I took pictures and a video of the races last weekend. I have for sale a video tape of Saturdays races and a picture of Sundays race or I also have a dvd of Saturdays races and a floppy disk of Sundays race.
I received a lot of emails regarding the races and only two were really positive and only of Saturdays races.
One of the vendors was wanting to stay set up for a week or so to provide people downtown La Grange a place to get something to eat for breakfast and lunch and maybe supper. The vendor asked the City administrator about staying there and paying the city for the electricity that was used.
Rumor is that the vendor says that the new city administrator told him that this was a very difficult decision for him to make on his own and that the vendor needed to go to a council meeting and ask them. Well, so much for a new business in town.
I recently have been told that the officers of the Chamber of Commerce held a secret meeting and chose themselves to be the new officers for next year. They will be asking for your dues for the next year too. Just don't plan to attend any meetings or expect to be notified of any meetings. Rumor has it that after the dues have been collected, the new officer will have their own dinner meeting. Rumor has it that the new officers will vote by themselves to sell the ball park to the city and will notify the other members at a later date. Maybe next year.
August 1, 2004
Everyone should stop by the Harold Ludwig's ice cream shop, buy an ice cream cone and thank Harold for bringing the boat races back to La Grange again.
Other thanks have to go to the La Grange Police Department for swift action they took Saturday morning regarding a drunken flasher that came on the beach area where children were. And also thank them for patrolling the area without harassing anyone.
And, one more thanks has to go to Marvin Eisenbeis. We found him Early, Sunday morning in his own truck emptying the City garbage cans that were in the racers area and around the beach area. He was up and going before I got up, and I get up early.
And, thanks can go (reluctantly) to the City for preparing the area for the races. They reluctantly provided 3 electrical places on one pole so the vendors were crowded up. And they reluctantly cleaned up for the grandstand area.
And, we all want to thank the racers for the racing they did Saturday. And, we hope that Harold Ludwig can carry this idea forward and work for another race next year and maybe more races next year.
AND NOW, the bad news.
1: The advertisement for the races was shameful. The Quincy Rag and TV and Radio stations continue to slight the small towns like La Grange. They did not do anything in the way of news reports to notify the public of the boat races in La Grange, UNLESS, someone PAID them for the news.
2: The chickenshit UNITED STATES COAST GUARD (little girlie men) calling off the races Sunday because of a little wave action on the river. When the Dickerson's put on a race, the racers went out and put on a show, even in waves twice the size we saw today on the river. The blame for the calling of the races today can also be placed on the chicken racers.
3: This can be taken as bad news or good news. The Mayor refused to show, as well as 5 of the six councilmen. So much for supporting the town.
I took a picture of the river Sunday just when the races were called. See below. If that isn't pathetic.
HERE ARE THE PICTURES FOR SUNDAYS BOAT RACE CLICK HERE
July 31. 2004
HERE ARE THE PICTURES FOR SATURDAYS BOAT RACE CLICK HERE
July 29, 2004
BOAT RACES SATURDAY AND SUNDAY
Jerry, have you seen the ad about Rockaway Beach in southern Missouri trying to get a casino for their
town? They are wanting the people of Mo. to vote yes on amendment 1. Remember what happened when the people
from this area wanted to pass an amendment to finish highway 61 to Iowa? The people in the southern district
voted no because it wasn't to their advantage. So now it is your turn. Tit for tat, right?
I don't which way to vote on that issue. Do I want to vote No as they did us on our highway, or, do I want to vote Yes to give them the same problems we have here as punishment.
I have been searching the Quincy Herald Whig, especially the "Up Coming Events Pages" for any sign of information regarding the boat races. I guess the grand poo-paw of the Lions Club decided that of the Lions Club wasn't involved, it didn't need to be advertised. Great Guy, that one is.
July 28, 2004
As usual, every time the city hires a new cop, all the locals gets stopped all over again. You would think that by now they would have a database built on all the locals so the new cops making a new for themselves wouldn't need to stop everyone all over again. Give a sorry to the Clays and the GB Greens also a sorry goes out to Clyde Wilson. Clyde, you should know better than go through La Grange.
