The Sullivan Independent News

McFair Night Set For Monday

SiteAuthor — Thu, 11 Mar 2010 15:57:31 +0000

Local residents have a chance to come out and get a great meal and support the Meramec Community Fair on Monday night, March 15, from 4 p.m. to 8 p.m.
McDonald’s of Sullivan and the Meramec Community Fair have teamed up for McFair Night set for Monday.
Meramec Community Fair Board members will be serving up some great fries and taking your orders on Monday night with a portion of the food sales being donated to the Meramec Community Fair.
“Mickie Avery, owner of the Sullivan McDonald’s, has been a great supporter of the Meramec Community Fair and this is a great chance for the fair board to generate some revenue that we lost during last years fair,” said James Bartle, Fair Board President. “I hope everyone will come out an support us Monday.”

Suspect In Officer-Involved Shooting Identified

SiteAuthor — Wed, 10 Mar 2010 18:57:05 +0000

On March 9, 2010, officers from the Crawford County Sheriff’s
Department and the Missouri State Highway Patrol shot and killed an
armed suspect, after that person led officers on a pursuit and then
fired a weapon at the officers.
The suspect has been identified as Patrick L. Greer, 29, of Ft.
Worth, Texas. Contact with Greer was initiated on the morning of March
9, 2010, by the Cuba Police Department and the Crawford County
Sheriff’s Department in Cuba, after the U.S. Secret Service had
notified the Cuba Police Department that Greer may be in the area and
that felony warrants had been issued for his arrest from the state of
Texas. The felony warrants issued for Greer were for assault, a drug
violation, and engaging in organized crime.

Officer Involved Shooting

SiteAuthor — Wed, 10 Mar 2010 15:31:40 +0000

On Mar. 9 the Cuba Police Dept. and the Crawford County Sheriff’s Department received information that a subject wanted on a felony warrant from the state of Texas was in the Cuba area. The suspect was reportedly armed, dangerous, and would shoot at law enforcement officers. The suspect, a white male, was reportedly driving a dark colored, Ford pickup, with a camper and bearing Texas license plates.

At approximately 10:40 a.m., that same day, Cuba police officers and Crawford County deputies located the suspect at a business in Cuba. When approached, the suspect fled in his truck, dragging a Cuba police officer for a short distance. The suspect continued onto Interstate 44, traveling west, with Cuba police and Crawford County deputies prusuing. Shortly thereafter, Missouri State Highway Patrol troopers also became involved in the pursuit. Tire spike strips were deployed at approximately the 200-mile marker on I-44 the vehicle traveled off the right side of the highway and stopped. There, the suspect exited his truck while pointing a pistol at himself. The suspect then pointed the weapon at officers and fired. Deputies and trooper returned fire, striking the suspect.
The suspect was transported to the Phelps County Regional Medical Center by ambulance, where he was later pronounced dead.

The investigation by th Crawford County Sherill’s Department and the Missouri State Highway Patrol’s Division of Drug and Crime Control continues. The trooper involved in the shooting was not injured, and has been placed on routine administrative leave pending completion of the investigation.

Arson Suspect Arrested Following Pursuit/Acciden

SiteAuthor — Wed, 10 Mar 2010 15:16:26 +0000

An arson suspect allegedly involved in the March 3, fire in the 300 Block of Cash St. and in a recent arson in Cuba, was arrested following a vehicle pursuit with Sullivan Police that resulted in an accident.
According to Sullivan Police Chief George R. Counts, on Monday, Mar. 8, at approximately 4:10 p.m. an officer of the Sullivan Police Department attempted to stop a vehicle whose driver was wanted for arson of a residence located on Cash St. The driver was also wanted by the State Fire Marshall’s Service for arson of a residence that occurred near Cuba recently.
The driver of the vehicle attempted to accelerate from the Sullivan officer and after a short distance, the suspect lost control of the vehicle at the intersection of Hughes Ford Rd. and Hillcrest.
The vehicle overturned, end over end and came to a rest in the front yard of the residence located at the intersection. The two occupants of the fleeing vehicle were trapped in the overturned vehicle and were extricated by personnel of the Sullivan Fire Department. Both occupants were treated for minor injuries.
The driver of the vehicle is currently incarcerated at the Sullivan City Jail.
The suspects name is being withheld pending the issuance of warrants.

