Worth County’s boys downed Pattonsburg 60-28 as they finally solved their zone woes for a day and beat the Panthers Thursday night.
Tyler Force cut inside for Pattonsburg’s lone lead before Travis Troutwine’s 3-pointer from Todd Harding put the Tigers back in front. Todd Harding would then score the next seven points to put the Tigers up by eight at 10-2. Travis Troutwine hit him on the left wing and then Jordan Harding and Andrew Mullock fed him in the high post; Harding then got loose in transition and turned it into a free throw.
Pattonsburg came back to cut it to five; Matt Huskey got loose in transition to start the run. Bryce Ross hit two free throws for Worth County, but Force got loose backdoor again for a free throw and then Joel Teel scored from inside early in the second to cut it to 12-7.
But then Worth County scored the next seven points to regain control. Todd Harding started it off again with an up and under move; Bryce Ross then hit him on the left wing. Todd then kept a possession alive by tipping it to Ross for a 3-point play to make it 19-7.
Teel answered for Pattonsburg, but then Bryce Ross got the hot hand, starting off a 6-0 run as he hit one with a hand in his face. Cole Parman got a steal off the press and converted it to two free throws and Ross scored another facial to make it 25-9. Force tried to carry the Panthers, scoring the next seven points for his team to close to within 28-16, but then Troutwine’s and Harding’s free throws left Worth County up 32-17 at the break.
Worth County pushed the margin into the 20’s early in the second half. Parman hit a 3-pointer from the left wing, Bryce Ross hit yet another shot with a hand in his face, and then added a skip pass from Cole Parman to make it 39-17 with 4:54 left.
Force and the Panthers tried to make a run, scoring the next five points, but Cole Parman got a 4th chance score as he converted it to two free throws as Worth County began working the offensive glass to put the game away. Andrew Mullock converted a 3rd chance putback and then Harding hit a free throw. Bryce Ross would then score the next 10 points for Worth County; he got a pair of putbacks, a play where Todd Harding aired it out to him and he flipped it into the hole, another facial shot off a pass from Mullock, and a step-thru shot between two defenders to make it 54-25 with 7:41 left in the game.
Force countered with a 3-pointer, but then Worth County triggered the running clock. Todd Harding got a putback and a steal and then Will Rennells got his first career points as a Tigers, getting a 3rd chance putback with 4:33 left.
Sunday, February 19, 2012
Friday, February 17, 2012
Haven Schottel, Kristen Andrews Put Tiger Girls Back on Winning Track
Worth County’s girls got back on the winning track with a 50-33 win over Pattonsburg despite being short-handed for the game, playing without Liz Novak (hip flexor). But the Tigers got back on the winning track as this time, they did a much better job of stepping up in the absence of Novak as Haven Schottel (12 points) and Kristen Andrews (8 points) had career nights for the Tigers and several other players scored between 6 and 8 points for the night. It was such a good night for Schottel that she was scoring with her shoes untied at one point.
It didn’t look good for the Tigers at first as Megan Crone scored the first four points for Pattonsburg and Anna Morris cut inside as Worth County fell asleep at the switch as they trailed 6-0 just 1:34 into the game. On the other end, they were missing from the field as Worth County started out missing their first five shots. But unlike the Stanberry game and their other four losses, they responded a lot better after falling behind and did a much better job of attacking the rim and getting people in foul trouble.
Morgan Gardner was one of Pattonsburg’s two main post threats, but when she picked up her second foul at the 4:22 mark, that was when Worth County started climbing back in as Kristen hit two free throws to make it 6-4. Kristen then threw a backdoor pass to Claire Andrews to tie it up at six and Haven Schottel hit Kacey Smyser for a free throw to put Worth County up for the first time at 7-6 with 2:49 left.
Pattonsburg tried to regain control of the game by putting on the press, but Worth County did a good job of breaking it and Sydney Thummel came off the bench to break it easily and find Kacey Smyser for a layup to make it 9-7; Worth County raised it to 11-8 after one quarter as Kristen Andrews got a steal off the press and hit a shot at the buzzer.
