Case In Point By Joe Koester, Councilman Ward 9

*Do The Right Thing group formed in St. Charles City.

* Note: the “Right Thing” is a registered trade mark of I-ohnya Co. and exactly what the right thing is will be determined by our members. Disagreement with the right thing is grounds for immediate retaliation including but not limited to: recall, threatening telephone calls, letters, e-mails, and smear campaigns.

In agreement with the newly formed group in our town, I believe that everyone needs to “do the right thing.”

A quick journey back to April 2004 and you will remember that, perhaps, the first wrong thing done was the mayor actively campaigning against a councilman with whom she regularly did battle. Certainly, this was the mayor’s right but after Mr. Hoepfner won a sound reelection she probably could guess that there would be some hard feelings. With the newly formed council, Mr. Hoepfner wanted to be vice president and wanted to seat the administration with administration and the legislative body with the legislative body. I was even told that the mayor agreed to the move but just before the meeting that would rearrange the seating, the mayor changed her mind and asked for a vote to force her from her spot.
Early on, there was hope that the new council would be assertive and stand up for all citizens of the community and not just for the well-connected. Council would seek to spend limited resources getting streets resurfaced and sewers upgraded rather than engineer a host of projects that would rest on shelves because it seemed silly to buy plans with no means or will to complete them. I think this was and is the right thing.

Very early on, the council rejected the decision of those in administration to terminate a veteran police officer who was dealing with an issue that may very well have been work related. I never felt prouder than the day we did the right thing and voted for justice for this officer in spite of objections from administration and others at city hall!

Next, council sought to do the right thing by directing the city to keep take-home cars within our own borders because we felt that the police presence this might create should be in driveways and on streets here in St. Charles instead of, say, Wentzville.
This “right thing” apparently didn’t pass the litmus test, however, and what ensued was a battle that included two full page advertisements calling some of us on council “wolves in sheep’s clothing” complete with pretty-cool graphics of the same.
The next “right thing” was to stand up for a police chief who was recognized by all who interviewed him as the best candidate for the job. A compromise was met that brought Williams to town with the understanding that the mayor would have to accept his decision for the chief’s position in return. “Doing the right thing,” council voted for this tradeoff.

This proved foolish because the mayor got her administrator and we got a lot of semantics after William’s choice for the position (Bob Lowery) was refused. Ouch! The right thing kind of felt like betrayal!
Another instance of the right thing was the council looking into ECM’s broken flow meter that made sewer charges inaccurate for some county areas who are using our sewer system. ECM didn’t (and doesn’t) have a contract with the city and sadly, our own residents were paying higher rates than our county counterparts! The right thing for our city was correcting this problem. Furthermore, the right thing was and is to ask the St. Andrew’s development to meet the city standards for storm water and annex into the city limits if they want to use our city sewer system!
In Tom Dempsey’s mind, the right thing was to rush special legislation through Jefferson City to force St. Charles to hook up the new county development that would stay in the county and not meet city storm water codes. The “right thing” sure can be subjective sometimes!

I guess that’s the entire point I want to make here. We aren’t perfect, to be sure, but so much of the fighting at the gold building has it’s roots in the earliest events and I too want the senseless fighting and use of extra-political means to end.
On the other hand, if doing the right thing means becoming a rubber stamp for administration, developers, and others whose interests are not best for my town, then I must take issue!
Unfortunately, I missed the meeting last Thursday (my invitation came very late) so I didn’t get to have input about “doing the right thing.” A week prior, I did go to a meeting of the same group but was asked to leave because some wouldn’t feel comfortable with me being there.

My hope is that the “right thing” becomes a true dialogue between citizens, elected officials, developers, lawyers, etc., and not a monolithic monologue coming from developers and those whose interests are measured by how much money they can make off of St. Charles’ taxpayers!

“Lord, guide our feet, conscience, and deeds!”

THE CONSERVATIVE FACTOR - Alex Spencer

It’s a New Year and a time for reflection. After all, that’s where New Year’s Resolutions come from, right? You look back on the past year and think about things you’d like to change about yourself or things you’d like to do that you didn’t make time for last year. I was reading the paper the other day and apparently, most people take classes of some nature to help them accomplish their New Year’s goals.

Some folks take fitness classes, some take dance classes, and others try writing, cooking or more substantive college classes…different strokes for different folks. Me and the missus have signed up for Salsa Caliente lessons. Now, I have no idea what the Salsa Caliente classes will entail (hot salsa?) but this is the latest dance craze she just has to try. Last year, she took a super trendy belly dancing class, and I have to say I was pretty happy with the results. Somehow I doubt that, in my middle-age grandeur, I will be any good at Salsa Caliente, but I’m going to go (well, at least the first couple times). In our quest for “something we can do together that will be fun,” we pored over numerous course listings and catalogs, and I realized that some of our local notables might benefit from classes to help them accomplish their New Year’s Resolutions – hey some of them can even go to class together…

Some of our meek, mute and relatively useless City Council members could join a Toastmasters Club. Bob Kneemiller, Larry Muench, Mike Weller, and Jerry Reese could use a bit of self-confidence, a little backbone and some public speaking skills. Their palpable fear of Patti York and her unholy protectors’ bottomless deep pockets is rather cowardly and thoroughly disappointing. Perhaps they might “see the light” and learn to govern on behalf of their residents (instead of their financial benefactors) if they develop some self-confidence and stop hiding behind Patti’s skirts.

Bob Hoepfner, on the other hand, should try Yoga. He can certainly use lessons on relaxation techniques, and meditation might be just what the doctor ordered. After all, with his new emphasis on self-promotion and profiteering, he might benefit from finding his “center” again.

Patti York should definitely consider attending one of the training seminars scheduled by the Missouri Ethics Commission. While these classes will concentrate on complying with campaign finance laws and reporting requirements, anyone as ethically challenged as Perilous Patti can probably benefit from the information. I doubt the instructors will cover her favorite topics (fleecing the taxpayers and abusing your authority as an elected official to funnel city contracts to your cronies), but maybe she can offer to teach an advanced class for the determined and ruthless – her first student can be Kevin Kast.

Tom Hughes, Claude Knight, Glenn Jamboretz and Ken Kielty can try a cooking class. With the next scheduled election coming in 2007 and their carefully cooked-up “do-over” recall election sooner then that, they will need to learn some new tricks and techniques because their old recipes have become rather stale. They probably need to explore using some new ingredients (other than paid thugs, intimidation and badly written fictional press releases) and the latest fusion techniques (created by Jack Abramoff) as they attempt to buy Adolphus his very own city government, one corrupt politician at a time.

Linda Meyer, and her mouthpiece Mike Kielty, should register for American Government 101. Apparently, they think that elections should be decided by judges and that “do-overs” are merely an alternative electoral process. These pitiable Great Rivers pawns are sorely in need of a primer on elections – hey guys: Elections occur on Election Day, and do-overs (a.k.a. recalls) are not really the “will of the people.” If you desire a certain outcome from an election, then you should work hard BEFORE the election to turn out like-minded voters. Otherwise, you need to wait for the next election! As an aside, Linda should add an Acting class to her curriculum. Linda’s pathetic performances at City Council meetings fool no one and are in dire need of improvement. Right now, her palpable desire to “steal” Darling Dottie’s council seat is thoroughly transparent.

For a couple of the local “journalists” attempting to chronicle the goings-on in St. Charles, how about a refresher journalism course? John Sonderegger probably needs to be reminded that even though he’s a columnist, he needs to report the news rather than give a groupie-like, worshipful accounting of Patti and her cohorts in his quest for an invitation to sit with the “cool kids” in the cafeteria. Get a clue John, grown men don’t refer to themselves in the third person and the “cool kids” will never like you…alas, Patti will not go to the prom with you, ever. Ed Watkins probably needs a review of what constitutes the news. Just because Tom Hughes provides the funding, he doesn’t get to write the news. You might review the “journalistic” environment in the former Soviet Union and re-think your arrangement.

Our embattled City Administrator Allan Williams should schedule a session with a counselor at the Missouri Career Center over in St. Peters. He clearly needs to tune up his resume and move on to his next professional opportunity. FYI Allan – when your contract is not renewed, it’s time for you to leave. And, next time you want to be an “active participant” in city politics, try running for office yourself.

Last but not least, I would encourage Darling Dottie, Doc Riddler and their comrades to give Pilates a whirl. With its emphasis on core strength and stability, this particular fitness class may help fortify their resolve to persevere in the face of adversity. I certainly wish them the best of luck as they take on Perilous Patti, Adolphus and the others poised to attack our city government for their own personal gain.

I wish you all a Happy New Year and the best of luck as you tackle your New Year’s Resolutions – I’ll be salsa dancing on Tuesday and Thursday nights for the time being. Olé!

EDITORIAL CARTOON

RAMBLING WITH THE EDITOR - Tony Brockmeyer

NEW ROTARY CLUB FORMED

There is a new Rotary Club starting in the Winghaven area. It will be the Rotary Club of Boone Trail. For now, the group meets each Friday at noon at the Culppers Restaurant , 4401 Hwy.K in O Fallon. If you would like to be part of a great service organization that does remarkably good work for people locally, nationally and internationally, the offer is open to join them for lunch. If you would like more information, Please call Jerry Collins at 636-578-7323.

Weller Willing To Deal Williams Out

City Councilman Mike Weller has been soliciting some members of the Council for their votes to appoint Michael Spurgeon as City Administrator of St. Charles. Spurgeon is the City Manager of Miami, Oklahoma. He was a candidate prior to Williams but withdrew his name from consideration when he learned that the City Council had contracted with the First Capitol News to do a background investigation on him. I bet Williams thought Weller was in his corner. Allan take the money and run they don’t care about you.

