R-II school off to good start
The first day of school went without a hitch, Monday, Aug. 18 as 1,439 students attended classes at Morgan County R-II schools.
Elementary school principal Steve Rhine said maintenance, janitorial and secretarial staff, along with prepared teachers, helped keep things running smoothly. Between Versailles Elementary School and South Elementary School, there were 585 students enrolled on day one.
Versailles Middle School started the year with 367 students enrolled, up from 337 last year. Principal Matt Unger reported a successful first day.
At Versailles High School, the total number of students enrolled for the 2008-2009 school year is 487, down by 24. Principal Mike Butt said the high school has 35 students new to the district this year.
The district as a whole has experienced a net decline in enrollment of approximately 200 students since 2001.
Track and field still undone
The new track surface and football field turf project is running behind schedule and may not be complete until homecoming Sept. 18 or possibly later.
Rain delays early in the process, supply problems with gravel, shorthanded crew and equipment problems limited the amount of work that could be accomplished on the football field.
Now, crews from the track company need to begin their work, which depends on the completion of certain stages on the football field.
The track company informed the school that, once they start, the track can be complete in two weeks.
“My goal is to make sure it’s done right,” said Morgan County R-II District Superintendent Jeff Carter.
Board vice-president Al Wiebers expressed his displeasure at the delays and suggested the school be reimbursed for lost revenue at the gate for the home games that will have to now be played out of town.
Budget approved,
district in deficit
A large portion of the board meeting was used to review and approve the district’s 2008-2009 budget.
According to the budget message drafted by Carter, the budget is in deficit “in terms of planned expenditures from Capital Projects” for needed construction. Reserves will be the ongoing support for major and minor building repairs.
Supplies are increasing in the technology area and equipment purchases are on par.
Teacher salaries have been increased by $2,000 on the base, with a $500 step increase on the salary schedule.
Carter reported a major concern for the district is the cost of fuel and food. Another $39,000 increase in fuel may draw resources away from education.
Food costs can be somewhat offset by increasing meal prices, but the rate of increase has accelerated. If the trend continues, more aggressive increases will be needed. The board approved a five-cent increase in milk costs for extra beverage and snacks only. This increase will not affect the price of meals.
Estimated revenue for the 2008-2009 school year is $13,243,543.12. Estimated expenditure is $13,963,677.81, leaving the district in the red by $722,750.86.
“This is the tightest budget I’ve ever done,” said Carter. “I think the economy is a significant factor.”
Record applications for job
The district received a record 104 applications for a secretarial position open at the high school. The position has been filled by Amy Edgar.
The district also hired Joy Marie Heimsoth and Patricia Moser as paraprofessionals. The resignation of Jennifer Calton as a paraprofessional was received.
Tax rate set
The board approved setting the tax rate levy at $2.75 per $100 assessed valuation, during a special tax rate hearing prior to the regular board meeting. The rate is more than $1 below the state average.
Credit recovery disappointing
Of 18 high school students enrolled in the summer credit recovery program, only seven recovered credit. Carter said it was due to attendance and discipline issues and he was disappointed in the results.
In other business, the board approved an updated curriculum and instruction plan and voted to donate 158 surplus computers to be sold for to raise funds for Project Graduation.
A request for funding by the Versailles Rural Fire Protection District for a robotic fire safety dog died for lack of motion.
The next meeting of the Morgan County R-II School District board of education is scheduled at 7 p.m. Monday, Sept. 15 in the Versailles Middle School library.
Schaffter Equipment closing local stores
The Schaffter Equipment stores, both John Deere dealers, in Versailles and Tipton are the latest victims in a difficult economy and have closed their doors.
Schaffter Equipment employees in the Versailles location were counting inventory this week in anticipation of going out of business.
All new John Deere implements, machines and parts will be accounted for and returned to John Deere.
According to co-owner Cindy Schaffter, the remaining inventory is to be auctioned at a future date.
“It’s really tough,” Schaffter said. “We’re just getting through it. We have a lot of good people. They are educated, experienced and hard workers.”
Schaffter said current employees will work until the end of August. The Versailles location employs eight full-time and two part-time workers. Including the Tipton location, Shaffter Equipment employes 31 people.
“We’re always sad to hear of situations like this because of the effect on families and the community,” said Versailles Mayor Terry Silvey. “The prospect of losing another employer in the community is difficult. It affects everybody and puts a hindrance on the people who have done business with Schaffter’s.”
Silvey said he called Reps. Self and Schad about the situation and hopes some help may be available.
Barry Nelson, a John Deere public relations representative out of the Lenexa, Kan. office, said Tuesday, Aug. 19 that John Deere dealerships are independently owned but confirmed that the company has “discontinued our relationship with them [Schaffter’s Equipment].”
“We are always trying to figure things out and do a lot of strategic planning to best serve our customers,” Nelson said.
Schaffter Equipment, founded in Tipton during the early 1960s, has been serving the agricultural equipment and parts needs of the area’s farmers and the public for almost 50 years.
