Louis football team who fielded three wide-outs. “If they cover me, either Hurtis or Scott is going to be open. They couldn’t stop us tonight and we knew it. More importantly,” he concluded, “they knew it.”
The Rage tilted the scoreboard for two more touchdowns in the final quarter, both on touchdown passes from Groefsema to Pingel. Newly employed running back JerMarsh Robinson’s grab of the two- point conversion on one TD helped account for the final score.
The Rage will attempt to get road victory number two this Friday when the team travels to Lincoln, Nebraska to take on the Lincoln Capitals. The game can be heard on 1380 ESPN Radio and audio- streamed on the 1380 website.
FIRST CAPITOL NEWS ATHLETE OF THE WEEK
First Capitol News Athlete of the Week
“…he is kind of strange, but in a good way.” On his favorite teacher, Mr. Freeman
Brad Bichel, Senior, St. Charles
High School
By: Mike McMurran
Sports Editor
The old saying sounds something like this: “When the going gets tough, the tough get going.” Such might just be the philosophy of St. Charles High senior Brad Bichel. On a squad rich with pitching talent, it was head coach Charlie Meeker’s senior left-hander’s turn in the rotation when the Pirates faced cross-town rival St. Charles West in Gateway Athletic Conference North Division action last week. “I don’t even like to use the word,” said Meeker when asked if Bichel was his ace. “We have a solid rotation of four pitchers, all of whom can get the job done.”
All Bichel did was shut out the Warriors as the Pirates prevailed 1-0. His pitching performance earned him FCN Athlete of the Week recognition. Although out hit in the contest 4 hits to only 1, the Pirates made their lone hit draw blood. “Brian Randazzo got a base hit and made it to second on an error,” describes the three sport athlete, “once he scored I knew it was up to me to shut them down.” Brad plays football in the fall and basketball in the winter. “Baseball is my first love, it is what I am going to play in college,” he says proudly. Next year he will be playing at Meramec Community College. When not on the mound, Brad plays first base for the Pirates. A southpaw on the mound, he turns around and hits right handed at a .289 clip; with 8 rbi’s and a .346 slugging percentage.
It is his pitching that makes Brad such a valuable commodity. Presently he is 3-0 as a starter, with a 2.27 ERA. He has struck out 23 in 22.7 innings. “We have four aces on this team,” he says, “any one of them would be ‘the ace’ on most other squads,” he confidentially shares.
Brad did not hesitate a beat to proclaim Mr. Freeman his favorite teacher, “He just has a way of making things interesting. Really, he is kind of strange, but in a good way. He doesn’t just lecture; sometimes I think he tricked us into learning stuff.”
Brad lives in St. Charles with his mom and dad, Sandy and Scott Bichel. His sister, Jessica (20) is studying Education at Lindenwood, while his younger brother Cory is at Hardin Middle School just studying. He credits his parents with, “Providing me with everything I’ve ever needed to be successful in sports and in life.” He continued, “It means the world to me looking into the stands and seeing them at my games, they are very special to me.”
Brad knows what he likes, and likes what he knows. “I would go to Krieger’s and order a big old cheeseburger,” he said to end the interview.
To nominate an athlete contact Mike McMurran at mcmurran@charter.net or 314.280.9189
“…he is kind of strange, but in a good way.” On his favorite teacher, Mr. Freeman
Brad Bichel, Senior, St. Charles
High School
By: Mike McMurran
Sports Editor
The old saying sounds something like this: “When the going gets tough, the tough get going.” Such might just be the philosophy of St. Charles High senior Brad Bichel. On a squad rich with pitching talent, it was head coach Charlie Meeker’s senior left-hander’s turn in the rotation when the Pirates faced cross-town rival St. Charles West in Gateway Athletic Conference North Division action last week. “I don’t even like to use the word,” said Meeker when asked if Bichel was his ace. “We have a solid rotation of four pitchers, all of whom can get the job done.”
