Coffee Shop Hearsay - Monday, 8/23/2010

Published by Jimmy Oldsun, NDRIRSRWRAFTC & Editor

Date:  8/23/2010

I was in St. Louis from Wednesday of last week until Saturday along with our entire staff.  We took in a Cardinals ballgame, saw the new Julia Roberts movie, ate way too much good food and did a little team building.

When I'm gone that long, I tend to lose touch with what has been happening in Hermann.  The best way I've found to catch up on the news and hearsay is to meet with some of the locals at any one of several good coffee shops here in Hermann.  So that's just what I did early this morning. 

Elmer, Cletus, Barry and Thurston, all four loyal Hermann Hearsay subscribers, were already at Hardee's when I walked in.  They waved me over.  After querying me about my activities in St. Louis, they started telling me about recent news and hearsay in Hermann.  We must have gone through three pots of coffee!

The most interesting bit of hearsay they passed on to me was the rumor about one of the county commissioners filing an ethics complaint against another commissioner (or commissioners).  They weren't real clear if the complaint named just one commissioner or two.  I checked out their information at www.mec.mo.gov/ , but no information was posted on the Missouri Ethics Commission website as of 10 a.m. this morning.  I'll keep checking.

The group had heard various stories about the ethics complaint.  Elmer and Barry had heard that the complaint was filed against Jerry Lairmore for calling Matt Penning a "lieing [expletive]" a few weeks ago at a road department meeting.  I told Elmer and Barry that I thought that outburst might have been a flagrant violation of good manners, professionalism and 'The Golden Rule' but that it might not fall under the jurisdiction of The Missouri Ethics Commission.  Cletus and Thurston had heard that the ethics complaint was filed against Ron Jost and Jerry Lairmore for voting NOT to bid out the county's tire and tire service business this year.  That sounded more credible to me.

I'll have to do some investigating and report back to you later.  If anyone out there has the factual information, I hope you will comment.  I'm thinking my ol' buddy A. Nonymous probably knows something he'd like to tell all of us about.  Perhaps I can get a response from Northern District Associate Commissioner Matt Penning who is rumored to have filed the complaint with the Missouri Ethics Commission.

The Beatles - "You've Got To Hide Your Love Away"

Published by Lois Lame, SSALRCYTMVDQJCP & Assistant Editor

Date:  8/23/2010

It's "Beatles Monday" ......

Photo Of The Day - Monday, 8/23/2010

Published by Lois Lame, SSALRCYTMVDQJCP & Assistant Editor

Date:  8/23/2010

Sleep is a symptom of caffeine deprivation.

Laugh Of The Day - Monday, 8/23/2010

Published by Lois Lame, SSALRCYTMVDQJCP & Assistant Editor

Date:  8/23/2010

Another YouTube video clip of "The Three Stooges" .....

Quote Of The Day - Monday, 8/23/2010

Published by Lois Lame, SSALRCYTMVDQJCP & Assistant Editor

Date:  8/23/2010

"Concentrated power has always been the enemy of liberty."  ~ Ronald Reagan

Willie Nelson - "You Were Always On My Mind"

Published by Lois Lame, SSALRCYTMVDQJCP & Assistant Editor

Date:  8/22/2010

Once again, it's "Willie Nelson Sunday"!  Here is one of my all-time favorite songs from Willie .....

Sunday Bible Verse - Psalm 23:1-6

Published by Lois Lame, SSALRCYTMVDQJCP & Assistant Editor

Date:  8/22/2010

1 The LORD is my shepherd; I shall not want.
2 He maketh me to lie down in green pastures: he leadeth me beside the still waters.
3 He restoreth my soul: he leadeth me in the paths of righteousness for his name's sake.
4 Yea, though I walk through the valley of the shadow of death, I will fear no evil: for thou art with me; thy rod and thy staff they comfort me.
5 Thou preparest a table before me in the presence of mine enemies: thou anointest my head with oil; my cup runneth over.
6 Surely goodness and mercy shall follow me all the days of my life: and I will dwell in the house of the LORD for ever.

