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Guidance Clarity Act Presented By Blaine Lutekemeyer Passes House

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A bill on Guidance Clarity, presented by Lake Area State Representative Blaine Luetkemeyer, has now passed in the House.

The commonsense legislation requires federal agencies to include a plain language statement on guidance documents clarifying that guidance does not have the force or effect of law.

“This small but critical statement clarifies for citizens and regulators on the ground that guidance is meant to be helpful. A suggestion that can be put in place or completely ignored.  It will help regulators do their jobs more efficiently and small businesses, who lack the resources to employ teams of lawyers, continue to create jobs and grow the economy.   

Speaking on the house floor, Luetkemeyer says the regulatory guidance is an agency’s statement of policy or interpretation of a statute or regulation, and it comes in many forms.

Those include memoranda, bulletins, circulars, manuals, and a wide variety of other agency documents.

Though regulatory guidance does not have the force or effect of law, these lesser-known government documents can have significant effects on the public and can alter the behavior of regulated parties.

Watch the full remarks here: https://www.c-span.org/video/?c4982718/user-clip-guidance-clarity-act

 

 

Full story:

WASHINGTON, D.C. – Today, Congressman Blaine Luetkemeyer’s (MO-03) Guidance Clarity Act passed the House with unanimous support. The Congressman’s full remarks can be found below.

“The federal government produces hundreds of rules, regulations, and laws every year. Without the help of legal teams and consultants, individuals and small businesses cannot possibly keep up with everything coming out of Washington.

 

“The purpose of guidance is to assist those Americans in understanding rules and regulations and give them suggestions on how to adhere to all of these new regimes.

 

“Guidance is not approved by Congress, nor does it go through the federal rulemaking process which allows for public input and legal scrutiny of agency actions. Guidance is not backed up by law nor is it enforceable as law. It is, quite simply, a suggestion. 

 

“Unfortunately, in past years many regulators have threatened punitive action against businesses for not following guidance. That is unacceptable, and quite frankly, it is illegal. 

 

“To be clear, I’m not talking about businesses breaking the law or ignoring federal regulations. Guidance documents are meant to clarify or inform the public about policy topics and are not legally binding. Small businesses deserve clarity on what documents are legally binding and should not be punished for deviating from guidance documents.

 

“Regulators have no legal authority to enforce guidance, and any attempt to do so is an egregious abuse of power.

 

“On top of that, with thousands of guidance documents being produced, instead of achieving their intended goal – which is to provide clarity – they are causing even more confusion. 

 

“With some regulators enforcing guidance while others do not, small businesses and entrepreneurs are driven deeper into the regulatory maze of the federal government. 

 

“My bill is a very simple fix to that confusion. The Guidance Clarity Act ensures the first page of guidance documents includes a plain language statement declaring that guidance is not law, nor can it legally be enforced as law. 

 

“This small but critical statement clarifies for citizens and regulators on the ground that guidance is meant to be helpful. A suggestion that can be put in place or completely ignored.  It will help regulators do their jobs more efficiently and small businesses, who lack the resources to employ teams of lawyers, continue to create jobs and grow the economy.    

 

“I hope my colleagues on both sides of the aisle will agree that American small businesses have enough to worry about. They are working hard to keep their employees paid and their customers happy. They don’t have time to worry about keeping track of and abiding by agency suggestions that were never meant to be any more than just that.”

 

Background:

This commonsense legislation requires federal agencies to include a plain language statement on guidance documents clarifying that guidance does not have the force or effect of law.

 

Regulatory guidance is an agency’s statement of policy or interpretation of a statute or regulation, and it comes in many forms: memoranda, bulletins, circulars, manuals, and a wide variety of other agency documents. Though regulatory guidance does not have the force or effect of law, these lesser-known government documents can have significant effects on the public and can alter the behavior of regulated parties.

 

While guidance often plays a beneficial and important role in shaping regulatory programs and informing agency employees, guidance practices can and should be better managed to be more consistent, transparent, and ultimately accountable. In some instances, regulators have inappropriately used guidance in place of regulations or law which is an egregious abuse of power.

 

By providing a clear, plain language statement on the front of every guidance document, the bill will ensure agencies do not circumvent the official rulemaking process and provide clarity to businesses and individuals that guidance is not meant to bind the public but instead provide clarity regarding existing requirements under the law or agency policies.

 

Full bill text can be found HERE.

Annual Republican Club Chili Dinner Gets A Makeover

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The annual chili dinner put on by the Camden County Republican Club is now a thing of the past.

That’s according to Les Larson, with the club, who says the event will still happen but under a different name “We use to have a chili supper and now we’ve changed it into a Patriot Dinner.”

Larson also says, so, far, a couple of familiar names are set to be a part of the gathering “We already have Vicky Hartlzer and Mark McCloskey are committed to coming.”

The Patriot Dinner will take place on Saturday, November 6th, at the Community Christian Church in Camdenton…the program will begin at 6:00.

Miller County Commission Will Meet This Week – Discussion On Annex Repainting

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Another fairly routine week continues for the Miller County Commission.

Presiding Commissioner Tom Wright says routine business will be (was) on tap for today in Tuscumbia.

The commissioners will then meet, again, coming up on Friday with routine business and a bid opening for the exterior painting of the annex building.

The meeting, on Friday at the courthouse in Tuscumbia, is scheduled to begin around 9:00.

Boards Of Aldermen Convene Tonight In Lake Ozark And Laurie (OCT 12)

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A couple meetings are on tap around the Lake Area for tonight.

The Lake Ozark Board of Aldermen gathers at 6:00 in city hall with several items appearing on the agenda including approving a contract for an audit of the 2021 financial statements.

The Laurie Board of Aldermen also convenes at 6:00 with the sidewalk project and waterline expansion project highlighting the agenda.

A closed meeting also appears on the agenda tonight in Laurie.

 

 

Iberia Sewer Project Still Underway

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Work remains ongoing for the city of Iberia in upgrading their sewer systems.

The project, under the control of local company TREKK Design Group, has been ongoing since 2018.

Numerous repairs and upgrades have taken place since then, including inflow and infiltration collection system repairs, wastewater plant system upgrades and studies were recently completed on over 200 manholes throughout the city.

The company also is working on plans to fix an issue with the West Main lift station, which currently is in a flood plain and must be raised.

City officials are looking at a State Emergency BRIC Grant with a local match to cover the expenses on that project alone.

The company is recommending the city consider doing a bond issue in April 2022, in order to cover the remaining expenses for the project.

Lake Council Of Governments Set To Meet On Monday The 18th

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The next meeting of the Lake of the Ozarks Council of Local Governments Board of Directors is on the calendar for Monday, the 18th of this month.

Agenda items include guest speaker Ben White from Missouri Main Street Connection, Executive Director Brian Yansen and Chairman Tom Wright.

The meeting, on the 18th, will take place inside Osage Beach City Hall beginning at 10am.

****More details:
LOCLG Agenda 10182021

Missouri Senate Wrapping Up Medicaid Expansion Discussions

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Expanding Medicaid has been an issue for some time, with a divide amongst lawmakers over how it should be done, or should happen at all.

After a majority of Missouri voters said “yes” to expansion, the funding came into question during this year’s regular legislative session, which led to a judge’s decision on the matter.

In May, Missouri Senate Majority Floor Leader Caleb Rowden of Columbia talked about what he believed would come “If he is trying to protect the existing population to kind of instigate that court case, that is one path…but he is going to have some sort of say in that, one way or another.”

Missouri Senate Minority Floor Leader John Rizzo of Kansas City, also in May, said he agreed with this assessment “The constitutional question isn’t about funding, really…these people are eligible right now.  We will decide on the funding and how much that pie gets sliced up.”

In the meantime, the Missouri Senate Interim Committee on Medicaid Accountability and Taxpayer Protection continues to meet.

State Reps React To Biden Plan To Arrest Parents At School Board Meetings

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Reaction continues in response to a directive for the FBI and the Department of Justice to potentially prosecute parents who speak up for their own children at school board meetings.

Congressman Billy Long, who represents the 7th District in southwest Missouri, issued a statement blasting the President’s directive saying that the radical far left concept of Critical Race Theory should not be taught in schools, and that the directive is just an attempt to silence parents.

Long goes on to say that elected officials and school board members need to be held accountable for their actions while parents should not be treated like domestic terrorists.

Missouri U.S. Senator Josh Hawley also spoke out calling the directive by the President shocking, unprecedented and wrong.

Camden County Signs Off On Emergency Crash Trailer Purchase

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The Camden County Commission signs off on the purchase of an emergency crash trailer.

The trailer was originally purchased by the Horseshoe Bend Special Road District but, according to Commissioner Don Williams, it’s being paid for by the county since plans call for it to be used county-wide.

The cost of the trailer…$20,990.

Prewitt’s Point TIFF Could Soon Be History

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The Prewitt’s Point Tax Increment Financing Plan, in Osage Beach, could soon be history.

The board of aldermen, this week, is expected to act on a first reading of an ordinance which would, officially, terminate and dissolve the TIF plan along with the property’s designation as a redevelopment area.

The city’s published agenda indicates that the TIF plan, adopted back in July of 2000, is complete and the bonds are paid in their entirety.

Any surplus funding in the Special Allocation Fund for the TIF will be distributed to the Miller County Treasurer, the Miller County Ambulance District and back to the city.

The board of aldermen meeting, on Thursday, begins at 6:00 in city hall.

MO Senator Hawley Takes Aim At Big Tech & Calls For Accountability On Afghanistan In DC

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Missouri U.S. Senator Josh Hawley is taking aim at big tech companies while, at the same time, calling for full accountability for the Afghanistan failures.

Hawley introduced legislation late last week to close loopholes used by big tech in defense of their products causing bodily or mental harm to children under the age of 16.

That would clear the way for parents to sue and obtain damages from social media companies.

Hawley, also last week, officially went on record calling for an investigation into the Biden administration’s failures when it came to the withdrawal from Afghanistan.

The chaos resulted in 13 military and dozens of other deaths, plus hundreds of Americans being abandoned and left behind.

Hawley is also calling on those who are deemed liable for the failures to resign from their positions.

Morgan County Audit Completed By State Auditor

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It appears to be a fairly routine two-year contracted audit of the financial statements in Morgan County.

The report released last week by State Auditor Nicole Galloway’s office recommends that the county periodically review its actual expenditures as compared to budgeted amounts, prepare a budget for all applicable funds and prepare amended budgets to comply with state statutes.

The recommendations also suggest that the county address various risks in the environment, including fraud, by performing assessments to identify, analyze and manage the risks…and to implement procedures to ensure that the county’s bank balance reconciles to the book balance on a monthly basis.

The audit covered the time period ending December 31, 2020.

morgan audit october 2021

Numerous Republicans To Visit Lake Area This Fall

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It’ll be a busy month for Lake Area Republicans with a couple of high-profile visits this month.

Les Larson from the Camden County Republican Club says that U.S. Senator Josh Hawley is expected to appear for an event on Friday, the 15th, at the Seven Springs Winery in Linn Creek, while Lieutenant Governor Mike Kehoe will make an appearance at the Republican club’s next monthly meeting at the Community Christian Church, in Camdenton, on Tuesday the 19th.

The Republican Central Committee will also be sponsoring a county board discussion at the Little Theater on the Camdenton School District campus on the 20th.

The discussion is expected to be attended by County Commissioner James Gohagen.

No public comment will be taken during the discussion.   

Osage Beach Fire Questions Only Item On November Election Ballot

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On November 2nd voters in Camden County will once again head back to the polls, in order to vote on a proposed tax increase.

Last time it was the Sheriff’s office requesting help, which voters overwhelming agreed to…now it’s the Osage Beach Fire Protection District that’s asking for help.

Officials say they will have 2 questions on the ballot, one that relates to the district’s request to issue general obligation bonds to the tune of $13 million dollars.

That one is specifically for building a new fire station # 1, as the previous station hasn’t been upgraded since 1986 and it’s becoming too small for the amount of calls the district is seeing.

The 2nd question will ask voters for approve a 30-cent property tax levy so the district can put together an emergency paramedic first responder program.

Here is the sample ballot below:

sample-nov22021

Boone Judge Denies AG Schmitt’s Request For School Mask Mandate Class Action Lawsuit

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A Boone County Judge is saying no to Missouri’s Attorney General on changing a lawsuit aimed at Masks in Columbia Schools to a class-action suit for all districts in Missouri.

In several rulings on Tuesday, Circuit Judge J. Hasbrouck Jacobs denied both a motion for the class-action suit as requested by AG Eric Schmitt, as well as a motion for special needs families to intervene, but he also rejected the Columbia district’s request to dismiss the lawsuit.

Schmitt had also asked for a preliminary injunction against the mask requirements.

The district declared this a victory for schools across the state, but Schmitt says he will continue to fight against the “ever changing goal post” of these mask mandates, despite the ruling.

Christian Alliance Reminds Residents Religious Exemptions For COVID Vaccines Are Your Right

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With millions of working Americans being forced to take a COVID shot at the demand of their employer, one organization wants you to know you don’t have to take it.

“There are people for medical, personal or religious reasons, who cannot take the vaccines, ok? So they’re talking about exemptions and religious exemptions are being accepted” says Chris Long with the Christian Alliance of America, “People say I don’t want to get vaccinated, I have my issues with the vaccine. Well, you can file for a religious exemption. It’s a very simple process and in the title 7 of the Federal Employment code of the 1964 civil rights code, you must be granted a religious exemption.”

He tells Guy Wehman on The Ozarks This Morning what will happen if your employer fails to accept your religious exemption “In the event that your employer would reject your religious exemption…you can file a complaint with the EEOC, and the FEDS would come in and investigate your employer as to why they are objecting to your religious exemption.”

You can learn more about filing at http://lc.org

FEMA Shelter Could Become Reality For St. Elizabeth School District

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The discussion on a FEMA shelter for the St. Elizabeth R-IV school district is getting closer to reality.

At the most recent school board meeting, Superintendent Doug Kempker told board members that a company, Sapp Design out of Springfield, contacted them about new money now being allocated by the Biden Administration.

That money is worth around $25 to 33 million dollars for the state, and Kempker indicated that they have already submitted an application to see if they would be awarded some of those funds for the project.

If approved, the 6,000 square foot shelter would cost around $2.7 million, with the district covering 25% of the project at a cost of $675,000.

Political Leaders In Missouri Work To Pass Resolution To Honor Fallen Afghanistan Marine

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Both U-S Senators from Missouri are announcing the passage of a resolution to honor Marine Lance Corporal Jared Schmitz of Wentzville, Missouri.

Schmitz was killed in Kabul, Afghanistan along with 12 other service members in a terrorist attack August 26th.

But this resolution will also honor 55 other Missourians who lost their lives during combat operations in Afghanistan.

Missouri U-S Representative Blaine Luetkemeyer of the Lake Area has a companion resolution working in the House of Representatives.

Numerous Lawsuits Remain In The Balance Over COVID Measures In Missouri

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Attorney General Eric Schmitt is in the middle of several major lawsuits over mask mandates in schools, possible COVID vaccine mandates from Washington and a battle over illegal immigration at the Southern US border.

One of the suits has resulted in a victory for Schmitt and several other states, which demands that President Biden return to a Trump era policy on the border “You have to have a secure border. This was a victory for us in the Supreme Court…we took it all the way to the Supreme Court, we won 6 to 3…to get back to President Trump’s policy….now we have to get Biden to enforce it, but the stakes are high.”

Attorney General Schmitt tells KRMS News the win is a step in the right direction for keeping illegal immigrants from migrating into the Show Me State, but the other lawsuits still remain and the battle must go on for freedom “Whether it’s border security, whether it’s the forced vaccinations of 100 million Missourians…I wouldn’t be doing my job as Attorney General if I wasn’t pushing back as aggressively as we can.”

Schmitt is currently running for the Missouri Republican Senate Seat that’s being vacated by Roy Blunt and he says these issues and more matter to all Missourians, but it takes more than a politician to understand the needs of area residents “The issues in the Lake of the Ozarks might be different than the issues in the Boothill or in Southwest Missouri, or St. Louis or Kansas City….and you’re only going to known that if you’re actually talking to people….that’s what I’ll do and I’ll be fighting like heck to make sure we’re representing their values.”

He was a guest on the KRMS Morning Magazine.

ACLU Wants To Intervene In Missouri Mask Court Case

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A lawsuit filed by the American Civil Liberties Union of Missouri is demanding the state’s court let them “intervene” in the class-action lawsuit filed by the State AG, which seeks to prevent school districts from requiring masks.

According to a release, the ACLU says under Federal Law schools cannot exclude students with disabilities from equal treatment, including masking.

They claim Attorney General Eric Schimtt’s lawsuit, which is seeking to ban masks from schools, ignores students with disabilities and that Schmitt’s claim that spread among children is low doesn’t match up to the 10-fold increase in hospitalizations among children in recent months.

As soon as the court rules whether or not they can join the lawsuit, we will bring it to you here on News/Talk KRMS.

MO Bankers Strike Back On Federal Proposal Of Reporting $600 Transactions

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person holding 100 US Dollar banknote

Photo by 金 运 on Unsplash

Missouri Bankers are upset over a proposal from the federal Government that would require local banks to track cash transactions.

In a statement, Executive Vice President of the Missouri Bankers Association Jackson Haddaway says it “makes no sense” to keep track of any $600 deposit or transfer.

Haddaway says that requirement would basically affect “every consumer at almost every bank” and that this kind of regulation is an “intrusive” action by the Government.