Junior Firefighters Complete Structure Fire Training

SiteAuthor — Tue, 09 Mar 2010 23:22:06 +0000

By James B. Bartle
On a snowy, cold day off from school, most area children would be sledding down a hill, building a snowman, playing video games or spending time on the Internet; but for 12 members of the Sullivan Junior Fire Department, they chose to have fire education training on a structure fire.
“Our junior firefighters were wanting to do some type of training since they were off from school,” said Cory Rice, Junior Fire Department advisor. “We have been wanting to do a video for the junior firefighters for training and for a career in education video to take to schools; thus, we were able to complete a number of things on Feb. 12th with the junior training.”
According to Rice, the department was allowed to use a rental home owned by Steve Thurmond and setup a training in structure fires for the junior firefighters. Live fire was not used; however, the junior firefighters setup all equipment for a live fire and went through the steps of a fire scene, a fog machine was used to simulate a fire and the steps were shown for doing a search of a home and rescue. While the juniors were going through their training, a film of the event was taken for the department training and educational video.
“Our juniors are only allowed to do so much in a fire scene, but this training gave them a lot to look forward to and advance their training,” said Rice. “The training allowed them to use their basic skills such as setting up ladders, setting up fans, hose lines, all the pieces to the puzzle of setting up to battle a structure fire. This also gave the juniors a moral boost for what they will see in a real live event.”
Rice stated that the Junior Department has really taken off over the last couple of years and that they are seeing 100 percent turnout from the junior firefighters. The group is also assigned to help take care of Station One, which includes not only checking the fire apparatus each week and equipment with senior firefighters to help maintain House One.
“Our juniors have also helped to staff Station One during the weekends and during some of the evenings,” said Rice. “Our juniors must maintain at least a 2.0 grade point average.”
Rice stated that the Junior program recently conducted interviews for their positions on the department and new members are still being sought and also go through an interview process.
“Kyle Arnold was recently appointed Junior Fire Chief and Nick White, Assistant Chief,” said Rice. “We had each one of the juniors interview for the position just like they would for a job. We felt that this not only would give them an advantage later in life when they apply for a job, but also let them see what they will be questioned on in the future.”
Presently, between funding from Missouri Baptist Sullivan Hospital and from the Fire District, those juniors who complete the Junior program and graduate high school to pursue a career in EMS and the fire service are assisted in educational funding.
“We have a junior this year that will be going to EMT school and we’re pleased that we will be able to assist with the education costs,” said Rice.
The fourth annual Sullivan Fire District Junior Fire School is scheduled for the week of July 14-18. The week-long summer fire school for the junior firefighters not only brought in Sullivan junior firefighters last year, but junior firefighters from eight other departments. The school provides 40 hours of fire service training to the students and is a scaled down version of the adult Missouri Fire Service Firefighter One and Two training.
The Junior Department is led by senior firefighters Cory Rice, Marko Turner, Jimmy Smythe, Nolan Crawford and Bill Windham.
Anyone interested in becoming a Junior Firefighter may contact Sullivan Fire District Station One at 573-468-6161.

