This is the first day that Missouri hunters can take to the fields and woods in quest of the cunning quail. But the Conservation Department says the sport is in decline. The department says quail hunting should be improved this year—that quail have made a significant recovery from last year although the bird count is only about half of the long-term average. Last year’s census was the lowest ever recorded. The department expects about 33-thousand hunters in the field this fall and winter. But the department’s Tom Dailey says that’s down about 70 percent from the 40-year average. He says there deer, turkey, and duck hunting are serious competition for quail hunting. In fact, he says deer hunting seems to be the entry level for many hunters because it’s an easier sport and doesn’t require a dog. But Dailey says quail hunters usually do well although they get only about half of the birds available. The season lasts until January 15th. Hunters can kill eight birds a day…but cannot have more than 16 at any one time.
All Out Campaigning for Sides in Tobacco Tax Ballot Initiative
Election Day is less than a week away, and the sides in Amendment 3 – the tobacco tax ballot initiative – are intent on campaigning right up to the time the polls close next Tuesday.
The Missouri Petroleum Marketers and Convenience Store Association is one of the organizations fighting the initiative. Executive Director Ron Leone says this 470 percent tax hike – the largest single tax increase in the state’s history – will have negative economic consequences. He says small businesses that sell tobacco products – especially the businesses near Missouri’s state borders – will be hurt because customers will cross state lines to buy cigarettes.
Many organizations and individuals supporting the initiative make up the Committee for a Healthy Future. One of those supporters is Cindy Erickson, former Chief Executive Officer of the American Lung Association of Missouri. She rejects arguments Missouri’s economy would suffer if the initiative passes, saying people who buy tobacco products are not likely to spend gas money to cross state lines.
As to where this additional revenue would end up, Leone points out only 17-and-a-half cents from every dollar collected would end up going to smoking prevention and cessation efforts, while the rest would be used to provide health care to the needy and to pay health care professionals. Erickson insists the 17.5 cents on the dollar is the percentage for anti-tobacco efforts recommended by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention.
Interview with Ron Leone
tobtaxcon.mp3
Interview with Cindy Erickson
tobtaxpro.mp3
Related web sites:
Missouri Petroleum Marketers & Convenience Store Association
Committee for a Healthy Future
Cold Weather Rule Gives More Customers Heat
Freezing temperatures this winter don’t mean Missouri homes have to be cold, because of more lenient payment terms under a revised Cold Weather Rule. The Cold Weather Rule goes into effect today. Disconnected residents can now get reconnected by paying either 50 percent of their existing debt or by paying 5-hundred dollars, whichever option costs less. The remainder of the debt will have to be paid at a pro-rata rate during the next 12 months. But, Public Service Commission Chairman Jeff Davis says all registered customers are safeguarded from heat being shut off when temperatures dip below freezing. Davis also says if you are an elderly or disabled citizen and you meet certain income guidelines, you can’t be shut off for any reason. Residents can also seek assistance from the state’s Low Income Heating Assistance Program.
Players File For Free Agency
The Royals could be without catcher Paul Bako and first baseman Doug Mientkiewicz next season. Both players have filed for free agency and could generate some interest.
All-Star pitcher Mark Redman is eligible to file but has yet to do so.
The Cardinals could lose some pieces of its championship puzzle. Infielders Scott Spiezio and Jose Vizcaino joined pitcher Jason Marquis as players to file. Marquis is probably the least likely to return after he was left off the League Championship roster and the World Series roster.
