Gov. Blunt Signs Legislation for Safer and Cleaner Missouri Water

Missouri Governor Matt Blunt - Official Release             BRANSON – Gov. Matt Blunt today signed legislation to modify requirements relating to the issuance of grants and loans by the Department of Natural Resources for storm water control.               "I believe that we have an obligation to protect our environment and leave it better than how we found it. To reach this goal we need to help our communities meet required environmental standards," Gov. Blunt said. "These grants and loans will help counties make required improvements to their storm water plans helping ensure a safer and cleaner water supply for Missourians."             Current law requires the Department of Natural Resources to provide both grants and loans using the funds resulting from the issuance of storm water control bonds. Senate Bill 1040, sponsored by Sen. Dan Clemens, modifies this requirement so that both are no longer simultaneously required. The act removes the requirement that 50 percent of the proceeds from the bonds be allocated to grants and 50 percent to loans. The legislation becomes effective only with voter approval of SJR 45.  The initiative will go to the voters in November.             "This is a great way for our first class cities and counties to improve their infrastructure at no increased cost for our citizens," Sen. Clemens said.              Once the initial offer of grants or loans has been made to all eligible recipients, the act allows any remaining funds to be proportionally distributed to grant or loan recipients who are eligible for, and need, additional funding. The act requires repayments of storm water loans and applicable interest to be deposited in the Storm Water Loan Revolving Fund, which is created by the act, and authorizes the monies in the fund to be used to finance and construct storm water control plans, studies, and projects.                Since taking office Gov. Blunt has been a leader in improving Missouri's water infrastructure.  He created the Clean Water Initiative administered by the Department of Natural Resources' (DNR) Water Protection Program. The department has already distributed $8 million to cities and water districts to help provide safe and clean water for communities across Missouri allocating the $50 million in funds as follows: $18 million for 40 percent State Construction grants for wastewater related projects, $13.2 million for rural sewer grants targeted for rural and special needs communities, $14.8 million for rural drinking water projects, $4 million in direct loans for water or wastewater projects, including planning loans for wastewater facilities             The governor's Clean Water Initiative is funded through $50 million in bonds to assist Missouri communities facing problems related to drinking water and wastewater treatment.              Gov. Blunt has also been a leader in protecting Missouri's environment and conserving our energy resources.  In addition to his Clean Water Initiative, Gov. Blunt signed legislation in 2006 to set a 10 percent ethanol content standard for gasoline.  Ethanol is a cleaner burning alternative to petroleum based gasoline and contains more oxygen, which results in better combustion and fewer carbon dioxide, carbon monoxide and carcinogenic emissions.             Gov. Blunt also issued an executive order requiring that at least 70 percent of new vehicles purchased by the Office of Administration be flex fuel vehicles.             This year, the General Assembly approved Gov. Blunt's plan to create a Show-Me Green tax holiday.  This ends the sales tax on Energy-Star certified appliances for one week every year.  Missouri is only the fourth state in the country to enact this kind of environmentally-friendly tax holiday joining Connecticut, Florida and Virginia. -- http://www.bransonedge.com http://www.bransonmissouri.blogspot.com

Gov. Blunt Appeals Denial of Public Assistance from May Tornadoes

Missouri Governor Matt Blunt - Official Release             JEFFERSON CITY - Gov. Matt Blunt today announced he is appealing the decision of the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) to deny Public Assistance in response to the tornadoes that ravaged Barry, Jasper and Newton Counties on May 10, 2008.               "As you consider this appeal, I ask that you carefully consider the fact that the May 10 tornadoes were in addition to a series of major disasters that have struck the state of Missouri over the previous twelve months," Gov. Blunt wrote in the letter. "The state of Missouri has been under a "State of Emergency" continuously from December 2007 until now, with the sole exception of three days from March 15 to March 18, 2008.  The combined abilities of the state and affected local governments to effectively and efficiently recover from this disaster event have been significantly and adversely affected by the almost weekly disaster events impacting the state. I believe that this disaster met all of the identified FEMA factors and considerations for receiving assistance under the public assistance program."              The May 10 tornadoes caused 16 deaths and more than 200 storm related injuries, in addition to leaving 9,000 customers without power in Barry, Jasper and Newton Counties. The damage assessments were completed on May 15th. The Joint Preliminary Damage Assessments included inspections of more than 550 damaged primary residences in the three counties. One hundred and fifty-four homes were destroyed and 58 homes had major damage. The teams also identified $6.2 million in costs to public infrastructure. -- http://www.bransonedge.com http://www.bransonmissouri.blogspot.com