Why is the Mayor so down on Dennis Boden? He accused Officer Boden that three officers quit because of him and stated that Boden is doing everything he can to get others to quit. The Mayor is getting tired of the talk against Chief Larry Penn.
Then the new City Administrator purchase a new fax machine for the police department only to find that the original one was ok and the phone line wasn't hooked up.
Mayor Rossiter is still trying to get the out of town cop who won't move to La Grange from Illinois to take over as the drug dog handler. At least someone has the good sense to see that the police department doesn't need a drug dog, much less the high cost of having one.
Chief Penn is already complaining about the city taking away two cars. Oh, my golly, what would the police ever do if there was an emergency and none of the other three cars wouldn't start? Bur, But, But, what about the drug dog? You can't expect the drug dog ride in the back of the pickup truck with a camper shell? And you couldn't ask them to use the new SUV Sport Utility to transport the dog?
And they all complained about the fact that other police departments actually pay more than La Grange does. Who cares? The know what the pay scale is when the were hired? Speaking of the drug dog potential cop, did any of the other cops give him a warning for having a front light out?
Rumor has it that 114 is stopping cars right and left and of course, in La Grange, all police officers need backup.
July 27, 2004
What is the matter with the new City Administrator. Rumor has it he attended a meeting with State Representatives and the manufacturing plant here in La Grange and sat there with a dumb look on his face. The Lewis County IDA, Jeff Mcreynolds, made it possible to have the manufacturing plant here when it started with only a couple of employees. The plant now employs 14 people and plans to hire more but the CITY OF LA GRANGE is withholding running a sewer line to the plant. The owner of the plant has been courted by other Cities in the area, especially THE CITY OF PALMYRA that is offering everything to get the plant to move.
But, the rumor has it that our NEW CITY ADMINISTRATOR is trying to get a small GRANT to run the new sewer line. ONE TERM TIM, can't seem to grasp the importance of saving jobs here in town, much like the council not caring about the loss of the Foundry. They have the CASINO.
You would think that the NEW CITY ADMINISTRATOR would grasp the importance of getting city sewer to the plant and advise the use of an invested Cd to get sewer out there. Or has all that money been spent too. It is very confusing to hear the Mayor talk about the million dollars he hasn't touched in investments, (one year cds), and then pass a budget almost $600,000 more than the income.
Maybe the city should be questioning the priorities of the new City Administrator.
Talk around town today. Boy are people upset about the way Lannie Henze and Sam Henderson treated Russell Heindselman and Alice Fish and others who dared to speak up against their will. The people were really taken back with the viciousness that Lannie and Sam spewed out at the people. The hate that permeated the room reminds you of the "exorcist". To bad the preacher left to see how his prayer went unanswered.
But, now ONE TERM TIM has a grand opportunity to lemonade or of lemons. Call a meeting of the Betterment Committee, seek out some donations. Get the Betterment Committee and the Advisory Committee to work with the Chamber of Commerce to put in any kind of a bid. Sell it to them for the Scouts. A two for one. Everyone will be happy. Well, except Lannie and Sam. But, they are pissed off all the time anyhow.
July 26, 2004
LARGE CROWD ATTENDS COUNCIL MEETING TO PROTEST
The Council's decision to demolish the old City Hall.
The picture above shows some of the many citizens of La Grange that attended Monday night's council meeting to protest the Council's decision to demolish the old City Hall. After some rather heated discussion by both the Council and Mayor and several citizens the Council rescinded their vote to demolish the building and to advertise it for sale to the highest bidder.
Russell Heindselman gave a great talk on the history of the building and made an offer to buy the building for $10,000, but the council voted to advertise for bids. Russell also produced several pages of signatures of people protesting the Councils action and when they were presented to the council, they started nit picking the names and the Mayor stated he had (3) people on his side to tear down the building. Councilman Henderson and Mayor Tim Rossiter did their best to go on with their decision to demolish the Old City Hall. But, the other councilmen saw the handwriting on the wall and let the people prevail.
