Bordwell, Purvis seek votes in new district including southern Pulaski HOUSTON, Mo. (Feb. 4, 2012) — Pulaski County’s rapid population growth means that the district now served by outgoing State Rep. David Day, R-Dixon, will likely be divided into three different districts. While the central part of the county is grouped into a single district centered on Waynesville, Saint Robert, and the northern part of Fort Leonard Wood and the northern part of the county from Richland to Dixon is now grouped with Rolla to form one district, voters in the southern part of Fort Leonard Wood and the Highway 28 corridor from Saint Robert to the Gasconade River will join the Big Piney precinct which was already part of a state representative district based in Texas County. While those boundaries could change based on court challenges, two candidates have announced so far for District 142, centered in Texas County: Don Bordwell of Evening Shade not far from Fort Leonard Wood’s south gate and Chris Purvis of Houston. Click here to read more on Pulaski County Daily News ... Darrell Todd Maurina - Posted: Monday, February 6, 2012 1:11 pm
County Treasurer Sue Rapone currently mails tax checks.
Direct deposit of tax payments coming soon to Pulaski County taxing entities PULASKI COUNTY, Mo. (Feb. 2, 2012) — When County Treasurer Sue Rapone finished her bookkeeping and mailed tax checks on the last week of January, she had to prepare and mail about 30 different checks to different taxing entities. The largest recipients of property tax money are the school districts, but cities, libraries, fire districts and other special boards also receive tax money processed by Rapone’s office in the county courthouse. The current procedure of mailing checks which in some cases total hundreds of thousands of dollars will soon change to direct deposit into recipient bank accounts, she said. Click here to read more on Pulaski County Daily News ... Darrell Todd Maurina - Posted: Monday, February 6, 2012 8:46 am
Bev Thomas
Tree troubles create concerns for Waynesville in Old Farm Estates WAYNESVILLE, Mo. (Feb. 2, 2012) — Following a petition by area businesswoman Beverly Thomas and her neighbors regarding acceptance of a private road in the Old Farm Estates subdivision, members of the Waynesville Road and Grounds Committee agreed to consider the request but noted that many of the trees that would be in the city’s right-of-way may have to be knocked down. While residents once valued their tree-lined road, Thomas said other factors have now become important. “I’m not as worried about that as I was back then; I’m worried about the safety of the people back there. It’s an aging community and they feel they need easy access to emergency services,” Thomas said. “Everybody here has prospered considerably and I felt like maybe you were in a position financially to help us with this situation.” Click here to read more on Pulaski County Daily News ... Darrell Todd Maurina - Posted: Sunday, February 5, 2012 12:29 am
Waynesville begins plans for paving, upcoming summer road repair work WAYNESVILLE, Mo. (Feb. 2, 2012) — It’s time for Waynesville officials to decide what streets should be repaired and repaved, and at Thursday afternoon’s meeting of the Waynesville Road and Grounds Committee, council members took preliminary steps toward producing a street repair list which won’t overspend Waynesville’s budget. “We’re going to get input from the committee on what roads you’d like to consider; you do not have to make a decision at this time,” said City Administrator Bruce Harrill, who said he personally drove all streets that had been suggested by Road Supervisor Brian Adams. Harrill said Councilwoman Luge Hardman had to leave before the committee could consider the road repaving question, but had a list of suggested streets including Skyline, Hillside, and Jared. Click here to read more on Pulaski County Daily News ... Darrell Todd Maurina - Posted: Sunday, February 5, 2012 12:26 am
Waynesville police may soon expand force of unpaid reserve officers WAYNESVILLE, Mo. (Feb. 2, 2012) — Police Chief Bob Carter reported Thursday afternoon that he plans to increase the number of reserve officers from 10 to 15 and that the process of personnel evaluations is underway in the police department. “The corporals and the sergeant do the line officers, the assistant chief does the corporals, the sergeant, and I do him and my administration, and of course (City Administrator Bruce) Harrill does mine,” Carter said at Thursday’s meeting of the Waynesville Emergency Services and Police Committee. Click here to read more on Pulaski County Daily News ... Darrell Todd Maurina - Posted: Sunday, February 5, 2012 12:06 am
Two hurt by crash near Dixon DIXON, Mo. (Feb. 1, 2012) — A single-vehicle crash near the Pulaski-Maries county line injured two Dixon residents Wednesday morning. According to Missouri State Highway Patrol reports, Matthew A. Blythe, 18, had been driving eastbound on Highway 28 in Maries County about six miles east of Dixon at 9:25 a.m. when he ran his 2003 Ford Escape off the left side of the roadway and struck a tree. Blythe had been wearing his seatbelt and suffered only minor injuries but his passenger, Eunice K. Blythe, 39, had not been wearing a seatbelt and suffered moderate injuries. Click here to read more on Pulaski County Daily News ... Darrell Todd Maurina - Posted: Sunday, February 5, 2012 12:02 am
Real estate agent Glen Popejoy (center) reviews Hunters Point records with county officials.
Commissioners concerned that nobody knows who owns Hunters Point road PULASKI COUNTY, Mo. (Jan. 26, 2012) — Neither the county commissioners nor local real estate agent Glen Popejoy know who owns Select Road in the Hunters Point area, but at Monday morning’s commission meeting, County Clerk Brent Bassett and Eastern District Commissioner Bill Farnham said they’re quite sure the county has no record of accepting the road from developer Jerry Laughlin for maintenance. “There is no road maintenance agreement anywhere; in fact they don’t even recognize Select Lane even exists,” Popejoy said. “Nobody knows. There’s nothing recorded anywhere that references Select Lane.” Presiding Commissioner Gene Newkirk wasn’t happy learning that a veteran can’t sell his house because it’s not clear who owns the road to his house. “There’s a right and a wrong, and that’s a wrong, and I’ll stand behind that,” Newkirk said. Click here to read more on Pulaski County Daily News ... Darrell Todd Maurina - Posted: Saturday, February 4, 2012 11:37 pm
Registration open for 2012 Best Sapper Competition at Fort Leonard Wood FORT LEONARD WOOD, Mo. (Jan. 26, 2012) – Applications for engineers wanting the title of Best Sapper are now being accepted. The three-day competition is open to Army Soldiers serving in the 12-series career field or for any Soldier who wears a Sapper tab. “We encourage all qualified teams to come out and compete in the competition. Competing will make you a better Sapper and a better leader,” said Capt. John Chambers, Sapper Leader Course chief of training. The Best Sapper Competition began in 2005 as a means for engineers to show off their skills. Sappers compete in a variety of events, testing them to their mental and physical breaking point. The events include events like a demo exam, a ruck march and land navigation. Click here to read more on Pulaski County Daily News ... Melissa Buckley/Army Public Affairs - Posted: Saturday, February 4, 2012 11:23 pm
Maries sheriff hunting for white Dodge Stratus that crashed through yard DIXON, Mo. (Jan. 30, 2012) — Do you know someone driving a damaged white Dodge Stratus? If so, Maries County Sheriff Chris Heitman wants to hear from you. Heitman announced Sunday that his deputies investigated a property damage crash on Highway 28 near Dixon in which a vehicle lost control and crashed into a tree near a residence, then drove through the yard. Click here to read more on Pulaski County Daily News ... Darrell Todd Maurina - Posted: Saturday, February 4, 2012 11:55 am
Staff Sgt. Jared Stewart works as an employee assistance NCO.
