September 30, 2001

The La Grange Community Youth Center bake food sale went very well.  We want to thank everyone that donated bake food and those that made cash donations.  We made $571.00 yesterday, but cash donations are still coming in.  Some people couldn't make it to the sale, and a few said they forgot about it, but still wanted to donate. This was one of the best bake food sales I have seen.  We had 4 tables full of food yesterday. Cinnamon rolls, every kind of cookie you could think of, great looking pies,.cakes, bread etc. Many took the tour of the new building. It will be a building in the community that La Grange will be proud of. Lewis County will be proud of. Several of our visitors were from out of town yesterday. I will have to admit that there are times when I think, "Why am I doing this.?" The volunteer hours that it takes at the center, and this building project where it is always a fight to keep going because of money.  Then when we have support that showed up yesterday, and I see all the hours so many other volunteers have put in on the building project, like Ed, Greg, Bruce, and Marion. We have something to be proud of folks. Not many communities have what we have. We are proud of our community, the youth of our community and the surrounding area, and we are proud to live in America, where projects like this are even possible. They say it takes a community to raise a child today. The youth of this area should know how fortunate they are to have a community that cares about them. Our goal was to make $1000 on the bake food sale. I think before the week it over, we will. 

Thank-you Thank-you. God Bless America, God Bless La Grange. Betty Bronestine.

Rumor has it that "NO PRAYER HERE" has signed up to run as Councilman again in the South Ward again. I guess things like selling out your school, and voting to make you the people of La Grange pay for the expand police force when he knew the Casino was to pay for it, is what he thinks the voters of the South Ward want. He tried running as a write-in and found that didn't work, so now he put his name on the line. Let's see now, he doesn't do any business in town, you never see him as he only comes out at night, he voted continually against the people of La Grange and even his own ward, helped to get rid of our school, still refusing to say where all the Project Brighter Future money went, and that makes him think he is the best for the South Ward???? Or the City of La Grange????

September 29, 2001

Just when you think that it all would start being better, it doesn't. Rumor has that one of the finest at three o'clock in the morning developed the eyes of an owl. The rumor says a big old truck came out on old 61 near the old Imperial Gas Station and that the Owl eyes from four blocks away saw the truck make a left turn to the North and didn't use his turn signal or hand signal. Now, this is at 3 o'clock in the morning. How do we know the Owl was four blocks away? well, it took the owl eyes clear to Moorman's farm to catch up to old slow truck to stop it. Sooner or later the City Council is going to have to do a little more cleaning to bring the town back to normal. The leader of the pack may be gone, but a couple of the pack don't seem to accept a new leader.

September 28, 2001

The City Council still hasn't rid itself of their problem. Rumor has it that the ex-chief was in town yesterday and called the other officers into his office at the liquor store. It is rumored that the meetings went on most of the day. Some people were even asked to meet the ex-chief at the City Ball Park. Some place along the line the new chief and or the City Council will have to put a stop to this. Either the officers are loyal to the Council and the people of La Grange or they are loyal to the ex-chief. They should be asked point-blank and if they are loyal to the ex-chief, and if they say so, they should be allowed to join him. If the Mayor and Council don't put a stop to this now, it will create a big problem soon. Rumor has it that the ex-chief is still trying to get the officers to resign in mass again. 

September 27, 2001

Boy, some people get a little bit edgy when this page isn't updated. Tuesday evening, only a couple inquired, by Wednesday evening, quite a few asked about what happened and this morning, a couple were a little snippy. So:

Since the new chief has been in operation the past week or so, police officer antics have been stopped. The only thing I noticed was that in last evenings interview with KHQA, I heard that two more officers may be hired. Everyone around town ask the same question, WHY? Most everyone think 7 is too many and wonder who in City Hall thinks we need 2 more. But, let's give the new chief some time to get his office in order and see what happens. He has done a lot so far. Some say that one of things he should try to get done as soon as possible is to get the officers out of the cars, walk the street a little, stop in the restaurants and Both gas stations, and visit with the people.

Next, we have a guy riding around town showing off his new Hawg, in the back of his truck. The guys at the gas station think it is too big for the owner. CLICK HERE to see him show off his bike. 

Rumor has it that a person has been trying to have a meeting with the Mayor and for quite some time now, the Mayor has been side stepping. This person noticed that the children waiting to get on the school buses at the "old" school house. This person found the materials and a company willing to build a shelter for the kids, but, it needed to be put on City property. So far, the Mayor has been hiding from this person so this can't be done. 184 voters and PS have to be so proud.

Have you noticed that your electric bill is a lot more this year? Last year you were paying AmernUE 7.2 cents per KW. Now it is 9.3 cents per KW. A very hefty 22% increase. On Sept 12, Propane jumped 20% because they thought that the wholesale price was going up. Now, futures have fallen 20% and still going down, but the local price is still up 5% over pre Sept 11. The good news is that on Oct. 1, the rate will fall to 5.8 cents per kw.

