Earl Schrock, 80 mph, $156.
Ashley Pickering, trespassing onto the Grant City dog pound, plea guilty, suspended imposition of sentence, 1 year probation, must pay $169.50 in fines and court costs at rate of $20/month starting June 1st.
Monday, May 2, 2011
Courthouse News for May 4th, 2011
Johnathan Hughes, Careless and Imprudent Driving by spinning his tires at the 169 and 46 intersection, plea guilty, $150.
Sunday, May 1, 2011
Proposed Worth County R-III Board Policy 2860 -- Communicable Diseases
A student shall not attend classes or other school-sponsored activities, if the student (1) has, or has been exposed to, an acute (short duration) or chronic (long duration) contagious or infectious disease, and (2) is liable to transmit the contagious or infectious disease, unless the Board of Education or its designee has determined, based upon medical evidence, that the student:
1. No longer has the disease.
2. Is not in the contagious or infectious stage of an acute disease.
3. Has a chronic infectious disease that poses little risk of transmission in the school environment with reasonable precautions.
School officials may require any child suspected of having a contagious or infectious disease to be examined by a physician and may exclude the child from school, in accordance with the procedures authorized by this policy, so long as there is a substantial risk of transmission of the disease in the school environment.
A student who has a chronic infectious disease, and who is permitted to attend school, may be required to do so under specified conditions. Failure to adhere to the conditions will result in the student being excluded from school. A student who has a chronic infectious disease and who is not permitted to attend school or participate in school activities will be provided instruction in an alternative educational setting in accordance with District policy.
Students with acute or chronic contagious or infectious diseases and their families have a right to privacy and confidentiality. Only staff members who have a medical reason to know the identity and condition of such students will be informed. Willful or negligent disclosure of confidential information about a student's medical condition by staff members will be cause for disciplinary action.
The District will implement reporting and disease outbreak control measures in accordance with the provisions of Missouri Department of Health publication PACH-16, "Prevention and Control of Communicable Diseases: A Guide for School Administrators, Nurses, Teachers and Day Care Operators," a copy of which shall be on file in the office of the Supervisor of Health Services and in the office of each school nurse.
Brad Lager's Capitol Report: Fighting for Missouri’s Taxpayers
The final weeks of every legislative session are long and demanding as we work to complete our top priorities before the final gavel falls. Throughout this session, we have focused on improving the economic climate in our state thereby increasing the number of economic opportunities for all Missourians. Last week, the Missouri Senate took a bold step by passing a sweeping economic development bill that will fundamentally change the way Missouri utilizes taxpayer-funded financial incentives.
In recent years, there has been much debate but little action around tax credit and economic incentive reform. Those individuals who benefit greatly from these subsidies have vigorously opposed this reform. Through campaign contributions and political support, this small but influential group of beneficiaries has wielded enough influence to ensure these budget-busting programs remained untouched while more essential state programs suffered tremendous budget reductions. Budget shortfalls, difficult decisions and the realization that these programs are poisoning our state’s fiscal health, created the dynamic by which we were able to finally pass legislation to correct the size and scope of our tax credit programs which will reduce their impact on our state budget. If passed by the House and signed by the Governor, this legislation will save Missouri’s taxpayers between $1.6 and $2 billion over the next 15 years.
This legislation also provides the much needed flexibility to reallocate the remaining dollars towards areas that will provide the greatest long term benefits to our state. Currently, Missouri’s incentive programs do not require a minimum return on the taxpayer’s investment. This legislation establishes the requirement that job creation incentives must yield at minimum a dollar for dollar return. While it is incomprehensible to me why this provision has not been in place all along, I am pleased we were finally able to include this common sense measure.
This legislation is a victory for fiscal restraint, an important step in restructuring our economic incentives, and vital to our state’s long term economic growth. Increased oversight and transparency combined with reasonable flexibility will ensure our economic development dollars are invested in emerging industries that will provide sustainable long term economic opportunities. But most importantly, this legislation is one piece of the solid financial foundation necessary to support economic growth and long term success.
As always, please feel free to call, email, or write with your ideas or concerns. The Capitol number is (573) 751-1415, my email is brad.lager@senate.mo.gov and my mailing address is Room 422, State Capitol Building, Jefferson City, MO 65101.
