Missouri’s parks get ready for winter, but does not mean that the gates are closed and the facilities are all buttoned up for cold weather. Some facilities are shut down; showers, for instance, and some lodges are not open during the winter months, but that doesn’t mean the parks are shut and no services are available. State Parks Diretor Doug Eiken says almost all state parks are open year-round although some times for the Visitors Centers are limited. Camping facilities are usually open. In fact, he says some of his employees in the past have had to shovel snow out of some roads to get to campers.Eiken says scout groups get a lot of use out of the state parks in the winter, often with programs that earn merit badges. Winter can prove to be a recovery time for some areas that are heavily used in the summer. Parks crews seal off some campgrounds, limiting winter use to areas in better conditions. Winter also gives parks crews time to do maintenance work on buildings; roof and window repairs, and other repairs.
House Republicans Encouraged by Election Results
House Republicans took considerable heat last legislative session for their proposal to drastically cut the state’s Medicaid rolls. The harsh criticism didn’t hurt them on election day. No one took more criticism than Representative Carl Bearden (R-St. Charles); who, as Budget Committee Chairman, proposed the cuts. Bearden takes satisfaction in the fact that Republican ranks in the House grew from 90 to 97 this election year. Bearden, slated to become Speaker Pro Tem, says he’s willing to listen to other proposals, yet he insists Medicaid must be cut. House Speaker-elect, Rod Jetton (R-Marble Hill), points out even Governor Holden’s staff saw the need to scale back the program. Jetton says Democrats used the Medicaid proposal against Republicans in the election and failed in the effort.
School Lawsuit Hearing Today
More than 250 school districts challenging the way the state provides funds for schools has countered Attorney General Jay Nixon’s request that their lawsuit be delayed until the legislature has a shot at fixing the system.The school districts say they’ll agree to Nixon’s request if a judge first declares the present system unconstitutional. The districts also want a judge in Jefferson City to order the legislature to fix the problem immediately. Nixon charges the school districts want a ruling without evidence being presented. A hearing is scheduled for this afternoon in the Cole County Courthouse before Circuit Judge Richard Callahan.
Rams Fall In Buffalo
The Rams dropped a 37-17 decision to the Bills in Buffalo Sunday afternoon and fell out of a tie for first in the NFC West. St. Louis jumped out to a 10-0 lead in the first quarter and seemed poised to run away with the game, but the Bills responded with touchdown -drives of 71 and 51 yards to take the lead. Both drives were capped with touchdown passes to Mark Campbell, who caught three scores from Drew Bledsoe Sunday. The Rams responded with a 71-yard scoring drive—Marc Bulger hit Torry Holt on an 11-yard strike and the Rams gained a 17-14 advantage. The Bills were able to get a 21-yard field goal from Rian Lindell before the end of the half to tie it up at 17. In the third quarter, the Bills took over, thanks in large part to the Rams poor special teams play. After going three-and-out in their first possession of the second half, Jonathon Smith returned Sean Landetta’s punt 53 yards to the St. Louis five yard line to set up a five yard pass from Bledsoe to Campbell. Later in the quarter, Nate Clements raced 86 yards into the end zone on a punt return to help give the Bills a 31-17 advantage. On the ensuing kickoff, Eric Flowers muffed the return and Buffalo recovered on the St. Louis 31 yard line and eventually made good on a field goal. They booted another field goal before the end of the third and no one scored the rest of the way. The loss, mixed with Seattle’s 24-17 win over the Dolphins knocked St. Louis out of first place in the division. Rams quarterback Marc Bulger passed for 287 yards and two touchdowns, but was picked off twice. The Rams had four turnovers and just 35 yards rushing in the loss.
Busch Wins Points Title, McMurray Finishes 11th
Greg Biffle was the winner in NASCAR’s season finale in Miami on Sunday, but the day belonged to Kurt Busch who finished fifth and won the points title. He squeaked out the cup by just eight points over Jimmie Johnson, who finished second in the points standings and second in Sunday’s race. Jeff Gordon was third in the cup race. Jamie McMurray of Joplin was seventh in yesterday’s race and finished 11th in points, though under last year’s system, he would have finished seventh in points. McMurray’s 23 top-ten finishes was second best in NASCAR this year—Johnson also had 23 and Gordon had 25. McMurray had nine top five finishes. St. Louis native Rusty Wallace was eighth yesterday and 16th in the points’ race. Carl Edwards of Columbia had just 13 starts this season, but finished 37th overall with five top-ten finishes and one top-five finish. Ken Schrader, who is a native of Fenton and is Edwards’ uncle, was 25th yesterday and finished 31st in the point standings. Ken Wallace and Mike Wallace, who are Rusty Wallace’s brothers were 25th and 33rd in yesterday’s race and 50th and 46th in the points.