All Bichel did was shut out the Warriors as the Pirates prevailed 1-0. His pitching performance earned him FCN Athlete of the Week recognition. Although out hit in the contest 4 hits to only 1, the Pirates made their lone hit draw blood. “Brian Randazzo got a base hit and made it to second on an error,” describes the three sport athlete, “once he scored I knew it was up to me to shut them down.” Brad plays football in the fall and basketball in the winter. “Baseball is my first love, it is what I am going to play in college,” he says proudly. Next year he will be playing at Meramec Community College. When not on the mound, Brad plays first base for the Pirates. A southpaw on the mound, he turns around and hits right handed at a .289 clip; with 8 rbi’s and a .346 slugging percentage.
It is his pitching that makes Brad such a valuable commodity. Presently he is 3-0 as a starter, with a 2.27 ERA. He has struck out 23 in 22.7 innings. “We have four aces on this team,” he says, “any one of them would be ‘the ace’ on most other squads,” he confidentially shares.
Brad did not hesitate a beat to proclaim Mr. Freeman his favorite teacher, “He just has a way of making things interesting. Really, he is kind of strange, but in a good way. He doesn’t just lecture; sometimes I think he tricked us into learning stuff.”
Brad lives in St. Charles with his mom and dad, Sandy and Scott Bichel. His sister, Jessica (20) is studying Education at Lindenwood, while his younger brother Cory is at Hardin Middle School just studying. He credits his parents with, “Providing me with everything I’ve ever needed to be successful in sports and in life.” He continued, “It means the world to me looking into the stands and seeing them at my games, they are very special to me.”
Brad knows what he likes, and likes what he knows. “I would go to Krieger’s and order a big old cheeseburger,” he said to end the interview.
To nominate an athlete contact Mike McMurran at mcmurran@charter.net or 314.280.9189
Friday, April 22, 2005
Mayor’s “Top Cop” Fired
Sgt. Tommy Mayer, State President of Fraternal Order of Police Fired After Internal Investigation
By Tony Brockmeyer
A long time source of controversy for the St. Charles police department was fired on April 21st after a month long investigation under the direction of Police Chief Tim Swope.
The First Capitol News has learned St. Charles Police Sergeant Tommy Mayer, state president of the Fraternal Order of Police has been fired.
St. Charles Police Chief Tim Swope when asked if Mayer was fired or if he resigned said, “This is a personnel matter and I do not believe it would be proper for me to comment on it.”
Sources at police headquarters told the First Capitol News after a lengthy meeting with Chief Swope and several other high ranking officers of the police department, Mayer left and upon leaving the building told a group of officers and civilian employees that he had been fired.
Mayer was under investigation for a variety of charges including an incident involving St. Charles City Administrator. Dr. Allan Williams.
The First Capitol News reported earlier, shortly after Midnight March 24th, City Administrator Dr. Allan Williams, was ordered out of his vehicle at gun point and forced to lie face down on the ground in the parking lot of St. Charles Police Headquarters by Police Sgt. Tommy Mayer.
Dr. Williams, who has been St. Charles City Administrator since the end of December, had been investigating numerous complaints Sgt. Mayer was visiting the home of a female acquaintance while he was supposed to be on duty. Our sources told us Mayer had been told earlier not to visit at the home while on duty.
After receiving the complaints, Dr. Williams contacted the Police Chief who was unavailable so he drove by the residence on Sibley and caught Mayer there.
As Williams left the area he observed a police vehicle aggressively chasing him. The vehicle came quickly up on his bumper and stayed there for several blocks. At the stop light at Duchesne and Droste, the pursuing police officer turned on his flashing lights. Fearful and afraid to stop, Dr. Williams used his cell phone to contact Chief Tim Swope at home. Swope told Dr. Williams he was caring for his children and could not leave. Swope advised Dr. Williams to drive to the parking lot of Police Headquarters, on Zumbehl and Greystone, at the posted speed limit. Williams heard Chief Swope tell the dispatcher to advise the pursuing police car Dr. Williams would meet him in the parking lot of headquarters. He also heard the dispatcher notify the officer, who was later determined to be Sgt. Mayer, of what the Chief had said.We were told by our sources Mayer did not stand down but continued to aggressively pursue Williams with his lights flashing and siren sounding. Our source said Chief Swope also called Mayer on his cell phone to tell him to stand down but Mayer informed the Chief he was in a pursuit, put the phone down and never picked it back up. Dr. Williams continued driving towards police headquarters at a speed estimated to be approximately 25 miles per hour, now with three police cars in pursuit.