“We appreciate our customers and their devotion and loyalty all these years,” Schaffter said. “They have become our family.”
Phone calls and e-mails to owner Mike Schaffter were not returned as of press time, but Cindy Schaffter said he has been busy working out the details with John Deere and dealing with the necessary tasks locally.
Roy Knipp, manager of MFA Agriservices in Tipton, said of the closings, “It will certainly have an impact on the entire community. Any time people have to leave the area for parts or services, they tend to do other things as well, make other purchases. That affects the overall health of the community.”
Versailles council to hold special meeting
The Versailles City Council will hold a special meeting at 6:15 p.m., Wednesday, Aug. 20, at City Hall, to discuss employee health insurance. The meeting is open to the public.
New water meters being installed
The City of Versailles began installing new radio-read water meters in the southwest section of Versailles Monday, Aug. 18. Installation will take approximately two months.
Residents can expect their water to be off for a minimum of 30 minutes as the new meter is being installed.
For more information, call Versailles City Hall at 573-378-4634.
Gravois Betterment plans
‘Christmas in the Cave’
The Gravois Mills Betterment Association discussed plans for a “Christmas in the Cave” musical fundraiser at their Tuesday, Aug. 19 meeting.
Christmas in the Cave is planned Sunday, Dec. 7 in Jacobs Cave in Gravois Mills.
The event is in the planning stages, but will include performances by area choirs in an acoustically excellent room in the cave with area for seating up to 300 people.
The event will be free and open to the public.
In other news, the Western Cafe has been purchased by Brad and Jean Vold, owners of the Olive Branch restaurant in Gravois Mills. Vold plans to turn the cafe into a 1950’s stye diner and rename it the ‘Down Town Diner.’ Board chairperson Rita Rathmel said she attempted to pay the “Smashing Skeeters” band for their performance at the association’s auction and bake sale fundraiser but they refused payment. The band said they were happy to donate to the betterment of the community.
The association’s Gravois Mills T-shirts are available for purchase. Call Rita Rathmel at 573-372-2260 for information.
The next meeting of the association is scheduled at 8 a.m., Tuesday, Sept. 2 at the Down Town Diner in Gravois Mills.
Gravois G5 and G7 close to completion
The Gravois Fire Protection District board approved a list of final repairs needed on the G5 and G7 stations.
The list was presented at their Monday, Aug. 18 board meeting. The district received the list from architect, Keith Miller last week. Miller will forward the approved list to Septagon building company to request completion of repairs on the projects. The cost of the projects is $1,783,850.30.
Fire Chief Ed Hancock reported the Do It Rite company performed yearly inspections on the engine pumps. All pumps passed inspection.
Hancock said he is compiling specification sheets for the sale of several of the district’s used trucks.
The total in the district’s bank account one is $827.24, account two is $520,208.07, account four is $395,017.58 and the total in account five is $285,292.73.
The next meeting of the Gravois Mills Fire Protection District was changed due to the Labor Day holiday to 7 p.m., Tuesday, Sept. 2 at the main station in Laurie.
Lake Ozark Watershed Alliance
offers free presentation dinners
The Lake of the Ozarks Watershed Alliance sponsored a free dinner followed by a septic tank maintenance workshop Monday, Aug. 18 at the Olive Branch Restaurant in Gravois Mills.
The alliance is made up of a group of citizens who are “passionate about protecting the quality of the Lake of the Ozarks.” They believe a healthy lake equals a healthy economy. Their goal is to pump 150,000 gallons of septic water out of lake side septic systems.
The alliance recently received a grant to pump out a minimum of 85 tanks and to pay for a dinner demonstration for up to 120 people.
According to alliance executive director Donna Swall, many lake area residents were under the impression that if their system does not break they don’t have to do anything. Swall said the alliance is trying to educate homeowners on the danger to themselves and the environment if their systems are not properly maintained.
Morgan County residents signed up for the free dinner, information and a $45 discount on septic tank pump-outs.
Bob Broz, with the University of Missouri Extension, spoke on the subject of on-site sewage system operation and maintenance.
Broz spoke about what makes a good septic system, system sizes, filters, cleaning, pumping and more.
Broz said homeowners are responsible for maintaining their septic system which in turn protects the investment in the home.
Homeowners should periodically inspect and pump out the system. Failure to maintain the system could cost thousands of dollars in repair or replacement.
Also, a malfunctioning system could contaminate groundwater that might be a source of drinking water.
Pointers for protecting a septic system included inspecting the system every three years and pumping the system as necessary, generally every three to five years. Diners were told to use water efficiently. Other tips included a warning against the disposal of household hazardous wastes in sinks or toilets and lastly to care for drainfields by not driving vehicles over them.
The alliance has plans for two more free presentation dinners in Morgan County. One is 5 p.m., Monday, Sept. 8 at Rocky Top Restaurant on
Route O in Laurie. The other is 11:30 a.m., Saturday, Sept. 27 also in Laurie.