Missouri Guardsman helps fellow servicemembers seeking civilian jobs JEFFERSON CITY, Mo. (Jan. 30, 2012) — Many servicemembers across the country are struggling with finding employment, but one Missouri Army National Guard soldier is dedicated to helping those in need find jobs. “There are a lot of unemployed service members and it’s hard to find a job right now,” said Staff Sgt. Jared Stewart, an employee assistance noncommissioned officer at the Ike Skelton Training Site. When servicemembers go to Stewart looking for job-hunting assistance, they can expect to receive assistance in a variety of ways. “I help them prepare for interviews, help with resumes, and even job placement” said Stewart. “I can also put together an information packet on companies to give to the inquiring servicemember. Preparation is key in getting people jobs.” Click here to read more on Pulaski County Daily News ... Sgt. Sarah E. Lupescu/Missouri National Guard Public Affairs - Posted: Saturday, February 4, 2012 11:41 am
Sheriff J.B. King
Pulaski Sheriff’s View #5 for January 30 to February 3, 2012 We had an interesting development this past week. We received a tip in a case we are working, but the tip came from a person in the state of California and was sent to us via our tip line on the Pulaski County Sheriff’s website. This is our new winner as the longest distance tip we have ever received. We have examined the information provided by the person and it appears to be valid. I may get to post a follow up paragraph in a future Sheriff’s View and tell you what happed with the tip. I just checked our Pulaski County Sheriff’s website and became person number 22,034 to do so. I find that number almost unbelievable considering the short time frame we have had the website up and running. Click here to read more on Pulaski County Daily News ... Sheriff J.B. King - Posted: Saturday, February 4, 2012 11:13 am
Three hurt in two Monday crashes PULASKI COUNTY, Mo. (Jan. 30, 2012) — Three area residents were injured Monday in two separate one-vehicle wrecks. According to Missouri State Highway Patrol reports, January D. Mennemeyer, 20, of Saint Robert, had been driving northbound on Superior Road a mile south of Waynesville at 1:40 p.m. when she failed to negotiate a curve and her 2003 Mercury Sable went off the right side of the roadway, striking a bridge, and totaling the her vehicle. January Mennemeyer and her passenger, Melinda S. Mennemeyer, 19, of Waynesville, both suffered moderate injuries. Later Monday evening, Jerry L. Rupple, 50, of Dixon, wrecked an antique motorcycle while driving his 1954 Harley-Davidson motorcycle westbound on Highway 42 about four miles east of St. Anthony. He lost control at 7:20 p.m., ran off the left side of the roadway and struck a ditch, suffering moderate injuries. In unrelated incidents, state troopers arrested Tania A. Gordley, 44, of Wentzville, on Tuesday, and Brent L. Dover, 45, of Waynesville, on Saturday, on speeding charges; arrested Lance N. Townsend, 31, and Chris N. Rude, 54, both of Waynesville, on charges Saturday including drunk driving, and arrested Michael A. Sauls, 28, of Crocker, on Sunday and Matthew D. Romine, 38, of Crocker, on Monday on outstanding warrants. Click here to read more on Pulaski County Daily News ... Darrell Todd Maurina - Posted: Friday, February 3, 2012 5:16 pm
Sheriff J.B. King
Pulaski Sheriff’s View #4 for January 23 to 27, 2012 For the past several years, we have been swamped with numerous cases of severe child abuse, sexual abuse of a child and so forth. These are serious cases that require deputies to have special training in order to do an adequate job during the investigation. With our constant employee turnover, we have lost several trained people and are trying to get a few more deputies trained. The end result was that we had many cases waiting for further investigation. In an effort to relieve this problem, we have formed what I call the Pulaski County Special Victims Unit or PCSVU to handle these more serious cases. Click here to read more on Pulaski County Daily News ... Sheriff J.B. King - Posted: Friday, February 3, 2012 2:42 pm
Two hurt in separate Sunday wrecks WAYNESVILLE/FALCON, Mo. (Jan. 23, 2012) — Two separate one-vehicle weekend wrecks caused minor injuries on Sunday to area drivers travelling near but not inside Pulaski County. According to Missouri State Highway Patrol reports, Bradley D. Smith, 30, of Falcon, had been driving eastbound on Highway 32 at Primrose Drive in Laclede County when his 2002 Chevrolet Avalanche ran off the road at 12:30 a.m. and struck a culvert before coming to rest. Later Sunday evening, troopers reported that Elizabeth A. Sutton, 20, of Waynesville, totaled her vehicle driving westbound near Rolla on Interstate 44 at mile marker 182 when she lost control of her 2002 Mitsubishi at 5:52 p.m., ran off the left side of the roadway, and struck the cable barrier, with her vehicle coming to rest in the roadway. In an unrelated incident reported by state troopers: Teresa O. Davis, 29, of Waynesville, was arrested at 8:52 p.m. Monday in Laclede County on charges including drunk driving. Click here to read more on Pulaski County Daily News ... Darrell Todd Maurina - Posted: Friday, February 3, 2012 2:07 pm
Ambulance Director Gary Carmack
Paramedic’s Corner: Paramedics were busy in December, plan classes soon PULASKI COUNTY, Mo. (Jan. 19, 2012) — The EMTs and paramedics of the Pulaski County Ambulance District have been busy. In December they responded to 408 calls, with the highest call area being Waynesville, followed by St. Robert, Richland, Crocker, and Laquey. The highest destination hospital was St. John’s Hospital in Lebanon, followed by Phelps County Regional Medical Center, General Leonard Wood Army Community Hospital, and Lake Regional Medical Center in Osage Beach. The most frequent trauma calls were motor vehicle crashes 23 falls, with the highest number of medical calls being chest pain, breathing problems, and abdominal pain. The Pulaski County Ambulance District has obtained new advanced technology: paramedics can now send the patient’s 12-lead EKG to the hospital emergency room physician or to the patient’s cardiologist. The Pulaski County Ambulance District also offers blood pressure monitoring, CPR classes, and 200-hour EMT and 50-hour Emergency Medical Responder classes. Click here to read more on Pulaski County Daily News ... Ambulance Director Gary Carmack - Posted: Friday, February 3, 2012 1:45 pm
Crocker man hurt in Thursday crash CROCKER, Mo. (Jan. 19, 2012) — A one-vehicle crash Thursday night wrecked a Crocker man’s car. According to Missouri State Highway Patrol reports, Jason D. Clark, 33, had been driving westbound on Broadway Road about a half-mile west of the city limits when he ran his 2002 Kia off the right side of the road at 7:50 p.m. and struck a fence, suffering minor injuries. In an unrelated incident, Amy K. Gould, 43, of St. Charles, was arrested at 12:32 p.m. Tuesday on charges including drunk driving. Click here to read more on Pulaski County Daily News ... Darrell Todd Maurina - Posted: Friday, February 3, 2012 1:04 pm
U.S. Rep. Vicky Hartzler
Hartzler objects to President Obama's decision to reject Keystone XL Pipeline WASHINGTON, D.C. (Jan. 18, 2012) — Congresswoman Vicky Hartzler has released the following statement in response to President Obama's decision to reject the Keystone XL Pipeline: "By rejecting the Keystone XL Pipeline that would bring much-needed oil from Canada to the United States, President Obama has put environmental special interests ahead of American jobs and American energy security..." Click here to read more on Pulaski County Daily News ... U.S. Rep. Vicky Hartzler - Posted: Friday, February 3, 2012 12:55 pm
U.S. Sen. Roy Blunt
Blunt cosponsors bill to authorize creation of Keystone XL pipeline WASHINGTON, D.C. (Jan. 30, 2012) — U.S. Sen. Roy Blunt cosponsored bipartisan legislation today that was introduced by U.S. Senators John Hoeven (N.D.), Richard Lugar (Ind.), and David Vitter (La.) to authorize the construction and operation of the Keystone XL Pipeline. “More American energy means more American jobs, and this is the largest shovel-ready project in our country today. Yet despite his rhetoric in support of an ‘all-of-the-above’ energy strategy, President Obama opted to put politics before good policy when he rejected the Keystone XL Pipeline,” said Blunt.
Click here to read more on Pulaski County Daily News ... Press Office of U.S. Sen. Roy Blunt - Posted: Thursday, February 2, 2012 11:55 am
Traffic crashes declining in St. Robert, but costly ladder fire trucks aging SAINT ROBERT, Mo. (Jan. 17, 2012) — Police Chief Curtis Curenton told city council members Tuesday evening that aggressive traffic enforcement efforts appear to be succeeding. Fire Chief Doug Cage said his firefighters are also doing well, but cautioned that major expenses may soon be necessary to replace aging fire equipment. “We started the St. Robert traffic enforcement program about 18 months ago, and we saw a reduction of 13 percent in accident rates for 2011,” Curenton said. “That is a very positive number … even better than that, we have been fatality-free inside the city limits for two years now. Coach Nelson’s fatality was the last one we had in the city limits, and that was two and a half years ago.” Click here to read more on Pulaski County Daily News ... Darrell Todd Maurina - Posted: Wednesday, February 1, 2012 4:10 pm
Major construction continues coming into St. Robert, city officials report SAINT ROBERT, Mo. (Jan. 17, 2012) — More major construction is on its way to the area, according to Lyle Thomas, the planning administrator for the city of St. Robert. At Tuesday evening’s city council meeting, Thomas told the aldermen that the city continued to grow with more than $14.3 million in new construction in 2011. That increase of $658,000 from 2010 to 2011 brought the 2011 year to the highest total since 2005, he said, and includes 49 residential permits worth $6.6 million, ten commercial permits work $6.7 million, and 110 miscellaneous construction permits worth $923,000. Click here to read more on Pulaski County Daily News ... Darrell Todd Maurina - Posted: Wednesday, February 1, 2012 4:09 pm
City Clerk Debbie Adkins, Mayor George Sanders and Finance Director Edna Givens review documents
Saint Robert council holds special meeting to vacate old sewer easement SAINT ROBERT, Mo. (Jan. 13, 2012) — Meeting in special session Friday evening, St. Robert city council members approved a series of documents abandoning old utility easements on city-owned property that will eventually become St. Robert Landing between Missouri Avenue west and then north to St. Robert Boulevard. City Administrator Alan Clark explained that the former owners of the property had recorded a blanket easement for a sewer line that runs along the front half of a 12-acre property. “That perked to the surface. No improvements or sanitary sewer have ever been constructed,” Clark said. Click here to read more on Pulaski County Daily News ... Darrell Todd Maurina - Posted: Wednesday, February 1, 2012 4:04 pm
Hartzler says she'll fight defense cuts, any new base closure efforts SAINT ROBERT, Mo. (Jan. 30, 2012) — When Secretary of Defense Leon Panetta announced plans to cut hundreds of billions of dollars from the Department of Defense based on spending cuts proposed by President Barack Obama, he touched off concern in communities outside most of America’s military installations, including Fort Leonard Wood. When Congresswoman Vicky Hartzler came to Pulaski County on Monday for a roundtable forum with local business owners, local leaders weren’t in agreement on whether Fort Leonard Wood stands to gain or lose if the federal government begins a new round of Base Realignment and Closure cuts. “I think one of he biggest things in our area that I’m hearing everybody talk about is the downsizing of the military,” said Loretta Rouse, Pulaski County’s public administrator and co-owner with her husband of the local Sears franchise. Click here to read more on Pulaski County Daily News ... Darrell Todd Maurina - Posted: Wednesday, February 1, 2012 7:36 am
Richard Baptiste asked Rep. Vicky Hartzler for help revising federal rules.
