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Sound Off

Have something to say? SOUND OFF is an opinion feature. It is a forum-like opportunity to give everyone a voice.



Please refrain from personal attacks and libel. Better Newspapers reserves the right to edit or omit comments and users. Better Newspapers does not investigate or deem any topic as fact.

 

237 Comments

  1. Anonymous on February 23, 2024 at 1:28 pm

    Spot on! with the Country Club comment! It seems to me that the membership is limited to those that are member “approved”. If you are not a member of their clique, forget it. They do not use “local” businesses unless they again, are member approved, even if you have lower prices. Seems like the membership cost is set high enough for again, those that are only member approved. What a waste of ground.

  2. Anonymous on February 21, 2024 at 11:32 pm

    I dare you to print this: the sheriff is an IDIOT and the mayor is a JERK.

  3. Anonymous on February 15, 2024 at 7:11 pm

    I am so sick and tired of our local golf course, ask why well here it goes. They advertise on Facebook about dinner, golf etc but if your a local there are no avenues to join. You can only golf 3x a year if you live here, but I have friends from the city that golf weekly and that is ok, the course advertises dinners but can a local join in? Our local course sucks, I’ve learned to survive you need your local patrons. A membership in Piedmont runs about $950 a year, Fredericktown is $ 450 and you get a cart! What hell. The way we look at it if you’re from out of town then welcome aboard, if you live in the county then bite me.

  4. Anonymous on February 10, 2024 at 10:15 am

    Why does everything in Piedmont cost more than other towns? Gas, groceries, etc..I am tired of getting ripped off with the price gouging here!

  5. Anonymous on January 29, 2024 at 10:52 am

    Pictures in the paper share a story. A story of how local groups who SAY they support local businesses; until you see a picture in the paper that shows otherwise. Please check out the businesses that support your local chamber and schools and buy from them instead of those that do not. YOUR picture shows you do NOT SUPPORT LOCAL! You just talk the talk, you don’t walk the walk. Shame on you.

  6. Anonymous on December 22, 2023 at 2:46 pm

    Yo, piedmont! What up? This place is totally dead but I wanna party!! If you wanna party too, reply to this post and we’ll get something going!!

    • Anonymous on February 6, 2024 at 7:21 pm

      I too want to party. But I don’t know how

  7. Anonymous on December 1, 2023 at 12:00 pm

    Welcome to Piedmont sign entries….just as secret as Jeffrey Epstein’s plane list.

  8. Anonymous on December 1, 2023 at 11:55 am

    To the UFO enthusiasts: When it comes to Christmas please put away your little green men and make JESUS the reason for the season, not UFOs. They belong no where in CHRISTmas. The wise men, Joseph & Mary did not arrive by UFO and should not be represented in this way in any shape or form. If you do, shame on you! Christmas should be kept Holy.

    • Anonymous on January 24, 2024 at 10:00 pm

      Jesus was OBVIOUSLY an alien from a distant planet.

      His so-called “miracles” were nothing more than the application of advanced technology.

      Representing him as a little green man is 100% appropriate. But I’ll do you one better.

      Next year I will set up a nativity scene on the roof of my store that is nothing but mutants, aliens, and other freaks of nature. The baby Jesus will be represented by a Cosmic Egg containing the next leap forward in our evolution from apes to gods: the Mystical Christmas Serpent.

      Everyone will be welcome! Christian or not.

  9. Anonymous on November 28, 2023 at 11:36 am

    Small church pastors who do not greet every person who attends their church service, will one day have no church to pastor.

    • Anonymous on December 22, 2023 at 2:47 pm

      Without a pastor the sheep will run wild and soon be eaten by wolves wearing their clothing.

  10. Anonymous on November 24, 2023 at 12:16 pm

    Folks, folks, folks. Let’s simmer down, now.

    Why not combine lake and aliens?? After all, lots of folks saw them under the water so those years ago. Why not promote them together? Heck, why not also promote the freshwater sharks that swim in the lake? We know they’re there and once in awhile will eat a little kid.

    Sharks, UFOs, and Clearwater Lake: a triple threat!

    What do you folks think?

    • Anonymous on January 24, 2024 at 10:01 pm

      them sharks in the lake done et one of my boys

  11. Anonymous on October 29, 2023 at 12:23 pm

    Folks. I was one of the original UFO abductees here in town. I was fishing on the lake when it came up from below likes big old whale and took me and my boat away up and up. I talked about this a lot at the time because I was probed while up there and it was a terrifying experience. I was up there for three days and when I got back everybody said I was just a drunk who fell on a stick. A lot of you laughed at me but who’s laughing now? I am! All the way to the bank! My book, Ozark Anal Probe (Piedmont’s Shame) is coming out in November. I’m naming names and already got tv interviews lined up. I’m finally spilling the beans and letting the cat out of the bag about what happened to me. Anybody who laughed at me back in 1973 will be named and shamed publicly, so get ready for some payback. I’m sick of all this nonsense. In my Opinion, we don’t need a sign for UFOs or the lake – we should have a Clark’s Mtn sign. After all it is the second highest point is Missouri and something to be proud of. Can’t we all get behind that? Buy my book and hang onto your hats, folks. It’s about to get hot and hairy. Thank you!!

  12. Anonymous on October 16, 2023 at 11:48 am

    Piedmont Chamber of Commerce Facebook page: You can no longer comment or message them. You only have the option to “call” them via Facebook…yeah right like someone will answer. Great way to keep in touch with the community and businesses! WHAT are you all trying to hide?

  13. Anonymous on October 3, 2023 at 11:09 pm

    Well I like the aliens! Who cares about the stupid old lake anyway? Some people need to open up their minds.

  14. Anonymous on September 13, 2023 at 11:36 am

    Looks like Carol needs to come back and remind the Chamber who they actually work for and answer to. Shame on you for not listening to the towns concerns regarding the welcome sign.

    • Anonymous on October 17, 2023 at 9:52 am

      As a business owner in Piedmont, one item for sure is that the Chamber of Commerce does not share, show nor lead in making our community grow and prosper. Just look at the graphs of our population decline, wage stagnation and business growth. None are in the positive direction that the chamber should take us and demonstrate to people and other stakeholders that we are a value and a destination environment. Over the past 10 years the only involvement the chamber was that “would you donate” to this event? I’ve never had a member of the chamber reach out and ask “ how can we help grow your business and add jobs” for our community. Striking, they have the same attitude and belief as our golf course as well. Never once has the golf course asked what can we do for vs “ we need a donation “ for an event. Relationships are reciprocal, not one way. Thus here we are year after year in the same quagmire as the last generation. It’s a shame there is no vision for growth on all fronts, just labels. Shameful, I will support those whom invest in our community, investments in people will win the race not prizes. Now you know why there is a 2nd Wayne County Chamber in Greenville? I’ve seen more advertising from Ellington for our local resources than Piedmont. Insanity, doing the same thing over and over expecting different results. Thus the answer on the welcome sign wrapped with aliens.

  15. Anonymous on September 5, 2023 at 1:05 pm

    Chamber of Commerce – Wikipedia: A chamber of commerce, or board of trade, is a form of business network. For example, a local organization of businesses whose goal is to further the {{ interests of businesses }}. Business owners in towns and cities form these local societies to advocate on behalf of the business community. Local businesses are members, and they elect a board of directors or executive council to set policy for the chamber. The board or council then hires a President, CEO, or Executive Director, plus staffing appropriate to size, to run the organization.

    A chamber of commerce may be a voluntary or a mandatory association of business firms belonging to different trades and industries. They serve as spokespeople and representatives of a business community.[1] They differ from country to country.

    So in review: The chamber works for the BUSINESSES in the area to help promote the members businesses. Not most everyday citizens of the area. In exchange they pay “dues” for the promotion and use of their business by the Chamber.
    Is the Chamber promoting for all chamber members businesses or just a handful by not listening to the concerns about the Welcome Sign?

    • Anonymous on October 20, 2023 at 9:36 pm

      More like “chamber pot of commerce” —AM I RIGHT?

    • Anonymous on October 27, 2023 at 8:21 am

      Responding to the “in review “ it is for everyday citizens, we the people decides who,we shop. I’ve paid dues to the chamber and not one time in 2 decades was promoted by them.

  16. Anonymous on August 28, 2023 at 1:43 pm

    Piedmont Aliens…take me to your leader! Nanoo Nanoo

  17. Anonymous on August 25, 2023 at 3:02 pm

    Those in power make decisions.
    The people revolt against the decisions made asking for answers.
    Those in power do not care what the people think and do not think they have to answer to the people.
    Welcome to Bidenominics in small town USA.