For more information or to make a reservation for a dinner presentation go to soslowa.org or phone Donna Swall at 573-374-8360.
Sunrise Beach firefighters
attend training in St. Louis
Sunrise Beach Fire Chief John Suellentrop announced at the Sunrise Beach Fire Protection District meeting Monday, Aug. 18, he and Chaplain Steve Myers, Chief Norris and Dustin Hancock attended training on the Fire House Software program that the district currently uses for incident and training reporting to the state. The training was held Thursday, July 31 and Friday, Aug. 1 in St. Louis.
In the fire chief’s report, Suellentrop said the district had 55 emergency responses using 238 personnel hours, 34 training and public-service reports using 320.75 hours, for a total of 90 reports utilizing 558.75 personnel hours in July.
The fire marshal’s report showed five residential and three commercial permits reviewed and one residential permit renewed.
There were 13 residential rough-in inspections, along with one residential courtesy inspection. There were 14 residential and two commercial final inspections. There were 13 dock permits, nine courtesy dock inspections, five re-inspections.
The July income for the building code division was $2,802.50.
The district will have volunteers manning fire boat No. 1239 at the Lake of the Ozarks Shootout Saturday, Aug. 23 and Sunday, Aug. 24.
Chief Suellentrop reported the survey has been completed and a legal description developed for the land site at Station No. 1.
A draft of the site drawings has been received and is available for board review. However, a revision is currently in the process to accommodate the water tower site for the City of Sunrise Beach.
Instead of placing the water tower directly behind the burn tower as originally planned, the district will move it to the southern corner of the property in order to place the tower at the highest point on the property, thus providing better water pressure.
The board approved setting the 2008 tax levy at 32.66 for the debt service fund and 35.21 for the operating fund.
The board also approved the 2008 quarterly budget adjustments.
In other business, the board approved the purchase of 15 one-channel tone, vibrate and store pagers at a cost of $245 per pager.
The board went into closed session and no votes or actions were taken.
After closed session, the board discussed the feasibility of the revised location for the City of Sunrise Beach water tower. The board decided to visit the land site at Station No. 1 after the regular board meeting was adjourned to inspect the area.
The next meeting of the district board is scheduled for 6 p.m., Monday, Sept. 15 at Station No. 2 in Sunrise Beach.
Fulfilling more than his administrative duties, Morgan County R-II School District Superintendent Jeff Carter assists nervous preschooler Kobie O’Rourke Monday, Aug. 18 on her first day of school in Versailles.
Mail service unaffected
by air-conditioning outage
The Versailles post office lost use of its air-conditioning unit Friday, Aug. 15. The problem was fixed by Monday Aug. 18 but mail service remained unaffected.
“We only have one unit and when its out, it’s out,” said post office clerk Angee Whitaker. “It hasn’t affected the regular delivery of the mail,” she said. “It has just made work really uncomfortable.”
The heat was apparent just walking through the front door. As the old saying goes, neither rain, nor sleet, nor loss of air, keeps them from their appointed duties.
Postmaster Ilene Vaught, said that the repair men reported the problem was simply an internal switch.
Cam-Mo ambulance adopts
‘abuse of service ordinance’
The Cam-Mo Ambulance District’s board of directors approved the adoption of an ‘abuse of service ordinance’ at their Tuesday, Aug. 12 meeting.
The ordinance covers those individuals or households that call the district three or more times in a 30-day period resulting in their calls being not medically necessary and in which Cam-Mo does not transport. If it is determined these calls fall into abuse of service, they will be charged $75 per call.
In other business, the district reported receiving 114 calls during the month of July.
Radlund Construction reports the remodel is almost finished. Only minor work remains in front office.
District personnel were present at the Laurie Hillbilly Barbeque Cookoff but experienced no patient contact.
Cam-Mo Ambulance will be on duty during the Lake of the Ozarks Shootout this weekend.
In a district audit done Wednesday, July 16 by the Bureau of Narcotic and Dangerous Drugs (BNDD), the district was found to be in non-compliance based on their second truck being housed at the 5-58 station. According to BNDD, the district should have a separate license for the 5-58 narcotics.
District attorney and representatives will attend a follow up meeting with BNDD Thursday, Sept. 4 to resolve the issue.
The board approved the property tax rate to be set at 00. The reason Cam-Mo is listed on the property tax statements with no charge to taxpayers is for the purpose of helping the county with sales tax revenues when licensing a vehicle.
The board approved a donation to the Lake of the Ozarks West Chamber of Commerce in the amount of $50 to sponsor a handicap cart at the upcoming Hillbilly Fair.
Operations Manager Joyce Arnold submitted her resignation and recommended Mark Gilbert as her replacement.
The board approved appointing Gilbert to fulfill Arnolds term.
Certified public accountants, Bednara, Vanderveld and Company, P.C. provided a statement of net assets for the district as of June 30, 3008.