Do The Right Thing? Sure

Word on the street tells us that "Do the right thing," a group formed by millionaire developer Tom Hughes and Kevin Kast, etal. met at the convention center Thursday January 5th. We were told Hughes told the people at the meeting there was police thuggery during the investigation of alleged fraud involving the collection of signatures for the recall petitions of Dottie Greer and Mark Brown.

It seems Paula Eberhard is upset that her children were questioned in regards to the collection of signatures. Paula claims that the police are intimidating and harassing her and her kids. Hughes, an ex-cop, should know the St. Charles police department isn't run that way. (Eberhardt sent her young children out to collect signatures but now doesn’t want them questioned. about their activities) It is obvious that Hughes etal, are concerned about the investigation because the heat has been turned up on Chief of Police Tim Swope. It appears that an illicit campaign with rumors and lies are being floated in what appears to be an attempt to oust the Chief.

That is the way Hughes, Kast and their minions work. They don’t like several of those elected by the people to the City Council so they are trying to recall them and put their anointed candidates in their place. They don’t like this newspaper keeping the public aware of their activities which they want to keep secret and undercover so they tried to put The First Capitol News out of business. Now they are trying to stop a police investigation into fraud involving their minions and the recalls so they are trying to get rid of the Chief of Police.

Don't like the police investigating crime so get rid of the Chief. This sounds like vindictive acts by someone who should enjoy the helicopter, a million dollar house at the lake and a beautiful home off Zumbehl. Evidently Hughes needs more and more money and the only way to get it is to take over control of the St. Charles government. He had control in O'Fallon and now it is reported because of the new administration he can't get much done. Hughes has now set his sight on St. Charles. Let the fleecing begin.

Next Edition Jan. 28th
Because of Martin Luther King’s holiday Monday our next edition will be on January 28th. Check our web log for updates firstcapitolnews.blogspot.com.

THE PEOPLE SPEAK - Letters To The Editor

First Capitol News,

Subject: Mr. Reese Fist Capitol News, December 17, 2005

I was rather surprised that the editorial articles concerning Mr. Reese were printed in the First Capitol News. Though I am not a regular reader, I must say that I agree with the comments. Mr. Reese may be well educated, however he appears to lack common sense in my opinion, or at most does not seek all of the facts before acting.

Mr. Reese does not appear to be capable of administering a small Condo Association let alone the affairs of a City the size of St. Charles, MO. For example, due to minor hail damage he and the board members had beautiful wood like aluminum siding replaced with dark gray vinyl siding, (insurance$$) there was no backing put on under the vinyl siding. It was not applied properly and therefore; every time a gust of wind comes along the siding is loosened and sometimes blows off completely. The siding was applied by an out of town contractor with unskilled, non english speaking workers. Nothing against non english speaking citizens, just that they should be skilled. If anyone doubts my word just have them drive down the alley behind Forest Hills Drive and look up at the siding. You will notice loose vinyl siding ends and bulging vinyl siding, and gaps between the ends of the siding due to not overlapping enough when installed. I had vinyl siding installed on my house by a local contractor 10 years ago and have had only one minor incident.

I probably got off the subject a little here but just wanted to give an example of how little some people care about the welfare of the general public, and I could go on and on. I have informed Mr. Reese of this siding problem sending three letters and promised to bring it to the media’s attention. Therefore, could not pass on this opportunity.

Sincerely,
Citizen of Ward 5

Dear Phyllis & Tony,

On behalf of my wife, stepdaughter and me, I want to extend my Christmas greetings to both of you and also all of the best for 2006. It was a interesting year for the First Capitol News, as you have done consistently since 2001, you have provided a hometown newspaper that is very widely read by those in St. Charles.

I agree with you in the recent editorial that we have a City Council that is pretty much doing their job. There is nothing wrong with a 5-5 vote. It is what it is and it needs to be accepted. I feel that the City Council this year has done its job despite much interference it has received from interest groups and several residents and non-residents. I am very disappointed with the conduct of our Mayor, especially this year. I do believe that she has overstepped her boundaries of her job and has made some decisions that could be interpreted as going against the St. Charles City Charter and possibly the Missouri Constitution.

At my day job, I recently signed an agreement that I obey the policies and procedures of “conflicts of interest.” In my case, I am not supposed to play favorites when it comes to selecting vendors for the day-to-day operations of my department and the company where I am employed. I believe that the Mayor as well as members of the City Council must adhere to similar standards.

I originally thought that Mayor York was being picked on by certain individuals who wanted her out. But after looking at the big picture in the second half of this year, I am starting to see a graver picture of a leader and her administration abusing power and denying any kind of check and balance to anyone that is in their way or affects the agenda they have for the city.
There have been many issues that I have disagreed with Mayor York on, mainly anything concerning beautification. Sometimes beautification of a City isn’t really the responsibility of a City administration, unless there is something considered as a public nuisance. Her beautification agenda reminds me of the 1960s when President Lyndon Johnson’s wife wanted to “beautify America” by placing items along the new Interstates as eye candy to motorists. They disappeared in the 1970s due to expansion of the Interstates and improvements to the system. I’m afraid that Mayor York is in a very similar mode.

As a runner, I was offended when she and several of her friends wanted to place a veterans memorial at McNair Park, right in a place where high school cross country runners compete and where recreational runners like myself want to run. I consider McNair Park to be part of my “backyard,” since I now live across the street from the park. I can tolerate the soccer fields, baseball diamonds, tennis courts and the swimming pool. But the park isn’t designed for memorials. I am pleased to see that there was an alternate site for a memorial and most residents accept it at the current location.

The company I work for in my day job sells material to T..R. Hughes. In fact, T.R. Hughes built my sister and brother-in-law’s current residence in O’Fallon. I don’t think he is a bad developer and from what I have seen of my sister’s house. It is in great shape. However, I believe that Mr. Hughes is overstepping himself as an individual in trying to be a lead person of influence in St. Charles. I don’t think that a business person, whether or not they live inside the City or not, should be able to act the way that Mr. Hughes had recently conducted himself at City Council meetings. I have watched a number of proceedings and I think Rory Riddler catches javelins and has a difficult job when it comes to who speaks before the Council. Rory has done a fine job as Council president. I know he wants to be Mayor, but he does have a role as presiding officer of the legislative branch to check on the executive branch. It’s part of our system of government here and in this country.

I have always held a rule even when I was a senior manager of a mom-and-pop operation in St. Charles during the 1990s that not only are you a business person, you also have to play by the rules and the laws established by the community or municipality where the business is based. As President Nixon said, “no one is above the law.” Mr. Hughes might pay more taxes compared to someone like me. But he still has the same rights and the same obligations as me when it comes to our votes and citizenship.

I do not want to see a City Council act as a rubber stamp for anyone, whether it is the Mayor or an influential businessman. I saw it too many times when I was a young child and my grandfather was the street commissioner for this City. Looking at historical documents when my grandfather worked for the City, I noticed that there were many “influential” people who tried to get their way and did all kinds of things just to get their way. Unfortunately what I see today, compared to the 1950s and 1960s, is more childish and more degrading. Who do those influential people think they are? Have they learned anything from their parents and grandparents who lived here before?

As far as Allan Williams, I might have met him before during the 1990s, but he has got to go. Since the St. Charles City Charter was enacted in 1982, we have had more trouble with anyone who has become a City administrator. I was never for the provision in the Charter that called for a City administrator or “City manager” as it was once known. Being a lifelong resident, I know that the charter was formed in 1981 as a way to curb the powers of the then-Mayor Douglas Boschert, who at that time took advantage of loopholes in state law concerning municipalities. I know that most of those loopholes have been cleared up by members of the Missouri General assembly in the last 25 years. But I believe that Mayor York has been just as abusive as a Mayor compared to Douglas Boschert. The only difference was that Boschert was a Mayor who presided over the Council meetings. Mayor York has done many things unilaterally without the consent of the City Council. There is a time and a place for executive decisions and Mayor York’s timing and tactics is unacceptable. I have seen better Mayors such as Frank Brockgreitens (Mayor during the 1970s) and Melvin Wetter act as true leaders of this City and showed some respect and dignity for the office they held. They were true representatives of St. Charles.

I am not thrilled with the recent stories in other media, whether it is Elliot Davis, John Sonderegger or Ed Watkins (who lost all of my credibility this when when he literally libeled a long-time friend of mine in his publication), Davis and Sonderegger have been way too soft when it comes to news in St. Charles. But you have done quite a good job. I admit that there have seen moments where I thought a story or two published in the First Capitol News was going to get you into trouble. But in the long run, it looks more like Watkins went off the deep end. Lately his publication doesn’t tell me anything. It’s all political rhetoric and nothing really news worthy. Watkins can’t even write a good column in good taste. He doesn’t know anything about writing for the media and I knew that going back to when I was a journalism student at Lindenwood College during the 1980s when he was a vice president under Jim Spainhower.

Being interested in newspaper style and design, I have seen nothing significant in Watkin’s publication. It tries to mock or imitate the First Capitol News and I think that he doesn’t really know how to practice good journalism or even good taste.

I didn’t send too many Christmas cards this year due to my wife being ill. She’s doing better and is recovering from surgery. But this year, I did cross Ken Kielty's name off of My Christmas list. I had a lot of respect for the gentleman back when he had the license office. He got things done and he and his sons were great customers during the 1990s when I worked at a local video store. But I have grown very disappointed with the Kielty family. I would have thought that a veteran politician would have more decorum and taste than to resort to threatening a letter writer on the telephone. When I read that, I thought it was quite sophomoric. I still don’t understand why he needed to do that. I don’t know Bob Bredensteiner. But Bob makes his points quite clear in his letter writing and I hope he continues to write letters to the editor. I wish he would get his own column. He would make quite a columnist.