Strict federal ADA, EPA, OSHA rules don't make sense, local leaders say SAINT ROBERT, Mo. (Jan. 30, 2012) — When Congresswoman Vicky Hartzler came to Pulaski County for a roundtable forum with local business owners, new rules involving the Americans with Disability Act and environmental regulations took top billing on the list of business complaints about federal interference. Steve Ehrhardt, whose company owns six of the hotels in St. Robert, said compliance with Americans with Disability Act requirements is causing problems for his business. “We are trying to make reasonable improvements to our property,” Ehrhardt said. “The rules themselves, you can eventually get to them. The challenge is, it’s impossible to read the law and interpret it. You can give it to 10 different attorneys and get 10 different responses on what you’re actually required to do.” Richard Baptiste from Paul’s Furniture said a disgruntled employee turned his business in to the Occupational Safety and Health Administration, which required 22 changes. Some he didn’t have a problem implementing, Baptiste said, but others made no sense. “They were going to do an eight hour class on teaching employees how to duck walk,” Baptiste said. “They did it at Tyson Manufacturing because they had a problem with the floors all getting wet.” Click here to read more on Pulaski County Daily News ... Darrell Todd Maurina - Posted: Wednesday, February 1, 2012 7:34 am
Local bankers, business leaders, urge looser rules for home lending SAINT ROBERT, Mo. (Jan. 30, 2012) — When Congresswoman Vicky Hartzler came to town for a Monday afternoon business roundtable meeting on how to improve the local economy, many of her questions came from bankers and those involved in commercial and residential development who deal with lending regulations. Waynesville Mayor Cliff Hammock, who recently retired as Fort Leonard Wood’s chief financial officer and is now running for a state representative seat covering Waynesville, St. Robert, and part of Fort Leonard Wood, led off the discussion with a question about housing issues. “On average our housing depreciation in our area is not quite the national average, but I’m hearing that over the last 12 months, our housing depreciation is about 20 percent; I’ve heard that from some of our realtors,” Hammock said. “More housing is out there on the market and it’s taking more time to turn them over. Where are we headed in the housing market?” Click here to read more on Pulaski County Daily News ... Darrell Todd Maurina - Posted: Wednesday, February 1, 2012 7:30 am
Unemployment, welfare rules harm poor people, Hartzler told Monday SAINT ROBERT, Mo. (Jan. 30, 2012) — When Congresswoman Vicky Hartzler met nearly three dozen local business leaders for a “business roundtable” next to the Waynesville-St. Robert Chamber of Commerce, discussion led off with a positive note: the county’s unemployment rate is 7.5 percent. “I knew you were positioned better than other places in the Fourth District,” Hartzler said. “Certainly being near the Fort is very helpful, but seven percent is still citizen’s lives, so we can always do better… I wanted to come basically to listen to you and glean from you what are some of your insights on the issues that are preventing job creation or harming job creation, or more importantly, what we can be doing or I can be doing in Washington, D.C., to help make it easier for you to grow your businesses, to expand, to create jobs.” Click here to read more on Pulaski County Daily News ... Darrell Todd Maurina - Posted: Wednesday, February 1, 2012 7:27 am
Many candidates face no opponent PULASKI COUNTY, Mo. (Jan. 18, 2012) — Final candidate information released Tuesday evening and Wednesday morning by city councils, school boards and special districts shows that two of the area’s seven school districts and one of the county’s two ambulance districts won’t be holding elections this April. State law allows school boards and special districts, but not city councils, to avoid the expense of the April 3 election if the same number of candidates file for office as are to be elected. For area boards, that means no elections for the Swedeborg R-III School Board, Crocker R-II School Board or Dixon Ambulance Board. Several cities will hold elections but those races won’t be contested elections unless someone runs a write-in campaign. Those races are in Crocker, St. Robert, and the Pulaski County Health Board, as well as several individual wards in Richland, Waynesville and Dixon. Click here to read more on Pulaski County Daily News ... Darrell Todd Maurina - Posted: Wednesday, February 1, 2012 7:23 am
Richland gets extra school candidates, not enough in race for city council RICHLAND, Mo. (Jan. 18, 2012) — Voters in Richland have an unusual problem: not enough candidates filed for election to the city council, which means one slot will have to be filled by a write-in campaign and the other two wards have candidates running unopposed. The Richland R-IV School Board has more candidates than needed. As of Wednesday morning, school officials reported that both incumbents, Jerry Pemberton and Elizabeth Warren, are seeking re-election to their three-year terms. Two new candidates, Michael Williams and Donald Decker, are also seeking school board seats. Click here to read more on Pulaski County Daily News ... Darrell Todd Maurina - Posted: Wednesday, February 1, 2012 7:18 am
This new train signal will alert Misty Mountain drivers to oncoming trains.
Training traffic for the trains FORT LEONARD WOOD, Mo. (Jan. 17, 2012) — Fort Leonard Wood officials have recently installed railroad crossing signals at the entrance to the Misty Mountain subdivision on Thunder Road located east of the city of Saint Robert. Fort Leonard Wood owns the right-of-way along this 18-mile section of railroad, known as the Fort Leonard Wood Spur. In an attempt to increase awareness and highlight the safety concerns, a solar operated set of lighted signals are now in operation at this crossing. Click here to read more on Pulaski County Daily News ... Jeff Maddy/Army Public Affairs - Posted: Tuesday, January 31, 2012 5:16 pm
Last-day filings create races for ambulance board, Plato school board PULASKI COUNTY, Mo. (Jan. 17, 2012) — Ambulance district races are usually quiet and often don’t have an election because only the same number of candidates file as are to be elected. The Dixon Ambulance District won't need an election, but two seats are up for election this year in the Pulaski County Ambulance District with only Crocker subdistrict candidate Josh Hall filing until this week. As of Monday it appeared the district wouldn’t have to have an election at all; Layne Lercher was the only candidate to file for the Waynesville subdistrict. Things changed on Tuesday, the last day of filing, when two more candidates turned in their papers: Joe Krill in Waynesville and Daniel Salveter in Crocker. In the Plato R-V School District, which includes a large population south of Fort Leonard Wood, incumbent Penny Morrison and challenger Tina Routh were joined on the last day of filing by incumbent board member Mike Friend and another challenger, David Hall, making a four-way race for two positions. The Laquey R-V School Board will also have a four-way race between incumbent board president Larry Southard and three challengers, Linda Storie who filed last month and two later candidates, Barbara White and Patrick Sanders. Click here to read more on Pulaski County Daily News ... Darrell Todd Maurina - Posted: Tuesday, January 31, 2012 3:57 pm
Waynesville council candidate Krill also running for two other elected posts WAYNESVILLE, Mo. (Jan. 17, 2012) — Closing candidate filings on Tuesday evening showed no change in the candidate lists in Waynesville, with a two-way race for the city mayor between Luge Hardman and Adele Nickels, a three-way race between incumbent Herman Blau and challengers Nathan Purdome and Pam Anderson for two seats on the Waynesville R-VI School Board, and mostly quiet races for the city council with the only contested race in Ward III between incumbent Ed Conley and challengers Joe Krill and Richard Petitt. However, Krill, who filed weeks ago for the city council, has now filed for two additional positions, both on the last day of filing. He's seeking seats on the Pulaski County Ambulance District and Pulaski County Health Board.
Joe Krill, a frequent candidate from Ward III on the city council, has also filed for a two-way race for two positions on the Pulaski County Health Board and for a two-way race for one position on the Waynesville subdistrict on the Pulaski County Ambulance Board.
Click here to read more on Pulaski County Daily News ... Darrell Todd Maurina - Posted: Tuesday, January 31, 2012 2:35 pm
Dixon marshal, school, city races have longest list of local candidates DIXON, Mo. (Jan. 17, 2012) — As is often the case, city and school elections in Dixon generated more candidates than any other area election, based on candidate filings reported Tuesday evening. For the first time in two decades, Marshal Cliffty Yoakum won’t be on the ballot seeking re-election. Sgt. Mike Plummer is being challenged by James Eddleman, Scott Jones, John Ward, and John McNeil. On the Dixon R-I School Board, incumbents Troy Porter and Craig Rivera both filed for re-election to their three-year terms with challengers Steven Roberson, Marion Jim Anderson, Cesar Salais, and Jim Campbell; Kevin Shepherd was appointed to fill a vacancy and is being challenged for election to a one-year unexpired term by Melinda Cruey and Jim Alexander. The only other contested Dixon race is on the city council where Ward I Alderman Steven Martin didn’t file for re-election; Jeffrey Clark and Linda Hardesty seeking that seat.
Click here to read more on Pulaski County Daily News ... Darrell Todd Maurina - Posted: Tuesday, January 31, 2012 1:47 pm
Texting totals vehicle in Saturday crash SAINT ROBERT, Mo. (Jan. 16, 2012) — A Saturday evening crash involving text messages totaled a Newburg man’s vehicle and but caused him only minor injuries. According to Missouri State Highway Patrol reports, Robert D. Hathaway, 46, had been driving a 2005 Ford Freestar eastbound on Interstate 44 near St. Robert Exit 161 at 5:50 p.m. while he was texting when he ran off the right side of the roadway and struck a guardrail before coming to rest. In an unrelated incident, troopers arrested Bruce B. Warren, 55, of Richland, on charges including drunk driving. Click here to read more on Pulaski County Daily News ... Darrell Todd Maurina - Posted: Friday, January 20, 2012 6:33 am
U.S. Sen. Roy Blunt
Provision co-sponsored by senators included in tourism announcement WASHINGTON, D.C. (Jan. 19, 2012) — U.S. Senators Roy Blunt (Mo.) and Amy Klobuchar (Minn.) praised President Barack Obama’s announcement today that the U.S. Departments of State and Homeland Security are advancing a key provision that was originally included in the Senators’ bipartisan legislation, which is designed to increase international tourism to the United States. The provision – which is part of the “International Tourism Facilitation Act” that was introduced by Klobuchar and Blunt in October 2011 – would allow the Secretary of State to ease restrictions on certain foreign tourist visas that prevent travelers from taking frequent vacations to the United States while maintaining strict security standards. Click here to read more on Pulaski County Daily News ... Press Office of U.S. Sen. Roy Blunt - Posted: Friday, January 20, 2012 12:00 am
U.S. Rep. Vicky Hartzler
Hartzler says 'no' to more reckless Obama spending WASHINGTON, D.C. (Jan. 18, 2012) — Congresswoman Vicky Hartzler today stood up for her district and fiscal sanity for America by voting against President Obama's request to raise the debt ceiling by an additional $1.2 trillion. She has voted in favor of a resolution disapproving of the Obama Administration's request. "At a time when our national debt stands at more than $15 trillion, it is unconscionable that the President would want to spend more and put this country deeper in debt," said Hartzler. "The debt has already risen by $4.6 trillion since President Obama took office - the most rapid increase in the debt under any United States President." Click here to read more on Pulaski County Daily News ... U.S. Rep. Vicky Hartzler - Posted: Thursday, January 19, 2012 11:56 pm
U.S. Sen. Roy Blunt
Blunt applauds USDA disaster recovery funding for Missouri WASHINGTON, D.C. (Jan. 18, 2012) — U.S. Senator Roy Blunt praised the U.S. Department of Agriculture's (USDA) announcement today that it will provide critical emergency assistance for Missouri following extraordinary storm damages that were incurred in 2011. USDA Secretary Tom Vilsack announced today that Missouri will receive more than $35 million from the Natural Resources Conservation Service's Emergency Watershed Protection Program (EWP) and more than $14.7 million from the Farm Service Agency's Emergency Conservation Program (ECP). Click here to read more on Pulaski County Daily News ... Press Office of U.S. Sen. Roy Blunt - Posted: Thursday, January 19, 2012 11:53 pm
U.S. Sen. Roy Blunt
Blunt withdraws previous support for passing Protect IP Act WASHINGTON, D.C. (Jan. 18, 2012) — U.S. Senator Roy Blunt released the following statement today regarding the Protect IP Act: “American innovation is a cornerstone to our nation’s economic growth, and job creators have lost $135 billion in revenue annually as a result of rogue internet sites. While I believed the bill still needed much work, I cosponsored the Senate version of the Protect IP Act because I support the original intent of this bill – to protect against the piracy of lawful content.... But unfortunately, Senate Leader Harry Reid is pushing forward with legislation that is deeply flawed and still needs much work." Click here to read more on Pulaski County Daily News ... Press Office of U.S. Sen. Roy Blunt - Posted: Thursday, January 19, 2012 11:50 pm
Russell Strand
FLW Army expert receives national recognition for fighting sex crimes QUANTICO, Va. (Jan. 17, 2012) — A military professional from the U.S. Army law enforcement community will be recognized in a big way this April for his significant contributions in combating sexual assault and violence against women. Russell Strand, a retired U.S. Army CID Special Agent and the current chief of the Family Advocacy Law Enforcement Training Division at the U.S Army Military Police School (USAMPS), has been selected by the End Violence Against Women (EVAW) International Board of Directors to receive the 2012 Visionary Award. “Russ and the DoD have done an incredible amount of work in a short amount of time combating sexual assault and violence against women,” said Joanne Archambault, the executive director of EVAW International and a 23-year veteran of the San Diego Police Department. “We have never seen that kind of change in a civilian community and I just wish more people would recognize that fact.” Click here to read more on Pulaski County Daily News ... Colby Hauser/CID Public Affairs - Posted: Tuesday, January 17, 2012 11:59 pm
Firefighters kept this blaze confined to one room but were unable to save the resident.