~ Psalm 23:1-6 (KJV)

Eric Clapton - "Wonderful Tonight"

Published by Lois Lame, SSALRCYTMVDQJCP & Assistant Editor

Date:  8/19/2010

It's "Eric Clapton Thursday".  Here's one of Clapton's songs I just love .....

Photo Of The Day - Thursday, 8/19/2010

Published by Lois Lame, SSALRCYTMVDQJCP & Assistant Editor

Date:  8/19/2010

Busch Stadium

Laugh Of The Day - Thursday, 8/19/2010

Published by Lois Lame, SSALRCYTMVDQJCP & Assistant Editor

Date:  8/19/2010

The Three Stooges bake a birthday cake .....

Quote Of The Day - Thursday, 8/19/2010

Published by Lois Lame, SSALRCYTMVDQJCP & Assistant Editor

Date:  8/19/2010

St. Louis Cardinals Manager Tony La Russa earned a Juris Doctor (J.D.) degree from Florida State University College of Law, was admitted to the Florida Bar on December 19th, 1974, and is associated with a Sarasota law firm although he is not eligible to practice at this time. La Russa has been quoted as saying .....

"I decided I'd rather ride the buses in the minor leagues than practice law for a living."  ~ Tony La Russa 

Hermann Hearsay Staff Goes To Cardinals Game For Team Building

Published by Jimmy Oldsun, NDRIRSRWRAFTC & Editor

Date:  8/19/2010

I took the staff down to St. Louis for a Cardinals ballgame on Wednesday.  That's why we didn't post anything yesterday.

We had a great day at Busch Stadium.  Unfortunately the Cards lost to the Brewers 3-2.  The Cards just couldn't give Adam Wainright any run support.  They made a 9th inning surge but stranded three runners on the bases when Brendan Ryan struck out fot the final out dashing the hopes of 41,200 loyal fans.

It was a good team building trip.  We discussed future plans for Hermann Hearsay.

Vote Recount Denied

Published by Dick Schaefer, Award-winning, Unpaid, Part-time Contributing Writer and Amateur Investigative Reporter

Date:  8/17/2010

We have confirmed that the judge's decision has been handed down in the vote recount case, "Larry Miskel v. Ronald Jost".  The Honorable Gael D. Wood has denied Miskel's petition for a recount of votes in the Republican Primary of the Gasconade County Presiding Commissioner race. 

Jost will now face Jerry Spurgeon, a Democrat challenger, in the November General  Election.

Man On The Street Interview - 8/17/2010

Published by Dick Schaefer, Award-winning, Unpaid, Part-time Contributing Writer and Amateur Investigative Reporter

Date:  8/17/2010

As of 10:27 a.m. on Tuesday when I last checked, there is still no "disposition" on the recount case, "Larry Miskel v. Ronald Jost" (at least not according to Case.net).  Now, my ol' buddy "A. Nonymous" has stopped by to say that there is a ruling, but I haven't been able to confirm that with any "official" source.  "A. Nonymous" didn't say where he got his "inside information".  I checked Case.net once again at 10:41 a.m.  Case still "not disposed" per Case.net.  Perhaps "A. Nonymous" can tell us where he/she sources his/her information.  Can you help us out "A. Nonymous"?

We wondered what the people of Hermann might be thinking about this case.  So we decided to conduct another one of our "Man On The Street Interviews".  We caught up with Jethro Bodine, one our Premium Subcribers.  Jethro was having a cup of coffee at Hardee's before heading out on the river to do some fishing.  Jethro had a little time and was happy to talk with me.

