MARCH GOSSIP PAGES

March 31, 2000

Today is another X day for the Street Super. Another day off. But, it was a busy day for the PD. In an effort to make more money to pay wages, we had a full scale police stop at the South end of town.

Another accident and another death. It seems that Route C claims as many as 61 from La Grange North.

Based on the many times the Lewis County ambulance has had trouble finding someone here in town, especially people who have lived here all their lives, I believe that the fire department should take it upon themselves to map out the town with each block showing where the houses are and the direction the house sits, along with a house number and then a directory, not only for the ambulance but also for the fire department. I remember when my dad died and the ambulance was over by Vern Bronstines for a long time trying to find my dads house, and he lived here all his life.

They could also at the same time, map out all the fire hydrants so each house in the directory could be shown how far and where the nearest hydrant was. Greg, here is your big chance and a big boost for you with the E911 thing. Just do it right. The directory could have the name of the owner from the tax roll, how many live there from the census, and they may even do a door to door questionaire. Just don't get to personal and ask too many questions. Medicine or info like diabetic could be asked. Ask around and see what questions people will be likely to answer to help themselves and the fire department and ambulance.

I was questioned again on the river front grant money. So far, no info from the City.

March 30, 2000

The other day I mentioned that the La Grange Police car was seen at Broadway Video rentals in Quincy. Then the Council Meeting minutes stated that the police department wanted a bigger - faster computer. I have now been informed that the police type video games that can be rented at Broadway Video cannot be played on a slower computer. The guns won't fire fast enough such as in NARC and Chase H.Q. and Police Quest. I guess it is better them shooting on the computer than in real life.

Question? Will the police chief become a businessman and own a liquor store?

March 27, 2000

I guess I don't read the PNJ close enough. The downtown was all abuzz about the "Happy Birthday" ads. Comments went from cute to crass and some said there is no way in h--- that my wife would do that to me. One comment was some nights just aren't that lonely. And one email said those were taken out of a policeman's magazine. As another says, oh well, who cares.

One thing I did notice was that the court records show that for the 4th month in a row that the police department has failed to make enough arrests to cover their wages. Sooner or later, the money will come to an end and someone will have to go.

A storm came up last evening. While I was outside putting the ducks in the barn, I hear the fire whistle. Was there a fire? Was it for the noon whistle? So, I went to the scanner. It was for a tornado warning. The weather channel put the storm around Pike and Ralls County. The NOAA weather station put the storm around Pike and Ralls County. SOOO, why the whistle warning for us? Rumor has it that one of the tornado spotters saw what he thought was a tornado forming near Route C and Z., so he called it in. I guess they didn't take the KHQA weather spotters course.

A nice neighbor called my aunt who cannot get around too good last evening and said a tornado was coming and that they were going to their basement and hung up. They didn't ask her how she was going to her basement. You gotta love neighbors like that. Of course he is the same one who sold out La Grange water to Clark County water where he works. It figures.

Rumor has that La Grange will get a dentist.   

March 24, 2000

 The Labelle Star lead story was about the Republicans and their Lincoln Day dinner at Highland. The Press News Journal had it posted as THOSE PARTISAN REPUBLICANS. Is he a Democrat or what?

ALSO, in the PNJ was the 1999 Lewis County Financial Statement. You know, every City, County, Special Road and others file one of these BY LAW, except the City of La Grange. Well, anyhow, take a look at the Lewis County C-1 School tax revenue. NOW, add up all the figures above that, which has anything to do with LAW. Law Enforcement Training, Pros, Atty Training, D.W.I., Pros Bad Check, Pros Atty Reitrement, Spec Projects Police Enforcement, Sheriff Civil Fees, Law Enforcement Soccer League, D.A.R.E., Law Enforcement Operating, and we will be generous and leave out the Circuit clerk and Judges Interest. Over $80,000.00.

Now add the cost of La Grange Police Department $125,000.00 plus and will be added to later. Then add Canton's, then add Labelle, and Lewistown and Ewing. Pretty soon, legal and law costs are going to mount up.

This is a little late, but a rumor is going around that when two police officers were on duty on the same night last week, the town was not protected for a couple of hours.

Is the City running a new main water line for Dr. Neer and his apartment house or whatever he is planning to build?

Did you notice in the minutes last week where the Police Chief and the Mayor went to Caruthersville to look at what is happening to that town since they got their gambling boat? They must have found out some things that the people wouldn't like or they would have been blowing the gambling boat horn when they got back. So far they have hidden the report.