  18. Anonymous on August 25, 2023 at 2:14 pm

    I’m sorry that all of us that will not speak up in public is a problem for the chamber. Some of us are not privileged enough to have the last name that you do. Our names do not get the “approval” yours might. but we still want our voices heard and this is the only way we can do it.
    This is also the first we have heard of a “billboard”. Yup, just what our quaint town needs a billboard so we can be distracted while driving.
    The chamber is not as “visual” as you think it is. There were not notices about the sign and that the public could “join in”. Your statement on FB should be redacted, it has false statements in it. Don’t want to pay the paper for notices? Put it on your website, plaster it on your FB page. You want to blame the town but you didn’t give the town a vote, you want us to do what you say, not what we the people say of you.
    You say you do what the people want but I only see you doing what YOU want to do because you have been handed the power to do so and then tell the people they are the ones at fault. Sounds like our current administration in DC.

  19. Anonymous on August 25, 2023 at 8:30 am

    Here is a solution for the Welcome sign controversy; show all of the entries in the Newspaper along with a form (like the business person of the year one) and have the RESIDENTS and CHAMBER MEMBERS be allowed to vote; one vote per person/business with a deadline for the vote to be turned in.
    Since the old Welcome sign was bought by the Clearwater Lake Association (yeah not the City); the votes should be mailed/given to them for final count and decision. Maybe a locked box can be left at the Newspaper Office for people to drop votes off since mail is unreliable.
    I’m sorry current Chamber Board and Director, you have divided the town with the sign chosen so we do not trust your judgement on the final say of this. If you want to re-establish trust in your decisions with the residents/business owners; you will need to hand over the final say of this sign to the residents and business owners of Piedmont with the Lake Association being in charge of vote counting.
    A good example of no trust is your “limiting who can comment” on your Facebook sign post. The people are asking and you are turning a deaf ear, this is why we no longer trust you. The Chamber should not have any contact with the votes until the final count has been made.
    So the question is: Does the current Chamber Board and Director want to re-unite the town or continue to divide it because of UFO’s?

  20. Anonymous on August 23, 2023 at 7:20 am

    Can we quit with the exaggeration of UFO’s? I have only heard ONE business owner say how people are flocking to town for the UFOs….but then on another post states how they love seeing “all the campers, boats and trailers in town going to the…wait for it……LAKE”. But we don’t need the LAKE in our town sign??? People will not flock to town for a bunch of old satellite dishes. People of Piedmont spend your money on something better! Spend $250 on uniforms for a school sport or buy a kids lunch at school for a year. Geez Invest in our CHILDREND, not UFO’s.

  21. Anonymous on August 22, 2023 at 4:37 pm

    Here is a solution for the Chamber and their Welcome Sign dilemma. Have all of the sign entries shown at the Heritage Festival; sell votes for $1 with only 1 vote per person 18 years or older (or just residents) (stamp their hand when voting & show ID). This will give everyone a chance to see the designs and vote for what they want for the town and it will bring in money to make the sign as well. Each vote will be put into a CLEAR sealed jar; so that everyone can see which one is the most popular without anything being hid from the residents, current and past. Have the vote only happen on Saturday and the vote counted by a local Pastor (neutral) at the end of the day. Problem solved.

  22. Anonymous on August 21, 2023 at 2:00 pm

    To end the controversy then just show ALL the designs submitted. If you’re confident you made the best choice possible; prove to us you made the best choice for the town. What are you afraid of?

  23. Anonymous on August 21, 2023 at 10:34 am

    Not speaking up is how the Bible was taken out of schools. Speak up for what you believe in, even if others reticule you for it, or it will be taken away forever. Do not be a blind mass follower just because the others words are prettier. Satan was an Angel once too. Praying God will lead the people in control to do the right thing by our town to reunite it.

  24. Anonymous on August 20, 2023 at 6:03 pm

    Shouldn’t donation requests such as the UFO one, be made to a bank instead of an individual? Asking for a friend…..

  25. Anonymous on August 20, 2023 at 5:55 pm

    Oh my gosh! UFO’s are tearing this town apart! It’s okay as a “side” venture, but don’t take away what we already knows works the LAKE! If you take away the lake as a focal point for the community, it is no longer a resort destination. It’s a sideshow.

  26. Anonymous on August 20, 2023 at 8:58 am

    Your speech was eloquent. You took a long time to come up
    with such a heart rendering post and I agree with a lot of it.
    However, we the people of Piedmont in the MAJORITY, do not
    want to “change” Piedmont. You want to change it, not add
    to it.
    You want to take away the lake, Clark’s Mountain and
    everything else that has made this town grow.
    You say you moved here…for us. So why now do you want
    to change what you moved here for? Is our small town not
    good enough for you now so you want to change it? Why
    do we have to change from “Adventure begins at the foot of
    the mountain” to “Come in peace, leave in peace”? WHO
    made the decision to make that change? It is even in the
    chamber logo! Will that be changed next? A lot of $$ was
    spent on that logo and the signs but now they won’t match
    what the chamber wants to do with our town.
    Fine to add something about the UFOs. But I will be dang if
    $9,000 needs to be spent on old satellite dishes being turned
    into spaceships and wood carvings that will soon look as old
    as the Angel on the funeral home lawn. They are neat, but
    they need maintained and stained to keep them preserved;
    just look at all the ones in the area that are not kept up.
    No offense to the carver, they just need maintained…where
    will that money come from? Another donation request?
    What about vandals? It will happen just look at Handy Park.

    You say our town will die. Why? Do you think that the current
    residents and tourists will stop supporting the town? Is the
    school in jeopardy of closing because residents are leaving
    by the droves? No more little league games?
    I do not see hoards of people arriving for a UFO park, sorry.
    You chose to move here and open a business. If your business
    is not thriving, is it because of what you offer the community?
    Is it what the majority of the community wants or the minority?
    When the MAJORITY of the town lets a small group of people
    decide the towns future, you are being ruled and dictated to.
    Why are you upset when you find that the MAJORITY of the people
    do not like what you are doing? We put our trust in you to keep
    the town going not to change it from what it is!
    The MAJORITY wants to keep the Lake in the entrance sign so
    why aren’t the people we put our trust in listen to us??
    THE MAJORITY HAS SPOKEN. WE WANT THE LAKE!!!

  27. Anonymous on August 18, 2023 at 2:21 pm

    With all due respect to the Welcome to Piedmont sign designer; the sign is…cute, but not what a historical town like Piedmont needs. Making our town totally about UFO’s and nothing else is a slap to our forefathers who built this town. Please include the lake in your design and don’t throw away our rich history for something the government is probably behind anyway. I would like to see ALL the designs submitted and know WHO were the people responsible for this huge change to our quaint little town? Seems like something so dramatic to the town would be something that the entire town should be a part of, not just a hand full of people. p.s. Please capital the “i”

  28. Anonymous on August 17, 2023 at 10:04 am

    Let’s see:
    Clearwater Apartments; Clearwater Construction Office; Clearwater Family Youth Center; Clearwater Fire Protection District; Clearwater Floor Covering; Clearwater Forest Consultants; Clearwater Head start School; Clearwater Lake Project Office; Clearwater Lake Resort; Clearwater lake Store; Clearwater Cafe; Clearwater lake Visitors Center; Clearwater Licensed Day Care Center; Clearwater Marian; Clearwater Mobile Windshield; Clearwater Vision Center….CLEARWATER SCHOOL.
    Nothing about “CLEARWATER” in the new town sign?
    I like my town being known by Clearwater Lake, not UFO’s.

  29. Anonymous on August 16, 2023 at 12:39 pm

    $9,000?? for ALIENS?? The City water lines are so bad the city is under a boil water order every 3 months. But, Hey! lets spend $9,000 for an ALIEN PARK….nope, I ain’t doin it!

  30. Anonymous on August 12, 2023 at 6:11 pm

    CLEARWATER TIGERS….you’re out…..we are now changing the name of the school and mascot to the PIEDMONT ALIENS! LOL

  31. Anonymous on August 12, 2023 at 5:16 pm

    I am disappointed in the new sign design having no mention of Clearwater Lake.
    What has brought visitors to the town of Piedmont for over 100 years? CLEARWATER LAKE!
    Not a bunch of “aliens”. Sad.

  32. Anonymous on July 7, 2023 at 8:26 am

    All of your actions only prove one thing; you want to be business person of the year next year…you can’t scream it any louder. Keep tooting your own horn about your greatness and all you do. Personally I think someone else unrelated to you should be blowing the horn, it’s makes a person more humble and deserving of the praise than when you do it yourself.