Banks currently report to the feds when someone deposits or transfers amounts of $10,000 or higher due to suspicious activities.

The proposal was attached to recent federal reconciliation bill, however it has since been removed and experts say they expect it to resurface again.

MO AG To Appear For Questions In Senate Race Tonight At OB Elks Lodge

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A-G Eric Schmitt

There will soon be a new U-S Senator from the State of Missouri as Roy Blunt will not be seeking another term.

Among the Republican candidates to fill that seat are U-S Missouri Representatives Billy Long and Vicky Hartzler, St. Louis Attorney Mark McCloskey and Attorney General Eric Schmitt, who continues legal action against politicians and school districts forcing COVID shots and mask mandates.

“I believe in freedom, I believe in responsibility….and I don’t want to live in some futuristic biomedical security state” says Schmitt at a press conference in August.

The A-G is suing three Missouri school districts forcing kids to wear masks in class and also Jackson County, near Kansas City, over its mask mandates.

Schmitt will speak and answer questions in Osage Beach at the Elks Lodge beginning at 6:30 tonight.

McCloskey is also scheduled to come to a forum in October.

The events are being organized by We The People of Missouri.

MO Attorney General Eric Schmitt To Be A Guest At Elks Lodge For Q & A On Senate Race

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A number of candidates running for the U-S Missouri Senate will be coming to the Lake Area starting this week.

Attorney General Eric Schmitt is among the candidates running to fill a seat to be vacated by Roy Blunt, who’s not seeking another term.

Lake Area voters can ask the A-G questions at the Osage Beach Elks Hall starting at 6pm.

Schmitt is scheduled to join the KRMS Morning Magazine with Christian Blood just after 10:30 Thursday morning.

St. Louis attorney Mark McCloskey is scheduled to answer questions at the same location October 21st.

Lake Ozark PD Receives Large Donation From Local Business Owner

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More money is coming to the Lake Ozark Police Department.

Following a donation of guns, ammunition and training made by Springfield Armory worth nearly $20,000, another local business owner is stepping up with cash for the department.

According to the city George Tucker of Tucker Shuckers has handed over $7,500 dollars.

Chief Gary Launderville says he took a call from Tucker asking what he could do for LOPD officers and that the money must be given to the Police Department only.

To thank Tucker for his donation, the city’s Board of Alderman adopted a resolution of thanks and you can read that resolution below:

 

*****More from the city:

Board, chief laud donor for support of LOPD

The outpouring of support for the Lake Ozark Police Department continues.

Two weeks after Dennis Reese and Springfield Armory donated new weapons and accessories for every LOPD officer including reserves, a Lake Ozark businessman has donated $7,500 strictly for use by the department for the benefit of its officers.

Police Chief Gary Launderville reported at the regular Sept. 14 board of aldermen meeting that George Tucker, owner of Tucker’s Shuckers on The Strip, handed him a check recently.

The board then adopted a resolution expressing the city’s appreciation.

Chief Launderville told the board that he took a call from Tucker about a month ago asking what he could do for LOPD officers. Tucker said he wanted to make sure any donation would go to LOPD officers.

The chief explained that because of budgetary restrictions, any donation couldn’t be put in the in the city’s general fund with guarantees it would be used for the LOPD. He said Tucker insisted the money be used for the LOPD and not for general city expenses such as filling potholes.

“I want this for the betterment of the police officers,” he told the chief.

The only way that could happen, Launderville explained, was for a donation be made to the Lake Ozark Police Benevolent Police Association.

“I was expecting a $500 check,” Launderville said. “About a week and a half later, George walked through the door with a $7,500 check. For a local businessman to step up and do something like that, the same as Denny Reese, and then you look at the donations we’ve received the last 30 days it’s amazing. Our department truly appreciates it.”

Launderville noted that the donation is not a donation to the City of Lake Ozark but to a totally separate, non-profit organization for the betterment of the officers or the department. When equipment is not in the LOPD budget, the Benevolent Association steps up and helps, he explained.

“It benefits the City of Lake Ozark, it benefits the community,” Launderville said. “We don’t do fund raisers because Lord knows we don’t have time. We rely on donations and the goodwill of the community.”

 

The resolution

It says:

George Tucker has been instrumental in the redevelopment of the Bagnell Dam Strip, having established Tucker’s Shuckers Oysters & Tap and Neon Taco.

The city would like to recognize Mr. Tucker’s community leadership, support and generosity to the city including a substantial donation of $7,500 recently made to the Police Benevolent Fund.

The board of aldermen publicly expresses its appreciation to Mr. Tucker for his generosity to the police Benevolent Fund and his other contributions to our community.

Attorney Talks About COVID Mandates And Local Businesses

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As pushback and defiance of Washington DC’s COVID shot mandates continues, one local attorney is talking about the future relationship between businesses and their employees.

“This is going to be a huge impact as folks continue to look forward. I think employers are going to struggle with “how do I deal with this COVID 19 thing” and “How do I let people back into my business” as opposed to not” says Attorney At Law David Porter.

He tells KRMS News Lake Area businesses need to have their own plan moving ahead “Don’t let yourself get carried away with the global and national rhetoric and let that decide how you drive your business.”

Porter also talks about how the word ‘science’ is being used in ongoing COVID measures “There’s a lot of different positions on what the science is. And the science is constantly evolving. I think the idea that science is a static, that we’re going to land on a place in science and that’s where we are going to stop, that’s really really false.”

The Biden Administration’s COVID shot mandates are being condemned by the entire Camden County Commission, U-S Missouri Representatives Blaine Luetkemeyer and Vicky Hartzler and also Governor Mike Parson.

Porter Law handles Business, Estate Planning and Mediation in Lake Ozark.

Mayor Of Osage Beach To Soon Appoint Someone To Fill BOA Vacancy

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The mayor of Osage Beach will be appointing someone to fill a vacancy created when Ward 3 Alderman Tom Walker resigned August 6th.

A majority of the Board members remaining will have to give their consent for the candidate that’ll serve the unfinished term that runs through April 22nd.

The be eligible for consideration, you have to be 18 years old, a U-S citizen, an Osage Beach resident for a year and you have to have to live in Ward 3.

2021830 News Release_Vacant Board of Aldermen Seat DEADLINE EXTENDED(1)

EPA Says “Impaired Waterway” Designation For LOTO Is About Fish & Wildlife – Not Tourism

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The Environmental Protection Agency and the Missouri DNR disagree on Lake of the Ozarks landing on a list of ‘Impaired Waterways.’

But the EPA is also explaining what that list of 40 impaired water bodies in Missouri means.

“All of the Lakes we’re talking, these 40, are being listed for chlorophyll” says Jeff Robichaud with the Water Division Director for EPA Region 7, “What happens is you get high levels of nitrogen and phosphorous and you get the creation of algae blooms and when that occurs…it can affect aquatic species, mainly fish.”

But Robichaud tells KRMS News the designation does not mean the lake area economy will be affected because people can’t go in the water or because recreational boating isn’t allowed “There’s a bit of a misconception either that a water body is pristine, or often times people think when it gets on a list that it’s heavily polluted….that’s not the case.

He says the concerns about the lake’s water quality are directed at fish and not humans “The Lake had water quality data that exceeded the State’s water quality criteria, or their screening levels, that coupled with some Fish Kills that occurred during that time period…resulted in the Lake exceeding the threshold and needing to be impaired.

He also says solutions will be discussed and implemented locally “For Lake of the Ozarks, it may need additional work to septic systems alongside of the Lake or additional best management practices for those who are located along the watershed. In this the Public is involved, the community is brought in and it really is a local approach to making sure these waters are protected in the future. This is not a case where the EPA comes in and tells the local community what to do.”

Robichaud was interviewed by Christian Blood on the KRMS Morning Magazine.

Camden County Commission Remains United Against Vaccine Mandates

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The Camden County Commission is showing unity in standing up to the Biden Administrations new vaccine mandates.

“We’re all 3 dead set against this” says Commissioner Don Williams, “This has to do with taking away people’s freedom of choice…their freedom of Liberty.”

Presiding Commissioner Greg Hasty says his first call after learning about Washington’s vaccine mandates was to James Gohagan, then the three Commissioners then set up an executive session to talk things over.

“Based on my conversations with all 3 county commissioners….we agree, that we would all 3…rather be removed from our offices, before we will back down from this unconstitutional mandate from this President regarding these vaccinations” says Hasty, “If you look at our COVID rates, they’re no worse than anywhere else. They’re actually better! We’ve had 105 deaths, so far in our county of 4 or 5 thousand. The deadliness of this virus, that we’re seeing statistically in Camden County….doesn’t reflect what they’re trying to tell us.”

Hasty tells KRMS News he had COVID earlier this year, and while he says it was difficult, he still supports the right of all Camden County residents to make their own decision on whether or not to take a COVID shot.

In statement on Facebook, James Gohagan indicated he will stand firm in his decision “Citizens of Camden County, I will never agree to force you to put anything into your body against your will, that applies for county employees as well. My vote will always be no.”

Don Williams says he’s questioning some of the COVID data he’s been following, like health experts saying a 50-to-75-percent vaccination rate would bring on herd immunity from COVID “75% of the Population has already had the first shot….53% of the population have had both vaccinations for COVID. So, we’re already approaching herd immunity! So…what was the motivation for President Biden to pass this vaccine mandate?”

Hasty says he also stands by the decision to open the county in the summer of 2020 after a 30-day shutdown before tourism started “One of the things we all discussed was…if it was as bad as they said it was going to be, there wouldn’t have been a need for a shutdown or any further orders because no one would have been going anywhere. Everyone would have been hiding out.”

Instead, Hasty says Camden County has flourished since last summer and that it also became a model of what the rest of the U-S should have done.

The Camden County Commission is waiting to see if state legal action will adequately protect county residents, or if it will have to take its own legal action against Washington, DC.

Camden County Commission – Local And State Leaders Snap Back At COVID Vaccine Mandates

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The Camden County Commission, U-S Representatives Blaine Luetkemeyer and Vicky Hartzler, and Governor Mike Parson are united in their stance on a Biden Administration mandate to take new COVID shots.

Governor Parson says it’s a poor attempt by the White House to reset after the disaster in Afghanistan and that his administration will fight it (See below.)

Representative Luetkemeyer thinks it’s going nowhere “This is so over the top, this is so tyrannical in the way they are doing this…it’s going to be challenged in court and I think the courts will overturn it.”

He’s joined by Congresswoman Vicky Hartzler, who says these mandates are not American at all “I never thought I would see a day, in our country, where the Government would be forcing citizens to do something (a medical procedure) and these mandates are just out of line. They’re UN-American and they have to be opposed.”

Camden County Presiding Commissioner Greg Hasty says in a release (see below), that the commission’s united in its concerns about the federal measures as well.

Hasty points to early January, when the Commission voted to rescind a prior ordinance requiring food service workers to get hepatitis A vaccines.

On the same day in January, the Commission passed an ordinance recognizing and reasserting several God-given rights, including your right to reject any forced vaccinations and, in some cases, medications.

Hasty says Camden County, unlike many others in Missouri and the U-S, has refused to pass ordinances requiring face masks in schools, public places or working locations.

The Biden Administration also wants to double fines for airline passengers who refuse to cover their faces on a place, despite little evidence mask-wearing impacts the spread of COVID.

 

***More from the Camden County Commission on the Vaccines below:

The Camden County Commission met this morning in executive session to discuss the potential ramifications of the Presidential covid vaccine mandates announced by Washington on Thursday, September 9, 2021.

The president announced vaccination requirements for health care providers that accept Medicare and Medicaid, for all federal employees and contractors and for the staffs of Head Start programs, Department of Defense Schools and Bureau of Indian Education-operated schools.  All members of the Armed Forces are required to get vaccinated.

Regarding the private sector and the public, The Department of Labor’s Occupational Safety and Health Administration is developing a rule requiring all employers with at least 100 employees to make sure their workforce is fully vaccinated or require unvaccinated workers to get a negative test at least once a week. OSHA will issue an “Emergency Temporary Standard” to introduce the vaccine requirement. Companies that fail to comply could face fines of $14,000 per violation.  It appears the orders may include exceptions for workers seeking religious or medical exemptions from vaccination.  The new vaccination requirements could apply to as many as 100 million Americans — close to two-thirds of the American workforce.

In addition to the vaccination requirements, President Biden moved to double federal fines for airline passengers who refuse to wear masks on flights or to maintain face-covering requirements on federal property.

Many organizations across the nation have already announced their concerns in relation to the President’s announcement.  The American Federation of Government Employees, the largest federal employee union, is taking issue with the mandatory vaccine requirement.  Further, the Republican National Committee announced that it plans to file a lawsuit against the Biden administration regarding the new vaccine requirements.  Across the nation, Governors of many states have announced that they also take issue with new mandates.

The Camden County Commissioners are united in their concerns about the new federal vaccine mandates.  Early this year, on January 28th, 2021, the Commission voted to rescind a prior ordinance (Ordinance 1-14-21-01) requiring food industry workers to get a hepatitis A vaccination, leaving that decision to employers.  The same day, the Commission passed an ordinance (Ordinance 01-28-21-01) recognizing and reasserting several God-given rights possessed by all Americans; including:

“6. The citizens of Camden County are aware of their own underlying health risk factors better than the government and can reject any unduly forced vaccinations; and

  1. That unless required by law, individuals have the right to refuse directives or recommendations to take any drugs or medications for the prevention or treatment of any condition, illness or disease and
  2. A state of emergency that operates in perpetuity can be considered by some a state of tyranny”

Similarly, unlike a large number of counties across the United States, the Camden County Commission has refused to pass any ordinance requiring face masks in schools, public places or places of employment, being of the opinion that this would represent an over-reach of government authority.

 

***More from Governor Mike Parson on the Vaccines:

Governor Mike Parson says that his administration will reject the Biden Administration’s attempt to enforce an unconstitutional, federal vaccine mandate for Missourians and private businesses. The Office of the Governor has been in communication with leadership from the Missouri General Assembly and the Attorney General’s Office to align resources for a pending legal fight. 

“This assault on individual liberty and free enterprise is a poorly executed attempt by the Biden Administration to reset after its disastrous withdrawal from Afghanistan,” Governor Parson said. “With our southern border in crisis and as we are experiencing out-of-control inflation, President Biden is desperate to divert attention from his failures. However, Missouri will not be a pawn in this publicity stunt that seeks to force Missourians to disclose private health care decisions and dictate private business operations.”

Yesterday, during a speech at the White House, President Biden announced plans to use the Occupational Safety and Health Admisntration (OSHA) to issue an unconstitutional vaccine mandate for private employers. This action would infringe on Missouri’s constitutional authority and exceeds the scope of the authority granted to either President Biden or OSHA. The President cannot legislate with the flick of his pen from the Oval Office and OSHA cannot dictate personal health care decisions for Missourians. Missouri is not under an OSHA state plan, and Governor Parson will not allow state employees to be used to enforce this unconstitutional action.

The United States Constitution does not give unelected and unaccountable federal bureaucrats authority over the personal health care decisions of Missourians. The Biden Administration is trying to use a federal agency to interfere with private businesses and personal decisions. This unconstitutional behavior is clearly meant as a distraction from the real problems the Biden administration has fostered since coming into office.

“When President Biden should be focused on protecting our troops and securing our borders, he has instead decided to inject himself into the private lives and business dealings of hard-working Missourians,” said Speaker Rob Vescovo. “This is an obvious attempt by the President to shift attention away from his failures in Afghanistan where his disastrous withdrawal left American citizens behind. We in the Missouri House of Representatives will not stand for it, and we will do everything in our power to protect the personal liberties of Missourians.”

The United States Supreme Court has said that states, not the federal government, are charged with the responsibility to protect public health within states under the 10th Amendment to the United States Constitution. Governor Parson believes the regulation of public health is a state issue and that the General Assembly has a say in the process.

“As a small business owner who would be subjugated to President Biden’s unconstitutional mandate, I, nor the Missouri Senate, will stand idly by and allow this inexcusable power grab to harm Missourians,” said President Pro-Tem Dave Schatz. “What the Biden Administration is attempting to do will only worsen the workforce shortages businesses across the country are facing and is an absolute affront to our American freedoms.”

Missouri stands ready to meet this unconstitutional encroachment of power with strong legal action. 

Reaction To President Biden’s COVID Mandate Met With Hard Push-back In The Ozarks

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Reaction to President Biden’s vaccine mandate is being met with harsh push-back in the Lake of the Ozarks region.

In separate interviews on KRMS, both Congressman Blaine Luetkemeyer and Congresswoman Vicky Hartzler say the request “infringes” on the rights and freedoms of the citizens of Missouri.

“This is so over the top, this is so….tyrannical in the way they are doing this” says Lake Area Congressman Blaine Luetkemeyer of Missouri’s 3rd Congressional District, “They’re going to intimidate a lot of small businesses to get everyone vaccinated. To mandate that is way out of line…we’re going to take this to court and I think they’re going to lose.”

“Well it’s draconian and it’s unconstitutional” says Lake Area Congresswoman Vicky Hartzler of Missouri’s 4th Congressional District,“I never thought I would see a day, in our country, where the Government would be forcing citizens to do something (a medical procedure) and these mandates are just out of line. They’re UN-American and they have to be opposed.”

At the Camden County Commission, one commissioner agrees.

In a post to Facebook, 1st district commissioner James Gohagan says he will never vote to “force” residents to put anything in their bodies and that he will vote “no” on any such requirement for the district and county employees.