When I was in high school 25 years ago (I attended and graduated from St. Charles West), I wrote numerous letters to the editor in the school newspaper. I made a difference and people enjoyed reading my letters. It was one of the things that convinced me to change my ambitions from engineering to journalism. The other factor that convinced me was my work during high school with a lifelong friend of mine named Richard Vinson, who was establishing his collection while I was in high school. I now see that Frenchtown Museum (especially in my Saturday morning runs) and I am proud that there are people in this community who have great intentions to preserve a collection that he built. The collection celebrates its twenty fifth anniversary in 2006. I hope those who are operating the museum realize that.

Overall, you have a great group of contributors to the First Capitol News. It has grown to become quite a newspaper and I am proud to be a part of it. I enjoy covering the Missouri River Otters during the winter and I’m looking forward to a full season of River City Rascals baseball during the summer.

I am looking forward to quite a productive 2006 and I do hope that our City improves as the residents take charge away from these different groups and influential people who try to make the place a personal playground. Keep up the good work. I also hope that the River Otters will win some hockey games this winter.

Louis J. Launer

Dear Mr. Brockmeyer,

January 3, 2006 is a day that will go down in infamy. It wasn’t as drastic as Pearl Harbor, but we saw some Council members and Patti fly bombs over the rest of the Council. I looked for the red circles on the planes but there was too much smoke in the air to see them.

There is an interesting book out by Tracy Campbell from the University of Kentucky, “Deliver the Vote”. Mr. Campbell is a historian. He suggests there is a deeply embedded culture within American politics that considers cheating fully justifiable...part of a game.

We certainly had this with the petition drives. We had spouses signing for their away from home spouse, we had a government teacher willfully sign the petition two times, a deceased man signed the petition. The list goes on and on..

I heard our Prosecuting Attorney Jack Banas said when the police investigation is finished he will not do anything with the illegalities. I hope to God this is a rumor but I do believe I heard it last night.

Mr. Chrismer (Director of elections) is a dead end. He refuses to talk to anyone. I should know as I called him for some information. The poor ladies in his office put me through to his office and he did not pick up the phone. The ladies said he was in his office. When is he due for reelection if we so choose?

The only course left for a person wanting justice is to call the Department of Justice in Washington D.C. Maybe they can get Mr. Banas to do his job.

JH, A Ward Seven Voter

An open letter to the community,

There are no words that can express the gratitude and thankfulness our family is feeling for your incredible outpouring of love, concern and generosity. On December 19, 2005, our brother, Brian, his wife, Julie, their daughters, Alex and Jordan, and our mother, Joyce, lost their home, all they owned and their two dogs in a house fire. While this was a horrible tragedy, you, our community and friends, turned it into the most wonderful holiday season this family has ever experienced.

From the first moments of the fire when Brian needed a pair of socks and 15 pairs appeared for his sock-less feet, to all those who showed up, called, e-mailed, sent letters, and gave and gave and gave, the words “thank you” are never going to be enough. Your generosity, especially just days before Christmas, has reinforced in our hearts the goodness and kindness of mankind. The extent that so many cared and how much or community stands beside it’s own can never be measured and is so very much appreciated.

Our sincerest and heartfelt thanks, prayers and best wishes for a glorious New Year, go out to each and every one of you.

With eternal gratitude,
Tammy (Vipond) Lawing

Dear Editor,

Kevin Kast and TR Hughes need to get off their high horses and get down here on a shetland pony like the rest of us. “It’s We the people, Kevin. It’s not we the movers and shakers, who should be trying to control our City Council.

If you and TR can’t make things happen fast enough, you TR the stand up guy that you are, or you think you are, go ahead and do the right thing and get State Rep. Tom Dempsey to get legislation passed to benefit you and your company. You might talk to Dempsey and the Governor and see maybe if they would be interested in do the right thing in Jeff City.
Kevin and TR decide to do the right thing as they and Sonderagger backstab Riddler in the very article they are tying to convince everybody else they should do the right thing.

Lets bet Kevin & TR and Cleaver dictate how our Council should be. They probably would have Kneemiller president of the Council and Weller vice president. Kneemiller was president when he and Patti and the lockstep six were in power. They along with O’Connor, the administrator, gave away our old police station for about $3250,000 shy of what it should have been. Remember Corporate Group and how Jerry Scheidegger got the old County building on 2nd street from the City for $100,000 and now its worth about $1 million and the City is now paying rent to them for offices for the Fire Department.. Remember the Waterworks property. Remember Ernie and some of his real estate deals with the City. Think about this folks and ask Kevin and TR if the lockstep six and Patti and O’Connor would fit again for a do the right thing Council so TR and the rest of the movers and shakers could move forward and spend more of our taxpayers money. (TR to Kevin) “Hey Kevin lets do the right thing and go to the Council meeting with a group. I’ll holler Kangaroo Court real loud and we can squash their Express Script deal and the subpoenas for the people that just might tell the truth and get the Mayor booted out of office. We can’t have that. We may need her before 2007 when you take office Kevin and then we can really do the right thing if you know what I mean.”
According to TR, a 21 year veteran police officer of our City, he is very upset with Rory Riddler for using our police department for political purposes. Can you imagine that folks! I wonder what he thinks got a lot of these problems we have in our city started. Open your eyes TR you are living in the fantasy world that Patti is in.

Remember the opening of the police contract? Remember the 200 hours comp pay for friend and ex-officer Tommy Maye?. Remember the take home cars that left our City every day? Remember the photograph of Patti addressing the Fraternal Order of Police? About 75 of our officers do not live in our town. Remember the 73 who said they were stressed out and filed to get an injunction against our council for apparently stressing them out? I’ve got to check with Chief Swope and see how he handled all that and what disciplinary action was taken if any.

Remember the full page ads that ran in the newspapers with the FOP and SCOPA footing the bill with Dean Meyer’s signature? About 75 officers don’t live in St. Charles yet they are allowed to take part in our choosing the way our charter should apply. (Charter Amendment #1) they don’t vote here. They don’t pay taxes here and all the rest anyone does in the town they live in. (Political I guess!)

TR & Kevin are trying to pull a CON over the citizens of St. Charles. About 95 percent of the problems we have in our City government started at 200 North Second Street Suite #400 (Mayor’s office). If you and your cohorts and her cronies don’t quit covering for her and she gets control of our City Council, she may just pull off one of the biggest CON’s by any Mayor in the State of Missouri past or future. You give her enough cover and she’ll show you, TR & Kervin the exact way to do the right thing - Patti’s style.

Bob Bredensteiner

An Open Letter to Senator Chuck Gross & Others
The front page of the January 4th Post Dispatch read “Shock Waves Sent Through Congress”, and it seems to us that some of the same kind of power grabs that are coming to light in Washington D.C. are also occurring in St. Charles City.

We residents of St. Charles City have recently been subjected to a rash of recall drives, two of which have been orchestrated by a group of people whose political objectives seem to be to take over City Hall and to rid themselves of people who get in their way.

One example of this is the recall petition drive leveled against Ward 7 Councilwoman Dottie Greer. You would think that in a Ward recall, the citizens of the Ward would be the ones making accusations, passing petitions, and going door to door. However, in this case only one resident of Ward 7 was involved in the recall process. From where did the other petitioners come? They came from Kirkwood, Wentzville, Florissant, St. Louis County, St. Louis City, St. Peters, Wright City, Rolla, Ferguson, Berkeley, Belleville, Illinois, and Cahokia, Illinois.

You might wonder why these people would travel from as far as Rolla just to collect signatures for a St. Charles City Ward recall. Of course, the answer is obvious. They were being paid. The more important question is who was paying them and from where did the money come? The Citizen Empowerment Committee raised nearly $35,000 for this effort. A large sum of money was donated by Glennon Jamboretz, a public relations man who lives in St. Louis County, and a fundraising effort for this committee was sponsored by Ken Kielty, Richard Baum, builder Tom Hughes, Kevin Kast, and builder Mike Sellenschuetter, none whom live in Ward 7. However, builders Hughes and Sellenschuetter have a financial interest in keeping “friends” on the Council and Mr. Kast has been mentioned as a mayoral candidate backed by these people. The Citizens for Responsible Government, a group headed by Carl Maas and Raymond Stone, neither of whom even live in St. Charles City, loaned the group $7500. Citizens for a Responsible Government has been trying to gain a foothold in St. Charles City politics for several years now.

After several months and much badgering of the Ward residents by the petition gatherers (who were looking for their paycheck), the petitions were turned in. Residents report that these petitioners came to their homes repeatedly banging on their doors, intimidating some of the residents if they did not sign, encouraging some to sign for spouses who were not home, and asking some to sign twice. There were so many irregularities in the petitions that the police have started an investigation. So far, according to Ms. Greer who attended the deposition, one of the petitioners stated that she was instructed to sign and have her signature notarized on a petition sheet on which she had not collected all of the signatures, and one of the petitioners was instructed by her attorney, Michael Kielty (son of one of the backers of the recall), to take the Fifth Amendment so as not to incriminate herself.

Similar tactics were used in the Ward 3 recall drive which was also instigated by the same people who organized the Ward 7 drive, and none of whom live in Ward 3.

As for the Council people against whom the recall is aimed, they have been subject to different forms of intimidation. The home of Councilperson Greer, who sponsored a bill limiting fireworks in the city, was bombarded with fireworks on the 4th of July, and the neighbors (and one of the letter writers is a neighbor) were actually afraid her home would be burned down. Councilman Brown tells us that after he refused to accept favors from one of the builders (he tells us MJ Developers offered him money for any project he wanted and they also offered to put in a retainer wall around his house if he would vote their way), he and his wife were subject to a sudden rash of tax audits (which were all clear) and the state attempted to take his wife’s certification for her business.