Worth County did a much better job of putting pressure on the ball than they did against Stanberry as Haven Schottel had five steals for the night, followed by Rebecca Moore with four and two other players with three.
Haven Schottel and Rebecca Moore worked a perfect give and go to make it 13-8, but then Gardner came back in and made an immediate impact for Pattonsburg as she scored off a chicken salad basket and then got loose backdoor to make it 13-12 with 5:02 left. Worth County was struggling on the offensive end as they were trying for skip passes that were not there instead of making the easy pass; they were also dribbling the ball off their feet. The score was stuck at 13-12 for the next minute, but Kaitlyn Davidson finally broke the ice for Worth County with a putback high off the glass with 3:14 left that made it 15-12. Kaitlyn added another putback and then Claire Andrews drove down the right side of the baseline as Pattonsburg overextended on defense to make it 20-12 before Emily Dilley hit a free throw to make it 20-13 at the break.
Worth County did a much better job of getting to the offensive glass in the second half, which led to one of their most productive halves of the year and a season high in points scored. After a long scoring drought to start the second half, Claire Andrews hit Kristen Andrews at the top of the key and then Crone picked up her third foul shortly afterwards. Kristen then hit Haven on the right wing for her first two points of the night; Haven scored all of her points for the Tigers in the second half. That put the score into double digits at 24-13.
Carly Cornett beat the press to make it 24-15, but then Haven Schottel hit Kacey Smyser in the high post, Sydney Thummel followed with a steal, and then Katie Mullock inbounded it to Haven for a 3-pointer to make it 31-15 with 3:38 left.
Carly Cornett scored the next four for Pattonsburg, getting a putback and a half-chance lob pass, but then Haven got a steal off the press and then cut inside off an inbounds play following a five seconds call as Pattonsburg was having trouble getting it in against the press. Haven drew Crone’s fourth foul and hit one out of two and then Kacey Smyser tipped it to Claire.
Claire missed, but Kacey was there for the putback to make it 36-19 with 1:57 left in the third.
Kelly Warford, after having missed a ton, finally hit a 3-pointer with 45 seconds left and then Pattonsburg put back Morgan Gardner and Megan Crone into the game despite their foul trouble. They quickly worked the offensive boards and got the score back to within 11 at 38-27. The challenge for Worth County was to see how they would respond after such a run but they passed with flying colors as Haven Schottel hit a free throw off a drive and then Crone picked up her fifth foul shortly afterwards as she tried to make up for it after Kaitlyn Davidson had stripped her of the ball. Kaitlyn hit one free throw and then Haven scored again off a Kristen Andrews steal and then found Kristen in the high post to make it 44-27 with 4:13 left before both coaches started putting in their reserves.
Sydney Thummel and Claire Andrews cut inside for baskets and Sydney got loose on the weak side and stepped through a defender to round out the scoring for Worth County.
It didn’t look good for the Tigers at first as Megan Crone scored the first four points for Pattonsburg and Anna Morris cut inside as Worth County fell asleep at the switch as they trailed 6-0 just 1:34 into the game. On the other end, they were missing from the field as Worth County started out missing their first five shots. But unlike the Stanberry game and their other four losses, they responded a lot better after falling behind and did a much better job of attacking the rim and getting people in foul trouble.
Morgan Gardner was one of Pattonsburg’s two main post threats, but when she picked up her second foul at the 4:22 mark, that was when Worth County started climbing back in as Kristen hit two free throws to make it 6-4. Kristen then threw a backdoor pass to Claire Andrews to tie it up at six and Haven Schottel hit Kacey Smyser for a free throw to put Worth County up for the first time at 7-6 with 2:49 left.
Pattonsburg tried to regain control of the game by putting on the press, but Worth County did a good job of breaking it and Sydney Thummel came off the bench to break it easily and find Kacey Smyser for a layup to make it 9-7; Worth County raised it to 11-8 after one quarter as Kristen Andrews got a steal off the press and hit a shot at the buzzer.
Worth County did a much better job of putting pressure on the ball than they did against Stanberry as Haven Schottel had five steals for the night, followed by Rebecca Moore with four and two other players with three.
