Trout fishermen gearing up for tomorrow morning’s opener at the state’s four trout parks need to be aware of some changes to the rules this year. Anglers will now be able to keep only four, instead of five, trout each day. The Conservation Department’s Mike Kruse says authorities have lowered the limit to bring it closer to what is actually stocked. Kruse hopes this will mean more people getting at least some fish to show for their efforts. The minimum length requirement for Brown Trout is at least 15 inches statewide, even longer in some locations. The opening siren for the official beginning of trout season is tomorrow morning at 6:30.
Former Teacher Sues Reeds Spring School District
February 28, 2005 By
The Reeds Spring School District is being sued by a former elementary school teacher who says she was fired when she took too much maternity leave. Ex-teacher Katherine Strickland wants lost wages and other damages. She accuses the disrict of violating the Family and Medical Leave Act, and of pregnancy discrimination. The lawyer for the school district says she was a probationary teacher to begin with and her contract was not renewed for other reasons.
SMS Name Change Bill Moves To House
February 28, 2005 By
The name-change bill should come before the House this week, as lawmakers expect another battle between supporters of Southwest Missouri State University and the University of Missouri. House Speaker Rod Jetton of Marble Hill vows to let the bill come before the body whether it has a chance to succeed or not. He says he understands the emotions behind the issue, though he doesn’t share them. The bill passed the Senate after a filibuster by MU supporters finally yielded for a vote. It comes to the House with supporters hoping to avoid the defeat they suffered last year. Jetton says no one can predict the outcome. A big difference this year: Governor Matt Blunt is actively campaigning for the name change, saying Southwest Missouri State has earned the right to be called Missouri State University.
Education Commissioner Pleased With Efforts To Solve Funding Problem
February 28, 2005 By
Missouri’s Education Commissioner is pleased with the progress being made at the Capitol to find a solution to the school funding formula problem. A concensus seems to be forming among the members of the Joint Legislative Committee on Education as they mull over a proposal that would set a new minimum spending level of about $6,300 per pupil. That would require an estimated $400-Million to $600-Million a year more than is called for under the current formula. Education Commissioner Kent King cautions this positive development does not mean the problem will be solved during this legislative session, but he’s more optimistic than he was at the start of the session. King says the devil might be in the details as individual lawmakers find things that won’t be acceptable in the school districts they represent. Despite all the concerns, King is pleased a concept has been realized before the end of February.
Request Made To Delay Start Of Skidmore Murder Trial
February 28, 2005 By
Both sides in the Skidmore murder and baby-kidnapping case have asked that the trial be put off until April of 2006. The trial of Lisa Montgomery had been scheduled to start in a couple of weeks. Montgomery’s lawyer says he’ll need the extra 13 months to put together a proper defense for someone who might be facing the death penalty. Federal prosecutor Todd Graves says he’s not ready to take the case to trial either way.