We are writing to you today because we are concerned with the direction our city is taking. We noted in a December 31st article in the St. Louis Post-Dispatch that St. Louis City is taking steps to solve its’ problem of recall fraud (see “Possible Fraud Stops Recall Drive, pg. A4). If recall is to be instigated, should it not be done by the constituents of the Ward who elected the official? Shouldn’t there be set rules governing the appropriateness of recall? This is a rather complicated issue which affects the voting ability of the average citizen and it would seem there should be an overriding set of state and/or federal laws which guide individual municipalities and which would prevent special interests from taking advantage of the recall process.

Allowing people who have outside interests and the power of money behind them to promote recall effectively negates our vote and undermines our democracy. It’s time to start putting an end to the greed and the power-grabs. We are asking those of you to whom we write this letter to consider creating some laws requiring more stringent rules regarding recall and/or to start shedding some light on what’s happening in our city.Sincerely,
Jane Horning, Eleanor McCune,
cc: Rich Chrismer, Sen. Christopher Bond, Sen. Jim Talent, Rep. Todd Akin, Alice Fisher, Attn. Gen. Jay Nixon, Rep. Tom Dempsey, Gov. Matt Blunt, Sen. Chuck Gross

THE CITY DESK - City Council President Rory Riddler

Remodeling Project Turns Into
One Of Life’s Defining Moments
If it had been left up to cave men, there would be no home remodeling shows on television. Hardware stores would still be called, well Hardware stores, and not “Home Decorating” or “Home Remodeling Centers”.

No self-respecting Neolithic male, dragging the hindquarters of a mastodon back to his rock shelter for dinner, ever uttered the words, “Honey, don’t you think it’s time we remodeled the inside of our cave?” No, those words surely sprang from a member of the fairer sex.

And from that point onward, civilization blossomed and male dominance of our planet began its steady, but inevitable decline.

Where once Bass fishing and golf shows dominated the weekend airways, now people are tuned in to Trading Spaces, This Old House, Design On A Dime, While You Were Out, Small Spaces – Big Design, Designers Challenge, Clean Sweep, Weekend Warriors, Room By Room...the mind boggles.

At first it was all good fun. Like most men, I could sit and watch other people work for hours. Better “he” than me.

Living in a house built around the time of the Civil War, it wasn’t like we hadn’t done our share of home repair, remodeling projects and even a major addition. But those experiences pale beside the life-altering experience of remodeling a kitchen.

It began innocently enough. My wife Sue suggested a small do-it-yourself extension of a counter top would give us all a lot more workspace in the kitchen. What I have since learned is that no new cabinetry can exist in the same room as old cabinetry. It is an unwritten law of physics. This, in turn, leads to a never-ending cascade of consequences somewhat akin to knocking over the first domino.

Ordering new cabinets for the entire kitchen necessitates a plan. Plans allow people to move objects through space and time while ignoring the physical constraints of the actual labor involved. Of course, what better time to replace an old floor than when you are going to have the kitchen torn up anyway?

I had to admit the floor could use some attention. Fortunately they still make tongue and groove solid wood flooring. They consider it a product for commercial construction, but at least they still make it.

The old portion of the stone basement didn’t go under the kitchen. Did I mention the house is 150 years old? So the tongue and groove flooring sat right on the floor joists. The joists were hung in the thick stone walls of the foundation, but to shore them up laterally, two additional beams sat on piles of brick and stone.

These two beams were oddly shaped, notched and had holes drilled through them. They obviously had been reused from something else. One of the workmen had the best guess among us. He thought they were part of the suspension system of an old wagon. After all, recycling is not a new invention. We replaced this 19th Century innovation with three steel beams. People heavier than I can now jump to their hearts content in our kitchen.

Of course, new floors have a way of making old walls look shabby. It all becomes a matter of perfect logic. There is no since in painting a ceiling and walls after a new floor and new cabinets are in.

As anyone who has done any remodeling in the last ten years call tell you, painting isn’t just painting any more. Everything has to have a “faux” finish. We (and I use that term loosely) chose a tissue paper affect. It’s not much work if you want to cover say a small decorative box. Three hundred square feet of wall is a different story.

As long as walls are being finished, the original iron sink in the kitchen had to be reglazed. I was surprised to discover cast iron sinks are the heaviest man made objects. I also discovered that faucets are literally worth their weight in gold. Forget about oil producing countries, we need to get out of Iraq and invade a country that makes kitchen faucets.

When it is done, and I still have hope that day will come, it will be a wonderful kitchen. I will have to admit that all the inconvenience was worth it and thank Sue for serving as a General Contractor and working so hard to make our house a wonderful inviting home.

But for now, staring at the bare walls, exposed pipes, wires going everywhere, layers of dust, exposed floor joists and the sound of power tools drowning out all speech, I notice our dog Sophie just staring at the open hole. She looks at me and shakes her head. I know she’s thinking, “You guys do this and I get in trouble just for digging in the yard.”

The Prancing Pony at New Town offers residents relaxation, food and books

By Lynndi Lockenour

In the midst of the chaos that is New Town, with hammers constantly banging and backhoes whizzing by, there is a new place to relax. From the heated porch to the barstools next to the oven, The Prancing Pony is a warm and comfortable place to get a cup of joe.

Not just a coffee shop and book store, The Prancing Pony also offers customers a light menu of brunch and lunch items as well as a bookstore. For those who aren’t into reading as much, wireless Internet is also accessible from the café. Manager Cody Long said the first three weeks of business have been great. “I never expected this many people to be in here,” she said.

Lisa Maull, marketing director for Whittaker Homes, the company responsible for New Town’s creation, said they originally planned on much slower opening for The Prancing Pony. “It’s a slow time of year,” she said. “But from the first day we were open, this place was packed.”

The café doesn’t officially open until January 21 when a grand opening ceremony will be held, but already five more people have been hired due to the increased number of patrons.

Hours for the café are currently from seven a.m. until seven p.m. but already there is talk of extending them. Maull said more hours are needed to accommodate many of the people already living in the new houses. “Seven p.m. just isn’t late enough for people who don’t get home until five,” she said. “By the time they pick up their kids and finish dinner, we are closing.”

Long and Maull both mentioned the café isn’t just for residents of New Town, but rather for anyone who wishes to come by, especially visitors and those thinking about buying a home in the community. So far, Long said, Sunday is the most popular day for out-of-town residents. “People come in for lunch and coffee after church,” she said.

The menu includes: soups, salads, hot and cold sandwiches, pizza, pastries, desserts, and more. Already, Long said their “Phabulous Philly” is a hit among customers. The sandwich consists of roast beef, sauteed mushrooms, onions, peppers, and dijon mustard. The pizza is also a popular item, especially among the construction workers. “We have a stone hearth to cook our pizza,” Long said. “I think it makes a big difference in the taste.”

The café coincides with the new urbanism theme after which New Town is modeled. New urbanism argues that homebuyers are interested in purchasing houses within walking distance to most businesses. “When this is complete, New Town will have next to everything residents need,” Maull said. “The neatest part is that it’s all within walking distance.”

According to Maull, the café is just one of many things homebuyers who purchase in Newtown are looking for. “Buyers move here for a very specific reason,” she said. “They are looking for a special place to spend their time.” The café is just one of many places in the works which will allow them to do so.

In addition to providing a place to relax and enjoy a book, the café also offers live music once a week. On Thursday nights, between the hours of 6:30 and 8 p.m., musicians perform acoustic compositions for customers.

On January 12 The Prancing Pony will host a Curious George night for children. The Curious George movie opens in early February and Long said the event is designed to bring children and books together. “We are going to have someone dress up as a character from the book and read to the children,” she said. “We want the kids to read more and be excited about it.”

More than anything, Long said patrons say the café feels like “their place.” “It’s just a really neat place,” she said. “It’s kind of reminds me of Main Street and the feeling you get when visiting.”

The rapid growth of the café gives future businesses in New Town hope. Though most of them aren’t set to open until the autumn of 2006, the opening of The Prancing Pony foreshadows success. “Not only is the café good for residents,” Maull said, “It says to visitors and homebuyers that New Town is going to be a hit and businesses will succeed here.”


Grand Opening Saturday Jan. 21st at the Prancing Pony Books and Cafe

The Prancing Pony Books & Café, the first restaurant/bookstore in The New Town at St. Charles, is officially open for business! The general public is invited to attend a Grand Opening Celebration on Saturday, Jan. 21 from 9 a.m. – 7 p.m.

The festivities include live music and a special acoustic performance from 5:30 p.m. – 7 p.m. Local authors will be on hand to sign books, including Valerie VanBooven, who wrote Aging Answers, from 9 – 11 a.m.; Laura Bradford, who wrote the popular novel, Jury of One, from 11 a.m. – 1 p.m., Barbara Youree, who wrote Duel Love, from 1 – 3 p.m., and Ann Hazelwood, who wrote 100 Things To Do In and Around Historic St. Charles, from 3 – 5 p.m. There also will be free pizza samples and complimentary desserts from some of the café’s suppliers, including J. Noto in Historic St. Charles and Companion Baking in St. Louis.

“We’ve seen New Town residents, future homeowners and visitors alike frequenting the Prancing Pony,” says Greg Whittaker, developer of New Town. “I’ve traveled new urbanism developments, such as New Town, across the country and what make these places special are the unique businesses and the people who visit them. The people who live in or visit New Town want great, local places to hangout where the owner knows their name.”

The Prancing Pony also has live music every Thursday night from 6:30 p.m. – 8 p.m. There will be children’s book readings, book clubs and discussion groups in the near future.

The Prancing Pony is located in The New Town at St. Charles. Take Hwy. 370 to north on New Town Blvd., 1 ? miles to New Town Drive on the right. Go around the round-about to South New Town Ave. to left on Domain Street to an immediate right into the amphitheater area; the Prancing Pony Books and Café is in an old-fashioned train station building off to the left.