The district’s total net assets were $647,833.47.
The district’s total cash receipts July 2007 to June 2008 were $1,312,348.13.
Gayle Webb, office manager, reported the district has renewed their corporation annual report with the secretary of state’s office at a cost of $10.
The district received sales tax statements for the month of July and they are down $29,264.78 compared to last year’s total.
A district audit is planned for Oct. 21, with Graves and Associates.
The next meeting of the Cam-Mo Ambulance Board of Directors is scheduled for 11 a.m., Tuesday, Sept. 9 at the district headquarters in Laurie.
Versailles Rural Fire Report
The Versailles Rural Fire Department responded to the following calls from Wednesday, Aug. 13 to Sunday, Aug. 17.
On Wednesday, Aug. 13, 14 personnel and three apparatus dispatched to Excelsior and Hopewell Road for a report of a motor vehicle accident. Mid-Mo EMS were on the scene with patient care. No extrication was required and fire personnel had no patient contact. All trucks were cancelled.
On Friday, Aug. 15, four personnel and one apparatus dispatched to Highway 5 for a report of a motor vehicle collision. The call was cancelled en route.
On Sunday, Aug. 17, one personnel responded to Sun Rise Lane for medical assistance. Mid-Mo EMS were on the scene with patient care. Fire personnel assisted with loading the patient for transport and cleared the scene.
Lake Shootout this weekend
The 20th Anniversary Lake of the Ozarks Shootout is this weekend.
The annual event will be at Captain Ron’s Bar and Grill located at the 34.5 mile marker on water or by land at Lake Road 5-50 in Sunrise Beach.
Pre-race events start Thursday, Aug. 21 and include the PWC Dam Run.
On Friday, Aug. 22, the 4th Annual Lake Ozark Shootout Poker Run starts at Coconuts Caribbean Beach Bar and Grill.
On Saturday, Aug. 23 the main event is the Shootout races at Captain Ron’s Bar and Grill.
On Sunday, Aug, 24, a boat show, open to the public, will be at Captain Ron’s and the final classes of boats will race. An awards ceremony will follow the races.
The Shootout will bring the top racers and offshore racing power boats in the world. It is the largest unsanctioned boat race in the United States and has been listed by Powerboat Magazine as one of best eight boating events to see.
With speeds reaching 209 mph on a one-mile drag, boats come from across the United States, Canada and Peru for the honor of top gun.
Kent Morris of Pirates Point and John Crabtree are in charge of the race course. They are working with the fire districts in setting up and patrolling the course. The safety team has everything lined out on the grounds.
“I want this to be a very safe event because it has been safe in the past and, with moving to a new location, there are a lot of question marks. I want a very organized, well run, safe event.” said Ron Duggan, owner of Captain Ron’s.
The Shootout has historically provided the water rescue teams with much-needed rescue equipment to be used on the Lake of the Ozarks.
The Shootout expects approximately 45,000 people with six to 10,000 of those by land at Captain Ron’s Bar and Grill.
“There is a tremendous amount of planning and work that goes into an event of this size.” Duggan said.
“This event is expected to have a tremendous economic impact on the entire lake community. Hotels, restaurants, gas stations, tourist attractions and more, on both sides of the lake, will be affected. Conservative estimates of the generated revenue are a minimum of $250,000. We are thrilled to host this event and are looking forward to seeing how everything goes and keeping it safe.” Duggan added.
Lake West Chamber supports nuclear plant
The Lake of the Ozarks West Chamber of Commerce board voted to draft a letter of approval to AmerenUE Thursday, Aug. 14 in support of the concept of a second nuclear power plant in Missouri.
AmerenUE representatives attended the board meeting to solicit the letter endorsing their Callaway 2 U.S. EPR Advanced-Design Reactor nuclear power plant.
Callaway 2 is proposed to be located in Callaway County, 25 miles northeast of Jefferson City. The estimated cost is in the billions of dollars.
The plant could power over one million households at 1,600 megawatts.
Chamber members agreed with the AmerenUE representatives, that, with the rising energy needs in the area, nuclear power seemed to be the most cost efficient and environmentally friendly choice available.
It is highly unlikely AmerenUE will attempt to build a plant without the passage of the Energy Independence and Carbon Reduction Act which would allow them to raise customer rates gradually to recover building costs rather than implementing one large rate increase at the end of construction.
In other business, Mike Kenagy, chamber director, said he was working on the October media educational series and said he has sent out invitations initially to chamber members. There is limited space and the chamber will open it to non-members next.
Kenagy said the chamber’s Shootout duties have increased from organizing the volunteers and lodging to running the information booth and beer tent.
Chamber member Dale Rosenthal spoke about the Lake West Glow Fest night golf outing scheduled at 6 p.m., Friday, Sept. 12 at Rolling Hills Country Club in Versailles. Sponsorships are $50 and $40 per player. Dinner, golf, a glowing ball and golf cart, are included in the price.