Gospel Ridge blaze kills resident SAINT ROBERT, Mo. (Jan. 17, 2012) — A Monday night blaze in the Gospel Ridge area north of St. Robert killed a man who was trapped inside the trailer. The 55-year-old man was personally known to Waynesville Rural Fire Chief Doug Yurecko, but his name has not yet been released due to difficulty in contacting next-of-kin. Yurecko said neighbors on the 15000 grid of Hardin Road called in the fire at 9:42 p.m. Firefighters arrived at 9:52 p.m. and were able to put out the blaze within minutes, but that wasn’t fast enough to save the man inside. Click here to read more on Pulaski County Daily News ... Darrell Todd Maurina - Posted: Tuesday, January 17, 2012 3:17 pm
Richland races have extra school candidates, not enough for city council RICHLAND, Mo. (Jan. 16, 2012) — Voters in Richland will choose between four candidates running for the Richland R-IV School Board on April 3, but so far have no competition in city council seats. The two school incumbents, Elizabeth Warren and Jerry Pemberton, filed last month, as did challenger Michael Williams. More recently a fourth candidate, Donald Decker, decided to run for the three-year terms, school officials confirmed Monday morning. However, Ward I Alderman Roy Holler was the only incumbent to file for city council as of Friday, along with Ward III challenger Robert Lilly. Click here to read more on Pulaski County Daily News ... Darrell Todd Maurina - Posted: Tuesday, January 17, 2012 3:15 pm
Sheriff J.B. King
Pulaski Sheriff’s View #3 for January 16 to 20, 2012 Welcome aboard one more time as we move about Pulaski County with the deputies of the Pulaski County Sheriff’s Office. I am starting this column on Saturday the 14th and we are not sliding around on the ice today. As I write this sentence it is 9:25am and we have had a massive counterdrug operation underway since 8am this morning on I-44. We have about 14 deputies from three agencies; Pulaski, Camden, and the Miller County Sheriff’s Office hard at work. Click here to read more on Pulaski County Daily News ... Sheriff J.B. King - Posted: Tuesday, January 17, 2012 2:54 pm
Pvt. Damian De Santiago, right, crawls under an obstacle.
Missouri National Guardsmen prepare for state’s first Air Assault Course FORT LEONARD WOOD, Mo. (Jan. 14, 2012) — The Missouri National Guard is scheduled to conduct its first Air Assault Course in late February at Camp Crowder, near Neosho. To help prepare its citizen-soldiers for the course that is among the Army’s most challenging, the Guard’s 140th Regiment Missouri Regional Training Institute recently held a one-day Pre-Air Assault Course at Fort Leonard Wood to give soldiers from across the state a glimpse at the physical and mental demands of the Air Assault Course. “They wanted to establish a course to train soldiers to make sure they are capable of the Air Assault Course,” said Master Sgt. Richard Burns, the noncommissioned officer in charge of the course. “Air Assault tends to be very physically demanding — it’s been quoted as being the 10 worst days in the Army next to Ranger school. So we want to set these soldiers up for success by doing this pre-course.” Click here to read more on Pulaski County Daily News ... Matthew J. Wilson/Missouri National Guard Public Affairs - Posted: Tuesday, January 17, 2012 2:07 pm
Missouri National Guard moves from 37th to top 10 in state rankings JEFFERSON CITY, Mo. (Jan. 13, 2012) — The Missouri National Guard has moved up in the ranks, according to a tool used by the National Guard Bureau to rate each state. “I am very proud of the leadership here in Missouri as we have driven individual soldier readiness and taken those metrics that the Guard Bureau judges us by and moved from 37th on the list when we started in 2009, to being in the top 10 today,” said Maj. Gen. Stephen Danner, Missouri’s adjutant general. The National Guard Bureau started using a readiness report card in spring 2011 to rate each state’s National Guard. The report card is broken down into three categories and is used to help decide the future force structure allocations for units within the states. Click here to read more on Pulaski County Daily News ... Sgt. Sarah E. Lupescu/Missouri National Guard Public Affairs - Posted: Tuesday, January 17, 2012 1:37 pm
U.S. Rep. Vicky Hartzler
Hartzler wants pipeline, congratulates nominees for service academies WASHINGTON, D.C. (Jan. 13, 2012) — Good day. Since I first began representing the people of Missouri's Fourth Congressional District a year ago, I have heard — over and over — of the need for America to become energy independent. I couldn't agree more. That is why I'm excited about a bipartisan, job-creating initiative that is awaiting presidential action. It's the Keystone XL Energy Pipeline which was first submitted for approval three years ago and now awaits President Obama's go ahead before it can get up and running. Unfortunately, this common sense move to obtain much-needed oil from a friendly neighbor, rather than from dictatorships, is being delayed by President Obama and a vocal environmental minority, despite favorable environmental impact studies on the project. On another matter, I have the privilege of announcing the names of 15 students from Missouri's Fourth Congressional District who have received Congressional nominations to the U.S. Service Academies. Nominating these 15 young men and women was an honor as they have exemplary academic and extracurricular records and have demonstrated superior leadership skills. Click here to read more on Pulaski County Daily News ... U.S. Rep. Vicky Hartzler - Posted: Tuesday, January 17, 2012 1:26 pm
U.S. Sen. Roy Blunt
Blunt undergoes heart procedure, urges checkups for early detection WASHINGTON, D.C. (Jan. 13, 2012) — U.S. Sen. Roy Blunt announced today that he underwent a routine and successful coronary stent implantation during an outpatient procedure on January 12. The procedure took place at George Washington University Hospital after doctors located a blockage in the front of the senator’s heart as a result of a physical examination earlier this week. Blunt plans to resume his normal schedule next week. Click here to read more on Pulaski County Daily News ... Press Office of U.S. Sen. Roy Blunt - Posted: Tuesday, January 17, 2012 1:14 pm
Salvation Army exceeds fund goal PULASKI COUNTY, Mo. (Jan. 12, 2012) — Officials with the Pulaski County service unit of the Salvation Army have exceeded their fundraising goal by more than 50 percent. Gary Porter, chairman of the Pulaski County service unit, announced Thursday that the goal for the 2011 “Tree of Lights” campaign was $51,500, but the actual amount received was $80,168.28. Click here to read more on Pulaski County Daily News ... Darrell Todd Maurina - Posted: Tuesday, January 17, 2012 1:02 pm
The Missouri National Guard will now fly Apache Longbow helicopters.
Missouri Guard’s attack battalion transitions to Longbow Apache WHITEMAN AIR FORCE BASE, Mo. (Jan. 10, 2012) — The Missouri National Guard’s 1-135th Attack Reconnaissance Battalion held a roll-out ceremony that officially transitioned the battalion to a AH-64D Apache Longbow unit. The battalion, overseen by the 35th Combat Aviation Brigade in Sedalia, has a rich history as an Army Aviation Battalion within the Missouri National Guard. The battalion has flown the UH-1 Huey, OH-58A/C Kiowa Warrior and the AH-1 Cobra. In 1999, the battalion was designated as one of eight National Guard battalions to receive the AH-64A Apache. In 2002, the first AH-64A helicopter arrived at Whiteman Air Force Base. In August 2009, the National Guard Bureau designated the battalion as the sixth Army National Guard Longbow battalion and began fielding it with aircraft in October 2011.
Click here to read more on Pulaski County Daily News ... Rachel Knight/Missouri National Guard Public Affairs - Posted: Tuesday, January 17, 2012 9:03 am
Spc. Alexiss Petree flips a tire as part of the Unit Fitness Coordinator Course.
Missouri National Guard course focuses on creating physically fit soldiers FORT LEONARD WOOD, Mo. (Jan. 10, 2012) — Following the active Army component, the Missouri National Guard is pushing its soldiers to be more all-around physically fit as opposed to simply being able to pass the Army Physical Fitness Test. “The Army found that after 10 years of war, soldiers are getting broken,” said. Capt. Ken Huenink, Missouri Guard state fitness coordinator. “The injury rate for backs and knees was through the roof.” The Guard’s most recent Unit Fitness Coordinator Course focuses on this type of training to help get this new information back to its units. “A lot of it is about functional fitness,” Huenink said “It’s a more well-rounded approach. The whole mindset is changing.” Click here to read more on Pulaski County Daily News ... Matthew J. Wilson/Missouri National Guard Public Affairs - Posted: Tuesday, January 17, 2012 7:51 am
Water supply for Century 21 fire gets extra attention by city aldermen SAINT ROBERT, Mo. (Jan. 3, 2012) — Mayor George Sanders said he expected Tuesday evening’s city council meeting to have a short agenda, and that turned out to be true — except that the longest discussion wasn’t on the agenda at all. Aldermen quickly approved items on the agenda to award bids for concrete flat design work to Oke-Thomas Associates of Springfield and to Ozark Ready Mix of Osage Beach for concrete work, as well as authorizing a 3 percent pay raise for City Attorney Debra Moore. One of those calls was singled out for special attention: a recent fire at the new offices of Century 21 on the corner of Bosa and Missouri Avenue. “Someone told me that the hoses were across Missouri Avenue. Why is that?” asked Alderman Ed Spotts. Fire Chief Doug Cage said there were so many fire trucks on the scene that “the Bosa side could not sustain what we needed to have for water flow.” That led to concerns by Alderman Bill Shaw who asked why work previously done by the city to loop water lines didn't solve the problem.