Gov. Blunt Signs Legislation Promoting Watercraft Safety

Missouri Governor Matt Blunt's Office - Official Release             LAKE OZARK – Gov. Matt Blunt today signed legislation aimed at promoting safer boating on all waters throughout Missouri.             "Missouri's lakes and rivers should be safe for all who use them," Gov. Blunt said.  "The same standard that applies to our roads and highways should apply to our lakes and rivers.  I am pleased to sign this legislation strengthening water safety laws and continuing to protect those who use our state's waters for commerce and recreation."             House Bill 1715, sponsored by Rep. Rodney Schad, lowers the legal intoxication limit from .1 of one percent to .08 of one percent, ensuring consistency with the legal limits for operating a vehicle. The legislation also specifies that anyone who causes a death while boating under the influence will be guilty of involuntary manslaughter. Additionally, this legislation clarifies the definitions of "prior," "persistent," "aggravated," and "chronic" offenders, and establishes that no offender who receives these designations will receive a suspended imposition of sentence.             "Governor Blunt has been a strong supporter of this legislation and I thank him for his efforts to reduce the occurrences of fatal boating accidents. The bill gives our State Water Patrol increased authority to deal with the problems that have resulted in our lakes and rivers being the scene of far too many deadly incidents. With these stricter regulations we will help Missourians, and people from across the country, to feel safer on our waterways," Rep. Schad said.            "Alcohol played a part in many of the boating accidents and fatalities in the past three years.  With the help of Governor Matt Blunt we are proud that our Boating While Intoxicated law has been passed by the legislature to lower the BAC. limit from .10 to .08. This is just another step in our efforts to make Missouri's waterways a safer place to enjoy and recreate with your families," Colonel Rad Talburt said.             Gov. Blunt's strong stance against drunk driving includes legislation he signed closing a loophole in the law that had allowed some arrested for drunk driving to avoid prosecution on a technicality.  He also signed legislation creating two new classes for repeat DWI offenders, aggravated and chronic, that both carry increased penalties.             In addition the governor strengthened Missouri's laws against underage drinking by changing penalties to address both the possession and consumption of alcohol by minors. In Missouri a minor could be found guilty of a "minor in possession" if he or she is visibly intoxicated or has a blood alcohol content of more than .02. New laws enacted by the governor also prohibits adults from allowing minors to drink on their private property unless they are the minor's legal guardians and requires school districts to create a policy detailing the consequences if a student is found to either possess or drink alcohol on school property or at school events. -- http://www.bransonedge.com http://www.bransonmissouri.blogspot.com

Gov. Blunt Statement on Rick Sullivan

Missouri Governor Matt Blunt's  Office - Official Release           JEFFERSON CITY - Gov. Matt Blunt today issued the following statement supporting Rick Sullivan and the Special Administrative Board which is working to ensure our students in St. Louis City have access to a quality education:           "Any suggestion that the appointed board should step down is premature.  Rick Sullivan is doing a great job in a very difficult situation.  Any suggestion that he should be replaced is nonsense.  Fixing the St. Louis schools is vital for the city, the region, the state and most importantly the students who deserve access to the high quality education that is vital to their success in life.            "I was very disappointed that when asked by the St. Louis Post-Dispatch Jay Nixon refused to support Rick Sullivan's long-term efforts to fix a broken system that for too long has been hurting our children in St. Louis City.  Good education policy demands that we confront difficult problems head on.  I want to reiterate my support for the effort that is underway and would discourage anybody from pandering to those who want to go back to the old broken system." -- http://www.bransonedge.com http://www.bransonmissouri.blogspot.com

Gov. Blunt Takes Action to End Unfair Local Property Tax Increases for Missouri Homeowners