State Treasurer Clint Zweifel announces Kindle giveaway
State Treasurer Clint Zweifel announced today MOST–Missouri’s 529 College Savings Plan will award Kindles, which are electronic readers, to two lucky Missourians as part of the plan’s 529 College Savings Day® celebration. Winners will be selected from the pool of applicants who enter for a chance to win at www.most529savings.com by clicking on the 529 Day button. Entries will be accepted from May 1 through May 31, 2011. There will be three winners receiving the following prizes:
1st Place – Winner will receive a Kindle and $50 Amazon.com gift card.
2nd Place – Winner will receive a Kindle.
3rd Place – Winner will receive a $50 Amazon.com gift card.
“I am excited we can give these great summer learning tools away and remind Missourians of the importance of college savings at the same time. Consistent contributions to MOST 529 can have a big impact, just like reading regularly,” said Treasurer Zweifel, who sponsors the college savings program. “To facilitate continued learning beyond grade school and high school, Missourians will also get the largest cost reduction ever on their MOST 529 Plan investments. The change takes effect on June 6 and makes MOST 529 one of the lowest costing plans in the nation, helping you keep more of your money invested in the future of your child.”
The giveaway is open to Missourians age 18 or older.* Winners will be notified by phone June 1, 2011, and announced June 8, 2011.
Falling on May 29, 529 College Savings Day® is meant to remind Missouri’s families that saving for college is one of the most important things they can do for the children in their lives. Saving even a little bit of money as early as possible is integral to lowering the expense hurdle of a college education.
“If you start investing $50 per month in a MOST 529 account when a child is born, you could accumulate $16,633 by the time the child turns 18,**” Treasurer Zweifel said. “Small investments can add up over time to make a real impact on a child's education.”
MOST 529 currently has more than 123,000 account owners and more than $1.5 billion in assets, all-time highs for the plan.
With MOST 529, you can:
- Start saving with as little as $25. Additional contributions of $25 may be made at anytime.
- Save on taxes. Contributions and earnings grow deferred from federal and Missouri state income taxes, and can be withdrawn tax-free when used for qualified higher-education expenses.*** Plus, Missourians who are account owners qualify for a state income tax deduction on their contributions of up to $8,000 per tax year ($16,000 if married and filing jointly).****
· Choose from a variety of investments. With a wide variety of investment options, account owners can find an investment that matches their goals and comfort level.
For more information about MOST 529, visit www.most529savings.com or www.treasurer.mo.gov.
About the MOST 529 Plans
State Treasurer Clint Zweifel sponsors MOST 529, the tax-advantaged program that enables families to save for a child’s higher education. MOST 529 is an affordable, low-cost, tax-deferred way to save for higher education expenses. Investments in the plans can be used towards many qualified higher education expenses, including tuition, certain room and board expenses, books and mandatory fees at most four-year colleges and universities, many two-year institutions and vocational schools and some schools abroad. In addition, savings in MOST 529 can be used towards associate's, bachelor's and advanced degrees. Account owners may deduct up to $8,000 in contributions each year in computing their state income tax and married couples filing jointly may deduct up to $16,000 annually. Contributions to MOST 529 in a tax year are deductible from Missouri state income tax, but may be subject to recapture in subsequent years if an account owner makes a nonqualified withdrawal.
* Except employees and their immediate families and members of the same household of the sponsor (MOST—Missouri's 529 College Savings Plan), The Vanguard Group, Inc.; Upromise Investments, Inc.; State Treasurer Clint Zweifel’s office; and their respective agents or affiliates.
** A plan of regular investment cannot assure a profit or protect against a loss in a declining market. Monthly investments of $50 for a period of 18 years; annual rate of return on investment of 5% and no funds withdrawn during the time period specified. This hypothetical example is for illustrative purposes only. It does not reflect an actual investment in any particular 529 plan or any taxes or penalties payable/due upon distribution.
*** Earnings on nonqualified withdrawals may be subject to federal income tax and a 10% federal penalty tax, as well as state and local income taxes. The availability of tax or other benefits may be contingent on meeting other requirements.
**** Contributions to the plan in a tax year are deductible from Missouri state income tax, but may be subject to recapture in subsequent years if you make a nonqualified withdrawal.