The Prancing Pony Books and Café is open 7 a.m. – 7 p.m., Tuesday – Friday and 9 a.m. – 9 p.m. on Saturday and Sunday. The café is closed on Monday and open late for special events. For information, call 636-946-1812.

PUT ST. CHARLES FIRST

By Jerry Haferkamp
An actual St. Charles “Citizen”

I will again be writing an occasional column for the FCN, although I am changing the name of the column to “ The View from The Cheap Seats”. As with the previous column, it will be a voice for the citizens from a citizen. It will not be written to better wealthy people trying to buy influence. I am not “for sale” like writers in other periodicals seem to be. I don’t care if I am never invited to the Mayor’s soirées. I want nothing but a city government that represents all of its citizens, not just the well heeled.

As you know, I stopped writing because of a difference of opinion within our ranks over the mayoral recall. I only condone recall if the person committed some breach of the oath of office or was found to have committed abuses while in office. While our current mayor seems to qualify, I feared the result of a recall would be that her allies would do exactly what they have done…start recalls of anyone who didn’t march in lockstep with the “money” as Petty Patty does. She knows who butters her bread and it’s not the average citizen.

This effort to recall is pushed by a man who claimed in a dropped lawsuit that he was compared to a picture of the devil. The jury in this ridiculous lawsuit would have had to “wing it” since none of us has actually seen the devil and have no point of reference. The devil can only be known by his acts, not his facial features. In that case, the plaintiff would surely not have wanted anyone on the jury who reads the paid political advertisement that he tries to palm off as news. I can’t express my personal view of his actions because he can afford better lawyers than I, but the phrase “Satan incarnate” keeps resonating in my head. His paid political ad insert is what brings my column out of “retirement”. I can’t sit still and watch our citizens become so misled.

Please read today’s column; “ The View From The Cheap Seats”. That’s where most of us have to sit.


The View From The Cheap Seats
By Jerry Haferkamp

It’s a thrill only a few of us were able to experience. I’m speaking of the thrill I witnessed and experienced at a banquet table the night before the Gator Bowl in Jacksonville, Florida.

After the St. Charles West Marching Warrior Band was awarded four of the possible six trophies for “best” in separate field performance areas, five of the possible six in the Gator Bowl Parade, first place in their division in field competition, and first place in their division in the parade, we all awaited the announcement of who won the Grand Champion Award. Of high school bands from all over the U.S., only one would get to perform in the Gator Bowl pre-game show.

When the announcer read the name, “St. Charles West”, the assembled crowd erupted in applause. Some West Band parents in attendance teared up. Others “high fived”. We all applauded the band members who were cheering and hugging each other.

I have had the great pleasure of being allowed to haul the instruments, uniforms and props for these great kids for the past few years and have witnessed the hard work and long hours they have put in to attain the level of excellence that was evident at the Gator Bowl.

There are many parents who need to be thanked. They work year ‘round to provide the financial support and hard work necessary to keep the band program alive. Doctor Tom Siler accompanied the band and attended to the several illnesses that popped up during the trip. Thank you, Doc. A Schnucks mechanic, John LePique, donates many hours of hard work maintaining the tractor/trailer. There are also generous sponsors who helped make this possible. The outstanding staff works tirelessly.

But that Florida day belonged to the members of the St. Charles West Marching Warrior Band, the Color Guard and the Dance and Drill Team. With little sleep in the week, they drew on their inner strengths and gave performances that wowed the spectators and impressed the judges. On the following day, they assembled on the field and performed in the pre-game show for over 50,000 Virginia Tech and Louisville fans and members of bands from all over the U.S.
Be proud, St. Charles.
On that day they were not just a band; they were the band.

MONEY TALKS Kevin Daniels, Vice President, Main Street Financial

Sell Your Trash

If you and I were neighbors and we were both walking down our driveways to take out the trash at the same time, we would likely strike-up conversation. What would you say if I asked you to sell me some of what you are throwing away? Would you? Furthermore, what if I said you could select what you put in the bag that you sell? That’s almost exactly what Uncle Sam says you can do.


It sure is easier to carry these items to the curb, but it certainly is less profitable.



Every year at tax time I ask, “Did you donate any clothing/furniture/household items to The Salvation Army, Goodwill or the American Veterans, a homeless shelter or a church benevolence program? Often the answer comes back “No”. “Nothing?” I ask.

They usually reply, “I really need to start doing that”. You see, (if you itemize) schedule A of your Federal return you are allowed to deduct fair market value for clothing, furniture, toys, tools, stocks, bonds, jewelry, art or a multitude of items donated to charity.

Prosperity often produces waste and if we are not careful, we could be throwing away money. When the garage sale is over and there are two tables worth of treasures left over, box them and donate them. You will get a percentage of your donation back as raw cash from your tax return. As a rule of thumb you will get about a third of the value of the item back on your tax refund. Uncle Sam actually encourages you to donate to charities. For many people this can be hundreds or thousands of dollars. Be sure and document the value of your donated items with blue book pricing, E-Bay comparables or some type of substantiation and keep that with your tax return detail. You will have to fill out one extra form if you exceed a $500 donation, so be sure and document when you purchased the item, what it cost, when you donated it and so on.

Our tax code really allows for some flexibility when it comes to donations. For example, did you know that you can generally donate an item and deduct the fair market value of the item, regardless of what it cost you? Imagine if you donate an item that was worth $2,000 yet only cost you $100. Many non-profit organizations will accept your old car, tools, appliances, furniture, even old cell phones. So stop carrying everything to the street and start selling it back to the government. You won’t even have to trouble yourself with the garage sale!

Keeping good records for tax time can really add up. Of course if you want to pay more taxes, the rest of us would like to thank you for your tax donation!

COMMENTS & COMMENTARY by CHARLES HILL

Charles Hill was unable to write his column this week because he is sunning in far off places. He asked another to craft an article that is appropriate.

Good day to all in St. Charles. I know that some of you don’t really care to read about the goings on along Main Street so I will leave that subject to Charles.

I think we all need to realize that we are a somewhat exclusive group when it comes to problems on Main Street. The fact that all in St. Charles pay the tourism tax creates a Global Convention and Visitors Bureau. The tourism tax has grown to be a great deal of money that was once controlled by a less than qualified person. That person has since left and a search was conducted for a replacement. I think it is important to understand some history in regard to the previous person and ties to one of our longer tenured councilpersons. Councilman Rory Riddler and Steve Powell had been very close at one time. Riddler sat on the Convention and Visitors Bureau board for many years and with the help of Powell created the CVB that needed to be fixed. Riddler used Powell and Powell used Riddler to help move money from one place to another often times spending it with friends of both. Look at the amount spent with a company called JEM.

This history lesson serves a purpose. Riddler and the Mayor are part of those people interviewing the current replacement. I wonder if the next CVB Director will have to find ways to do business through a person to help funnel money back to another certain person. This is the politics of St. Charles I guess but it isn’t right. Rumor has it that Riddler has been pushing a candidate that has no background in tourism to be the next head of the CVB. If successful there would be a void of knowledge I bet Riddler would be more than happy to fill.

This position needs a person that is second to none. The people who pay the tax deserve the best not inexperience. There were over 100 applicants; you can’t tell me that out of 100 applicants we can’t find the experience that fits the entire City’s needs. After all tourism isn’t just about us, there are so many places that attract tourist in our general area. We all need to pay close attention to the person that is brought forward and demand the best.

CITY ISSUES by R.L. Greer

CITY ISSUES
by R. L. Greer
In my last article I stated the TAXPAYERS GET SNUBBED BY ST CHARLES SCHOOL DISTRICT. They were to meet with the Mayor but not the Council. After that I read an article stating the President of the School Board was in attendance at a room in the St Charles Convention Center with the special interest group who are attempting to recall two city council persons. Do you wonder how much they paid for the use of the room. The same group that lost their court case attempting to force a February election. Also at the last Council meeting on December 20th a motion was presented by the Finance and Audit Committee to require vouchers be serial numbered. The purpose of the voucher is substantiation for disbursement of City funds for the payment of bills/invoices by check or cash. The voucher should bear the signatures of the person requesting and signed off by the Department Head, City Administrator and Finance Director. The number of the voucher requesting / authorizing disbursement of funds would be placed on the check when issued. In all my years work experience in the financial field this was simply an audit procedure that any experienced accountant/auditor would require. However, Muench, Kneemiller, Weller, Reese, Hoepfner expressed opposition against this procedure with Koester, Greer, Gieseke, Riddler, Brown in favor. A decision was made to send it to a work session where more than likely it will receive a slow death. The reason given by the opposition was that the Finance Director did not want serial numbers required on vouchers. Hmmm! When the City Attorney was asked what would he do with the voucher if the information were incorrect, he said he would simply tear it up and throw it away. Precisely the reason why they should be serial numbered. Remember, earlier this year there was some question regarding expense checks issued on behalf of the Mayor and the work was not received or completed and she placed the blame on her secretary, some executive, huh! Once again the taxpayers are being shortchanged.
I write all the above to remind you that one of the councilmen in opposition was on the School Board for eleven years, he also was in attendance in the court room, sitting with the money group who are attempting to recall two council persons. Now we are told the school district is having financial problems. This same individual stated in his campaign ads in the FCN on March 27 2004 and April 6, 2004 - “I will not just represent special interest groups”. Should have been a clue for things to come. Perhaps the money group will solve their problems the same way they are attempting to snow ball the residents with their untruthful remarks against certain members of the Council. What untruth you say? How about the remark by the leader of the recall pack stating the Council forced them to take legal action. If I remember correctly after a distasteful display by their attorney they threatened the Council with going to court if the ordinance to place the election in February failed that night. Then they say they are citizens for responsible government or citizens empowerment.
Considering the political scene today is an excellent time to quote the Truman Doctrine that stated, “Communism is based upon the majority. It relies upon terror and oppression, a controlled press and radio, fixed elections; and the suppression of personal freedoms. I believe that it must be the policy of the United States to support free peoples who are resisting attempted subjugation by armed minorities or by outside pressure.” (Freedom A History of US; Joy Haskim; Oxford University Press) Even though we are not currently facing a threat of Communism doesn’t your mind tend to relate the theme to episodes occurring today?
Referring to the council meeting of December 20th the budget for 2006 was also passed by a 6 to 4 vote. Two of those voting against are the same people facing a recall election. For 2006 you the residents will receive three new employee positions which is estimated to cost well over $250,000 in salary and benefits plus remodeling costs to establish a new department in the City. This equipment will be expensive technology at an unknown cast. The mayor wants the fire department moved out of city hall so this is estimated at $25,000.00 for moving expenses plus unknown equipment cost and annual lease of approximately $25,000.00, which will last beyond 2008 when a new fire station is planned in the Capital Improvements Plan. Where are they proposing to move, where else but in the old County Administration building that the City sold saying it would cost too much to remove the asbestos and remodel the building. Sounds like another police station deal. There is an old fire station located on Booneslick at Fairgrounds Lane that administration is saying would cost too much to rehab. With the estimated $100,000.00 cost to move the fire department, why not seek bids for an estimate on cost to restore that building. It was also mentioned they should look into utilizing one of the vacant commercial buildings around town. Its been stated that Jim O’Connor was one of the best city administrators the city has had, but there was never any mention of moving the building/planning/code enforcement departments into the old police department building thus freeing up additional parking space in the city garage for the public. Then shortly after he left the City talk was circulating around that the city was running out of space.
Here are a few additional points of interest regarding the budget for 2006. (1) The Mayor replacing a position that the Council removed in 2005 at an estimated cost of $100,000.00+ including benefits; (2) the 30% reduction in utility tax was pulled by Hoepfner being the sole sponsor even though he knew he had the necessary votes to pass it. The administration and Mayor ignored once again the Council directive to suggest areas in the budget that could be altered. Then you hear that the Council is not co-operating with the Mayor. Recently a citizen stated their gas bill has increased 43% for Nov/Dec ‘05 and anticipate another increase in 2006 of 35 to 50%. Her opinion is that the amount of increase will more than cover the 30% reduction in utility taxes. Sounds reasonable. But now that the budget has been approved any adjustment will have to come from the Mayor. Good luck with that one folks. Next week we’ll explore some points of interest from McClure’s Magazine from 1903 that seem parallel to today.