Click here to read more on Pulaski County Daily News ... Darrell Todd Maurina - Posted: Tuesday, January 17, 2012 6:29 am
Snow-covered roads contribute to three area crashes on Thursday PULASKI COUNTY, Mo. (Jan. 13, 2012) — Thursday’s snowfall led to three crashes causing injuries involving area residents. The only injury wreck in Pulaski County happened at 10:05 a.m. on Highway 133 about two miles north of Richland when, according to Missouri State Highway Patrol reports, Colleen G. Ous, 51, of Richland, was driving her 2002 Dodge northbound, lost control on the snow-covered roadway, ran off the right side of the roadway and struck a tree, suffering moderate injuries. A few minutes later, a crash in Texas County on Highway 17 a mile north of Roby totaled a 2002 Ford truck but caused only minor injuries to its driver, Jerry R. Leininger, 59, of Plato, who had been driving northbound at 10:15 a.m. when he lost control on the snow-covered roadway, ran off the left side, and overturned, striking a tree. Outside the immediate area, a St. Robert woman extensively damaged her 2005 Ford Freestar minivan but suffered only minor injuries on Interstate 44 at mile marker 192.3 in Phelps County. Rebecca S. McGill, 30, had been driving her minivan westbound when she lost control on the ice-covered roadway at 8:10 a.m., ran off the right side of the interstate, struck the embankment twice, and came to rest. Click here to read more on Pulaski County Daily News ... Darrell Todd Maurina - Posted: Tuesday, January 17, 2012 12:03 am
Snipe Road wreck totals vehicle BUCKHORN, Mo. (Jan. 11, 2012) — Emergency personnel called to a Monday evening wreck on Snipe Road discovered that the driver, Kayla N. Phillips, was being transported by private vehicle and the crashed vehicle was being towed out by individuals at the scene. According to Missouri State Highway Patrol reports, Phillips, 18, of Richland, had been driving eastbound at 6:05 when she lost control of her 2000 Pontiac while negotiating a curve about two miles west of Buckhorn, ran off the right side of the roadway and struck a ditch, totaling her vehicle but suffering only minor injuries. In an unrelated incident reported by state troopers, John E. Batchler, 47, of Dixon, was arrested at 1:03 a.m. Wednesday on charges including drunk driving. Click here to read more on Pulaski County Daily News ... Darrell Todd Maurina - Posted: Monday, January 16, 2012 11:40 pm
Victim Advocate Coordinator Natalie McCart
Stalking can cause medical and psychological issues for its victims PULASKI COUNTY, Mo. (Jan. 10, 2012) — Stalking is a shockingly common, serious, sometimes violent crime that can be unpredictable, dangerous, and escalate over time. According to the National Stalking Resource Center, stalking occurs in one in twelve women and one in forty-five men, totaling an astonishing 1.4 million people every year in the United States. It is a series of actions that make you feel afraid or in danger and is defined as, “a course of conduct, composed of a series of acts over a period of time however short, a credible threat made with the intent to cause the person who is the target reasonable fear, to harass or repeatedly harass another by engaging in a course of conduct directed at a specific person that serves no purpose.” Click here to read more on Pulaski County Daily News ... Natalie McCart, Fort Leonard Wood Victim Advocate Coordinator - Posted: Monday, January 16, 2012 11:33 pm
Judge Colin Long
Long may see no Republican opponents in his campaign for circuit judge PULASKI COUNTY, Mo. (Jan. 10, 2012) — While numerous Republicans have declared themselves to be candidates for state and local office — at least six area Republicans are running for three different state representative seats, at least three are running for sheriff, and three have declared themselves candidates for Eastern District Commissioner — it’s not clear whether any Republicans are planning to run against the first local Democrat to publicly declare he’s running for office. Associate Circuit Judge Colin Long announced Monday that he’s running for circuit judge, a position once held by his father, Douglas E. Long. The 25th Judicial Circuit includes not only Pulaski County but also Phelps County, Texas County and Maries County. The post is now held by Circuit Judge Tracy Storie, who Long said plans to retire at the end of his current term in 2012. Contacted Tuesday, no local Republican lawyers said they plan to run against Long and none said they’re aware of any Republican judges or practicing attorneys in other counties of the four-county circuit who are considering a judicial campaign this year. Click here to read more on Pulaski County Daily News ... Darrell Todd Maurina - Posted: Monday, January 16, 2012 11:24 pm
Some races still have no candidates PULASKI COUNTY, Mo. (Jan. 13, 2012) — While candidates are flocking to file in Dixon and most Pulaski County cities and school boards will have contested races, unless someone files Monday or Tuesday, Swedeborg, Plato, and Crocker school voters won’t have an election, Crocker voters won’t have any contested city council races, and voters in the Pulaski County Ambulance District, Pulaski County Health Board, and certain city council races in Richland and Dixon will have to select their candidates by write-ins on the ballot. Click here to read more on Pulaski County Daily News ... Darrell Todd Maurina - Posted: Monday, January 16, 2012 2:52 pm
Four file for Laquey school board LAQUEY, Mo. (Jan. 13, 2012) — The Laquey R-V School Board race stayed quiet for most of December, but four candidates have now filed for two three-year positions and one of the incumbents hasn’t yet turned in her candidacy papers. Larry Southard, the current school board president, has been joined by retired Laquey Elementary School Principal Linda Storie and two more candidates, Barbara White and Patrick Sanders. So far, incumbent Mary Cristoffer hasn’t filed. Click here to read more on Pulaski County Daily News ... Darrell Todd Maurina - Posted: Monday, January 16, 2012 2:15 pm
Many candidates file in Dixon races DIXON, Mo. (Jan. 13, 2012) — As is often the case, races in Dixon for school and city offices have gathered more candidates than any other area community. Longtime Dixon City Marshal Cliffty Yoakum, the area's the last remaining elected head of a local city police department, is retiring and four candidates are seeking his job: Sgt. Mike Plummer, Yoakum’s second-in-command, and four former Dixon officers, John Ward, James Eddleman and Scott Jones. Jones ran against Yoakum four years ago and currently serves as chief of police in the city of Doolittle. On the Dixon R-I School Board, Kevin Shepherd was appointed to fill a one-year unexpired term when a board member resigned and is being challenged for that one-year term by two people, Melinda Cruey and Jim Alexander. Two other board members, Craig Alexander and Troy Porter, are being challenged for their three-year seats by Steven M. Roberson, Marion Jim Anderson, Cesar Salais and Jim Campbell. So far, there are no contested races for Dixon city council or the Dixon ambulance district.
Click here to read more on Pulaski County Daily News ... Darrell Todd Maurina - Posted: Monday, January 16, 2012 1:34 pm
Lauritson gets a challenger in race for St. Robert City Council Ward IV SAINT ROBERT, Mo. (Jan. 13, 2012) — Former St. Robert mayor George Lauritson will have a challenger in his race for the Ward IV city council seat being vacated by incumbent Billy Urena. City officials confirmed Friday that Rita Honnicutt filed candidacy papers in Ward IV; all three other aldermen are running unopposed. Click here to read more on Pulaski County Daily News ... Darrell Todd Maurina - Posted: Monday, January 16, 2012 12:49 pm
Adele Nickels challenges Luge Hardman for Waynesville mayor WAYNESVILLE, Mo. (Jan. 13, 2012) — Waynesville city and school races went from quiet to crowded as filing reopened in January. With little time left until filing closes Tuesday afternoon, former Waynesville Councilwoman Adele Nickels threw her hat in the ring Friday to challenge current Councilwoman Luge Hardman in the race to replace outgoing Mayor Cliff Hammock, who is running as a Republican for the state representative seat now held by outgoing Rep. David Day. The city's only other contested race is in Ward III where Councilman Ed Conley is being challenged by two candidates, Joe Krill and Richard Petitt. Two seats are open on the Waynesville R-VI School Board, currently held by Herman Blau and Randy Walters, and each running for three-year terms. Blau has filed but Walters has not done so; retired teacher Pam Anderson and local banker Nathan Purdome have now filed. Click here to read more on Pulaski County Daily News ... Darrell Todd Maurina - Posted: Monday, January 16, 2012 12:27 pm
Citizen of the Year nominees announced by Chamber of Commerce PULASKI COUNTY, Mo. (Jan. 13, 2012) — The Waynesville-Saint Robert Chamber of Commerce announced its citizen of the year nominees Friday, including Rick Morris, director of operations for Ehrhardt Properties in St. Robert; Don Tritten, board chairman of the Bank of Iberia; William Boone, pastor of Greater Community Missionary Baptist Church in St. Robert; Ellen Kay York, retired from Fort Leonard Wood civil service; Richard Baptiste, owner of Paul’s Furniture in St. Robert; and Lindall Mostajo, vice president and Fort Leonard Wood branch manager of Armed Forces Bank. All six have extensive volunteer backgrounds detailed in their nomination forms submitted by member businesses or organizations of the Waynesville-St. Robert Chamber of Commerce and included at the end of this article. Click here to read more on Pulaski County Daily News ... Darrell Todd Maurina - Posted: Monday, January 16, 2012 10:51 am
Spc. Kelly Arends works with a 10-kilowatt generator.