In the heat of bantering it was very disheartening to see and hear Councilman Sam Henderson brow beat Alice Fish when she voiced her opinion and asked questions. In fact, Councilman Henderson seemed to be very upset and looked like he was angry that the people of La Grange showed up to protest.
When everyone went outside the idea of allowing the Youth Center bid on the building for the Scouts. In fact, Russell received pledges of money of about $4,000 to be donated to the Youth Center to be used to buy the Old City Hall for the Scouts. Any money pledged and donated and if the Youth Center gets the building bid will be tax deductible. SO, call Russell Heindselman with your pledge of what you can donate for the Scouts through the Youth Center.
After all that, the council went on to regular business and talked about the dog pound and cat house, then discussed cell phone bills and police cars.
The voted to sell the old green car behind city hall used by city hall employees. Then replace that with one of the police cars. And also then donate another police car to Lewis County Sheriff's department.
And the Mayor and Councilmen gave Kelly Murphy a certificate of appreciation for the fireworks display.
The people spoke and the Mayor and Council reluctantly listened. But, mark my word, it ain't over yet. The Mayor and Sam Henderson will not give up this easily.
July 25, 2004
The "rabbit" hutch has been "hopping!" The Lady Bunny has hopped out and many "stray (female) hares have hopped in. The sweat is popping out on the "Bald Rabbit's" head as the Lady Bunny has too much "feed" in her burrow that could show his behavior to the right "two leggers" and he could become a "orange" Bald Rabbit for the local jail. Too bad the hutch is changing bunnies.
High speed chase by police leaves a young girl in the
hospital. For what?
Why didn't they just shoot her with their Glock 9mm hollow points?
July 24, 2004
The La Grange City Council Meeting about the Old City Hall will be Monday Evening at 7pm.
BE THERE TO SEE YOUR COUNCIL PERSON IN ACTION
TEARING DOWN YOUR CITY.
Hey Jerry,
I have been involved in small towns all my life, and there is always a little ax grinding going on by someone. It does however seem that LaGrange is far worse than anything I have been around. I served 2 terms on the council in a small town in SW Mo, and know that you can't please everyone. There is always someone that is at odds with the mayor or one of the councilmen, (oops, councilpersons), what I don't understand, is why the people of LaGrange let the mayor and friends screw them over the way they do. My better half, which is from there, and I have discussed moving to LaGrange, and just as we start to discuss the advantages of small town living, decide that it would take someone that is sado-masochistic to move there. I probably wouldn't last 30 days before I had a lawyer on the city's ass about some of the crap they try to pull on the citizens. Besides, only a total idiot would want to live where the "local Gestapo" damn near out numbers the population. Since the barn, I mean boat has been in existence, we have been followed by one or more of "Barny One Bullet's" "officers" almost every time we come to visit. I understand that 2 old farts in a fairly new vehicle, doing the speed limit must look really suspicious, but give me a break. The last time we were there, I made 1 trip to Quincy, and 2 to Casey's. Every time, one of the town clowns was on my back bumper. I think that the next time it happens, I'm going to educate them on the laws of police harassment, and it won't be by a local lawyer. I really wanted to stop in at the local pub for a cold one, but my mamma didn't raise a complete idiot. In fact, I'm surprised that a bar can exist in such an environment. Anyway, to the people of LaGrange, watch your asses!
July 21, 2004
I contacted every engineering firm in the tri-state area. Not one firm stated that they did ANY inspection and recommendation to state the the Old City Hall is in anyway unsafe. There was supposed to be a report by the past city administrator that made these unsubstantiated claims, but that cannot be found.
PEOPLE OF LA GRANGE, YOU HAVE BEEN LIED TO.
July 20, 2004
Threats - warnings - Threats
Rumors are flying all over town about a top city official "warning" employees not to sign the petition to save the Old City Hall. Rumor has it that even some council people have been "warned" not to sign the petition. Rumor has that the Mayor has stated that he will see that the old city hall is demolished over any and all objections by the people of La Grange.