“Citizens of Camden County, I will never agree to force you to put anything into your body against your will, that applies for county employees as well. My vote will always be no.” says Gohagan.

That sentiment is being echoed by leaders throughout Missouri who also say the President is stepping over a line that “should never be crossed.”

Quarter Cent Sales Tax For Camden Sheriff Won’t Start Sending Money Until March 2022

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A quarter-cent sales tax increase is coming for Camden County.

But when will you start paying it?

“This sales tax will start being collected on January 1st of 2022” says County Auditor Jimmy Laughlin, and he tells KRMS News money for the Sheriff’s Office won’t start coming in until March of next year.

He says the county has notified the state the sales tax increase was passed and the deadline for that is October 1st “As long as it’s filed by then, the sales tax will start being collected in the 2nd quarter following.”

But the month of January has to pass and then retailers have to file their taxes by mid-February “So in March we’ll get our first check for that sales tax.”

Camden County voters approved the quarter-cent sales tax increase in August so Sheriff Tony Helms can give raises to the deputies he has and also to hire more deputies.

The County Commission gave the Sheriff’s Office more than $200-thousand dollars in advance to start pay raises in September rather than wait for the tax to kick in next March “We’re having 2 record years of people coming down here, so we have some extra money and so, in the end of the year we can adjust for some of that.”

Missouri US Senate Candidates Make Their Way To Lake Of The Ozarks

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Candidates for the U-S Senate in Missouri will be heading to the Lake Area this month and next.

“We have Attorney General Eric Schmitt coming on September 23rd and then Mark McCloskey is scheduled for October 21st” says Jennie Brinkman with the steering committee for the Camden County Chapter of We The People of Missouri.

She tells KRMS News the new organization is working on bringing other candidates for the U-S Senate in Missouri to Lake of the Ozarks to answer questions.

The two scheduled events with Schmitt and McCloskey will take place at the Osage Beach Elks Hall.

Brinkman was interviewed by Christian Blood on the KRMS Morning Magazine.

 

****Details:

We are hosting a series of events to be held at the Osage Beach Elks Hall to vet the Missouri Senatorial candidates. At separate events, each candidate will speak to a set of liberty-based questions, and also take questions from the crowd.

Scheduled candidates as of today: Attorney General Eric Schmitt is schedule for September 23rd at 6:30 pm, and St. Louis Attorney Mark McCloskey is scheduled for October 21st at 6:30 pm.

We are waiting for existing representatives Hartzler, Long and Smith to advise on dates, but they have committed to making an appearance.

Jason Smith has not yet declared his candidacy, so we are particularly happy that he agreed to come present his platform.

Governor Parson Vetoes 4 Bills Including One Made By Rolla State Senator

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Not counting the line-item vetoes made to parts of the appropriations measures for the current year, there were four bills that were vetoed by Governor Mike Parson.

Among these is House Bill 685.

Senator Justin Brown of Rolla handled this proposal in the upper chamber. When this bill was discussed on the floor of the Missouri Senate on May 4, he told his colleagues this measure would make changes to rules relating to the duties and qualifications of certain public officers…

“It’s a dissolution of candidate committees that deals with, under current law any person who registered as a lobbyist required to dissolve his or her candidate committee, this act creates an exemption per where this require a person holding an elected municipal office or school district office, or any person that is a candidate for an elected municipal office in that school district, this prevision is identical to senate bill 602…”

During discussion, Senator Jill Schupp of Creve Coeur focused on the main part of the proposal, which dealt with campaign committees for certain candidates…

“They can continue to lobby even though they hold positions in their local community…”

In his veto letter, the governor says — and, these are his words — “[p]ublic officers should have the interests of the people they represent in mind, not those of the organization they have been hired to represent”…

Lawmakers will have the opportunity to override any and all vetoes during the annual veto session, which is scheduled for the middle of this month. By law, a veto override needs a two-thirds’ majority in each chamber.

House Bill 661 is another proposal to receive a veto this year.

During discussion on the floor of the Missouri Senate on May 11, Sen. Lincoln Hough of Springfield told his colleagues this bill related to transportation…

“Currently, when someone wants to get access to the Patrol crash records…they must also pay the fee associated with the Sunshine Law, this bill adds that the Patrol may charge a $5 electronic distribution fee for that report.”

A number of amendments were offered, including one from Sen. Angela Walton Moseley of Florissant…

“A historic motor vehicle may be operated for personal use, as described in the statute, more than 1,000 miles. This act repeals the limitations. It was voted out the transportation committee unanimously.”

In his veto letter for House Bill 661, the governor cites several reasons, including a portion that would have expanded powers for the Joint Committee on Transportation.

In addition, this measure would have made changes to certain things MoDOT could do.

Also, three St. Louis-area counties would have been excluded from the federal Clean Air Act.

Vicky Hartzler Gives Opinion On A Women Draft

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woman in gray tank top and black pants standing on red and black exercise equipment

Photo by Corey Young on Unsplash

A U-S Representative from Missouri is giving her opinion on women getting drafted for military service.

The House Armed Services Committee voted in favor of the idea Wednesday during deliberations on the annual defense bill.

All combat military operations were opened up to women during the Barak Obama presidency in 2015.

But Congresswoman Vicky Hartzler says women don’t need to be drafted to have equality in the U-S.

 

***Hartzler quote from the floor:

“We don’t need to draft women in order for women to have equality in this nation,” Rep. Vicky Hartzler (R-Mo.) “Women are of worth and of value right now, and we are equal with men without having to pass a new law that would require 50 percent of this country, our daughters and our sisters and our wives, to have to be drafted.”

MO School Board Director Questions Decisions Made By MO AG

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The Executive Director of the Missouri School Board Association is questioning the decisions made by State Attorney General Eric Schmitt.

It follows Schmitt’s decision to sue the Columbia Public School District, and any K-12 public school requiring masks mandates, such as Richland R-IV just implemented.

Director Melissa Randol says the information he is citing about the mandates were done before the delta variant ever existed, and that some of the studies weren’t even conducted in the United States.

In the lawsuits, AG Schmitt stays the mask mandates “flies in the face of science” and that children are at a “low risk” of transmission.

Randol says she isn’t advocating for mandates, but rather for health experts to guide schools in their own local safety measures.

Former PWD In Sunrise Beach Could Face Jailtime

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A former public works director for Sunrise Beach could be facing a year in prison and a $25-thousand dollar fine after an illegal sewage dump.

Federal court records show Brian Scheiter has reached a plea agreement for violating the Clean Water Act after thousands of gallons of waste spilled down a hillside in Sunrise Beach from October 2019 to January 2020.

The Missouri DNR says there was brown foam and an oily scum floating on top of the stream.

Scheiter’s also pleading guilty to failing to report the spill and for using lyme and for trying to build a trench to fix the spill.

Camden County Sheriff Talks About Deputy Raises

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Sheriff Tony Helms

A quarter-cent sales tax increase in Camden County will bring in more money for the Sheriff’s Office, but deputies already on staff are getting a bump in pay before the end of the year.

“The money that the commission gave us is going strictly to raises, nothing else. We took them up to $19.25 to $19.50 an hour…that happens the 5th of September” says Camden County Sheriff Tony Helms.

He tells KRMS News the Sheriff’s Office got a quarter-million dollars from the Camden County Commission to start the process of giving raises “everyone needs to understand that you’re not going to see a drastic change, other than the wages, overnight. I have to wait for the money to come in before I can spend it to hire people.”

After January first, Sheriff Helms wants his deputies making an even 20-dollars per hour.

Sheriff Helms was interviewed by Christian Blood on the KRMS Morning Magazine.

Ward 3 Alderman Position Still Up For Grabs In Osage Beach

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If you’re interested in taking over the Alderman Position in the City of Osage Beach, you’re in luck.

Officials say they’re extending the deadline to apply until September 14th.

The opening comes after the resignation of Ward 3 Alderman Tom Walker on August 6th.

In order to qualify for the position, you must be 18-years of age or older, be a resident of Osage Beach and live in the Ward 3 District.

Full details on the position can be seen below:

2021830 News Release_Vacant Board of Aldermen Seat DEADLINE EXTENDED

Iberia Residents Could See Lower Tax Bill For School District

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Taxes for Iberia residents are going down follow a recent reassessment for the Iberia R-V School District.

Officials expect to lower the cost of school taxes by 13 cents, after the school’s total valuation increased by nearly $4 Million dollars.

Superintendent Lyndell Whittle says their plan is allow their tax levy to generate as close to last year’s number as possible, resulting in the cost being around $3.94 cents rather than $4.08 as it was in 2020.

KRMS Plans to reach out to the district to learn more about how the Tax numbers will affect the local community.

Federal EPA Grant Could Help Rural Lake Towns Improve Water Quality

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An EPA grant is making it possible for small towns and communities in Missouri to improve their drinking water quality.

The U.S. Environmental Protection Agency says around $492,000 in grant funding is being made available as part of the $25 million dollar Water Infrastructure Improvements for the Nation (WIIN) Act.

The EPA will award grants to support compliance with the Safe Drinking Water Act and provide access to drinking water services.

Funds can also be used for conducting household water quality testing.

MO COVID 19 State Of Emergency Enacted In March 2020 Ends After New One Takes It’s Place

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As one State of Emergency for the Show Me State comes to an end, another takes it place.

Governor Mike Parson officially ending the original State of Emergency on Friday, after it had been in effect since March 13, 2020.

However Parson issued Executive Order 21-09 short after, a more targeted State of Emergency declaration acknowledging the continued needs of Missouri’s health care system.

This new State of Emergency invokes the Governor’s emergency powers and activates the Missouri National Guard for continued mission support in recovery operations, if needed.

The order also keeps in place telehealth, and it allows state agencies to request waiver of certain statutory and regulatory requirements that would otherwise hinder the state’s response to ongoing COVID-19 challenges.

Read more below:

(JEFFERSON CITY, MO) – Today, Governor Mike Parson terminated Executive Order 20-02 ending the State of Emergency that had been in effect since March 13, 2020. 

“In the nearly 18 months we operated under this Executive Order, we have responded to the COVID-19 crisis by providing unprecedented levels of resources and support,” Governor Parson said. “This Order enabled us to respond to the unknown and everchanging needs of our state. Now, we know how to fight this virus and have a solution to ending the pandemic with the vaccine. Today, we are terminating this order as our situation no longer demands an expansive emergency declaration.” 

Upon the termination of Executive Order 20-02, Governor Parson issued Executive Order 21-09, which represents a more targeted State of Emergency declaration that acknowledges the continued needs of Missouri’s health care system. While Missouri’s economy has improved, the health care system is still experiencing strain due to current staffing shortages being exacerbated by COVID-19.

Executive Order 21-09 invokes the Governor’s emergency powers pursuant to Section 44.100 and activates the Missouri National Guard for continued mission support in recovery operations, if needed. The order also keeps in place provisions related to remote notary services and telehealth, and it allows state agencies to request waiver of certain statutory and regulatory requirements that would otherwise hinder the state’s response to ongoing COVID-19 challenges.

Any statutory or regulatory waiver approved under Executive Order 20-02 that is still in effect as of the date of the new order will remain in place. Approval of any new waivers will be aimed at supporting Missouri’s health care system and response to COVID-19. New requests will be subject to approval from the Governor’s Office.

Under the new order and as part of the transition process from the previous order, the state has significantly scaled back the number of waivers in effect. At the peak, more than 600 statutory and regulatory waivers were in place; however, only 163 waivers remain in effect under the new order. Many of the remaining waivers are implemented by the Missouri Department of Health and Senior Services. The remaining waivers were found to be necessary to support the health care system, provide regulatory flexibility, and ensure the state remains federally compliant.

“We have always taken a balanced approach in our response to COVID-19, and this new order demonstrates the progress we have made in fighting this virus,” Governor Parson said. “Like all Missourians, we want this crisis to end and to close this chapter. However, while we are shifting our operations, we must maintain flexibility to aid our health care system and adapt to the challenges we face.”

“We are returning to normal, but we must continue providing needed resources and support while more Missourians choose COVID-19 vaccination and are protected from serious illness,” Governor Parson continued. 

Executive Order 21-09 will terminate on December 31, 2021. To view the order, click here or see attachment. 

Executive Order 21-09

Justice For Survivors Act Works To Improve Resources For Victims Of Sexual Assault

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The Justice For Survivors Act is one of four pillars of new legislation in Missouri that’s working to improve resources for the victims of sexual assault.

This includes making a forensic exam easier to get to, for some victims.

“What the Justice for Survivors Act does, is it establishes a statewide telehealth network…for that forensic exam…so that they can do it in their hometown” says Republican State Senator Holly Rehder, “we have people from law enforcement, people from forensic labs, we have lawmakers, we have medical professionals….what we wanted to is assemble a group of folks that touch these areas.”

She tells KRMS News before the legislation passed in Missouri last year, victims sometimes had to travel two hours to get a forensic exam.

She also says girls and women aren’t the only victims of sexual abuse “for a whole mired of reasons, Men don’t tell…more so than Women don’t, or boys more than girls.”

Rehder says work’s being done to make sure rape victim Collection Kits stay current.

She’s on the 13-member Missouri Rights of Victims of Sexual Assault Task Force.

Rehder is conducting a Survey at surveymonkey.com/r/MORightsTaskForce

 

******Message from the Senator.

#metoo

I’ve stopped sleeping at night. Our constant news cycle bringing the realization of all that’s been going on in the entertainment industry has kept my brain from any possibility of rest. Don’t get me wrong, the exposure of sexual abuse is exactly what’s needed. My sleeping problems seem to be because I know there’s so much more than the entertainment industry that must be addressed to bring healing and change. My own past and the non-traditional way that I was raised begs me to speak to other areas holding this great evil.

As a child, we traveled a lot. Moving so frequently that my age is usually foggy in memories. I seem to judge time better by which town we lived in and what grade I was in at the time. Because of this, summer months are particularly difficult to really pin down.

The summer I was 10, I believe, we lived in a trailer in Morehouse. My mother didn’t drink, smoke, or do illegal drugs, but she would hang out in the bars with my aunt a lot because the bars had air conditioning and kind men would buy her a Pepsi. She was incredibly beautiful but very much needed the attention.

She always had a boyfriend. Most of the time they lived with us and she went from one to the next, typically breaking the heart of the one who was headed out. Almost always turning into fights of valor for all in the trailer park to see. I was usually glad to see the old one leave, but never excited about the new one. Morehouse was worse than usual.

It seems like it was mid-day, Mama was up at the bar and my sisters and I were just hanging out in the trailer. My older sister is two years older than me so if I was 10, she was 12, our birthdays fall on the same day. We lived in a much different culture, at this age she had already begun smoking weed and trying different things.

I will never forget this day. My mother’s boyfriend shows up, his name was Jesse, and I remember thinking it was odd because I couldn’t imagine one of her boyfriend’s letting her sit up at a bar without them.

Jesse was a big guy. He seemed to tower over us and was just larger than her typical picks. He told my sister he had just picked up some new pot and wondered if she wanted to go walking and smoke some, to which she happily agreed.

My mother returns sometime after this and asks where my sister is. I explain she left with Jesse and she freaks out. Apparently, she had broken up with him earlier at the bar because there’s someone else on the line and now demands to know why my sister went with him?

 

Well….we didn’t know.

And I wasn’t about to tell her she was off smoking pot.

Soon after my sister returns. Alone. And crying. Very roughed up as if she’s been in a fight in the dirt and weeds. I remember the cockleburs stuck throughout her hair.

Jesse had taken my sister walking, down the railroad tracks, where he raped her to get back at my mother.

I remember the police. I remember them talking about the hospital to have her checked and I remember them using the word “sodomy” a lot. I didn’t understand why they didn’t just go arrest him? We knew who he was. It was clear what he did to her. My young brain simply could not understand.

I had so many questions. What was “sodomy”? If she had not been high would she have been able to run? Why didn’t they just go arrest him? My mother was always over the top with emotions and this was off the charts for multiple reasons. Asking questions would only add to our trouble so I didn’t.

I looked “sodomy” up in our dictionary and then knew what all she went through. My heart broke for her.

 

We packed up and moved soon thereafter so to my knowledge, he was never arrested. She told. Yet there was no justice.

The summer that I was 13, my mother worked at a local club as a waitress. My little sister and I would walk to the city swimming pool everyday as Mama had some dollars from tips to keep us busy during her day shift.

Turning down our street on our walk home one day, an old brown car ripped around the corner, scaring us both, and drove very recklessly past. Before I could yell in response, they squeal to a stop in front of our house. I remember so vividly as the car door flew open and I heard my mother’s screams as they kicked her from the car into our front yard.

I ran towards the house as they peeled off and squealed down the street. I don’t remember much more than just sitting in the front yard and holding her as she screamed and cried. I’m sure the police came. I’m sure she filed a report. But she didn’t know the men who had done this to her.

Someone must have put something in her Pepsi before she got off her shift. She had started feeling disoriented as she began the walk home. Some men she had been waiting on offered her a ride instead. They didn’t take her straight home. They took her somewhere else where multiple men raped her. Then they brought her home.

 

To this day, I would know the car if I saw it. These are moments that never leave. They are burned into your soul.

Again, she told, yet there was no justice.

The most painful abuse to me personally came at the hands of someone I loved, and honestly, the only person in my world that I trusted. My pillar. My security. So what happens when your perpetrator is someone you’ve loved and admired your entire life?

The summer I was 11, I would eat at the DEAOC lunch program every day. Through this program two of us were selected for an area trip to 6-Flags, which was in fact, the coolest thing of all time.