Upon exiting his vehicle on the parking lot at police headquarters, Dr. Williams was ordered at gun point by Sgt. Mayer, to lie face down on the ground. Williams was released with no charges.
When contacted by the First Capitol News Dr. Williams said, “This is a personnel matter and is under investigation. I do not think it would be proper for me to make any comments regarding it at this time.”
The police department is making no comment due to the ongoing investigation. No estimates were made as to how long the investigation will take.
Allegations have been made recently that Mayer and other officers close to Sgt. Mayer have been following City Councilmen and illegally using police computers and facilities to do background investigations on City Council members, newspaper people, and others thought to be enemies of the Mayor. Inquiries are being conducted and it is expected several law suits and charges will be filed regarding the illegal actions of those officers.
Sgt. Mayer is the State President of the Fraternal Order of Police and is closely associated with St. Charles Mayor Patti York. York, during City Council meetings, has called Mayer, “The Top Cop In Missouri.” She has traveled the state promoting Sgt. Mayer and the FOP. During her last reelection campaign she was endorsed and supported by Sgt. Mayer and the FOP.
Mayer had earlier filed a $104 million law suit against the Council members and former acting City Administrator Mike Valenti claiming harassment. York was not named in the suit. The Council members and Valenti have filed a suit against Mayer. Depositions are being taken and that lawsuit is pending in Federal Court.
The First Capitol News called Dr. Williams for comment but our calls were not returned.
The First Capitol News made several attempts to contact Mayor York for her comments but she did not return our phone calls.
The City of St. Charles is being defended against Mayer’s lawsuit by Attorney Chet Pleban. We contacted Pleban’s office for a comment and were told that he was out of town and not available.
When we made requests to City Council members for comments regarding Mayer they referred us to Pleban.
City Hall sources told us during one of his depositions, Sgt. Mayer made allegations about other officers and activities the other officers were involved in while on duty. We were told those allegations are under investigation.
By Tony Brockmeyer
A long time source of controversy for the St. Charles police department was fired on April 21st after a month long investigation under the direction of Police Chief Tim Swope.
The First Capitol News has learned St. Charles Police Sergeant Tommy Mayer, state president of the Fraternal Order of Police has been fired.
St. Charles Police Chief Tim Swope when asked if Mayer was fired or if he resigned said, “This is a personnel matter and I do not believe it would be proper for me to comment on it.”
Sources at police headquarters told the First Capitol News after a lengthy meeting with Chief Swope and several other high ranking officers of the police department, Mayer left and upon leaving the building told a group of officers and civilian employees that he had been fired.
Mayer was under investigation for a variety of charges including an incident involving St. Charles City Administrator. Dr. Allan Williams.
The First Capitol News reported earlier, shortly after Midnight March 24th, City Administrator Dr. Allan Williams, was ordered out of his vehicle at gun point and forced to lie face down on the ground in the parking lot of St. Charles Police Headquarters by Police Sgt. Tommy Mayer.
Dr. Williams, who has been St. Charles City Administrator since the end of December, had been investigating numerous complaints Sgt. Mayer was visiting the home of a female acquaintance while he was supposed to be on duty. Our sources told us Mayer had been told earlier not to visit at the home while on duty.
After receiving the complaints, Dr. Williams contacted the Police Chief who was unavailable so he drove by the residence on Sibley and caught Mayer there.
As Williams left the area he observed a police vehicle aggressively chasing him. The vehicle came quickly up on his bumper and stayed there for several blocks. At the stop light at Duchesne and Droste, the pursuing police officer turned on his flashing lights. Fearful and afraid to stop, Dr. Williams used his cell phone to contact Chief Tim Swope at home. Swope told Dr. Williams he was caring for his children and could not leave. Swope advised Dr. Williams to drive to the parking lot of Police Headquarters, on Zumbehl and Greystone, at the posted speed limit. Williams heard Chief Swope tell the dispatcher to advise the pursuing police car Dr. Williams would meet him in the parking lot of headquarters. He also heard the dispatcher notify the officer, who was later determined to be Sgt. Mayer, of what the Chief had said.We were told by our sources Mayer did not stand down but continued to aggressively pursue Williams with his lights flashing and siren sounding. Our source said Chief Swope also called Mayer on his cell phone to tell him to stand down but Mayer informed the Chief he was in a pursuit, put the phone down and never picked it back up. Dr. Williams continued driving towards police headquarters at a speed estimated to be approximately 25 miles per hour, now with three police cars in pursuit.