Missouri Governor Matt Blunt's Office - Officia Release             KIRKSVILLE—Gov. Matt Blunt today signed legislation that will protect Missouri taxpayers from the threat of rising local property taxes.             "Homeownership is a vital part of the American dream. But high property taxes make ownership less affordable," Gov. Blunt said. "In my State of the State address I called on the General Assembly to take action against excessive property taxes. And they did, in large part thanks to the leadership of Senator Michael Gibbons.  Protecting Missourians from the threat of rising local property taxes was one of the most significant achievements of this legislative session and I am very pleased to enact this bill into law."             "I appreciate the governor's support as well as the support of all senators and nearly all representatives who joined me to pass this property tax reform package," Sen. Gibbons said. "It allows us to protect taxpayers by ending tax increases caused by reassessments, closing tax increase loopholes, requiring earlier notice and more information, and expanding tax relief for seniors and the disabled."             Senate Bill 711, sponsored by Sen. Michael Gibbons will help protect Missouri families from rapidly increasing property taxes. The legislation helps ensure that Missourians are informed of any tax or assessment increase as soon as possible and that they are given more information on how reassessment will affect them. Earlier notifications and more information will give homeowners, small business owners, and farmers more time to appeal their own assessment and better information to discuss tax and spending policy with local officials.             The legislation also requires mandatory levy rollbacks. In 1980, Missourians passed the Hancock Amendment, which provides protections from excessive increases through rollbacks in local property tax levies. This legislation closes a loophole in the law that allows local governments who are imposing a tax below their approved levy to increase their tax rates by more than inflation, this lead to a windfall for some local governments in the previous reassessment.             Gov. Blunt has worked to lower taxes for Missouri families.  He inherited a $1.1 billion budget deficit when he took office in 2005 and balanced the budget with three consecutive budget surpluses while cutting taxes for hard-working Missourians.  Last year the governor signed legislation ending the cut on Social Security for all Missouri senior citizens.  The legislation also provides tax relief for teachers, firefighters, police officers, military personnel, federal employees and railroad workers.  Gov. Blunt also enacted a tax cut to protect manufacturing jobs in Missouri.  In addition, Gov. Blunt eased the tax burden on Missouri families by signing tax cuts to allow Missourians to deduct the cost of their health insurance premiums. -- http://www.bransonedge.com http://www.bransonmissouri.blogspot.com

Kenny Hulshof - 4th of July Message

A note from Kenny On July 4, 1776, representatives from each of the thirteen colonies came together to approve a radical document creating the foundation of a new nation conceived in liberty. These courageous leaders did so at great personal risk, knowing that they were putting themselves and their families in danger. By signing this document, they were committing an act of treason against the British monarchy. For many, the road from Philadelphia was difficult. Several lost their property, their families, and their lives at the hands of the British. But their sacrifices and commitment to freedom are what we celebrate each year on the 4th of July. My greatest hope is that we are able to live up to the legacies of these great Americans and the values they fought to defend. We still believe in those same timeless principles today. We believe in the right to life and we will fight to defend our nation's sovereignty. We make no apologies for defending freedom and American interests anywhere in the world. We are blessed and honored to live in a country that was founded on life, liberty, and the pursuit of happiness. I'll live my whole life in Missouri, and for that I thank the Almighty. I was born to two great people. Simple, honest farm folks who believed that you worked hard, you prayed often, and you helped your neighbors along the way. They taught me from a young age that Missouri and her land were blessed by God. I believe our nation's best days are not behind us - they're just up ahead. So on this, the 232nd birthday of the greatest experiment in democracy the world has ever known, we celebrate our freedom and remember the sacrifices made by generations of Americans to secure our liberty. From my family to yours, I wish you a safe and happy 4th of July. -- http://www.bransonedge.com http://www.bransonmissouri.blogspot.com

Nixon says 370 more profiles of Missouri registered sex offenders have been pulled from MySpace

Missouri Attorney General Jay Nixon's Office Press Release Jefferson City, Mo. - The social network MySpace has removed the online profiles of an additional 370 registered sex offenders from Missouri over the past four months, Attorney General Jay Nixon said today. Nixon and other Attorneys General have been working with MySpace for more than two years to increase protections for young children and teenagers from online predators. That work resulted in a groundbreaking agreement announced in January. The states pushed for changes after sexual predators repeatedly used the site to victimize children. As a result of the agreement, MySpace has instituted a policy of deleting the name of any user it identifies as a sex offender; that account information is then forwarded to Nixon's office. "This has been a nationwide effort to protect kids that continues to get results," Nixon said. "MySpace has implemented several recommendations from the Attorneys General and from online safety advocates. We will continue our efforts so that not only are the profiles of sex offenders deleted, but also that MySpace and other social networking sites make significant strides to improve age and identity verification. We are working with MySpace to set the industry standard for protecting children from predators and inappropriate online content." Nixon's work with MySpace has resulted in his office turning over to the Missouri State Highway Patrol 1,237 profiles that matched those of registered Missouri sex offenders; some individuals were found to have more than one profile. The Attorney General has asked the Patrol to examine the data to look for parole violations by offenders who may be barred from using a computer or from contacting minors. In May, Nixon announced that he and 49 other Attorneys General had reached an agreement with Facebook, another popular social networking site, to protect children from online predators. That agreement also emphasized the four over-arching principles of preventing underage users, protecting younger users from inappropriate content, protecting younger users from inappropriate contact, and providing safety tools for the site's members. Nixon stressed the importance of parents monitoring their kids' activities on the Internet, and of their reporting to law enforcement any suspicious activity they encounter. "Parents still are the most important measure in protecting children from dangers online," Nixon said. "They should actively monitor their kids' online activities and talk to them frequently about the potential hazards on the Internet." -- http://www.bransonedge.com http://www.bransonmissouri.blogspot.com

