Does this surprise anyone? A survey by the Federal Reserve shows that there is a growing gap between the rich and the poor.
***
In the meantime, Obama has a six-point plan for Global War that involves special operations, drone attacks, and intelligence operations throughout the world.
***
There are two disturbing things about this. The first is that Congress has the sole power to declare war or authorize the use of force.Yet our President will have the power to conduct operations without it ever seeing the light of day, even in the halls of Congress. "Disturbance in Africa? Coming right over!"
***
The other thing is that the more such small operations that Obama authorizes, where in Central America disrupting drug operations, in the Middle East trying to get the next Al-Qaeda Number One, or trying to shut down Iran's nuclear program, the more unintended consequences that will happen.
***
And then our politicians turn around and declare that taxes are off the table. And then investments in Medicare, Medicaid, education, and infrastructure are down. Once again, it's a matter of priorities. The Middle East over Middle America.
***
And then they wonder why our Economy is not recovering like it was expected to.
***
And in the meantime, people like billionaire Sheldon Adelson are donating $10 million to Mitt Romney's Super Pac and plans to donate $100 million before all is said and done. Once again, priorities.
Thursday, June 14, 2012
Cut to the Chase -- Eden along the Missouri
The Garden of Eden, in my mind, has always looked something like a cornfield in late June. Just before tasseling, when the corn is at its darkest green, perhaps even blue, and if you listen really close, you can almost hear it grow. Perhaps it is a field along the Missouri River, where the rows run long and straight.
To others, the Garden of Eden is a Missouri River that meanders from bluff to bluff, surrounded by land untouched by human hands. Those contrasting visions clashed in Jefferson City on June 11th, at a meeting of the Missouri Clean Water Commission (MCWC), and the decision that group makes will move us closer to one vision or the other.
In 2007, the Commission stopped the U.S. Corps of Engineers from dumping soil into the Missouri River. The Corps was digging a chute along the river near Jameson Island to help create what the Corps calls Shallow Water Habitat. In theory, the establishment of these areas will increase the population of the endangered pallid sturgeon.
The Commission stopped the project because the Corps was dumping the soil removed from the chute into the river. The Commission is charged with protecting the waters of Missouri from the sort of discharges that the Corps was making, and the Commission was correct in their decision to put a halt to the project.
The river finished the job that the Corps had started, and a chute is in place. There is no evidence that the chute is increasing the population of pallid sturgeon, the stated aim of the project. Not only that, waters moving through the chute are causing damage to a levee on the other side of the river. The chute cannot remain in its present position, as it will eventually cause the levee to fail. The question that the Commission must decide is what will be done with the soil removed from the redirected chute. Missouri Farm Bureau has asked that the soil not be dumped in the river, while the Corps would prefer to allow one million cubic yards of soil to enter the river.
Missouri taxpayers and the federal government are spending millions of dollars to fight soil erosion in order to protect the Missouri River, the Mississippi Basin, and the Gulf of Mexico from the damage done by excess nutrients flowing into the river. Farmers all across our state work hard to prevent erosion. That conservation ethic is something of which we farmers are proud. It’s extremely difficult for us to understand a project that will negate so much hard work and expense by the farmers and the taxpayers of this state and nation. If the Corps is allowed to dump the soil into the river, it is hard to see a net benefit to the environment. Most groups favoring the project would argue excess nutrients are causing damage to the Gulf of Mexico, yet they favor allowing the Corps to dump a million cubic yards of nutrient rich soil into waters leading directly to the Gulf.
By the time this project is complete, the taxpayers will have spent over $100,000 per acre to recreate some people’s version of Eden. If the Corps is allowed to complete their long-term recovery plan, which includes similar projects all along the river, the total bill will be billions of dollars. Let’s spend some time thinking about how we spend our nation’s dwindling resources before we continue building a multi-billion dollar monument to the pallid sturgeon. This fish stimulus package is a non-starter, and it’s time to go back to the drawing board.
The public comment period on this issue ends June 30. Please send your written comments favoring alternative 3 to the MCWC and Corps at the Missouri Department of Natural Resources, P.O. Box 176, Jefferson City, Mo., 65102.