September 24, 2001

The Gossip Page is going to get a little bit duller from now. The City Council at tonight's meeting voted to override the Mayor's veto of the firing of Chief Mike Baker. After several minutes of heated discussion in closed session the City Council came back and rightly appointed Larry Penn Police Chief, Officer Dixon Lieutenant, Officer Hydron Sergeant, and Officer Roscher Corporal. The Council Chambers was full of supporters for the City Council and only a couple for the ex-chief.

Officer Dixon had his momma, Anne Dixon, PRESIDENT, of the Hannibal Chapter of the NAACP there at the Council Meeting. Even though she wasn't up to par on small town politics, she seemed to go along with it. Actually she is a lot of fun.

In the following pictures, you can see that the Casino was well represented and so was the News Media. KHQA, WGEM, and the Press News Journal, even though he was a little late and missed the vote.

After the police committee was done it didn't take long to finish up the rest of the meeting and it was quickly over. I had heard that Pete Stapp had signed up to speak on behalf of the ex-chief, but it was all done and over before they got to him. Most everyone left before he could say anything. Several people at the meeting was wondering what happened to the trailer park people and the liquor store people, but after the meeting several of the officers went down to the liquor store to report in.

To see who all was at the meeting CLICK HERE  CLICK HERE.     

September 23, 2001

Try this, it is very strange ! I can't explain it and may not want to. 
In MicroSoft Word, type in Q33 NY (the flight number of one of the airplanes that crashed into the WTC). 
Then, highlight, change font size to 26,  and change the font to Wingdings

Rumor has it that the Mayor really didn't want to veto the councils action to fire the ex-chief. In fact, it is rumored that he actually was glad that they did. But, an outside "force", caused him to later change and use the veto. Even though the City Attorney knew the veto power was only for ordinances, he stretched it to include it for policy and procedures. Any one else with an IQ of 50 or more couldn't have done that.

This Mayor and Council are today working under a great strain. Together, they have been intimidated, coerced, and even threatened in this action regarding the ex-chief. The Mayor received a threatening letter from the President of the Hannibal Area NAACP, which perpetrated three lies. But, that has since been rethought and being investigated. Some are even undergoing harassing phone calls from previous councilmen and family. Today, tomorrow and at Monday nights meeting. do what ever you can to support your Councilman. Call him today - tonight - tomorrow. But, those in the North ward should only support Steve Griesbaum.

Once tomorrow night is done and over, the Mayor and Council can let the City attorney handle it from then on if need be. But, I doubt it very much that he will be needed.

September 22 1/2, 2001

The La Grange Community Youth Center is having a baked food sale at the new Youth Center Building at 5th & Washington, across from the SE Corner of the City Park. I believe this would be an excellent time for everyone to stop and see all the work being done. Almost everything is or has been donated in one way or another. There is still a lot of work to do. If you can, please stop by and buy something or make a donation if you can, and if you can, offer to give a hand. If nothing else, find Ed Ensor and give him a big pat on the back for all the work he has done. 

September 22, 2001

Rumor has it that a couple of ex-councilmen are rearing their ugly heads again. As usual, the rumor is that they are back to resorting to threatening phone calls. I guess they now see money coming in and need some. They have been hiding in their holes for quite awhile now.

Let's play out their threat against a Councilman and suppose they make good and force the Councilman to resign. I can tell you exactly what will happen. A new election will be called again, and the people in his ward will make him run again and vote him in again. Just think about it "pave my drive free" and "no prayer here", just what will you gain except more resolve and you will be exposed for what you are. 

I'll bet it is like dracula in sunlight for "no prayer here" to do his job and see all those flags everywhere that says "God Bless America". 

I had a couple of Councilmen wanting to know how "LogsdonJ@webtv.net (J Logsdon)" got information that was only briefly discussed in "Closed Session". By the way, will this jlogsdon call me?

I saw on TV where supposedly the Gaming Commission and the Casino are "concerned" about the police department. Funny, they weren't "concerned" so much when they went ahead and opened the Casino with, in their view, not enough officers were on hand. If they aren't satisfied, let them give some money to the County and let them hire more officers. They way they look at it as, it isn't their money, it's the people of La Grange's money, make them spend it.

I also have received a phone call today saying that there will be so many people at the next Council meeting in support of the City Council that they wanted to know if the Council meeting could be held at the Lions Hall. It seems they want to make "damn" sure that the trailer park people don't do to this Council what they did to me. Patriotism is rearing it's head in many ways. In counting the emails about Baker, the total to date is 28 for firing and 2 for keeping him on. UNLIKE, the Riverfront, no one is intimidated to send their email to me. Oh, the two for Baker, They don't even live in La Grange.

GEORGE BUSH IS QUICKLY BECOMING ONE OF THE GREATEST PRESIDENTS EVER.

His speech last night was more than excellent.

September 21, 2001

Usually, I do not pay much attention to emailers who don't use their name, But, I wanted everyone to see this one. It came from this email address,  LogsdonJ@webtv.net (J Logsdon). The emailer wanted to make sure that I did not "edit" his email.