Missouri State Treasurer Sarah Steelman’s Weekly Office Performance Report

State Treasurer Sarah Steelman's Weekly Office Performance Report JEFFERSON CITY—Below is a weekly accounting of the activities and performance of the three divisions of the Missouri Treasurer's Office. Investment Division (6/19/08 through 6/26/08) Interest Earnings: $ 2,795,448.53 Avg. Portfolio Book Value: $ 4,625,117,953.71 Avg. Yield: 3.152 % Unclaimed Property Division (6/19/08 through 6/26/08) Amount Returned To Owners:$ 124,449.42 Number of Accounts Returned: 824 Banking Division (6/19/08 through 6/26/08) State Receipts: $ 393,967,791.96 State Disbursements $ 1,076,276,915.25 Electronic Transfers: 20,548 Checks Issued: 37,480 Checks Cleared: 45,362 As of close of business on 06/25/08, cash balances were: Budget Reserve: $557,050,679.21 General Revenue: $785,011,557.32 Note: On June 19th, the state received regular employer withholding remittances. On June 20th, the state made payments to Medicaid providers and made a distribution to schools. -- http://www.bransonedge.com http://www.bransonmissouri.blogspot.com

Gov. Blunt Awards Worker Training Grants to Support Growing Industries

Missouri Governor Matt Blunt - Press Release             JEFFERSON CITY– Gov. Matt Blunt announced the award of nearly $3 million in regional workforce grants as part of his Skilled Workforce Initiative. The initiative, now in its third year, continues the successful program, which has helped thousands of Missourians receive technical training that prepares them for career pathways in growth occupations.             "Missourians deserve to know that their leaders are committed to rewarding their work and dedication by providing them opportunities to advance in vital, thriving industries," Gov. Blunt said. "The recent natural disasters and economic trials have proven how working together toward a common goal can help citizens and communities overcome and prosper. This initiative is an innovative way to bring together business and industry, labor, education, workforce and economic development entities to help build a flourishing economy for Missouri."             The Skilled Workforce Initiative is administered by the Department of Economic Development's Division of Workforce Development and funded through the federal Workforce Investment Act. Missouri's 14 Local Workforce Investment Boards administer the funding on behalf of local partnerships in their area.             This year's Skilled Workforce Initiative awards were competitively solicited from the Local Workforce Investment Boards to support projects that develop talent acquisition solutions, enhance Missouri Career Centers, and aid businesses recruitment and retention.             The awards are selected based on the various criteria, including program design, collaboration among partnerships, sustainability, and performance outcomes.  Division of Workforce Development Director, Dawn Busick said, "By implementing a high-quality, performance-driven training program, we create innovative solutions to critical workforce challenges in industries that drive Missouri's economy."             This initiative also builds on Gov. Blunt's successful Workforce Innovation in Regional Economic Development (WIRED) grants which are designed to make significant improvements to workforce development and economic transformation through strategic regional alliances.              Gov. Blunt recently signed legislation to support responsible economic development in Missouri and ensure the state remains competitive in the global marketplace. The legislation provides tax credits for companies that implement mega projects in Missouri.              This month the governor signed legislation which contained several major provisions to build on strong economic growth and development in Missouri. The legislation increases the annual cap on the governor's successful Quality Jobs Tax Credit Program from $40 million to $60 million and among other things increases the amount of tax credits the Missouri Department of Economic Development may authorize for the Enhanced Enterprise Zone Program from $14 million to $24 million.             Economic development legislation passed this year builds on the unparalleled reforms enacted under Gov. Blunt's leadership.  Comprehensive litigation reform enacted under Gov. Blunt's leadership drove the state to a ten spot jump in a leading national watch group's ranking.  The state's jump in rank is indicative of the many success stories resulting from Gov. Blunt's pro-family, pro-jobs initiatives.          In addition, Gov. Blunt's workers' compensation reform measures enacted in 2005 are helping to decrease workers' compensation rates in the state.  The law restored fairness to Missouri's workers' compensation system by protecting rights of injured workers without threatening Missouri jobs.               Gov. Blunt has successfully restored order to a broken state budget without raising taxes.  He inherited a devastated state economy in January 2005 that was $1.1 billion in the red and had lost 34,000 jobs in the previous four years.  Overall, Gov. Blunt's pro-jobs, pro-growth initiatives have helped Missourians create more than 80,000 new jobs since January 2005. Skilled Workforce Initiative Awards Attachment -- http://www.bransonedge.com http://www.bransonmissouri.blogspot.com

