Kim Gardner

Circuit Attorney’s Office fails to meet multiple deadlines for document request

JEFFERSON CITY, MO (March 2, 2023) Today, Auditor Scott Fitzpatrick issued a subpoena to Kim Gardner and the St. Louis Circuit Attorney’s Office as part of his ongoing audit of the city of St. Louis.

Subpoenaed documents include bank statements, credit card statements, policy guidelines, and other expenditure information. This information was originally requested on January 23, 2023, with a deadline of February 14, 2023.

“We’ve tried to work with the Circuit Attorney’s Office but my patience has run out,” Auditor Fitzpatrick said. “Serious questions have been raised about the performance of Kim Gardner’s office, and the fact that she refuses to

MO Land ... Continued from pg. 1

stitution was “beyond the scope of our policy.”

“work-in-progress.” produce basic financial documents for review is extremely concerning. The people of St. Louis, through their Board of Aldermen, have requested this audit, so when Ms. Gardner continues to evade her responsibility to produce critical documents as requested, she isn’t just refusing to cooperate with the State Auditor’s office, she’s also refusing to cooperate with her own constituents.”

As a result of a request by the St. Louis Board of Aldermen, the State Auditor’s Office has been auditing the city of St. Louis for over four years. The State Auditor’s Office has released over 20 audit reports relating to this request, and anticipates finishing the audit this year.

The last state audit of the city was completed in 2010, and included 26 audit reports.

Brattin said that when a foreign entity purchases agricultural land in Missouri, they currently are prohibited from using the land for agricultural purposes.

Arnzen said the land is often used for research purposes and other activities.

SJR 41

SJR 41, sponsored by Sen. Caleb Rowden, R-Columbia, would create the Joint Committee on State Security.

This committee would “determine which persons and entities shall be prohibited from acquiring title to real property,” as well as “which social networking services shall be prohibited from being used on devices owned and operated by the State of Missouri,” according to the bill summary.

Rowden said the bill already outlines some countries that would be on a “blacklist” that would not be allowed to own Missouri land in any capacity.

Rowden said these countries would include:

• China

• Iran

• North Korea

• Russia

• Syria

• Cuba

Rowden said this list could be flexible and adjusted in the future based on the “changing global landscape.”

Emily LeRoy, senior policy advisor at the Missouri Farm Bureau, testified in support of the bill.

LeRoy said the Missouri Farm Bureau supports prohibiting foreign entities from owning agricultural land. She said she did not testify in support of Black’s bill because having that amendment in the con-

She said that definitions and exceptions in Black’s proposed constitutional amendment would need to be clear.

“We support prohibition, we support reducing the cap,” LeRoy said. “That being said, the constitutional proposition was just a little too far for our comfort level right now.”

SB 334

Sen. Denny Hoskins, R-Warrensburg, sponsors SB 334, which would prohibit foreign businesses from acquiring real estate in Missouri beginning Aug. 28.

According to the bill summary, people who acquire land before Aug. 28 would be allowed to keep it but would not be allowed to sell to a foreign entity.

The bill would also require that if foreign businesses propose a transfer of agricultural land in Missouri, the Department of Agriculture would be responsible for determining whether the transaction would be allowed under the act.

Brattin said it is important to develop policies that protect military bases and intelligence in this way.

Sen. Tracy McCreery, D-Olivette, said she was concerned for farmers and the bill’s potential to impact other parts of trade.

“I’m just worried about unintended consequences, quite honestly,” McCreery said.

McCreery said that this bill would be “putting a lot on the Department of Agriculture.”

LeRoy testified in support of the bill and said that national security is essential.

Arnzen opposed the bill. He also said he did not oppose SJR 41 because it was more targeted.

SB 332

Brattin sponsored a bill that would prevent any foreign business or entity from acquiring agricultural land in Missouri beginning Aug. 28.

Lincoln Township of Putnam County, Missouri is accepting bids for the following: 1-1/2” road rock. Submitted bids will also need to include all fees for hauling. Winning bidder agrees to have rock applied to the roads by September 30, 2023. All bids will be opened on March 20th, 2023 at 6:10 p.m. Please mail bids to board member Rick Stottlemyre or Lisa Shahan marked 2023 ROCK BID. Bids may also be brought to the meeting the night of March 20th. Lincoln Township reserves the right to reject/refuse any and all bids.