Haven Schottel and Rebecca Moore worked a perfect give and go to make it 13-8, but then Gardner came back in and made an immediate impact for Pattonsburg as she scored off a chicken salad basket and then got loose backdoor to make it 13-12 with 5:02 left. Worth County was struggling on the offensive end as they were trying for skip passes that were not there instead of making the easy pass; they were also dribbling the ball off their feet. The score was stuck at 13-12 for the next minute, but Kaitlyn Davidson finally broke the ice for Worth County with a putback high off the glass with 3:14 left that made it 15-12. Kaitlyn added another putback and then Claire Andrews drove down the right side of the baseline as Pattonsburg overextended on defense to make it 20-12 before Emily Dilley hit a free throw to make it 20-13 at the break.
Worth County did a much better job of getting to the offensive glass in the second half, which led to one of their most productive halves of the year and a season high in points scored. After a long scoring drought to start the second half, Claire Andrews hit Kristen Andrews at the top of the key and then Crone picked up her third foul shortly afterwards. Kristen then hit Haven on the right wing for her first two points of the night; Haven scored all of her points for the Tigers in the second half. That put the score into double digits at 24-13.
Carly Cornett beat the press to make it 24-15, but then Haven Schottel hit Kacey Smyser in the high post, Sydney Thummel followed with a steal, and then Katie Mullock inbounded it to Haven for a 3-pointer to make it 31-15 with 3:38 left.
Carly Cornett scored the next four for Pattonsburg, getting a putback and a half-chance lob pass, but then Haven got a steal off the press and then cut inside off an inbounds play following a five seconds call as Pattonsburg was having trouble getting it in against the press. Haven drew Crone’s fourth foul and hit one out of two and then Kacey Smyser tipped it to Claire.
Claire missed, but Kacey was there for the putback to make it 36-19 with 1:57 left in the third.
Kelly Warford, after having missed a ton, finally hit a 3-pointer with 45 seconds left and then Pattonsburg put back Morgan Gardner and Megan Crone into the game despite their foul trouble. They quickly worked the offensive boards and got the score back to within 11 at 38-27. The challenge for Worth County was to see how they would respond after such a run but they passed with flying colors as Haven Schottel hit a free throw off a drive and then Crone picked up her fifth foul shortly afterwards as she tried to make up for it after Kaitlyn Davidson had stripped her of the ball. Kaitlyn hit one free throw and then Haven scored again off a Kristen Andrews steal and then found Kristen in the high post to make it 44-27 with 4:13 left before both coaches started putting in their reserves.
Sydney Thummel and Claire Andrews cut inside for baskets and Sydney got loose on the weak side and stepped through a defender to round out the scoring for Worth County.
Are Your Soil Test Levels Dropping?
As you plan your fertilizer programs, be sure to notice trends in your soil test nutrient levels identified in your soil tests. We have been finding soil test values in some grower fields declining. Sometimes it is phosphorus. Other times we see potassium and many times, it is both nutrients.
Adequate amounts of these nutrients are critical for high crop yields. Other inputs will not maximize yields if either of these nutrients are limiting. If one of these nutrients are limiting, then adding additional inputs such as increasing the rate of nitrogen that you apply will have a not have the desired impact.
If you are using variable rate fertilizer applications and see areas of your fields showing symptoms of poor growth, you should consider moving your soil sampling points to sample these areas to insure that adequate amounts of nutrients are being applied. Between grid soil test points, there may be lower testing soil nutrient levels. By moving points, this will allow you to more accurately find what is in your fields.
Another approach to calculate the crop removal of your nutrients per bushels of yield harvested. If you are applying less amounts of nutrients that you are removing during harvest of grain, soil test levels will be declining. I believe this is happening with the high cost of fertilizer materials.
Also, forage crop yields should be considered. Growers who are selling or buying hay should consider the price of nutrients that are contained in the hay. You may be exporting nutrients off your farm or bringing nutrients onto the farm if you are purchasing hay.
For more information, contact Wayne Flanary at 660-446-3724 or Heather Benedict at 660-425-6434, Regional Agronomists, University of Missouri Extension.