Upon exiting his vehicle on the parking lot at police headquarters, Dr. Williams was ordered at gun point by Sgt. Mayer, to lie face down on the ground. Williams was released with no charges.
When contacted by the First Capitol News Dr. Williams said, “This is a personnel matter and is under investigation. I do not think it would be proper for me to make any comments regarding it at this time.”
The police department is making no comment due to the ongoing investigation. No estimates were made as to how long the investigation will take.
Allegations have been made recently that Mayer and other officers close to Sgt. Mayer have been following City Councilmen and illegally using police computers and facilities to do background investigations on City Council members, newspaper people, and others thought to be enemies of the Mayor. Inquiries are being conducted and it is expected several law suits and charges will be filed regarding the illegal actions of those officers.
Sgt. Mayer is the State President of the Fraternal Order of Police and is closely associated with St. Charles Mayor Patti York. York, during City Council meetings, has called Mayer, “The Top Cop In Missouri.” She has traveled the state promoting Sgt. Mayer and the FOP. During her last reelection campaign she was endorsed and supported by Sgt. Mayer and the FOP.
Mayer had earlier filed a $104 million law suit against the Council members and former acting City Administrator Mike Valenti claiming harassment. York was not named in the suit. The Council members and Valenti have filed a suit against Mayer. Depositions are being taken and that lawsuit is pending in Federal Court.
The First Capitol News called Dr. Williams for comment but our calls were not returned.
The First Capitol News made several attempts to contact Mayor York for her comments but she did not return our phone calls.
The City of St. Charles is being defended against Mayer’s lawsuit by Attorney Chet Pleban. We contacted Pleban’s office for a comment and were told that he was out of town and not available.
When we made requests to City Council members for comments regarding Mayer they referred us to Pleban.
City Hall sources told us during one of his depositions, Sgt. Mayer made allegations about other officers and activities the other officers were involved in while on duty. We were told those allegations are under investigation.
Racial Intolerance May Have Begun Organized Attack On Special Counsel To the City Council
By Phyllis Schaltenbrand
City Counselor Eric Tollen is the first African American to attain a position of authority in the City of St. Charles. No person of color has ever been a department director or held a high profile job such as Special Counsel to the City Council. “It means so much to me that the City of St. Charles is willing to look beyond the color of a person’s skin and make equal opportunity more than just the politically correct thing to say”, said Tollen in an interview with the First Capitol News.
Tollen replaced a full-time assistant City Attorney whose salary and benefits cost approximately $100,000 per year. “The City Council retained Mr. Tollen for less than half of what we were paying this individual,” explained City Councilman Mark Brown. The City was spending approximately $80,000 each year for outside legal counsel over and above the costs of the Legal Department. By comparison, St. Peters exclusively uses outside legal counsel and spends approximately $600,000 per year for legal work.
What surprised City officials is the reaction of a few individuals in the community to Tollen’s selection and what appears to be an organized effort by a small group of individuals to run Eric Tollen out of town. “There was a meeting called by a group calling itself St. Chuck Watch. I was told by several witnesses who were at that meeting, that a gentleman said ‘we have to hold up pictures of the new City Counselor at meetings and show people what he is’. I had only been on the job for a few weeks so this individual had no basis for judging me. I think some people just didn’t understand what the man was really saying. But I’ve run into racial prejudice before and when someone says they need to hold up a picture of you to show people what you are, it’s the color of your skin they’re really talking about,” stated Tollen. St. Chuck Watch has also posted attacks on Mr. Tollen on its web site.