Best

in Quality & Service Propane Cylinders Refilled

Jct. 136 & Hwy 5, Unionville, MO * Complete exhaust & brake repair * Brake lathe & spin balance for tires * Auto Repairs * Pipe Bending Machine * Hunting & Fishing Permits sold here 660-947-3117

GADBERRY AUTO

Collision Repair & Spray-in Bedliner 660-947-3661

Zach Gadberry owner 608 S. 8th St. Unionville, MO gauto@nemr.net

St. Patrick’S Day

FriDay March 17th, 2023

Door oPen at 5:30PM

Dinner @ 6:00PM

PianoS @7:30 PM at WhiPPoorWill acreS hoWl2go Dueling PianoS

Hoskins said one thing that makes his bill different from the other bills presented at the hearing is that it includes military bases. Foreign businesses would not be able to purchase or lease real estate within ten miles of certain military grounds or places of military manufacturing.

Hoskins said the language of his bill is still a

REAL Thank you David Noel for 47 years of service to the Public Water Supply District 1 of Putnam County 1976 ~ 2023

Featured Property

Reduced $99,900 122 N. 27th St

Unionville, MO

4 Bedroom, 1 1/2

Brattin said the bill would also prohibit foreign entities from getting into power generation, as well as other non-farming purposes.

“This is just a starting point, a framework of things that I personally saw as very sensitive areas that we need to address,” Brattin said.