Investment returns are not guaranteed, and you could lose money by investing in the Plan. Participants assume all investment risks, including the potential for loss of principal, as well as responsibility for any federal and state tax consequences.
If you are not a Missouri taxpayer, consider before investing whether your or the designated beneficiary's home state offers any state tax or other benefits that are only available for investments in such state's qualified tuition program.
For more information about MOST—Missouri's 529 College Savings Plan, call 1-888-414-MOST or visit www.missourimost.org to obtain a Program Description, Privacy Policy, and Participation Agreement. Investment objectives, risks, charges, expenses, and other important information are included in this document; read and consider it carefully before investing. Vanguard Marketing Corporation, Distributor and Underwriter.
The Missouri Higher Education Savings Program (the "Program Trust") is a trust created by the State of Missouri. When you invest in MOST—Missouri's 529 College Savings Plan (the "Plan"), you are purchasing portfolio units issued by the Program Trust. Portfolio units are municipal securities. The Plan has been implemented and is administered by the Missouri Higher Education Savings Program Board (the "Board"). Upromise Investments, Inc., and Upromise Investment Advisors, LLC, serve as the Program Manager and Recordkeeping and Servicing Agent, respectively, with overall responsibility for the day-to-day operations, including effecting transactions. The Vanguard Group, Inc., and American Century Investments serve as Investment Managers for the Plan. Vanguard Marketing Corporation, an affiliate of The Vanguard Group, Inc., markets and distributes the Plan. The Plan's portfolios, although they invest in mutual funds, are not mutual funds.
Senate passes permanent extension of Missouri Linked Deposit Program sought by State Treasurer Clint Zweifel
The Missouri Senate today passed House Bill 109, authorizing the permanent extension of the Missouri Linked Deposit Program. The bill was sought by State Treasurer Clint Zweifel (ZWY-ful) to guarantee farmers and small business owners continued access to low-cost investment capital. The bill heads to Governor Jay Nixon’s desk.
The legislation passed the Senate 33-0 and the House 158-0. Treasurer Zweifel has lent more than $570 million and impacted more than 9,000 jobs and farmers through the Missouri Linked Deposit Program. The low-interest loan program is fiscally responsible because the partner lending institution takes all credit risk, not the state.
“Our challenge is clear – invest in an economy that provides jobs for every Missourian looking for work. This permanent extension of low-cost investment capital guarantees we will continue to invest in Missouri’s strengths and its entrepreneurial spirit,” Treasurer Zweifel said. “Today’s unanimous and bipartisan vote is good news for workers, borrowers and lenders because it provides absolute certainty – certainty that we are committed to job creation and investments in family farms.”
Representative Don Wells sponsored HB 109.
“The passage of this bill in the Senate is good news for Missouri. The Missouri Linked Deposit Program has proven to be an excellent economic tool,” said Rep. Wells, the bill sponsor. “Treasurer Zweifel’s efforts to increase usage have been extremely successful in my district, and extending this economic development tool ensures access for our small business owners and farmers.”
HB 109 removes the Missouri Linked Deposit Program’s expiration date set for Dec. 31, 2015. Loans, which are approved yearly for up to five years, are available with five-year fixed rates. The permanent extension provides certainty to lenders that the highly popular five-year fixed rates will continue uninterrupted.
In 2009, Treasurer Zweifel’s jobs and economic development package expanded eligibility for the Missouri Linked Deposit Program. The single largest expansion of the program allows businesses with up to 99 employees to qualify; previously a business could have no more than 24 employees.
About the Missouri Linked Deposit Program
Missouri-based small businesses with up to 99 employees and farmers are eligible to receive a loan from State Treasurer Clint Zweifel through the Missouri Linked Deposit Program based on lender underwriting standards. Additionally, local governments, housing developments and alternative-energy focused projects may qualify for the low-interest loans. About 112 lenders with 300 branches throughout Missouri use the Missouri Linked Deposit Program. Information on the program and a list of participating lenders in the state can be found at www.treasurer.mo.gov/LinkedDeposit. The Missouri Linked Deposit Program was established by law in 1986.