“Always do right, this will gratify some people and astonish the rest.”
Mark Twain
“‘I’m hoping to make a reputation, but you’ll have to put up with a lot if I do because I won’t sell influence.”
Written by Harry Truman to wife Bess in 1935.

LOCAL NEWS OF ST. CHARLES

Marching Warriors Win Grand Champion

By Lynndi Lockenour

Members of the St. Charles West High School Marching Warriors, Dance and Drill, and Jefferson Middle School eighth grade recently retuned from a successful trip to Jacksonville, Florida, and the Toyota Gator Bowl festivities.

The Marching Warriors competed in the Gator Bowl field competition, where they were named class 2A champions. The band also picked up the following awards for their performance in the competition: best music, best general effect, best marching, and best auxiliary (colorguard). They also received the highest score of all the bands at the field competition, and were invited to perform their show at the Pre-Game of the Gator Bowl football game.

Because of their success, the band was awarded with the honor of Gator Bowl Grand Champion. This is the highest of all awards, and though the band is not in the highest competition class, they managed to pick up the award, beating out 26 other bands for the honor. “The fact that they won grand champion and had the highest score without being in the highest class is amazing,” said Band Director, Terry Martinez. “Usually a band in the lower classes never wins that honor.”

In addition to participating in the Gator Bowl, the band was selected to lead in the ElectroMagic Parade at the Magic Kingdom in Disney World. The band was also awarded for their performance in the parade as well. These included: taking home first place, best music, best general effect, best marching, best auxiliary, and best percussion.

Martinez said his favorite part of the entire trip was when the band marched down Main Street toward the castle. It was the first time he’d been able to take his family with him and Martinez said Walt Disney World has always held a magical place in his heart. “Seeing the kids perform without it being a competition and just to have fun was amazing,” he said. “It was such a special and magical time for all of us.”

The best part for the children, Martinez estimates, was the awards ceremony. Though he said the band doesn’t place a particular importance on awards, they come as a result of their hard work and dedication throughout the season. “It’s a nice way for the kids to see that hard work and dedication can pay off,” he said.

One hundred and sixty-five people traveled to Jacksonville. The group left on December 27, traveling on two charter buses, and returned on January 3. Of the 165 people on the busses, 126 were marching members of the band, the rest included staff, chaperons, and parents. Besides that number, Martinez estimates at least 20 other parents drove down separately to see the kids perform.

Martinez points out that parents are an incredible part of the band’s performance. With dads called the “prop pops,” who load equipment, and moms named the “band moms,” who maintain uniforms, the parents help make the show happen. “They are an incredible support base,” Martinez said,” and a very important part of what we do here.”

Each student was responsible for the $1,000 needed to make the trip. To combat this overwhelming cost, the band held multiple fundraisers throughout the year.

The Marching Warriors performed their show entitled “Second Wind,” the same show they used for their fall competition show. Martinez said the show dealt with wind, featuring everything from wind chimes to each section of the winded instruments. Along with this, there was a second meaning to the group. Martinez said the group didn’t have a very good season last year. “As a result the title of “Second Wind” was a way of giving hope to reviving the life into the group this year.”

Since returning home Martinez said there has been an outpouring of support from the community. Both the School Board and City Council have expressed the desire to recognize the kids at upcoming meetings for their hard work. “First thing this morning when we got back,” Martinez said, “they took our trophies down to the atrium and put them in the case.”

Within the next three or four weeks, the Marching Warriors will begin planning for next years show. However, for right now they are content to enjoy the excitement and reward for all their hard work. “Right now I want the kids to savor the victory from this year.” Martinez said.

Duchesne Teacher Takes Creative Biology Games To Market

Duchesne High School biology teacher and science department head Beth Steagall wanted to find an innovative way to pique her student’s interest and retain the information they learned in class. Steagall began making up board games as a fun way to introduce and review material in her biology classes.

After presenting the games at the National Science Teachers Association national convention, a teacher in the audience advised her to get her games on the market “before someone steals her ideas.” Steagall took the advice immediately and approached the first publisher she saw at the convention, American Educational Products, LLC, a division of Scott Hubbard Scientific. They offered to buy and publish three of her games on the spot.

“My first three games, Brain Race, Antigen Alley and Invertebrate Beach, are primarily dice-rolling and question-answer games,” said Steagall. “The Brain Race is designed so that as you travel around the board, what happens to you is actually what happens in that section of the brain. It helps introduce students to where in the brain the different functions occur.

Antigen Alley’s purpose is to introduce students to all kinds of diseases and viruses caused by bacteria. Players accumulate germ and antibody cards throughout the game. “Whoever has the most antibodies at the end is the winner,” said Steagall. “Each card contains a ‘Virus Fact’ that covers the history or some other fun facts that supplement what the students have been learning in class.”

In Invertebrate Beach, players answer questions about invertebrates and get money for the spaces they land on. “All the spaces have something to do with invertebrates,” said Steagall. You travel from simple to complex. This game has been purchased the most.”

Steagall continues to invent games for her students. This past summer, Scott Hubbard purchased two more games from her. The Digestive Game involves traveling through the digestive system answering questions dealing with the digestive system and winning digest-o-bucks.

The Rain Forest game is quite similar. “The Rain Forest bucks can be used to purchase rain forest acres,” said Steagall. “The player with the most rain forest acres at the end of the game wins.”

Students in her biology classes really enjoy her games. “We make it really competitive and have a lot of fun,” said junior Kyle Boaz. “The games really help us focus and prepare for our tests.”

Junior Jared Hu adds, “It is so much easier to learn when you are having fun.”

All five of Steagall’s games are available for purchase for $29.95 at www.shnta.com.


Assessor Mailed 2006 Assessment Forms

The St. Charles County Assessor’s Office will began mailing personal property assessment forms January fourth. Approximately 150,000 forms in total will be sent in two separate mailings. These staged mailings will help minimize phone congestion when taxpayers need to contact the office. The Assessor’s Office continues to make enhancements to simplify the declaration process for County taxpayers. County residents are encouraged to complete and return their forms by the March first date to assure fair distribution of the tax burden throughout all St. Charles County taxing entities.

“Our main function in the Assessor’s Office is to deliver accurate and timely assessments. To avoid late filing fees and logistic problems with license renewals, residents should file their forms by the March first deadline. Timely returns make certain that our schools, cities, fire districts, and other taxing bodies are able to establish an equitable tax rate, ensuring the tax burden is equitably distributed,” said Scott Shipman, St. Charles County Assessor.

Taxpayers who fail to file a declaration form the the March first deadline will receive a second notice and are subject to the late filing penalty added to their 2006 property tax bill. Residents who do not receive a form by the end of January may access a blank assessment from from the County’s website www.saintcharlescounty.org under the Assessor’s link or contact the Assessor’s office for assistance at 636-949-7420 or 1 800-822-4012, extension 7420. The website includes both individual and business personal property assessment forms and information.



Duchesne Student Has Promising Public Speaking Career

For many people, the thought of public speaking is frightening. Certainly, that is not the case for Duchesne High School sophomore Ben Chambers. Chambers is a member of the Duchesne Debate Team and the Duchesne Christian Interscholastic Speech League (CISL).

As a result of his success in both organizations, Chambers will be busy in January representing Duchesne at the District American Legion Oratorical contest and the Greater St. Louis Speech League (GSL) student congress final competition.