LeRoy testified in support of the bill, while Arnzen opposed for the “same reasons” as his previous testimonies.

~~~

-- Dr. Seuss

Melvin Sheehan

passed away in September of 1981. Melvin married Elnora Howard on June 24, 1988.

sas City Chiefs and he loved his family. He was a kind and gentle person who always thought of others. He was a member of First Baptist Church in Unionville.

Melvin Sheehan, 82, of Unionville, Missouri, passed away at the Putnam County Memorial Hospital in Unionville on Monday, February 27, 2023, after a brief illness.

Melvin Lloyd Sheehan was born in rural Unionville on December 15, 1940, the son of George B. and Mary Ann (Harmon) Sheehan. He was raised in Unionville and graduated from Unionville High School in 1958. Melvin married Ruth Ann Smith on June 20, 1960, and two daughters were born to this union: Connie and Tammy. Ruth Ann

Melvin worked with Dwayne Butler construction before moving to work in Iowa for a brief period. He returned to Putnam County where he worked over 25 years with Unionville Granite where he did everything from setting to engraving monuments. He then worked for nearly 10 years for Premium Standard Farms, retiring at 65. Melvin was known for his well-kept yard and he was an avid gardener, raising flowers and vegetables. He liked to decorate for holidays and was known for his Halloween decorations and for giving candy and a quarter to all the kids. Melvin collected clocks and old bottles, many of which were unfortunately lost in a fire several years ago. His family loved his homemade bread and rolls. Melvin liked to watch the Kan-

Unionville Granite Works

Melvin is survived by his wife, Elnora; his daughter, Connie (Brad Hamm) Sheehan of Unionville; son-in-law Dennis Harlan; stepson Tim (Valarie) Montgomery of Unionville; stepdaughters Sandi (Richard) Davis of Unionville and Diana Hollon of Purdin, Missouri; and. Melvin’s grandchildren are Nikki (Jason) Hill, Richie (Kiefer) Sheehan, and Blair Scott. His great grandchildren are Caden Hill and Avery Scott. Melvin’s step grandchildren are Joshua Davis, Debbie Hollon, Brad Hollon, Jason Hollon, Steven Montgomery, Skylor Montgomery, Toni Weekly, and Cory Montgomery. Step great grandchildren are Marshall, Jordan, Wayden, Addison, Jackson, Nora June, Hunter, Artemis, Anastasia, Jarvis Leon, Evangeline, and Alec. Melvin is also survived by two brothers, Dennie (Barb) Sheehan of Unionville and Bill (Ruth) Sheehan of Altoona, Iowa; and a sister, Ruth (Glenn) Milner of Unionville, as well as several nieces and nephews.

Melvin was preceded in death by his parents, his wife Ruth Ann, his daughter, Tammy, a granddaughter, Codi Sheehan, a step grandson, David Davis, a brother, Garold Sheehan, and three sisters, Opal Butler, Shirley Myers, and Margaret Salisbury and a step son-in-law, Rob Hollon.

Funeral services for Melvin were at Playle and Collins Family Funeral Home in Unionville on Saturday, March 4, 2023, with visitation one hour prior to the service. Walter Griffen conducted the service with the recorded musical selection “The Old Rugged Cross.” Casket bearers were Richie Sheehan, Caden Hill, Steven Montgomery, Skylor Montgomery, Cory Montgomery, Brad Hollon, and Jason Hol- lon. Honorary casket bearers were Jason Hill, Tim Montgomery, Richard Davis, and Josh Davis. Interment was at the Unionville Cemetery.

Memorials may be made payable to the PC Café and Resource Center and entrusted with Playle and Collins Family Funeral Home, 709 S. 27th St., Unionville, MO 63565.

Hospice of Northeast Missouri To Hold Grief Support Group

Kirksville, Mo - Hospice of Northeast Missouri is offering a sixweek grief support group for anyone who has experienced the death of a loved one.

Topics include: understanding the grief process; personal loss history and its impact on the grief process; distinguishing between grief and mourning; dealing with insensitive people; grief’s impact on a family system; self-care and observing special occasions and the holidays.

Group facilitators are John Bambrick, chaplain and social worker, and Carrol Davenport, spiritual care and bereavement coordinator. Sessions will take place from 5:30-6:30 p.m., March 29, April 5, 12, 19, 26 and May 3, at 201 S. Baltimore Street in Kirksville, Missouri. There is no charge for the six-week support group, but advance registration is required. To register for the group, contact Carrol Davenport at 660-627-9711.

St. John East Cemetery Board Meeting

March 15, 2023 @ 11:00 am at Village Hall

Livonia, Missouri

Everyone Interested in the Cemetery is invited

March 2023 Clinic Schedule

- PCMH PharmacyOpen Monday - Friday 9:00 AM -5:30 PM

Like us on Facebook @”Putnam County Memorial Hospital”

Providing the Highest Quality and Craftsmanship that every Family Deserves

Open Monday through Thursday by Appointment, and Walk- ins on Friday from 9 am to 4 pm.

Call Mason at 660.947.2681 to schedule your appointment

Dr. Williams Dr. Casady Dr. Casady

Rural Health Clinic - 660-947-7373

1926 Oak St., Monday - Friday 8 am - Noon & 1 pm - 5 pm

Stephen Casady, DO Family Practice

Thomas Williams, DO Family Practice

Nathan Baughman, MSN, FNP-BC Family Practice

Debbie Wardlow, FNP-BC Family Practice

Casady Dr. Williams

Wardlow

McIntire

Specialty Clinic - 660-947-2425

Philip McIntire, DO - General Surgery

Tonia Nerini, NP-C - Rheumatolog

Erin Maclin, Psy.D. - Psychology

Lary Ciesmier, DO - Allergy, Asthma & Immunology

Dana Valencia, MD - Cardiology

Deborah Holte, D.P.M. - Foot Specialist & Podiatrist

Nathan Kenyon, MD - Pain Management

Dear Friend,

