State Water Patrol officials say this weekend is the busiest one of the year for them, as thousands of Missourians try to take advantage of some time off out on the lakes. Sergeant Ralph Bledsoe says the numbers of boats on the waters will be very high in the evenings, as many people go out on the water to watch fireworks displays. He says boaters should check their lights before heading out on the lake. Bledsoe also warns shooting fireworks off a boat is illegal. And he says boaters must not drink and drive, adding the Water Patrol will be watching.
Concerns Raised Over US Supreme Court Decision on Reporters’ Rights
June 30, 2005 By
A decision by the US Supreme Court not to get involved in the case of two reporters threatened with jail time if they don’t disclose notes to a grand jury disappoints the Executive Director of Investigative Reporters and Editors. Brant Houston, who also teaches journalism at the University of Missouri, says though he’s disappointed, he believes the inaction by the Court will only have a minor impact. The courts had threatened both Time Magazine and the New York Times with heavy fines, and their reporters with jail time, if they failed to hand over material to the grand jury. Time, over the objection of its reporter, has decided to comply with the court order and hand over the material.
Highway Patrol Prepares for Busy Weekend on the Roads
June 30, 2005 By
It’s travel time once again as the Fourth of July weekend is upon us. The State Highway Patrol and local police forces will be trying to keep travel safe. The Patrol’s Captain Chris Ricks says the safe driving focus is aimed at reducing last year’s crash numbers – 15 killed and 667 injured in 1,455 traffic crashes in Missouri. Ricks says the big travel days will be late Friday when people are heading to their destinations and on Monday when a lot of people will be heading home.
Judge Rejects Request for Restraining Order in Wellston Takeover
June 30, 2005 By
A judge in Jefferson City has ruled on a request from the former administration of St. Louis County’s troubled Wellston School District that the newly appointed Special Administrative Board be prevented from assuming responsibilities. Attorney Chuck Ford, who represents the former administration, says the ruling is short and to the point. In essence, the request for a temporary restraining order is denied, but a request for an evidentiary hearing on an injunction request had been granted. It is scheduled for next Thursday morning in a Cole County courtroom. What this means is that while the State-appointed three-member Board takes over control of the District, members of the administration that was dissolved will be allowed to present their case in court next week. It’s a case in which the plaintiffs will claim the reasons used by the State Board of Education to dissolve the old Wellston District are not factual.
State Politicians Summoned to Testify in KC Trial
June 30, 2005 By
Four State Senators, the Lieutenant Governor, and a former Governor have been summoned to testify at the trial of a former Kansas City lobbyist who’s accused of lying to a grand jury. The trial of Bill Waris begins next Tuesday. Former Governor Bob Holden and Lieutenant Governor Peter Kinder are among summoned witnesses. A grand jury had investigated whether Jackson County Executive Katheryn Shields offered a no-bid contract to fund-raiser Catherine Nugent, in return for which her husband would withdraw his application for membership on the Jackson County Sports Authority. Waris’ trial will be in Kansas City.