K2 Legal Marijuana? Fight Begins At State And Local Level

SiteAuthor — Tue, 09 Mar 2010 23:16:06 +0000

By James B. Bartle
Most people probably think K2 is a new band all the kids are raving about, but it’s not. It’s hitting the local streets and is being debated in the State of Missouri for a possible ban.
Recent reports on K2, a product commonly sold in head shops, some convenience stores and tobacco outlets as incense, is on the Federal Drug Enforcement Administration list for drugs or chemicals of concern and was recently banned in Pettis County, MO. and State Rep. Ward Franz, West Plains, has introduced a bill in the Missouri legislature that would make the product illegal, with punishments similar to marijuana possession.
Sullivan police chief, George R. Counts, indicated this week that they were not aware of any local businesses selling the product but that the department was paying close attention to legislation on the product.
K2 is a mixture of spices and herbs that is sprayed with a synthetic compound chemically similar to THC, the psychoactive ingredient in marijuana. Users use the “incense” by rolling it up in joints with tobacco, dried flower leaves or inhaled from a pipe, giving them a similar feeling to smoking marijuana on the brain, only the product is legal for now and not detected in drug tests.
Franklin County Narcotics Enforcement leader, Sgt. Jason Grellner, recently reported that the product is an example of science being ahead of the law.
The product is manufactured in China and Korea and is a banned substance by the U.S. military, most of Europe, and possibly in the states of Missouri and Kansas as bills are being introduced.
One of the problems with K2 is that it can be purchased by anyone of any age, prompting concern that it can get in the hands of young children.
The Washington Missourian recently featured an article where a convenience store in St. Clair had begun selling the product, which cost between $20 to $50 for a three gram packet; however, after the article was featured, the store opted to not sell the product due to public concern.
The store restricted the product to age 21 and over when it was selling it. It dropped the product this week after public concern and after selling out of the product.

Filing For County Offices Begins

SiteAuthor — Tue, 09 Mar 2010 23:14:14 +0000

By James B. Bartle
Filing for the Primary Election, set for Aug. 3, began on Tues., Feb. 23 with several filings made this week.
On the Republican ballot, the respective candidates and offices sought are:
Associate Circuit Judge, David B. Tobben, Washington; County Presiding Commissioner, Jerry Landing, Sullivan, and Ron Keeven, New Haven; Clerk of the Circuit Court, Bill D. Miller, Washington; County Clerk, Debbie Door, Union; Recorder of Deeds, Sharon L. Birkman, Union.
Prosecuting Attorney, Robert E. Parks, Washington; County Auditor, Ralph E. Sudholt, II, Union; Collector of Revenue, Linda Emmons, Union; Central Township Committeeman, Alfred Osborn, St. Clair; Central Township Committeewoman, Dorothy Osborn, St. Clair.
Prairie Township Committeeman, Jerry Landing, Sullivan; Prairie Township Committeewoman, Virginia Landing, Sullivan; Washington Ward Two Committeewoman, Joy Gerstein, Washington; Washington Ward Two Committeeman, Terry O. Wilson, Washington; Washington Ward Four Committeeman, Nick Kotakis, Washington.
On the Democratic primary filings, the candidates to file are:
Associate Circuit Judge, Stan Williams, Pacific; Presiding County Commissioner, Gary W. Getman, St. Clair; County Clerk, Teresa Connelly, Union, and Don Necessary, Lonedell; Pacific Ward One Committeeman, Matt Agee, Pacific.
Central Township Committeeman, Jeff Maune, Union; Meramec Township Committeewoman, Juanita Abernathy, Leslie; Union Ward One Committeeman, Daniel J. Kloeppel, Union; Union Township Committeewoman, Rebecca A. Voelkerding, Washington.
Washington Ward One Committeewoman, Carol Straatmann, Washington; and Washington Ward Two Committeewoman, Robin Stewart, Washington.

Meramec Regional Planning Commission at State Capitol

SiteAuthor — Tue, 09 Mar 2010 23:11:16 +0000

Board and staff of Meramec Regional Planning Commission spent Feb. 2 at the Missouri State Capitol, hand-delivering MRPC’s state priorities report to the region’s legislative delegation. Those participating in “MRPC Day at the Capitol” and gathering for a group photo were, front row, from left: board members Dr. Donald Claycomb of Linn, Mary Heywood of Bourbon and Janet Walker of Rolla, Sen. Frank Barnitz, and Bonnie Prigge, MRPC assistant director. Back row: Maries County Presiding Commissioner Ray Schwartze, MRPC Chairman Laura Antolak of Rolla, David Luker of Chamois, Jim Grebing of Hermann and Osage County Presiding Commissioner Russell Scheulen, all board members, and Richard Cavender, MRPC executive director.