Missouri Supplies $5 Million for Improved Amtrak Service

MoDOT News Release   Marc Magliari 312 880.5390, MoDOT Contact: Rod Massman 573 751.7476 July 01, 2008 Missouri Supplies $5 Million for Improved Amtrak Service Wiil fund new capacity on cross-state route CHICAGO and JEFFERSON CITY - Reliability of Kansas City to St. Louis trains operated by Amtrak for the Missouri Department of Transportation can improve, thanks to $5 million provided by the Missouri state legislature and approved by Gov. Matt Blunt to increase track capacity on the route.  The Missouri Mules (Trains 311, 313, 314 & 316) provide twice-daily round trips across the state and have been plagued by lengthy delays due to heavy freight traffic on the Union Pacific Railroad line. "This is great news for Missouri," said MoDOT Director Pete Rahn.  "This funding will lead to improved service, helping make Amtrak trains an even better travel alternative." New track extensions, called sidings, will reduce bottlenecks between Kansas City and Jefferson City in west central Missouri.  These parallel tracks can allow trains to pass each other without having to stop.  In addition to the state appropriation, MoDOT is seeking an additional $5 million in federal matching funding from a new Federal Railroad Administration program. "This marks a major change in Missouri's approach to passenger rail," Rahn added.  "State-supported Amtrak service has been running between Kansas City and St. Louis since 1979 and each year legislators have budgeted only enough money to operate the trains; nothing to build improvements.  This capital improvement funding shows a new level of commitment by our legislators to Amtrak service." Missouri Senate Leader Mike Gibbons was instrumental in the legislative push to provide the additional funding. "As gas prices continue to rise, Missourians need and deserve a reliable and affordable alternate mode of travel," he said. "This funding allows trains to pass without delay, relieves congestion and will improve on-time performance of passenger rail, meaning it will be a real option for travelers."  Improvements on the line could not be occurring at a better time.  Ridership between Kansas City and St. Louis increased sharply in April and May, compared to the same period last year. "Much of this route is a single set of tracks and Amtrak trains share the limited capacity with numerous freight trains," said Michael Franke, Amtrak Assistant Vice President - State Partnerships.  "Investments in infrastructure have been sorely needed for passenger trains to operate more reliably between St. Louis and Kansas City. "This capital funding is an important first step in addressing the capacity of this heavily-used corridor and such investments in the infrastructure will ultimately lead to improvements in train performance," Franke added. A study of chokepoints on the route was completed in 2007 by the University of Missouri-Columbia and siding construction and extensions were found to have the most immediate prospect for service improvements. "This study forms the basis of discussions with Union Pacific Railroad as to how the project will be implemented, and discussions with the railroad on how the project will take shape will begin in the next few weeks," said Brian Weiler, MoDOT Director of Multimodal Operations.  "These improvements will also complement Union Pacific's own improvements near the chokepoints at the Gasconade and Osage rivers." About the Missouri Department of Transportation Our mission is to provide a world-class transportation experience that delights our customers and promotes a prosperous Missouri.  For more information, visit http://www.modot.org/ or call 888-ASK-MODOT (within Missouri). -- http://www.bransonedge.com http://www.bransonmissouri.blogspot.com

Gov. Blunt Signs Legislation Recognizing Community Colleges’ Important Role in Higher Education