Guardsmen train to operate generators to respond to state power outages FORT LEONARD WOOD, Mo. (Jan. 14, 2012) — To help protect the state’s citizens in the event of power outages, members of the Missouri National Guard’s Headquarters and Headquarters Company, 35th Engineer Brigade, spent part of their recent drill training to operate generators. In the last three years, the Guard has responded to three separate winter storms that have caused power outages. “State emergency duty is always looming in the winter months and it’s really important to get all the noncommissioned officers trained on generators so we can cover down on any mission where we are tasked for generator power,” said Sgt 1st Class Kevan Phillips, the company training and readiness noncommissioned officer. “This also enables those noncommissioned officers to train their subordinates at the section level on that piece of equipment and get licensed on it. So we are empowering those noncommissioned officers to go train their own people.” Click here to read more on Pulaski County Daily News ... Matthew J. Wilson/Missouri National Guard Public Affairs - Posted: Saturday, January 14, 2012 11:50 pm
State Senator Dan Brown
Brown appointed vice-chair of Missouri Senate Appropriations Committee JEFFERSON CITY, Mo. (Jan. 12, 2012) — Much of the time spent during the first few weeks of legislative session is taken up by the various committee hearings held in the Capitol. This week, I was proud and honored to be appointed vice chair of the Senate Appropriations Committee by Senate President Pro Tem Robert N. Mayer. The Senate Appropriations Committee is charged with dispersal of funding for various state departments and agencies. The committee hears testimonies from these departments regarding their budgetary needs for the fiscal year. Several hearings are scheduled to ensure every individual has an opportunity to testify on behalf of their respective departments or agencies. Click here to read more on Pulaski County Daily News ... State Sen. Dan Brown - Posted: Friday, January 13, 2012 6:22 am
Waynesville schools on snow routes but all area districts holding classes PULASKI COUNTY, Mo. (Jan. 13, 2012) — Wintry weather on Thursday won’t be repeated today, and so far all area school districts appear to be holding classes today. However, bus drivers in the Waynesville R-VI School District will be running only on snow routes; click the attached link for a list of snow routes. As of 5 a.m., Fort Leonard Wood officials reported six accidents and said most on-post roads are in “amber” condition, with Fort Leonard Wood Route 25 in the cantonment area and Secondary Range Roads W, P, H, and PA in “red” condition. No facilities on post have been closed, however. Click here to read more on Pulaski County Daily News ... Darrell Todd Maurina - Posted: Friday, January 13, 2012 6:18 am
Former elected official investigated for $50,000 missing from school funds WAYNESVILLE, Mo. (Jan. 12, 2012) — An official audit of financial records at the Waynesville R-VI School District shows that money has turned up missing from funds controlled out of the district administrative offices. However, Pulaski County Prosecutor Kevin Hillman denies reports in two media outlets, KY-3 television from Springfield and the Waynesville Daily Guide, that charges are imminent and may be filed today. Contacted Thursday morning, Hillman said he’s not sure where the media reports originated that his office had already decided to file charges or that the charges could be filed as early as today. School auditors have previously reported to the school board that the amount of money at issue would have been covered by the former employee’s financial bond, which means that the financial loss to the district, if any, would not be substantial. School officials have since estimated that what they’re calling a “misallocation” of funds involves approxmately $50,000. Click here to read more on Pulaski County Daily News ... Darrell Todd Maurina - Posted: Thursday, January 12, 2012 4:55 pm
Waynesville schools on snow routes, all other area districts closed PULASKI COUNTY, Mo. (Jan. 12, 2012) — All area school districts except the Waynesville R-VI School District have cancelled classes today due to snow, and Waynesville buses will be running only on snow routes. The districts of the Frisco League including Laquey, Richland, Crocker, Dixon, and Plato, as well as the Swedeborg R-III School District, have all cancelled classes today. A link to the Waynesville snow routes is in the attached article. No Fort Leonard Wood facilities are closed and most roads are in amber condition. Click here to read more on Pulaski County Daily News ... Darrell Todd Maurina - Posted: Thursday, January 12, 2012 6:35 am
Christina Rhodenizer
Saint Robert department head stabbed during domestic violence incident PULASKI COUNTY, Mo. (Jan. 11, 2012) — The girlfriend of a Saint Robert city department head expected a wedding ring from her boyfriend Monday night, but instead she is in jail facing three felony charges. According to court reports, Christina Fay Rhodenizer, 33, stabbed her boyfriend at the home they shared outside Waynesville on Sedalia Road and was arrested by Pulaski County deputies on a Class A felony charge of first-degree domestic assault, an unclassified felony of armed criminal action, and a Class D felony of tampering with physical evidence. If convicted on all charges, she could spend up to 37 years in state prison with a minimum sentence of 10 years. While widely known and already reported by some local media, the name of the victim has been deleted from court records provided to media as a domestic violence victim. Click here to read more on Pulaski County Daily News ... Darrell Todd Maurina - Posted: Wednesday, January 11, 2012 11:58 pm
Pulaski jurors won't report Thursday for Gipson criminal assault trial PULASKI COUNTY, Mo. (Jan. 11, 2012) — Jurors called to report Thursday for court in Pulaski County won’t need to appear, Circuit Court Clerk Rachelle Beasley announced Wednesday evening. The trial that had been scheduled involves Roger Matthew Gipson, 35, of Rolla, and was moved to Pulaski County on a change of venue from Phelps County. Gipson is charged with two felonies, second degree assault and first degree property damage. According to court records, Gipson’s jury trial had been set to begin tomorrow in Pulaski County before Circuit Judge Tracy Storie but on Wednesday was reset for a two-day jury trial beginning April 9 with an April 4 pretrial conference. Click here to read more on Pulaski County Daily News ... Darrell Todd Maurina - Posted: Wednesday, January 11, 2012 11:16 pm
County Clerk Brent Bassett will have his office open until 5 p.m. for voter registration today.
Registration deadline today for Missouri presidential primary election PULASKI COUNTY, Mo. (Jan. 11, 2012) — Iowans voted last week, New Hampshire residents voted yesterday, and for Missourians who plan to vote in the Feb. 7 presidential preference primary, today is the last day to register to vote. County Clerk Brent Bassett will be in his office today until 5 p.m. in the county courthouse to take registrations. It’s also possible to go to the website of the Missouri Secretary of State, download a voter registration form, and mail it to his office at 301 Old Route 66, Waynesville, MO 65583. Voter registration forms have to be postmarked today, however, to entitle new registrants to vote in the Feb. 7 primary. Any registration received in person today or mailed with a postmark after today won’t take effect until the April 3 municipal elections for city councils, school boards, and other special entities such as fire, ambulance and water districts. “If you intend to vote in that election, you have to be registered no later than today,” Bassett said. Click here to read more on Pulaski County Daily News ... Darrell Todd Maurina - Posted: Wednesday, January 11, 2012 12:17 pm
Rep. David Day
Day seeks amendment to change state board of education membership JEFFERSON CITY, Mo. (Jan. 9, 2012) – State Rep. David Day (R-Dixon) has expressed concerns about a recent decision by Gov. Jay Nixon to place a hold on a contract which would provide for the installation of an interoperability system for first responders. The previous administration signed a contract with Motorola which would have given first responders in Missouri the ability to communicate from jurisdiction to jurisdiction. The system would include local law enforcement, highway patrol, firefighters, paramedics and other emergency personnel. Currently, the Highway Patrol’s radio system is nearly 50 years old. “This contract, which was already signed, would allow our local police and sheriff’s departments to communicate with law enforcement officials and emergency responders regardless of where they are,” Day said. Click here to read more on Pulaski County Daily News ... Press Office of Rep. David Day - Posted: Monday, January 9, 2012 11:59 pm
Three hurt in separate Sunday crashes PULASKI COUNTY, Mo. (Jan. 9, 2012) — Three separate single-vehicle Sunday wrecks injured the drivers, according to Missouri State Highway Patrol reports. The worst of the three wrecks happened on Highway 17 when Lynda L. Maynard, 61, of Waynesville, was driving southbound at 2:45 p.m. in a 2003 Toyota about 3.5 miles north of Waynesville when she ran off the right side of the roadway, began sliding, struck a ditch and overturned, ejecting her, totaling her vehicle and causing serious injuries. Another vehicle was also totaled shortly before midnight on Highway 28 when Brandon L. Landsberg, 20, of Dixon, was driving his 2008 Ford southbound about five miles south of Dixon, lost control of his vehicle, ran off the right side of the roadway, ran off the left side, struck a ditch, then ran off the right side of the roadway before striking a fence and a tree. Landsberg suffered only minor injuries. Outside Pulaski County, a Saint Robert man, Jason P. Peace, 31, was jumping sand berms in an off-road vehicle area of St. Joseph State Park in St. Francois County when he lost control of his 2004 Honda 250R at 12:15 p.m. and suffered moderate injuries. Click here to read more on Pulaski County Daily News ... Darrell Todd Maurina - Posted: Monday, January 9, 2012 11:48 pm
Crocker teen totals car Friday CROCKER, Mo. (Jan. 6, 2012) — A Crocker teenager totaled her car Friday afternoon in Miller County and suffered serious injuries. According to Missouri State Highway Patrol reports. Kayla R. Cantrell, 19, had been driving her 2005 Pontiac southbound on Highway 17 about a quarter-mile south of Route F when she ran off the right side of the road at 2:27 p.m., struck an embankment, and overturned several times before landing on its top in the road. Click here to read more on Pulaski County Daily News ... Darrell Todd Maurina - Posted: Monday, January 9, 2012 11:45 pm
Three hurt in Wednesday wreck following Richland police chase RICHLAND, Mo. (Jan. 4, 2012) — A teenager fleeing Richland police crashed into another vehicle Wednesday afternoon, causing minor injuries to himself and both occupants of the other vehicle. According to Missouri State Highway Patrol reports, Chase A. Muxlow, 18, was being pursued westbound on Route A about two miles north of the city limits at 3:25 p.m. when he made an improper pass going uphill in his 2000 Toyota and struck a westbound 2008 GMC driven by Francis J. Hobbs, 77, also of Richland, causing both vehicles to run off the south side of the roadway. Hobbs, Muxlow, and Hobbs’ passenger Sharon J. Hobbs, 72, were all transported by ambulance to area hospitals and the Hobbs’ vehicle was totaled in the wreck. Click here to read more on Pulaski County Daily News ... Darrell Todd Maurina - Posted: Monday, January 9, 2012 11:38 pm
State Senator Dan Brown
Brown introduces bill to increase penalties for slow drivers in fast lane JEFFERSON CITY, Mo. (Jan. 5, 2012) — I'm sure you've seen it before: You're going down the highway and attempt to pass a slower car, only to be impeded by someone driving along in the passing lane even more slowly. Not only is this an annoying problem, but a dangerous one, as well. It creates obstructions, slows traffic and commerce, and even creates road rage. Many people probably don't even realize they are in violation of the law by remaining in the left lane if they aren't passing a vehicle. Click here to read more on Pulaski County Daily News ... State Sen. Dan Brown - Posted: Monday, January 9, 2012 6:42 pm
U.S. Rep. Vicky Hartzler
Hartzler nominates four Pulaski County residents to service academies WASHINGTON, D.C. (Jan. 9, 2012) — Congresswoman Vicky Hartzler (MO-4), a member of the House Armed Services Committee, has announced that 15 students from Missouri's Fourth Congressional District, including three from Waynesville and one from Crocker, have received Congressional nominations to the U.S. Service Academies. "These 15 young men and women have exemplary academic and extracurricular records," said Hartzler. "I congratulate them on their accomplishments and wish them well in their desire to serve our country." Click here to read more on Pulaski County Daily News ... Press Office of U.S. Rep. Vicky Hartzler - Posted: Monday, January 9, 2012 6:33 pm
U.S. Rep. Vicky Hartzler
Hartzler objects to Obama's proposed cuts in national defense budget WASHINGTON, D.C. (Jan. 6, 2012) — Good day. The first full week of the year has not been a good one for America's national defense. President Obama announced a new defense strategy that House Armed Services Chairman "Buck" McKeon has appropriately described as "a lead from behind strategy for a left-behind America." While legislation to raise the debt ceiling, which I voted against, enacted defense cuts, the road map released by the Obama Administration provides the President's vision for implementation of a significant weakening of our defense capabilities. This short-sighted strategy has abandoned plans for fighting two major wars at the same time while cutting America's nuclear arsenal. Additionally, it reduces funding for our national defense along with troop reductions. This dangerous move puts America's national security at risk. Click here to read more on Pulaski County Daily News ... U.S. Rep. Vicky Hartzler - Posted: Monday, January 9, 2012 6:26 pm
Sheriff J.B. King
Pulaski Sheriff’s View #2 for January 9 to 13, 2012 I would like to take a minute to say job well done to my newest member; Deputy Linda Burgess and her Field Training Officer Deputy Jimmy Bench. They have managed to get into the middle of a series of burglaries and right now they are drowning in paperwork. We have charges filed for two burglaries with another 4-5 cases pending further work and we gave two solved cases to the Waynesville City Police that happened on their turf. We have a lot of recovered property that they are logging into evidence and right now we are not sure where all of it came from.The cases that Linda and Jimmy broke came about because of some fine investigative work on their part that was greatly enhanced by the help of two fine Pulaski County citizens. Click here to read more on Pulaski County Daily News ... Sheriff J.B. King - Posted: Monday, January 9, 2012 6:19 pm
Countywide burn ban issued after weekend rash of Turkey Ridge blazes TURKEY RIDGE, Mo. (Jan. 3, 2012) — Pulaski County is under a countywide burn ban following a series of Saturday fires on New Year’s Eve that burned several dozen acres in the Turkey Ridge area on Highway W and forced an emergency response from nearly every fire agency the area with backup from adjoining counties. “There were a few too many fires that day,” said Waynesville Rural Fire Chief Doug Yurecko. “We had everybody from Pulaski County except St. Robert on scene, and they were standing by for coverage, and we had Lebanon Rural and Sleeper-Stoutland firefighters here too.” The fire began about 2 p.m. near the junction of Radar Road and Highway W and appears to have been started by a man burning trash, Yurecko said. Click here to read more on Pulaski County Daily News ... Darrell Todd Maurina - Posted: Friday, January 6, 2012 2:07 pm
Firefighters contained the blaze to a bedroom.