Golf will begin at 6 p.m., with dinner at 7:30 p.m. and a second round at 9 p.m.
Rosenthal said they want it to be a fun event. Guys will be required to put on a dress at par three for a picture. They have not decided what the girls will be required to do.
There will be payouts for the top three teams and the winner of last place will receive a copy of the book “Golf for Dummies.”
The Versailles Chamber of Commerce has been invited to join in the outing.
Kenagy said he enjoyed the graduate students from the University of Missouri’s International Comparative Rural Policy Studies Summer Institute (ICRPS). The students visited the west side in July.
The fifth annual ICRPS was designed for graduate students to visit rural Missouri and be given a list of the most pressing problems to analyze and report back with suggested solutions.
According to Kenagy, the students’ case study revealed the areas greatest needs included more community collaboration among both sides of the lake, rural broadband for tech-saavy companies in order to stir economic growth, and planning and zoning issues.
The next meeting of the chamber is scheduled at 7:30 a.m., Thursday, Sept. 11 at the chamber office in Sunrise Beach.
For more information call the chamber at 573-374-5500.
Mid-Mo chooses insurance plan
at lower cost than renewal
by Becky Holloway
Mid-Mo Ambulance District employees will continue to enjoy the same benefits provided in health insurance after underwriting through a proposed carrier came in at a better rate than anticipated.
Ronnie Staggs of Wallstreet Insurance, Jefferson City, presented final rates on plans underwritten by Mercy during the Mid-Mo board’s regular meeting Wednesday, Aug. 13 at the district office in Tipton. The quotes made the package competitive with the current carrier, Anthem Blue Cross Blue Shield.
The renewal rate through Anthem was quoted at $9,377.04, while Mercy’s plan, with no coinsurance in network and no deductible, came in at $8,159.54 a month.
The board voted to make the change in health insurance providers, and also selected a $25,000 per employee life insurance plan with accidental death and dismemberment policy through Hartford at a cost of $100 a month for a savings of $53.60 a month.
Bids will be sought to build a five-bay garage at the new Versailles base location with a public notice included in this week’s issue of area newspapers. Specifications for the structure are available at the district office in Tipton. Bids must be returned by 5 p.m. on Tuesday, Sept. 9 and will be opened at the regular meeting on Wednesday, Sept. 10.
Administrator Lee Kempf said the concrete slab for the Ivy Bend quick response station was poured Wednesday and he and board chairman Earl Reuter would check it again later in the week.
Director Dan Brand reported on progress to have signs erected at all the district properties. Quotes should be ready to present at the next meeting.
Kempf reported on continued problems with Unit 6, a Ford 6-liter chassis. He said the vehicle has 108,000 miles and in two years the district has spent $18,000 in repairs on the ambulance. Of that $10,000 was spent since November. He said he has talked with a salesman who will put together a couple proposals, including a possible $15,000 trade-in allowance.
The board set the district’s public hearing and special meeting to set the 2008 tax levy for 5 p.m. Wednesday, Aug. 27 at the district office. The hour-long hearing will be followed by the short special meeting. The district’s current property tax rate is 10 cents per $100 assessed valuation and plans call for dropping the levy to 5 cents this year. The reduction is the result of a voter approved sales tax that the board promised would replace the property tax if approved several years ago.
The board reviewed accounts written off by the business office in the amount of $1,297.99. Uncollectible accounts in the amount of $23,931.78 were also presented and approval given to write off.
Statistics on runs during July were presented, in addition to stats by zone for the last four months. The city of Versailles had the highest volume with 231 calls, followed by California with 174 calls. The South Stover/Ivy Bend area had 69 calls over those four months, and Tipton had 64 calls. Jamestown had 10.
It was noted that with California being closer to hospitals in Jefferson City it is likely that more people use private vehicle for transport than those living in the Versailles area.
During July, there were 42 calls with 31 transports from the Tipton base, 65 calls and 46 transports by California-based ambulances, and 155 calls with 101 transports by Versailles-based crews. Total calls districtwide were 262 with 178 transports for a transport rate of 67.9 percent.
RMFPD Board discusses Atlantis
training exercise and Jolly Rogers fire
Wednesday, Aug. 13, the Rocky Mount Fire Protection District Board discussed the recent training exercise held at Atlantis Island and the Jolly Rogers fire. Fire Chief Larry Paynter said it took approximately eight minutes to get the first units on Atlantis Island. It took approximately 45 minutes to get all of the mutual aid vehicles to the island. The fire boat arrived in just a few minutes. Paynter said the volunteers had water flowing and started fire suppression in less than 15 minutes after receiving the original call.
Bills and financial statement
The board approved paying monthly bills totaling $27,476.36 for July. The board also approved transferring $37,000 to checking to pay bills and payroll.
Board members then reviewed the monthly financial statement and were concerned that seven out of 22 line items of capital improvements were shown as being over budgeted.