Please put this on your gossip page .I think the town deserves to hear  both sides of this dont you.After all this is just one mans opinion.Unless you are scared that more people might turn against thecity council or maybe you will change my letter like you have done so many of the other ones to fit your needs. I am for Mike Baker,he has done alot of good to this town.He doesnt harrass people,he does his job like he is suppose to but just because you old folks cant get with the program and let this town change for the better you want to come up with a reason to fire him.Oh wait,one council man is spreading it around that Mike had sexually harassed his daughter,well could it be that she is out for revenge since she was going to get fired anyway for not showing up for work and doing her job,and then theres another council man who got a DWI along time ago and since Mike wouldnt drop the charges he has been out for revenge since then.Dont you think its about time some of the people grew up and got a mind of there own.And about the letters that you put on your page,why cant that so called women put her name on her letter on your page,afraid to? Its funny how so many people want to say things but never say it where anyone knows who they are and if they are asked face to face they deny ever saying it.What a joke.Noone seems to have a mind of there own anymore,they cant think unless someone tells them what to think or do,which is why they like Penn.He is a yes man and thats just what this town wants,someone that wont do shit unless told to.Well i think everyone should get in there and sign that petition because Mike has done a world of good to this town,and if people would stop listening to gossip and actually find out things then they would know that not once has MIke ever had to be reprimanded for anything and if we have a chief that never gets introuble then why fire him,that doesntt make sence,ohh ofcourse you have the ones who dont like him ,but then you have to ask yourself why.And the answer to that is that they got caught doing something wrong and wont admit it. So i say keep MIke Baker as chief and to hell with all the rest of you ! 

I usually do not put up emailers name unless they challenge or demand it. You should also notice that ALL the people or emailers that are for Mike Baker don't live in La Grange and don't want to live here, yet they want the people of La Grange to suffer. Plus, they all say the same thing, Mike Baker has never been reprimanded, yet, many Council meeting minutes show different and he was FIRED twice. And lately, he conned a fellow officer into telling his momma three lies which she sent a letter to the City Council using the false lies. What kind of a Chief would "use" his fellow officers to try to intimidate councilmen to change their vote which could easily cause them to lose their job? What kind of a chief would work the officers against the acting chief? With all the members of one family getting arrested for either dui or dwi and yet one of them say the ex-chief is an alright guy.

It looks like Council Chambers will again, Monday night, be swamped with people that don't live in La Grange, don't want to live in La Grange, and yet want to make decisions for the people of La Grange. Good luck City Council. 

September 20, 2001

I was informed last evening that it was a La Grange Police Officer who found the meth lab last Sunday and had the L C Sheriff's help. I also was informed that not all officers support the ex-chief. But, some still hold their clandestine meetings at the local police hangout. CLICK HERE

And, I found this morning that a famous land mark in the City has been stolen. Sometime between 5pm last evening and 7am this morning, a crazed thief brazenly in broad darkness, right in the middle of town, in clear view of the police department, stole it. Here is picture of where it was stolen CLICK HERE, if you don't what the item was that was stolen, go to the bottom of this page. 

EMAILS RECEIVED

Hey Jerry, I just pulled up the petition for Mike Baker, it's kind of funny if you read the names of the ones who signed. After viewing 3 pages, I came up with at least 13 children who signed their names who are under the age of 18.Does their parent's know they signed this petition, or like myself were they harassed to sign, while trying to buy a soda? If it was my child I would be outraged!! But like most children who visit this store he would have been conned into signing, as for myself I wouldn't sign and was meet with dirty look's and whispering but like you that just make's me go into the store and smile, cause I know they would rather me take my business else where, but hey a soda's a soda huh.

 Mayor let a few people in town know that he runs this town.  Poor job of it. I am really disappointed in the petition.  According to it, Baker hasn't accomplish much.  The Methodist Church and the Youth Center have done the Halloween parties. Neighborhood Watch meetings were started at the Center, when Chief Grubb was here.  Police department took them over.  Where are they today.  It wasn't lack of interest from the community, it was lack of respect for the leaders.  Finger printing was done by the State Highway Patrol many years ago in the schools.  All of my kids have been finger printed.  These things that they mention are what a volunteer of the community does.  How about police work.  What about the window breaking, any stealing, fence tearing down, drug busts.  Any of these done in the past 4 years?  We had two drug dogs here for awhile. Anyway, I would encourage the council to explain to Baker in close session what he has done.  How his leadership has corrupted the system.  Then, he can tell these people why. The petition says to give just cause why he was fired. I can't imagine why four found just cause, and the other two didn't.  Even friendship shouldn't stand in the way of the rights of people.

Jerry -- I read the account of your arrest, and I was just horrified!! I just think La Grange is turning into a regular "GESTAPO." I thought the third Reich was gone a long time ago!! 

   I seen the BOGUS petition signed by children & people who don't even LIVE in La Grange!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
    Why was the Chief fired?  Why was the internet taken away?  Why did Gina leave & ALL the other officers?????
    I read the NAACP letter what a bunch of B.S.!!!!!!!!!!!!!    Today this LPD has shown that to "protect & to serve is a disgrace"     You asked in your gossip page, "what would you do?"  The same thing I would do..........    Get a good lawyer Jerry & laugh all the way to the bank.