Bedroom burns in Hunters Point home WAYNESVILLE, Mo. (Jan. 3, 2012) — A family suffered about $40,000 damage to their home in Hunters Point shortly after noon on Monday, according to Waynesville Rural Fire Chief Doug Yurecko. The blaze at 24220 Sprint Lane, which is a side street off Saline Road, caused little obvious external damage to the house but considerable internal damage. “One room had heavy fire damage, the bedroom which was the room of origin, and heavy smoke damage throughout the whole house,” Yurecko said. Click here to read more on Pulaski County Daily News ... Darrell Todd Maurina - Posted: Friday, January 6, 2012 1:59 pm
Soldier suffering from PTSD breaks into commanding officer's off-post house FORT LEONARD WOOD, Mo. (Jan. 3, 2012) — Even following nearly four decades of police work in Pulaski County working with the military community around Fort Leonard Wood, Sheriff J.B. King said he’s still sometimes surprised by actions of soldiers. One of those cases happened Monday when a soldier broke into the home of his commanding officer north of Waynesville, said he was thinking about suicide, and said his commander’s home “was the only place he felt safe” because he was suffering with PTSD or post-traumatic stress disorder. No comparable incident has happened before in King’s career, he said. Click here to read more on Pulaski County Daily News ... Darrell Todd Maurina - Posted: Friday, January 6, 2012 1:40 pm
2011-12-30 MoDOT road construction Pulaski County: MoDOT crews will be working this week on Highway 17 and Route T. Phelps County: MoDOT crews will be working this week on Route M and Route P to the east of Fort Leonard Wood. Pulaski County: MoDOT crews will be working this week on Route A west of Richland. Click here to read more on Pulaski County Daily News ... Posted: Friday, January 6, 2012 12:53 pm
Richland woman hurt Monday afternoon in Laclede County crash RICHLAND, Mo. (Jan. 2, 2012) — A Laclede County crash extensively damaged a Richland woman’s vehicle Monday afternoon but caused her only minor injuries despite not wearing her seatbelt. According to Missouri State Highway Patrol reports, Loutina M. Hargett, 34, had been driving eastbound in her 2000 Saturn on Historic Route 66 about 11 miles east of Lebanon when she crossed the centerline at 4:43 p.m., overcorrected, lost control of her vehicle, and ran off the right side of the roadway before striking an embankment. In an unrelated incident, troopers arrested Andre L. Frazier, 31, of Waynesville, on charges including drunk driving. Click here to read more on Pulaski County Daily News ... Darrell Todd Maurina - Posted: Thursday, January 5, 2012 6:45 pm
Sheriff Chris Heitman
Maries Sheriff’s Corner #1 for January 2, 2012 The Maries County Sheriff’s Office had a very productive year in 2011. We had 20,253 calls for services. A call for service is logged anytime some contacts the Sheriff’s Office in need of a Sheriff’s Deputy, EMS, or Fire Personnel. We investigated a total of 1,218 reportable incidents in 2011, and the Maries County Jail booked a total of 449 inmates. We were able to update our fleet of patrol vehicles, and add a K-9 Unit to the Sheriff’s Office. Being fiscally conservative at the Sheriff’s Office I was able to end the year with over a $20,000.00 surplus. Even with the small tax increase the Sheriff’s Office still operated with less funds then what was used for the Sheriff’s Office in 2007. The tax increase allowed me to keep our 911 system operating and kept me from laying off any current Sheriff Deputies. I appreciate everyone who supported the tax increase, and the Sheriff’s Office in general. Click here to read more on Pulaski County Daily News ... Sheriff Chris Heitman - Posted: Thursday, January 5, 2012 12:01 am
Pulaski Sheriff’s View #1 for January 2 to 6, 2012 We ended 2011 with 12,486 calls for service/case numbers assigned. This will be the new high record for the Pulaski County Sheriff’s Office and considering how things have gone the last few years this record should stand until 12-31-2012. We have 45 names on the inmate list today to start out the New Year. On the budget front I am almost ready to claim a victory. I say almost because we ended up at $45,114 over the total budget and that is not bad for a $1,414,413 total budget. The good news is that the overages and the items under budget came out very well and the only reason we are over at all comes from the inmate board bill that was $49,096 over budget. In the end we were under budget enough to balance out $3,982 from the inmate board bill and thus we got stuck with the final $45,114 completely from the inmate board bill. Click here to read more on Pulaski County Daily News ... Sheriff J.B. King - Posted: Wednesday, January 4, 2012 11:24 pm
Collectors office staff gather around their drop box.
Today is last day for tax payments PULASKI COUNTY, Mo. (Dec. 31, 2011) — It’s almost too late to pay county real estate and personal property taxes in person, but Pulaski County Collector Terri Mitchell is still in her office taking tax payments which are due today, and will remain in her downtown Waynesville office until 2 p.m. The office opened today at 8 a.m. for special hours and will close at 2 p.m., with security provided by county deputies since the rest of the courthouse is closed and some people pay taxes with significant amounts of cash. Tax bills can be mailed, and if postmarked today — not merely dropped off at the post office but actually postmarked today — are considered to be paid on time. However, taxes paid tomorrow incur an automatic 9 percent late payment penalty, which increases by 2 percent per month up to a maximum of 18 percent. Click here to read more on Pulaski County Daily News ... Darrell Todd Maurina - Posted: Saturday, December 31, 2011 1:45 pm
Fatal shooting of Crocker teen appears to be accidental, sheriff announces CROCKER, Mo. (Dec. 28, 2011) — Shortly after leaving a Wednesday morning structure fire, emergency medical personnel, firefighters and law enforcement rushed to the 10700 grid of Highway 17 north of Crocker where they found a 15-year-old boy dead of what Sheriff J.B. King said appears to be an accidental gunshot wound by another 15-year-old. Click here to read more on Pulaski County Daily News ... Darrell Todd Maurina - Posted: Wednesday, December 28, 2011 1:26 pm
Lebanon woman among four Missourians killed during Christmas weekend crashes RICHLAND, Mo. (Dec. 27, 2011) — A Lebanon woman driving near Richland was one of three Missouri motorists to lose their lives during the four-day Christmas holiday weekend counting period, state troopers announced Tuesday. According to Missouri State Highway Patrol reports, Nancy R. Feldmeier, 41, of Lebanon, was driving a 2005 Pontiac Grand Prix northbound on Highway 133 about two miles south of Richland near Redwood Road when she lost control at 10:25 a.m. Christmas Day, ran off the left side of the roadway, and struck an embankment. Pulaski County Ambulance District personnel transported her to General Leonard Wood Army Community Hospital where she ws pronounced det at 12:30 p.m. Click here to read more on Pulaski County Daily News ... Darrell Todd Maurina - Posted: Tuesday, December 27, 2011 11:57 pm
Judge's wife joins new candidates running in school, city elections PULASKI COUNTY, Mo. (Dec. 20, 2011) — Candidate filings continue to trickle in for city and school board positions, though many positions still have nobody turning in papers and most declared candidates so far are the incumbents. Candidate filing began Dec. 13. A week later, the most prominent new candidate to file is Linda Storie, the wife of Circuit Judge Tracy Storie and retired Laquey Elementary School principal, who filed Dec. 14 for the Laquey R-V School Board. Storie joins incumbent board president Larry Southard in filing for two three-year terms on the school board; the other incumbent, Mary Cristoffer, hasn’t yet filed for re-election. The only other non-incumbents to file are Josh Hall in the Pulaski County Ambulance District; Kimberly Skaggs-Henson, a former Crocker alderman who is running for one of two three-year seats on the Crocker R-II School Board; Robert (“Bob”) Lilly, who filed for the Richland Ward III City Council seat; Steven Roberson, who filed for a three-year seats on the Dixon R-I School Board; and Joe Krill, who filed for the Ward III Waynesville City Council seat. New incumbents filing for re-election since the initial filing date of Dec. 13 include Crocker Ward I Alderman Jeff Curry and Waynesville Ward II Councilman Tim Mann. Others who filed the first day but were not previously reported include Crocker R-II School Board member John Riffe and Richland R-IV School Board member Elizabeth Warren. Click here to read more on Pulaski County Daily News ... Darrell Todd Maurina - Posted: Tuesday, December 20, 2011 11:59 pm
Roby rollover injures woman Tuesday ROBY, Mo. (Dec. 6, 2011) — A Tuesday morning rollover wreck south of Fort Leonard Wood caused only minor injuries to a Licking woman even though she wasn’t wearing her seatbelt. According to Missouri State Highway Patrol reports, Gretta Hathaway, 46, had been driving a 2004 Jeep northbound when she ran off the roadway at 6:55 a.m. on Highway 17 a mile south of Roby. Click here to read more on Pulaski County Daily News ... Darrell Todd Maurina - Posted: Tuesday, December 20, 2011 1:49 pm
Tremaine J. Patton
Trinity Club shooter turned in by cabbies, Saint Robert police report SAINT ROBERT, Mo. (Dec. 20, 2011) —The man charged in a weekend nightclub shooting tried to evade police by telling them the shots came from a rear parking lot but was turned in by cab drivers, according to new details found in court records filed by St. Robert police. Tremaine J. Patton, 24, of St. Robert, faces up to 33 years in state prison if convicted of the early Saturday morning shooting outside Trinity Club. A man who police later identified as Patton approached officers, telling them that “the shots came from behind the parking lot towards I-44.” When police tried to contact other witnesses, Patton “again approached (an officer) to advise (him) of where he shots had come from.” However, “multiple (cab) drivers advised (the officer) that (Patton) was the subject who had the gun and fired the shot,” according to court records. Patton refused orders not to move and put up a brief struggle, but was eventually handcuffed and arrested by police. Click here to read more on Pulaski County Daily News ... Darrell Todd Maurina - Posted: Tuesday, December 20, 2011 12:04 pm
One person was critically injured in a shooting at Trinity Club.