Dick:  Thanks for your time, Jethro!
Jethro:  No problem!
Dick:  I won't keep you long, Jethro.  I was just wondering what you think about this vote recount case and when you think the judge will render his decision on it.
Jethro:  Well, I'm glad the judge is taking the time to carefully consider the facts of the case inlight of Missouri election law and established case law.  He seems like a real thorough judge!
Dick:  How do you think the judge will rule?
Jethro:  Boy, that's hard to say!  I just don't know Missouri election law that well.  I think the judge will rule according to the law.
Dick:  How do you see it, Jethro?
Jethro:  Since the margin of Ron Jost's win is only 16 votes out of the 2788 total votes cast or < 1% of the votes cast for Presiding Commissioner, I think it is reasonable to conduct a manual recount ...... either of partial votes agreed to by the parties or of all votes if the parties cannot agree on a partial vote recount.  Either way, Larry Miskel who is contesting the vote will have to pay.  No cost to the taxpayers.  This being the case, we should manually recount the vote in order to give greater assurance to voters that Jost is really the winner assuming that is borne out by the manual recount.  If it turns out that the manual recound shows Miskel to be the winner, then there will no longer be any questions about machine error or loss of votes in any of the precincts.  The manual recount will eliminate any further debate or lingering questions on the subject!
Dick:  You're saying it's important for voters to have assurance that the right man has won the election fair and square without any lingering doubt?
Jethro:  That's what I'm sayin'!
Dick:  Well, thank you for your time this morning, Jethro!  Good luck with your fishin' today!

Elvis Presley - "Bridge Over Troubled Water"

Published by Lois Lame, SSALRCYTMVDQJCP & Assistant Editor

Date:  8/17/2010

It's "Elvis Tuesday"!  We selected Elvis' great rendition of "Bridge Over Trouble Water" for this particular Tuesday.  Elvis had a powerful voice like no other!

Photo Of The Day - Tuesday, 8/17/2010

Published by Lois Lame, SSALRCYTMVDQJCP & Assistant Editor

Frog or Crocodile?

Frogadile?

Photo sent to us by Jethro Bodine who does a lot of fishing on the Missouri and Gasconade Rivers.  Jethro says he's never before seen anything like this!  Note: Premium subscriber 'Tator_Tot' had previously sent us a similar photo.  Since 'Tator_Tot' is a cat, we were understandably suspicious of a computer literate cat sending in a strange photo of a 'frogadile'.

Laugh Of The Day - Tuesday, 8/17/2010

Published by Lois Lame, SSALRCYTMVDQJCP & Assistant Editor

Date:  8/17/2010

Let's take a look at some "Three Stooges" video clips .....

Quote Of The Day - Tuesday, 8/17/2010

Published by Lois Lame, SSALRCYTMVDQJCP & Assistant Editor

Date:  8/17/2010

“Global poverty is a powder keg that could be ignited by our indifference.”  ~ Bill Clinton

"Not Disposed"

Published by Dick Schaefer, Award-winning, Unpaid, Part-time Contributing Writer and Amateur Investigative Reporter

Date:  8/16/2010

"Not Disposed" ..... such is the current "disposition" of Case # 10GA-CC00030, Larry Miskel v. Ronald Jost ..... at least it is recorded that way on Case.net as of 5:35 p.m. on Monday, 8/16.

The Honorable Gael D. Wood, Circuit Judge of the 20th Circuit, is apparently carefully considering the facts of the case as presented to him by attorneys for both appellant and respondent as well as Missouri statutes and case law.  This judge listened intently to a great deal of testimony given in the case.  He asked questions for clarification and when he didn't thoroughly understand something.  I like this judge!  I believe he will render a well-reasoned decision in this case where appellant Larry Miskel, who lost the election for Presiding Commissioner of Gasconade County to respondent Ronald Jost by only 16 votes out of 2788 total votes cast (< 1%), is seeking a partial recount of certain votes in question.

My personal observations and reflections:

1. As a retired person, I was privileged to be able to sit in for the Miskel v. Jost hearing on Friday afternoon, 8/13.  Not everyone can attend court trials or hearings.  So many of our fellow citizens have to work.  I never attended a court hearing or a jury trial, except for serving jury duty for one court trial, during all the years I worked in the corporate world.  I should have spent a vacation day or two doing so.  I understand that now, but I didn't understand it when I was busy earning a living and making money for my employer.
2. America, for all our problems, is a nation of laws.  Americans have the right to take problems which they cannot otherwise resolve into a court of law.  We have the right to have our case heard by an objective third party and in some cases by a jury of our peers.  We take that right for granted, it seems to me.  It was reassuring to see the legal system applied to the case of Miskel v. Jost.
3. I was proud of all who participated in the Miskel v. Jost hearing.  Appellant Miskel and respondent Jost were both civil and respectful.  The attorneys for both parties (P. Dennis Barks, representing Miskel and Brett J. Hellmann, representing Jost) were civil, respectful and well-prepared.  Judge Wood was very engaged.  He listened closely to attorney arguments and to witness testimony, and he asked penetrating questions.  The witnesses (Mayor Miskel and County Clerk Lietzow) were both competent to give sworn testimony, and they both gave truthful testimony.  All participants played important roles in terms of exposing details of the contested issue so that Judge Wood could understand the facts on both sides of the case.

To all Hermann Hearsay readers, if you've never taken the time to attend a court hearing or a court trial, I recommend that you do so some time.  You will learn a lot, and like me, you will be reassured that our American legal system works.  Perhaps it doesn't always work perfectly.  But it does work pretty darned well!

Hermann Hearsay Endorses Sharon Meyer for Gasconade County Clerk

Published by Jimmy Oldsun, NDRIRSRWRAFTC & Editor

As you may already know, Hermann Hearsay is endorsing Sharon Meyer (D) for the office of Gasconade County Clerk.

Here is a letter from Sharon which we originally published on Thursday, 8/12 .....

Dear Friends, Neighbors, and Gasconade County Citizens,

As you may have heard, my name is Sharon Meyer and I am running for the office of the Gasconade County Clerk. My husband is Mark Meyer, and our son is Patrick.

We live, near Stony Hill, on 10 acres of the farm Joseph Benz, my great-grandfather settled on with his family in the 1890’s. E. G. Benz, who once served as this county’s Surveyor, was my grandfather.

My parents were Anna Marie and Edgar Benz. Through their love and nourishing I have become a person with principles and moral integrity. One ready to serve with the highest standard of accountability and professionalism because the citizens of Gasconade County deserve no less than the best!

As the County’s ELECTION AUTHORITY, I will work endlessly to make sure that the election process is conducted in accordance with all federal and state election laws. As the County Election Authority, I am committed to ensuring that anyone who wishes to and is eligible to is allowed to vote.

Managing the elections process is a great responsibility, but do you know it is not the only duty of the Clerk. The Clerk acts as the county’s CHIEF FINANCIAL OFFICER. Make no mistake! Gasconade County government is big business – approximately $5 million a year, which is generated from taxes, collected from you the citizens!

I will run the Clerk’s office with the highest level of accountability, transparency, and provide strong fiscal management of our citizens’ tax dollars.

People need to ask why the Clerk’s Office is not using a computer to generate a $5 million Budget Summary. Is it not time to put away the paper and pencil?

Finally, the County Clerk is elected to represent and serve the citizens. The Clerk is responsible for keeping the citizens informed. As the CUSTODIAN OF RECORDS:

I will attend all meetings of the County Commission and provide accurate minutes. If I cannot attend a meeting for some reason, someone from the Clerk’s office will.

I will no longer allow an official to give the impression that a document just needs to be filed and it will be up to a citizen to find it.

Currently, citizens in Gasconade County are sometimes charged fees for information at considerably higher rates than the surrounding counties? I will ensure that the fees charged are fair and correct according to Missouri law.

Finally, I believe it is time that Gasconade County Clerk’s Office has a quality Website. It is time that citizens can access county information and contact the County Clerk on line.

The clerk’s office is a critical part of the county government. I believe I am the best person to handle the responsibilities of the office, and I will bring a higher level of integrity, accountability and professionalism. Why, because the citizens of Gasconade County deserve NO LESS than the BEST! I would be honored to have your vote for County Clerk.

On August 3rd and November 2nd please remember to vote because it is not only our right as citizens of the United States, but it is our civic duty. Our votes can and do make a difference at all levels of government.

Sincerely,

Sharon Ann Meyer

Paid for By Citizens to Elect Sharon Meyer ~ Chris Penning, Treasurer