Right afterwards, the father-in-law of a current member of the City Council, wrote a rather scathing letter against Mr. Tollen. That Councilman recently questioned a section of Mr. Tollen’s contract. “The Councilman had a right to ask the question and raise his point. I would no more judge him on the basis of what a relative may have said, than I would hope people would judge me. I am, however, very concerned with the activities of any organized group that puts out false or misleading accusations,” explained Tollen.
Some Council members also report having received anonymous letters attacking Mr. Tollen over the past several months. “We get envelopes with no return address and in them will be these attacks on Mr. Tollen unsigned. With all the anthrax scares and hate groups out there, you get to the point of not wanting to open your mail at home,” said one Councilman on background.
This past week, a self proclaimed religious editor in his publication, being inserted in the St. Charles Journal, ran an article viciously attacking Eric Tollen. Two people then sent e-mails, on the same day, to all the members of the City Council asking that Mr. Tollen be fired. “I thought it was a bit strange they would single out just the contract with Mr. Tollen and not any of the other legal contracts with private attorneys,” explained Councilman Brown. “I asked people who have been here a lot longer than me if we’ve ever had any average citizen question any of the dozens of outside legal contracts issued over the past several years and they told me no. They did tell me, however, that some other attorneys with firms that had received contracts in the past might not be happy that their revenues have decreased.”
As for Eric Tollen, he hasn’t let the incidents make him bitter. “This is a great community with many wonderful people of faith who don’t judge people superficially. I am taking the organized effort more seriously, especially what was written in the one newspaper, but I won’t condemn the vast majority of people for the actions of a few. However, The bible teaches us to live in accordance of the example set by Jesus. It bewilders me how a man who claims to follow Christ can write such ungodly statements knowing his articles are not true and not taking the time to find the truth before publishing untrue statements”.
Tollen continued, “If Ed Watkins was a considerate man he would have given me the opportunity to speak with him before he went ahead and printed all those untruths in his so called religious publication.
City Counselor Eric Tollen is the first African American to attain a position of authority in the City of St. Charles. No person of color has ever been a department director or held a high profile job such as Special Counsel to the City Council. “It means so much to me that the City of St. Charles is willing to look beyond the color of a person’s skin and make equal opportunity more than just the politically correct thing to say”, said Tollen in an interview with the First Capitol News.
Tollen replaced a full-time assistant City Attorney whose salary and benefits cost approximately $100,000 per year. “The City Council retained Mr. Tollen for less than half of what we were paying this individual,” explained City Councilman Mark Brown. The City was spending approximately $80,000 each year for outside legal counsel over and above the costs of the Legal Department. By comparison, St. Peters exclusively uses outside legal counsel and spends approximately $600,000 per year for legal work.
What surprised City officials is the reaction of a few individuals in the community to Tollen’s selection and what appears to be an organized effort by a small group of individuals to run Eric Tollen out of town. “There was a meeting called by a group calling itself St. Chuck Watch. I was told by several witnesses who were at that meeting, that a gentleman said ‘we have to hold up pictures of the new City Counselor at meetings and show people what he is’. I had only been on the job for a few weeks so this individual had no basis for judging me. I think some people just didn’t understand what the man was really saying. But I’ve run into racial prejudice before and when someone says they need to hold up a picture of you to show people what you are, it’s the color of your skin they’re really talking about,” stated Tollen. St. Chuck Watch has also posted attacks on Mr. Tollen on its web site.
Right afterwards, the father-in-law of a current member of the City Council, wrote a rather scathing letter against Mr. Tollen. That Councilman recently questioned a section of Mr. Tollen’s contract. “The Councilman had a right to ask the question and raise his point. I would no more judge him on the basis of what a relative may have said, than I would hope people would judge me. I am, however, very concerned with the activities of any organized group that puts out false or misleading accusations,” explained Tollen.
Some Council members also report having received anonymous letters attacking Mr. Tollen over the past several months. “We get envelopes with no return address and in them will be these attacks on Mr. Tollen unsigned. With all the anthrax scares and hate groups out there, you get to the point of not wanting to open your mail at home,” said one Councilman on background.