Only caveat was you had to have a ride to and from a town 30 min from my home to catch the bus. I contacted my Papa and explained that I had been chosen but I had to have the ride to the bus and back. He agreed to make that happen even though we had to arrive very early and we would be getting back pretty late.

When we pulled into town it was very late and I was exhausted from a super exciting day. He told me we would just stay the night at his house before taking me the next morning the rest of the way home. No big deal. My Papa and his house had been my only steady my entire life.  Being there was a good thing.

We got home, I went to my grandmother’s old room that I’d slept in on and off for years and was out like a light.

I’m not sure how long I was asleep. All that I know was it was very dark when I woke up to all that was going on to me and around me. I prayed. I kicked and I squirmed as I felt like every ounce of air had been stolen from my lungs. He left the room apologizing. I just laid there and quietly cried the rest of the night. My only security in life was not. My safe place was no longer safe. My whole world had crashed down around me and my heart was ripped in pieces lost somewhere in the rubble.

As soon as the sun came up I washed my face and brushed my hair. My things gathered from my fun day no longer brought a smile. With a stern face and a completely hollow chest I announced I had to go home right now. It was the longest, quietest drive we had ever taken.

He took me to my great aunt’s, his cousin, where I had been staying temporarily. My mother had moved to Kansas, or maybe it was Indiana. I honestly just don’t know.

Much can be said about the way my mother raised us. For someone who suffered with mental illness from many reasons, I think she probably did the best she could. She loved us. What I did learn from watching her though was that I would never be their victim. They had broken her. Mentally she succumbed to the pain of her past daily. That would not be me.

I told. I told my great aunt when I got home. Turns out she had been his victim too. When my sister called, I told her. Another person was staying at my aunt’s at the time, I told him. Neighbors who lived behind us? Yes. Told them too. Our family’s little secret was no longer in the shadows, and I be damned if he would ever feel comfortable enough to lay a hand on me – again.

 

But he was my Papa. And I loved him with my whole heart.

When these things happen at the hands of someone you love. You trust. It’s hard to mentally walk the landmine of feelings. I’m sure it’s different for everyone. He agreed to get help, so I agreed to quit telling. I eventually forgave him. But I never allowed my daughter to be alone with him. When he became ill with cancer, I moved in and cared for him. I know he loved me.

Should I have known and protected myself? Probably. I’m not sure how old I was when I started hearing about my mother’s sexual abuses but it always seemed to be a narrative in our home.  She had been raped by and uncle and her brother since she was 4. Her mother passed at about 9 and she was put in an orphanage. She was then adopted by her great uncle and his wife. He also sexually abused her. That was my Papa. So yes. I guess I should have known. But I was 11, and in the crazy world I grew up in, he was my solid and I never once feared him.

Maybe I thought he’d found forgiveness. Looking back there were many things I now know were wrong and flashing signs. But I was a child and children trust and love unconditionally.

I grew up that day. I now understood things my mother’s words could never explain, but a story her actions told daily.

These are a few of these moments in my childhood. I’ve explained them to say I have seen and felt the devastation of sexual abuse; as a sister, as a daughter, from my own experiences, and even from the insurmountable guilt as a mother who failed at protecting my own daughter. One day maybe she will tell her own story.

I know my experiences pale in comparison to what so many go through.

We carry so much guilt and shame wondering if we would have done this or that, could the outcome have been different? There is no right or wrong response to sexual abuse. Survival comes in many forms.

 

I write this to say, it’s up to those of us who have been there to speak up so that the others in our lives can see they are not alone. Just as we have seen in the entertainment industry this month.  When we speak up, we become a beacon of light, that safe place maybe, to those who need it. A place that maybe you didn’t have. You can now be for someone else.

There’s power in telling. Whether you receive justice or not. It’s a cleansing for your soul that words simply cannot explain. You will stand a little taller knowing that it’s no longer protected by the darkness.

For every person out there, young or old, what you are going through, or what you have been through, does not define you. Find your voice. Tell someone. Even if your abuser is someone you love. Their power lies in our silence.

 

But for all who simply cannot yet…for you, I say #metoo.

Mayor Of Lake Ozark Advocates For Alternative COVID 19 Medicine

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The Mayor of Lake Ozark is calling it a ‘Hail Mary’ while taking an alternative medication to a friend hospitalized with COVID-19.

On a post since deleted off of Dennis Newberry’s Mayoral Facebook Page, he says he’s procured an unknown amount of the drug ‘ivermectin’ (Eye-ver-meh-ctin), and he’s taking it to a Central Missouri hospital in hopes the medical staff will administer the drug.

The mayor says in the post if he does nothing, his friend will die and he asks for prayers and support in the comment section.

KRMS News is reaching out to the Mayor to learn more about why Newberry is choosing ‘ivermectin’ for his friend, who keeps a boat at a Lake Ozark marina but lives in Cuba, Missouri.

We’ll pass along more details when possible on KRMS.

 

Here are some screen shots of the post and comments before it was taken down.

Campground Law Could Protect Owners And Employees In The Future

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Photo by Hanson Lu on Unsplash

A new law that’s going into effect next week will be giving Campground owners more protection.

The law slated to start August 28th says that “If an injury or death occurs from an inherent risk of camping, campground owners and employees will be protected from lawsuits.”

The law however would not protect a campground, or its employees, if there is a lack of warning signs.

****Full details:

The Missouri Association of RV Parks and Campgrounds (MOARC) and the National Association of RV Parks and Campgrounds (ARVC) announced the signing of Missouri House Bill 369, which both groups supported, into law by Mo. Gov. Mike Parson.

The “inherent risk” bill specifically offers owners, operators and employees of campgrounds and RV parks protection from frivolous lawsuits when an injury or death occurs as a result of an inherent risk of camping. The bill does not shield a campground or its employees when injuries result from willful or wanton disregard for safety, and clearly outlines the types of warning signs that operators are required to post.

ARVC supplied MOARC with the model language for the bill that was amended as it went through the process. ARVC and MOARC leaders also testified before the Senate Committee and negotiated with trial attorneys and insurance associations, reaching a compromise on wording that alleviated possible opposition, adding an exception if a park “fails to use that degree of care that an ordinarily careful and prudent person would use under the same or similar circumstances.”

“This is industry unity at its best! It is a big win for our industry and shows the strength of state organizations and National ARVC working together,” said Paul Bambei, ARVC President and CEO. “This bill is an extremely important piece of legislation for our industry, and it couldn’t have happened without the hard work of everyone involved. I want to especially thank Larry Helms for leading this campaign for the campground owners in Missouri, Kyna Iman for her insightful lobbying efforts and our own Jeff Sims for his tireless effort to bring this legislation to fruition.”

Wisconsin was the first state to pass an inherent risk bill in 2016, and that bill has served as a guide for other states looking to pass similar legislation. Other inherent risk bills introduced in 2021 that ARVC is supporting are in Alaska, Connecticut, Maine, Ohio and Texas.

Camdenton Laker Football Player Is Told That Flying “American Flag” During Jamboree Is A Political Statement

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Photo by Mitch Prentice and Lake News Online (Copyright): Photo comment by Amber Brandt: “This photo of Garett carrying his flag onto bob shore stadium (in 2020) may be the first and last we will ever get. He was told tonight that he could not carry his flag because it is a political statement and that political statements aren’t allowed in MSHSAA events.”

****Story Update # 1:

The Missouri State High School Athletic Association is responding to a situation involving a Camdenton Football Player and the American Flag.

The issue stems from a comment made by a parent Friday on social media, stating her son was told by a MSHSAA official that carrying the flag was a “political statement” and wasn’t allowed in their bi-laws.

Officials with MSHSAA say they have no no bi-laws that states a player cannot carry the Flag onto the Field, and whoever made that comment wasn’t a MSHSAA member.

“There were no MSHSAA staff present at that preseason jamboree and there was no one, outside of school personnel, who would have the authority to make such a statement” says Communications Director Jason West, “The underline information that needs to be shared with everyone is that there is NO language in MSHSAA bi-laws that says carrying an American Flag onto a football field is a violation. There has never been any language to that, there has never been an consideration to making language to that, so the interpretation that it was a MSHSAA violation to carry the flag on to the field before the football game is false and in-accurate.”

He tells KRMS News that both they and the Camdenton R-3 School district are looking into who made the comment “We’ve spoken with members of that school’s administration and to our knowledge, there was no one from that school that said that as well.”

Camdenton school board officials tell KRMS News they are aware of the situation and believe the comment happened in the school’s parking lot.

At this time, it’s unknown who made the comment that sent social media into a massive uproar on Saturday but MSHSAA officials and the Camdenton School Board are investigating “We would like to know if there is someone who’s trying to impersonate or act like they know what the MSHSAA bi-laws are, or trying to provide interpretations of those MSHSAA bi-laws without any type of consent from the MSHSAA office or staff. At this time there are no legal actions we can take, other than asking that person to cease and desist.”

This remains an ongoing story and we’ll continue to bring you latest as it comes in.

Mr. West also provided this statement to KRMS…..

 

American Flag Allowed at High School Football Games 

Columbia, Mo.- The Missouri State High School Activities Association has been made aware of false statements being spread on social media.  Earlier today, a story was reported by KRMS in Camdenton, Mo. claiming the Association told a student-athlete he could not carry an American Flag onto the football field prior to his team’s pre-season jamboree as it was against MSHSAA By-Laws.

This claim is false.  The Association’s member schools have never had or considered by-law language that would consider carrying an American Flag on to a football field a violation.  At no point in the history of the Association has a member of its staff told anyone from a member school, a parent, a student or any member of the public that carrying an American Flag on to a football field is a violation.

 

****A note from the News Department:

KRMS would like to also point out that the statement that a MSHSAA official told the student he “could not carry the flag” was made by the parent, and not KRMS. We are simply relaying what the parent stated in the social media post that was made yesterday.

****Previous story:

There’s a viral post on social media that’s catching the eye of Lake Area parents and residents.

The post shows a Camdenton Laker Football player and student carrying the American Flag onto the field, a tradition for every start of the season game for the Lakers.

However, in the post, the mother of the student Amber Brandt indicated that her son, Garrett, was told he could not carry the flag for this year’s jamboree.

The reason, a Missouri State High School Activities Association rule banning “political ventures” without written consent of a school administrator, that according to the MSHSAA handbook (“4.1.7 Representing the School: Participants shall not represent the school (appearing in school uniform, school-named clothing, at school facilities, or with mascot/school colors) to endorse or promote a product/service, commercial venture, political venture, etc. without prior, written consent by a school administrator.” ).

Brandt says an association member told her son that carrying the flag was a “Political Statement” and it wasn’t allowed.

KRMS has reached out to the Association, Garrett’s Mother and the School Board for comment and we’ll relay any updates on the story as they come in.

Camden Sheriff’s Deputy Pay Raises Coming Sooner Than Expected

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Camden County Sheriff’s Deputies are about to get a pay raise earlier than expected.

At Thursday’s Camden County Commission Meeting, Commissioners voting to start the increase in pay this September, rather than waiting until January next year.

It comes after voters approved a ¼ cent sales tax to help the Sheriff’s office raise officer pay and purchase equipment as the need for calls continue to rise across the area.

The Commissioners say they moved $250,000 in the budget to cover the expenses until the new tax kicks in.

The new tax is expected to generate around $2.4 Million dollars annually and Sheriff Tony Helms says at least $600,000 of it, or more, will be used towards salaries.

Osage Beach Residents To Vote On 2 OBFPD Projects In November

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The Osage Beach Fire Protection District Board of Directors is approving a special election for November.

Voters will be considering two issues, one of them being the implementation of an Advance Life Support EMS Division via levy increase.

“Our paramedics would be able to do any function, with the same scope of setup, that any personell could do on an ambulance. The only thing we wouldn’t be able to do is transport” says Paul Berardi, Chief of the Osage Beach Fire Protection District.

He tells KRMS News an ALS Division will help take pressure off of other first responders while offering the ability to handle overdoses and pain medication.

A second ballot measure will be asking Osage Beach voters to approve the relocation and replacement of Fire Station Number One, a facility Berardi says is too old and too far removed from where more calls are coming from “Fire station # 1 was built in 1986. It’s been an excellent station and it’s served the district very well, but quite frankly it’s just too small and doesn’t meet modern code or modern standards of current fire stations.”

If approved, the Fire Station will cost property owners about $14 dollars per year on a $100-thousand dollar valuation over 20 years.

The EMS Division will run about $28 dollars per year on the same $100-thousand dollar valuation, but this would not expire.

More Money For Camdenton Employees

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Pay is going up for employees in the city of Camdenton.

During the recent meeting with the board of alderman, Mayor John McNabb suggested they revisit the proposal for increasing salaries for city employees.

“Rather than doing the equivalent of a $.50 cent raise, we should do the equivalent of a $1.00 an hour raise…because I think with all those things people have dealt, I feel they should get the same raise as we’re giving to some of our other employees” said Mayor McNabb during the discussion.

The Mayor also suggested a $3,000 dollar raise for the city attorney to cover additional expenses for his added work load.

The board voted to approve the proposed pay and compensation increases.

See the full video below:

https://fb.watch/7uchITi6PP/

Numerous New Laws Set To Go Into Effect Across Missouri

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closeup photo of gavel

Photo by Bill Oxford on Unsplash

The Missouri State Highway Patrol is offering details on several new laws that are about to go into effect in the Lake Area and around Missouri.

Beginning August 28th, respiratory chokeholds are being prohibited by law enforcement officers, unless they’re defending themselves or another person from serious physical injury or death.

Starting March 1st of next year, law enforcement agencies will be reporting use-of-force incidents involving police officers to a data base run by the FBI.

On March 1st 2023, the Department of Public Safety will then report the data on use of force incidents to the public.

New laws are also set to go into effect that will require law enforcement officer to have their mental health examined once every three to five years.

The Critical Incident Stress Management Program will also offer services to law enforcement officers who have responded to a critical incident or emotionally difficult event.

A fund for those resources is being set up within the State Treasury to help pay for consultation, risk assessment, education and any other crisis intervention measures necessary.

Also, if you’re convicted of human trafficking in the state of Missouri, you will not be making a living by driving a commercial vehicle.

A lifetime ban for all human trafficking convicts goes into effect August 28th.

And a Missouri fuel tax of 2.5 cents per gallon goes into effect in October, and that will keep going up another 2.5 cents each fiscal year until it reaches 12.5 cents by July 1, 2025.

Two Miller County Residents Convicted Of Drug Charges Lose Over $46,000 Dollars

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Two people convicted of drug offenses in Miller County are learning crime does not pay behind bars.

Ricky Distler and Kelley Raney are losing a combined $46-hundred fifty-six dollars and change because of a statute in the state of Missouri.

“The money is seized during a search warrant, or a traffic stop. Under Missouri law we’re able to take that money and seize it through a separate civil action. That money gets distributed back to the state and it’s sent to schools and places like that” says Miller County Prosecutor Benjamin Winfrey. , “So the money had been seized for some time…but what just happened is the judge finally granted our request to forfeit that money…so that it’s taken from those defendants, forever, and then distributed back into the community.”

He tells KRMS News similar statutes are found in other states in the U-S and there’s also a Federal version of Missouri’s Criminal Activity Forfeiture Act.

Distler will be losing more than $21-hundred seventy dollars.

Raney will forfeit just over $24-hundred dollars.

Winfrey says only money connected to drug convictions can be taken by the state via the CAFA statute.

Osage Beach Sees Significant Increase In Sales Tax Revenue

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Osage Beach is reporting an increase in sales tax collections as summer winds down.

“We’re about 22 1/2%, we’re about 18% up from where we foretasted, so expected a little growth just because of the activity from 2020” says Jenna Woods, City Administrator in Osage Beach,
“That has everything to do with people shopping, activities and events and everything that happened within our city limits. We had a great summer…lot of tourists, a large influx of people.”

She tells KRMS News plans are being made right now for next year’s budget “End of October, maybe early November at the latest…we meet with the board of alderman in several public workshops, which are public meetings, and we present our requests to the board and hopefully we have our budget requests answered by December…so that we can start January 1 with a new budget.”

Woods also says Osage Beach is in line for more than $900-thousand dollars from the American Rescue Plan Act “Part of that act includes relief funds for a lot of jurisdictions. The act outlines that we will get half of the finds when the state first distributes it, and the other half will come 12 months after that.”

Woods was interviewed by Christian Blood on the KRMS Morning Magazine.

Camdenton R3 School Board To Meet Over Federal COVID Relief Funds

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A decision whether or not to accept more Federal COVID Relief funds for Camdenton R-3 Schools will be looked at tonight during a special session for the school board.

Officials say they will meet at 6PM at the Administration Building and the meeting will be streamed live.

You can find the agenda for the meeting below:

Fiscal-Guidance-for-ESSER-III-Final

Lake Ozark City Hall Paid Off After Several Years

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Lake Ozark’s City Hall is finally paid off.

Officials say a lease-purchase agreement made in 2009 between the former Mayor and building owner, is set to be finished at the end of this month.

The city handed the owner a check for just over $60,000 just last week.

Lake Ozark’s city Government and the LOPD have been housed in this building since 2009.

Governor Parson & First Lady To Visit Margaritaville Lake Resort On Tuesday

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Governor Mike Parson and First Lady Teresa Parson will be on the road in several parts of Missouri in the coming week.

And that includes Lake of the Ozarks.

The Governor will be at Margaritaville Lake Resort on Tuesday morning to speak at the Missouri Sheriff’s Association 2021 Summer Training Conference & Expo.