  33. Anonymous on April 24, 2023 at 7:53 am

    Those of you who continue to blame Donald Trump for everything that is wrong with the USA today must think that he is a very powerful man to have this much control to do all of the damage himself. You don’t add any other names you only use his so you must think that he has so much power to be able to do all of this on his own. You are really out of touch with reality. I bet you sit in church on Sunday thinking how holy you are; it’s called hypocrisy, it’s in the Bible and maybe you need to crack yours open once in awhile. You also need to get your information from somewhere other than the boob tube because it’s making you well…a boob.

  34. Anonymous on March 25, 2023 at 7:54 am

    “Devout Catholics do not support abortion OR politicians who advocate for it.”

    No, but they sure supported pedophile priests molesting children and then paying off the victims later on.
    And the strange part is, we heard absolutely NOTHING from you folks while this was going on and probably still is going on at certain churches. Based on the Catholic Churches responses to this crisis of morality, I do not support anything the Catholic Church says or does.

    • Anonymous on April 8, 2023 at 11:54 pm

      Catholics are not the only christians who molest kids. Don’t forget about the southern baptists!

      Just search for “southern baptist sex abuse cover up” and read all about it.

      Child abuse is a feature of the evangelical culture. Just like the catholics, they excuse, excuse, excuse, and always protect the abusers. It’s disgusting!

      • Anonymous on September 12, 2023 at 6:54 am

        👍🏼

  35. Anonymous on March 25, 2023 at 7:48 am

    “There are “trolls” on Facebook and there are trolls in the WCJB. Those people who constantly write disparaging letters regarding Jason Smith and what he does or does not vote for are trolls. They have one agenda, spread misinformation. Shame on you.”

    I think the real question here would be, what legislation has Jason Smith pushed through that helped you or your family. Because playing identity political games do not count as help, either for you, your family or your neighbors. Talk is cheap. Actions speak louder than words.

  36. Anonymous on March 21, 2023 at 10:23 am

    Six candidates and you hire a person who has cost the S.I. school district hundreds of thousand of dollars in settlement costs from lawsuits? What are you thinking? The 4 that voted for her have LIED to the citizens of the school district by saying that you will represent what is BEST for the district. This is the best person you can find? Seems like we are back to what is best for the people who sit on the board once again. Which board member will benefit from this hire? We shall see…

  37. Anonymous on March 10, 2023 at 8:01 am

    Dear 5 Star China Garden owners: #1 the young man who answers the phone is RUDE. He needs to learn phone manners. #2 The pandemic is over so can you take down the shower curtains now…(they don’t help anyway and they are ugly) #3 A restaurant is not a HOME, it is a place of BUSINESS. We as residents are glad that we have a variety of restaurants for us and visitors to choose from when they come to town, but your restaurant is more like a home that sells food than a place of business. Clean your floors and open up your tables for business….be a real restaurant.

  38. Anonymous on February 16, 2023 at 11:06 am

    Rules for nominations for Business Person of the Year needs to be changed.
    I think a business should be in business the entire year in order to be nominated.
    Employees and family should also be exempt from nominating family members.

  39. Anonymous on February 16, 2023 at 10:57 am

    Riddle me this: How can a person win Business Person of the year 2022 when they only opened for business on DECEMBER 26, 2022? Open for official business 7 days of 2022. I think that is a slap in the face to business owners that were nominated that actually did WORK all of 2022. So they did a great job on the remodel…it HAD to be remodeled. But they were only open 7 days…..SEVEN DAYS OF 2022! Maybe 2023, but 2022? NO!
    I think this shows how many drunks we actually have voting on these nominations and the nominations should only be for those business owners in business ALL of the year. My opinion…poor choice.

  40. Anonymous on December 7, 2022 at 10:52 am

    what? another trump-backed idiot candidate lost? what are you all going to do NOW?

    lol

    normal people love to see it. crazies gonna crazy.

    keep on voting for dummies, dummies. keep on losing.

  41. Anonymous on November 29, 2022 at 7:10 am

    There are “trolls” on Facebook and there are trolls in the WCJB. Those people who constantly write disparaging letters regarding Jason Smith and what he does or does not vote for are trolls. They have one agenda, spread misinformation. Shame on you.

    • Anonymous on January 21, 2023 at 8:13 am

      No doubt. I am stunned at how uninformed everyone is.
      I am also more happy with the Governor of Florida calling out the WEF’ers and Jason is still under the impression that China Joe thinks for himself. Until the National Attorney General is on the Ballot I suspect more 2 Tiered fake justice from the Department of Just-us. We got a Supreme Court that includes a Female Judge that thinks ya got to go to College to know what a Woman is.

  42. Anonymous on November 14, 2022 at 8:07 am

    I think it is a disgrace to hang a Ukraine flag with our American Flag on our Veterans Day observance. You want to fly a flag for a country that is a corrupt as Ukraine? Fly it on it’s own pole, please do not disgrace our Country’s flag.

    • Anonymous on August 21, 2023 at 11:56 am

      So I would imagine you are also against the Thin Blue Flag flag, which disgraces and cheapens OUR American flag. Right?

  43. Anonymous on November 2, 2022 at 2:16 pm

    As an undercover narcotics officer with the MO State Patrol in the 1970’s I witnessed young people using marijuana containing 1-3 percent THC (tetrahydrocannabinol), the chemical causing intoxication. By the 1980’s I learned from colleagues at the National Institute on Drug Abuse (NIDA) research facility in Oxford, MS, that street marihuana was increasing in THC content and samples were showing levels over 10 percent.

    Since then, the marijuana trade has been taken over by commercial enterprises dominated by the already powerful tobacco and alcohol industries aided by their political allies. Using laboratory-based technology to isolate and concentrate THC and other cannabinoid molecules from hemp and cannabis plants, they have commercialized the delivery of THC in food, beverages, candy, and even highly concentrated (and illegal) electronic “vaping” cartridges that provide THC in a more purified form. One popular online dealer of cannabis concentrates advertises the sale of “vape cartridges” that are “in the scope of 70%-98% THC.”

    What can we expect from all this “progress”? Cannabinoid receptors are found in regions of the brain closely associated with emotional health and the formation of memories and learning skills. Scientists question the long and short-term health effects of flooding these brain receptors with cannabinoids on a regular basis. Contrary to what is advertised in the popular media, scores of reputable medical experts around the world caution that these effects could be catastrophic over the long-term, producing harmful physical and psychological effects that are unpredictable, irreversible, and detrimental to human reproductive systems.

    This will be a nightmare for mental health (especially for developing adolescents), public safety (crashes, suicides, crime including crimes of violence). Law enforcement organizations oppose this, while the 6 million dollar funded pro marijuana claims it will help police. Who are you going to believe?
    Lt. Ed Moses, MSHP Ret, Dr. John Coleman, DEA Ret.

  44. Anonymous on November 1, 2022 at 10:08 am

    BEFORE YOU VOTE, KNOW THE LAW OF OUR COUNTRY:
    For the those who say the 20th Amendment does not specify when the President’s term begins:
    The 20th SPECIFICALLY says the President’s term is to END at NOON.
    So, if you swear in a President at 11:47 AM EST as Joseph Robinette Biden Jr. who’s not even real… not even remotely close to the same Joe Biden of the Senate and VP…. Then you would have TWO Presidents…

    Article II of the CONSTITUTION, Executive Orders 12148, 13912, 13848, 13919, the Stafford Act, the Presidential Emergencies Act, more SPECIFICALLY 13912, Title 10, Title 32, 10 US Code Ch. 1209, 47 US Code 606 which EXTENDED President Trump’s powers as President which enabled him to Federalize all 50 States National Guard and Reserve Components, (first time in US History all 50 were Federalized at one time) when you saw 35,000 plus troops move into D.C. and also place a fence around the Capitol Building (47 US Code 606 closing of Government Facilities), and they’ve been FEDERALIZED ever since that visual activation as NG, ANG, and Reserves have been out of their States and U.S. every single day since January 17, 2021, as the ONLY person who can Federalize the NG & Reserves to Active Duty is the PRESIDENT… and who was the President on January 17, 2021?
    Amazing what you can learn when you read. By Constitutional and Military Law, President Trump is still President acting as Commander-in-Chief as we are in a Military Occupancy as defined in pages 754-838 in the Law of War Manual.
    Article II, Executive Orders 13912, 13848, 13919, 13959, 13885, 13958, Title 10, Title 32, 10 US Code Chapter 1209, Title 50 Chapter 34, Law of War Manual, Military Tribunals Handbook, the Quantum Act, Quantum.gov, didn’t write themselves… but they dang sure provide a small portion of the blueprint of when, how, and why the National Guard have been out of their states and the United States EVERY single day since January 17, 2021.
    Since the Uniform Code of Military Justice (Military LAW), the Constitution, the Law of War Manual, Federal Law, United States Codes, Titles, and Clauses, Executive Orders, Federal Acts, of which ALL form a Blueprint of how the President, Government and Military function and operate…
    In which VERY DETAILED and SPECIFIC ones from 2017-2021 show how President Trump extended his power as President under Article II of the Constitution… the same way President Franklin D. Roosevelt extended his power serving 13 years (4 terms)…

    On November 6th we turn back the clocks. On November 8th we take back our COUNTRY!