(Blake Hurst, of Westboro, Mo., is the president of Missouri Farm Bureau, the state’s largest farm organization.)
To others, the Garden of Eden is a Missouri River that meanders from bluff to bluff, surrounded by land untouched by human hands. Those contrasting visions clashed in Jefferson City on June 11th, at a meeting of the Missouri Clean Water Commission (MCWC), and the decision that group makes will move us closer to one vision or the other.
In 2007, the Commission stopped the U.S. Corps of Engineers from dumping soil into the Missouri River. The Corps was digging a chute along the river near Jameson Island to help create what the Corps calls Shallow Water Habitat. In theory, the establishment of these areas will increase the population of the endangered pallid sturgeon.
The Commission stopped the project because the Corps was dumping the soil removed from the chute into the river. The Commission is charged with protecting the waters of Missouri from the sort of discharges that the Corps was making, and the Commission was correct in their decision to put a halt to the project.
The river finished the job that the Corps had started, and a chute is in place. There is no evidence that the chute is increasing the population of pallid sturgeon, the stated aim of the project. Not only that, waters moving through the chute are causing damage to a levee on the other side of the river. The chute cannot remain in its present position, as it will eventually cause the levee to fail. The question that the Commission must decide is what will be done with the soil removed from the redirected chute. Missouri Farm Bureau has asked that the soil not be dumped in the river, while the Corps would prefer to allow one million cubic yards of soil to enter the river.
Missouri taxpayers and the federal government are spending millions of dollars to fight soil erosion in order to protect the Missouri River, the Mississippi Basin, and the Gulf of Mexico from the damage done by excess nutrients flowing into the river. Farmers all across our state work hard to prevent erosion. That conservation ethic is something of which we farmers are proud. It’s extremely difficult for us to understand a project that will negate so much hard work and expense by the farmers and the taxpayers of this state and nation. If the Corps is allowed to dump the soil into the river, it is hard to see a net benefit to the environment. Most groups favoring the project would argue excess nutrients are causing damage to the Gulf of Mexico, yet they favor allowing the Corps to dump a million cubic yards of nutrient rich soil into waters leading directly to the Gulf.
By the time this project is complete, the taxpayers will have spent over $100,000 per acre to recreate some people’s version of Eden. If the Corps is allowed to complete their long-term recovery plan, which includes similar projects all along the river, the total bill will be billions of dollars. Let’s spend some time thinking about how we spend our nation’s dwindling resources before we continue building a multi-billion dollar monument to the pallid sturgeon. This fish stimulus package is a non-starter, and it’s time to go back to the drawing board.
The public comment period on this issue ends June 30. Please send your written comments favoring alternative 3 to the MCWC and Corps at the Missouri Department of Natural Resources, P.O. Box 176, Jefferson City, Mo., 65102.
(Blake Hurst, of Westboro, Mo., is the president of Missouri Farm Bureau, the state’s largest farm organization.)
Nobody Injured in Two Car Accident in Sheridan
Nobody was hurt in a two-car accident in Sheridan Thursday afternoon at around 3. A Park Avenue driven by Gene Via was eastbound on 246 while a truck driven by Charles Jones was backing out of the parking lot in front of the storefront. Via sideswiped the Jones vehicle, causing damage to the right side of Via’s car and shattering the passenger side window.
Flag Day Celebrated at WCCC
Flag Day was celebrated Thursday afternoon as Ben Fletcher of the local National Guard came by and explained how an artillery piece works to around 10 residents. They are made of titanium, which cuts down on the weight and they are capable of being airlifted. They cost $2 million each to make and they can only be towed at slow speeds. If they are towed more than 55 miles per hour, then the load will start swinging back and forth and the driver will have to slow down again to stabilize it.
Residents who served in the military were recognized along with Maxine Roberts, who was at Pearl Harbor working as a nurse when the Japanese attacked. Another resident, Jan Smith, had a father who served in World War I, a husband who served in World War II, and three brothers who also served in the military.