Adequate amounts of these nutrients are critical for high crop yields. Other inputs will not maximize yields if either of these nutrients are limiting. If one of these nutrients are limiting, then adding additional inputs such as increasing the rate of nitrogen that you apply will have a not have the desired impact.
If you are using variable rate fertilizer applications and see areas of your fields showing symptoms of poor growth, you should consider moving your soil sampling points to sample these areas to insure that adequate amounts of nutrients are being applied. Between grid soil test points, there may be lower testing soil nutrient levels. By moving points, this will allow you to more accurately find what is in your fields.
Another approach to calculate the crop removal of your nutrients per bushels of yield harvested. If you are applying less amounts of nutrients that you are removing during harvest of grain, soil test levels will be declining. I believe this is happening with the high cost of fertilizer materials.
Also, forage crop yields should be considered. Growers who are selling or buying hay should consider the price of nutrients that are contained in the hay. You may be exporting nutrients off your farm or bringing nutrients onto the farm if you are purchasing hay.
For more information, contact Wayne Flanary at 660-446-3724 or Heather Benedict at 660-425-6434, Regional Agronomists, University of Missouri Extension.
Evening Pesticide Applicator Training Meeting Scheduled
Those individuals who produce agricultural commodities are invited to attend Private Pesticide Applicator training to be held Tuesday, February 28 at the Extension office located in the Courthouse Annex in Oregon. The meeting will start at 6:30PM.
These meeting are designed provide the training necessary for individuals seeking to obtain a Private Applicator Pesticide license to allow the purchase and application of restricted use pesticides.
Please contact the Holt County Extension office at 660-446-3724 to reserve a seat.
University of Missouri Extension does not discriminate on the basis of race, color, national origin, sex, religion, age, disability, political beliefs, sexual orientation, or martial or family status in employment or in any program or activity.
These meeting are designed provide the training necessary for individuals seeking to obtain a Private Applicator Pesticide license to allow the purchase and application of restricted use pesticides.
Please contact the Holt County Extension office at 660-446-3724 to reserve a seat.
University of Missouri Extension does not discriminate on the basis of race, color, national origin, sex, religion, age, disability, political beliefs, sexual orientation, or martial or family status in employment or in any program or activity.
Wednesday, February 15, 2012
Worth County Emergency Management Ordinance
BE IT ORDERED (ORDAINED) by the County of Worth that
Section 1.
There is hereby created within and for the territory of the County of Worth an emergency management organization to be known as the Worth County Emergency Management Agency, which is responsible for the preparation and implementation of emergency functions required to prevent, minimize and repair injury and damage due to disasters, to include emergency management of resources and administration of such economic controls as may be needed to provide for the welfare of the people, and emergency activities (excluding functions for which military forces are primarily responsible) in accordance with Chapter 44, Revised Statutes of Missouri, 44.080, and supplements thereto, and the Missouri Emergency Operations Plan adopted thereunder.
Section 2.
This agency shall consist of a Director and other members appointed by the Presiding Commissioner to conform to the State organization and procedures for the conduct of emergency operations as outlined in the Missouri Emergency Operation Plan.
Section 3.
The organization shall perform emergency management functions within the territorial limits of Worth County and may conduct these functions outside the territorial limits as directed by the Governor during the time of emergency pursuant to the provisions of Chapter 44, Revised Statutes of Missouri, 44.080, and supplements thereto.
Section 4.
(1) (Director) The Director will be appointed by the Presiding Commissioner and shall serve during the pleasure of the Presiding Commissioner.
(2) The Director shall have direct responsibility for the organization, administration and operations of local emergency management activities.
(3) The Director shall be responsible for maintaining records and accounting for the use and disposal of all items of equipment placed under the jurisdiction of the Emergency Management Agency.
Section 5.
The Presiding Commissioner of Worth County and the Director, in accordance with Chapter 44, Revised Statutes of Missouri, 44.080, and supplements thereto, may:
(1) Appropriate and expend funds, make contracts, obtain and distribute equipment, materials, and supplies for emergency management purposes; provide for the health and safety of persons, including emergency assistance to victims of natural and manmade disasters, or national emergency; the safety of property; and direct and coordinate the development of disaster plans and programs in accordance with policies and plans of the federal and state emergency management agencies;
(2) In the event of a national emergency or severe local emergency endangering public health, welfare, life or public property, waive the normal purchasing/supply requisition procedures, upon approval of the Presiding Commissioner and in accordance with state statutes and any local emergency procurement procedures formally adopted by Worth County.