Missouri Governor Matt Blunt's Office Press Release           NEOSHO – Gov. Matt Blunt today visited Crowder College where he signed legislation acknowledging the important role community colleges play in preparing our students for the global economy.           "We have worked to provide Missouri students the resources they need to reach their full potential, and our community colleges play an important role in those efforts," Gov. Blunt said. "This legislation will eliminate outdated language and ensure community colleges are acknowledged as valuable education institutions."           House Bill 1869, sponsored by Rep. Kevin Wilson, requires the Missouri Revisor of Statutes to change all references of the term "junior college" to "community college" in the Revised Statutes of Missouri.            "I appreciate the governor signing House Bill 1869. This bill recognizes the important role that community colleges play in our educational system in the state of Missouri," Rep. Wilson said.           Education is Gov. Blunt's highest public policy and budget priority. Since he took office the governor has signed budgets increasing funding for education by $1.2 billion.           Gov. Blunt also has been a champion for higher education in Missouri.  When he took office, he immediately put an end to the previous administration's cuts in higher education.  The governor's support for higher education nearly quadruples funding available for Access Missouri scholarships and provides $105.8 million in new funding for colleges and universities.  Additionally, Gov. Blunt's Lewis and Clark Discovery Initiative is providing $335 million for colleges and universities across the state for important capital improvement projects on campus.           Specifically, $28.1 million within the Lewis and Clark Discovery Initiative has already been distributed to community colleges.  Crowder College received $2.2 million.  In addition the new Access Missouri scholarship program has increased the number of students who receive needs based scholarships at Crowder College from 55 to 385. -- http://www.bransonedge.com http://www.bransonmissouri.blogspot.com

Nixon: settlement with MoneyGram will help fight wire transfer fraud through $1.1 million consumer awareness program

Missouri Attorney General Jay Nixon's Office Press Release Jefferson City, Mo. - A Minnesota company that provides money transfer services to hundreds of thousands of locations around the world will fund a $1.1 million national consumer awareness program under a multi-state agreement with Attorney General Jay Nixon, 43 other states and the District of Columbia. Missouri is part of the assurance of voluntary compliance with MoneyGram Payment Systems, Inc., reached in response to concerns about the use of the company's wire transfer services by fraudulent telemarketers. The agreement was filed today in Cole County Circuit Court. MoneyGram, based in Minneapolis, offers money transfer services by wire at over 25,000 locations in the United States and over 100,000 locations around the world, including grocery stores, gas stations and other retail businesses. At issue in the settlement was the high number of "fraud-induced transfers," or money wired by consumers to fraudulent telemarketers and other scam artists. For example, some telemarketers - often based in other countries - use a "lottery" scam, in which they tell vulnerable consumers they have won a large sum of money but must pay taxes or other charges to claim their winnings. The victims are then directed to send the money by wire, because wire transfers are fast, there are transfer agents in most communities, and funds can be picked up in multiple locations. Nixon says the problem of fraud-induced transfers is substantial. In 2003, a survey conducted by seven states concerning transfers of over $300 to Canada by another major money transfer company estimated that over 29 percent of those transfers were fraud-induced, resulting in consumers losses in the year 2002 of approximately $113 million nationally. "To keep perpetrators from defrauding consumers, we need to make it harder for them to utilize traditional methods of transferring money," Nixon said. "Agreements such as this one with MoneyGram - with its model fraud warning, consumer education program, and enhanced training for money transfer agents - are steps in the right direction." According to today's agreement, MoneyGram has agreed to: Pay $1.1 million for a national consumer education program on how to avoid fraud-induced transfers, to be overseen by the AARP Foundation; Post prominent warnings to consumers in both English and Spanish on the dangers of fraud-induced wire transfers on the front page of MoneyGram's Send Form, with comparable warnings for telephone and Web transfers; Continue its current policy of reimbursing the amount of any transfer to a consumer who requests, prior to pickup, that the transfer be stopped, and reimbursing transfer fees as well if the consumer reasonably claims that the transfer was fraud-induced; Send prominent anti-fraud messages to its agents electronically every month or whenever a proposed transfer exceeds a certain amount, revise and enhance the company's agent anti-fraud training programs, and provide special training to agents with elevated fraud levels at their locations; Take appropriate action to suspend or terminate agent locations that are involved in fraud or that do not take reasonable steps to reduce fraud; Block wire transfers from specific consumers or to specific recipients when the company receives information from a state that there are good faith grounds to believe that fraud will occur, until such time as the consumer is counseled on fraud and requests resumption of the transfer; and Ensure that money transfers sent from the U.S. can only be picked up in a country designated by the sender, with a potential extension of this policy to the state or provincial level if the pickup of fraud-induced transfers in states or provinces to which consumers do not intend to send money becomes a significant future problem. -- http://www.bransonedge.com http://www.bransonmissouri.blogspot.com

Harris Outlines Plan to Protect Clean Water from Corporate Hog Farms - Jeff Harris Campaign Press Release

