Show-Me Cannabis Files Petition to Legalize Marijuana in 2016

Constitutional Amendment Would Legalize, Tax, and Regulate Cannabis For Adults Over 21

JEFFERSON CITY, MO - November 5, 2014 - Show-Me Cannabis filed a petition today to amend the Missouri Constitution to legalize, tax, and regulate cannabis. Today marks the first day a petition can be filed for the 2016 election. The petition was filed with the Missouri Secretary of State, and now undergoes a review and public comment period.

Show-Me Cannabis is encouraging individuals to file public comments with the Missouri Secretary of State during the open comment window and to contact Show-Me Cannabis directly with any comments on the petition filed. Show-Me Cannabis may modify and re-file the petition on the basis of feedback received.

"Two more states and the District of Columbia rejected cannabis prohibition at the ballot box yesterday, and we fully intend to join them in 2016, so we are starting this process as early as we possibly can," said Show-Me Cannabis Executive Director John Payne. "We still have a long road ahead of us, but we can feel the wind at our backs."

The amendment needs approximately 165,000 signatures to qualify for the November 2014 ballot. If adopted by a majority of voters, it would legalize and regulate cannabis for adults over 21, while also allowing for the distribution of medical cannabis with the recommendation of a physician. The amendment would likely generate tens and possibly hundreds of millions in new tax revenues to be allocated to law enforcement and firefighter pensions; substance abuse programs and underage drug use prevention; elementary, secondary, and higher education programs; veterans’ services; and the enforcement of cannabis regulations.

Show-Me Cannabis is an association of organizations and individuals, who believe that cannabis prohibition is a failed policy, and regulating and taxing cannabis in a manner similar to alcohol would better control the production, distribution, and consumption of cannabis than the current criminal market system does. The group seeks to engage Missourians in a serious, public discussion about the issues associated with marijuana consumption, including medical cannabis, industrial hemp, public safety, and financial analysis in order to address problems associated with the current, failed policy.

Stolen Vehicle In Henry County

The Henry County Sheriff's Office took a report of a stolen brown in color 1999 Plymouth Neon that was stolen around 6 p.m. last night in the Urich, Missouri area on NW 750 road.

The vehicle has a Missouri license plate of  UG2 -R3D and it also has a cracked windshield. If you see this vehicle please contact the Henry County Sheriff's Office at (660) 885-5587.

Weather Update: Temperatures heading in the wrong direction

Hope you got outside and enjoyed yesterday's weather. Much cooler conditions are headed our way starting today.....and it'll last through most of next week. Oh, and did I mention there is the dreaded 4-letter word (_NOW) we've added to Monday night's forecast? Won't be enough to get overly excited about but our first wake-up call that it won't be too long before we'll need to drag out our shovels.

One last thing to brighten your day, it's gonna feel more like late December by Tuesday and Wednesday of next week. Check out the graphic for high temps. Factoring in some brisk winds Wednesday morning wind chills will be in the TEENS!

St. Clair County Sheriffs Office: Warrant issued for non support

On Nov. 4, a St. Clair County arrest warrant was issued for Darryl Richardson, 51, Hallsville, charging him with a class D felony of non support with total arrears in excess of 12 monthly payments due under order of support. Bond is set at $500 cash only.

Sheriff Keeler urges those with any information on the location of these three individuals wanted on felony warrants to contact the St. Clair County Sheriff’s Office Tip Line, 417-646-5832, or email to tips@scsomo.org.

St. Clair County arrest warrant issued

Anthony Cooper

On Nov. 4, a St. Clair County arrest warrant was issued for Anthony Cooper, 26, Collins, for failing to appear in court on three felony charges, stealing a motor vehicle, first degree property damage and leaving the scene of a motor vehicle accident. The charges stem from an incident in March when a St. Clair County deputy took a report of a stolen vehicle near Highway PP and Highway 54 . Ashley Miller, Leewood, Kan. reported she was with Cooper and another individual at a residence on SE 551 Road, Collins, and an argument occurred. Cooper allegedly left with Miller’s 2010 Mazda3 without her permission. The vehicle was recovered in a ditch on Highway PP south of Highway 54. Bond is set at $2,500 cash only.

Low-income Missourians to receive assistance staying warm this winter

Jefferson City, MO - As autumn leaves and temperatures drop around Missouri, the Missouri Department of Social Services is reminding Missourians in-need that the Low-Income Home Energy Assistance Program (LIHEAP) can help them with their heating bills this fall and winter.
“Cold winters can be especially difficult for Missourians who struggle to afford their basic heating bills,” said Brian Kinkade, Missouri Department of Social Services Director. “LIHEAP lessens the impact of higher energy bills for low-income Missourians so that they can stay healthy and safe during the cold winter months.”

LIHEAP offers help paying heating bills through March. Payment amounts can range from $45 to $450, and are based on the household size, income, and type of fuel used for home heating. Payments are generally made directly to the utility company.

In fiscal year 2014, more than 146,000 Missouri households received LIHEAP assistance.

An individual may be eligible for the program if they are a U.S. citizen or legally admitted for permanent residence, responsible for paying home heating costs, have an income at or below 135 percent of the poverty level ($26,716 annually for a family of three), and have $3,000 or less in bank accounts, retirement accounts, or investments.

Applications are now being accepted. Individuals interested in the program can apply through their local LIHEAP contract agency.

If an individual qualifies for Energy Assistance, they may also qualify for additional help through the Energy Crisis Intervention Program (ECIP). The Energy Crisis Intervention Program are payments to energy providers for households who have their energy service terminated or received a threat of disconnection, or who are running short of purchased fuel (propane). The amount is based on the amount to restore or continue services which may be up to $800 for the winter program. Eligible households facing a cooling crisis during summer months may be eligible for up to $300.

Missourians interested in applying for LIHEAP can download the LIHEAP application with instructions and information on their nearest agency location http://www.dss.mo.gov/fsd/eassist/pdf/hcapp.pdf or visit www.DSS.mo.gov for more information.

 
 

Mini-concert scheduled by museum 'Save Our Steinway' committee

The Save Our Steinway Committee invites the public to attend a free concert performance and fundraising campaign progress report to be held on Sunday afternoon, November 16th at 3:00 pm at the Butler Presbyterian Church, 301 N. Fulton, Butler, Missouri. Mr. Blair Penney, Piano Specialist with Schmitt Music of Overland Park, Kansas will present a performance on the church’s Steinway grand piano.

Following a mini-concert, Blair will detail the in depth approach used by Steinway as they carefully disassemble, examine, restore and rebuild the instrument. His knowledge of these processes will give attendees an inside understanding of the excellence the company is renowned for.

Following the presentation, Blair Penney and the SOS Committee will be available for questions and conversation as a lovely dessert buffet will be open for guests to enjoy. This event is free and open to the public. Anyone interested in serving on a variety of sub-committees is encouraged to attend the afternoon program or to contact Peggy Buhr at the Bates County Museum (660-679-0134).

Editor's note- The committee is ramping up the effort to restore one of the museum's prized showpieces, this 100+ year old Steinway piano that is a big part of our local history. Donations for the cause are greatly appreciated- read history about the stately Steinway here. 

Obituary - Wendy LaRose Jackson

Wendy LaRose Jackson, Nixa, MO, passed away on Tuesday, November 4th. She was 45. The family will receive friends on Friday, November 7th from 6:00 P.M. to 8:00 P.M. at Heuser Funeral Home, Rich Hill, MO. Funeral services are scheduled for 10:00 A.M. Saturday, November 8th at Heuser Funeral Home, with burial in the Fairview-Rider Cemetery in Rich Hill.