Two DNR employees suspended over E. coli controversy

There is more fallout from the withholding of information regarding contamination at the Lake of the Ozarks prior to the Memorial Day weekend.

Two Department of Natural Resources employees have been placed on administrative leave without pay for five days. According to a DNR press release, the action is based on initial findings from an ongoing investigation into the department’s failure to close beaches in May, following samplings that showed high levels of E. coli bacteria. DNR is not releasing the names of the employees and will not provide any other details.

The action comes just days after DNR Director Mark Templeton was suspended for two weeks for his role in the affair.