Harris Outlines Plan to Protect Clean Water from Corporate Hog Farms Recent Heavy Rains, Floods Demonstrate Potential Danger; Harris is the only candidate with a plan to combat CAFOs Columbia - Representative Jeff Harris today released his plan to combat the growing number of corporate hog farms in Missouri which present a danger to the state's environment. CAFOs (concentrated animal feeding operations) are taking over the state's countryside but heavy rains and flooding demonstrate how their effect reaches beyond rural Missouri. Lagoons on these corporate farms this summer have threatened to overflow and even collapse, dumping tons of raw animal waste into streams and rivers, potentially contaminating drinking water. An official with the Missouri Department of Natural Resources told the Kansas City Star that the situation is "very concerning." A spokesman for the Sierra Club said the situation "could result in an unprecedented environmental disaster." Jeff Harris is the only candidate with a plan to protect our environment from the threat of CAFOs and give local communities a voice in where CAFOs can be built. Harris has also sponsored legislation that would prevent CAFOs from being built next to state parks, making sure these priceless resources are preserved for future generations of Missourians to fish, to hunt and to simply enjoy.   "Right now, our local communities have no control over where these corporate farms get built, and that has got to stop," said Harris. "Right now, the state closes its doors and prevents the people who know the land best from even being heard. As Attorney General, I will stand up for Missourians and against Big Ag, corporate interests and the political appointees who let them have their way."   Harris will force DNR to pay attention to local communities and to consider their concerns and opposition before approving new CAFOs. Harris will go after corporate farms that contaminate the ground and water, holding them accountable and making them pay to clean up the mess they leave behind.   "This issue affects rural Missouri, but it also affects every single person living in this state," said Harris. "We all need clean drinking water, and we all want our natural resources to be protected. The profits of corporations should never outweigh the interests of the people. When I'm Attorney General, I will fight for the citizens of this state and to protect our natural resources." Recent Heavy Rains, Floods Demonstrate Potential Danger; Harris is the only candidate with a plan to combat CAFOs Columbia - Representative Jeff Harris today released his plan to combat the growing number of corporate hog farms in Missouri which present a danger to the state's environment. CAFOs (concentrated animal feeding operations) are taking over the state's countryside but heavy rains and flooding demonstrate how their effect reaches beyond rural Missouri. Lagoons on these corporate farms this summer have threatened to overflow and even collapse, dumping tons of raw animal waste into streams and rivers, potentially contaminating drinking water. An official with the Missouri Department of Natural Resources told the Kansas City Star that the situation is "very concerning." A spokesman for the Sierra Club said the situation "could result in an unprecedented environmental disaster." Jeff Harris is the only candidate with a plan to protect our environment from the threat of CAFOs and give local communities a voice in where CAFOs can be built. Harris has also sponsored legislation that would prevent CAFOs from being built next to state parks, making sure these priceless resources are preserved for future generations of Missourians to fish, to hunt and to simply enjoy.   "Right now, our local communities have no control over where these corporate farms get built, and that has got to stop," said Harris. "Right now, the state closes its doors and prevents the people who know the land best from even being heard. As Attorney General, I will stand up for Missourians and against Big Ag, corporate interests and the political appointees who let them have their way."   Harris will force DNR to pay attention to local communities and to consider their concerns and opposition before approving new CAFOs. Harris will go after corporate farms that contaminate the ground and water, holding them accountable and making them pay to clean up the mess they leave behind.   "This issue affects rural Missouri, but it also affects every single person living in this state," said Harris. "We all need clean drinking water, and we all want our natural resources to be protected. The profits of corporations should never outweigh the interests of the people. When I'm Attorney General, I will fight for the citizens of this state and to protect our natural resources." -- http://www.bransonedge.com http://www.bransonmissouri.blogspot.com

Branson’s Haygoods buy Americana Theatre - Dee Dee Jacobs

Branson's Haygoods buy Americana Theatre Performing siblings The Haygoods have purchased the Americana Theatre in Branson. By Dee Dee Jacobs Springfield Business Journal Staff 7/1/2008 11:04:27 AM After 17 years and more than 10,000 shows, Branson performing family The Haygoods is planting permanent roots along the city's State Highway 76 strip. The eight-sibling musician group purchased the 800-seat Americana Theatre, 2905 W. Highway 76, from Janet Dailey for an undisclosed price, according to eldest performer Timothy Haygood. The deal closed June 1. The Haygoods – who range in age from 15 to 30 – currently perform at the 600-seat Music City Centre, where they've been since 2002, and previously spent nearly a decade at Silver Dollar City. The stunt-performing musicians have grown a need for their own space – and their own branded venue, Haygood said. They plan to spend about $1 million on renovations. "It's going to be much more than just a theater; we're going to make it into an attraction," Haygood said, adding that early plans call for a miniature golf course in the theater's lobby and a restaurant. "People want more than a show. They want an experience." Haygood estimates major renovation work should be complete by next March, with other changes taking effect over about three years. In conjunction with their new stomping grounds, the Haygoods have been working on producing an in-house TV show, and filming is set to begin in about two weeks. To avoid falling under the controlling arm of network ownership, the Haygoods have purchased 30-minute slots on the CW channel and sold advertising segments for the first eight episodes. The show will air in about 10 major Midwest cities, including Springfield, starting in spring 2009, Haygood said. The premise of the as-yet-unnamed show is part reality show, part human interest and part musical entertainment, Haygood said. Episodes will open with the Haygoods performing, followed by an extreme sports-type event that will raise donations to purchase instruments and private lessons for underprivileged children with musical aspirations. Each episode will surprise a child at home and end with that child joining the Haygoods on stage. "Music was a really big part of our lives when we were young," Haygood said. "We want to make sure that what could be a budding talent isn't neglected because of a lack of money." -- http://www.bransonedge.com http://www.bransonmissouri.blogspot.com