    • Anonymous on December 20, 2022 at 11:29 am

      charmin product clogs , do not overuse

  45. Anonymous on October 27, 2022 at 11:49 am

    As a former Republican and an ordinary person, I believe I can tell you what a fiscal conservative actually is. It is voting for adequate taxes that accomplishes a reasonable level for the common good, and then strictly tending to the budget. It is not simply being the average tax hating, greedy Grinch that never votes for a tax. Hating and avoiding taxes, and cheating on your taxes, is a rich man’s game with the loopholes provided by the politician who conducts his office in pay for play schemes that lines his pockets, and the pockets of the rich players.

    The current Missouri 8th District Representative, Jason Smith, wants to cut back my social security that I rely on every day of the year, the account that I have paid into faithfully my entire working life. To make matters even worse he wants to cut back on my Medicare. Such actions would literally increase the level of poverty in the District significantly. What in the blankety blank is wrong with Jason Smith? Cutting Social Security and Medicare would literally begin killing people the same as if Jason Smith shot them with a gun using a slower moving bullet.

    I will be voting straight ticket anti Jason Smith in the mid term election November 8, for the Democratic Candidate for Congress. I don’t need or want a good old boy representing me in Congress. I need a smart, honest person who will work for the District, not against it.

    • Anonymous on November 9, 2022 at 2:35 pm

      The problem is that Social Security is broke, and there will not be funds to pay all the retirees in just a few years. I don’t blame you for voting against anyone who is proposing cutting Social Security payments. But the Democrats have proposed NOTHING that will address this problem, and it is NOT going to magically resolve itself. I’m glad you care about your own finances, but I would hope you would also want to fix SSA so that your children and grandchildren also have such an option.

      Fixing SSA will take a lot of discussion between the political parties. Right now we have one party (Democrats) who attack any and every idea to fix the problem, and another party that is afraid to talk about REAL solutions. Another problem is that most politicians hate the idea of privatizing Social Security, because that would mean they can no longer use those funds to spend on silly projects that are a waste of money, but popular with some voters. But the most important consideration must be to save Social Security, and getting it out of the governments hands is absolutely necessary. It certainly must have government oversight! But the entire system is based upon a Ponzi scheme, and these schemes are illegal for a very good reason. Eventually they run out of money, which is exactly what is happening with Social Security.

      If we all stand together and demand that Congress addresses the problems with Social Security NOW, before it is too late, then we will all win. Otherwise, millions will suffer.

      • Anonymous on August 21, 2023 at 11:58 am

        Social Security is not broken. Know what’s broken? Billionaires. They used to pay their fair share in taxes. Remember that? Back when we all had nicer stuff?

    • Anonymous on November 21, 2022 at 9:01 am

      dimocrats are ALL Criminals.

  46. Anonymous on October 17, 2022 at 11:41 am

    Festival event coordinators; PLEASE provide some type of security/road patrol at the end of the parade route! Every year it gets worse and worse with vehicles traveling into the parade route because they can’t seem to comprehend that there is a parade in progress. (the thousands of people lining the streets aren’t enough of a hint)
    This year we witnessed a large tractor trailer drive right into the parade head on and had no where to go. After getting people to move and vehicles moved the truck was able to turn off main street onto a side street. No sooner had they cleared the large truck, here comes another vehicle that almost runs into the police car at the head of the parade! After lots of honking and yelling the car pulls halfway off the street with it’s tail end still in the parade route.
    There was also trucks and cars driving extremely fast with kids standing close to the streets.
    Lastly, float riders; in case you didn’t notice, there were still people lined up along the bridge and further down toward Sonic. This parade route has grown and expanded each year. Each year there are more and more people at the lower end of town and end of parade route. Many kiddos didn’t get a single piece of candy because everyone ran out. I know it is expensive, but can you kindly remember that there are many kiddos all the way through the parade route and not just at the beginning and middle. There were many parents beside myself that was pretty disappointed in the parade in general by the time it made it’s hour long journey to the end of the route. There should also be NO ONE allowed to get off the floats before the end of the route! I witnessed a whole float stop and everyone got off. One little girl ran right around in front of the truck pulling the float to get to her mom on the other side, it was so dangerous! Besides, there were still people waiting to see your float, but I guess you didn’t care. I always enjoy the Festival, but someone needs to take charge of the traffic before someone gets hurt.

    • Anonymous on October 18, 2022 at 11:22 am

      This same comment was made because when I made it, the recaptcha said it was “spam” and I didn’t think it went through. WCJB, both similar comments do not need to be posted in the paper. One time is plenty! Thanks!!

  47. Anonymous on October 16, 2022 at 9:31 am

    Thanks to all who participated, the behind the scenes people and all of the coordinators of the Ozark Heritage Fall Festival.
    I would like to say that in all the coordination of the festival in the 45 years it has been going on, WHY is there not someone posted at the far end of town directing traffic off of main street to allow the parade to flow through town?
    Since the festival has been held on the greenway, we have always stood at the end of town to watch the parade; each year it gets worse and worse with the traffic flowing into town right into the parade route.
    This year we witnessed a large tractor trailer truck that came right on into town and face to face with the parade and nowhere to go. When they finally made room for the truck to turn off the road and the parade to proceed forward, here comes another car right into the path of the parade and almost hit the police car in front!
    There was also trucks and cars traveling at high speeds right through lines of kids on the roadside. No police presence, nothing just people going wild. It was unbelievable!
    The last rant is the floats stopping in front of the greenway and everyone getting off the floats! People, there are others waiting on down the road to see your floats! (It is also not safe to do this, I saw a little girl dash in front of the truck pulling her float to get to her mom on the other side!) Do you realize that this event grows each year and the lines go longer down the street due to the amount of people there? I also realize that candy is expensive, but please realize that again, there are lots of kiddos at the end of the route that didn’t get a single piece of candy and others at the beginning went away with bags full. Please consider next time to allow extra or throw sparingly until the end of the parade so all of the kiddos can get a little treat. Those of us who have always waited at the end of the parade route wait sometimes over an hour for the parade to make it’s way through town, a little treat for the kids waiting so long is greatly appreciated.
    I was not the only parent who was a little disappointed in the parade in general by the time it got to the end of the line. No candy for the kids and the floats with no one on them.
    Finally, City of Piedmont Police or event coordinators, PLEASE provide some kind of traffic direction when the parade is going on at the end of the parade route to ensure that the parade is enjoyable and SAFE for all.

  48. Anonymous on October 12, 2022 at 11:15 am

    Jason Smith sits on the House BUDGET committee. Republicans have clearly said if they gain control in November they will make big cuts to Social Security, Medicare and Medicaid. And Jason will be one of the members to say just how much you will lose. So if you want Jason Smith to stab you in the back, go ahead and vote for him.

    • Anonymous on October 17, 2022 at 11:50 am

      The man hasn’t voted on anything yet, but you continue to judge him. I will vote for him just because you said not too…every freaking week.

  49. Anonymous on October 12, 2022 at 10:19 am

    Jason Smith sits on the House BUDGET committee. Republicans have clearly said if they gain control in November they will make big cuts to Social Security, Medicare and Medicaid. And Jason will be one of the members to say just how much you will lose. So if you want Jason Smith to stab you in the back, go ahead and vote for him.

  50. Anonymous on October 12, 2022 at 10:16 am

    Jason Smith sits on the House BUDGET committee. Republicans have clearly said if they gain control in November they will make big cuts to Social Security, Medicare and Medicaid. And Jason will be one of the members to say just how much you will lose. So if you want Jason Smith to stab you in the back, go ahead and vote for him.

  51. Anonymous on October 12, 2022 at 10:14 am

    Jason Smith sits on the House BUDGET committee. Republicans have clearly said if they gain control in November they will make big cuts to Social Security, Medicare and Medicaid. And Jason will be one of the members to say just how much you will lose. So if you want Jason Smith to stab you in the back, go ahead and vote for him.

