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What once was Branson’s grandest theater — which is why they called it the Grand Palace — has been sold at auction for about half the asking price.
The Federal Deposit Insurance Corporation, which had taken over the theater’s mortgage when the bank holding it folded in 2008, had asked $10 million. The new owners have paid a little less than $5.5 million. They’ll have to repair damage from vandals and a broken water pipe — and make other repairs before the theater reopens.
The St. Louis Zoo has come up with three possible names for its baby Asian elephant and wants the public to weigh in. It’s running a poll on its websites asking participants to choose between Kenzi, Zoe, or Mya. Kenzi means “my treasure.” Zoe means “life.” And Mya means “emerald.” People also can vote by regular mail or at the zoo’s welcome desk.
A third suspect in St. Louis’s biggest armed robbery has pleaded guilty and faces at least 30 years in prison.
Larry Dale Newman was part of the group that took $6.6 million from ATM Solutions last summer. Police have not identified the fourth suspect and think he might be out of the country with part of the loot.
The former city administrator in Brentwood admits he embezzled almost $30,000 from the city and lost most of it gambling. The actions of ex-administrator Christopher Seemayer were uncovered with a casino asked the city about cash advances being made at the casino through the use of a city credit card.
Seemayer’s lawyer says Seemayer will pay back all of the money when he is sentenced in September. He could go to prison for six months to a year.
Frog season in Missouri kicks off at sunset. Conservation officials say part of the appeal of frogging is its simplicity, but Water Patrol officials are urging enthusiasts to be safe while having fun.
Water Patrol spokesman Lieutenent Jerry Callahan says froggers are going to be around and on the water after dark, looking for their game. And he says while smaller ponds, lakes, rivers and streams are unaffected by flooding, larger rivers and bodies of water can be dangerous.
Frog season runs tonight through October 31st. Authorities say shooting bullfrogs and green frogs is legal, but that bullets can recochet off the water. They say gigging and grabbing are the safest and most preferred methods.
The Conservation Department says one of the reasons frogging is so popular is because almost anyone can do it. Unless, that is, you can think of another outdoor sport where hunters pursue their quarry after dark using nothing but a flashlight and their bare hands or a forked gig.
Guns, gigs, atl-atls and other means of frogging are allowed, but authorities remind those shooting at frogs that bullets can ricochet on the water and go in any direction.
It’s classified as both a hunting and a fishing season, depending on the method you use. The bag limit is eight bullfrogs or green frogs; the possession limit is 16.