Did the Council sucker the gambling boat people out of a lot of money? Like a hundred thousand or so? A Councilman is supposed to have said that the Council doesn't care now if the City gets a boat or not, they got all the money they need. That should make Mr. Sauvage happy to know.

March 23, 2000

Today is another sad day in La Grange, Finley Lewis passed away today.

The City Council met in regular session Last Monday evening. CLICK HERE for the minutes.  It seems the gambling boat is being pushed farther down the road again. The police Chief must have someone he wants to see make a healthy profit, check out the price of that computer.  The City Park Committee met Last Tuesday evening. CLICK HERE for those minutes. And the Fire Committee met last Wednesday evening. CLICK HERE for those minutes. You must read the fire committee meeting minutes, especially if you live in the rural area. 

March 19, 2000

Yesterday was a sad day in La Grange. Shorty Dickerson died yesterday. 

In case you were not one of the privileged few, a letter has been sent out to those that were, to notify you that the executive vice president of the Farmers and Merchants bank, Jenny Murphy Reid, is retiring April 15, 2000 after 47+ years? Mrs. Murphy Reid wanted you to know that she has made many friends and that many of you have been considered as a second family. "hehehe". She also wanted you to know that she wanted to be around to see the opening of the gambling boat in the year 2000. "I guess she hasn't read where that has changed to the year 2001". She referred to the officers of the LRO of doing an excellent job of donating time and effort. "It may be donated now, but payoff will come later". She also made reference to the bank's latest in modern technology. "I guess she was referring to all the ways the bank can add a charge to your activities and accounts at the bank". By the way, how many people in town actually still do business there? We should all wish her a great retirement and a lot of traveling. I really like the idea that she will always remember my name, "Jerry". 

March 18, 2000

Friday evening while going to Quincy by going out route C and then down new 61, we noticed a grass fire near oyster branch road. After looking at the situation it seemed that the fire would end at oyster branch road and or the highway. Then, coming home several hours later, we drove by the area again and saw where the fire ended at the green grass at the hiway, but also the La Grange fire department on the job.

For the lady who made the anonymous phone call to the owner at Wilma's. You might want to call City Hall and bitch them out too. Oh, you also might want to call the Library and bitch them out too. Remember, refuse to give your name too. Why call City Hall and the Library? Well, you can get copies of this from those places too. 

Now, How many people does it take to put together a small pre-built dog pen. Let's see now. On the Lions Club property, there were three police officers and one Street Superintendent.

So, the next question is:  How many drugs dogs does the City need to support? We seem to have two on the payroll now. One person stated that the one police car smells real bad.

More questions: If a police officer needs a guard dog to protect them, why do we need the police officer? Why not just hire the dog? Why do two police officers ride around together? Are they afraid of the dark to work by themselves? Why don't they check the businesses doors at night? Maybe, because they go to bed before the businesses close. Did the police officer getting the video "Cops - too hot for tv" the other day share the video with the other officers? Why do we even need drug dogs? To protect the drugs stored at City Hall?

The police chief still needs 8 more cops.

March 17, 2000

An emailer asked the question: What happened to the grant money that was supposed to be allotted for the boat ramp and paving the parking lot. The emailer was told that Dean Phillips wanted the funds possibly for the boat. There are a lot of disappointed boaters in this area regarding the revitalization of the river front.

A reader has sent me a message that the white La Grange Police car was supposedly seen going south on hiway 61 about the Maywood exit. Apparently the car was seen greatly exceeding the speed limit without any lights on around 6:30pm.

Then another reader informed me that the white police car was seen at Broadway video in Quincy yesterday afternoon. It was speculated that the driver was inside renting "Cops too Hot", to get some new ideas on how to drive fast down hiway 61 without the lights on.

I have also been informed that Wilma's Specialty Shop now has the Gossip pages for others to read.

Don't forget the Christian Church Soup Supper tomorrow evening at 5 pm. 

March 16, 2000

It seems there was supposedly two grass fires while it was raining last nite. The fire department tried to find the one to the South of town and couldn't find it. So they went to the one to the North of town, found it, put it out and then went back South and found that fire and put it out. 

TODAY IS A BIG DAY FOR MARTHA ROBINSON. One of many many birthdays. She told the breakfast club that she is now 43 years old. And they all laughed.

It seems that the changeover of new owners at the Driftwood Cafe is going very well.

The minutes of Monday Nites Council Meeting is interesting. Will post it later for you.

There is a rumor that the LRO does not have enough money to pay for work on the new Main Street Memorial building. Is this right?