The people of La Grange can't tell ONE TERM TIM what to do. He is the ELECTED by his two own votes MAYOR of La Grange. The old City Hall will be torn down. Russell Heindselman can get all the petitions signed he wants and it will not do any good.
MIKE LOWE - SAM HENDERSON - LANNIE HENZE voted to demolish the old City Hall and they WILL NOT CHANGE THEIR MIND. The people of La Grange can go straight to hell.
Sam and Lannie and Mike were voted in to take care of the city business and NOT to take care of the people of La Grange.
ONE TERM TIM is anxious to get the Old City Hall down to cover the lies of the condition of the building. Once the building is down and gone the lies will be safe.
This like the same lies the city needs 8 cops and 5 police cars and two cops in a car and two cars on duty at a time.
Now, when you get time, take a look at what they did to the mineral well. They have throttled the output to a dribble. How much longer will it be before they get it to quit?
July 18, 2004
Today we will ask questions about the Mayor's handling of the police department. We all know about the boonedoggle the Mayor did with the past police Lieutenant and his unwarranted demotion. What is not being put out by the Mayor is the number of police officers that are leaving as fast as the city is hiring them. Since this Police Chief has taken over, I believe that there have been 22 officers that have been hired that have left. The Green sheet the Mayor puts out tells a story of low wages. Yet, a lot of the officers left to work somewhere else for lower wages than what they were getting here.
So, many are asking what is the problem? We have seen that wages aren't the problem? Riding around a one horse town isn't too much work. Worry about being shot isn't the problem. So, the rumor has it that it all lies at the feet of the police chief and the Mayor.
Speaking of the police department. The Chairman of the police committee was going to Quincy today. He was driving 30 mph in a 50 nph zone and in the passing lane on the bridge holding up traffic. Then, when he turned on 4th street in Quincy which is a 30 mph speed limit, he speeds up to 40. How do I know, I passed him and he followed me almost to where I was going.
The other morning, I was coming back from Palmyra and saw a LAPD car coming South and was passing everything in sight. He must have been in hot pursuit.
If you got a copy of the Greensheet, the Mayor did his best to kill the messenger without taking care of the problems.
July 14, 2004
The City Council heard a few more proposals to the new sewer plant they are going to make you pay for that isn't needed. Then the Council accepted the bid from Blicks Construction in Quincy to demolish and destroy City history and the old City Hall. On top of the outrageous cost of the new police station that leaks like the old one, it will cost you another $7,470.00 to tear it down. Everyone needs to thank Mayor Tim Rossiter.
There was much discussion of the city crew working a lot of different jobs and not getting any of them done. The Public Works Foreman, Ed Ensor stated he didn't have enough help. I suggested that instead of two cops riding around all day in the air conditioned car, maybe they could be used to help the City workers. Someone suggested to having the water man help the Street, but that isn't going to happen.
Four police officers and a chief and dispatcher on duty at one time during the middle of the morning is a little stupid isn't it?
The Council then voted to pay $14,470 for some boat docks and added more work to Ed.
The Council again discussed how the Mayor was going to screw over more people in regards to retaining walls and foundations. It seems that now if a fence around the wall like Casey's will stop the harassment. Also, if the owner can come up with a "functional use" like a planter or porch deck or roof, then maybe they an escape the harassment.
The NEW City Administrator came up with a lot of ways to apply for some grant money but, alas, he couldn't come up with one that would fit the City. Maybe next time.
The Council heard that the new tornado sirens might be here after the tornado season is over, but will be ready for next year.
The Council talked about their badly needed cat Ordinance, like there is heard of cats running around attacking people.
And, the New City Administrator talked about taking a census again. Maybe he will find that everyone knows the Wards are unequal. The Mayor and Council cant seem to see it.