September 19, 2001

All over the Country, people are donating money, goods, time, and their hearts. Yet, here in La Grange we have a Mayor who yet made a comment, provided a proclamation, a Mayors Resolution or even a small offer of help from the City of La Grange. Trailer Park trash and 184 voters must be the most proudest people in the world of "their" Mayor. It is just the same as he has done for the SMART Group and the avenue of the Saints High Way 61. Every time he he shows his callused disregard for the people of La Grange and other issues that affect our lives, the Riverfront, the park people, and 184 voters are just tickled to death.  

September 18, 2001

Only two items today, and both are reply to emails.

One email was directed to Councilman Ronnie Powers. The emailer only says this.  "Stupidity only votes for stupidity".

My reply to the emailer that said "it is only your word against a Police Officer, Who would you believe, you or an upstanding police officer?"
Answer. Ask the officer why he didn't make sure the voice activated tape recorder was turned completely off. It is all on tape.

September 17, 2001

The Casino doesn't have a chance. Rumor has it that stop after stop after stop was going on Monday evening. Most all were from out of town and who are from out of town? Gamblers,, and guess what? Rumor has it that a scanner listener actually heard the officer say a persons name, address, city, state and then said the persons SOCIAL SECURITY NUMBER and called it the social security number. Things like that make it so easy for your identity to be stolen. Just set back and listen to a scanner and the LAPD will give you all you need.

I had a person stop by today and asked if I was going to do anything about Roscher. My reply was, I shouldn't be the one to do anything. The Mayor and City Council have to be (or at least should be) thinking that "any" officer that would do such a thing once will more than likely do it again. So unless they feel extremely lucky or extremely stupid, it is their call.

So take one step further. If you have a lawyer working for you that you are paying and he sits back and allows a situation to happen to make you look stupid, would you keep him as your lawyer? And this has happened many times.  

How about an employee or employees who band against you. Here you are, proving them a job, giving them income to pay bills and they then band to together and then try to intimidate and coerce you to change your vote. Would you consider that employee a "loyal" employee? One you could trust? Or would you hand out pink slips.

How about employees who refuse to provide you information that you need to make an intelligent decision or an employee that keeps things regarding things that you are in charge of and responsible for, from you? Would you consider that a "loyal" employee?

The La Grange City Council has some serious decisions to make in the next few weeks. They are going to have to find out who is loyal to the Council and people of La Grange, and they will have to make a stand and demand the facts, the figures, and information that they need and these things that are being held back from them. 

September 16, 2001

While officer Robert Roscher was busy trying to arrest Jerry Brandt, at 7:30 this morning the Lewis County Sheriff Office was working a meth lab case at 4th and Webster. Arresting picture takers and wrecking cars are more important than busting meth labs to the MAYOR of the City of La Grange. 184 voters are tickled to death.

I am thoroughly overwhelmed. When I got home today, I found that news of my arrest went around La Grange in lightning speed. My wife received calls from people offering bail money, bond money, or to go to the Police Department. A family from another town who found out from a relative here had their law firm in Hannibal call to help. (If their opinion and description of La Grange's City attorney is reflected around Marion County, well enough said). And a special thanks to a long time friend for his generous offer. have received many emails and calls all day wanting to do something, either to help me or get them. I want to take this time to thank everyone with their offers, their calls, and their emails. Dr. Dykstra has some extremely good pain pills though. 

September 15, 2001

This Saturday morning about 9 am, Jerry Brandt was driving down main street and noticed a police car that had an automobile with no license plates stopped by Bunges. Jerry turned at the old Bradshaw feed store and as he went around the corner he took a picture of the two cars. Officer Roscher then stopped with the car and no license and got in his car chased Jerry Brandt 35 feet before he could Jerry to stop. Jerry was then ordered out of his truck CLICK HERE . Jerry was then arrested for interfering with a police officer and was handcuffed. After Jerry was placed in the police car the officer said he was going to lock up Jerry's truck and come back. The officer then got in Jerry's truck, searched under the seat, raised the blanket and rug in the back, looked into the glove box, took Jerry's camera from the front seat, locked the truck and came back to the car. When Jerry asked him what he was looking for in his search of his truck, he said he wanted to make sure Jerry didn't have any weapons hidden in the truck. Was that an illegal search? 

Then Jerry was taken to City Hall. When the officer came around and undid the seatbelt, he pulled out Jerry by the arm and Jerry fell to his knees. Jerry was the jerked up and taken into the Council Chambers. The officer then brought in the camera and took down all the numbers and stated it was evidence. Jerry asked to call an attorney and was ignored and the officer asked Jerry for his name and Jerry stated to ask the attorney. All this time Jerry was still handcuffed with his hands behind his back sitting in the front booth of the Council Chambers. Here is a picture of one of the wrists of Jerry two hours later. The arms were twisted around behind Jerry's back and the cuffs were clamped as tight as he could clamp them making the cuffs dig into Jerry's arm. CLICK HERE  CLICK HERE.