  52. Anonymous on October 8, 2022 at 8:45 pm

    Chief Sanders covered up Mayor Kirkpatrick’s drunk driving, in which he crashed into a house. Why wasn’t he arrested?
    They lied when the Piedmont PD said the charges were forwarded to the PA. I talked with both the PD and the PAs office. They never were filed. Plus, they handled the actual Mayor’s incident like they do not do for other DUIs, with Chief Sanders going on record defending the Mayor’s actions that night. No arrest. No bailing out of jail. When people are murdered by drunk drivers all of the time. It’s shameful and because of this, law enforcement around here is a joke.

    Bet you won‘t print this! Be the solution, not part of the problem, WCJB.

  53. Anonymous on September 11, 2022 at 2:24 pm

    Leaders That Intentionally Misdirect The Constituency To Avoid Real Questions Involving The Health Of Their District

    Who Are They?
    Why Do They Do It?
    Who Do They Do It For?

    There is common belief that all politicians misdirect their constituents at least to some extent. As we all know some of them are a lot worse than others. We suspect many of those types consider themselves to be doing better if they actually withhold or modify the truth. “What constituents don’t know can’t hurt me,” is likely the truest thought some of them have.

    The best propaganda is a half truth, the better to persuade the constituency that the embedded lie is a complete truth. Political propaganda is planned, written, and executed by very smart people who hire themselves to politicians and parties to study the various segments of society. Some of the propagandist suggestions are called “talking points,” and others are just falsifications and outright lies. The propagandists offer the morally bankrupt politicians the bits of red meat and controversial hot sauce for consumption by constituents who are largely silent… until they are fed the propaganda that metabolizes into personal obsessions that strengthen anger just below the surface of what they perceive as the cause of their unhappiness for whatever reason.

    In the average of the 8th District we all know people who are really busy just trying to make a living to pay the bills, support their families, pay their taxes, and take care of all the priorities of daily life. At the end of the day they are often understandably too tired to make an effort to inform themselves to gain an objective perspective of what is really happening nationally, and in their own district. Did they vote for an honest, upstanding politician last time, or was it just doing the party thing they always do because they don’t have the time or energy to engage in more than lip service with a neighbor? However many of them get their political information is largely inadequate for them to understand “the why” of what is actually happening.

    The unrest in our country caused largely by the “Big 2020 Lie” has resulted in a deeper, festering mistrust of our Democratic System that has fostered America to become the strongest, most prosperous country in the world. The propagandists have done well at weaponizing the baseless claims, conspiracy theories, and more lies on top of lies allowing the immoral politicians to use such tactics to get elected. Who are they? Why do they do it? Who do they do it for?

    To know who they are in the 8th District you need look no farther than your weekly newspaper to see the propaganda and continuous palaver by a politician with nothing, or at least extremely little, in their personal bag of accomplishments. They actually don’t have anything but the same old tired fear, smear, and weird, that is aimed at cultural issues that have nothing to do with the real issues affecting a very large part of the constituency who are doing the best they can to simply keep their head above rising water.

    To know why they do it is quite easy to understand, and it is applicable to many politicians at various levels of government. “Show me a man who gets rich by being a politician, and I’ll show you a crook.” unquote Harry S. Truman. Politics is not exactly a new scam.

    Who do they do it for? The largest of Corporations, not to mention the small handful of people that own 40% or more of America, all who have avoided paying their share of taxes for decades, simply hire the army of lobbyists who in turn hire the Congress, including the caucus members representing the many Districts of Missouri and America. Why should it take a contribution of cash for any politician to vote in favor of any law if the legislation is good for America and their District? Why does any politician vote for legislation that is obviously not good for America and their District? It is pretty easy to understand there is a lot of something rotten in the Congressional woodwork.

    So how do we open the valve of propaganda to allow the truthful parts of the lies and deceptions to flow in while flushing out the false, the phony parts intended to mislead and direct the constituency away from the reality of what is happening nationally, regionally, and locally in the 8th District of Missouri? The question does have a good answer.

    The answer would be for Representative Jason Smith to publicly debate his primary Democrat opponent, Ms. Randi Mcallian, to stand before the people of the 8th District and answer the questions in an honest, forthright manner. The questions and answers would of course involve the real economics of the 8th District, and the standing of the 8th among all the Missouri Districts. The debate questions would likely reveal the actual conditions of the District rather than allow the typical politician’s tactic of “Look at that over there, isn’t that more interesting?” Economic Development, or lack of, would be a good topic to address to the candidates, especially those who wish to represent a large area such as the 8th District that desperately needs revitalizing. How many people in the 8th live in poverty, and why? The questions should even involve food insecurities for children and the elderly. There are many questions that can be asked that would reveal the actual conditions of people in the 8th.

    Cultural issues aside, forget them, they mean extremely little to the real issues of health and welfare of this large rural area with many small towns with a far less than healthy status compared to so many others throughout Missouri and America. Why are all these small towns so financially strapped, and who is working behind the scene at a higher level to keep that negative economic bubble over them, and who does that benefit? Those answers can be developed easily enough in a public debate.

    In order to overcome the negatives that Jason Smith knows he has, we recommend he take a positive action to stand directly before the 8th District to accept and debate face to face with his primary challenger. Anything less than that distracts dramatically from his credibility.

    “Complaining about a problem without posing a solution is called whining,” unquote Teddy Roosevelt, a good Republican president.

    Good luck Jason. Stand up there. Show us what you have directly in front of the District that represents well meaning for the constituency. Be the hero. Own the Libs. People are watching anyway. You may as well bite the bullet and ride the wind. Or maybe you would prefer to be a strategizing coward. “Look at that over there, isn’t that interesting.”

    • Anonymous on September 25, 2022 at 4:31 pm

      In the category of “look over there, isn’t that interesting”, is the claim that Jason Smith makes in his recent mailing. Printed on a card paid for by us taxpayers, not a political mailing, he states that, due to recent changes in the law, the IRS will “conduct 700,000 new audits on Americans making less than $75,000 a year”. This is not true! This is just another scare tactic.
      Exaggerate all you want in campaign commercials, but tell the truth in your official mailings. The recent changes in the law simply brings the number of IRS agents up to where it was in the 1990’s. And rightfully so. For goodness sake, we all know the tax cheats aren’t here in the Heartland, the 8th District.

    • Anonymous on October 7, 2022 at 11:42 am

      bye done Cheated !

  54. Anonymous on August 26, 2022 at 4:00 pm

    I applaud the two women who constantly write letters to the Editor and sign the names. However I would like to point out to Ms. Hagan that her last letter was consistently wrong.
    1st. Joe Biden was NOT legitimately elected President. I would point out that there have been many inconsistency’s in the election. I refer you to the 2000 Mules documentary which proves beyond a shadow of doubt the election was rigged. I also would refer you to other alternative sources of information other than main steam media like FOX, CNN, CBS and other large name media outlets. These medias are owned and controlled by the people who want us to believe their narratives. You will not find any REAL news on any of these stations. Television was created to “control” the minds of people who constantly sit in front of it and believe all that is put across it.
    2nd. IRA – This stands for Individual Retirement Account. Your abbreviation of the Internal Revenue Service is incorrect. I am sure others like myself, were confused by your repeated reference to the IRA.
    3rd. Do you have a personal vendetta towards Jason Smith? Seems like every letter is filled with animosity towards Jason Smith. Seems like you could direct your hostility towards someone who is actually hurting this country. Like sending billions of dollars to a country that is neck high in child trafficking and money laundering.
    Please do us all a favor and stop with the constant badgering of Jason Smith it is getting old and if the truth is told, makes you look a little foolish.

    • Anonymous on September 3, 2022 at 1:07 pm

      Sounds like you’ll believe any old thing.

      They call it the HEARTland ’cause the brains ain’t here!

  55. Anonymous on August 15, 2022 at 7:19 pm

    trump

    lol, lmao

  56. Anonymous on August 14, 2022 at 9:00 pm

    Are postal workers allowed to smoke on postal property?

    • Anonymous on September 21, 2022 at 11:36 am

      Who Cares ? Snitch

  57. Anonymous on July 31, 2022 at 9:36 pm

    Could we start a fundraiser to help Des Arc residents get some trash cans?

  58. Anonymous on July 23, 2022 at 2:22 pm

    Why are the gas prices in Piedmont higher by a lot more than in surrounding locations? Are we getting price gouged or what? Town and Country supermarket is selling products much higher than surrounding cities supermarkets! If this continues I will have to shop in surrounding cities and would advise others to do so also!!

    • Anonymous on August 17, 2022 at 9:58 am

      They are the exact same price in Cape Girardeau and Jackson as they are in Piedmont

  59. Anonymous on July 17, 2022 at 7:01 pm

    I tell you what people are droppin like dang ol flies.