Chambers was asked by Duchesne speech coach and drama teacher Mrs. Sharon Morgan to represent Duchesne at the local American Legion Oratorical contest in December. “When I had Ben in speech his freshman year, I could tell he had a natural talent for speaking and I had real high hopes that he would join CISL,” said Morgan.

Chambers joined CISL as an extemporaneous speaker. “Ben has competed four times for Duchesne and every time he receives a perfect score,” said Morgan.

Contestants of the oratorical contest had to give a five-to six-minute speech on the role the constitution plays in the world. “My speech was judged by a panel of several local office holders,” said Chambers. Chambers took first place and will now advance to the District oratorical contest on Jan. 8 in Wentzville.

“Ben is the first student from Duchesne to win first place in the local American Legion contest,” said Morgan. “He is just an unbelievably good speaker.”

As a member of the Duchesne Debate team, Chambers participated in several preliminary rounds in order to qualify for the final GSL student congress competition. “Student congress works just like congress,” said Chambers. “We get to submit bills and speak in front of other representatives, and we are judged on how well we speak.” The student who has the highest score is the winner of the competition. Over 20 schools will be represented at the competition on Jan. 14 at Ladue High School.

“In order to prepare for the competition I will be doing a lot of research on popular topics such as the reconstruction of New Orleans, terrorism or the United Nations,” said Chambers. “Whenever I debate, I go with what ‘I’ believe, based on my research.”

His qualification to the final competition is a testament to his good work in preparing for competitions and his interest in current issues focusing on our nation,” said Duchesne Debate coach Holly Eschenbrenner. “It is a true joy to work with Ben. His leadership keeps our debate team activities fun and worthwhile for all of our members. He is unfailingly polite and respectful to his peers and teachers alike. He exhibits a level of poise and maturity that is very rare for teenagers.”


Barnes-Jewish St. Peters Hospital has gone WI-FI… with new FREE wireless internet access

Waiting for a family member to get out of surgery? Visiting a patient in the OB department? Coming to the hospital for a regular weekly treatment? Now patients and visitors can stay connected to the web when they visit Barnes-Jewish St. Peters Hospital (BJSPH). Now that BJSPH has FREE wireless internet access, patients and visitors can now check their email or surf the internet on their laptops or PDA during their next visit or stay.

The WI-FI connection, short for wireless fidelity, allows wireless data transfer through personal communication devices. Patients and visitors can bring in their laptop or PDA to the hospital and access the Internet free of charge. They just need a properly configured wireless device. When they first connect they’ll be presented with BJC’s Guidelines for Network Use and Internet Access and Use Agreement. When the user accepts them, the internet will be available to you.

Users need not worry about the wireless connection affecting hospital equipment. The low power emissions have been proven to not interfere with sensitive medical equipment.* Patients and visitors can keep up with messages from work and make visits more enjoyable. The convenient service will help people stay productive or in touch during their time at the hospital.

Frequently asked questions on wireless service
Are costs involved? No. This is a free service. Costs are not passed to you or your insurance company. You must, however, provide your own wireless device and wireless connectivity.
What is a wireless network? A wireless network works much the same way as other computer networks, except there are no cables or wires involved. A device with built-in wireless capability or a special wireless network card is required instead. When properly configured, your computer will communicate with a dedicated network, providing you access to the internet that’s similar to the access you already enjoy at home or work.
What equipment do I need? Wireless Device: Users must provide your own laptop computer or PDA. Most PC’s, Pocket PC’s and Macintosh computers should work so long as they are properly configured and have an appropriate wireless network card. Wireless Card: Users need to provide his/her own wireless network card. Some new devices have the wireless card built in – otherwise it will probably be inserted into a slot on the side of the laptop or the top of the PDA.
Supported wireless formats: The user’s network card must support either 802.11b or 802.11g frequencies. The BJSPH wireless network does not support other industry standards.
Browser: The user’s device must use a standard internet browser such as Internet Explorer, America Online or Netscape.
But I don’t have a wireless card…For the most part wireless cards are standardized and may be purchased on-line or from any retail electronics store. BJSPH is not permitted to install the wireless card.

How secure is my Internet session?Wireless networks are ‘shared’ among all users and, by nature, are public. All public networks lack the high level of security you may be accustomed to at work and home. We encourage you to be careful when sending personally identifiable or sensitive information. If the web sites you visit support the industry standard SSL encryption, our network connection to that site is as secure as if you were on a standard wired network.


Fourth Annual Mardi Gras Parade and King’s Ball to be held February 18, 2006

The St. Charles Jaycees are organizing the Fourth Annual St. Charles Jaycees’ Frenchtown Mardi Gras Parade. The parade is scheduled for Saturday, February 18, at 3:00 p.m. along Second Street in the Frenchtown Historic District.  This year’s theme is “Music of the Night”
 
“The St. Charles Jaycees are very excited. This parade has grown each year since we started it four years ago” says Mardi Gras Parade Chair Christine Grote.  “We now have a few thousand people attending to catch the trinkets and necklaces that are thrown out.”
 
The Jaycees encourage anyone interested in participating to sign-up today.  “Float entries have been slow to catch on, but we hope this is our breakout year,” says Grote.  “We encourage organizations including youth groups, church groups, non-profits, and groups who just want to be part of a fun parade to sign-up.  There is no entry fee for these type of entries, however, businesses are assessed a small entry fee.”
 
“This is a great family-friendly event,” Grote said. “We want to offer an alternative for parents who want to celebrate Mardi Gras with their children in an alcohol-free environment.”
 
For more information about the Frenchtown Mardi Gras Parade or for an entry form, contact Christine Grote at 314-477-4772.  Entry forms can also be downloaded from the St. Charles Jaycees Website, www.geocities.com/stcharlesjaycees.
 
For the second year in a row, The Fourth Annual Mardi Gras King’s Ball will be held on the same day as the parade.  The ball is scheduled to begin at 6:00 p.m. and will be held at the Foundry Art Centre.  Tickets for this event are $45 per person and includes dinner.  There will be a cash bar and entertainment will be provided by Serapis.  This Mardi Gras event is organized and hosted by the Historic Frenchtown Association (HFA).  Proceeds from this event will benefit the HFA.  The HFA will be crowning this year’s King & Queen at the King’s Ball.  For more information on this event or tickets, contact Marilyn Geery at 636-916-5344.
 
The St. Charles Jaycees, a leadership training, community service, and social organization for people between the ages of 21 & 39, have helped to build young leaders in St. Charles since 1948.  For more information about the St. Charles Jaycees, visit the organization’s official website at www.geocities.com/stcharlesjaycees.

FIRST CAPITOL NEWS SPORTS = Mike McMurran Sports Editor

Pirates win 22nd annual MICDS Christmas Classic
Knock off two time defending champion Jennings

By: Mike McMurran
Sports Editor
Photo by Bob Barton

Down by as many as 14 points in the fourth quarter, the St. Charles Pirates steadily, slowly, yet surely chipped away at the Jennings Warriors in the Championship game of the 22nd annual Mary Institute Country Day School Christmas Tournament. By the end of regulation play, with 45 seconds remaining in the contest, the Pirates finally pulled even with Jennings. As the buzzer sounded the two squads were knotted at 60 each.

Playing against Jennings meant trying to stop the region’s leading scorer, junior forward Sanjay Watts, who is averaging just over 30 points a game. Watts got his 29 points before fouling out in overtime. The real surprise of the game came from senior guard Jonathon Wilson who nailed five 3-pointers on his way to a career high 21 points. “Coach told me to quit shuffling my feet, to get set before shooting, and it worked.” Worked it did as the senior scored almost 14 points over his season average. “The shots just starting falling, and the more they fell, the more confident I became, offered the 6’3” senior swingman.

The Warriors main concern entering the game had to be on how to stop junior forward Josh Harrellson, who finished the contest with 23 points. Warriors assistant coach Danny Thomas, who scouted the Pirates said, “We knew he was good, we knew he would be a force to deal with, we just didn’t know how good he was.” They found out, as Harrellson was just about unstoppable once he got the ball down low. In fact, Jennings used three different players to guard the 6’ 8” Harrellson. All three, including Watts fouled out.

The game should have been decided in regulation play. Both Harrellson and senior forward Clay Zerr (6’6”) missed wide-open dunks, which prompted head coach Gary Wacker to institute a new rule. “Effective immediately,” Wacker offered, “no player will be allowed to dunk unless we have a 20 point lead.” Not sure if he was serious or not, he went on to suggest “three games, against three quality opponents (Miller Career Academy, Westminster and Jennings) tends to make the legs a little tired. Both of those young men have no problem dunking the ball. Usually.”

The Pirates opened conference play Wednesday as they traveled to Warrenton. They will host Zumwalt North Friday evening before traveling to Mizzou Arena in Columbia to take on always powerful Hickman.



MY COLUMN By Mike McMurran
It seems loyal readers of this column are divided between my “sticking to sports” and “continue telling us about your family.” Equally divided they are not; unfortunately it is about 60% family, 40% sports. That doesn’t mean I will write about my family 60% of the time. The fact is I know not what I am going to write until I write it. I have tried writing columns in advance, only to be disappointed and rewriting the narrative. There seems to be something about that word “deadline,” I’ve always made the deadline - but until the deadline gets close I seldom know what I am going to write.

This week I will try and balance sports and family. First sports. It seems there resides in St. Charles City a retired public school teacher who knows a whole lot more about basketball than one might suspect. Bob Schleinat taught instrumental music at Zumwalt North, St. Charles High and Howell North before landing his current gig of teaching band to private school students and playing piano at Nordstrom’s. My daughter has been studying clarinet under him now for a short four months, and I am nothing less than impressed with her development. She really can make music.