After a couple of hours of asking questions of which Jerry kept stating, ask my lawyer, Jerry was taken into the police room and was asked to again sign a paper to take finger prints. Jerry kept stating talk to the attorney. After all this, Officer Roscher came back and unhandcuffed me and said the City Attorney said to give me a verbal warning. The officer then gave back my camera and allowed me to walk back to my truck. Jerry then had to go to his doctor about his back and arm.

After Jerry fell to his knees, officer Roscher said, that is what you get for fighting the chief.

What would you do now?

Normally I would post a picture like this and poke fun at the La Grange Police department, BUT, this was an entirely unfortunate accident that was not the fault of the police officer. But, on the other hand it is a funny.

September 14, 2001

The City Council had a call meeting last night. They voted to hold an election to replace Roger "DUH" Sherwood. The Mayor then stated that he "VETOED" the City Councils vote to FIRE MIKE BAKER. I don't think that will last long. At the next regular meeting the Council will just Vote to over ride the veto and Baker will be gone. I don't think that will be the last we will hear from him, I expect him to file a lawsuit to get his job back. BUT.

There will be a problem, the City Attorney sent a letter to the Mayor and Council that clearly states that the next police chief will have to LIVE IN LA GRANGE. Since the Council and Mayor have "appointed" Larry Penn as acting police chief because the City did not have a police chief, if Mike Baker gets rehired, he will have to move to La Grange. The grandfather clause the Delbert Murphy hired him under before is now gone. It doesn't make any difference if he was fired for one hour or one week or one month. The police chief position was vacant. CLICK HERE to see the letter from the City Attorney, you know the one who didn't know the Council could vote again to override the veto. I guess the attorney's next opinion will be that the Mayor can veto the override again and on and on.

Next we have a letter from the NAACP. Boy was this lady "Annie Dixon" President suckered. Her letter states that ONLY Mike Baker has ever hired a minority on the police force. Let me remember now, didn't Richard Wagner hire the first black officer and weren't there several more after that? She was lied to.

She should have talked to just a couple more people about Mike Baker's attitude about black people before she made the statements she did in her letter. CLICK HERE to see her uninformed letter to the Council. 

And now we have the compete petition to see who signed this that are for Mike Baker to be reinstated as police chief. Included is also a list of several bogus reasons and some outright lies. Check it out. CLICK HERE. This is a big file so it will take a couple of minutes to see it all. You wonder what some of these people were told that they were signing. 

September 14, 2001

The head line above is scary isn't it. How many times has Nostradamus been right? I hear that Alice Fish is out of the hospital and home again and also that Irene Solter is doing better. I don't know if very many of you remember Billy Smith who used to live just South of the Foundry near the RR tracks, but I see in the paper that he died today. He was a rounder. I received an email from Gay Smith, she used to be Gay Miller on Windy Hill. She lives in Las Vegas now. 

There was a special meeting tonight to set up the new election for a South Ward Councilman and about the Chief again. The rumor is that the Mayor is so scared of the Chief that he called this meeting to pull a slick one on the City Council members by saying that he now Veto's the City Council's vote to fire the chief. I don't think that was a legal option to the Mayor and it was an illegal action. I can't find anywhere in the City Charter or Ordinance where the Mayor has such an option. But, the City Attorney who was there didn't have a clue as to what to do. Makes you wonder how low the bar was when he passed it. The Charter clearly says that the City Council shall make the decisions and the Mayor shall carry these decisions out. An intelligent City Attorney should have stated that there isn't any provision for the Mayor to Veto anything in the City Charter.

At this meeting tonight, ALL the police officers and their wives were there to support the Chief. You the public, should be very concerned about what kind of an officer that will stand against the very men that pay their salaries of which they work for. Some of the officers have even tried to coerce and intimidate some of the Council to change their vote. If I was a Councilman and an officer came to me and say that he and the other officers will all resign and cause the gaming commission to close the Casino, I would immediately contact the prosecuting attorney and file charges. That still is an option. 

How can any City Council continue to keep these officers on the payroll that have clearly shown that they are against the very people who hired them, pay them and can fire them? The Council should make a motion to force each officer to stand before the Council and be asked if he supports the chief and will resign if the chief is finally fired for good and if he says yes, accept his resignation. No big deal, the Council hired them, they can hire others to take their place. Those still on probation can be terminated anytime for any reason or no reason at all. The Council has the power to do whatever it wants.  

Make no mistake about it, the ex-chief will continue to cause problems for this City Council for as long as he can. Rumor has it that he has gone so far as use the black officer whose relative is with the NAACP and had the NAACP send a letter to the Council about the Chief being fired because (He) hired a black person. It wasn't the chief that hired him or pays him, it is the City Council. But, someone was snowed on that one. Another scare tactic. 

Again, I ask, who in their right mind be a councilman and have an ex-chief and officers turn against them and still keep these people on the payroll. They have clearly shown their willingness to disobey and challenge the City Council. 