After reviewing the items, it was discovered that capital improvements line items and building/grounds line items may not be correct.
Board Chairman Cindy Wilson will meet with the accountant to get a clarification.
The board approved tabling approval of the July financial statement until the September meeting.
Chief's Report
Paynter said the district received 25 calls in July. There were 11 incident calls and 14 EMS calls.
The owners of Jolly Roger sent a letter to the fire department thanking them for their efforts and for saving their house.
Paynter said Regions Bank wanted the fire department to do an electronic transfer to pay bills. The board tabled the request since the bill has been paid for this year.
Paynter said the board was unable to hold a tax hearing at this meeting because documentation had not yet been received from the state.
Board members asked if the tax hearing will have to be advertised again per regulations.
Paynter said he had talked to authorities and they said since it was the State of Missouri's fault the documentation did not arrive in time to hold the meeting, the board will not have to advertise the date of the tax hearing. Paynter did not have a date set for the tax hearing.
The hydrant at the tank farm has been set. Connections to the hydrant still have to be completed.
Paynter said he has received an estimate of $436.35 to repair the doors at Station 2 that are rusting. The repairs will include bleach and power washing all doors, repairing the door with rust converter and bondo, and painting the doors with Benjamin Moore brilliant white paint.
The repair will last for approximately four to five years. At the that time the fire department could look into getting new doors for Station 2.
The board approved the payment.
Paynter then said there was a drainage problem at Station 4 and provided the board with an estimate on providing a barrier to help with drainage. The board asked for two to three additional estimates on correcting the drainage problem.
Fire Marshal's Report
Fire Marshal Gene Robertson issue five residential permits, two electrical permits and six dock permits for July. Robertson inspected 10 commercial buildings in July. He told the board another 48 inspections were completed during June including business, dock, electric service, drywall, rough electric, framing/fire blocking, slab on grade, final occupancy, foundation wall and retaining wall.
One fire investigation was done at the Jolly Rogers Grub and Grog. Robertson and the State Fire Marshal found the fire to be accidental.
The board discussed a request for a variance from a local contractor. The variance requested is from the fire code regarding smoke detectors in a residence on new construction.
The smoke detectors meet the requirements for being hard wired with a battery back-up, but the detectors are not looped together to be wired in a series. After discussion the board instructed Robertson to request that the contractor correct the problem.
If the contractor believes the correction may become excessive, the homeowner would have to appeal to the board in writing for the variance for the board to consider the request.
Robertson told the board he has an outstanding permit on a commercial building on Coffman Beach Road. A letter was sent to the contractor to have the wiring in the building placed in a conduit.
The contractor had spoken to Robertson and Wilson concerning the issue and has so far failed to act on the request. The board approved sending the contractor a registered, return-receipt letter giving him 30 days to correct the issue or his meter will be pulled.
Robertson reported the lake area fire marshals met at Mid-County Fire District and discussed dock inspections, hood suppression system requirements and fire alarms on sprinkler systems. The next fire marshals meeting will be Aug. 26 at the Camdenton Fire Department.
AmerenUE has provided fire districts with card stock violation notices. The notices are to be used by fire districts to advise dock owners of non-compliance issues or electrical safety hazards. Ameren has left an area on the notices for the district to fill out and attach the notices to the docks.
Robertson said he will be a volunteer at the Sunrise Beach Lake Rescue Shootout and will assist n occupancy and egress.
Robertson then reported he recently issued a temporary occupancy permit so the owners could begin moving furniture into their house. He told the owners they could not officially move in and spend the night until they had been issue the final occupancy permit. He then discovered the owners had moved in.
Robertson said district ordinances allowed him to fine the owners up to $100, He fined the owners and they have since paid the fine.
Robertson discussed the elevator recall problem at Atlantis Island. The elevator company has been contacted to correct the problem. Robertson said he has been in contact with the state fire marshal and at this time there is no indication when the corrections will be made.
Old Business
Paynter said the district will not get the funding for the storm warning system until January 2009. Recent flooding have caused the date to be moved forward, but the district is at the top of the list for 2009.
Discussion was then held on check signatures. At this time both the accountant and the treasurer are to sign all checks. A stamp has been created for the treasurer and the accountant to stamp both signatures on checks, if needed.
The accountant and the board agreed at the end of each meeting, the treasurer will sign the list of bills to be paid with a notation of the amount of money to be transferred into the checking account for bill payments. The board has given the accountant authorization to pay bills with a written signature.
Paynter gave the board the written chain of command he created.
Board member Chris Wilkerson said recently he went by Atlantis Island and witnessed the residents coming onto the fire boat dock waiting for people to pick them up, while the ferry is in use. After discussion, the board decided Paynter will install a chain on the entrance of the boat dock with a sign saying it is for firefighters use only. The sign will say that trespassers may be subject to arrest and/or fines.