Well, just prior to Christmas break, Maggie had a performance for her classmates at ASH. It was around 2:45 p.m. when I ran into Bob in the parking lot at Sacred Heart. “Nice performance Saturday,” I said to start the conversation. “Saturday?” he responded, “where was I Saturday?” Of course what I meant to say was Sunday – so right off the bat I am impressed with his attention to small detail. We talked for sometime and eventually got on the topic of high school basketball – a topic I thought I knew something about.

“Gary Wacker is the best high school basketball coach around,” offered Schleinat. Ah, time for me to name drop, “Have you ever heard of a guy by the name of Terry Hollander, from St. Charles West?” I asked Schleinat. “Sure, great guy and a great coach,” he said, “difference is he gets some remarkably talented players year in and year out.” Schleinat just might be right. Who wouldn’t win with the Robertson brothers; what about their sophomore guard duo presently leading the Warriors. “Wacker takes the players dealt him and works miracles year in and year out.”

Now I am thinking to myself maybe Schleinat knows St. Charles County basketball, but time for me to bring out the big weapon: “Ever heard of a guy by the name of Randy Carter?” I asked, thinking I was setting him up for the kill. Carter of course is the head coach at Jennings, and has produced such players as Kelley Thames, Nick Benson, Darren Brooks, and the current leading scorer in the entire region, Sanjay Watts “I knew Randy Carter when he was winning no more than 5 games a year at Zumwalt High,” he said matter of factly. “I’m the one who told him if he ever wanted to build a program he would have to leave Zumwalt – leave before they fire you, I told him.” Could this guy be for real? “Nah, Gary Wacker is the best coach I’ve ever seen, give him the talent other coaches get and just watch what he would do with it,” he concluded.

As fate would have it Wacker and Carter met, or at least their teams did, in the Championship game of the Mary Institute Country Day School Christmas Tournament. Oh sure, St. Charles was the number 1 seed, but most everyone in the gym knew Jennings was the favorite.

Without going into great detail (see related story) Jennings started out like a house on fire and left the Pirates for all but dead. Wacker’s Pirates stuck to their game plan, even though it seemed they were destined for defeat. Jennings built a lead of as many as 14 points – Wacker’s Pirates didn’t flinch. As a matter of fact, the only time St. Charles even managed to tie the game was the final 45 seconds or so – they forced the game into overtime.

As the “leader of the band,” Bob Schleinat suggested, Wacker’s Pirates hung on for the win and the tournament title. Did I mention Jennings had won the last two tournament titles? Did I mention going into the game against High they had won 11 of their previous 12 games played at Country Day? Did I mention they had won more Championship trophies at MICDS than any other team, hands down? None of this impressed Schleinat, none of it. He stood by his guns, “Nope, for my money Gary Wacker is the best high school basketball coach there is.”

And for those who enjoy reading about my family I would like to share a couple of Christmas stories. First of all, those of you who have grown or teenage children, I suspect what I am going to tell you is old news; that is it happens to every parent. That being said, it was a first for me. First my story about Dee, my 6 year-old son.

It is a rather well known fact that I am mechanically ignorant – that is being kind. Only recently have I learned the old saying “lefty: loosey; righty: tighty.” Whenever my children receive gifts with the magic words “assembly required” I tell the gift giver it is their responsibility to do the assembling. It usually works. This Christmas my wife and I purchased a tread mill for ourselves. Of course there was some assembly required. Together Dee and I put together the monster, as best we could. We were 99% complete, all that was remaining was the wheels – of course I couldn’t for the life of me figure it out. As I was doing my best to not loose my temper, Dee was looking through the directions. Finally Dee said, “Dad, these words look like some foreign language, I can’t read them, but the picture shows you how to put the wheels on, just look.” Man was he right! The directions were in fact in Spanish, at least the page he was trying to read. But the picture showed us exactly how to complete the beast. Have I mentioned Dee in only in kindergarten? Anyway, it was one of “those moments,” my son is growing up.

An equally moving moment occurred on Christmas Eve as I was trying to carry in the many gifts my kids received from their aunts and uncles. Once again, for those of you with grown kids it’s no big deal, but for me, well, as I was struggling to carry the large, awkward box from the van into the house, my other son Joe walked up and said “Dad, let me give you a hand. Together we should have no problem carrying that box in.” Together we complete the task at hand. It was one of those moments, one of those special, special moments.


RAGE GEAR UP FOR EXCITEMENT AT SAVVIS IN 2006

By Mike Thompson

It won’t be long….it’s getting closer and sometimes in terms of workload for everyone here at Rage Headquarters, it seems like the walls are closing in, as coaches check jerseys, helmets and pads, sales calls are being arranged with new and eager sponsors ready to hop on board, and Operations Manager Morris Groves finds himself wishing he were Michael Keaton’s character in the movie ‘Multiplicity’……already, Rage Head Football Coach Mike Wyatt spends nights in his office, rubbing his eyes, burning the proverbial midnight oil as he diagrams play after play, looking for ways to attack a Cover Two defense or open some daylight in a defensive line to allow running back Sha-Ron Edwards to skip untouched into the end zone. The second round of NIFL league meetings are on tap for Wednesday and Thursday of next week…..Houston, we’re coming to see ya, and this time around, it looks like I, too, will be part of the Rage contingent heading south to offer help and encouragement to the new expansion teams ready to serve up some indoor football excitement in their respective cities. Yes, the 2006 NIFL season has moved into the red zone and stands poised and ready to strike pay dirt in just two short months.

It’s crunch time, baby!!

And we couldn’t be more ready….Since the announcement last Fall that Savvis Center was waiting to embrace The Rage and it’s fans, this team has worked diligently to insure success at every layer and level of operation, from on field productivity to pre-game and halftime entertainment, to something as simple as measuring the tunnel for player pre-game intros. As Morris said the other day at lunch (yes, we DO make time for that) “we only get seven chances for success. Every game counts, big time.” The home schedule is etched in stone, the away dates will be formalized at the league meetings next week, and when the chute opens the third weekend in March, this bull will be ready to ride to a title.

And it’s an angry and somewhat restless bull, too. Angry because it was roped and tied way too soon last July, in an opening round upset loss to Cincinnati. Restless, because after 6 months of stewing and snorting on that one loss, it’s ready to charge full speed and cause some major damage this time around. Guaranteed, it’ll be like the rest of the league is wearing red in 2006!

The most recent player call back tryout was held this past Sunday, and Coach Wyatt was particularly impressed with a defensive lineman and a receiver. Those players most likely will be signed by the team and their names and football backgrounds revealed in the next 10 days. The final open-player tryout will be held on Sunday, January 29th, at the Velocity Sports complex in Chesterfield, Mo. Registration will be at 10am, and it is the final opportunity for any player to tryout for a spot on the 2006 roster.

Cheerleaders will get one final chance, as well, to show their talents. The cheerleader auditions will be on Saturday, January 28th, at the Club Fitness in Creve Coeur. Aspirants for the 2006 Rage cheerleading squad must be at least 18 years of age. Both prospective players and cheerleaders can register on-line at www.ragefootball.com.

The Rage welcomes John Aebischer to the indoor football family. John comes to us with a background in sales and promotions and will even double as the Raggie mascot in the coming year, both at games and outside activities. And, he already has made a big time contribution to our young Rage fans. John has put together the RiverCity Rage Student Super Bowl, a character building assembly program, for use in elementary schools all over the metro area. Teachers and Principals have already embraced it, and it’s sure to be met with future success.

Finally, coupled with the excitement of the post-season playoffs, both pain and sadness found some playing time in the NFL this past week. Long-time St. Louis Rams radio color analyst and former player Jack Snow passed away on Monday, January 9th, due to complications from a staph infection. His hospital stay and the events leading to his passing have been well documented, thus no need to belabor them here. As an on air-personality at KLOU, I had a few dealings with Jack, though infrequent and brief. At the risk of sounding self-serving, my first was about 5 years ago, when he and Steve Savard came up to KLOU in July to meet with Jim Stassi, our producer for Rams games on the station. I was on-air, doing the midday show, when Jack tapped on the glass of the studio and motioned for me to come outside. “Hey, I’m Jack Snow,” he said, “I just wanted to stop in and tell you, I’ve been hearing you for the last few days, and I really enjoy your show. You’re a funny guy on the radio, really enjoy it, really!” I could only stand somewhat stunned and offer my hand in thanks, and watch as he hustled out the door without another word…and was gone. I turned to Victoria, our receptionist, winked, and said something like “See there, somebody knows what’s up”…..we both laughed, but I remember walking into the studio suddenly feeling better about what I did for a living.

Over the next few years, we would run into each other, mostly at Ram games, usually in the hallway that connects the press box with the announcer’s booth. ‘Hey, big guy, what’s going on” was his usual greeting, and if time permitted we would make mostly small talk about the Rams, the Rage or radio. Once in passing, I mentioned I did the play-by-play for the Rage. The next thing I knew, I was in the Ram’s broadcast booth, with Jack showing me everything he and Steve used and employed to make the Ram’s broadcasts a ‘go’ on KLOU.

I know the sense of loss and sadness I feel, as a mere acquaintance, pales in comparison to that felt by his co-workers, true friends, and certainly his family. But it is there, nonetheless.

The last time I had contact with Jack Snow was early November….I was on the air on a Saturday morning at KLOU when the hotline phone rang. “Is this Mike?” the voice asked…Yes, I replied….’Hey, buddy, this is Jack Snow. I need you to play that Ray Charles song ‘Hit the Road, Jack’…play it as soon as you can, because I’m headin’ outta town.” And before I could even reply, the phone buzzed, and he was gone.

Sadly now, forever.
And certainly, far too soon for a good man.
Godspeed, Jack.

OUR NEXT EDITION JANAURY 14th

The First Capitol News does not publish on weeks that include a Holiday. Our Next edition will be distributed on Saturday, January 14th, 20060.

FAMILY NEEDS HELP - EVERYTHING DESTROYED IN HOME FIRE

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

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