Residents who served in the military were recognized along with Maxine Roberts, who was at Pearl Harbor working as a nurse when the Japanese attacked. Another resident, Jan Smith, had a father who served in World War I, a husband who served in World War II, and three brothers who also served in the military.
WCCC Board Wrestling with Delinquent Bills
The Worth County Convalescent Center had a positive bottom line last month of $10,746, leaving them $12,833 in the black for this year. They anticipate approximately a $100,000 surplus when the property taxes come in this November.
However, the board is having an ongoing problem with bills that are over 90 days old. Currently, there are around $161,000 worth of bills that are 90 or more days old. "We're not being kept in the loop," said board member Kathy Miller. "We have been waiting 15 months for this information. We're looking at a huge amount of money. We have a fiduciary duty to the taxpayers to make decisions about our finances and we can't make these decisions about money without the proper information." The difficulty is that under patient confidentiality laws, certain information cannot be disclosed even to board members without the patients' permission. Some of the bills involve billing errors while others involve patients who are deceased. There are 24 residents at the facility, but there are 40 such accounts to deal with averaging around $4,000 each. Secretary Jozy Moyer thought that the oldest one was two years old. The facility sends out bills to the estate in the event of the death of a resident, but a difficulty arises if there is no estate to bill or if it closes.
"We all need to know what is going on," said board member Jeff Thummel. "It's not acceptable to write off $50,000 to $60,000 every year. I thought we put a policy in place to prevent this from happening," added Miller. At least four customers are paying off old debts. Part of the problem is that the bills are not classified as to whether they are private or Medicare. Board President Scott Houk said that he knew from experience that in billing the government, you had to get the codes exactly right or they would not pay. Houk agreed that they needed to be broken down into whether they were government or private. The board directed Administrator Karen Fletchall and Secretary Jozy Moyer to do so. Board member Anthony Steinhauser said that the danger was that the facility would develop a reputation for not collecting on bills, which would really hurt the bottom line.
Part of the problem is that it is difficult for Quickbooks to make these distinctions between government and private bills and that a lot of work has to be done by hand. Mike Schremf, from Denver, a visitor to the meeting, said that he had worked in the industry before retiring and that there was specialized billing software out there. He said that he worked at places where companies hired people whose sole job it was to fight for the money they were owed from Medicare. A few years ago, the board had looked into purchasing such software; however, the cost was around $12,000 to $15,000 for an outright purchase or several hundred dollars a month in lease payments.
The facility is looking into developing an assisted living wing, possibly on the west side closed off from the rest of the facility. Administrator Karen Fletchall said that she had been learning about the process and that they would have to notify the state of any major renovations that would be done. The land in question would possibly have to be appraised and there is a separate licensing process. It would need to have its own separate living and dining area and possibly its own laundry room. A new activity room would have to be set up, possibly in the main dining area. A lot of activities have been moved to the main dining area anyway so that residents won't have to travel as far. It may also affect the facility's respite care and day care services that they presently offer and that some people are using. The board and administration would need to decide whether to set up a two-room apartment style or one-bedroom wing or a combination of both.
Work is still progressing on the room in the east wing. The window still needs to come in; the countertop was scheduled to be delivered Friday. The plan is to complete the room by Friday, June 22nd. Other items on the renovation agenda include removing old air conditioner holes as well as pulling out excess shrubs which board members say have excessive growth and that get in the way.
The board approved a $20,000 life insurance policy for the 38 employees which are eligible. It will be provided by Blue Cross/Blue Shield.
Equipment needs of the facility were discussed prior to doing the new budget for next year. A new lift for the bathroom, a new alarm call system which would replace the present one, and a new up to date exercise seat for the therapy room which both the occupational therapist and physical therapist could use were discussed.
However, the board is having an ongoing problem with bills that are over 90 days old. Currently, there are around $161,000 worth of bills that are 90 or more days old. "We're not being kept in the loop," said board member Kathy Miller. "We have been waiting 15 months for this information. We're looking at a huge amount of money. We have a fiduciary duty to the taxpayers to make decisions about our finances and we can't make these decisions about money without the proper information." The difficulty is that under patient confidentiality laws, certain information cannot be disclosed even to board members without the patients' permission. Some of the bills involve billing errors while others involve patients who are deceased. There are 24 residents at the facility, but there are 40 such accounts to deal with averaging around $4,000 each. Secretary Jozy Moyer thought that the oldest one was two years old. The facility sends out bills to the estate in the event of the death of a resident, but a difficulty arises if there is no estate to bill or if it closes.