Branson Police Department Arrest Summary Report 06/20/2008 - 06/26/2008

Branson Police Department                                                                                                                                                                     Inmate Name / Inmate No.         City, State           Race   Sex     Age           Arrest Date     Released Date                                 HIMEBAUGH, RUTH BRIDGETT  - 19147         BRANSON POLICE           W   F     38           06/20/2008     06/20/2008                                     Charges                       Bond Type           Bond Amt.     CONVEYED/DETAINED INTOX PERSON-12 HOUR                                   0.00     POSSESSION OF CONTROLLED SUBSTANCE (O)                       CASH OR SURETY           500.00                                 Bond Total       500.00 EPPS, DUSTIN LEE  - 19148         BRANSON POLICE           W   M     27           06/20/2008     06/20/2008                                     Charges                       Bond Type           Bond Amt.     WARRANT / MISDEMEANOR                       CASH           300.00                                 Bond Total       300.00 HOLMES, RACHAEL ANN  - 19149         BRANSON POLICE           W   F     24           06/20/2008     06/20/2008                                     Charges                       Bond Type           Bond Amt.     WARRANT / MISDEMEANOR                       CASH           200.00     WARRANT / MISDEMEANOR                       CASH           200.00     WARRANT / MISDEMEANOR                       CASH OR SURETY           2000.00     WARRANT / MISDEMEANOR                       CASH           250.00                                 Bond Total       2650.00 KLINE, JOHN ANTHONY  - 19150         BRANSON POLICE           W   M     19           06/20/2008     06/21/2008                                     Charges                       Bond Type           Bond Amt.     WARRANT / FELONY                       CASH OR SURETY           10000.00                                 Bond Total       10000.00 KIRK, MARY AMANDA  - 19151         BRANSON POLICE           W   F     29           06/20/2008     06/21/2008                                     Charges                       Bond Type           Bond Amt.     FAILED TO REGISTER ANNUALLY (O)                       CASH OR SURETY           50.00     FAILED TO SHOW PROOF OF FINANCIAL RESP (O)                       CASH OR SURETY           50.00     FOLLOWED MOTOR VEHICLE MORE CLOSELY THAN SAFE (O)                       CASH OR SURETY           50.00     LIC - OPERATED MV W/NO DRIVER'S LICENSE ON PERSON                       CASH OR SURETY           50.00     NOISE POLLUTION VEHICULAR (O)                       CASH OR SURETY           50.00                                                       Page 1 of 6               Printed     07/01/2008 0805                                           Inmate Name / Inmate No.         City, State           Race   Sex     Age           Arrest Date     Released Date                                     SPEEDING (O)                       CASH OR SURETY           50.00                                 Bond Total       300.00 AVERY, WILLIAM LOUIS-STEPHEN  - 19152         CASS COUNTY           W   M     31           06/21/2008     06/21/2008                                     Charges                       Bond Type           Bond Amt.     SPEEDING (O)                       SIGNATURE           50.00     WARRANT / MISDEMEANOR                       CASH OR SURETY           250.00     WARRANT / MISDEMEANOR                       CASH OR SURETY           250.00     WARRANT / MISDEMEANOR                       CASH OR SURETY           250.00                                 Bond Total       800.00 SCHAUBHUT, JERUSHA ELIZABETH  - 19153         BRANSON POLICE           W   F     39           06/21/2008     06/21/2008                                     Charges                       Bond Type           Bond Amt.     WARRANT/MISDEMEANOR(BRANSON MUNICIPAL)                       CASH           100.00                                 Bond Total       100.00 SCOTT, STEFFANIE JEAN  - 19154