At the end of the meeting, the Public Works Foreman jumped me about all the negative stuff on the gossip page. And here I thought I was being nice to him. I haven't said anything about his weeds in his holler. I talked about mud street and that didn't sit well. But, I said that he needed to take care of the clean up. They really need to give Mary Jane more time. What is the big deal? They are working on it on the weekends when they can. Everyone should call and thank Mayor Tim for keeping her on the front burner with the fire hot.
Where oh where are Susan Deans bricks with the donors names on them.
July 9th, 2004
La Grange High School class of 1954 had its reunion in secret. They even refused to have their names in the paper.
The City has renamed two streets here in town. The street that used to be fourth street behind the old Imperial gas station is now called mud street. They cleaned the ditches in the rain the other day and you had to drive through mud to get by. The other newly named street also in the same location is from the Imperial going West to fourth street. This street used to be called Poage street. The new name for it is Trash Street. It seems that everyone who goes to Casey's for a carry out, throws out all their trash on this street. Maybe the LPAD can pass a new Ordinance for littering to write tickets on.
Since it was found out about the banker doing more plotting against the people of La Grange. He is still plotting to sell out the Ball Park and won't quit until he does. He has a couple other low people also wanting to sell us out too. But, since he has been plotting to help out the City to get rid of the Scout building, he first tried to pawn off the old junk building behind Tiemann's. Then he decided to screw over the Youth Center by looking into attaching a building to the Youth Center for the Scouts, so the volunteers who support the Youth Center could then also support the Scouts.
Some of this was ideas put together by an old President of the Youth Center and the New President of the Youth Center and the banker.
The Youth Center Board had a meeting the other evening. The board was very upset that the banker who never cared for the town before was making decisions regarding the future of the Center and the Scouts seems to feel the same. But, the Youth Center discussed allowing the Chamber (who is the sponsor of the Scouts) to lease the South lot to allow a building to be built for the Scouts, providing the building secures its own water, sewer and other utilities. The board also felt that any grant applications for the new Scout building be made by the Chamber for the Scouts.
This will assure that whereas the by-laws of the Youth Center prevents the sale of the property for any reason, it will allow the Scouts a permanent home for the same time.
It was also discussed that any of this should be the responsibility of the Chamber and that any income from the sales or rental of the Electric building that is now in the possession of the Scouts be used for the new Scout building and upkeep.
As with any deal like this, it will need the complete approval of first off the Scouts, then the Youth Center board, the Chamber, the City, and the new Betterment Committee.
July 8th, 2004
La Grange loses another citizen
Nina May Carter 98
Visitation will be Thursday from 4 to 8 pm at the Davis Funeral Home and Services Friday at 11am and at the Memorial Cemetery.
This leaves that the oldest person in La Grange, (sorry Magdalene) Heather, with Mildred Dickerson less than a month behind her.
July 5th, 2004
There were many comments complimenting Kelly Murphy and the fireworks last evening.
These past couple of days, I drove around town and visited a lot of people that were outside having family get togethers and watching the kids shoot fireworks. There are fewer and fewer kids shooting fireworks as the cops come by and scare them off.
I know it will never ever happen, but, each and very councilperson should just drive around and stop and visit people. I am not a councilman and nor the mayor, but, everywhere I stopped, people would complain about what is going on in the city. The Council and Mayor at each council meeting pat each other on the back on how good they are doing but are afraid to go out and ask the people.
There were many complaints as to why the contractors don't finish one street before they go blocking off more streets. There were complaints about water leaks in the new water lines and when they find out the city is paying KLINGER'S THOUSANDS of dollars to oversee the work, they really flip out. Most everyone feel that Klingners is ripping off the city. No one can even guess why a new main is needed on the town hill. Even people who deal with water lines and such can't figure that one out, except the subject of more money keeps coming up. Almost every person says that the City is spending too much money and wasting money and worry that not any money is being saved for the future. I am sorry to say, that if the election were held today, someone else would be mayor tomorrow. If he wants to be mayor next time, he needs to stop the spending and cut the police force a lot.
Not one person that was talked to think the city needs this many cops, and, when the find out the gaming commission, nor the casino requires any amount of cops, they see no need for more than four and five at the most. They like a local dispatcher in the evening, but think that e911 should do the rest. And the idea of 5 police cars really sets them off.