Wilson said she submitted the Missouri Ethics Commission personnel financial disclosure statement online, July 25. She also submitted the renewal for North Shore Fire Corporation. Wilson said she submitted to MO LAGERS their form and a copy of the July minutes.
Wilkerson gave board members rough drafts of the survey that will be given to firefighters and requested they review the survey. Any revisions should be sent to Wilkerson within the next two weeks. Wilkerson will bring the final draft to the September meeting.
Raggedy Ann storytime Aug. 20
The Morgan County Library will be hosting a Raggedy Ann and Andy storytime at 10 a.m. Wednesday, Aug. 20 at the library (600 N. Hunter) in Versailles.
Pat Opie will be reading books about Raggedy Ann and Andy for the storytime. Participants can bring their own Raggedy Ann and Andy dolls and will learn about Ann’s candy heart.
For more information, contact the Morgan County Library at 573-378-5319.
Girl Scout registration Aug. 21 at pool
The Girl Scouts will be having a registration night at the Versailles City Pool from 6:30 to 8:30 p.m., Thursday, Aug. 21. Any registered Morgan County Girl Scout may attend.
Members should bring girls who would be interested in signing up and their parents or guardians who must sign registration documents.
Non-registered Girl Scouts, or those not signing up that evening, will not be allowed to attend.
For more information, call Rachel Osman at 573-378-5552.
Music in the Park Aug. 21 at Versailles
Music in the Park, presented by the City of Versailles, is scheduled for 6:30 p.m. to 10 p.m., Thursday, Aug. 21 at the Versailles City Park on Highway 52 in Versailles.
Tom Durham & Friends and Phat Mike are scheduled to perform at this free concert.
Food and drink will be available and concert attendees are encouraged to bring their own lawn chairs.
Blood drive Aug. 22 at Versailles Wal-Mart
Community Blood Center will be conducting a blood drive Friday, Aug. 22 at the Versailles Wal-Mart in the Blood Vessel vehicle.
Individuals in the Versailles area can help meet local needs by donating blood noon to 4 p.m.
To make an appointment on line, go to www.esavealifenow.org and use Sponsor Code versailleswalm.
For more information, contact Lorrie Andrews at 573-378-4668.
Sing, auction to benefit Palmer
heduled Saturday, Aug. 23, at Family Worship Center, 701 S. Second St., in Versailles.
The event will raise money for Emma Palmer, a four-year-old with cancer.
Special singing groups begin at 6 p.m.
Cake and pie will be auctioned, along with meals from local restaurants in the Jefferson City and lake area, plus other items.
For more information, contact Brenda at 573-378-5777 or 573-353-1587, or Darlene at 573-378-4484.
County tax sale begins Aug. 25
The Morgan County Collector of Revenue, Kathy Francis, will be offering for sale land and lots for delinquent taxes at a tax sale beginning at 10 a.m. Monday, Aug. 25 on the north steps of the Morgan County Courthouse in Versailles.
The sale will continue until the complete list has been offered for sale.
CLICK HERE to see the list of property being offered for sale.
Meetings scheduled Aug. 25-28
The following meetings will take place next week:
•The Morgan County Health Center Board of Directors will meet at 4 p.m. Monday, Aug. 25 at the health center.
•The Good Shepherd Nursing Home District board of directors will meet at 6 p.m. Tuesday, Aug. 26 at the Good •Shepherd Care Center in Versailles.
•The Versailles Area Chamber of Commerce will hold their quarterly meeting and barbecue at 7 p.m. Thursday, Aug. 28 on the square in Versailles.
R-II school photographs to be taken Aug. 26
The Morgan County R-II Middle School and High School students will have their school pictures taken Tuesday, Aug. 26. All students will have their picture taken.
Picture information forms will be given to students the first day of school.
Students that plan to purchase a package of pictures must have their money with them on Tuesday.
Vegetable farm tour scheduled Aug. 26
A Central Missouri Fall Vegetable Farm Tour is scheduled Tuesday, Aug. 26 at the Central Missouri Produce Auction located on Highway E, 12 miles south of Highway 50 in Fortuna.
The event begins at 10:30 a.m. when people can gather and visit during the auction.
After a break for lunch, the event resumes with tour sponsors making a presentation at 12:15 p.m. The tour itself is scheduled to begin 12:30 p.m.
After spending approximately one hour touring each farm the tour is scheduled to end at 3:30 p.m.
From there, attendees can go to Morgan County Seeds for a tour of the new facility.
Tour features include field grown vegetables, how farmers adapt to a wet May and June, vegetables grown on terraces, an 8,000 square-foot potato patch and fall greenhouse tomatoes.
For more information contact James Quinn at 573-634-2824 or e-mail at QuinnJa@missouri.edu. No RSVP is required, but calling ahead of time is recommended.
Chamber’s Aug. 28 quarterly meeting
is to include food and entertainment
The quarterly meeting for the Versailles Area Chamber of Commerce is 7 p.m. Thursday, Aug. 28 on the west side of the square. This year, the meeting will be an outdoor gathering with food and entertainment.