Governor Parson will attend numerous gatherings at the Missouri State Fair on Wednesday and Thursday.

 

****The Governor’s Full Schedule:

(JEFFERSON CITY, MO) – Next week, Governor Mike Parson will attend various meetings and events across the sate, including visits to the 2021 Missouri State Fair. Governor and First Lady Parson will also make stops as part of their Bicentennial Tour.

On Sunday, August 15, Governor Parson will participate in the Military Appreciation Ceremony at the Missouri State Fair.

On Tuesday, August 17, Governor Parson will speak at the Missouri Sheriff’s Association’s 76th Annual Training Conference. He and the First Lady will also make stops in Hamilton and St. Joseph as part of the Bicentennial Tour before meeting with Tremco representatives during a training program at Western Reception, Diagnostic and Correctional Center in St. Joseph.

On Wednesday, August 18, Governor Parson will attend the Governor’s Dinner and Wine Reception at the Missouri State Fair. Following the reception, the Governor will participate in a Military Flag Retreat Ceremony.

On Thursday, August 19, Governor Parson will attend the Governor’s Ham Breakfast and visit various buildings and exhibits at the Missouri State Fair.

On Friday, August 20, Governor Parson will participate in i3 Broadband’s ribbon cutting event as it expands broadband services to St. Charles County.

Food Trucks Are Welcome In Lake Ozark With New Ordinance

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woman wears multicolored striped sweater

Photo by Arturo Rey on Unsplash

Food Trucks are finally free to operate in the city of Lake Ozark, with just one exception.

The city giving the green light to the industry to operate within the city limits, however Food Trucks are still not allowed to operate on the Bagnell Dam Strip.

That is unless there is an event underway and permits were requested for them to be present.

Officials say the ordinance allowing the Food Trucks is already active and all one needs is to pay a $50 permit fee to get started.

Former Manager At FT Wood Hospital Pleads Guilty To Fraud

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A former Manager of the Fort Leonard Wood Hospital’s Dining Facility is pleading guilty in federal court, for stealing more than $69,000 from their cash registers.

53-year-old Gregory Arthur Norton of Springfield was employed by Sodexo, a contractor who provides food services to the patients and staff at the General Leonard Wood Hospital.

He worked with the company from 2015 to 2018 as served as General Manager, overseeing payroll, managing the budget and reviewing financial statements.

Officials say they noticed cash discrepancies during an audit in 2018, which matched up to missing cash at the cash registers dating back to 2015 and ending in 2018.

The audit concluded the issue was conducted by one or more Sodexo managers in an attempt to defraud the government, and further concluded Norton was the one working the dining facility during that time.

Under federal statutes, Norton is subject to a sentence of up to 10 years in federal prison without parole.

A sentencing hearing will be scheduled after the completion of a presentence investigation by the United States Probation Office.

 

****More info:

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
Thursday, August 12, 2021

Former Manager at Fort Leonard Wood Pleads Guilty to Theft

SPRINGFIELD, Mo. – The former general manager of the hospital dining facility at Fort Leonard Wood, Missouri, pleaded guilty in federal court today to stealing more than $69,000 from the cash registers.

Gregory Arthur Norton, 53, of Springfield, Mo., pleaded guilty before U.S. Chief Magistrate Judge David P. Rush to one count of theft of public money.

Norton was employed by Sodexo, Inc., which was contracted to provide food services to the patients and staff of the General Leonard Wood Army Community Hospital, from August 2015 to July 2018. Norton’s duties as general manager included managing payroll for the employees, managing the budget, reviewing financial statements and tracking operating expenses for the hospital dining area, the close out of all cash drawers, and the preparation and verification of the daily cash deposit.

Significant cash discrepancies totaling $78,320 were discovered during an audit in November 2018. These discrepancies were identified as being related to large unexplained voids conducted at the cash register Point of Sale (“POS”) systems, which began in November 2015 and ended in March 2018. The report concluded the voids were conducted by one or more Sodexo managers in an attempt to defraud the government. The report further concluded Norton was present and working in the dining facility during the loss of at least $69,025. Multiple witnesses stated that Norton worked unusual hours, often staying at work longer than would be considered normal for someone in his position.

Norton admitted he conducted fraudulent voids at the POS systems from August 2015 to March 31, 2018. Norton used his manager code to authorize the voids and stole the voided amount of cash. Under the terms of today’s plea agreement, Norton must pay $69,025 in restitution to the government.

Under federal statutes, Norton is subject to a sentence of up to 10 years in federal prison without parole. The maximum statutory sentence is prescribed by Congress and is provided here for informational purposes, as the sentencing of the defendant will be determined by the court based on the advisory sentencing guidelines and other statutory factors. A sentencing hearing will be scheduled after the completion of a presentence investigation by the United States Probation Office.

This case is being prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorney Shannon T. Kempf. It was investigated by the U.S. Army Criminal Investigation Command at Fort Leonard Wood.

Governor Parson Names Dru Buntin As New DNR Director

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There’s a new leader at the helm of the Missouri Department of Natural Resources.

Governor Mike Parson naming Dru Buntin as Director on Wednesday.

Bunton has been serving as acting director, since the former director Carol Comer died in June.

Buntin has worked with DNR for 15 years and says he will continue to build on his previous accomplishments.

 

****More info:

(JEFFERSON CITY, MO) – Today, during a press conference at the State Capitol, Governor Mike Parson announced that he has named Dru Buntin as the new Director of the Missouri Department of Natural Resources, effective immediately.

“We are excited to announce Dru as the new DNR Director and look forward to his continued service to Missourians,” Governor Parson said. “Dru is an experienced and trusted leader within DNR and across state government. He worked closely with Director Comer during her illness and stepped up to be a steady hand of leadership upon her passing. We are confident in Dru’s abilities to lead DNR, and we look forward to seeing him implement his vision and ideas.”

Mr. Buntin has served as the Deputy Director of the Missouri Department of Natural Resources for more than four years. He first joined DNR in 2000 as the Director of Government Affairs and advanced to Deputy Director for Policy and Chief of Water Resources. In 2013, Mr. Buntin became the Executive Director of the Upper Missouri River Basin Association before rejoining DNR in 2017. He has more than 15 years experience with DNR and more than 20 years experience in Missouri state government.

Since rejoining DNR as Deputy Director in 2017, Dru has been instrumental in leading the Department’s Red Tape Reduction initiative as well as drought response and flood recovery support efforts. He also worked closely with the late Director Carol Comer to strengthen partnerships with Missouri businesses, citizens, and communities to assist with and promote compliance with Missouri’s environmental laws and regulations.

“I am honored and humbled to be appointed by Governor Parson to serve as the new Director of the Missouri Department of Natural Resources,” said Department of Natural Resources Director Dru Buntin. “Five generations of my family have lived in Missouri, and I love this state. We have a great team at DNR, and I’m excited about what we can accomplish working together with communities across Missouri.”

Mr. Buntin attended the University of Missouri-Columbia where he earned a Bachelor of Arts in political science.

Osage Beach Seeking Candidates For Ward 3 Alderman Vacancy

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The City of Osage Beach is searching for a good man, or woman, to fill a vacancy on the board of aldermen.

The vacancy in Ward-3 was created with the recent resignation of Tom Walker for reasons unspecified in a press release issued, Wednesday, by city hall.

Candidates must be at least 18-years-old, a resident of Osage Beach for at least one year prior to appointment, a registered voter, a resident of the ward upon appointment and for the duration of serving in the position, be up-to-date with owing any taxes and be felony-free.

The appointment is for the unfinished term expiring in April, 2022, and is to be filled by mayoral appointment with consent of a majority of the remaining board members.

Anyone interested in filling the vacant alderman seat in Osage Beach should submit a letter of intent to city hall by the end of business on Friday, August 27th. A background check will also be required prior to appointment.

20210811 News Release_Vacant Board of Aldermen Seat

 

More Lake Area Schools Say “No” To Masks In Class As Of Today

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With the start of the upcoming school year now under two weeks away, districts across the Lake Area continue to look at the possibility of having to mask up.

In the Macks Creek District, Superintendent Josh Phillips says it’ll be business as usual “Because of small numbers and because of our departmentalization, we didn’t have the prevalence of spread they saw in other areas. No community here spread here since last school year. So, since that worked so well…that’s how we will start this school year.”

Phillips also says concerns over a lack of social distancing on buses was an issue which worked itself out “In normal times kids crowd into seats and visit with their buddies…so we were cautious. But, with people exercising our car rider options…that freed up a lot of space.”

Should the health department issue any recommendations on mask wearing or other Covid protocol, that is when Phillips says the district will consider implementing any changes.

Earlier this week both School of the Osage and St. Elizabeth R-4 said they too will not require masks, unless directed to do so.

That’s a stark contrast to other cities outside the lake, like Springfield and St. Louis, where mask mandates will be returning for students in most of their area school districts.

Another Town Hall Regarding Lake Issues Returning To Osage Beach City Hall

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With the recent national attention on the Lake Area, some local officials say there are a number of problems which need to be addressed.

Lake area State Representative Doctor Lisa Thomas is spearheading some town hall meetings to look at those issues, much of which is related to boating, coves and general safety “we can come up to some actual solutions to these issues, many of which are long standing, but often getting more urgent because of the numbers of people coming down. And a lot of new owners, new boaters and new renters as well.”

About a hundred people showed up to the first town hall meeting in mid-July.

The next town hall is set for Wednesday, the 25th of this month, at the Osage Beach City Hall starting at 10AM and lasting until 4PM.

Fitzpatrick To Run For State Auditor On Republican Ticket

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State Treasurer Scott Fitzpatrick says he will be running for state auditor.

Fitzpatrick has been serving the state since 2013.

The Republican Candidate began as a Missouri House Representative and six years later was appointed state treasurer.

Fitzpatrick says his years as budget chairman and treasurer give him an enhanced perspective for the position.

The decision to run follows the announcement earlier this year that current State Auditor Nicole Galloway, a Democrat, will not run for re-election in 2022.

Galloway was unsuccessful in her attempt to beat Governor Mike Parson in the 2020 Governor’s race.

NBC News Does National Story On Lake Of The Ozarks

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NBC News is showcasing the Lake Region as tourism continues to flourish in the wake of COVID 19.

In a video aired on the network, a reporter ask residents what they think about the community and the way it’s handling the COVID 19 Pandemic.

“Oh, I feel comfortable. I’ve never been vaccinated….I think a lot of it is BS” says one man, “If you’re not comfortable with a mask, then don’t wear a mask. If you’re comfortable with a mask, then mask up. I think it’s your choice, not the Government’s choice” says one woman.

You can see the full video below, and on our social media channels.

Former State Senator & 4th Congressional District Candidate Ed Emery Passes Away

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Former State Senator Ed Emery, who was in the running for Missouri’s 4th Congressional district, has died.

Emery was receiving treatment at University Hospital after collapsing last Tuesday during a rally in Randolph County.

In a tweet posted this weekend, Governor Mike Parson says the two served together in both the house and senate, and that Emery leaves an enduring legacy in public service.

Missouri’s 4th Congressional District encompasses most of Lake of the Ozarks.

The seat is currently held by Vicky Hartzler, who is running for the Missouri Senate Seat being vacated by Senator Roy Blunt.

No further details as to what caused the Senator’s death have been released at this time.

Sheriff Helms Thanks Voters For Tax Increase And Says He’s “Getting Right To Work”

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Sheriff Tony Helms

 

Close to two-thirds of Camden County voters say ‘Yes’ to a one-quarter-cent sales tax increase for the Sheriff’s Department.

But in Tuesday’s voting, more than a thousand people said ‘No’ to the proposed increase, some doing so because they weren’t sure where the money would go or because sales tax revenue in Camden County is up right now.

“The way this money is going to budgeted out, it’s going to be hard to have an flex room with it. I know sales taxes are up right now, and that’s great…but it won’t last” says Sheriff Tony Helms ,“I assure you the money is going to be spent where the money is suppose to be spent….you’re just going to have to trust me.”

He tells KRMS he was the driving force behind the proposed sales tax increase because he wanted more deputies, pay raises for his staff and more equipment “by the time give a deputy a raise, by the time you hire 10 new people, by the time you outfit those people…it’s going to cost most of the money.”

Helms has said for several months he’s losing personnel to other opportunities inside and outside of law enforcement because they can make more money elsewhere.

Helms was interviewed by Christian Blood on the KRMS Morning Magazine.

New State Law On COVID Pandemic To Take Affect This August

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A new law relating to the coronavirus pandemic in Missouri is set to take effect.

Senate Bill 51 & 42 became a priority early on during this year’s regular legislative session.

Senator Tony Luetkemeyer of Parkville is the sponsor, and says this new law will address certain civil actions arising from the COVID-19 pandemic “It protects all those entities from opportunistic lawsuits. Those companies or entities, who were acting on good faith, are protected under the bill to make sure they’re not sued.”

Senator Karla May of St. Louis says some Missouri senators have concerns with this new law “that may cause someone to inadvertently be impacted by COVID 19.”

Another aspect of this new law protects religious organizations and medical professionals from liability, unless a plaintiff can prove clear and convincing evidence.

Senate Bill 51 & 42 will become law on Aug. 28.

Camden Prosecutor Receives DWI Hero Of The Year Award

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The Prosecutor of Camden County’s getting some recognition from the Missouri Association of Prosecuting Attorneys.

Caleb Cunningham been named the DWI Hero of the Year

“I was deeply honored to even be nominated” says Cunningham,“some law enforcement nominated me…some Troopers and Sheriff’s deputies.”

He tells KRMS News he’s most proud of the fact law enforcement can now get blood drawn from DWI suspects quicker than before “the fastest time is 11 minutes. Generally in 15 minutes now, we’re able to digitize that process…which has made it a tremendous amount faster, more efficient and more accurate quite honestly.”

Cunningham says the Camden County Sheriff’s Office recorded around 88 DWI’s in the Lake Area in 2020.

But this year that number is up over 140 with the Labor Day Weekend still to come.

Cunningham was interviewed on the KRMS Morning Magazine.

Former Senator Ed Emery Collapses During Speech In Randolph County

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A politician who’s running for the 4th congressional district seat collapses during an address to his constituents.

According to officials, former state senator Ed Emery collapsed while speaking at the Randolph County Republican Women’s organization on Tuesday night.

Reports indicate CPR was performed at the scene before he was rushed to University Hospital by ambulance.

His last status update shows the 71-year-old in critical but stable condition.

Emery is seeking to take the seat currently being held by Vicky Hartzler, who’s running for Roy Blunt’s seat in 2022.

MO Attorney General Files Lawsuit In KC Against Mask Mandates

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Missouri Attorney General Eric Schmitt now has a lawsuit filed against Kansas City over mask mandates he says are ‘unreasonable and unconstitutional.’

The suit was filed Tuesday in Jackson County.

The AG is asking the court to get rid of the mask mandates in favor of appropriate guidance.

But the lawsuit also targets Kansas City mayor Quinton Lucas.

The suit argues Lucas said July 25 no mask mandates were needed, but then he changed his mind three days later.

Schmitt sued St. Louis and St. Louis County in July over their new mask mandates, and a circuit judge put the policy on hold for at least two weeks.

Tuesday’s Election Results Are In – Camden Sheriff Will Get Tax Increase

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Election results from Tuesday are in and it’s a yes vote all across the board.

For Camden County, over 1,800 residents said yes to a tax increase for the Camden County Sheriff’s Office.

The department requested the increase after calls for service shot up nearly 60% over the past year.

It also comes at a time where Camden County was the lowest salaries for deputies anywhere in the state.

In Laclede County, voters also gave a yes nod to the Bond for the Public Water District # 1 and said yes to a one-half of one percent sales tax increase for storm water management and parks in the city of Lebanon.

The sales tax will replace the park tax levy, which was being charged on personal property and real estate.

130_PALL_Election_Summaryfinal

Unofficial Results-8.3.21-Evening

August Sample Ballots For Camden And Laclede Counties On KRMSRADIO.COM

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We’re just a few days away from voters heading back to the polls in two Lake Area counties.

Elections are taking place in both Camden and Laclede Counties on August 3rd.

Some of the issues voters will be looking at include a sales tax increase for the Camden County Sheriff and Water District Bonds in Laclede County.

Both county sample ballots can be found below:

For Camden County: https://www.camdenmo.org/wp-content/uploads/august-21-sample.pdf

For Laclede County: https://lacledecountyclerk.org/whats-on-the-ballot/

Lake Ozark Board Of Alderman Meeting Sees Several Residents Voicing Numerous Opinions

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The Mayor of Lake Ozark and the Board of Aldermen continue to disagree on how best to replace soon-to-be retired City Administrator Dave Van Dee.

At a meeting Tuesday night, numerous citizens spoke for and against the idea of starting a new search for Van Dee’s replacement.

Current Assistant City Administrator Harrison Fry also serves as Community Development Director.

Speakers on behalf of Fry included former Alderman Larry Giampa and former mayor Johnnie Franzeskos.

Others spoke on behalf of Dennis Newberry’s idea to start a new search, including several businesses owners in Lake Ozark.

Officials In Lake Ozark Expect Large Resident Turnout In Tuesday’s Board Of Alderman Meeting

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A larger than usual crowd is expected at Lake Ozark for tonight’s Board Meeting, as division continues between the Board and newly elected Mayor Dennis Newberry.