(3) Appoint, provide, or remove rescue teams, auxiliary fire and police personnel and other emergency operations teams, units or personnel who may serve without compensation;
(4) With the approval of the Governor and consistent with the Missouri Emergency Operations Plan, enter into mutual aide agreements with other public and private agencies within and without the State for reciprocal emergency aid;
(5) Accept donated goods/services to benefit disaster victims, and services, materials, equipment, supplies or funds granted or loaned by the federal government for disaster mitigation, preparedness, response and recovery purposes.
Section 6. (Oath) No person shall be employed or associated in any capacity in any organization established under this act who advocates or has advocated a change by force or violence in the constitutional form of the government of the United States or in this State or the overthrow of any government in the United States by force or violence, or has been convicted of or is under indictment or information charging any subversive act against the United States. Each person who is appointed to serve in an organization shall, before entering upon his duties, take an oath in writing, before a person authorized to administer oaths in this state which oath shall be substantially as follows:
“I,____________________________, do solemnly swear (or affirm) that I will support and defend the Constitution of the United States and the Constitution of the State of Missouri, against all enemies, foreign and domestic; that I will bear true faith and allegiance to the same; that I take this obligation freely, without any mental reservation or purpose of evasion; and that I will well and faithfully discharge the duties upon which I am about to enter. And I do further swear (or affirm) that I do not advocate, nor am I a member of any political party or organization that advocates the overthrow of the government of the United States or of this State by force or violence; and that during such a time as I am a member of the Worth County Emergency Management Agency, I will not advocate nor become a member of any political party or organization that advocates the overthrow of the government of the United States or of this State by force or violence.”
Section 7. (Office Space) The Presiding Commissioner is authorized to designate space in any County owned or leased building for the Worth County Emergency Management Office.
Section 8.
This Order (Ordinance) shall be in force from and after its passage and approval, as provided by law, and replaces the August 15, 1988 Ordinance any other preceding order (Ordinance) for Worth County for Emergency Management.
Whereas , pursuant to 192.300 RSMo., a county commission may make and promulgate orders, ordinances, rules and regulations, respectively as will tend to enhance the public Emergency Management. The Worth County Commission hereby adopts and desires as follows: The Worth County Emergency Management Ordinance was then adopted by a roll vote. Commissioner Rob Ruckman, aye. Commissioner Dennis Gabbert, aye. Presiding Commissioner Findley aye.
A copy of the Ordinance is on file, and can be viewed by the public in the County Clerk’s Office 11 W 4th Grant City, MO.
Section 1.
There is hereby created within and for the territory of the County of Worth an emergency management organization to be known as the Worth County Emergency Management Agency, which is responsible for the preparation and implementation of emergency functions required to prevent, minimize and repair injury and damage due to disasters, to include emergency management of resources and administration of such economic controls as may be needed to provide for the welfare of the people, and emergency activities (excluding functions for which military forces are primarily responsible) in accordance with Chapter 44, Revised Statutes of Missouri, 44.080, and supplements thereto, and the Missouri Emergency Operations Plan adopted thereunder.
Section 2.
This agency shall consist of a Director and other members appointed by the Presiding Commissioner to conform to the State organization and procedures for the conduct of emergency operations as outlined in the Missouri Emergency Operation Plan.
Section 3.
The organization shall perform emergency management functions within the territorial limits of Worth County and may conduct these functions outside the territorial limits as directed by the Governor during the time of emergency pursuant to the provisions of Chapter 44, Revised Statutes of Missouri, 44.080, and supplements thereto.
Section 4.
(1) (Director) The Director will be appointed by the Presiding Commissioner and shall serve during the pleasure of the Presiding Commissioner.
(2) The Director shall have direct responsibility for the organization, administration and operations of local emergency management activities.