July 4, 2004
HAPPY 4th of JULY
Hats off to the cookers.. From the reports I have heard. And from the chicken I got. The 4th of July chicken BBQ was very good food. The beans were very good too. Going in at noon and we were in and out in no time. Very proficient.
ALSO, If were were a student at the original La Grange High School from 1960 to 1969, you missed a great class reunion too.
Well, Happy fourth of July. La Grange's big day with the Chicken BBQ is up and going at 6:30 this morning and as usual the Mayor has all the LAPD Cops out in force today running radar to make sure the City gets its share of YOUR money. It seems like the only way you can get one cop to work is put two in a car and put two cars on patrol.
Maybe after the City Council gets all the downtown businesses closed up and the manufacturing plant run out of town, they will be happy campers. The Mayor and Council has taken all the tire business and the maintenance business away from the downtown garages and now are buying diesel trucks so they don't have to buy any gas in town. Instead of the Mayor and Council doing all they can to help and promote business, they do all they can to take the City business away. Councilman Sam Henderson and Lannie Hentze say that is being prudent with the city money.
Well, anyhow, if you don't get stopped going to the BBQ, Happy 4th of July.
PS: Someone tell the Cops that the 30 days at half mast is over tomorrow.
July 1, 2004
Another one bites the dust.
Rumor has it that another business is closing downtown La Grange. With this closing, there will no place to eat at all in La Grange unless you go to the Casino. And, the other business has said that this will be his last summer open. It will also close. That will leave Grandma's Cupboard, Casey's. The new named bank and Tony's.
Rumor has it that the latest closing is mostly because of the harassment of the customers, day in and day out. The People of La Grange can all give thanks to the Mayor, the City Council, and the LAPD.
La Grange is really going to need the new $4.6 MILLION dollar sewer plant for all the non businesses in La Grange. There was another comment about all the houses for sale and buildings torn down, that La Grange is getting to look more like a ghost town.
In regards to the Banker making decisions for the Scouts, Emails have been sent to ask who he is to speak for the Scouts, what is it his business to make decisions without talking to the scouts, and that the Chamber hasn't done anything for scouts other than sponsor them. There were more informative emails that really went off on the Banker sticking his nose in their business. And, the Scouts are still not happy campers as the Mayor will not quit trying to run them out of THEIR building. There were a lot of questioning of the so called letter setting a time limit when the City Council minutes only shows the City took title (for the Scouts) as the scouts can not own property. Some think the letter is bogus.
Speaking of BOGUS, no engineer will say that they gave a report that the old city hall is a dangerous building and can not be cleaned up and repaired without a lot of expenses. So, it looks like another scam is being put on the people of La Grange. One emailer asked my why the Mayor won't come clean..
June 30, 2004
ONE TERM TIM
"Here I am! I stand at the door and knock. If anyone hears my voice and opens the door, I will come in and sup with him, and he with me." --Revelation 3:20
In La Grange, if the Police knock on your door, don't open it.
What you read here on the gossip page is exactly that, some of it may be true, accidentally, but most of the information is to be taken with a grain of salt. Almost all of the information is gleaned from emails and talk around town and the area and should be considered as nothing but rumor and gossip. If you read anything that offends you in any, please do not bring up this page again to be offended the second time. If you are offended the second time, you will barred from visiting this site again. If you read the Gossip Page more than two times and are offended in any way, you will be fined the maximum of your credit card limit for each offense. Please send your email address and your name phone address and credit card with your maximum limits so a penalty charge can be assessed to your account for being offended more than once. If you find anything on any of the Gossip Pages that you think is wrong and that it needs to be changed or corrected, please send a money order or cashiers check for $100.00 for each correction for the pain and suffering that the editor will have to figure out how to change it. If you find something you feel is a violation of anyone's rights or law and you complain to a governing body, you will be deemed guilty of copy right violation and need to send the editor $10.00 for copy right fees.