I have rumors saying that the Mayor is going to stuff the room full of people to scold the board, on our spending $22,000 to acquire the individual (Harrison Fry) for the Administrative position” says Mayor Pro Tem Pat Thompson, “I’m a little considered with what some of the residents will have to say. But then on the other hand, I am sure the Mayor will be concerned if the people are here supporting us. All you can do is sit and listen, and hope for the best.”

Mayor Pro Tem Pat Thompson tell KRMS News the Board is willing to work with the new Mayor, but some members don’t think Newberry wants to work with them “Mr. Newberry is new to politics. I’ve never seen him at a board meeting, I’ve never seen him on a commission, I’ve never seen him on a committee, I’m sure he doesn’t know all the statutes all the ordinances.”

Alderman Vernon Jaycox called a special session last week to discuss an already established personnel transition, but the new mayor wouldn’t take part “I just wish we could all work together. When we work together, we’re working for the residents of Lake Ozark. We’re not working for us.”

Tonight’s meeting begins at 6 pm at Lake Ozark City Hall.

Thompson says the public comment period will be early on.

BOA 7-27-21-compressed

Camden Sheriff Talks Tax Increase On Upcoming August Ballot

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Sheriff Tony Helms

We’re a week away from learning whether or not much of the Lake Area wants to raise taxes for the Camden County Sheriff’s Office.

A one-quarter-cent sales tax increase is on the ballot for August 3rd.

“Right now we have officers we losing…making only like $32,000 as the top pay for Camden County. And I have jailers and dispatchers who are only making $14 an hour” Says Sheriff Tony Helms, “the lowest paying county we could find is Pulaski, which pays $15.75 an hour…and they just past a tax so they may be going up too, I don’t know.”

He tells KRMS News the only way to get money for raises, more deputies and their equipment is to raise the county’s sales tax “well everybody’s heard it, everybody’s aware of it OH my gosh we’re up 60% in our sales tax! Well, let me tell you what comes with a 60% increase in sales tax….60% more calls, 60% more people are here.”

Helms also says he wants to give raises to the deputies he does have “the raises will keep people here. Right now we’re losing people to other counties! Every county virtually around us pays more than we do.”

Sheriff Helms was interviewed by Christian Blood on the KRMS Morning Magazine.

Concerned Women For America’s Alissa Johnson To Speak Tuesday In Camdenton

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Two kids with tablet computer in a dark room. Protection of children against content from the internet concept

Officials with Concerned Women for America (CWA) of Missouri will be hosting a special guest in Camdenton this Tuesday.

CWA of Missouri Legislative Liaison Alissa Johnson is expected to speak at the Key Gathering Place on the Protect Young Minds Online Act.

Johnson says that over forty years ago, lawmakers created a Missouri statute that would make furnishing pornographic material to minors a Class A misdemeanor.

However, that statute does not include the internet.

With so many minors are accessing pornography through their computers and cell phones, Johnson says that statue needs an update.

The event will take place starting at 6:30PM.

 

More about the event:

If you live in or around Camdenton, Missouri, Concerned Women for America (CWA) of Missouri invites you to come to hear CWA of Missouri Legislative Liaison, Alissa Johnson, speak on the Protect Young Minds Online Act (PYMOA), Tuesday, July 27 in Camdenton, Missouri.

The Missouri State Capitol in advocating for the passage of PYMOA – legislation that will require internet service providers in the state to add a filter to protect children from viewing pornography/obscenity online. This legislation is the first and only of its kind and has been vetted and supported by the National Center on Sexual Exploitation.

More than forty years ago, Missouri lawmakers created a Missouri statute that would make furnishing pornographic material to minors a Class A misdemeanor. The statute has never been updated to include the internet. Presently, minors are accessing pornography/obscenity via the internet on their cell phones, home computers, friends’ laptops/tablets, etc. The PYMOA will be a partial remedy for that.

According to the testimony of Sexual Assault Nurse Examiners in Missouri, they are finding that over 40 percent of perpetrators who assault minor children are minor children themselves – ages 10-14. These assaults by children are attributed to the acting out of what they have observed while watching online pornography.

We Need You! This is the third year that PYMOA has been filed, and movement for its passage made in the Missouri General Assembly. Each year that the PYMOA is not passed, the problem grows exponentially. It will take an active, grassroots outcry to motivate elected members of the General Assembly to pass this bill.

Meeting Details:
When: Tuesday, July 27 at 6:30 p.m.
Where: Key Gathering Place, 1163 Business MO 5, Camdenton, MO 65020
Who: The general public is invited to attend this free event. Men, women, and teens are welcome to attend.

About Alissa Johnson
Alissa Johnson is a member of the CWA of Missouri leadership team. Her duties as a Legislative Liaison include meeting with legislators in both chambers of the Missouri General Assembly to discuss legislation, testify at legislative hearings, pray for and encourage legislators, as well as participate in activities designed to educate lawmakers and communities statewide on important legislation.

We hope to see you there.

Bev Ehlen
State Director

Lake Ozark Board Of Alderman Have Disagreement With Mayor Dennis Newberry

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There’s division between the Lake Ozark Board of Aldermen and Mayor Dennis Newberry.

At issue is the transition from current City Administrator Dave Van Dee and Assistant City Administrator Harrison Fry, who was hired a year ago in preparation for the change.

“He has refused to bring Harrison’s name up, to fill that position” says Lake Ozark Alderman Vernon Jaycox, “and everyone at the city hall, every department head….everybody loves him (Harrison) to death.”

Alderman Jaycox tells KRMS News the Mayor will present a candidate to the board for their approval, but that has not happened “I called, myself as an Alderman, for a special session to talk about his thoughts, theories and things….but he refused to attend the executive session. I thought that was not becoming of the Mayor. With all my experience, I felt like he let us down.”

Jaycox says Newberry wants to re-open the search for a successor to Van Dee, who’s retiring at the end of October, and that Newberry will consider Fry as a successor…but only along with other candidates, after posting an ad on a website designed to hire public officials.

New Director Of Health And Senior Services Announced For Missouri

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Missouri now has a new director at the Department of Health and Senior Services.

“The DHS director, has always had a critical and important position in the State of Missouri. The position is tasked with protecting the health and well being of Missourians” says Governor Mike Parson, “after interviewing multiple highly qualified candidates, we narrowed the search to a couple of finalists. I am announced, Don Kauerauf, as the new director of the DHSS.”

Donald Kauerauf will replace Dr. Randal Williams, who resigned in April.

Kauerauf previously served in multiple roles in Illinois, including Assistant Director of the Department of Public Health and the Chair of the Terrorism Task Force.

 

***Additional Info:

(JEFFERSON CITY, MO) – Today during a press conference at the State Capitol, Governor Mike Parson announced that he has selected Donald G. Kauerauf to be the next Director of the Missouri Department of Health and Senior Services, effective September 1, 2021.

“We are excited to welcome Don to Missouri and look forward to the great work he is sure to accomplish in service to all Missourians,” Governor Parson said. “Don is no stranger to state government and has more than 30 years of experience in public health and emergency management with the state of Illinois. It is obvious that he has a firm grasp on public health issues and the COVID-19 crisis, and we are confident in his ability to lead DHSS.”

Mr. Kauerauf served as the Assistant Director of the Illinois Department of Public Health from 2016 until his retirement in 2018. More recently, he was selected to Chair the Illinois Terrorism Task Force and has served in that capacity throughout the COVID-19 crisis. In his position as Chair of the Terrorism Task Force, Mr. Kauerauf also served as Deputy to the Illinois Governor’s Homeland Security Advisor and Policy Advisor to the Illinois Emergency Management Agency Director.

Mr. Kauerauf has more than 30 years of experience in state government and has served in various senior leadership positions in public health and emergency management. During his time with the Illinois Department of Public Health, he developed a statewide structure to improve communication between the Department and local public health agencies and directed the development and implementation of the nation’s first statewide pandemic influenza exercise, among other accomplishments.

“It is an honor to be appointed by the Governor as the new Director of the Missouri Department of Health and Senior Services,” Mr. Kauerauf said. “I’m looking forward to working with public health agencies, healthcare providers, and communities to build upon the great work that has been initiated in Missouri to address the current COVID-19 situation. At the same time, I’ll work to make available critical preventative programs and services to increase the health and safety of all Missourians.”

Mr. Kauerauf holds a Bachelor of Science in occupational safety and health from Illinois State University.

Lake Ozark Mayor Gets Salary Garnished After Promising It To LOPD

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Promised funds to the Lake Ozark Police Department may be in jeopardy, after a garnishment is issued on Mayor Dennis Newberry’s salary.

According to CaseNet, the garnishment was filed in Miller County for just over $3,800 dollars to the collection agency “Consumer Adjustment Company.”

The mayor had previously promised that his salary would be donated to the Police Department to help with their ongoing needs, which may be even more important with the threat of Biker Gang retaliation from the recent shooting on the Bagnell Dam Strip.

CaseNet does not show that the garnishment has been satisfied, therefore it’s expected to be going into effect immediately.

NextSite Expansion Program Gaining Steam With Other Cities Involved

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Photo by Tony Stoddard on Unsplash

Lake Ozark wants to attract more business to the city, and the board of aldermen are signing off on an agreement with a company that does that.

“NextSite is a company that specializes in commercial recruitment and data analytics. Basically they take the information collected through cell phone towers, about who’s driving through our community…where they are going and what they are doing…and they use that to create a market profile” says Lake Ozark Community Development Director Harrison Fry.

He tells KRMS News the agreement is coming through the Lake of the Ozarks Economic Development Council and the cost has been reduced for each city, but it was reduced thanks to Ameren Missouri’s involvement “originally the cost to bring them down here was astronomical, but Ameren was able to bring that down to $30,000 lake wide…and with the $10,000 agreement from LORDEC, that brought the cost down to only $2,850 per city.

Other cities in the Lake Area are also coming on board with the plan to bring more businesses to Lake of the Ozarks, including Osage Beach, Camdenton, Eldon and Versailles “Sunrise Beach and Laurie over on the west side, they’re continuing to review the proposal…there is a lot of interest over there.”

Sunrise Beach and Laurie are reviewing the NextSite opportunity and we’ll pass along the latest details when they arise on News / Talk KRMS.

 

****Additional Info:

For Immediate Release

The City of Lake Ozark has endorsed a plan that could help the community market itself to potential new businesses and industries.

The board of aldermen recently signed off on an agreement with NextSite through the Lake of the Ozarks Regional Economic Development Council (LOREDC) to provide analytical data and business recruitment. NextSite is a commercial development advisory firm specializing in identifying and connecting opportunities to developers, tenant reps and end-users to affect positive change in communities across the U.S.

LOREDC and Ameren Missouri have been working for several months to secure an agreement with NextSite so communities in the lake area – including Lake Ozark – can have access to data and services that could help in business recruitment. Now, the various lake communities are being asked to support the project with financial support of $2,850 each.

If the NextSite marketing program is the direct cause of a project for any of the cities, the cities will provide a Success Fee that would be determined as part of the specific agreement with the city.

Total cost of the NextSite services is $30,000 a year for three years, and LOREDC has agreed to pay the first $10,000 each year.

The cities of Lake Ozark, Osage Beach, Camdenton, Eldon, Laurie, Sunrise Beach and Versailles are being asked to participate over the next three years.

Assistant City Administrator Harrison Fry explained that NextSite gathers shopping data based on cell tower use, by mapping customer shopping habits and other types of customer information to develop recruiting plans.

Alderman Dennis Klautzer said he sees NextStep as a headhunter company for businesses.

“This is getting more and more common in the business world, finding businesses for communities,” he noted.

 

Benefits

  • At least one on-site meeting with a NextSite staff member to discuss the city’s goals and available development sites and available buildings suitable for commercial, office or institutional tenants.
  • Access to the full LOREDC study data and each city’s data.
  • The opportunity to have special business segment, district or site studies conducted by NextSite.
  • The city’s properties and sites will be included in NextSite’s full national marketing program including the trade show schedule and targeted marketing programs aimed at suitable commercial, office and institutional users.
  • The city and LOREDC will receive status reports from NextSite on a regular basis recapping the marketing activity that is included on the city’s sites.

Once NextSite completes the market analysis phase, identifies realistic opportunity targets and creates the marketing overview for Lake of the Ozarks market, it begins the proactive recruitment of developers, tenant reps and retailers. Using its extensive contact database and relationships throughout the commercial real estate and retail industry, NextSite connects the opportunities to decision makers with the goal of generating interest that results in market drives from these real estate professionals.

According to NextSite, the company has connected and supported more than 20 million square feet of commercial development projects resulting in more than $4.1 billion in capital investment.

 

The cost

NextSite will provide research, marketing and recruitment services for participating communities in the lake area. A development that is considered procured by NextSite when the retailer/restaurant opens for business at which time fees are due from the city to NextSite.

The fee structure is as follows:

  • Restaurants — $4,500 per location
  • Single or multi-tenant development of less than 10,000 square feet — $7,500 per development
  • Multi-tenant development or single tenant retailer between 10,001—and 50,000 square feet — $15,000.
  • Multi-tenant development or single tenant retailer between 50,001 and 100,000 square feet — $20,000 per development.

Development or single tenant retailer of 100,000 square feet — $30,000 per location.

Multi-family, single-family, townhomes, senior housing development, hotel, movie theater or hospital — $25,000 per location if the developer is introduced to the market by NextSite.

City Of Lake Ozark Endorses NextSite Plans From LOREDC & Ameren

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The city of Lake Ozark is endorsing a plan to help the area market itself to new businesses and other industries.

The board of alderman recently signing off on an agreement with NextSite through the Lake of the Ozarks Regional Economic Development Council, which will provide critical analytical data and business recruitment procedures.

Both LOREDC and Ameren Missouri have been working on bringing NextSite to the lake, but in order to do that, they need a total of $2,850 from each city.

NextSite services costs around $30,000 a year, for three years, and LOREDC has agreed to pay the first $10,000 each year.

The cities of Lake Ozark, Osage Beach, Camdenton, Laurie, Sunrise Beach, Eldon and Versailles are being to join the next three years.

NextSite gathers shopping data based on cell tower use, by following consumer shopping habits and develop recruiting plans.

 

***More info:

For Immediate Release

The City of Lake Ozark has endorsed a plan that could help the community market itself to potential new businesses and industries.

The board of aldermen recently signed off on an agreement with NextSite through the Lake of the Ozarks Regional Economic Development Council (LOREDC) to provide analytical data and business recruitment. NextSite is a commercial development advisory firm specializing in identifying and connecting opportunities to developers, tenant reps and end-users to affect positive change in communities across the U.S.

LOREDC and Ameren Missouri have been working for several months to secure an agreement with NextSite so communities in the lake area – including Lake Ozark – can have access to data and services that could help in business recruitment. Now, the various lake communities are being asked to support the project with financial support of $2,850 each.

If the NextSite marketing program is the direct cause of a project for any of the cities, the cities will provide a Success Fee that would be determined as part of the specific agreement with the city.

Total cost of the NextSite services is $30,000 a year for three years, and LOREDC has agreed to pay the first $10,000 each year.

The cities of Lake Ozark, Osage Beach, Camdenton, Eldon, Laurie, Sunrise Beach and Versailles are being asked to participate over the next three years.

Assistant City Administrator Harrison Fry explained that NextSite gathers shopping data based on cell tower use, by mapping customer shopping habits and other types of customer information to develop recruiting plans.

Alderman Dennis Klautzer said he sees NextStep as a headhunter company for businesses.

“This is getting more and more common in the business world, finding businesses for communities,” he noted.

 

Benefits

  • At least one on-site meeting with a NextSite staff member to discuss the city’s goals and available development sites and available buildings suitable for commercial, office or institutional tenants.
  • Access to the full LOREDC study data and each city’s data.
  • The opportunity to have special business segment, district or site studies conducted by NextSite.
  • The city’s properties and sites will be included in NextSite’s full national marketing program including the trade show schedule and targeted marketing programs aimed at suitable commercial, office and institutional users.
  • The city and LOREDC will receive status reports from NextSite on a regular basis recapping the marketing activity that is included on the city’s sites.

Once NextSite completes the market analysis phase, identifies realistic opportunity targets and creates the marketing overview for Lake of the Ozarks market, it begins the proactive recruitment of developers, tenant reps and retailers. Using its extensive contact database and relationships throughout the commercial real estate and retail industry, NextSite connects the opportunities to decision makers with the goal of generating interest that results in market drives from these real estate professionals.

According to NextSite, the company has connected and supported more than 20 million square feet of commercial development projects resulting in more than $4.1 billion in capital investment.

 

The cost

NextSite will provide research, marketing and recruitment services for participating communities in the lake area. A development that is considered procured by NextSite when the retailer/restaurant opens for business at which time fees are due from the city to NextSite.

The fee structure is as follows:

  • Restaurants — $4,500 per location
  • Single or multi-tenant development of less than 10,000 square feet — $7,500 per development
  • Multi-tenant development or single tenant retailer between 10,001—and 50,000 square feet — $15,000.
  • Multi-tenant development or single tenant retailer between 50,001 and 100,000 square feet — $20,000 per development.

Development or single tenant retailer of 100,000 square feet — $30,000 per location.

Multi-family, single-family, townhomes, senior housing development, hotel, movie theater or hospital — $25,000 per location if the developer is introduced to the market by NextSite.

Hartzler Sends Letter To DC Demanding Answers On January 6th Protest Arrests

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A representative of the Lake area is sending a letter, requesting information on possible wrongful detainment for those involved in the January 6th elections protest in Washington DC.

In the letter, Congresswoman Vicky Hartzler of Missouri’s 4th District requests that Attorney General Merrick Garland and Federal Bureau of Prisons Director Michael Carvajal send her information on the arrests of those who breached the US Capitol Building.