Trinity Club Saturday shooting sends victim to hospital in critical condition SAINT ROBERT, Mo. (Dec. 17, 2011) — An early Saturday morning shooting at a local nightclub sent the victim to a hospital in critical condition and sent the shooter to jail with a quarter-million-dollar cash-only bond, according to Pulaski County Prosecutor Kevin Hillman. Tremaine Patton, 24, of St. Robert, faces first-degree assault and armed criminal action charges which carry a maximum penalty of 33 years in state prison. Most details of the shooting incident are currently unknown, including motive. At this point, the Trinity Club shooting appears to be unrelated to an attempted armed robbery at a nearby gas station in which two people were arrested but one escaped.
Click here to read more on Pulaski County Daily News ... Darrell Todd Maurina - Posted: Sunday, December 18, 2011 12:32 am
Cpl. Jennifer Hicks helps Nicky Paskiand shop.
'Shop with a Cop' provides Christmas to 190 children, thanks to police effort PULASKI COUNTY, Mo. (Dec. 17, 2011) — About 150 area children turned out Saturday morning for the annual Shop with a Cop program that pairs police officers with needy children to spend $100 for Christmas shopping. “We’re almost done in an hour and a half,” said Waynesville police officer Gwendolyn Andrewcavage, the program coordinator. “It was a very, very productive day… we had wonderful participation this year and we’ll be out of Wal-Mart’s hair shortly.” Police agencies participating this year included St. Robert, Waynesville, Crocker, Dixon, the Pulaski County Sheriff’s Department, the Missouri State Highway Patrol, Fort Leonard Wood civilian police and enlisted military police officers, and one officer from the Lake Ozark Police Department. Click here to read more on Pulaski County Daily News ... Darrell Todd Maurina - Posted: Saturday, December 17, 2011 7:53 pm
Santa visits with children during the 2011 St. Nick’s Benefit
St. Nick’s benefit on Fort Leonard Wood brings holiday joy to area children FORT LEONARD WOOD, Mo. (Dec. 15, 2011) — The Fort Leonard Wood Lions Club, in combination with Army Community Service and numerous community groups surrounding the installation, hosted the 31st Annual St. Nick’s Benefit, Dec. 13, here in Grant Hall. “This year’s St. Nick’s Benefit is a cooperative effort between the Fort Leonard Wood Lions Club and the community, both on post and off to provide some holiday joy to children in this area who may otherwise go without a Christmas present,” Lisa Clinton, Lions Club member and St. Nick’s Benefit chairperson, said. With the generous help of all involved, the 2011 St. Nick’s Benefit will provide gifts to more than 830 children and young adults. Click here to read more on Pulaski County Daily News ... Marti Yoshida/Army Public Affairs - Posted: Saturday, December 17, 2011 7:49 pm
Local government finances doing well, officials tell Chamber members WAYNESVILLE, Mo. (Dec. 14, 2011) — Speaking at Wednesday’s meeting of the Waynesville-St. Robert Chamber of Commerce, Pulaski County Presiding Commissioner Gene Newkirk said a year which began with tornados and other disasters has turned into a positive year for the county, financially speaking. “Everything turned the page and started moving in the right direction; county revenue is up this year,” Newkirk said. “We budgeted for a 2 percent increase and we came in at 2.21.” Strict budgeting and a small increase in revenues allowed county commissioners to “pay off quite a bit of outstanding debt this year,” Newkirk said. Other reports included comments by Waynesville Mayor Cliff Hammock, who said the city will be formally annexing 200 acres of land south of Interstate 44, Superintendent Judene Blackburn and Fort Leonard Wood spokesman Shatara Seymour, who updated Chamber members on plans for the upcoming Christmas holiday, and Tourism Director Beth Wiles, who reported on the new county visitors guide. Click here to read more on Pulaski County Daily News ... Darrell Todd Maurina - Posted: Saturday, December 17, 2011 7:31 pm
Harry Widener
Coach Nelson's family wins $1 million settlement from Peppers Sports Bar PULASKI COUNTY, Mo. (Dec. 16, 2011) — The civil case against George Harry Widener is far from over, but lawyers in the wrongful death lawsuit involving former Waynesville High School baseball coach Don Nelson have come to a $1 million settlement with Pepper’s Sports Bar and Grill for serving Widener alcohol on the night that Nelson died in a head-on crash for which Widener has already been convicted in criminal court. In court documents filed Thursday, Kenneth Nelson and Stacey Cruz, the two surviving children of Don Nelson, and Don Nelson’s father Leon Nelson, agreed to a five-way settlement with the owners of Peppers, which “has denied, does deny and continues to deny liability.” Leon Nelson will receive $50,000, Cruz and Kenneth Nelson will each receive $269,968.93, the Smith and Turley law firm will receive $5,000, and David W. Ransin, the Nelson family’s attorney, will receive $400,000 plus expenses of $5,062.13. Thursday morning’s settlement stems from a June 4, 2009 incident in which, according to court records, Nelson was riding a motorcycle westbound on Old Route 66 in St. Robert when Widener, after leaving Peppers, drove the wrong way and hit Nelson head-on, killing him. The case has received widespread local media attention; Widener’s wife is a prominent local real estate agent and Nelson, in addition to his coaching and teaching duties, was a sports announcer on KJPW/KFBD radio. Click here to read more on Pulaski County Daily News ... Darrell Todd Maurina - Posted: Friday, December 16, 2011 7:44 pm
Soldiers from the 232nd Engineer Company secure a bulldozer for transportation.
Engineers train for disaster response FORT LEONARD WOOD, Mo. (Dec. 15, 2011) — With temperatures dropping into the low 40s and rain pouring, soldiers from the 232nd Engineer Company trained Tuesday by conducting a no-notice emergency deployment readiness exercise to ensure unit preparedness in the event of a real world disaster. Since Oct. 1, the company has been operating as part of the Command and Control Chemical, Biological, Radiological, Nuclear Response Element, part of U.S. Army North. The element is one of three specialized federal military forces designed to assist civilian agencies in responding to catastrophic CBRN incidents in the homeland. Click here to read more on Pulaski County Daily News ... Sgt. Heather Denby/Army Public Affairs - Posted: Thursday, December 15, 2011 10:42 pm
David Phillips
Retired MP School general warns of possible massacre after US leaves Iraq (Dec. 15, 2011) — On Monday, President Obama welcomed Iraqi Prime Minister Nouri al-Maliki to the White House with the declaration that U.S. troops were leaving Iraq with “heads held high.” But while administration spin-miesters are promoting the so-called deepening strategic partnership between the United States and Iraq, an emboldened and increasingly defiant Maliki is quickly moving forward with sinister preparations of his own that threaten to jettison President Obama’s mission-accomplished moment. In collusion with the Mullahs terrorist regime in Tehran, the Iraqi Prime Minister is planning a Srebrenica-style massacre of 3,400 unarmed Iranian dissidents living in his country at Camp Ashraf — each and every one of whom was given a written guarantee of protection by the U.S. government. I was the general who delivered that promise to the residents of Camp Ashraf in 2004, which is home to members of the Mujahedin-e Khalq (MEK) who are “protected persons” under the Geneva Conventions. As the main Iranian opposition movement, MEK is committed to non-violent regime change in Iran and a democratic nuclear-free Iranian future. Click here to read more on Pulaski County Daily News ... Brig.Gen. David Phillips (ret.) - Posted: Thursday, December 15, 2011 7:40 pm
Lauritson running again in St. Robert, Plummer files for Dixon Marshal PULASKI COUNTY, Mo. (Dec. 14, 2011) — Filings for city and school offices have been quiet so far, according to early reports from city clerks and school district officials. While candidate filings began Tuesday and will run until next month for the election to be held April 3, preliminary reports indicate that most incumbent school board members and city council members have not yet filed for re-election, and few new candidates are running so far. Two exceptions are in Dixon and Saint Robert. A Dixon policeman, Mike Plummer, filed Tuesday for the post being vacated by longtime Dixon City Marshal Cliffty Yoakum, who earlier declared that he’s not running for re-election. In St. Robert, former mayor George Lauritson filed on Tuesday for the Ward IV Alderman post currently held by Billy Urena. One incumbent is filing for a different office. Waynesville Councilwoman Luge Hardman previously announced that she was planning to run for the post being vacated by Mayor Cliff Hammock and she did in fact turn in her candidacy papers on Tuesday, the first day she could file. Click here to read more on Pulaski County Daily News ... Darrell Todd Maurina - Posted: Wednesday, December 14, 2011 6:39 pm