March 13, 2000

Oh, I am sorry. The work is not for the gambling boat. It is just about all the ground pollution. Today is another day for the new restaurant owner and so far no City officials or Chamber members. 

Don't forget to read the City Council meeting minutes below. 

an email question on math. 

3 police officers. 24 hours a day - 7 days a week. Three officers should have to work a 40 week. That adds up to 120 hours. 24/7 adds up to 168 hours. So the email says that they should be able see an officer ON THE STREET 16 hours a day - 7 days a week. No they ask. WHY DON'T THEY see any officer on the street except on some mornings. So, the question is???  Why isn't there an officer on Sundays or other days they are not on?

Let's see now, the graduating class of 1965 is having their 35th class reunion, that makes them about 53 YEARS OLD. Some a little younger, most a little older.

Terry Foust Melva J. Bradshaw Danny Griesbaum Diane Rose Ellison Betty Klauser Verne Roger Bronestine Anita Ruth Reith Loretta Shear Carl David Ames Linda Williams Nancy Kay Tiemann Jay Garkie William White Mike Schnitzer Jane Kay Bailey Patricia Ware A. W. Frieden, Jr. Kenneth Harris Sherrie Marie Hoyes Bobby Lewis Jack L. Wilson, Jr. Marilyn Sue Perry Linda Prisner Alice Lewis Karl Rice Dale Renner Deanna Bergman Linda Crabill Ronnie Eisenberg
Bee Powell Jeanne Johnson Gary Bunch Terry Hawkins Linda Mae Warning

March 11, 2000

Today was Mel Godman's first day with his new business and not one Mayor, Councilman, or Chamber official was present. Good show people.

Yesterday, there was a fender bender at Casy's. It seems the Missouri Highway Patrol made it from Edina to La Grange before the City police could make it from the Liquor Store a block away. Good show.

I now have the minutes of the March 1st and March 7th council meetings. Seems there is not going to be enough money, even borrowing forward from the gambling boat to pay for it all. Thanks a lot fire department.

Click here for the March 1st meeting.                Click here for the March 7th meeting.

Rumor has it that the Fish fry at the Lions Club for the Youth Center was a sell out success. The Youth Center really needed the help and thanks to the Lions Club, they got some.

March 10, 2000

Today seems to be a sad day here in La Grange. Martha Robinson has sold the Driftwood Cafe downtown to Mel Godman and today was her last day. Even though all of the breakfast club was there to show her thanks and presented her with a beautiful plaque and enjoyed themselves, it still seemed like a downer.

Well, Martha, We will all miss you and your cooking. I was getting kind of used to biscuits and gravy with the dark side. At least that old waitress can now retire. She was really getting to be grouch. You remember now, she was only to fill in one day only. I think that was about three years or so ago.

Saturday, Mr. Godman will start a new day in business here in La Grange. Maybe the Chamber will be there to welcome him. Maybe the City people will be there to support him. Maybe.

Good luck Mr. Godman. You will need it with that new waitress.

Pictures of the breakfast club will be posted later this weekend. Go back to the home page and arrow down to pictures.

Don't forget about the start of the new gambling boat will begin Monday. Everyone is invited to the City shed to see.

March 9, 2000

STOP FOR FISH DINNER AT THE LIONS HALL FRIDAY

Well, the Street Commissioner, needed another nap afternoon today. So we posted an "O" for the half day.

Well, another rumor going around town today is that MONDAY FOR POSITIVE, construction will start on the gambling boat.

So far, the City has not come up with the minutes of last two meetings. Too bad NONE of them attended the meeting on the Sunshine Laws everyone else attended. 

I have added another feature to the main site. It is called pictures around La Grange. Take a look at it.

March 8, 2000

A reader told me to go to these web addresses.

 Dr. Ronald L. Neer D.D.S. Whiplash, Temporo Mandibular Joint (TMJ) Disorders, Whiplash/TMJ Disorders, Crown and Bridge Problems Occlusal (Bite) Problems Dental Implant Reconstruction Prosthodontics  Expert witness, dental malpractice negotiator/mediator. Experts Alternative_Dispute_Resolution

March 7, 2000

At Monday nite's meeting, it will interesting to see if the Mayor and Council have any backbone. Let's see if Ralph (pave my drive free) Martin and Fred (no prayer here) Wiewel and both of them (look at my prepaid suntan, thanks everyone), will make GTE pay for the damage to the City sewer line. It seems that when they put in the fiberoptic line they cut through the city sewer line and didn't tell anyone. Can you imagine what would happen if you cut the telephone line? Yeah, instant bankruptcy. So, here is a small test to see if the boys are for the people of La Grange or not. Wanna bet?