Hartzler writes that many of the charges against some of the individuals “hardly warranted the use of solitary confinement” and that the “politically motivated arrests” may result in physiological and psychological after affects to these individuals.

 

***Info below:

WASHINGTON, D.C. – Congresswoman Vicky Hartzler (R-MO) sent a letter to Attorney General Merrick Garland and Federal Bureau of Prisons Director Michael Carvajal requesting information regarding possible wrongful forms of detainment, including solitary confinement, of individuals who breached the United States Capitol Building on January 6, 2021.

In the letter, Hartzler wrote: “Given the harmful physiological and psychological effects of restrictive housing, also known as solitary confinement, recent reports on the use of solitary confinement for dozens of the pretrial defendants is alarming. The charges against these individuals do not warrant the use of solitary confinement, a treatment reserved for the most violent of criminals, and suggests that this elevated treatment is politically motivated and warrants answers.”

This ongoing development has been documented at length in Politico and the Washington Examiner. View the official letter here and below.

Dear Attorney General Garland and Director Carvajal,

I am writing to inquire about reports in the media regarding the use of solitary confinement and personal rights violations against those detained following the January 6, 2021 breach of the U.S. Capitol. While we can all agree that the breach of the Capitol is inexcusable and those responsible for breaking the law must be held accountable, reports of this excessive and harsh treatment is highly concerning. The U.S. Department of Justice’s (DOJ) mission is to ensure the fair and impartial administration of justice no matter the circumstance of the crime. This mission highlights the right of every American to be treated innocent until proven guilty.

As many of the defendants still being detained are classified as pretrial defendants, their treatment while being detained must reflect the presumption of innocence and strictly abide by the DOJ Federal Bureau of Prison’s (BOP) regulations. For example, Title 18 U.S.C. § 3142(i)(2) states that pretrial inmates are to be housed separately, “to the extent practicable, from persons awaiting or serving sentences or being held in custody pending appeal. This housing is to be accomplished while imposing the least restrictive constraints consistent with security needs and following sound correctional judgment.” While pretrial individuals may be housed separately, this regulation should not invoke the use of solitary confinement unless otherwise determined based on safety and need.

Additionally, pretrial defendants are afforded certain rights over convicted inmates, including not being required to work and having access to religious programs without the presence of convicted inmates. While individual institutions under the BOP’s jurisdiction may make the decision to restrict pretrial inmates, these decisions must be based on a screening process to identify seriously ill, violent, aggressive, escape risk, or high-profile inmates who require closer supervision.

Given the harmful physiological and psychological effects of restrictive housing, also known as solitary confinement, recent reports on the use of solitary confinement for dozens of the pretrial defendants is alarming. The charges against these individuals do not warrant the use of solitary confinement, a treatment reserved for the most violent of criminals, and suggests that this elevated treatment is politically motivated and warrants answers. That is why I respectfully request a briefing on the following questions by July 28, 2021:

  1. How many individuals are incarcerated for allegedly committing crimes associated with the January 6, 2021 Capitol breach?
  2. How many of these individuals have been released on bail?
  3. How many of these individuals have been released on their own recognizance or without being required to post bond?
  4. How many of these individuals were offered deferred resolution agreements?
  5. How many of these individuals are or were placed in solitary confinement?
  6. What were the deciding factors for sending pretrial defendants to solitary confinement?
  7. What was the average amount of consecutive days such individuals were in solitary confinement?
  8. Were there opportunities for the defendants to access religious services or have visitors?
 All Americans deserve to be treated fairly and impartially. We expect the Department is serving justice equitably to all defendants regardless of the political sensitivities surrounding an individual’s arrest or surrender.

Thank you for carrying out the mission of the DOJ and I look forward to discussing these questions further.

Sincerely,

Vicky Hartzler
Member of Congress

No Immediate Asbestos Risk At Camden County Courthouse – Removal Is Recommended

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The Camden County Commission is reporting there’s no asbestos risk in the Hugh Phillips Annex of the County Courthouse.

The Missouri DNR now says the building’s in compliance with all applicable laws and regulations after a previous inspection done earlier this year.

“The was a different between the inspection done by Mr. Rick Bryant and the inspection that I did” says environmental specialist Roderick Manuzon with the Missouri Department of Natural Resources.

He tells KRMS News his inspection centered around whether or not previous renovations of the building released asbestos “previously they renovated the facility. The removed some carpet and added some walls, they also renovated some toilets. So those were the things that I checked.”

The Bryant inspection did find asbestos in the building, but Manuzon says those areas were not affected by the renovations.

“I think we were there three different times, found 11 areas that contained asbestos…but these were non-friable asbestos, meaning they do not have to be removed” says Inspector Rick Bryant.

He tells KRMS News he did recommend they remove it none-the-less “when you have asbestos present, there’s always a risk. There’s not necessarily, as I explained to everyone involved, an immediate risk for everyone involved…because it’s in basement and it’s non-friable. But it’s absolutely IMPERATIVE that people understand they’re NOT to disturb it. You can’t hit it, bang it…you can’t make it friable!”

The estimated cost of removing the non-friable asbestos is around $6-thousand dollars, according to Bryant.

Secretary Of State Snaps Back At “For The People” Voting Act – Calls It “Unconstitutional”

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Sec. of State Ashcroft

Republicans and Democrats on Capitol Hill remain divided on the ‘For The People’ voting act.

“It is what I call the “Swamp Trifecta”, it is unmanageable, it is immoral and it is unconstitutional” says Missouri Secretary of State Jay Ashcroft.

He tells KRMS what he’ll do if HR 1 passes through Congress and is then signed by Joe Biden “I’m going to do 2 things…1, I’m going to court because it’s unconstitutional and it doesn’t count, and 2…we’re going to tell Nancy Pelosi to “Pound Sand.””

Secretary Ashcroft says government officials only have the powers given to them in the U-S Constitution.

He also says an unconstitutional law is not really a law.

Jay Ashcroft was interviewed by Christian Blood on the KRMS Morning Magazine.

State Rep Dr. Lisa Thomas To Hold Townhall Meeting On Friday

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A State Representative for much of the Lake Area’s holding a town hall meeting Friday.

“At Osage Beach City hall….this will be from noon until 1:30pm. It’s open to vacationers, business owners, residents and more” says State Rep Lisa Thomas.

She tells KRMS News she wants to keep the attendance limited to those living in the 124th Legislative District “we’re going to talk about a number of topics, including boat and watercraft issues, dock issues, seawall and erosion issues, no-wake cove issues, anchor issues…so on.”

Thomas says there will be the expected ‘other’ category as the discussion proceeds Friday afternoon.

Thomas represents portions of Camden and Miller counties in the 124th District, previously held by Rocky Miller.

Representative Thomas was interviewed by Guy Wehman on The Ozarks This Morning on News / Talk KRMS.

Dock Bill Officially Signed Into Law

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New rules concerning docks and vessels on Lake of the Ozarks after Governor Mike Parson signed several bills.

It’s now unlawful for a vessel within 100 feet of a permitted dock to anchor in a way that obstructs the ingress and egress of watercraft to the dock.

It’s also unlawful to secure a vessel or enter a private permitted dock unless authorized by the dock permit holder.

Out on the water, the act prohibits the obstruction of normal, flowing traffic on Missouri waters.

And a requirement’s been waived that said boat dealers have to sell at least six vessels or vessel trailers per year to be recognized as a boat dealer, but the dealer has to be a licensed custom boat manufacturer that makes vessels for biological and other scientific research.

 

Info about the bill:

HCS/SCS/SB 49 – This act modifies provisions relating to public safety.

BOAT DEALERS (Section 301.550)

This act waives the requirement that an entity must sell at least 6 vessels or vessel trailers in a calendar year in order to qualify as a boat dealer, provided the entity is a licensed boat manufacturer that custom manufactures boats for use with biological research and management equipment for fisheries, or for use with scientific sampling and for geological or chemistry purposes.

These provisions are identical to HB 1266 (2021).

PERMANENT VESSEL REGISTRATION (Section 306.030)

This act provides that vessels may be issued a permanent certificate of number upon payment of 3 times the amount required for a 3-year certificate of number and 3 times any processing fee applicable to a 3-year certificate of number. Permanent certificates of number shall not be transferred to any other person or vessel, or displayed on any vessel other than the vessel for which it was issued, and shall continue in force and effect until terminated or discontinued as provided by law. (Section 306.030.6)

These provisions are identical to provisions in HCS/SS/SCS/SB 4 (2021), provisions in HCS/SB 38 (2021), and provisions in HCS/SS/SB 46 (2021), and similar to HB 579 (2021).

PERMITTED BOAT DOCKS, AND OBSTRUCTIONS CAUSED BY VESSELS (Section 306.221)

This act prohibits vessels positioned within 100 feet of a permitted boat dock from being anchored in a manner that obstructs ingress or egress of watercraft to or from the dock, unless authorized by the boat dock permit holder. The act also provides that no person shall secure a vessel to or enter upon a private permitted boat dock unless authorized to do so by the boat dock permit holder, or as specified in the act. A violation of these provisions shall be an infraction.

This act also specifies that operating or positioning a vessel in a manner that obstructs or impedes the normal flow of traffic on the waters of this state shall be an infraction, rather than a Class C misdemeanor for a first offense or a Class B misdemeanor for a second or subsequent offense.

These provisions are similar to HB 871 (2021).

NEW MOTOR VEHICLE SAFETY INSPECTIONS (Section 307.380)

This act exempts new motor vehicles from the requirement that motor vehicles receive a safety inspection immediately prior to their sale regardless of any current certificate of inspection and approval.

These provisions are identical to provisions in the truly agreed to and finally passed SS#2/HB 661 (2021), provisions in SCS/HB 578 (2021), provisions in HCS/SS/SCS/SB 4 (2021), provisions in HCS/SB 38 (2021), provisions in HCS/SS/SB 46 (2021), provisions in HCS/SS/SB 89 (2021), and HB 687 (2021).

MISSOURI CYBERSECURITY ACT (Section 650.125)

This act establishes the “Missouri Cybersecurity Commission” within the Department of Public Safety for the purpose of identifying risk to state and critical infrastructure with regard to cyber attacks. The commission shall be funded by appropriation, and any expenditure constituting more than 10% of the commission’s annual appropriation shall be based on a competitive bid process. The commission shall advise the Governor on the state of cybersecurity in the state, obtain data from certain public entities specified in the act, and make recommendations to reduce the state’s risk of cyber attack. The commission shall present an annual report to the Governor by December 31st of each year, which shall be held confidential.

These provisions are identical to provisions in SCS/HCS/HB 1204 (2021).

 

More details:

(JEFFERSON CITY, MO) – By the end of today, Governor Mike Parson will have signed 13 remaining pieces of legislation into law, concluding bill singings for the 2021 legislative session.

SB 26 – Public Safety

Modifies several provisions related to public safety, including providing taxpayers with the ability to obtain injunctive relief if a local government decreases its police department’s budget by a prescribed amount and creating additional protections for law enforcement officers.

Additionally, this bill modifies provisions related to jail time credit for criminals prior to conviction and allows a defendant’s behavior during that same period to be considered in sentencing proceedings.

SB 49 – Public Safety

Modifies several provisions related to public safety, including establishing new watercraft and waterway regulations and eliminating safety inspections for new vehicles.

SB 53 – Public Safety

Modifies several provisions related to public safety, including clarifying the Raise the Age statute, increasing the penalty for doxing a first responder or law enforcement officer, modifying the residency requirement for Kansas City law enforcement officers to assist with recruitment efforts, and creating a judicial procedure that provides a pathway for a prosecuting attorney to correct a miscarriage of justice resulting from a wrongful conviction.

The bill also allows prosecutors to use a witness or victim statement when a defendant engaged in wrongful conduct that prevented the witness or victim from being available to testify in a criminal proceeding.

HB 69 – Certain Metals

Modifies record keeping requirements for purchasers of gold, silver, or platinum to reduce theft.

HB 72 – Awareness and Monument Designations

Establishes Law Enforcement Appreciation Day as the first Friday in May, creates Pioneering Black Women’s Day on March 26th, and establishes The Gateway Arch as Missouri’s official state monument.

SB 120 – Military Affairs

Ensures National Guard service members are granted interviews for state government positions, promotes awareness of the state’s resources that are available for veterans, and creates the Purple Star Campus for K-12 schools.

HB 297 – Higher Education

Expands the available uses of 529 education savings plans, requires Department of Elementary and Secondary Education to create a state plan for Career and Technical Education, and allows college student-athletes to earn compensation for their name, image, or likeness.

HB 349 – Empowerment Scholarship Accounts

Creates Empowerment Scholarship Accounts (ESAs) that will offer scholarships to qualifying students to attend a K-12 school that is outside of their current school district.

SB 86 – Public Funds

Prohibits the contribution or expenditure of public funds for a variety of political causes and updates provisions related to ESAs.

HB 369 – Land Management

Provides additional liability protections for Missouri landowners.

HB 432 – Relating to the Protection of Vulnerable Persons

Makes statutory changes to implement the Office of Childhood, clarifies wage requirements for sheltered workshops, and establishes a right to unpaid leave for victims of domestic or sexual violence and their caregivers.

SB 520 – Memorial Highways

Establishes numerous memorial highways throughout the state.

HB 557 – Relating to the Protection of Children

Establishes minimum reporting requirements for license-exempt residential care facilities in an effort to ensure the safety and well-being of children and requires background checks for all facility and agency workers who have contact with children.

Lake Ozark Police Working On Securing Speed Trailer Thanks To Fundraising Efforts

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It’s a busy summer in Lake of the Ozarks, and one city wants some drivers to slow down.

An Alderman in Lake Ozark says he’s been noticing some high-speed traffic in residential areas since May, and now a mobile speed trailer is one the way.

The units can log the number of cars passing by and it’ll show you how fast you’re going as you pass by the posted speed limit.

The speed trailer was set up recently on Welsh Road on The North Shore and it found 5-thousand cars passing by over a one-week period.

On Monday the unit was set up on Oak Ridge Road.

The reported cost of the demo unit for sale is $10-thousand dollars, a total the city thinks will be met thanks to fundraising.

 

***More info:

For Immediate Release

7/13/2021

 

Speeding on City of Lake Ozark streets – as it is around most of the Lake of the Ozarks — is a constant problem. Posted speed limits are often ignored, posing potentially dangerous situations.

But a Lake Ozark alderman is doing something about it.

Matt Wright, voted into office in April, noticed several cars speeding on Valley Road during the Magic Dragon Street Meet Nationals car show in early May. Valley Drive is often used as an alternate route when Bagnell Dam Blvd. is closed for special events. Wright is also a resident on School Road where he’s developing a cluster of tiny homes. Again, he observed motorists speeding, especially when they realize the street is a dead-end street – even though it’s posted as such.

Wright approached Police Chief Gary Launderville about a portable speed trailer that monitors the speed of approaching vehicles and is used as a deterrent to speeding. The chief said buying a unit – which costs between $7,000 and $15,000 – was well beyond the LOPD’s budget.

“Wright took it upon himself to begin a fundraising campaign,” Launderville said.

It’s the intent at this point to buy the speed trailer because of Wright’s fundraising efforts.

After contacts with a speed trailer company, the LOPD discovered a demonstator unit was available for use with the possibility of buying it after a month.

To date, Wright has raised more than $5,000 toward a discounted price of just shy of $10,000. The trailer collects various data including speeds, traffic counts, and more.

The speed trailer was set up on Welsh Road on The North Shore the first week and recorded more than 5,000 vehicles. As of Monday, July 9, the trailer was on Oak Ridge Road. It will be moved to various locations as needed.

“We’ve received a lot of positive feedback from the neighborhoods,” Launderville noted.

Anyone interested in making a donation can do so to the Lake Ozark Police Benevolent Association and drop a check off at the LOPD, 3162 Bagnell Dam Blvd.; or through PayPal, Venmo, check or cash. For PayPal, visit paypal.me/lopbal; for Venmo, search @LakeOzarkPolice-Benevolent.

Gas Tax Bill Expected To Be Signed By Governor Parson Today

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For the first time since 1996, Missouri’s gas tax is about to go up.

Missouri Governor Mike Parson will sign a bill Tuesday that’ll increase one of the lowest gas-tax-rates in the country.

Missouri has a 17-cent-per-gallon gas tax right now, but starting in October two-and-a-half more cents will be added.

And more increases will follow.

Each year through 2025, another two-and-a-half cents will be added until the gas tax reaches a total of 29.5 cents per gallon.

Missourians have turned down gas-tax increases in Missouri three times over the last two decades, but Governor Parson says the money’s needed for roads and infrastructure.

 

***Below is some older information regarding the bill and what it would do when signed.

JEFFERSON CITY — A broad coalition of transportation stakeholders, including the Missouri Chamber of Commerce and Industry and the Missouri AFL-CIO, has released a new study analyzing the economic impacts of a proposed transportation investment bill. The study was completed by Economic Leadership, LLC.

Missouri has long had one of the lowest average gasoline taxes in the nation and it has been about 25 years since the state gasoline tax was increased. Additionally, Missouri has consistently ranked in the bottom half of states in terms of roads in poor condition and bridges that are deemed structurally insufficient. Estimates suggest that Missouri currently underfunds its transportation system by more than $825 million annually. In light of this critical need, more than 250 Missouri businesses and individuals have signed on to a letter urging the legislature to act.

The proposed legislation, Senate Bill 262, would generate about $500 million per year and direct these funds to address the infrastructure backlog.