September 13, 2001   

WARNING TO THE PEOPLE OF LAGRANGE

Rumor has it that the ex-Chief isn't giving up without a fight. He is rumoring around town that he wasn't fired and he didn't resign. I would assume that if and when you turn in your car and equipment and badge, you resigned and that is the end of it. BUT, Rumor has it that he is planning to load up City Hall with his trailer park people like he did me to scare the City Council into rehiring him. There is another rumor that the Riverfront Liquor Store is loading up the suspicious petition they have to reinstate the Chief with names from everywhere and anyone, whether they live here or vote or not to scare the Council. I also hear a rumor that some of the new officers who don't know the ex-chief are going to threaten the City Council with extortion. I heard a rumor that they plan to tell the Council that if the ex-chief isn't rehired, they will quit leaving the Casino without protection and the gaming Commission will close the Casino.

What kind of a MAYOR and Council will rehire a person that is using threats, extortion and law suits to get his job back. The FOUR City Councilman that voted to fire the chief or allow him to resign should stand up and be counted. He turned in his equipment and badge, that would make anyone believe that he resigned.

If any of the FIVE remaining COUNCIL members vote to rehire the ex-chief under veiled threats and extortion or by this bogus petition, they should be the ones to resign. 

It is also rumored that Roger "DUH" Sherwood is thinking that maybe he was to hasty to resign and may beg for his position back by saying he actually hasn't really resigned. Even though he has told several he did. Rumor has it that the Mayor is talking to him.

September 12, 2001

GO TO THE LIQU0R STORE AND SIGN THE PETITION TO REINSTATE CHIEF BAKER.

Last night in the dark of the night, like was done a couple of years ago, the sneaks went out and put up signs to "reinstate the chief". By sneaking around town in the middle of the night goes to show you what kind of people want the chief reinstated. Some people are rumored to have been told that the chief was fired with no reason. Yet, most of the people in town can think of many reasons. 

The people at the Liquor Store are trying to get people to sign this petition. Rumors tell me that they were harassing people trying to wait in line to get gas to sign their petition. I noticed a sign on the liquor store door asking people to come in and sign their petition.

But, rumor has it that Kevin Lewis, has applied for and received from the City a liquor license. he plans to turn his place near the foundry into a full package liquor store and offer a lot more product and services than the one down town. 

From the talk around town and emails I have received, there are a lot of people in the North Ward really pissed off at Councilman Powers for his vote. If there was an election today, he might get two votes. It is too bad he decided to deceive the people of the North Ward when he ran for election, but I can easily guarantee you now that he will NOT ever be elected again. But, he still has a chance to change his ways and get his support back, but his actions up to now say he won't get reelected.

Now, the people of the South Ward have better get together and get someone to take Roger "DUH" Sherwoods place. He has clearly shown it doesn't take a rocket scientist to be a councilman. AND, Tim Rossiter has shown that doing and voting for the people of your Ward and the town can make you a hero. The Mayor, "pave my drive free" and "no prayer here" have shown that you can fool all of the people some of the time, but your actions quickly catch up to you and you are out. 

Make no mistake about it. You read it here first. This is a fact. There will be a NEW MAYOR at the next Mayoral election.  

Yesterday was a day no one will ever ever forget. It is very difficult to believe that such an act of terrorism could have been done in America.

Tuesday afternoon, coming home from Quincy, we saw West Quincy that looked like a parking lot. Hundreds of cars trying to get gas.

I also heard that my buddy the ex-chief could care less about all the people killed in New York City as he paraded around La Grange trying to get people to sign a petition to ask the City Council to reinstate him as police chief. It just goes to show you what type of person he really is. He doesn't seem to care about anyone but himself. It makes you wonder what kind of  person would sign this petty petition while thousands of people have died. Emails say it well. It's done, you are done, go on with your life somewhere else. 

September 11, 2001

I left the Council meeting too soon last night. After the closed meeting to discuss personnel, the Council came back and voted 4 to 2 to offer the Police Chief Mike Baker (my buddy) the chance to resign and quit or BE FIRED. Rumor has it that Councilman Roger "DUH" Sherwood was so mad he resigned as Councilman. And darn it, Ronnie "the north ward people are suckers" Powers almost was mad enough to resign too. And again, darn it, the Mayor almost came close to resigning, but then where would he go to loaf. Oh, I now, the CASINO!

Looks like a new election for the South Ward. Somebody better step up to the plate or we will be stuck with the "weasel" again.

Remember the famous words of "my buddy" NOBODY CAN FIRE ME - I AM INVINCIBLE - THE MAYOR CAN'T FIRE ME - TIM ROSSITER WILL GO BEFORE I GO. Famous last words.

September 10, 2001

Those 184 voters just have to take an evening from the Casino and set in on a Council Meeting. They would be so proud to see their Mayor in "ACTION". He is as slow as a glacier in running the meeting. An hour and a half meeting could be been done in 30 minutes. The main problem was that the Mayor didn't understand all the information the clerk had in front of him. He had to keep asking her what was what. And, all while this was going on, Councilman Powers and Griesbaum kept whispering to each other.

First off, the fire department wanted to get a couple of pagers fixed. It took ten minutes just to get a motion to pay the postage. Yet, the police department asked 500 rounds of ammunition at $70.00 per case for a 9mm - a 40cal - a 45cal and a 357mag for target practice. Oh yeah, I forgot, they wanted another $50.00 for 300 targets that look like people. Only Sam Henderson and Tim Rossiter kept their senses together. Roger (DUH) Sherwood made motion after motion to buy, buy, buy for the police department. 