"We all need to know what is going on," said board member Jeff Thummel. "It's not acceptable to write off $50,000 to $60,000 every year. I thought we put a policy in place to prevent this from happening," added Miller. At least four customers are paying off old debts. Part of the problem is that the bills are not classified as to whether they are private or Medicare. Board President Scott Houk said that he knew from experience that in billing the government, you had to get the codes exactly right or they would not pay. Houk agreed that they needed to be broken down into whether they were government or private. The board directed Administrator Karen Fletchall and Secretary Jozy Moyer to do so. Board member Anthony Steinhauser said that the danger was that the facility would develop a reputation for not collecting on bills, which would really hurt the bottom line.
Part of the problem is that it is difficult for Quickbooks to make these distinctions between government and private bills and that a lot of work has to be done by hand. Mike Schremf, from Denver, a visitor to the meeting, said that he had worked in the industry before retiring and that there was specialized billing software out there. He said that he worked at places where companies hired people whose sole job it was to fight for the money they were owed from Medicare. A few years ago, the board had looked into purchasing such software; however, the cost was around $12,000 to $15,000 for an outright purchase or several hundred dollars a month in lease payments.
The facility is looking into developing an assisted living wing, possibly on the west side closed off from the rest of the facility. Administrator Karen Fletchall said that she had been learning about the process and that they would have to notify the state of any major renovations that would be done. The land in question would possibly have to be appraised and there is a separate licensing process. It would need to have its own separate living and dining area and possibly its own laundry room. A new activity room would have to be set up, possibly in the main dining area. A lot of activities have been moved to the main dining area anyway so that residents won't have to travel as far. It may also affect the facility's respite care and day care services that they presently offer and that some people are using. The board and administration would need to decide whether to set up a two-room apartment style or one-bedroom wing or a combination of both.
Work is still progressing on the room in the east wing. The window still needs to come in; the countertop was scheduled to be delivered Friday. The plan is to complete the room by Friday, June 22nd. Other items on the renovation agenda include removing old air conditioner holes as well as pulling out excess shrubs which board members say have excessive growth and that get in the way.
The board approved a $20,000 life insurance policy for the 38 employees which are eligible. It will be provided by Blue Cross/Blue Shield.
Equipment needs of the facility were discussed prior to doing the new budget for next year. A new lift for the bathroom, a new alarm call system which would replace the present one, and a new up to date exercise seat for the therapy room which both the occupational therapist and physical therapist could use were discussed.
Tuesday, June 12, 2012
Fatal Teen Wreck Near Eagleville
A fatal teen wreck occurred Saturday afternoon near Eagleville. The Missouri Highway Patrol reports that a 1999 Kia driven by Brittni Brenizer, 16, was southbound on 69 one half mile north of Eagleville when she crossed the center line and overcorrected, causing the car to travel off the west side of the roadway and strike an embankment. The vehicle then rolled multiple times during which Brenizer was ejected. The vehicle came to rest on its wheels facing southwest in the northbound lane. She was pronounced dead at the Harrison County Community Hospital. A passenger, Reed Hallock, 16, received moderate injuries and was taken to Harrison County Community Hospital.
Athelstan Wreck Results in Serious Injury
A wreck 3 miles South of Athelstan in Worth County resulted in the serious injury of Troy Prez, 16, of Athelstan Sunday evening. The Missouri Highway Patrol reports that a 1995 Toyota Tacoma driven by Prez was eastbound on County Road 100 at around 6:06 p.m.The driver lost control and struck a bridge abutment. The vehicle came to rest facing south on its wheels off of the roadway. The accident was investigated by the Missouri Highway Patrol, the Worth and Taylor County Sheriff's Departments, and the Sheridan Fire Department. He was transported via Ambulance to Mercy Hospital in Des Moines.
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