This past week, a self proclaimed religious editor in his publication, being inserted in the St. Charles Journal, ran an article viciously attacking Eric Tollen. Two people then sent e-mails, on the same day, to all the members of the City Council asking that Mr. Tollen be fired. “I thought it was a bit strange they would single out just the contract with Mr. Tollen and not any of the other legal contracts with private attorneys,” explained Councilman Brown. “I asked people who have been here a lot longer than me if we’ve ever had any average citizen question any of the dozens of outside legal contracts issued over the past several years and they told me no. They did tell me, however, that some other attorneys with firms that had received contracts in the past might not be happy that their revenues have decreased.”
As for Eric Tollen, he hasn’t let the incidents make him bitter. “This is a great community with many wonderful people of faith who don’t judge people superficially. I am taking the organized effort more seriously, especially what was written in the one newspaper, but I won’t condemn the vast majority of people for the actions of a few. However, The bible teaches us to live in accordance of the example set by Jesus. It bewilders me how a man who claims to follow Christ can write such ungodly statements knowing his articles are not true and not taking the time to find the truth before publishing untrue statements”.
Tollen continued, “If Ed Watkins was a considerate man he would have given me the opportunity to speak with him before he went ahead and printed all those untruths in his so called religious publication.
Mayor Under Investigation, Hearing Set for May 5th
Mayor Under Investigation, Hearing Set for May 5th
The First capitol News reported several editions ago that the Mayor signed a contract with Express Scripts which could obligate the City up to $200,000 without Council approval as required by law.
The City Council will begin holding investigative hearings regarding the alleged illegal signing of the contract on May 5th.
The City Council without knowledge of this entered into a contract with GHP which will provide the same service.
In June of 2004 Carrie Caskey, who was then the Human Resources Director for the City, brought a contract to the Mayor renewing an agreement with Express Scripts who provided prescription drugs to City employees. The contract was not due to be renewed and the legal department had not reviewed it nor had it been approved by the City Council as required by City ordinance. The Mayor went ahead and signed the contract. At the time of the signing the Council was working on a new insurance plan that would not have included Express Scripts. After the Council approved the new insurance plan Express Scripts informed the City they were going to hold the city to the terms of the Express Scripts contract signed by the Mayor ( alledged illegally).
When an attempt was made to cancel the contract alledgedly illegally signed by the Mayor, Express Scripts advised the City Administration it would take approximately $200,000 to buy out of the contract. A search of City Hall failed to locate any such contract. The City Clerk, who is the keeper of records for the City never received a copy of any such contract. No such contract had been approved by the City Council as required by ordinance.
By a vote of 10-0 during an Executive session of the City Council, the members agreed to start an investigation into the activities of the Mayor. The City Charter gives the City Council authority to conduct investigations and to subpoena witnesses and to bring action against elected officials or remove them from office.
The Council members are submitting a list of witnesses who will be called to testify during the hearing. The Council has the authority to subpoena witnesses who fail to respond to their request for testimony.
It is expected the hearing may extend over several nights. According to Councilman Mark Brown, representatives from the office of the Missouri Attorney General and the Division of Insurance may also be attending the hearing. Both agencies are looking into the insurance practices of the companies handling the insurance for the City of St. Charles.
If the Council determines the Mayor violated the City Charter or any Ordinances of the City they have the authority to bring charges against her and remove her from office if they find her guilty.
The First capitol News reported several editions ago that the Mayor signed a contract with Express Scripts which could obligate the City up to $200,000 without Council approval as required by law.
The City Council will begin holding investigative hearings regarding the alleged illegal signing of the contract on May 5th.
The City Council without knowledge of this entered into a contract with GHP which will provide the same service.
In June of 2004 Carrie Caskey, who was then the Human Resources Director for the City, brought a contract to the Mayor renewing an agreement with Express Scripts who provided prescription drugs to City employees. The contract was not due to be renewed and the legal department had not reviewed it nor had it been approved by the City Council as required by City ordinance. The Mayor went ahead and signed the contract. At the time of the signing the Council was working on a new insurance plan that would not have included Express Scripts. After the Council approved the new insurance plan Express Scripts informed the City they were going to hold the city to the terms of the Express Scripts contract signed by the Mayor ( alledged illegally).