Then, the Chief found a place to trade two old handguns of the City Aux, for FOUR SHOTGUNS. The police needs shotguns, and they even discussed ASSAULT RIFLES. Those 184 Voters have to be so proud and tickled to death, or they may be something to death.

The City Attorney sent several Ordinance changes for the Council to consider. A couple were State mandated and the others optional. It took the Mayor almost a half an hour to figure those out as the Attorney wasn't there to explain them.

Then the talk went to the Sewer Plant. The Mayor was upset about the rumors, (I guess about the Gossip page). He had Mark Bross from Klinger Engineering there to help him, but the guy stumbled a lot on his recommendations. It seems that this plant that was originally recommended by the Engineers and DNR is now out of favor. Mark gave a couple of possible generalities about why the sewer plant was smelling and never ever did before the Casino wanted it moved.

The engineer from Klinger Engineering couldn't explain why the plant worked excellent all those years when Gardners' dumped millions of Gallons, the Boat House, which fed as many if not more than the Casino each week, plus two more bars and restaurants and 500 kids at the school house and a meat locker which used hundreds of thousands gallons of water each week that aren't there any more.

Now, all of a sudden this plant can't keep up with one restaurant alone.

The engineer from Klinger Engineering couldn't explain why the sewer plant went septic and started smelling these past few weeks. Evidently he doesn't read the gossip page. It was all explained a few weeks ago when it all started and why.

Tim Rossiter brought up about the City Administrator again and you could see the frown on the Mayors face.

And then, my buddy the chief brought up another want for the police department. Its seems the 97 Ford has a broken window motor and the air conditioner doesn't work well. COST another $250.00. Approved.

The fire department got shut out again. The street department got shut out again. The police department wins again 5 to 1.

September 8, 2001

I want you to know that I have had the occasion to pass by (pave my drive free) and (the weasel), it seems they do come out other than night, anyhow, I want you all to know that they both still think I am number one. 

Clarence Missouri is a small town like La Grange, today in the Quincy paper I read that they approved $12,000 for tornado sirens. Census shows 466 houses total. 466 houses in $12,000 comes to about $26.00 per home. Yet a lot of the homes will not hear the sirens because either they are too far away, the tv is too load, the Air or heat is on, and the ones under the sirens are blown away during the test.

They and the City of La Grange could do it a whole lot better by having everyone in town and the area get a weather alert radio. For those who cannot afford the $20.00 for one could buy one on time from the City and have it added to their water bill. Plus, the fire chief and all the firemen could add another channel to their portable radios that would broadcast only in the local area on the weather alert frequency. I keep mine by my bed and on all the time, especially during storms. I can guarantee you that the siren on that radio will wake you up real quick.

But, this would save about $10,000. With a million or so coming in, who cares about a few thousand. Well, unless it is doing away with out City taxes of a few measly thousand.

What really amazes me is the fact that the SMART group have been in action for more than two years and the 184 voters Mayor has yet to support the upgrade of Highway 61. Not one Councilman has voiced support at any council meeting, not the Mayor, Nor has the La Grange Chamber of Commerce or the President voiced support. Even the La Grange Revitalization who supports the Casino has kept a closed mouth, even though 4 lane to the Iowa line would benefit the Casino. Even "pave my drive free" and "no prayer here" and "MADD" and :DUH" have kept their mouths shut regarding supporting SMART.

184 people have to be tickled to death.

September 7, 2001

Today it was noticed that the police department now have THREE officers riding in the same car. I guess that is better than having one each in a car running up the gas bill. But, why was one laying down in the back seat??

For those of you who are scanner listeners, we now have the scanner freqs for the Casino and the Casino security plus a whole lot more. CLICK HERE

There is a council meeting Monday night at 7pm. I wonder if there are any councilmen with the guts to bring up the City Manager item again. Or how about the City turning off the air to the sewer plant to make it stink.  Maybe a councilman could bring up about the water staining clothes again and all that grit that is left in the toilet. One emailer suggested that the City do a swap. Let BFI dump their "water" in the City sewer and then stop over at the plant and haul away the sludge. Sounds good to me. 

Maybe there is a councilman living in the North ward who will take a close look at the street recently done by the street super going to Marks cemetery and be bold enough to ask WHY? Why the asphalt is less than in inch thick when the City shed had three more loads stockpiled?

I had several emails also asking what happened to all the "Original" La Grange school trophys and class pictures. One caller said the Lewis County School Board had a lot of the stuff destroyed. Is that true??

September 6, 2001

A couple of rumors around town. One is that there is a rumor that a rabbit adopted two, it turns out that one of the bunnies adopted was one of his own from another hopping around. This other one is a funny one.

Rumor has it that a guy parked his truck at the white house (the one downtown) and while he was talking to a policeman, his bike disappeared from the back of his truck that was less than twenty feet away and didn't miss it until he decided to go home.

Monday was a good day for the Casino restaurant. It seems that when we were there for breakfast there were nine other tables with La Grange people and families. You can't tell me there aren't a lot of cheap people in town. They serve a lot of good food there.