  60. Anonymous on June 15, 2022 at 1:34 pm

    To the thieves who keep stealing our street signs in Vannoy Subdivision, the Delivery people are having a difficult time delivering our packages to us, there are cameras now pointed at our street signs, you will be caught and charges will be pressed against you if you continue to steal them. You have been warned!!!!!

  61. Anonymous on May 25, 2022 at 12:16 pm

    My BAD! I am old and can’t see and in response to “Devout Catholics do not support abortion OR politicians who advocate for it.”

    My response was – The question of course is how you oppose abortion. The rate did rise 1% last year BUT had fallen an average of 2% for 12 years previous and sat 24% lower than 13 years ago. That did not happen as a result of shouting “I am against abortion and poking holes in the sky.” Studies HAVE shown that was a result of the ACA (Obamacare) and its “reproductive services”. You see, I believe when something WORKS, let’s ride that horse as far as we can. Much more could be done in that regard.
    So, if you oppose the ACA you are opposing one of the few items that has REALLY cut abortion in recent history. In fact, you are promoting abortion (this is where I made a MISTAKE typing opposing for promote). That applies to politicians and priests also. I know, now you oppose birth control also. Great, let’s NOT solve a problem.
    Don’t hold your breath for a solution. Getting people stirred up about awful abortion has been the most successful political strategy in this county’s history. If people calm done and problem solve, all those votes would be lost. Can’t have that!
    So keep hollering “no abortion” and not problem solving. The politicians are counting on you!

  62. Anonymous on April 1, 2022 at 11:07 am

    Sick of the SOUR LIES of the democrat party? Tired of the dirty RINOS in the “other” white party?

    Open your eyes and take a look at the patriotic Lemon Party.

    lemonparty.org

  63. Anonymous on March 29, 2022 at 6:36 pm

    Food prices are about to skyrocket.

    Inflation is a terrible thing for anyone on a fixed income, and for poor and the middle class. Folks who are doing well will see the value of their homes and investments increase at about the same rate of inflation, and possibly more in some cases. But people of more modest means will see their standard of living go down.

    The government is spending billions on things like social Justice programs under the guise of infrastructure. I doubt most of us will actually see much improvement of roads, bridges, etc, aside from what we would have seen without the new spending. But we will see the results. The “Woke” culture will continue to spread.

    The biggest contributor to inflation will be the massive increase in the cost of fuel. Nearly everything we use is transported several times. Planes, trains, ships, and trucks all use fuel, and so your cost will increase not only at the pump, but in the grocery stores as well.

    Currently, much of the chemicals we use in fertilizer comes to our shores from Russia. Now that there is a block on Russian imports, there will be high demand for chemicals that are in short supply. If you’ve ever taken an economics course, you know that high demand and low supply means prices will increase.

    But wait, there’s much more. A multitude of political numb-scullery has resulted in massive shortages in the supplies of MANY things. Again, those who understand economic laws know this can only result in increases in cost unless demand falls. And demand is not falling, so higher prices are guaranteed.

    Be prepared. Think about growing your own food this summer. Stock up on non-perishables. Cut expenses where you can. Look for a part time job, or a better, full time job. Cancel your movie channels. Things are probably going to get rough in our near future.

    Elections have consequences. If you aren’t happy with these results, make sure to cast your vote for someone else this election season. Everything mentioned above has happened since the last election. Therefore voting for the same people, and the same party that is in power will only create more of the same.

    For those who voted for the current administration because they want to see things improve for minorities, LGBT’s, and women- are you satisfied with the results you’ve seen?

    How about those of you who voted for the current administration in hopes that Marijuana would be legalized? Happy with progress?

    For those who are happy with the results, shame on you. Your selfish actions are costing the poor and elderly a huge amount, and it’s going to get much worse. We aren’t safer. We aren’t building back, we are tearing down. This isn’t progressive. It’s anti-progress, and the cost is substantial.

    Jay Nanney

    • Anonymous on April 1, 2022 at 8:49 am

      Joe Biden did that.

      • Anonymous on May 25, 2022 at 4:29 pm

        In the first quarter of this year the profits of the “Big Five” oil companies jumped fivefold from the same first quarter the previous year. They certainly hope we all keep at each other, instead of shining the light on them. Of course, if you live in San Diego, you can always drive to Tiajuana and fill up there for $1.50 less, until the Mexican government shuts you off.

  64. Anonymous on March 22, 2022 at 11:59 am

    Ironton Use Tax Should Expand the Tax Base, Not the Size of Government

    Use taxes in Missouri are simply sales taxes on goods delivered to your home from out-of-state sellers. Local governments have been authorized to collect use taxes for a long time, but such taxes have not been widely adopted. The internet has changed that. For purposes of comparison, e-commerce now makes up over 12% of total sales in the United States according to the U.S. Department of Commerce. For Ironton, 12% is a lot of sales not to tax. Like many cities in Missouri, Ironton has placed a use tax on the April 5, 2022, ballot. Expanding the tax base with a use tax, if done in conjunction with a reduction of other, more harmful taxes, could be a beneficial change for Ironton. But let’s be clear: if there is no corresponding reduction in other taxes, this is a tax increase on residents.

    It is a central tenet of tax policy that a tax base should be as broad as possible. The more expansive the base, the lower the rate imposed to fund government. The use tax could be approved by voters to responsibly expand the tax base and equalize the competition between online and physical stores, but it should not be approved simply to grow city government revenues. Imposing a use tax in a revenue-neutral manner is not new idea. It is exactly how the Missouri legislature addressed this issue with the state’s new use tax law in 2021.

    The simplest way for Ironton to offset the revenue increases from the use tax would be to lower the city property tax slightly in a revenue-neutral manner. That would lead to a wider tax base, fairer competition between businesses, and lower rates for taxpayers.

    The imposition of a use tax in Ironton could be a positive policy change. By having city officials pledge to enact offsetting revenue reductions that embrace the positive aspects of the use tax, Ironton can amplify the public benefits while curtailing the tax impact on residents and businesses. That’s a plan I think most citizens could support.

    David Stokes
    Director of Municipal Policy at the Show-Me Institute

  65. Anonymous on March 22, 2022 at 11:58 am

    Ironton Use Tax Should Expand the Tax Base, Not the Size of Government

    Use taxes in Missouri are simply sales taxes on goods delivered to your home from out-of-state sellers. Local governments have been authorized to collect use taxes for a long time, but such taxes have not been widely adopted. The internet has changed that. For purposes of comparison, e-commerce now makes up over 12% of total sales in the United States according to the U.S. Department of Commerce. For Ironton, 12% is a lot of sales not to tax. Like many cities in Missouri, Ironton has placed a use tax on the April 5, 2022, ballot. Expanding the tax base with a use tax, if done in conjunction with a reduction of other, more harmful taxes, could be a beneficial change for Ironton. But let’s be clear: if there is no corresponding reduction in other taxes, this is a tax increase on residents.

    It is a central tenet of tax policy that a tax base should be as broad as possible. The more expansive the base, the lower the rate imposed to fund government. The use tax could be approved by voters to responsibly expand the tax base and equalize the competition between online and physical stores, but it should not be approved simply to grow city government revenues. Imposing a use tax in a revenue-neutral manner is not new idea. It is exactly how the Missouri legislature addressed this issue with the state’s new use tax law in 2021.

    The simplest way for Ironton to offset the revenue increases from the use tax would be to lower the city property tax slightly in a revenue-neutral manner. That would lead to a wider tax base, fairer competition between businesses, and lower rates for taxpayers.

    The imposition of a use tax in Ironton could be a positive policy change. By having city officials pledge to enact offsetting revenue reductions that embrace the positive aspects of the use tax, Ironton can amplify the public benefits while curtailing the tax impact on residents and businesses. That’s a plan I think most citizens could support.

    David Stokes
    Director of Municipal Policy at the Show-Me Institute

  66. Anonymous on March 16, 2022 at 8:53 pm

    Devout Catholics do not support abortion OR politicians who advocate for it.

    • Anonymous on April 21, 2022 at 8:09 am

      The question of course is how you oppose abortion. The rate did rise 1% last year BUT had fallen an average of 2% for 12 years previous and sat 24% lower than 13 years ago. That did not happen as a result of shouting “I am against abortion and poking holes in the sky”. Studies HAVE shown that was a result of the ACA (Obamacare) and it’s covered “reproductive services”. You see, i believe when something WORKS, let’s ride that horse as far as we can. Much more could be done in that regard.
      So, if you oppose the ACA your are opposing one of the few items that has REALLY cut abortion in recent history. In fact, you are opposing abortion. That applies to politicians and priests also. I know, now you oppose birth control also. Great, let’s NOT solve a problem.
      Don’t hold your breath for a solution. Getting people stirred up about awful abortion has been the most successful political strategy in this country’s history. If the people calm down and problem solve, all those votes would be lost. Can’t have that!
      So keep hollering “no abortion” and not solving the problem. The politicians are counting on you!