As Chairman of the House Transportation and Infrastructure Committee, one of my top priorities is ensuring our infrastructure dollars are being spent wisely and efficiently—and that Missourians are getting our fair share of infrastructure funding. In working towards that goal, it’s critical that the folks who are working on our infrastructure issues every day in Missouri have their voices heard in Congress.

I had the opportunity to stop by the Missouri Department of Transportation’s Statewide Planning Partners meeting to discuss ways local, state, and federal officials can all work together to advance Missouri’s transportation priorities.

I’ve always believed local communities make better decisions about how to invest our infrastructure dollars than bureaucrats who live 1,000 miles away. We know what bridge needs fixing, what road needs repaving, or what intersection needs to be redone because we travel it every day.

Governor Parson also took some time to discuss a few of the major infrastructure investments we’re looking at in the state—including efforts to improve I-70.

The Governor has been an excellent partner in improving our infrastructure. He’s made sure that when we secure federal funding for big projects like the I-70 Rocheport Bridge, we’re then using the state dol- lars freed up by those grants to invest in our rural roads and bridges. From the $100 million the Governor put towards our lettered routes to the FARM Bridge program that I helped secure to repair aging rural bridges in North Missouri, we’re getting some real work accomplished. Ultimately, it’s a win-win for Missourians from every walk of life and it’s work I look forward to building on.

Our infrastructure isn’t limited to our roads. Our rivers are also critical infrastructure for Missouri and our Nation. I stopped by the annual Missouri River Navigators’ meeting to discuss some of the challenges we’ve been facing in getting barges up and down the river, along with some of the progress we’ve made in prioritizing navigation and flood control.

I’ve been particularly proud of our successful efforts to limit the supersized ecological science experiments on the Missouri River, invest in maintaining navigational structures, and secure a Marine Highway designation and additional funding for the Port of Brunswick on the Missouri River.

Missouri is blessed to have so many folks who care deeply about our various modes of transportation. They recognize that it affects everybody’s life in ways big and small. It was an honor to discuss these critical infrastructure issues with them and I’ll continue to utilize their perspectives in my role on the Transportation Committee.

Sincerely,

Sam Graves

by Gilworth, second by Hendee. 7-0

2023-2024 Calendar (no action) - Discussed the options for the calendar.

Accept Resignations

Motion by Rouse, second by Busker to approve resignations for Luz Orozco (Para), Amanda Hamilton (First grade), and Jamie Lewis (Para). 7-0

EXECUTIVE SESSION

Motion by Hendee, second by Gilworth, the board voted to go into closed session including any record or vote as it relates to the following, as provided in section 610.021.RSMO.

A. Evaluation, hiring, firing, disciplining or promoting of employees (610.021.3).

B. Personally identifiable student information (610.021.6)

Yes-Ream, YesRouse, Yes-Hendee, Yes-Busker, Yes-Gilworth, Yes-Vestal, YesSpring. 7-0

OPEN SESSION

Motion by Gilworth, second by Busker, the board voted to return to open session. Yes-Ream, Yes-Rouse, Yes-Hendee, Yes-Busker, Yes-Gilworth, Yes-Vestal, YesSpring. 7-0

NEW HIRES

Motion by Busker, second by Vestal teaching contracts were offered to Shaleigh Lewis, Heather Newman, and Kolby Lawson. Elementary Guidance Counselor was offered to Mandy Tipton. 7-0

Motion by Vestal, second by Rouse a teaching contract was offered to Cady Gilworth. 6-0-1 (Gilworth abstained)

Motion by Rouse, second by Busker to hire Delhi Rowland and Nancy Briggs for substitutes. 7-0

CONTRACT EXTENSIONS

Motion by Rouse, second by Kelly to extend contracts for Tiffani Klinginsmith and Monica Casady through the 2024-25 school year, and Donna Altiser and Russ Doty through the 202324 school year. 7-0

ADJOURNMENT

Motion by Gilworth, second by Vestal to adjourn at 8:33 p.m. 7-0

Outlaw Fishing Boats

Outlaw Fishing boats is expanding! We are a boat restoration and repair center. We are seeking a working service manager Must know small block chevy engines, and boat experience is a plus. We repair outboard motors, inboard engines, all types of repair on boats. Must be friendly. This shop is a NO DRAMA zone. Some work at area lakes is required so must have a valid drivers license. Call: 660-988-5200

PUTNAM COUNTY E-911 BID NOTICE

Putnam County E-911 is accepting sealed bids regarding grass mowing, (approx. 1 acre), at the Martinstown E-911 Tower Site. This bid will be in the form of cost per mow. No raking or trimming is required. Preliminary mowing schedule is: once in April, 2 times in May, June, and July. Once in August and September. Addition mowing must be approved by Coordinator Matthew Ruggles. Bids will be opened & awarded at the March 15, 2023, E-911 Board Meeting @ 5:15 P.M. to be held in the Old Soldiers Room of the P.C. Courthouse. All bids must be turned in by March 15, 2023 @ 5:00 P.M. Bids should be sent to: Putnam County E-911, Courthouse Rm. 0103, 1601 Main Street, Unionville, MO 63565. For more information call Matt Ruggles @ (660) 947-4202. P.C. E-911 reserves the right to refuse any and all bids.

Danny Busick, 3rd District

State Representative

201 West Capitol Ave Room

Jefferson City MO 65101-6806

Capitol Office: 573-751-3647

E-mail: Danny.busick1@house.mo.gov