Someone who is in the promotion department of the Casino should get the ball rolling for a multi (5 and 10) year class reunion for the La Grange High School next year for the 4th of July.

Have you noticed in the news about how many police chiefs have been charged with crimes. Sexual harassment, drug theft, money from the department theft, corruption, one even for murder. Looks like a lot of people forgot that the Trash wouldn't be picked up until today again. 

September 3, 2001

NOTICE: If you have been driving by Bunges and the La Grange Sewer plant and noticed the smell, it isn't because of the sewer plant being defective, it is because THAT IS WHAT THE MAYOR WANTS. The air has been turned off the circulation plant which kept the tank from having a sewer smell. This has been done so the MAYOR and Council can screw over the people of La Grange and build a Million dollar plus lagoon at YOUR expense FOR the Casino. Makes you wonder if those 184 voters really want to have their water and sewer rate doubled. Well, if they were dumb enough to vote for him, they are dumb enough to want their monthly bills doubled.

A mother of a Councilman got on me today about picking on her son, (DUH). She was upset that I put on here that here is a Councilman with a "dangerous and unsafe" building voting to tell another citizen of La Grange he had to tear down his building because of a board hanging from the edge of his building and a sagging roof.

But, to top that one is the Street Super being one of the "investigators" who designated this building as a d & u building has a garage that is about ready to fall down. Speaking of dangerous and unsafe, ask the Mayor to see his basement sometime.

A businessman asked the Mayor about some rock on his alley, about 100 feet or so. The Mayor told him the City doesn't maintain alleys. But, when the City took out all that rock in front of Caseys, they took several loads of it and "dumped" it on the banks property and Bunges property just a few feet from the alley of the businessman. 184 voters have to be so proud of their Mayor.

Those 184 voters should be proud to note know that their Mayor spent several hundred dollars for portable radios for the police department, because my buddy the chief doesn't want scanner listeners to be able to hear what they are saying. But, the Mayor can't understand why 8 officers can't "share" 4 or even 2, portable radios. AT the same time the Mayor turned down a request for $3000 to the fire department that could have been matched with $6000. A two for one deal was screwed over while the people of La Grange were screwed over.

Isn't there at least one Councilman that will vote FOR the people of La Grange?

He is the First and Last, the Beginning and the End!
He is the keeper of Creation and the Creator of all!
He is the Architect of the universe and
The Manager of all times.
He always was, He always is, and He always will be...
Unmoved, Unchanged, Undefeated, and never Undone!
He was bruised and brought healing!
He was pierced and eased pain!
He was persecuted and brought freedom!
He was dead and brought life!
He is risen and brings power!
He reigns and brings Peace!
The world can't understand him,
The armies can't defeat Him,
The schools can't explain Him, and
The leaders can't ignore Him.
Herod couldn't kill Him,
 The Pharisees couldn't confuse Him, and
The people couldn't hold Him!
Nero couldn't crush Him,
Hitler couldn't silence Him,
The New Age can't replace Him, and
Donahue can't explain Him away!
He is light, love, longevity, and Lord.
He is goodness, Kindness, Gentleness, and God.
He is Holy, Righteous, mighty, powerful, and pure.
His ways are right,
His word is eternal,
His will is unchanging, and
His mind is on me.
He is my Redeemer,
He is my Savior,
He is my guide, and
He is my peace!
He is my Joy,
He is my comfort,
He is my Lord, and
He rules my life!
I serve Him because His bond is love,
 His burden is light, and
His goal for me is abundant life.
I follow Him because He is the wisdom of the wise,
The power of the powerful,
 The ancient of days, the ruler of rulers,
The leader of leaders, the overseer of the overcomers, and
The sovereign Lord of all that was and is and is to come.
And if that seems impressive to you, try this for size.
His goal is a relationship with ME!
 He will never leave me,
Never forsake me,
 Never mislead me,
Never forget me,
 Never overlook me, and
Never cancel my appointment in His appointment book!
When I fall, He lifts me up!
When I fail, He forgives!
When I am weak, He is strong!
When I am lost, He is the way!
When I am afraid, He is my courage!
When I stumble, He steadies me!
When I am hurt, He heals me!
When I am broken, He mends me!
When I am blind, He leads me!
When I am hungry, He feeds me!
When I face trials, He is with me!
When I face persecution, He shields me!
When I face problems, He comforts me!
When I face loss, He provides for me!
When I face Death, He carries me Home!
He is everything for everybody, everywhere,
 Every time, and every way.
He is God, He is faithful.
I am His, and He is mine!
My Father in heaven can whip the father of this world.
 So, if you're wondering why I feel so secure, understand this...
He said it and that settles it.
God is in control, I am on His side, and
 That means all is well with my soul.
Everyday is a blessing for GOD Is!


I love the Lord and thank Him for all that he does in my life,
therefore, I am passing this on. Yes I do love Jesus.
He is my source of existence and my Savior.
He keeps me functioning each and everyday.
Without Him, I will be nothing.
Without Him, I am nothing but with Him I can do all things.
Philippians 4:13