      • Anonymous on May 25, 2022 at 11:29 am

        CORRECTION – bifocals. In fact, you are PROMOTING abortion is you oppose the ACA.

  67. Anonymous on March 10, 2022 at 1:10 pm

    Use taxes in Missouri are simply sales taxes on goods delivered to your home from out-of-state sellers. Local governments have been authorized to collect use taxes for a long time, but such taxes have not been widely adopted. The internet has changed that.

    For purposes of comparison, e-commerce now makes up over 12% of total sales in the United States according to the U.S. Department of Commerce. For Ironton, 12% is a lot of sales not to tax. Like many cities in Missouri, Ironton has placed a use tax on the April 5, 2022, ballot. Expanding the tax base with a use tax, if done in conjunction with a reduction of other, more harmful taxes, could be a beneficial change for Ironton. But let’s be clear: if there is no corresponding reduction in other taxes, this is a tax increase on residents.

    It is a central tenet of tax policy that a tax base should be as broad as possible. The more expansive the base, the lower the rate imposed to fund government. The use tax could be approved by voters to responsibly expand the tax base and equalize the competition between online and physical stores, but it should not be approved simply to grow city government revenues. Imposing a use tax in a revenue-neutral manner is not new idea. It is exactly how the Missouri legislature addressed this issue with the state’s new use tax law in 2021.

    The simplest way for Ironton to offset the revenue increases from the use tax would be to lower the city property tax slightly in a revenue-neutral manner. That would lead to a wider tax base, fairer competition between businesses, and lower rates for taxpayers.

    The imposition of a use tax in Ironton could be a positive policy change. By having city officials pledge to enact offsetting revenue reductions that embrace the positive aspects of the use tax, Ironton can amplify the public benefits while curtailing the tax impact on residents and businesses. That’s a plan I think most citizens could support.

    David Stokes
    Show-Me Institute Director of Municipal Policy

  68. Anonymous on March 10, 2022 at 1:10 pm

    Use taxes in Missouri are simply sales taxes on goods delivered to your home from out-of-state sellers. Local governments have been authorized to collect use taxes for a long time, but such taxes have not been widely adopted. The internet has changed that.

    For purposes of comparison, e-commerce now makes up over 12% of total sales in the United States according to the U.S. Department of Commerce. For Ironton, 12% is a lot of sales not to tax. Like many cities in Missouri, Ironton has placed a use tax on the April 5, 2022, ballot. Expanding the tax base with a use tax, if done in conjunction with a reduction of other, more harmful taxes, could be a beneficial change for Ironton. But let’s be clear: if there is no corresponding reduction in other taxes, this is a tax increase on residents.

    It is a central tenet of tax policy that a tax base should be as broad as possible. The more expansive the base, the lower the rate imposed to fund government. The use tax could be approved by voters to responsibly expand the tax base and equalize the competition between online and physical stores, but it should not be approved simply to grow city government revenues. Imposing a use tax in a revenue-neutral manner is not new idea. It is exactly how the Missouri legislature addressed this issue with the state’s new use tax law in 2021.

    The simplest way for Ironton to offset the revenue increases from the use tax would be to lower the city property tax slightly in a revenue-neutral manner. That would lead to a wider tax base, fairer competition between businesses, and lower rates for taxpayers.

    The imposition of a use tax in Ironton could be a positive policy change. By having city officials pledge to enact offsetting revenue reductions that embrace the positive aspects of the use tax, Ironton can amplify the public benefits while curtailing the tax impact on residents and businesses. That’s a plan I think most citizens could support.

    David Stokes
    Show-Me Institute Director of Municipal Policy

  69. Anonymous on February 24, 2022 at 9:24 pm

    Des Arc citizens need to clean up their properties. The town looks absolutely awful. Why do you want to live in filth?

  70. Anonymous on February 24, 2022 at 9:22 pm

    To Three Rivers College board members: END THE MASK MANDATE. Students are tired of it!

    • Anonymous on March 8, 2022 at 8:05 am

      They are most likely still getting paid to enforce it.

  71. Anonymous on February 9, 2022 at 9:25 am

    The new owners of Town N Country are obviously hell bent of keeping their subjects in Slave Mask forever. No child of mine will ever work for them !

  72. Anonymous on January 6, 2022 at 3:27 pm

    Sue Hagan needs to get her facts straight before posting them in the paper. Jason Smith puts her to shame

  73. Anonymous on January 6, 2022 at 3:21 pm

    President Biden’s reckless spending and bad policies has caused inflation to be at its highest level in years.
    Gas and heating fuels have raised considerably. Elderly citizens and the poor are now facing high grocery prices
    and heating costs
    Our boarders are wide open allowing illegal immigrants to enter our country at an alarming rate. Employers cannot
    fill job positions.Higher wages doesn’t help when our government keeps giving money to people not to work or money
    to those with children. Raising the minimum wage when we are in a pandemic only causes more inflation
    His infrastructure plan will only help companies make more money. It will do nothing to aid unemployment or create jobs.
    Most of it will be absorbed by executives in state government positions.Taxes on the middle class are now higher.
    His latest is to give money to local meat producers and processors.If you have tried to buy from local butcher shops
    you will find they are much higher in price than your local grocery. More of his wasted money programs.
    We are on the verge of a Civil War like we haven’t experienced before.It is time for Americans to wake up before it is too late and our country is lost.

  74. Anonymous on January 6, 2022 at 3:21 pm

    Response to Sue Hagan:
    President Biden’s reckless spending and bad policies has caused inflation to be at its highest level in years.
    Gas and heating fuels have raised considerably. Elderly citizens and the poor are now facing high grocery prices
    and heating costs
    Our boarders are wide open allowing illegal immigrants to enter our country at an alarming rate. Employers cannot
    fill job positions.Higher wages doesn’t help when our government keeps giving money to people not to work or money
    to those with children. Raising the minimum wage when we are in a pandemic only causes more inflation
    His infrastructure plan will only help companies make more money. It will do nothing to aid unemployment or create jobs.
    Most of it will be absorbed by executives in state government positions.Taxes on the middle class are now higher.
    His latest is to give money to local meat producers and processors.If you have tried to buy from local butcher shops
    you will find they are much higher in price than your local grocery. More of his wasted money programs.
    We are on the verge of a Civil War like we haven’t experienced before.It is time for Americans to wake up before it is too late and our country is lost.

  75. Anonymous on January 6, 2022 at 3:16 pm

    Response to Sue Hagan:
    President Biden’s reckless spending and bad policies has caused inflation to be at its highest level in years.
    Gas and heating fuels have raised considerably. Elderly citizens and the poor are now facing high grocery prices
    and heating costs
    Our boarders are wide open allowing illegal immigrants to enter our country at an alarming rate. Employers cannot
    fill job positions.Higher wages doesn’t help when our government keeps giving money to people not to work or money
    to those with children. Raising the minimum wage when we are in a pandemic only causes more inflation
    His infrastructure plan will only help companies make more money. It will do nothing to aid unemployment or create jobs.
    Most of it will be absorbed by executives in state government positions.Taxes on the middle class are now higher.
    His latest is to give money to local meat producers and processors.If you have tried to buy from local butcher shops
    you will find they are much higher in price than your local grocery. More of his wasted money programs.
    We are on the verge of a Civil War like we haven’t experienced before.It is time for Americans to wake up before it is too late and our country is lost.

  76. Anonymous on January 2, 2022 at 9:03 am

    COVID panic was a Trojan Horse for undemocratic societal change.

    A case study on how to steal an election.

    Also John and Amber Polozzi need to free their workers at Piedmont Town n Country of their Muzzles……let them Breathe.

  77. Anonymous on November 24, 2021 at 9:02 am

    Missouri Judge ENDS all Mask and Covide Mandates on Nov.24 2021.

  78. Anonymous on November 17, 2021 at 5:49 pm

    No it does not mean we don’t think it works. 98% of people getting it today are unvaccinated. It means those who won’t clog up the hospitals (because after not getting vaccinated and catching it they want to hog to the front of the line) and people are dying because their relatively minor problem goes untreated because they can’t get into a hospital. Or, they suffer because their “elective” surgery has to be put off. The problem is you should not have the “right” to do that to the innocent but somehow, you do. However, as God is the true judge in such things, I hope you are preparing your argument to him.