(3) The Director shall be responsible for maintaining records and accounting for the use and disposal of all items of equipment placed under the jurisdiction of the Emergency Management Agency.
Section 5.
The Presiding Commissioner of Worth County and the Director, in accordance with Chapter 44, Revised Statutes of Missouri, 44.080, and supplements thereto, may:
(1) Appropriate and expend funds, make contracts, obtain and distribute equipment, materials, and supplies for emergency management purposes; provide for the health and safety of persons, including emergency assistance to victims of natural and manmade disasters, or national emergency; the safety of property; and direct and coordinate the development of disaster plans and programs in accordance with policies and plans of the federal and state emergency management agencies;
(2) In the event of a national emergency or severe local emergency endangering public health, welfare, life or public property, waive the normal purchasing/supply requisition procedures, upon approval of the Presiding Commissioner and in accordance with state statutes and any local emergency procurement procedures formally adopted by Worth County.
(3) Appoint, provide, or remove rescue teams, auxiliary fire and police personnel and other emergency operations teams, units or personnel who may serve without compensation;
(4) With the approval of the Governor and consistent with the Missouri Emergency Operations Plan, enter into mutual aide agreements with other public and private agencies within and without the State for reciprocal emergency aid;
(5) Accept donated goods/services to benefit disaster victims, and services, materials, equipment, supplies or funds granted or loaned by the federal government for disaster mitigation, preparedness, response and recovery purposes.
Section 6. (Oath) No person shall be employed or associated in any capacity in any organization established under this act who advocates or has advocated a change by force or violence in the constitutional form of the government of the United States or in this State or the overthrow of any government in the United States by force or violence, or has been convicted of or is under indictment or information charging any subversive act against the United States. Each person who is appointed to serve in an organization shall, before entering upon his duties, take an oath in writing, before a person authorized to administer oaths in this state which oath shall be substantially as follows:
“I,____________________________, do solemnly swear (or affirm) that I will support and defend the Constitution of the United States and the Constitution of the State of Missouri, against all enemies, foreign and domestic; that I will bear true faith and allegiance to the same; that I take this obligation freely, without any mental reservation or purpose of evasion; and that I will well and faithfully discharge the duties upon which I am about to enter. And I do further swear (or affirm) that I do not advocate, nor am I a member of any political party or organization that advocates the overthrow of the government of the United States or of this State by force or violence; and that during such a time as I am a member of the Worth County Emergency Management Agency, I will not advocate nor become a member of any political party or organization that advocates the overthrow of the government of the United States or of this State by force or violence.”
Section 7. (Office Space) The Presiding Commissioner is authorized to designate space in any County owned or leased building for the Worth County Emergency Management Office.
Section 8.
This Order (Ordinance) shall be in force from and after its passage and approval, as provided by law, and replaces the August 15, 1988 Ordinance any other preceding order (Ordinance) for Worth County for Emergency Management.
Whereas , pursuant to 192.300 RSMo., a county commission may make and promulgate orders, ordinances, rules and regulations, respectively as will tend to enhance the public Emergency Management. The Worth County Commission hereby adopts and desires as follows: The Worth County Emergency Management Ordinance was then adopted by a roll vote. Commissioner Rob Ruckman, aye. Commissioner Dennis Gabbert, aye. Presiding Commissioner Findley aye.
A copy of the Ordinance is on file, and can be viewed by the public in the County Clerk’s Office 11 W 4th Grant City, MO.
McCaskill: Eliminate waste in Lifeline program
As part of an ongoing effort to stop waste in a government-run cell phone program, U.S. Senator Claire McCaskill is requesting detailed information on the program’s contracts.
In a letter to the Federal Communications Commission (FCC), McCaskill, Chairman of the Senate Subcommittee on Contracting Oversight, wrote that the proper management and oversight of contracts related to the Lifeline program may provide additional opportunities to eliminate waste, fraud and abuse. In order to better assist the Subcommittee in their efforts, McCaskill asked the FCC to provide the Subcommittee with documents related to the agreement between the FCC and the companies responsible for managing Lifeline and the number, value and scope of contracts.