Worth County R-III Curriculum Rated Average
Worth County R-III School District
Program and Data Evaluation
Personnel responsible for evaluation: Matt Robinson
Level: K-12
Month of Annual Review: April 2011
II. Evaluation of Program Data
Evaluator Name: Matt Robinson
Position: Superintendent
Level of Performance in Achieving Desired Outcomes (Circle One)
Excellent Above Average Average Below Average Poor
Please use back of this form or attachments as appropriate to provide information needed to support or further explain this evaluation.
Strengths of Program/Data:
Curriculum is updated using info. from the state and as based on student needs. A reading course is now taught for junior high students, and adaptations are made based on data received from NWMSU on the achievement of our students.
Students take classes through distance learning, and state computer-based work (MoVIP). Some students that are behind have also utilized our PLATO program in the summer and have utilized other school district correspondence courses to catch up.
We have spent a great deal of time with vertical teams talking about curriculum and instruction. We are utilizing the RPDC to help monitor teachers and work on teaching techniques that will complement our math and reading program.
The K-6 section is also becoming a School-Wide Title program instead of Targeted to help more students.
Concerns Regarding Program/Data:
A better, technology-based curriculum alignment tool would allow teachers to revise curriculum at home. The school district started with using Lumen which is our student software program, but the program has not worked like it should and it is very complicated. Other options will be looked at such as EAT online. Finding time for teachers to discuss curriculum and how it impacts student achievement is a struggle. Having more time for teachers to talk would benefit student achievement.
Recommendations Regarding Program/Data:
Curriculum work must continue to be done with the support of knowledgeable curriculum personnel. Continually monitoring course content and course offering and making the needed adjustments is necessary for the quality education of the students.
A Moment with Mike -- Light at the End of the Tunnel
I recently noticed a cartoon that stated, “Due to budget shortages, the light at the end of the tunnel has been turned off.” That is not true at the Capitol where we have two weeks left in this legislative session. Several big issues that have been a concern are close to completion and there is a mad scramble to pass legislation that individuals feel is important to their districts.
The budget, which is the biggest responsibility of the General Assembly is now in conference and will probably be finalized this week. The redistricting map, which has been very controversial as it bounced back and forth between the Senate and the House has been agreed on and sent to the Governor. The compromise on Proposition B, which has been debated all session, has been signed by the Governor and several initiatives that were set forth at the beginning to help make Missouri more business friendly have been passed.
One of those bills signed into law last week will phase out a tax that applies to more than 3,000 businesses currently operating in Missouri. SB 19 will gradually eliminate Missouri’s franchise tax on company assets such as buildings and inventory. The franchise tax has been in existence since 1917. While the legislature has reduced the tax over the years, leading business organizations have proposed doing away with the tax entirely as part of the “Fix the Six” legislative package. The bill we approved will reduce the tax each year until it is phased out entirely in 2016. Missouri is one of only a few states that have both a corporate income tax and a corporate franchise tax. By eliminating what is, in effect, double taxation, we fan put Missouri on a level playing field with other states that are competing to attract new businesses and jobs.
Another bill on its way to the governor’s desk for approval is one I mentioned in a report early on in the legislative session. Last week the Senate finally sent back to us a slightly revised version of the “Big Government Get Off My Back Act” that was passed by the House in January.
If signed into law by the governor, the act will limit federal mandates on small business owners in the Show Me State. In addition, the bill would increase the size definition of small businesses and require that any federal mandates on these businesses be approved by the General Assembly. With both of these provisions, we hope to allow businesses to operate without fear of new regulations or mandates that will negatively impact how they do business. We think it’s a key component to our efforts to revitalize our economy.
Another portion of the bill further helps small businesses by providing tax deductions to small employers who create new full-time jobs with annual salaries that meet the county average wage. Under the bill, a small business would be able to deduct ten thousand dollars for each full-time job created or twenty thousand dollars per new job if the employer offers health insurance for the new employees and pays at least half of the premiums for such insurance.
Two weeks left and the light at the end of the tunnel is coming into view.
If you have questions, you may reach me at my Capitol number 573-751-9465, at the local district number, 660-582-4014, by email at mike.thomson@house.mo.gov or by mail at Room 401B State Capitol Building, Jefferson City, MO 65101
Subscribe to:
Posts (Atom)