March 6, 2000

Well, the street commissioner took off another day of vacation Friday. We now have two x's on the board. It is difficult to assess the hours at the sons home or fathers home during the week. But, we will try.  The work on the building to memorialize the loss of main street is coming along fine. No report as to who got the bids last week. City hall will not release the minutes of these meetings. They say the minutes haven't been approved yet. What that means is they haven't been changed or altered or made exactly right yet. No matter, they have to put out something someday. It is interesting in the fact that the Main Council meeting minutes are rushed to the Press News Journal the next day (without) the next meeting to approve them. Whenever there is a lie, it always catches them up.

Rumor has it that a youngster almost got killed riding a three wheeler or four wheeler or gocart across Route C Sunday. The people from Illinois didn't know it was legal for youngsters to race around town like that. Seems that will have to be told to all the gamblers when they come to town on Sundays. It seems this a every Sunday past time. But, who cares Fred (no prayer here) Wiewel, Chairman of the Police Committee, phone number 655-4335.

March 2, 2000

Another interesting day. The Bun Burners informed me today that it is not them complaining about their neighbors. OK. 

Stacy of robertaw@nemonet.com has sent me email stating that she wanted her name off the city people list. I guess she is right and I want to remove it for her. She has been so nice. RT, you are so wrong about her. Rumor has it that she has a nice job at the Canton Police Department. It is about time things started coming her way.

 Charles King DAKING@SOCKET.NET has sent me email wanting to help me with my spelling, grammar, and where I get my information. He was also helpful in telling me all about the flag pole situation. And it wasn't Melissawest that the person kept yelling in the phone at me, she was trying to tell me Melissa Lowe. Honestly, I did order new batteries for my hearing aid. And Charles wants everyone to know that a plaque will be placed there somewhere after the building to memorialize what's left of main street is built.

Harryharrydick@hotmail.com also sent me email wanting to help me with my spelling and grammar. Only, he or she wasn't as nice as Charles about it. HARRYHARRYDICK@HOTMAIL.COM also wanted to help me get my facts straight. I guess he or she doesn't understand the word GOSSIP.

But, if it wasn't for the other emails and phone calls, I could have been really depressed by these people. They made me feel so bad and down today.

One more question about the building to memorialize the demise of main street. I am sure that Ralph (pave my drive free) Martin and Fred (no prayer here) Wiewel will waive the part of the City laws that deals with the fire zone. But, rumor has it that even though the building will be built of brick, the roof will have wooden shingles. You would think that the Fire Chief would say something, well if it were anyone else, he would.

Rumor has it that Dr. Neer is going around town trying to get other people to clean up their property. Yet, his buildings behind City Hall is a mess. Who is Dr. Neer fronting for? The City?, the LRO? Rumor is, he is asking others to help him get the other people to sell out. Dr. Neer is now advertising on the internet that he is supposedly an expert dental witness for lawsuits. He also has another website called dentalanswers.com  where he is now telling all the ways dentists can get to you, but it also has a lot of information about dental problems too. A very helpful site, all in all. 

Is tomorrow another vacation day? Only if it doesn't rain.

MARCH 1, 2000

Sorry Fred "no prayer here" Wiewel. To everyone else, it would be nice for prayers for Nina Painter and Brad Curless. Brad's son will be buried today as a result of a car accident.

Now to business. I had two "unknown" calls the other day. One was in regard to the "Memorial to Main Street Building". Actually, it was off topic and in regards to the flag pole. I was accused of being insensitive by not knowing who put up the flag pole and what is was for. SO. I asked everyone at the restaurant, I even had the waitress ask. I asked all the guys at the station. Outside of, "I think the LRO did it" that was all I got. SO. I asked the flower shop. They put flowers on it every year. They were not sure, but it was probably for some memorial or something. The only one in town I asked that knew the answer was Pat Livingston. The person who called me ranting and raving tried to tell me the name. But, I could not understand what they were saying as they were speaking so loud and fast. After the third time to get the persons name, they got mad and hung up. Now, do you know?

The other call was from the bun burner place. They informed me that they now have ties downs in place. But, they wouldn't tell me why they keep calling the law on their neighbors across the alley. All I got was the law is the law, well, for their neighbors but not a relative of Ralph "pave my drive free" Martin.

Well, did Greg Heindselman get the contract to wire the fire station for $10,000.00 and the City shed for $4,000.00? Without even knowing the bids and who bid, I can predict that Ideal Concrete in Canton will not get the bid.