Vendors will sell props and novelties that can be used for apple festival floats.
Guest speakers will be present to entertain those who attend.
There will be barbecue and ice cream available.
The chamber will conduct a membership drive.
The chamber is billing this as an old fashioned town gathering on the square with a Mardi Gras mask contest and music to fit the theme of this year’s apple festival.
Craft, bake sale Aug. 29
West Lake Christian Church is hosting their annual craft and bake sale from 8 a.m. to 4 p.m., Friday, Aug. 29 and 8 a.m. to 1 p.m., Saturday, Aug. 30 at the church on O Road in Laurie.
Baked goods, unusual gift items, floral arrangements and seasonal crafts will be sold. A quilt raffle will also take place.
For more information, call West Lake Christian Church at 573-374-0647.
Offices closed Labor Day
The following offices will be closed Labor Day, Monday, Sept. 1:
Morgan County Library, Morgan County Health Center, Burrell Behavioral Health Services, Morgan County Courthouse, Circuit Court, Morgan County Associate Circuit Court, Morgan County Division of Family and Senior Services, Morgan County R-II Schools, Morgan County License Bureau, Versailles City Hall, Laurie City Hall, Versailles Post Office, Sunrise Beach City Hall, Morgan County Farm Service Agency, West Central Missouri Community Action Agency, Division of Employment Security and the offices of The Versailles Leader-Statesman.
Early Guide, Beacon deadlines
Because of the Labor Day holiday, Monday, Sept. 1, there will be early deadlines for both the Highway Five Beacon and The Guide classifieds.
The deadline for Highway Five Beacon news, copy and advertisement for the Wednesday, Sept. 3 issue is 5 p.m., Thursday, Sept. 28.
The deadline for submissions to The Guide classified is noon, Friday, Sept. 29.
The Versailles Leader-Statesman office will be closed LaborDay, Monday, Sept. 1.
Westside fish fry Sept. 5 in Laurie
The Westside Senior Center will host a fundraiser fish fry 5 to 7 p.m., Friday, Sept. 5, at 1501 Highway O, in Laurie.
The menu will include fried fish, baked beans, potato salad, macaroni and cheese and cole slaw.
The cost is $7 for adults, $4 for children age 5-12, and under 5 is free.
25-mile garage sale to be Sept. 6
The Lake West Chamber is sponsoring their sixth annual 25 Mile Garage Sale along the Highway 5 corridor, from Gravois Mills to Greenview, from 8 a.m. to 4 p.m., Saturday, Sept. 6.
Vendor spaces are available for a $10 donation which offsets advertising costs.
Call 573-374-5500 to reserve a spot.
Participants should bring tables, chairs and items to sell.
Westlake Street Machine car show
and swap meet in Laurie Sept. 6-7
The Fourth Annual Westlake Street Machine Fall Follies 2008 Car Show and Swap Meet is scheduled Saturday, Sept. 6 and Sunday, Sept. 7 at the Laurie Fairgrounds.
The show is sponsored by the Laurie/Sunrise Beach Rotary Club. The gates open at 8 a.m.
The car show is open to all cars, trucks, race boats and motorcycles.
“The fall follies are not like any other car show. Usually you get your car set up and sit down. This show has all kinds of fun things to do. There will be parts dealers, duck races, an engine blow, food vendors, a children’s playground and a beer garden and more,” said event organizer Mike Faulconer.
A concert by former Ozark Mountain Daredevil Buddy Brayfield and Friends will be held in the beer gardens and is free to the public. The concert starts at 6 p.m., Saturday, Sept 6.
Admission to the car show is a $5 donation. The proceeds from the event will benefit the Westlake Aquatic Center. All fees and donations are tax deductible. The Aquatic center will be open during the show for tours.
This is a judged car show with winners receiving door prizes, plaques, trophies and a $200 club participation award.
Preregistration before Sept. 1 is $25. After Sept. 1 it is $30. The charge for swap meet vendors is $20. Registration is available on line at www.laurie-sunrisebeachrotary.org or contact Mike Faulconer at 573-374-9500.
According to Faulconer, registration is up and they are expecting over 200 cars this year.
Sept. 20 break-a-thon to raise
money for children’s hospital
Missouri International Tae-Kwon-Do will host a “break-a-thon” to raise donations for St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital from 10 a.m. to 1 p.m. Saturday, Sept. 20 at 115 W. Jasper St. in Versailles.
Participation in the martial arts program helps raise funds to support St. Jude, which treats patients regardless of a family’s ability to pay. St. Jude is the only pediatric research center where families never pay for treatments that are not covered by insurance.
Paul Martin, a senior instructor at Missouri International Tae-Kwon-Do, and his students are seeking sponsors from the community and businesses to help.
Sponsors pledge to donate an amount of money for each board broken by individual students or may cover the entire student body. Donations are accepted at the door.