    • Anonymous on April 10, 2022 at 7:16 pm

      Show your facts? 98% lol not close

  79. Anonymous on November 13, 2021 at 9:20 pm

    If you are fully vaccinated and are ostracizing the unvaccinated in your newspaper article, it must mean that your vaccine doesn’t work very well.

  80. Anonymous on November 13, 2021 at 9:14 pm

    To board members of Three Rivers College: END THE MASK MANDATE.

    • Anonymous on January 2, 2022 at 9:01 am

      Agreed………….Also the Polozzi family needs to free their employees of their Muzzles at the Piedmont Town n Country store.

  81. Anonymous on November 13, 2021 at 9:12 pm

    Any Roman Catholic who supported Joe Biden or any other pro-abortion politician should seriously examine their conscience and repent.

  82. Anonymous on November 6, 2021 at 8:39 am

    FIRST THEY TAKE AWAY YOUR FACE – THEN THEY TAKE AWAY YOUR SOUL

  83. Anonymous on November 3, 2021 at 10:48 am

    POOR AMERICAN WORKERS ARE NOW TREATED LIKE LEPERS…..WANT TO WORK AND PROVIDE FOR YOUR FAMILY ? HIDE YOUR FACE…..NO IMAGE OF GOD ALLOWED…..SOUNDS LIKE CHINA .

    • Anonymous on November 10, 2021 at 8:59 pm

      A few minutes ago I typed a letter to the editor, then sent it, and immediately was sent to a screen that said something about being denied, as it was deemed to be spam! Does this happen to others? Someone needs to check the algorithm that rejects letters that are correctly identified, etc. Hope to hear from someone–anyone.

  84. Anonymous on October 16, 2021 at 12:02 am

    I am a sick man. … I am a spiteful man. I am an unattractive man. I believe my lungs are diseased.

    However, I know nothing at all about my disease, and don’t know what the problem really is. I don’t see a doctor for it, and never have, though I have a respect for medicine and doctors (however, only for veterinarians and psychiatrists). Besides, I am extremely superstitious, sufficiently so to respect medicine, anyway (I am well-educated enough not to be superstitious, but I am superstitious). In fact, I am a Bible-believing flat earther.

    No, I refuse to consult a doctor from spite. You probably won’t understand that. Well, I understand it, though. Of course, I can’t explain who it is exactly that I am hurting in this case by my spite. I know I can’t “pay back” the doctors by not consulting them; I know better than anyone that by all this I am only injuring myself and no one else.

    But still, if I don’t consult a doctor it is from spite. My lungs are bad, well–let them get worse! All I need is another couple cans of sheep drench and your powerful prayers, and I’ll beat this thing at home in the straw like the Lord intended.

    I have been going on like that for a long time–thirty years. Now I’m fifty. I used to be in the military, but not anymore. I was a spiteful sergeant. I was rude to the privates and took pleasure in being rude. Sometimes I even slapped my privates when nobody was watching. I was sick back then and believed in human goodness and a globular earth. I was not only sick, but obviously idiotic as well. I have a hypothyroidal, wall-eyed, cretinous face, with a brain smooth as an ice cream cone on a hot 4th of July. I’m your next-door neighbor.

    • Anonymous on November 6, 2021 at 8:40 am

      You sound like a Dimocrat.

  85. Anonymous on September 26, 2021 at 9:21 am

    All the workers at Town n Country in Piedmont look like Slaves…….and the Females look like muslims wearing Burkas.

  86. Anonymous on September 20, 2021 at 12:54 am

    I would love for someone to shed some light on the transportation issues at Greenville school. The number of buses running has been decreased causing some routes to be combined. This was not communicated to parents or students prior to the school year beginning. The first day of school our bus ran at the same time it has for 6 years. On the second day of school the bus was more than a half an hour early for many students on our route causing them to miss the bus. those same students are now spending as much as 3 hours per day on the bus. Still not one word of communication from the school as to the reason for this change, if its permanent, or if they have a plan in place to improve the situation. This is truly unacceptable. Any attempt to speak with the principal or superintendent are either avoided or met with generic replies such as “we are doing the best we can.” The bus drivers are not happy with the change either, one has even resigned and will no longer be covering his route after the 30th of this month. This adds to an already terrible situation for our children. Several parents inquired about attending the school board meeting to be able to discuss the issue and not until the day of the meeting were they told that they would be unable to join in the conversation without first requesting to speak by letter a minimum of 7 days prior to the meeting. We are now forced to wait a month for the next meeting to be held. Our kids are tired, family time is greatly diminished, they are wanting to withdraw from extracurricular activities, and we fear their performance in class may start to decline.

  87. Anonymous on August 14, 2021 at 7:36 am

    Democrats are back to preaching segregation. They’re back to cheering masks. They’re back to pushing segregation.
    I thought the 1870s Ku Klux Klan was dead, but they’re back today in the liberal Democratic Party.

  88. Anonymous on August 10, 2021 at 1:05 am

    I am completely emotionally, mentally, and physically exhausted. I know I will never quit fighting for justice or to bring my daughters home to me. I have been to honest and still nothing but lies are being told about me to the point and even with the evidence to prove that I am telling the truth Judge Megan Seay issues a no contact order a month after our court date in June. She issues it July 7th stating I am in minimal compliance with the social service plan and due to my behavior that there is no contact between my girls and I. But wait a second I havent seen my daughters since March 17, 2021. When Childrens Division stopped my visits because of more of Placements lies. I have the proof in my hands that shows in black and white that its not true and Judge Seay wont even look at it. And has the audacity to tell me that “If I love my daughters like I say I do then I will leave them alone and let them be” Really WTF? Then She laughs at me for just completing a residential treatment program and believes hearsay over actual hard evidence. But yet oh they don’t wanna go into it so I just wont know what placements lying ass is saying. Sounds like one common denominator MONEY ITS ALL ABOUT THE $2500 you got a month to keep my kids. But where do you go for help?? No where!. Not even a church that watched first hand how these people are lying and destroying my family wont even stand up and tell the truth and fight for whats right! Hell I cant even get this newspaper to publish my story. What is wrong with you all are you all that greedy???

  89. Anonymous on August 4, 2021 at 5:26 pm

    So Trump insisted his pals in the Senate vote against the Infrastructure Bill. He really meant vote against jobs for us, jobs for Road and bridge crews, money coming into the state as salaries and taxes, materials supplied by sand and gravel pits, loggers and lumber mills, equipment suppliers, all the transport equipment, and most of all safer roads and bridges. He also didn’t want us to have better internet and cell service, or clean water. All this just because he’s still mad he lost. Blunt voted yes but Trump’s pet poodle Josh Hawley voted against us like Trump told him to. Hawley is an embarrassment and is working against us.

  90. Anonymous on August 4, 2021 at 5:20 pm

    How many of us knew about this? Just glad Justin Hill doesn’t live here…..
    On August 4 2020 for budget year 2021, Missouri voters in the state approved an expansion of Medicaid eligibility by a six-point margin, with 82,000 more votes in support of the measure. The Republican-led legislature, though, simply declined to fund the proposal.
    “Even though my constituents voted for this lie, I’m going to protect them,” Hill said. “I am proud to stand against the will of the people.” Missouri state Rep. Justin Hill (R). Hill talking about how Missouri voters wanted to expand Medicaid but republican legislators didn’t so they just didn’t fund it

  91. Anonymous on August 4, 2021 at 3:02 pm

    i just want to reinforce the message that if youre recovering from covid and its more than 10 days past your positive test, and you go out in public with symptoms you probably just spread it.

  92. Anonymous on June 21, 2021 at 12:17 pm

    Dear Sonic: When someone orders a Coney Dog, they usually want to have more than a tablespoon of chili put on it; it’s why it’s called a “Coney” Dog. For the past several times that I have ordered a Coney Dog, the chili is just pretty much nonexistent. You have to eat a dry bun or throw part of it away because you run out of chili before you do bun. Oh yeah, the tots are cold and your always out of onion rings.

  93. Anonymous on June 10, 2021 at 7:56 pm

    Why is Town n Country in Piedmont asking their workers to cover their Nose and Mouth while working ? I did not know people who own grocerie stores are medical experts ,nor have the authority to ` ask` their workers to cover their Nose and Mouth while working……what is the point ?…..The new owners of Town n Country in Piedmont ( Amber and Joe Polizzi ) should explain why they feel their workers should cover their Nose and Mouth.

  94. Anonymous on June 8, 2021 at 12:54 am

    Testing

  95. Anonymous on June 7, 2021 at 10:31 pm

    I hope you still run this section of the newspaper…

    Memorial Day has become one of my favorite holidays. One of the most moving aspects of Memorial Day is witnessing a family come together to honor their deceased loved ones at a cemetery. