Well Fed Neighbors and 1000 Gardens

Ruell and Galen did and awesome jon this morning on the show. You can hear them here:
http://www.ksgf.com/Portals/67/KSGF%20Audio/This%20week/062909-%20hr%203_4.mp3

and read about them here: http://www.wellfedneighbor.com

Springfield City Council Meeting Agenda

Please Note: This is the first meeting of a pilot project for earlier start times for City Council meetings. The meeting will begin at 6 p.m. rather than 7 p.m.


Springfield City Council
June 29, 2009
6:00 p.m.


SPEAKERS MUST SIGN UP WITH THE CITY CLERK TO SPEAK TO AN ISSUE ON THE AGENDA.
SPEAKERS ARE TO LIMIT THEIR REMARKS TO FIVE MINUTES.

Note: Sponsorship does not denote Council member approval or support.

* * * *


1. ROLL CALL.

2. APPROVAL OF MINUTES. – June 15, 2009.

3. FINALIZATION AND APPROVAL OF CONSENT AGENDAS. CITIZENS WISHING TO SPEAK TO OR REMOVE ITEMS FROM THE CONSENT AGENDAS MUST DO SO AT THIS TIME.

4. CEREMONIAL MATTERS.

5. Swear in Andrea McKinney, Sidney Needem, and Bob Horton to the Springfield/Greene County Park Board.

6. Presentation from Mike Kromrey, Chair, Environmental Advisory Board.

7. RESPONSES TO QUESTIONS RAISED AT THE JUNE 15, 2009 MEETING AND CITY MANAGER’S REPORT.

8. COUNCIL BILLS FOR PUBLIC HEARING. CITIZENS MAY SPEAK. NOT ANTICIPATED TO BE VOTED ON.

9. COUNCIL BILL 2009-155. (Compton) A special ordinance vacating a portion of public alley generally located on the west side of the 400 block of N. Campbell Avenue and on the south side of the 400 block of W. Phelps Avenue (Planning and Zoning Commission and Staff recommend that City Council approve the Vacation request with conditions.)


10. COUNCIL BILL 2009-156. (Ibarra) A general ordinance amending the Official Map of Springfield, adopted pursuant to General Ordinance No. 1478, by naming a new segment of street “Deer Lake Avenue”. (Planning and Zoning Commission and staff recommend approval).


11. COUNCIL BILL 2009-157. (O’Neal) A general ordinance amending Article I, Zoning Ordinance, of the Springfield Land Development Code, Divisions IV District Regulations and V Supplemental District Regulations, by modifying various requirements of the Government and Institutional Use District. (Both Planning and Zoning Commission and staff recommend approval.)

12. COUNCIL BILL 2009-158. (Bailes) A general ordinance amending Section 1‑9 of the Springfield City Code, City Limits, by annexing approximately 265.41 acres of private property and 0.28 acres of Greene County right-of-way into the City of Springfield generally located on the east side of the 4100 block of South US Highway 65 more fully described in this ordinance, generally referenced as Annexation A-1-09, and amending Section 46-1 of the Springfield City Code, Election Wards, Precincts and Council Zones, Ward Boundaries, by adding this property to the ward and precinct assigned by the County Clerk.

13. COUNCIL BILL 2009-159. (Bailes) A general ordinance amending the Springfield Land Development Code, Section 1-1600, Zoning Maps, by rezoning approximately 500 acres of property generally located on the east and west sides of the 4100 block South US Highway 65 from a City R-SF, Single Family Residential District and Greene County A-1, Agricultural District and R-1, Residential District to Planned Development District Number 330. (Both Planning and Zoning Commission and Staff recommend approval). (By: Larry Childress Etal; East and west sides 4100 block South US Highway 65; Planned Development 330.)

14. FIRST READING BILLS. CITIZENS MAY SPEAK. NOT ANTICIPATED TO BE VOTED ON.

15. COUNCIL BILL 2009-160. (Compton) A special ordinance authorizing the City Manager, or his designee, and the Springfield-Greene County Park Board, to accept donations from the Friends of the Garden, through the Community Foundation of the Ozarks, and Greene County for construction of a Botanical Center, as approved by county voters, and to amend the budget for the City of Springfield, Missouri, in the Parks Department by increasing revenues and expenditures for Park’s County-Wide Sales Tax Fund 4165 for fiscal year 2009‑2010, in the amount of $964,458.00, and to do all things necessary to carry out the acceptance and use of the donations, including the execution of contracts.

16. COUNCIL BILL 2009-161. (Rushefsky) A special ordinance authorizing the City Manager to accept a $10,000 donation from the Springfield R-XII School District to provide for public improvements along Cherry Street adjacent to Bingham Elementary School and amending the budget provided for the Public Works Department of the City of Springfield, Missouri, for fiscal year 2009-2010.

17. COUNCIL BILL 2009-162. (O’Neal) A special ordinance amending the budget for the City of Springfield, Missouri, in the General Fund for the fiscal year 2008-2009 in the amount of $1,800,000 to increase revenue and expense appropriations in the General Fund in the same amount.

18. RESOLUTIONS.

19. EMERGENCY BILLS.

20. PUBLIC IMPROVEMENTS.

21. GRANTS.

22. AMENDED BILLS.

23. SECOND READING AND FINAL PASSAGE. CITIZENS HAVE SPOKEN. MAY BE VOTED ON.

24. COUNCIL BILL 2009-148. (Chiles, Burlison, Compton, & Rush) A general ordinance amending the Fee Schedule for certain municipal services as provided in the Springfield City Code, by making such adjustments as provided in the attached Evaluation of Charges for Municipal Services and by adopting new fees for certain city services, in order to recover all or part of the cost thereof and declaring an emergency. (The Finance Committee recommends approval.)

25. COUNCIL BILL 2009-149. (O’Neal) A special ordinance authorizing the City Manager or his designee, to accept the donation of funds from Blue Noodle LLC d/b/a Metropolitan Grill for the benefit of the Springfield Police Officers’ and Fire Fighters’ Retirement System.

26. UNFINISHED BUSINESS.

27. PETITIONS, REMONSTRANCES, AND COMMUNICATIONS.

28. Mr. Ron Ard wishes to address City Council.

29. Ms. Patty Ingold wishes to address City Council.

30. NEW BUSINESS.

31. As per RSMo. 109.230 (4), City records that are on file in the City Clerk’s office and have met the retention schedule will be destroyed in compliance with the guidelines established by the Secretary of State’s office.

32. Financial Statement for April 2009.

33. MISCELLANEOUS.

34. CONSENT AGENDA – FIRST READING BILLS. SEE ITEM # 3.

35. COUNCIL BILL 2009-163. (O’Neal) A special ordinance authorizing the City Manager, or his designee, to apply for a grant from the Missouri Foundation for Health (MFH) in the amount of $10,500, for Fiscal Year 2009-2010, through the Missouri Health Literacy Enhancement Demonstration Project for the purpose of enhancing health literacy.

36. COUNCIL BILL 2009-164. (Ibarra) A special ordinance authorizing the City Manager, or his designee, on behalf of the City of Springfield, to enter into a transportation cost apportionment agreement with the Missouri Highway and Transportation Commission (“MHTC”) to coordinate participation by the City in the cost of the Commission’s Project No. J8S2157 relating to rehabilitation of the Route 13 (Kansas Expressway) bridge (viaduct) over the BNSF railway and Locust Street between Atlantic Street and Division Street.

37. COUNCIL BILL 2009-165. (Ibarra) A special ordinance authorizing the City Manager, or his designee, on behalf of the City of Springfield, to enter into an agreement with the Missouri Highways and Transportation Commission (“MHTC”) for the purpose of installing Phase I Wayfinding signage for the City of Springfield on Missouri Department of Transportation (“MoDOT”) right-of-way.

38. COUNCIL BILL 2009-166. (Bailes) A special ordinance authorizing the Director of Planning and Development to accept the public streets and easements to the City of Springfield as shown on the Preliminary Plat of Sulgrove Place Subdivision generally located at 3524 South Sulgrove Avenue, upon the applicant filing and recording a final plat that substantially conforms to the preliminary plat; and authorizing the City Clerk to sign the final plat upon compliance with the terms of this ordinance. (Planning and Zoning Commission has approved the Preliminary Plat. Both Planning and Zoning Commission and staff recommend that City Council accept the public streets and easements.)

39. CONSENT AGENDA – ONE READING BILLS. SEE ITEM # 3.

40. COUNCIL BILL 2009-167. (O’Neal) A special ordinance authorizing the City Manager to make a joint application with Greene County, Missouri, to apply for and to accept an Edward Byrne Memorial Justice Assistance Grant (JAG) from the United States Department of Justice for law enforcement purposes; to enter into an interlocal agreement with Greene County, Missouri; and to amend the budget provided for the Police Department of the City of Springfield, Missouri, for fiscal year 2008 - 2009, in the amount of $153,554, and declaring an emergency.

41. COUNCIL BILL 2009-168. (Bailes) A special ordinance relinquishing a public drainage easement generally located on the south side of the 2100 block of E. Republic Road, authorizing the City Manager or his designee to execute a license agreement for work in, and maintenance of, a storm detention facility and amending the budget in the Department of Public Works in the amount of $312,500.00 for FY 2009-2010 (Planning and Zoning Commission and Planning and Public Works staffs recommend approval subject to a condition.)

42. COUNCIL BILL 2009-169. (Ibarra) A special ordinance to accept the bid of Rockbusters, Inc. in the amount of $62,782.30 for the construction of sanitary sewers in Sanitary Sewer District No. 104 of Section No. 5, located in the vicinity of Livingston Street at Fort Avenue in the City of Springfield, Missouri; declaring the work to be necessary; stating the intention to pay for all or part of the improvements from the proceeds of bonds; specifying those costs and expenses to be specifically assessed against the properties in the district and the method by which the costs will be apportioned; setting forth the manner of payment, the lien of the assessments and the duration of the lien; setting forth the interest rate to be charged on the tax bills; authorizing the City Manager, or his designee of the City of Springfield, Missouri, to enter into a contract and to approve the bond for said improvement; and authorizing progress payments to be made to the contractor.

43. COUNCIL BILL 2009-170. (Rushefsky) A special ordinance to establish and define the boundaries and adopt the plat, plans, specifications, and sealed estimate of construction costs, and authorize acquisition of necessary right(s)-of-way, including condemnation thereof, for Sanitary Sewer District No. 50V of Section No. 6 of the main sewers of the City of Springfield, Missouri, located in the general vicinity of Norton Road at Fremont Avenue; further providing that all labor shall be paid the prevailing wages; providing for participation by the City in the cost of construction; directing the City Manager, or his designee to advertise for bids for the construction of said sewers; and providing for payment therefor.

44. COUNCIL BILL 2009-171. (Bailes) A resolution approving the plans, specifications and the bid of Hartman & Co. Inc., in the amount of $583,000 for the construction of Fort Avenue and Sunshine Street Intersection Improvements, Plan No. 8PW6104.

45. COUNCIL BILL 2009-172. (O’Neal) A resolution approving the plans and specifications for the Springfield Wayfinding Installation, Arterials and Expressways project and to accept the bid of Modern Neon & Plastic, LLC in the amount of $104,783.88 for installation of the arterial and expressway Springfield Wayfinding signs.

46. COUNCIL BILL 2009-173. (O’Neal) A resolution approving the plans and specifications for the Springfield Wayfinding Installation, Freeways and Interstate project and to accept the bid of Modern Neon & Plastic, LLC in the amount of $53,964.00 for installation of the freeway and interstate Springfield Wayfinding signs.

47. COUNCIL BILL 2009-174. (O’Neal) A resolution appointing Pat O’Reilly, Tim O’Reilly, Tom Rankin, Mary Lilly Smith, and Sarah Wilson to serve as members of the Board of Directors of the Shoppes at James River Community Improvement District.

48. COUNCIL BILL 2009-175. (Ibarra, Rushefsky) A resolution adopting the scope of duties and appointing the members for the Commercial Street Task Force.

49. CONSENT AGENDA – SECOND READING BILLS.

50. Confirm the following reappointments for Substitute Municipal Court Judge: Angela D. Acree; Shantel Alberhasky; Gregory Dorshorst; and Aaron Jones with terms to expire June 30, 2010.

51. Confirm the following reappointment to the Traffic Advisory Board: Richard Walker with term to expire April 1, 2012.

52. Confirm the following appointments to the Traffic Advisory Board: Larry Butler and Teddy Fleck with terms to expire April 1, 2012.

53. Confirm the following appointment to the Tree City USA Advisory Committee: Kay Johnson with term to expire December 1, 2010.

54. Confirm the following appointments to the Springfield/Greene County Library Board: Kenton DeVries and David Richards with terms to expire July 1, 2012.


* * * * END OF CONSENT AGENDAS * * * *

55. CLOSED SESSION: The City Council will hold a closed meeting for the purpose of discussing legal actions, causes of action, litigation, privileged and confidential communications, pursuant to Section 610.021 (1), RSMo. 2009, and this meeting, record, and vote be closed and the City Council shall stand adjourned at the end of the closed session.

Crap and Tax

The Wall Street Journal analysis
http://online.wsj.com/article/SB124588837560750781.html

The Heritage Foundation Report
http://www.heritage.org/Research/EnergyandEnvironment/upload/wm_2504.pdf

The Cato Institute
http://www.cato.org/pub_display.php?pub_id=10313

We NEED to Laugh!

We all need a little stress-reliever! This only takes a minute. It's silly but lets be silly for a short time and have a little fun.

Sometimes when you have a stressful day or week, you need some silliness to break up the day. If we are honest, we have a lot more stressful days than not.

Here is your dose of humor...

And don't go all adult - a senior manager is now known far & wide as Dorky Gizzardsniffer!

The following is excerpted from a children's book, Captain Underpants And the Perilous Plot Professor Poopypants, by Dave Pilkey, in which the evil Professor forces everyone to assume new names...

So:-

1. Use the third letter of your first name to determine your New first name:

a = snickle
b = doombah
c = goober
d = cheesey
e = crusty
f = greasy
g = dumbo
h = farcus
i = dorky
j = doofus
k = funky
l = boobie
m = sleezy
n = sloopy
o = fluffy
p = stinky
q = slimy
r = dorfus
s = snooty
t = tootsie
u = dipsy
v = sneezy
w = liver
x = skippy
y = dinky
z = zippy

2. Use the second letter of your last name to determine the first half of your new last name:

a = dippin
b = feather
c = batty
d = burger
e = chicken
f = barffy
g = lizard
h = waffle
i = farkle
j = monkey
k = flippin
l = fricken
m = bubble
n = rhino
o = potty
p = hamster
q = buckle
r = gizzard
s = lickin
t = snickle
u = chuckle
v = pickle
w = hubble
x = dingle
y = gorilla
z = girdle

3. Use the third letter of your last name to determine the second half of your new last name:
a = butt
b = boob
c = face
d = nose
e = hump
f = breath
g = pants h = shorts
i = lips
j = honker
k = head
l = tush
m = chunks
n = dunkin
o = brains
p = biscuits
q = toes
r = doodle
s = fanny
t = sniffer
u = sprinkles
v = frack
w = squirt
x = humperdinck
y = hiney
z = juice

So my new name is Sloopy Chicken-Doodle while Miss Kortni shall henceforth be known as: Dorfus Farkle-Tush

Remember that children laugh an average of 146 times a day; adults laugh an average of 4 times a day.

Springfield City Council Agenda - June 15, 2009

Springfield City Council
June 15, 2009
7:00 p.m.


SPEAKERS MUST SIGN UP WITH THE CITY CLERK TO SPEAK TO AN ISSUE ON THE AGENDA.
SPEAKERS ARE TO LIMIT THEIR REMARKS TO FIVE MINUTES.

Note: Sponsorship does not denote Council member approval or support.

* * * *


1. ROLL CALL.

2. APPROVAL OF MINUTES. – June 1, 2009 and June 9, 2009.

3. FINALIZATION AND APPROVAL OF CONSENT AGENDAS. CITIZENS WISHING TO SPEAK TO OR REMOVE ITEMS FROM THE CONSENT AGENDAS MUST DO SO AT THIS TIME.

4. CEREMONIAL MATTERS.

5. RESPONSES TO QUESTIONS RAISED AT THE JUNE 1, 2009 AND JUNE 9, 2009 MEETINGS AND CITY MANAGER’S REPORT.

6. COUNCIL BILLS FOR PUBLIC HEARING. CITIZENS MAY SPEAK. NOT ANTICIPATED TO BE VOTED ON.

7. COUNCIL BILL 2009-148. (Chiles, Burlison, Compton, & Rush) A general ordinance amending the Fee Schedule for certain municipal services as provided in the Springfield City Code, by making such adjustments as provided in the attached Evaluation of Charges for Municipal Services and by adopting new fees for certain city services, in order to recover all or part of the cost thereof and declaring an emergency. (The Finance Committee recommends approval.)

8. FIRST READING BILLS. CITIZENS MAY SPEAK. NOT ANTICIPATED TO BE VOTED ON.

9. COUNCIL BILL 2009-149. (O’Neal) A special ordinance authorizing the City Manager or his designee, to accept the donation of funds from Blue Noodle LLC d/b/a Metropolitan Grill for the benefit of the Springfield Police Officers’ and Fire Fighters’ Retirement System.
10. RESOLUTIONS. CITIZENS MAY SPEAK. MAY BE VOTED ON.

11. EMERGENCY BILLS.

12. COUNCIL BILL 2009-150. (O’Neal) A special ordinance authorizing the City Manager or his designee to apply for and accept on behalf of the Mayor’s Commission for Children, a grant from the United States Department of Education, Office of Innovation and Improvement, for the Ready to Learn Project; and declaring an emergency.

13. PUBLIC IMPROVEMENTS.

14. GRANTS.

15. AMENDED BILLS.

16. SECOND READING AND FINAL PASSAGE. CITIZENS HAVE SPOKEN. MAY BE VOTED ON.

17. AMENDED COUNCIL BILL 2009-110. (Chiles) A special ordinance adopting a budget for the City of Springfield, Missouri, for the fiscal year July 1, 2009 through June 30, 2010 and providing that certain amounts shown in the budget document are appropriated for the various departments specified in said budget, and declaring an emergency.

18. COUNCIL BILL 2009-111. (Chiles) A special ordinance setting a preliminary levy tax on real and personal property for current expenses and debt retirement of the City of Springfield, Missouri, its boards and agencies, for the fiscal year 2009-2010, and declaring an emergency.

19. COUNCIL BILL 2009-126. (Bailes) A general ordinance amending the Springfield Land Development Code, Section 1-1600, Zoning Maps, by rezoning approximately one (1) acre of land generally located at 3830 South Lone Pine Avenue, more particularly described in this ordinance, from a LB, Limited Business District to a GR, General Retail District. (Both Planning and Zoning Commission and staff recommend approval.) (By: Samuel Watts; 3830 S. Lone Pine Avenue; Z-10-2009.)

20. COUNCIL BILL 2009-127. (Compton) A general ordinance amending the Springfield Land Development Code, Section 1-1600, Zoning Maps, by rezoning approximately 1.18 acres of land generally located at the 200 block of West Sunset Street, from GR, General Retail with Conditional Overlay District #26 to Planned Development District Number 331 to allow an existing nonconforming detached sign to remain, allow development activity to occur in conformance with the Zoning Ordinance and provide enforcement provisions for the removal of the sign on or before September 31, 2025. (Both Planning and Zoning Commission and Staff recommend approval.) (By: Empire Mortgage Co. Inc; 200 Block W. Sunset Street; Planned Development 331.)

21. COUNCIL BILL 2009-128. (O’Neal) A general ordinance amending the Springfield Land Development Code, Zoning Ordinance, Article I, Division II, Section 2-1100, Definitions, and Division V, Section 5-1200, Temporary Uses, for the purpose of modifying the requirements for temporary promotional activities for large establishments. (Planning and Zoning Commission and Staff recommend approval.)

22. COUNCIL BILL 2009-129. (O’Neal) A special ordinance approving a Petition requesting the formation of The Shoppes at James River Community Improvement District; establishing the District as a political subdivision of the State of Missouri; approving a form of Cooperative Agreement among the City, the CID and other parties named therein; and directing the City Clerk to notify the Missouri Department of Economic Development of the creation of the District.

23. COUNCIL BILL 2009-130. (Ibarra) A special ordinance approving a Petition requesting the formation of the Commercial Street Community Improvement District; establishing the District as a political subdivision of the State of Missouri; and directing the City Clerk to notify the Missouri Department of Economic Development of the creation of the District.

24. COUNCIL BILL 2009-131. (O’Neal) A special ordinance authorizing the City Manager, or his designee, on behalf of the City of Springfield, to enter into an agreement to provide planning and administrative services to the Ozark Transportation Organization for the amount of $47,000.00. (Planning Staff recommends approval).

25. COUNCIL BILL 2009-133. (O’Neal) A general ordinance amending Chapter 2, Section 2‑92 of the Springfield City Code, known as the salary ordinance relating to pay grades for various job titles within the City service as contained in the Professional, Administrative and Technical (PAT) and Crafts, Trade and Labor (CTL) pay schedules, by making provision for 9 new job titles and deleting 6 existing job titles; amending Chapter 2, Section 2-91, Merit Rules 17.7, 18.2, 19.4, 21.1 and 22.1 relating benefits to Budgetary Approval.

26. COUNCIL BILL 2009-134. (Compton) A special ordinance authorizing the City Manager, or his designee, on behalf of the City of Springfield, to enter into an agreement with the Springfield Convention and Visitors Bureau, including the 2009-2010 budget and marketing plan needed to continue the program to encourage tourism and conventions in the City.

27. COUNCIL BILL 2009-135. (O’Neal) A special ordinance authorizing the City Manager, or his designee, on behalf of the City of Springfield, Missouri to enter into an agreement with the Greater Springfield Area Sports Commission and Foundation, Inc. (“Sports Commission”) whereby the City will provide the Sports Commission with a share of the City’s collection fees from the Hotel/Motel Tax to fund the Sports Commission’s efforts to bring regional and national sporting events to the City.

28. COUNCIL BILL 2009-136. (Ibarra) A special ordinance authorizing the Springfield/Branson National Airport Board to sell the Air Park South airport in Ozark, Missouri.

29. UNFINISHED BUSINESS.

30. PETITIONS, REMONSTRANCES, AND COMMUNICATIONS.

31. NEW BUSINESS.

32. The Mayor recommends the following reappointment to the Traffic Advisory Board: Richard Walker with term to expire April 1, 2012.
33. The Mayor recommends the following appointments to the Traffic Advisory Board: Larry Butler and Teddy Fleck with terms to expire April 1, 2012.
34. The Mayor recommends the following appointment to the Tree City USA Advisory Committee: Kay Johnson with term to expire December 1, 2010.
35. The Mayor recommends the following appointments to the Springfield/Greene County Library Board: Kenton DeVries and David Richards with terms to expire July 1, 2012.

36. MISCELLANEOUS.

37. CONSENT AGENDA – FIRST READING BILLS. SEE ITEM # 3.

38. CONSENT AGENDA – ONE READING BILLS. SEE ITEM # 3.

39. COUNCIL BILL 2009-151. (Ibarra) A resolution declaring it necessary to construct district sanitary sewers in Sanitary Sewer District No. 110 of Section No. 5 in the City of Springfield, Missouri, located in the general vicinity of Missouri Avenue at Woodridge Street and providing for publications and notices.

40. COUNCIL BILL 2009-152. (Compton) A special ordinance accepting the bid of Horgan’s Plumbing in the amount of $95,844.57 for the construction of sanitary sewers in Sanitary Sewer District No. 203 of Section No. 17, located in the vicinity of Melody Lane at Kansas Avenue in the City of Springfield, Missouri; declaring the work to be necessary; stating the intention to pay for all or part of the improvements from the proceeds of bonds; specifying those costs and expenses to be specifically assessed against the properties in the district and the method by which the costs will be apportioned; setting forth the manner of payment, the lien of the assessments and the duration of the lien; setting forth the interest rate to be charged on the tax bills; authorizing the City Manager, or his designee of the City of Springfield, Missouri, to enter into a contract and to approve the bond for said improvement; and authorizing progress payments to be made to the contractor.

41. COUNCIL BILL 2009-153. (O’Neal) A special ordinance authorizing the City Manager to accept a grant from the State of Missouri, Division of Workforce Development, for the receipt and use of Workforce Investment Act program funds for Youth Program activities offered through the Missouri Career Center; to amend the budget of the Department of Workforce Development of the City of Springfield, Missouri, for fiscal year 2008-2009, in the amount of $1,159,107.00; and to declare an emergency.

42. COUNCIL BILL 2009-154. (Ibarra) A special ordinance authorizing the City Manager, or his designee, on behalf of the City of Springfield, Missouri, to allow Drury University to temporarily close a portion of Summit Avenue and a portion of Central Street from June 29, 2009 through October 2, 2009 to permit use of City rights-of-way for construction activities on the street itself or abutting properties, for the development of the O’Reilly Family Event Center, and to protect the general public health and safety, on terms and conditions acceptable to the City Manager, or his designee, and contingent upon obtaining necessary bonding, insurance and permit, and declaring an emergency.

43. CONSENT AGENDA – SECOND READING BILLS. CITIZENS HAVE SPOKEN. MAY BE VOTED ON.

44. COUNCIL BILL 2009-139. (Rushefsky) A special ordinance authorizing the Director of Planning and Development to accept the public streets and easements to the City of Springfield as shown on the Preliminary Plat Renewal of North Creek Industrial Park 1st Addition Phase 2, generally located at East Jean Street and North Packer Road, upon the applicant filing and recording a final plat that substantially conforms to the preliminary plat; and authorizing the City Clerk to sign the final plat upon compliance with the terms of this ordinance. (Planning and Zoning Commission has approved the Preliminary Plat. Both Planning and Zoning Commission and staff recommend that City Council accept the public streets and easements.)

45. COUNCIL BILL 2009-140. (Compton) A special ordinance authorizing the Director of Planning and Development to accept the easements to the City of Springfield as shown on the Preliminary Plat of Kickapoo Prairie Place, generally located on the east side of the 4000 block of South Fairview Avenue, upon the applicant filing and recording a final plat that substantially conforms to the preliminary plat; and authorizing the City Clerk to sign the final plat upon compliance with the terms of this ordinance. (Planning and Zoning Commission has approved the Preliminary Plat. Both Planning and Zoning Commission and staff recommend that City Council accept the easements.)

46. COUNCIL BILL 2009-141. (Ibarra) A general ordinance amending Chapter 106 of the Springfield City Code, Traffic and Vehicles, by adding a new section authorizing the traffic engineer of the city to permit annual closure of portions of Commercial Street, Robberson Avenue, Court Street, Campbell Avenue, Pacific Street and Boonville Avenue on one Saturday in the month of July for the Queen City Twilight Criterium bicycle race, subject to conditions as set forth in the ordinance.

47. COUNCIL BILL 2009-142. (Compton) A special ordinance authorizing the City Manager, or his designee, on behalf of the City of Springfield to enter into an interlocal governmental agreement with the City of Republic for the treatment of sewerage and the use of sanitary sewers.


* * * * END OF CONSENT AGENDAS * * * *


48. ADJOURN.



----

Louise Whall
Director of Public Information
City of Springfield, Missouri
(417) 864-1010

Please note my new e-mail address: lwhall@springfieldmo.gov

I don't believe it!!!

From: "Whall, Louise"
To: "Whall, Louise"
Date: Tue, 9 Jun 2009 16:57:38 -0500
Subject: News Release/Special City Council meeting cancelled
June 9, 2009

News Release

For Immediate Release

Mayor Jim O'Neal said the special City Council meeting scheduled for 6 p.m., Wednesday to hear public input on City Utilities' proposed use of eminent domain for its new bus-transfer facility has been cancelled.

City Utilities informed City staff late this afternoon that it is withdrawing its motion in Federal Bankruptcy Court to lift the stay on the St. Louis Street property proposed for the bus-transfer facility. CU also has asked that its request to acquire that property be tabled at Thursday night's Planning & Zoning Commission meeting.

City Utilities presented information about its three-year site-selection process to the City Council in a special meeting today. Following the open presentation, the Council and CU representatives met in closed session under the Missouri Sunshine Law exemption for real-estate negotiations.

The Council did not take any votes in closed session, which was adjourned at 2:30 p.m.

For more information, contact: Mayor Jim O'Neal, 881-1843.


----

Louise Whall
Director of Public Information
City of Springfield, Missouri
(417) 864-1010

KSGF Line Up

Starting Monday, May 4, 2009!

6 am - 9 am The Vincent David Jericho Radio Program
9 am - 11 am Neal Boortz
11am - 1 pm Glenn Beck
1 pm - 2 pm Clarke Howard
2 pm - 5 pm Sean Hannity
5 pm - 6 pm The Late Afternoon Show with Randy Raley
6 pm - 9 pm Mark Levin
9 pm - Mid The Savage nation with Michael Savage
Mid - 5 am The Midnight Radio Network
5 am - 6 am The Best of Vincent David Jericho

Fair Tax Update

This was just sent to me:

Dear Vince,
As you know, MO HJR 36 has passed the MO house and is headed for the MO Senate this week. The bill is scheduled to be heard Wednesday, April 29 at noon in the Senate Ways and Means Committee. This is a key time for your listeners to participate in the legislative process. We are asking people, if at all possible, to spend the day in Jefferson City lobbying in support of the MO FairTax (MO HJR 36).

Tentative Schedule:
12:00 noon - Senate Ways & Means committee hearing - MO State Capitol - Hearing Room TBA
1:00 - 5:00 pm - BRIEF personal calls of support to your State Senator
5:00 or 6:00 pm - FairTax Rally at the Capitol - Location TBA

People who cannot travel to Jefferson City can help by contacting the following members of the Ways & Means Committee and their personal Senator:

In your listening area, we need special help with:
Gary Nodler R-32 @ (573) 751-2306 or Gary.Nodler@senate.mo.gov
Dan Clemons R-20 @ 573.751.4008 or Dan_Clemons@senate.mo.gov
Norma Champion R-30 @ 573.751.2583 or http://www.senate.mo.gov/webmail/mail_form.aspx
Chuck Purgason R-33 @ 573.751.1882 or http://www.senate.mo.gov/webmail/mail_form.aspx

W & M Committee members:
Jim Lembke, R-1 (573) 751-2315 or Jim.Lembke@senate.mo.gov
Matt Bartle, R-8 (573) 751-1464 or Matt_Bartle@ senate.mo.gov
Brad Lager, R-12 (573) 751-1415 or Brad.Lager@senate.mo.gov
Chuck Purgason, R-33 (573) 751-1882 or Chuck.Purgason@senate.mo.gov
Eric Schmitt, R-15 (573) 751-2853 or Eric.Schmitt@senate.mo.gov
Joan Bray, D-24 (573) 751-2514 or Joan.Bray@senate.mo.gov
Robin Wright-Jones, D-5 (573) 751-2606 or Robin.Wright-Jones@senate.mo.gov

If you could announce the calls to personal senators on the air and post this information on your web site, it would be greatly appreciated. This situation is fluid and DEVELOPING. It could change on short notice. We will keep you informed...

The bill can be read at:
http://www.house.mo.gov/billtracking/bills091/billpdf/perf/HJR0036P.PDF

If you want to talk about the bill's progress on the air, please contact me.

Best Regards,

John Putnam
Co-State Director, MO FairTax.org


Background:
MO HJR 36 has passed the MO House and will be heard in the Senate Ways & Means Committee (currently promised for Wed at 12 noon but subject to change at the Chairman's discretion). Opposing groups have misconstrued the facts of the bill claiming it will raise the current MO state sales tax from 4.225% to 9%. In reality, it will raise the sales tax from the current rate TO 5.11% NOT BY 5.11%. Liberal advocates of the progressive income tax are calling for people to show up en mass to protest this bill and prevent its passage in the MO Senate. If passed in the Senate, the MO FairTax (the first state bill modeled after the national FairTax bill [HR-25] including a prebate resulting in a totally untaxed low-wage earner) will go straight to a referendum by the people without need for the Governor's approval. It would be on the ballot in Aug or Nov 2010 (probably Nov) and be effective in 2012 if it passes a vote of the people.

The biggest significance of this issue is that, if passed, MO could be the incubator for proving that the FairTax works and offers to be an economic magnet to business. Once the FairTax's validity is established in time, instead of theory, the path would be paved for other states and eventually the federal government to switch to this economic model.

Shopping Music

No explanation; if you were listening, you get it.

Ladies suggest:
I wanted to send in my best Shopping song. It would have to be Franz Ferdinand's Take Me Out. There is a great tempo change in the middle that is just GREAT!

Prince - International Lover

Slow Ride

3 times a lady

time in a bottle

Just the way you are

truly, madly, deeply

endless love (the one with diana ross and lionel richie)

unchained melody

eternal flame

what is love (don't ask me why, I just like it)

so contagious - acceptance


Guys suggest:
Anything Barry White

Diana Krall – Love Scenes

David Sanborn – Pearls

Good songs to get things to jump into your shopping cart (as opposed to pulling them off the shelves):

Pink – Aerosmith (naughty is good)

Let’s Get It On – Marvin Gaye

In These Shoes – from Kinky Boots original soundtrack – Kirsty MacColl

The Man I Love – Etta James

Black Magic Woman - Santana

Popsicle Toes – Diana Krall album is “The Look of Love” (also a good album)

Night Moves - Bob Seger

Chains - Tina Arena (this is really a hot song in my opinion)

Addicted to Love – Robert Palmer

Adult Education – Hall & Oates

Aerosmith - Love in an Elavator.

Bob Rivers - Walking 'Round in Womens' Underwear ;-)

Maurice Rivel, BOLERO

Exile’s song “I want to kiss you all over”.

Album Aeterna by Constance Demby

Obama wants to BANKRUPT the Coal Industry.

Don't take my word for it listen to what he says.


http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Hdi4onAQBWQ

DO NOT VOTE FOR THIS MAN!

Doug Burlison - Statement on City Priorities-Public Safety

Look for Doug to be our guest before week's end!

Since the selection of our new City Manager Greg Burris, we have had some meetings where the Council has discussed our views on what priorities we should pursue as a city. In reality, each Council-member, out of respect to the others, may not have had enough time in these settings to fully elaborate opinions which deal with very important and complicated matters. With this in mind, I personally feel the need to provide more detail from this one councilman's perspective.
First off, the highest priority is to fix once and for all our under-funded Fire and Police pension system. This pension program is one that the voters of Springfield approved, and in my mind, are promises that must be kept. With hindsight being 20/20, we now realize that the pension fund was not sustainable under it's original design. We have already taken steps to improve it's health, such as moving new hires into the state-level LAGERS system, supplementing contribution rates, altering investment strategies, etc. Some of the basic shortcomings have already been addressed, but we still have more work to do. It is becoming apparent that a sales tax is the only way to raise the funds necessary to make the required financial repair in a quick enough time-frame to be effective.
Our challenge at this point, is to provide the tools and incentives to make the duration of this tax as short as possible. I believe that this is what it will take, to win the approval of a majority of Springfield citizens, and to minimize the negative economic effect that higher taxation causes. Taxpayers want to see in the ballot language that this money will exclusively go to fix the pension fund only, and completely. We will also want to see assurances on the ballot of real efforts by our city government to do everything possible to supplement this repair with non-tax revenue. We should designate 100% of available funds from any pending court awards coming to this city for deposit into the pension fund. We should also continue to explore the liquidation of any non-essential municipal assets to supplement this fund. Current legal complications that prevent this from happening may, in some cases, be overcome by specific ballot measures with voter approval. The assets that potentially fall into this category should be discussed and identified for liquidation. In addition, in light of the current economic conditions, we should again look at our pension fund investment protfolio, and consider the possibility of adding high performing precious metals to our investment strategies.
To sweeten this tax request, I would propose a couple of ideas that would make some real promises to the taxpayer. One, is the idea of a tax shadow, a period of time where no new municipal tax measures could be proposed, both during and for some time after the sunset of this tax. We as a city, should determine an appropriate time-frame with which we could guarantee an absence of new requests for revenue from the citizen. To provide incentives to identify the most non-tax revenue that could supplement the pension fund, assuring the shortest tax-duration possible, I propose tying this request to a witholding of 50% of our city government's upper management bonuses during the life of the added sales tax. This would give the city's management team, the people most able to identify non-essential funds/assets, a vested interest in doing so. These bonuses, referred to as deferred compensation bonuses for non-classified personnel, can be altered by Council action, without having to obtain voter approval.
On another front, once we are well on the road to pension repair, we need to examine the current pay structures of our public safety personnel. As a city, we are working on realistically updating the list of other cities which are very similar to us in most areas, to provide an accurate way to benchmark the level of compensation we provide our Police and Fire employees. I believe we need to do this in order to maximize our training dollars, reduce police and fire employee turnover, and ensure the highest level of public safety in Springfield. Providing a decent retirement is one thing, but paying someone to stay to continue doing a good job is also essential. My recommendation would be to identify a compensation level that is close to, if not equal to the same benchmark level that our City Management personnel are at. I realize that in order to afford this, budgetary changes may need to be made, but as we are designing this road to recovery, we need to keep theses adjacent issues in mind. It may mean stretching out lump sum pension payments over a few years, it could mean consolidating some city and county functions, but it is important that the discussion starts.
Make no mistake, the rest of our city's employees deserve to be included in this benchmark re-evaluation, as well. I personally feel that not all departments in our city government should be treated equal, and that Public Safety personnel should be compensated for the extraordinary real dangers that they have a duty to deal with daily. Our other employees, however, are also very important to the functioning of our city, and we need to make sure that we are not neglecting any of them in the big picture of Springfield's future.
In closing, I would mention some options that would be counter-productive and unacceptable. One is a sales tax without some guarantees to the taxpayer. Second, is any kind of legislation that prevents citizens from providing for their own safety. Another is any kind of job-killing earnings tax in this city. I also believe that measures that would require the closing of any fire station to be very unwise. Finally, leaving this economic/public safety problem unresolved is definitely unacceptable. Years from now, I'd like to be able to point out to the time in our city's history when we dealt with our looming issues, instead of passing them on to the next generation. I pray the buck stops here.

Oh my gosh!

Don't think about it, don't find something else to do; just copy and paste this into your browser and then spend 2 minutes getting blown away!


http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=TG4fe9GlWS8

Sarah Palin

OK. She is NOT the second coming, she is NOT the "chosen one", she is just a woman but what a woman. No not her looks....her politics. This lady has almost single handedly resurrected the conservative hopes for 2008.

As you would expect the FLAAPL's {Flaming Liberal Anti-American Pagan Lunatics} are doing all they can to destroy the "hockey mom" from Alaska including "fabricating" stories.

No Vince say it isn't so, FLAAPL's telling LIES!

Here are some links for you to bookmark.

http://www.factcheck.org

http://online.wsj.com/article/SB122098190668515511.html?mod=opinion_journal_political_diary

http://www.hollywoodgrind.com/sarah-palin-lies-exposed-and-truth-revealed/


If you have found a good site that debunks the FLAAPL - trap let me know.

See ya on the radio!

Right...Again!

So it was last Wednesday morning, {Aug 6, 2008} I told you Greg Burris would be the new City of Springfield Manager and at 2 pm today {Aug 12, 2008} the city confirmed what you already knew.

My sources tell me the search committee had the rankings #1 Oklahoma, #2 Arkansas and #3 Burris.

The chamber and other powerful people had ALWAYS wanted Mr. Burris and even though his set of qualifications do not match the job posting, {see Jackehammer} Mr. Burris gets the job.

The good old boys strike again...yes.

Discouraging for those of us trying to break their hold and turn this city in a direction beneficial for the many...absolutely

Defeated...Never.

April is coming and we will have the last laugh.

Letters to "Dave" serving Over There!

Vince, please pass this along to all of "our" soldiers in the middle east.

Dave, and all of the men and women serving in the military during this difficult time. I am a retired USAF officer so you know my connection with the military. My wife,Connie and I are very grateful for what each of you are doing to protect our freedom. Words cannot express enough our appreciation and admiration...I have to believe many, many Amercians feel the same. We have a soon to be(June 3) sixteen year old grandson who knows the value of freedom and very definitely respects the men and women serving. He assures us that he is not alone and that many of his peers feel the same way. I see great admiration in his eyes when our thoughts and discussions center on the Middle East and the War on Terrorism. Yes, the younger generation ..."gets it" despite what you may being hearing newswise. Our thoughts, prayers and hearts are with you and will be always.



Good morning Dave,
Hope this letter finds you & your fellow soldiers well & in good spirits. It is 10:17 A.M on Friday May 30 2008. Vince read the email you had sent to him this morning. It is good to hear from any one serving over seas. I myself am a former Marine but was never sent overseas but have several friends who were in the sand box. Having never been to war I will not pretend to know everything that you guys must be going through. As per your email you do stand on the shoulders of giants, but someday you will be those giants & a new breed of soldiers will be trying to fill your shoes. Myself & countless others here at home have the upmost respect for you soldiers. It doesn't matter what branch you're in or what your M.O.S. is. It is the fact that you raised your hand & you chose to serve. So since your there & I'm not you have all my respect. Best of luck to you & all those around you. Be safe & keep your head down. Hopefully when you get back home there will be bands & parades. But if there's not, I hope you can find comfort in a job well done & the gratitude of one brother to another.
Semper Fi



Hi Dave,

I heard on the KSGF this morning that you and your fellow guys needed emails to help cheer you up. There are a lot of us here in America that sure owe you guys a lot. You and those with you have done something that most of us have never had the guts to do – and that is to step up to the plate, put on a US military uniform and fight for our country. Sometimes I feel guilty for not joining the military when I was younger. I always thought basic training would be fun..figured a good tough farm girl would have no problems with it….who knows how naive I was, but I always considered myself stronger and tougher than most and figured it would be fun to join up. But, my heart was in agriculture and there were not any jobs in the military that dealt with what I wanted to do in ag. I hope that my job is important. I hope I help people, educate folks, help them make a better living for themselves. To offset the guilt I sometimes feel for letting others fight my countries battles, I try telling myself that after the military, agriculture has to be the most important job. If it wasn’t for the farmers, the world would starve. If it wasn’t for the military I would never have had the right to be in the field I love. So, thank you for allowing me to do what I love.

I don’t understand those who do not support the war. I hate war, I wish we could all hold hands and sing and roast marshmallows (especially the coconut ones..yum) but we can’t. We have to defend this nation and we have to defend those who cannot defend themselves – the Iraqi people. We have women over here hollering about how the military is allowing our young men and women to die but yet those same women said nothing about the treatment of women and children over in Iraq. They have said nothing about the rape rooms, the torture, the shear misery that Sudam and his fellows imparted upon the people. I realize that America cannot save the world, but shouldn’t we save those we can and blow a few terrorists away in the process??? Just makes sense to me.

Again, thanks and I hope you know how special you and your fellow military guys and gals are.

Thanks



Dear Dave,

I didn’t have time to get the entire scenario about this letter. But because it’s to, and about some of my personal hero’s, the military: I decided to take a little time and write you a letter to reinforce the idea that as an entity; you and your buddies there are certainly appreciated by the real people of this country!

I’ve walked a few miles in your shoes. Well, boots really. But you get the idea. I too have put my (now) fat ass on the line for the stupid ingrates in this country. I went into combat for the U.S. Marines as a non-com in Viet Nam on three occasions. First with the highly politicized Air America flying out of Thailand to support the guys flying helo’s out to pick up their downed colleagues. We were flying those old propeller driven A-6’s that were left over from WW2. But, they got us there and back. And against the poorly armed Vietnamese that we were lighting up at around 300 miles per hour, they worked well. To tell the truth, it was a hoot every time we came across a dugout crossing the Mekong River importing explosives into Thailand for the Communists. When we blew them up it sent enough dead fish down the river to feed the next village down stream for a week.

Then after a time back home I went back over with 3rd Div Recon and was attached to A Co. S-2, 3rd Tank Bn. near the “de-militarized zone” in I Corps, South Viet Nam. Where I guess I got a little careless because I ended up in the hospitals two times and was later evacuated out to the States on the last trip.

Much of what you guys are going through today is similar to what we experienced back in those days. The sort of stuff that you can’t quite explain to folks well enough so that they really get it! You know, if you haven’t been there you can’t really fathom what really happens. Personally I think that it’s tougher on you guys today than it was on us. We had the good fortune to have a tough enemy who was poorly fed, armed, and supported. Where as you are having to fight an enemy who benefits from the “FLAPLS” ( Flaming Lunatic Anti-American Pagan Left-wing Socialists ) in this country as well as the Communist inspired murdering A-rabs that hate everyone, there.

You guys and girls (wait, we didn’t have any girls with us) will make it out and it’s then up to you ALL to get into politics to work for our country to return to the values that we all shared in days gone by. We didn’t do that in our day and look what’s happened to our country now. We have a society that believes that it’s up to you and me to protect them and put our lives and futures at risk for them. They don’t care what happens with us (mostly you). As long as it doesn’t impact upon them. It’s taught to them in schools today.

So take good care of each other out there. You are the only thing that’s keeping the Islamic terrorists out of the shopping malls here. And be comforted in the thoughts that many of us here are praying for your safe return.
Semper Fi



Hello Dave,
Just a note to thank you and your fellow soldiers for what you are doing over there. I am always impressed by someone who puts their civilian lives on hold and voluntarily puts themselves in harm's way.
Please know that my thoughts and prayers are with you daily. Hang in there--though the main stream media continues to spew its bad news, the majority of Americans are supporting you and your efforts to bring freedom to the people of Iraq and defeat radical Islamic terrorism around the world.
Thank you for your service to our country.



Hey Dave, we will keep you in our prayers and thoughts, it is men and women like you that keep this country the strongest in the world. Thank you for your sacrifice.
Keep your powder dry and stay safe.
God Bless all of you.



Dear Dave and fellow servicemen and servicewomen,
My father volunteered in World War II and was in Patton's Army in Europe. My uncle served in the Pacific theater in World War II. Neither of them would talk about their war time experience after the war. I grew up during the Vietnam era when the military was held in contempt. I have been a physician in Springfield for the last eight years and have numerous current and past military personnel in my practice. From speaking with them, I have developed a great respect and admiration for all of our citizens in the military, especially the ones that are willing to pick up a rifle, go into harm's way, and defend our freedom. Thank you for all that you do for our country. You will be in our prayers.



Brothers in Arms,

It was not long ago, or at least it seems, I stepped off of an airplane and hugged my son for the first time in a year.
In my cammies, the onlookers knew the importance of the hug… they applauded.
At that time more than any other I felt the importance of what I had done.
I felt American.

Maybe its at a gas station, maybe its driving down the road on a hot afternoon.
It’s not every day, sometimes a week goes by… but somebody notices my “Iraq Vet” bumper sticker.
Maybe it’s another veteran thanking me, or a citizen that never served giving a salute.
It makes me feel the importance of what I have done. It makes me feel American.

It doesn’t matter how hot the day is.
It doesn’t matter how sleepless the night is.
What you do matters.
You are American.

When I drive with my hand out the window,
On a cool sping or warm summer day,
I have no one else to thank but you,
For the price that you are willing to pay.

When I am at my grill,
Watching my children safely play,
I have no one else to thank but you,
For the price you are willing to pay.

Like many others who have gone before you, you are the few in your generation that is willing to do what is right, honorable and just. Words cannot describe the gratitude that my family and I have for what you did yesterday, what you are doing today, and what you will do tomorrow.

May God be with you. May your hearts be at peace. May the 91st Psalm lead the way.

Thank you.

Thank you.

Thank you.


Your thankful brother,



Dear Dave over there:

I have no idea who you are or the buddies that are with you, but I wanted to thank you guys for being willing to step up and save the rest of us. I know that as long as you are over there, I will not have problems with those guys coming over here.
Also, as a prosecutor, I could not do my job here had it not been for fellows like you. God bless you and all of the people you serve with. May God protect you and bring all of you home safely.



Dear Vince,

Please forward this on to Dave if you think it's worthy. If not, please tell me how I can improve expressing my thoughts and feelings. Also feel free to edit it as necessary for the your blog should you put this there.

The corner flag I told him about is available here: http://www.tigertech.com/download.html or DeskFlag 1.0.3

The desktop wallpaper is attached.

Thanks for all you do for our military,

Your loyal listener,



Dear Dave and Company,

This is just a reminder that some of us in the U.S. truly appreciate what you are doing for us by your heroic service in the Armed Forces. I had a brother (now deceased) who was in the Navy 25 years, then worked for NASA. And I have a son-in-law who is currently in the Air Force and has been for more than 20 years.

I know you make many sacrifices to do your job. I know that it takes a special "calling" to say "yes" to being in the Armed Forces. And it is a difficult task at best.

I also believe that you are among the very blessed people on earth, in a sense. For one thing, you get tested every day. And you have the courage of your convictions, without a doubt. (That's not to say you aren't afraid or discouraged, especially when you're tired to the bone.)

I believe that you are God's ambassadors, spreading His love throughout the land. You are making a difference every day by the work you're doing.

I have a prayer partner who prays with me every week. Every single time we pray, we pray for all of you in the military. We ask God to keep His holy angels with you 24/7 and ask that they will use every weapon in their arsenal to keep you alive and safe. We pray that God will help you to focus on your job, to be always aware of your surroundings, to be careful in every way, and that you will also ask the Lord to be with you. We also pray for your families and as God to be with them and to help them network together for greater strength, etc.

Please know that we will not forget you; we will always pray for your safety and wellbeing; and we will continue to ask God to help you make a difference with people everywhere.

Remember Jesus' words, "Come unto Me all ye that are weary and heavy laden, and I will give you rest." Look unto Him for your strength. Ask Him to carry the load for you.

We love you and can't wait until you're safely home again.

From one of your fans in the U.S.,



Dear Dave,
It does not matter that I don't know what is hurting your heart because our Heavenly Father does.
He knows the end from the beginning. He knows that trials, tribulations and heartaches do make us stronger.
He does not (always) keep things from us that are so hurtful and troubling. These are the things that cause us to grow into the person He wants us to be.
Children have growing pains but so do adults. We are growing into the ones He would have us to be.
We are growing more character, strength, wisdom and love.
We are forever trying to grow into His image.
Since desserts are fun to eat, they do not give us the grit we need. They might be considered the fun things of life.
Meats, veggies, and fruits are the things that allow our bodies to grow stronger.
My prayer for you dear Friend, is to listen very carefully, submitting yourself, and confessing that you are unable to do this thing alone. May God Bless you. In Christ,




May God bless and keep you and your families in his utmost care. We in our
family say a prayer of thanks each and every day for you all in our
military. We stand firm in our resolve to support our military! You are
true heroes, we believe and support all that are doing and will be
cheerleaders for you all till the job is done and you can return home.
We who live in the very freedom you provide owe you a debt that can never
be paid in full. But we pray that God will shine his light and blessings
upon each and every one of you and your families.
Thanks again.



To the brave people overseas…

I work for a company of 50-60 people. Everyone that I talk to in our company is VERY proud to have brave people
Such as you, who have put yourselves in harm’s way, so that we, in the USA can continue our lives without fear of
Being attacked.
I know you hear day after day, that the war is lost, no one cares, everyone is against you, but, that is far from the
Truth. I have never been so proud as I am, knowing that you are over there, helping a country struggle with the idea
That all men are created equal, and that freedom does not come cheap. There is no better legacy than helping another
Human being pull themselves out of the abyss of a dictatorship, into a democracy.
I make it a point, that anytime I am in public, and see a person in uniform, to shake their hand and say thank you.

Know that all of you are in our prayers, we thank you for the sacrifices that you have made, and that we hope for
Your safe return soon.

God bless!



To: Our US Troops

Do not be discouraged. Your profession and mission are admirable. I truly believe the majority of Americans support you and your efforts. I and my family do, as well as my friends and neighbors. I'm sick of the press and their distorted message but you must not let it get you down. They are WRONG.

You guys are my heroes. I'm sure bringing democracy to the middle east is tough, but do not lose sight of the real reason you're there. The fight against global terrorism and the fight against radical Islam. Fight the good fight, and God bless.

Sincerely



I don’t know what to say but thank you for putting your life on the line every minute of every day so that I am able to raise my children in the greatest country in the world. It is the greatest country in the world thanks to men and women like you. I know it seems like what’s going on over there isn’t a very popular thing but there is one thing you need to know. God forbid something should happen over here while you are there, there are many men like me that will stand to protect your family with whatever it may take until you return. My family and I say many prayers for all the men and women serving to protect and uphold the freedoms we have in this country of ours. I’m really at a loss as to what else to say but thank you.




Dear Dave,

I have no idea who you are, or even what your real name is, other than that you are someone that Vince thinks well of and is concerned about, and that is enough for me.

Vince said you are going through a difficult time. Somehow I bet that is a necessary understatement. You know there is nothing more and nothing less that I can do other than drop you this line, and lift you up in prayer (which I will do).

I want to let you know that I, and others like me, appreciate what you are doing even if we never see it, and even though often our media don't give us the full picture of the good you are doing. We have a volunteer Army and you chose to be a part of it. I believe you chose to become a part of it for reasons of honor and integrity, not as an escape-valve for some anti-social streak or because you could not read well and had no other opportunities (thank you, Steven King).

You have a job that I cannot begin to fathom. You are faced each day with images you would rather not see; a cacaphony you would rather not hear; odors you would rather not smell; concussive changes in air pressure that our bodies were not designed to endure; and with necessary tasks that in a perfect world would be unnecessary. Thank you for what you do.

You put yourself in harm's way because you believe that what you are doing is just, and that your actions are making the possibility of a better life for many. If you are Vince's friend, then I know you see yourself as a servant, both of our nation and also of those for whose lives and liberty you fight today.

You continue to face this day to day, while a few in our nation work to undermine your efforts and steal the dignity of your service (they cannot--they merely display their own lack of dignity); they attempt to do this primarily for their own political gain, though some do it from an innocent ignorance, a naivete that does not accept how human being really believe and what is necessary to protect the vulnerable. They do it while saying they support you, while they do not support your mission.

I support you and your mission, Sir. To paraphrase Martin Luther (not King, but the guy some 500 years ago), he was not certain as a christian that he had the right to use deadly force to defend his own life; but he was certain that he was OBLIGATED to use deadly force if necessary to protect the life of another. I believe that is why you do what you do. Solomon wrote, essentially, that what is there that is better for men than to enjoy the work of their hands while on this earth...

There are those who would look at the Soldier and say, "He or she may take pride in the results of their deeds, but should never enjoy their deeds." Dave, I don't see it that way and I hope that whatever enjoyment God gives you, whatever pride in a job well done, whatever excitement and rush of adrenaline as all your resources are engaged in your task...I hope you take not only pride but also enjoyment, as much as it is possible. If it feels good to accomplish something difficult, even if your actions result in harm or loss to others--enjoy your accomplishment. Do not let others take your enjoyment away from you, but thank God for gifting you to be effective in your calling.

You don't need forgiveness for what you do, but you do need a place of solice and rest and comfort when possible, and a reserve of strength and encouragement at all times. "The king does not bear the sword in vain" is how the Apostle Paul put it. Likewise neither do you, and I pray that your presence and those of your fellow-soldiers will be a terror to your enemies, and that God will set them to flight before you. Would I rather see all men everywhere lay down their arms, beat them into plowshares and (kum-ba-ya, hand me a coke) live in harmony? Of course--but that is not the world in which we live. Instead where others say, "No, that is not my problem," or, "No, that is too dangerous," men like you step into the gap and fight for those who are too weak to defend themselves. As you have heard, during the last century with all our military victories, our nation has never asked for more ground from another nation than that which is necessary to bury our fallen. We truly are unique in that, and men like you are what make us unique.

I hope that as you close your eyes you might say, "God, this is not the world that I would like it to be, nor is this a task I would undertake except of necessity, but I thank you for calling me to this mission and equipping me. Guide and lead me. Strenghthen those around me through your life in me. Teach me in all things to be humble...and humbly to thank you for equipping me for this role today. As your servant David said, "Is there not a cause?" Yes, there is a cause, and thank you for calling me to it."

Dave, do all you do as unto the Lord. Take joy in what you do, and at the same time cast the cares you have on the shoulders of God. Let him do your caring for you while you focus on the task at hand. In those quiet moments, though, when there is some respite from the living hell that surrounds you, let the life of your Lord shine through you and continue to guide you; preach always, and when absolutely necessary, say something. In whatever part of the world you find yourself, when you touch a life and he/she sees that you are no monster, but a servant of righteousness, he/she will be touched by God and shown (whethery they acknowledge it or not) that you are there for their good, and that the love of God and the values of our Republic drive you.

I hope that today you see something that encourages you or gives you a measure of peace. I hope that the thought of completing your task and returning home sustains you. I hope that you can feel proud of the job you are doing and let no one take that pride from you. I hope that as you lay your head down you can sleep deeply and well, knowing that you are fulfilling your calling and have nothing to be ashamed of, but only to be proud of. I hope that you inspire others around you and draw strenght from them, and I hope that your deepest desires are met in due time.

Thank you for serving our nation. We are not worthy of such as you, yet there you are...giving of yourself each day and night. All we can say is "Thank you."




Soldier,
Everyday I wake up, I thank God that you are there for my family, and my country. I wanted, want, to join you in arms against the tyrany of Islamism, however my life was guided down a different path. The path of family. Thank you for taking the battle to them, so I don't have to worry too much about them taking the battle to my wife, my child, my parents, my in-laws, friends. God bless you and your brothers and sisters in arms. We will stand by you, as you stand up for Freedom.

Snow DAZE

WOW. Did we get emails. Check these out we will talk more Monday morning!
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Vincent,

I listen to your show today and I had a thought. You know when people get mad or irritated, they don't necessarily direct their attention to the real problem? What do you think about this:

The real problem people have with school closings is due to the fact that over the years the liberals have changed the dynamics of the family. What I mean is that when people say "when I went to school we did this and this, etc", what people forget is mom use to stay home and the dad was able to make a living on one income. Now, it takes both parents working to make ends meet. A parent drops a child off or send them to school and the announcement is made that school is a half a day, or pick up at a certain time, then the parent has to use vacation, sick, etc. day to go pick up the child. It seems that people don't want to or can't "baby-sit" there kids when school is closed or partial day. This is sad to me. It is not about kids being soft or administrator's making bad decisions, it is about parents having a harder time adapting to a changing economic situation that brews over into this issue.

It irritates me sometimes listening to your callers and trying to figure out what the real problem is, not the one they are addressing. We all are guilty of this to some degree, and if you haven't figured it out yet, we "Ozarkers" are againers, yes I spelled it right, againers. We will complain about anything and everything even if we can't substantiate the argument with good facts or not. It is like we all have opinions, right or wrong, however we don't always use good rational facts to back up what we argue. But, that is what makes us, us.

I enjoy your show, I don't always agree with your methods, point of view, or how you use names to label people, but that is what makes America, America. Freedom of speech. Your show is a great forum to get the issues out and talk about them. We have tendency in this country to not talk about the "elephant" in the room. But the only way to make things better is to do what you do, recognize the "elephant" in the room.
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Vince,

In response to all the conversations about school closings here are a few of my thoughts:
Is it really that inconvenient to add a couple of days to the end of the year? In my humble opinion, the true inconvenience is for parents to have an unscheduled absence during the winter. Especially for those that have no one to watch their kids on those days. Find a day care that will hold a spot for a kid that only needs it for a few unscheduled days. YEAH RIGHT, GOOD LUCK! This leaves those parents missing work. I don't know about yours, but my boss doesn't look too kindly at me calling in more than once or twice a year.

Here's a thought: How about announcing the closing the night before, instead of an hour or two before parents have to be at work? Give us time to make arrangements. Nooo, that would be too easy!

It's all about the funding. If all the kids are not in school a minimum number of hours on a scheduled day, the school looses funding for that day.

The same goes for individual absences. I have a child in elementary school in Springfield. She misses very little. A couple of years ago she was sick for a week. We were contacted by the school with threats of hearings if she did not return. While on the phone with them I questioned their actions, & was told about the funding issue. It has nothing to do with the missed education, it's all about the funding.

For years I have been searching for a definitive answer as to why we have a three month break in the summer. I didn't understand this when I was in school, & still don't over 15 years later with my kid.

Why not change the school year and put that three month break in the winter? Or better yet make the school year last all year?

This recommendation was officially made in 1994 by the US Department of Education in a document titled "Prisoners Of Time." It's a quite interesting read, outlining what I feel to be a very well thought out proposal.

In this document they not only recommend school lasting all year, but (here's a radical thought) the schools working with the parents on an individual basis for each students needs on education and vacations. One example they gave was Beacon Day School (elementary) and Beacon High School in Oakland, California, where the school year never really ends. At these private schools, the school day is over ten hours long. There is no set vacation period; parents plan vacations to fit family needs; students work in teams by achievement level, not age; letter grades are unknown. Leslie Medine, co-director of the schools, described different approaches to their two levels of schooling. Based on students' developmental needs, she testified, Day School students attend school 240 days a year, whereas high school students attend 215. Both schools are open from 7:30 a.m. to 5:00 p.m., 240 days a year, with teachers working on flexible schedules for 210 days. Every six weeks, at least two teachers are on leave throughout the year, their places taken by eight permanent, full-time, substitute teachers known as "flexes." Yes this is a private school, but remember, this was the recommendation of the Department of education in 1994. Here we are 14 years later, using the same model as they were 40 years ago with my parents.

It's not an end all solution but if you want to check it out here's the link: http://www.ed.gov/pubs/PrisonersOfTime/index.html
Keep up the good work! I don't agree with everything you have to say, but I do enjoy your program every morning during my commute.

I'd vote for you if you do decide to run for mayor. You care & it shows, that's what Springfield needs!
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Litigation! C'mon Jericho, you've reported on some of the worst of these abuses.

25 kids on a bus slide off the ice...how many parents are going to sue the school district? Is there a chance that some "Slip n Fall" lawyer will contact all the parents and try to get something going on a group basis?

I just had a teenager in a brand new Jeep almost take me out and flip her vehicle on a county road. Is there a chance that her parents are going to try to sue the county because that particular curve was not salted and it was on the way to the High Shcol that should have been closed? I bet there is.

I hate to say it, but the culture today makes it even more difficult for administrators to make these calls.


To their credit, maybe SPringfield and most cities can get the major roads cleared by the morning. Sure, you can drive to Joplin and back with no problems. Before you judge the rural schools too harshly, try driving a school bus around icy roads in Forsyth or Chadwick.
It's a little different from I44!

By the way, I have lived and driven in the Pocono Mountains, Philadelphia, Germany and Holland. I would rather drive in after a foot of snow than 2 inches of ice!

Have a great weekend,
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Hi. I was listening this morning to the debate over school closings.
Moving back here from Chicago after a 23-year-absence, I think the weather here has changed. We used to get more snow here, and ice was rare. Now it is more dangerous to drive because ice cannot be removed the way snow can be removed. A 2 1/2 foot snowfall in Chicago did not result in school cancelations because the equipment was available to move the snow.

The larger issue, though, and one I'd like to suggest you discuss
sometime: Low educational standards in Missouri. It is quite a shock moving my kids from North Shore Chicago schools to Springfield. School in Illinois goes until June and all snow days are made up. My kids go to Greenwood - which has been a disappointment to say the least - and that school does not make up for educational time lost to snow days.
Before we left Illinois, I sent off for both Missouri and Illinois educational standards. The Illinois standards took up a small book, with learning goals written out for each subject. Missouri's? It was one page, with generalities such as "Missouri schoolchildren will learn to think and analyze." The lack on hands-on inquiry learning styles we've seen here bespeaks antiquated teaching techniques, too, so I worry how Missouri students are going to compete with other states, let alone other countries.

Is this something you could address on your show? Perhaps gets experts from different states to speak to differing standards across this nation? The disparity in tax based funding? Where we used to live, per student expenditure was $17,500 per student; 20 minutes north in the town of Waukegan, IL, it was a fraction of that amount. The levels of achievement between the two areas were astounding. This seems to me a violation of equal access and protection under the law. I'd love to hear a panel of experts discuss this.
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Dear Vince,

I am a teacher and I come from CA. The children go to school until around June 17 or so all the time. Some schools are year round. We didn’t have snow or ice, but it could easily be 100 degrees – this is inland about 40 miles. That is the way it is - so what. Also, last week during the previous storm we never got salt on our street and the main street into our subdivision and the farm roads nearby didn’t get any attention until Tuesday night. We live in a hilly area within the city of Springfield. People can side off into ditches on these narrow roads – buses too. Why can’t they plan better and get out during the night or as soon as it starts – like in Omaha or Denver (I lived in Omaha) where they are prepared – if they want to keep schools open. Some people are from other areas – Springfield is growing – more people aren’t used to ice, especially when it is hard to walk. I grew up in St. Louis in the fifties and sixties and we had snow days.

Thanks,
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Vince - i've lived in MO my whole life - never have i seen ice like this. we are fogetting to talk about one thing - RESPONSIBILITY. Springfield called it right yesterday because no one got hurt and there were no accidents. One bad crash. One child hurt. Then think of the discussion we would be having now. And also think about the school SI and the hot water he would be in... right now he's a hero. he went against every other school district in the area and kept school in session and it was a good call. Personally I think we should have school year round OR simply build in the snow days and take them off. Extend the school year - SO WHAT! Anyone who has ever experienced a bad accident on ice (and I have) should realize not everyone has the capability or ability to drive in inclement weather. This attitude of "when I was kid we walked to school up hill both ways in the snow, ice, sleet, and rain AND WE LIKED IT!" Is simply irresponsible and frankly stupid. If you're parents knew the risks back then they would have never let you in your horse & buggy! I'm in favor of calling school in inclement weather and i'm in favor of a parent's right to keep their kids home if they feel it is unsafe to be on the roads.
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Vince,



I lived in Southern California since birth, with the exception of one year in Flagstaff. My experience with ice and snow was very limited prior to moving my family here 6 years ago. Bottom line – The schools should be open unless the roads are impassable (blizzard conditions), in order to allow the parents and children who want to make the effort to get there for the benefit of unbroken learning. The schools system should also allow parents to keep their children home if they can not get them to school, and be allotted a certain number of days a year for this outside of the normal number of days allotted for absence. Every time the schools are closed, there is a gap in homework, attentiveness and responsibility. It also forced me to drive my daughter from one end of this city to the other to take her to the daycare at my wife’s work, or forces me to bring my daughter to work with me all day. Fortunately I have both options. We shouldn’t be closing up shop and learning every time we get some bad weather. Learning and responsibility suffer.



You have an awesome show! Thank you for being on top of the issues.



Thank you,
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Vincent,

I grew up in Mexico and lived several years in Southern Texas. This is our first experience in Ice and Snow... I agree, yesterday did not merit school closing.

In some place in Mexico we have a term Hydro-Idiots, these are the ones that go crazy behind the wheel when it rains... do you think Springfield has Hypo-Idiots (those that go crazy behind the wheel when it snows or ices over)?

Have a nice day!
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In surrounding areas schools close when buses cannot reach country roads not kept up by city or county.

Also it is the cities' inability to keep up with the weather. They don't have the resources like say KC does.
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Vince I wanted to make a comment on the Snow Days.
I don't mind driving is this weather at all.
But we seem to have alot more ice or a mix than most places.
And we don't seem to have the infrastructure to clean more than the main roads. If they even decide to clean those off.
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GREAT thoughts! We WILL continue Monday

Thank You and YAHOOOOO!!!

I hope you will indulge me for a moment.

For those of you who have been listening for a while to Kortni and I you know how hard we have worked to become relevant in the Springfield radio market.

I am not going to say we have arrived but man oh man…

I have just got the ratings with the hourly reports for the Springfield market. As you know News Talk KSGF’s Target market is Persons 25-54.

Monday though Friday during our show 6 – 9 am we now rank NUMBER 3!!!!!!!!

Given we were not even top 10 a few years ago so I hope you can understand how excited we are.

Just for fun we rank #1 with Men 18- 34 and #2 with Men 25 - 54; Kortni takes credit for this...come on ladies you are making this middle aged guy look bad. ;-}

I want to thank those who have been in our corner and encouraged us and I want to renew our commitment to you all that we will keep bringing it and be shooting for #2 next book.

As always THANK YOU for listening and PLEASE keep us in your prayers

Ratings are out!

WOW. All I can say is "WOW" and thank you.

Hey I didn't write this

I received this from a friend of mine who...ah...makes his living......ah..a friend of mine.

Subject: Democrat, Republican or Southerner



Here is a little test that will help you decide. The answer can be found by
posing the following question:

You're walking down a deserted street with your wife and two small children.
Suddenly, an Islamic Terrorist with a huge knife comes around the corner, locks
eyes with you, screams obscenities, praises Allah, raises the knife, and charges
at you.

You are carrying a 40 caliber Glock, and you are an expert shot. You have mere
seconds before he reaches you and your family. What do you do?


THINK CAREFULLY AND THEN SCROLL DOWN


Democrat's Answer:

Well, that's not enough information to answer the question!

Does the man look poor or oppressed?

Have I ever done anything to him that would inspire him to attack?

Could we run away?

What does my wife think?

What about the kids?

Could I possibly swing the gun like a club and knock the knife out of his hand?

What does the law say about this situation?

Does the Glock have an appropriate safety built into it?

Why am I carrying a loaded gun anyway, and what kind of message does this send
to society and to my children?

Is it possible he'd be happy with just killing me?

Does he definitely want to kill me, or would he be content just to wound me?

If I were to grab his knees and hold on, could my family get away while he was
stabbing me?

Should I call 9-1-1?

Why is this street so deserted?

We need to raise taxes, have a paint and weed day, and make this a happier,
healthier street that would discourage such behavior.

This is all so confusing! I need to debate this with some friends for few days
and try to come to a consensus.





Republican's Answer:

BANG!


--------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Southerner's Answer:

BANG! BANG! BANG! BANG! BANG! BANG! BANG! BANG!

BANG! Click..... another magazine into the gun

BANG! BANG! BANG! BANG! BANG! BANG! BANG! BANG!

BANG! Click….another magazine into the gun, scan and holster.

Daughter: 'Nice grouping, Daddy! Were those the Winchester Silver Tips or Hollow
Points?'

Son: "Can I shoot the next one!"

Wife: "You're not takin' that to the Taxidermist

2007 Darwin Awards

It's that time when the Darwin Awards are bestowed, honoring the least-evolved among us.

And the Winner for 2007 is:

1. When his 38-caliber revolver failed to fire at his intended victim during a hold- up in Long Beach , California , would-be robber James Elliot did something that can only inspire wonder. He peered down the barrel and tried the trigger again. This time it worked.

The Honorable Mentions:

2. The chef at a hotel in Switzerland lost a finger in a meat-
cutting machine and submitted a claim to his insurance company. The company expecting negligence sent out one of its men to have a look for himself. He tried the machine and he also lost a finger. The chef's claim was approved.

3. A man who shoveled snow for an hour to clear a space for his car during a blizzard in Chicago returned with his vehicle to find a woman had taken the space. Understandably, he shot her.

4. After stopping for drinks at an illegal bar, a Zimbabwean bus driver found that the 20 mental patients he was supposed to be transporting from Harare to Bulawayo had escaped. Not wanting to admit his incompetence, the driver went to a nearby bus stop andoffered everyone waiting there a free ride. He then delivered the passengers to the mental hospital, telling the staff that the patients were very excitable and prone to bizarre fantasies.
The deception wasn't discovered for 3 days.

5. A Texas teenager was in the hospital recovering from serious head wounds received from an oncoming train. When asked how he received the injuries, the lad told police that he was simply trying to see how close he could get his head to a moving train before he was hit.

6. A man walked into a Louisiana Circle-K, put a $20 bill on the counter, and asked for change. When the clerk opened the cash drawer, the man pulled a gun and asked for all the cash in the register, which the clerk promptly
provided. The man took the cash from the clerk and fled, leaving the $20 bill on the counter. The total amount of cash he got from the drawer: $15.

7. Seems an Arkansas guy wanted some beer pretty badly. He decided that he'd just throw a cinderblock through a liquor store window, grab some booze, and run. So he lifted the cinderblock and heaved it over his head at the window. The cinderblock bounced back and hit the would-be thief on the head, knocking him unconscious. The liquor store window was made of Plexiglas. The whole event was caught on videotape.

8. As a female shopper exited a New York convenience store, a man grabbed her purse and ran. The clerk called 911 immediately, and the woman was able to give them a detailed description of the snatcher. Within minutes, the police apprehended the snatcher. They put him in the car and drove back to the store. The thief was then taken out of the car and told to stand there for a positive ID. To which he replied, "Yes, officer, that's her. That's the lady I stole the purse from."

9. The Ann Arbor Michigan News crime column reported that a man walked into a Burger King in Ypsilanti , Michigan , at 5 a.m., flashed a gun, and demanded cash. The clerk turned him down because he said he couldn't open the cash register without a food order. When the man ordered onion rings, the clerk said they weren't available for breakfast. The man, frustrated, walked away.

***And the 5-STAR STUPIDITY AWARD WINNER***

10. When a man attempted to siphon gasoline from a motor home parked on a Seattle street, he got much more than he bargained for. Police arrived at the scene to find a very sick man curled up next to a motor home near spilled sewage. A police spokesman said that the man admitted to trying to steal gasoline and plugged his siphon hose into the motor home's sewage tank by mistake. The owner of the vehicle declined to press charges, saying that it was the best laugh he'd had in a very long time.