When an attempt was made to cancel the contract alledgedly illegally signed by the Mayor, Express Scripts advised the City Administration it would take approximately $200,000 to buy out of the contract. A search of City Hall failed to locate any such contract. The City Clerk, who is the keeper of records for the City never received a copy of any such contract. No such contract had been approved by the City Council as required by ordinance.
By a vote of 10-0 during an Executive session of the City Council, the members agreed to start an investigation into the activities of the Mayor. The City Charter gives the City Council authority to conduct investigations and to subpoena witnesses and to bring action against elected officials or remove them from office.
The Council members are submitting a list of witnesses who will be called to testify during the hearing. The Council has the authority to subpoena witnesses who fail to respond to their request for testimony.
It is expected the hearing may extend over several nights. According to Councilman Mark Brown, representatives from the office of the Missouri Attorney General and the Division of Insurance may also be attending the hearing. Both agencies are looking into the insurance practices of the companies handling the insurance for the City of St. Charles.
If the Council determines the Mayor violated the City Charter or any Ordinances of the City they have the authority to bring charges against her and remove her from office if they find her guilty.
Community Living Dedication Ceremony Set for May 12th
Community Living Dedication Ceremony Set for May 12th
Room to be named in memory of local businessman
William “Bill” E. Hoffman
Community Living, Inc., a St. Charles County-based not-for-profit agency, announced plans to name an area of its administrative office in memory of William “Bill” E. Hoffman. Before his untimely death in January 2005, Mr. Hoffman was an active and generous supporter of Community Living’s programs and services for people with disabilities.
In 2003, Community Living, Inc., used the services of Bill Hoffman and the Hoffman Construction Company to build its new headquarters building. The building would house the administration offices, Recreation Services and Employment Services programs, and much-needed meeting and training rooms. Through Mr. Hoffman’s expertise and generosity, CLI’s long-time dream of owning a fully accessible headquarters became a reality.
In addition to his work on the headquarters building, Bill Hoffman was an active participant in a variety of special events to help raise funds to support Community Living’s programs. Whenever and wherever he was needed, Bill Hoffman was always ready to help.
“If you would ask for help, he was there. He never knew the word “no”, and always had good things to say about everyone. Bill was one special person”, said Jerry Scheidegger, long-time friend and speaker at the Hoffman dedication.
In recognition of Mr. Hoffman’s many significant contributions to the agency, Community Living is proud to remember him as the namesake of the primary meeting room in the building he constructed. The Dedication Ceremony is set to take place on Thursday, May 12, 2005, at 6:45 p.m., at the Community Living, Inc., headquarters building. The building is located at 1040 St. Peters-Howell Road, St. Peters.
Room to be named in memory of local businessman
William “Bill” E. Hoffman
Community Living, Inc., a St. Charles County-based not-for-profit agency, announced plans to name an area of its administrative office in memory of William “Bill” E. Hoffman. Before his untimely death in January 2005, Mr. Hoffman was an active and generous supporter of Community Living’s programs and services for people with disabilities.
In 2003, Community Living, Inc., used the services of Bill Hoffman and the Hoffman Construction Company to build its new headquarters building. The building would house the administration offices, Recreation Services and Employment Services programs, and much-needed meeting and training rooms. Through Mr. Hoffman’s expertise and generosity, CLI’s long-time dream of owning a fully accessible headquarters became a reality.
In addition to his work on the headquarters building, Bill Hoffman was an active participant in a variety of special events to help raise funds to support Community Living’s programs. Whenever and wherever he was needed, Bill Hoffman was always ready to help.
“If you would ask for help, he was there. He never knew the word “no”, and always had good things to say about everyone. Bill was one special person”, said Jerry Scheidegger, long-time friend and speaker at the Hoffman dedication.
In recognition of Mr. Hoffman’s many significant contributions to the agency, Community Living is proud to remember him as the namesake of the primary meeting room in the building he constructed. The Dedication Ceremony is set to take place on Thursday, May 12, 2005, at 6:45 p.m., at the Community Living, Inc., headquarters building. The building is located at 1040 St. Peters-Howell Road, St. Peters.
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