The report addresses two main benefits that can be anticipated and measured from transportation improvements. The first benefit is the increase in economic activity in the construction sector spurred by the new gas tax revenue. These construction jobs are often stable, higher wage jobs. The spending of these higher wages can produce ripple effects throughout the economy. The second benefit measured in the report is cost savings to Missouri drivers from the improved quality of roads and bridges.

Together the annual benefits to drivers and infrastructure construction investment could result in the generation of over $1.8 billion in sales in Missouri’s economy. This would also create an overall increase of $722 million in earnings across the state and more than 17,000 jobs every year.

“It’s frustrating to see Missouri roads crumble while we send our workers to other states to build other states’ transportation projects,” said Jake Hummel, president of the Missouri AFL-CIO. “Investment in our infrastructure will increase safety for all Missourians and create and sustain good jobs. “We have the opportunity to make much needed improvements to our state’s roads while employing an additional 17,000 Missourians.”

 “The current state of our transportation system is unacceptable. More than $800 million in unfunded repairs, 45th in revenue per mile, over 2,00 deficient bridges – these numbers speak for themselves. But so do the numbers in this economic analysis,” said Daniel P. Mehan, Missouri Chamber President and CEO. “We can address serious safety and competitiveness issues while generating nearly $2 billion in additional economic activity in our state each year.”

For a complete copy of the study, click here.

Democrat JD Leathers Announces Run For 4th Congressional Seat

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We now know the name of the Democrat looking to run against several Republicans, all vying for the 4th Congressional District seat being vacated by Congresswoman Vicky Hartzler.

Former Farmer J.D. Leathers of Cass County is announcing his intentions to run for the seat.

Previously Leathers was working as a Traffic Commissioner in the city of Webster Groves, as well as a Public Policy Advisor for the city of Brentwood, both suburbs in St. Louis.

Hartzler has represented this district, which makes up most of the Lake Area, since 2010.

Final Lake Ozark Comprehensive Plan Meeting Scheduled For Later This Month

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Later this month, the last of three focus sessions on a Comprehensive Plan for Lake Ozark will be happening at Willmore Lodge Thursday, July 22, 202

The meeting will be open to those who live in the city limits and also to those who own businesses and property in Lake Ozark.

The Comprehensive Plan is a document that lays out the future for the city in areas like economic development and quality of life.

The next update to the Comprehensive Plan will be the first since 2006.

 

Additional info:

City of Lake Ozark - Press Release 07092021
 City of Lake Ozark Comprehesive Plan Agenda 07092021

Congresswoman Hartzler Snaps Back At “Door-To-Door” COVID Campaign

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One elected official representing part of the Lake Area in the U-S House is reacting to a White house plan to send Federal officials on a ‘door-to-door’ campaign to push COVID shots.

“I think that’s inappropriate. The vaccine is out, people know it’s available and they should have the option to go and receive it if they want. But if they don’t, they shouldn’t be hounded by Government agents at their front door” says Congresswoman Vicky Hartzler, “I think everybody should know by now that if they want it, they can get it, and I think it’s a waste of money to spend towards sending Government agents door-to-door.”

She tells KRMS News more than $1 billion dollars have already been spent by Democrats to promote the COVID shots manufactured by Pfizer, Maderna and Johnson and Johnson “there was even money in some of the Democrat’s COVID packages, over $1 Billion dollars, to help promote people receiving the vaccination and advertising that. So we’ve already spent a billion dollars on that!”

Hartzler also says the U-S is now seeing record numbers of people coming into the country from Mexico and the Americas after the Biden Administration rolled back many of President Donald Trump’s border policies.

Hartzler was a guest on the KRMS Morning Magazine.

Governor Parson Announces New Members Of Citizens Commission On Redistricting

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Two legislative bodies in Missouri now have 40 new members and they’ll each be charged with possible redistricting measures for the state moving forward.

The new members came from a pool of nominees that were submitted to Governor Mike Parson after the 2020 Census was complete and official.

Governor Parson made the selections, with a Republican and a Democrat being named to each Congressional District in the State.

The names come from both the Senate and House Independent Bipartisan Citizens Commission.

The first meeting of the new commissions is set for August 10 and they’ll have five months to submit their redistricting plans to the Secretary of State’s Office and Elections Division.

 

***Additional Info:

(JEFFERSON CITY, MO) – Today, Governor Mike Parson announced 40 appointments to the House and Senate Independent Bipartisan Citizens Commissions.

On April 26, 2021, the United States Census Bureau delivered the 2020 Census Apportionment Results to the President of the United States. Consistent with the Missouri Constitution, this started the 60-day window for the Democrat and Republican state and congressional district committees to meet and submit nominees for Governor Parson’s consideration.  

The list of nominees for the House commission was submitted as required by Article III, Section 3 of the Missouri Constitution, and the list of nominees for the Senate commission was submitted as required by Article III, Section 7 of the Missouri Constitution.

Pursuant to the same provisions of the Missouri Constitution, the Governor fulfills his legal duty by making the aforementioned appointments within 30 days after of the submission of the nominees. 

Independent Bipartisan Commissions are tasked with redistricting Missouri’s legislative maps. The appointees and their political party affiliation are as follows:

Senate Independent Bipartisan Citizens Commission:

1st Congressional District

  • Maryann Manion (R)
  • Farrakhan Shegog (D)

2nd Congressional District

  • Gary Grewe (R)
  • Nicole Greer (D)

3rd Congressional District

  • Jim Berberich (R)
  • Mike Frame (D)

4th Congressional District

  • Lowell Pearson (R)
  • Kevin Rusnak (D)

5th Congressional District

  • Kay Hoflander (R)
  • Andrea Flinders (D)

6th Congressional District

  • Aaron Baker (R)
  • Joni Wickham (D)

7th Congressional District

  • Chris Slinkard (R)
  • Randy Alberhasky (D)

8th Congressional District

  • Leann Green (R)
  • Leamon Asher (D)

Statewide

  • Mark Ellinger (R)
  • Joseph S. Passanise (R)
  • Matt Dameron (D)
  • Susan Montee (D)

 

House Independent Bipartisan Citizens Commission:

1st Congressional District

  • Jerry Hunter (R)
  • Keena Smith (D)

2nd Congressional District

  • Matt Maher (R)
  • Harvey Ferdman (D)

3rd Congressional District

  • Jonathan Ratliff (R)
  • Mark Schaeperkoetter (D)

4th Congressional District

  • Daniel Wilson (R)
  • Jason Ludwig (D)

5th Congressional District

  • Vicki Riley (R)
  • Melissa Patterson Hazley (D)

6th Congressional District

  • James Thomas III (R)
  • Penny Adams (D)

7th Congressional District

  • Alan Griffin (R)
  • Laura Cox (D)

8th Congressional District

  • Becky Leonard (R)
  • Michael Moroni (D)

Statewide

  • Pat Thomas (R)
  • Curtis Jared (R)
  • Rick Shang (D)
  • Kay Mills (D)

Fifteen days after the final appointments to the commissions are made, excluding Sundays and state holidays, the commissions will have their first meeting at the State Capitol. The date of the first commission meetings is scheduled for Tuesday, August 10, 2021.

Once the final appointments are official, commissions will have five months to submit a plan to the Secretary of State’s office, Elections Division, and six months to file a final statement, which must be approved by seven-tenths of the commissioners.

For additional information or questions about the work of the House and Senate Independent Bipartisan Citizens Commissions, please click here. 

Lake Ozark To Move Forward After Sewer Spill More Than A Decade Ago

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Lake Ozark can now move on after a sewer spill in the city more than a decade ago.

“In approximately late 2006, early 2007, DNR was getting a report about a spill that was emanating from one of Lake Ozark’s lift stations. And not just one report, numerous reports. This was coming from people driving by and seeing it” says Lake Ozark City Administrator Dave Van Dee.

He tells KRMS News the city is now released from a consent judgment after numerous repairs and upgrades were made to the sewer system “starting with the installation of monitoring equipment on everyone one of our lift stations. And that includes if we add a new station, we have to include a monitoring station.”

Van Dee says the repairs cost $3 million dollars and out of that total the city borrowed $200-thousand dollars.

Lake Ozark was also fined a total of $80-thousand dollars by the Missouri DNR and Federal EPA after 10-thousand to 15-thousand gallons of raw sewage poured into Lake of the Ozarks.

 

**More info:

 

For Immediate Release

7/9/2021

 

It’s been a long, sometimes challenging road to recovery, but the City of Lake Ozark has been released from a consent judgment resulting from a significant sewage spill more than a dozen years ago.

City officials were notified June 24 that a Satisfaction of Judgment had been filed with the Missouri Department of Natural Resources announcing that DNR would be closing its enforcement case.

“The past 13 years have required a lot of difficult work on the part of our staff, citizens and board of aldermen,” City Administrator Dave Van Dee said. “This resolution finally puts to bed the dark cloud that was hanging over Lake Ozark for so long, and we can now begin looking to the future.”

It all started in early September 2007 when the DNR was alerted by an individual that raw sewage was flowing into the lake. The DNR discovered that a lift station on Horseshoe Bend Parkway had failed and was allowing between 10,000 and 15,000 gallons of raw sewage to flow into the lake.

The DNR notified the city of the bypass and the city responded and stopped the flow but failed to conduct no clean up and provided no written notification of the bypass.

 

Finishes touches

The city has between 300 and 400 grinder pumps and lift stations that serve the community. All of those had to be upgraded or replaced to meet a subsequent court order.

Then-Mayor Johnny Franzeskos and the board of aldermen took immediate action to mitigate the situation. McClure Engineering was hired to design and upgrade the system at a cost of about $3 million. Of that total, the city only borrowed $200,000 which was paid in full and ultimately impacted the city’s sewer budget.

“It was an awesome and sometimes arduous task,” Van Dee said. “The DNR and McClure Engineering worked together to guide us through the process. Two mayors, multiple aldermen and our staff were involved over the years and their quick action on various ordinances and work orders helped expedite the projects.”

Over the following decade, the city worked to make the mandated improvements, doing some of the work internally. Improvements include:

  • Rehabilitation of nine lift stations
  • Replaced hundreds of grinder pumps and control panels
  • Cleaned and CCTV (Closed Circuit Television) inspected the gravity flow sewer system
  • Re-lined and sealed several lift station wet wells and manholes
  • Installed remote monitors which alert Public Works staff via text message of any failure within the system

 

Final piece

The final piece of the puzzle was the upgrade of Twin Oaks Lift Station on Twin Oak Drive, which was completed to the satisfaction of city officials and the DNR only recently. Its completion was delayed for about two years because the city could not obtain the needed easements from lift station neighbors. Eventually, the DNR, McClure Engineering and the public works staff designed an alternate way to access the lift station.

“It’s taken quite a while, but now we have a wastewater system in place that has the capacity to handle our anticipated growth,” Van Dee noted.

 

Background

A year after the spill was reported, the public works director – who had been fired as a direct result of the mishap – pled guilty to failing to report the discharge of pollutants into the lake and was sentenced in U.S. District Court to three years of probation. The court also ordered the fired employee to pay a $5,000 fine.

In a separate but related case, the City of Lake Ozark plead guilty to repeatedly discharging raw, untreated sewage from several sewage collection stations directly into the Lake of the Ozarks. The discharges were from sewage overflows resulting from faulty equipment. The city was fined $50,000 by the DNR and $30,000 by the Environmental Protection Agency.

As part of the judgment, the city agreed to upgrade and maintain its wastewater treatment system and to report any and all bypasses from its treatment system and lift stations as required by the state.

Representative Luetkemeyer Calls Out Origins Of COVID 19

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Health officials say cases of COVID are increasing in the Lake Area and parts of Missouri, but one elected official in the U-S House is wondering where the virus came from.

“I think it does matter….and I think it’s being lost in the shuffle on purpose” says Missouri Rep Blaine Luetkemeyer.

He tells KRMS News he was on a COVID Committee for about a year, and he was pushing the director to investigate where COVID-19 came from “he refused to do that, and as a result we never really got into it.”

Luetkemeyer says evidence over the last several months shows COVID-19 likely came from a lab as opposed to animals.

He says some of the evidence comes from scientific research of the virus and also from some people who have defected from China.

Congressman Luetkemeyer was interviewed by Christian Blood on the KRMS Morning Magazine.

 

***More from Blaine’s Bulletin:

To say a lot has changed since the very beginning of the pandemic when reports of a mystery virus started affecting people in Wuhan, China began would be an understatement of epic proportion. The coronavirus shut down nearly the entire world and caused billions of people to live in fear of a virus we knew very little about. And while the world struggled to handle this virus that has since claimed 3.8 million lives, China continued to mislead other countries about the severity and reality of the situation. Who knows how many lives could have been saved had they been open and honest about COVID-19? But instead of acting in the best interest of mankind, they did everything in their power to conceal the origins and spread of the virus. The Chinese government led propaganda campaigns to try and blame the virus on other countries, ours included. They expelled American journalists who were looking for answers from their country. They silenced whistleblowers, researchers and physicians. One of the first Chinese scientists to speak openly about the virus was jailed and later died. China must be held accountable for its deceit, recklessness, and disregard for the entire world, and many of my colleagues and I are calling for action.

In some ways it seems like a decade ago when President Trump restricted travel from China followed by his decision to withdraw from the World Health Organization (WHO). At the time, the Chinese Communist Party (CCP) was downplaying the threat and very few cases had come to the U.S. The WHO refused to adequately investigate and enabled China’s coverup as a virus – that more and more evidence suggests leaked from a lab in their country – spread across the world taking millions of innocent lives. The decision to stop sending U.S. taxpayer dollars to the organization that was no longer serving our country, or the world for that matter, and helped the CCP keep the origins of the virus a secret was a no-brainer. Why pay someone millions to undermine us? Unfortunately, despite the fact that the WHO continues to pander to the CCP, President Biden immediately rejoined the WHO once he took office as part of his commitment to undo as many Trump Administration actions he could, regardless of the consequences.

A year ago, suggestions that the virus came from anything other than a bat were scoffed at and suggestions of Chinese accountability were deemed racist. Last year, as a member of the Select Committee on the Coronavirus Crises last year I made repeated requests for the committee to investigate the origin of the virus and call China to account. The Chairman of the Committee actually said that was not within our jurisdiction. Seriously, the Select Subcommittee on the Coronavirus refused to investigate the origins of the Coronavirus. Shortly after that, the committee held a hearing voting by mail…

Now, report after report are forcing even the most reluctant among us to pay attention. American intelligence sources have recently reported that three researchers in the Wuhan Institute of Virology were hospitalized in November 2019, an entire month before the Chinese government publicly reported the existence of COVID-19. Millions of families across the world lost loved ones, the economies of nearly every country were brought to a standstill, countless children are now a year behind in their education, and we still have not received any viable explanations from the CCP on the virus’s origin.  China’s complete lack of transparency is nothing new, but this time it has affected the entire world. Last month, House Republicans sent a letter to Speaker Pelosi urging her to join us in our calls for an investigation into the CCP’s handling of the COVID-19 crisis and to bring this matter before the appropriate committees in Congress. The evidence continues to mount against the wet market theory, but the WHO is maintaining what appears to be its “China First” policy. This is a great opportunity for all members of Congress and the Administration to join an effort that only helps America. As the people elected to represent the American people – and only the American people – agreement of factfinding and Chinese accountability should be effortless. Many of my colleagues and I are ready to work with intelligence officials to finally get some concrete facts and force China to answer for their actions. All we need are willing partners in the Speaker’s chair and the White House.

Camdenton To Hold Public Hearing For Water Rate Increase

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A water rate increase of 25 cents will be a main topic of discussion at an upcoming Public Hearing for the City of Camdenton.

“The purpose of this public hearing is to hear comments on adjusting the water rates in the city of Camdenton” says Mayor John McNabb.

Speaking at their recent board of alderman meeting McNabb says he would like to see a change in the way the city handles water rate changes “I would just say….my position has always been, that I’d like to see us visit these on a regular basis….so that we can make small adjustments, rather than putting it off for several years.”

The meeting is set to take place on August 3rd at 6PM and all residents who have city water are encouraged to attend.

Cocktails To Go Remain Permanent Fixture After Bill Signed Into Law

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If you own a restaurant in Lake of the Ozarks, you can now sell cocktails to go permanently.

Governor Mike Parson signed a bill into law Wednesday that allows to-go alcohol to be sold with food as long as it’s in a tamper-proof container.

The new law also changes the hours alcohol can be sold on Sunday.

Restaurant owners will now be able to sell alcohol by the drink from 6 am to 1:30 am, which matches the other days of the week.

Missouri Governor Pushes Back On “Door-To-Door” COVID 19 Vaccine Strategy From White House

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In the future, you may find mobile COVID-19 vaccination clinics at festivals, churches and other Lake Area events.

It’s part of a Biden Administration plan to increase participation in the COVID shots.

The campaign will also include ‘door-to-door’ visits in numerous neighborhoods to encourage people to take the shot.

The vaccination campaign could appear where you work or maybe at your primary care doctor’s office.

Right now, around 32-percent of Camden County has taken one of the COVID formulas. Numbers show vaccination rates of around 21-percent in Miller County and just over 26-percent in Morgan County.

Governor Mike Parson says on Facebook he’s told Missouri health officials to advise the Fed that going door-to-door to solicit COVID vaccines won’t be effective or welcomed.

Parson acknowledges that he and his wife have taken the shot and that options for the vaccine are convenient and abundant for those 12 and up who may want it.