McCaskill urged the FCC late last year to provide stronger oversight of the little-scrutinized federal program after she received a solicitation at her home for a free cell phone from the Lifeline program. The mailer did not require documentation for proof of eligibility. McCaskill is, in fact, not eligible for the program.
Following those demands, last month the FCC issued new orders to eliminate waste, fraud, and abuse in the program.
The Lifeline program is funded by the Universal Service Fund (USF), which receives its resources from a fee telephone users pay on their phone bills. The FCC oversees the USF and, accordingly, the Lifeline program.
Read a full copy of McCaskill’s letter at the Subcommittee on Contracting Oversight’s website, HERE.
In a letter to the Federal Communications Commission (FCC), McCaskill, Chairman of the Senate Subcommittee on Contracting Oversight, wrote that the proper management and oversight of contracts related to the Lifeline program may provide additional opportunities to eliminate waste, fraud and abuse. In order to better assist the Subcommittee in their efforts, McCaskill asked the FCC to provide the Subcommittee with documents related to the agreement between the FCC and the companies responsible for managing Lifeline and the number, value and scope of contracts.
McCaskill urged the FCC late last year to provide stronger oversight of the little-scrutinized federal program after she received a solicitation at her home for a free cell phone from the Lifeline program. The mailer did not require documentation for proof of eligibility. McCaskill is, in fact, not eligible for the program.
Following those demands, last month the FCC issued new orders to eliminate waste, fraud, and abuse in the program.
The Lifeline program is funded by the Universal Service Fund (USF), which receives its resources from a fee telephone users pay on their phone bills. The FCC oversees the USF and, accordingly, the Lifeline program.
Read a full copy of McCaskill’s letter at the Subcommittee on Contracting Oversight’s website, HERE.
Rep. Delus Johnson Introduces Missouri Jobs for Education Act
Legislation introduced by state Rep. Delus Johnson, R- St. Joseph, would encourage job creation by providing employers with tuition credits for any Missouri public institution of higher learning. The Missouri Jobs for Education Act (HB 1728) would deposit the withholding tax for a newly-created job into the Missouri Jobs for Education Fund. Businesses could then claim the credit for their employees or family members, or they could gift the credit as a scholarship. Johnson said the goal of the bill is to both spark job creation and to help more Missourians achieve the goal of obtaining a college degree.
“My hope is the bill will give an additional incentive for job creation while also providing the financial assistance that will encourage more and more Missourians to attend a university, college or technical school,” said Johnson. “As we try to pull our state out of this sluggish economy, it is critical that we create good-paying jobs for our citizens and that we find ways to make our citizens educated and capable as a workforce. My bill is one piece of the puzzle that will help us to do that.”
In order to qualify for the credit, Johnson’s bill would require employers to create jobs that pay wages that meet or exceed the county average. The jobs would have to be maintained for at least one year before the employer is eligible to redeem the credit. Johnson said his bill would allow an employer to redeem a credit equal to the amount withheld for employment tax. He said for a job paying the average Missouri salary of $41,050, the amount of the credit would be $1,477. An employer creating ten jobs at the average wage could redeem a credit of $14,770 after one year. The tuition credit could never exceed the amount contributed by the employer.
Johnson’s bill now awaits assignment to committee for further discussion.
“My hope is the bill will give an additional incentive for job creation while also providing the financial assistance that will encourage more and more Missourians to attend a university, college or technical school,” said Johnson. “As we try to pull our state out of this sluggish economy, it is critical that we create good-paying jobs for our citizens and that we find ways to make our citizens educated and capable as a workforce. My bill is one piece of the puzzle that will help us to do that.”
In order to qualify for the credit, Johnson’s bill would require employers to create jobs that pay wages that meet or exceed the county average. The jobs would have to be maintained for at least one year before the employer is eligible to redeem the credit. Johnson said his bill would allow an employer to redeem a credit equal to the amount withheld for employment tax. He said for a job paying the average Missouri salary of $41,050, the amount of the credit would be $1,477. An employer creating ten jobs at the average wage could redeem a credit of $14,770 after one year. The tuition credit could never exceed the amount contributed by the employer.
Johnson’s bill now awaits assignment to committee for further discussion.
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