Solid Waste District Announces Earth Day Poster, Trash Art Contest For 2010

SiteAuthor — Tue, 09 Mar 2010 23:08:03 +0000

The Ozark Rivers Solid Waste Management District recently announced the theme for its 2010 poster and trash art contest. This year’s theme is “Be Green! Keep the Planet Clean.”
This is the 18th year that Ozark Rivers has sponsored the contest. Students attending public and private schools in Crawford, Dent, Gasconade, Maries, Phelps, Pulaski or Washington counties are eligible to participate. Home-schooled students in the seven-county area are also encouraged to participate.
Contest information will be distributed to all schools in the seven-county district. Deadline for entries is Apr. 2.
The poster contest is open to all K-12 students and should focus on the beneficial long-term results of recycling, ways to protect and enhance the environment and how our actions today impact our planet and future. Trash art projects do not have to adhere to the theme, but should convey an Earth Day-type message.
Posters and trash art entries will be judged separately, and students can participate in both the poster and trash art contest, if they choose. First place prizes are $50 U.S. savings bonds; second place prizes will be earth-friendly gifts valued at $15 or more. Every student that participates will receive a small prize.
These poster and trash art contests are a part of the district’s effort to increase awareness of the solid waste problem and to generate interest in reducing the amount of waste deposited in area landfills. Education and awareness are key components of the district’s solid waste management plan.
“We encourage teachers to use this project as an opportunity to discuss solid waste problems, like illegal dumping, and the benefits of recycling as well as the meaning of Earth Day,” said Tammy Snodgrass, environmental programs manager for Meramec Regional Planning Commission.
Teachers can contact Snodgrass or Teri Smith for curriculum and research ideas to use in the classroom. The Ozark Rivers District has books and videos and other learning aids available for check out to teachers and home-schoolers.
Contest winners will be notified the week of Apr. 12, and the winning posters and artwork will be part of an exhibit at the Missouri University of Science and Technology during its Earth Day celebration on Apr. 22.
Once again, area banks have been asked to co-sponsor this year’s contest by providing savings bonds. Sponsors, so far, include: Legends Bank of Linn, Legends Bank of Owensville, Legends Bank of Belle, Heritage Community Bank of Chamois, Maries County Bank (Vienna), Community Bank of Owensville, a branch of the Maries County Bank, First State Community Bank of Potosi, Peoples Bank of Steelville.
Peoples Bank of Cuba, Phelps County Bank, The Bank of Salem, Unico Bank of Potosi, Citizens Bank of Newburg and Town and Country Bank of St. James, First State Community Bank of Sullivan, Belle State Bank and Mid American Bank (Belle). Donations of savings bonds are still being accepted.
Persons needing more information should contact Snodgrass or Smith at (573) 265-2993 or by e-mail at tsnodgrass@meramecregion.org or press@meramecregion.org. More information is also available online at www.meramecregion.org.

Schoenhoff Awarded Army Achievement Medal

SiteAuthor — Tue, 09 Mar 2010 23:06:19 +0000

Sgt. Aaron Schoenoff, Bourbon, was awarded a U.S. Army Achievement Medal for superior performance while serving as a howitzer section gunner, showing outstanding leadership skills and professionalism that enhanced unit readiness and contributed significant to mission accomplished.
Schoenhoff has received four other achievements. He received an achievement for technical and tactical expertise, competence and constant dedication to duty that was instrumental to the safe and accurate firing of more than 20,000 artillery rounds in support of Army Fires Center of Excellence.
He received an achievement for leadership and experience and was a great asset to the fourth howitzer section in capacity as gunner. He trained seven cannon crew members in howitzer field operating standards and maintenance.
He received an achievement while assigned to Big Deuce Battalion, distinguished himself by participating and winning Soldier of the Month, Soldier of the Quarter Board, Brigade Soldier of the Quarter and TRADOC Soldier of the Quarter Board.
He also received an achievement for participating in multiple rehearsals and executed one ceremonial salute for Brigadier General Adams’s retirement. The crew performed flawlessly while executing the salute due to his superior mission focus and hard work.
He was also selected above his peers to serve as the firing squad NCOIC to render honors during more than 10 funerals.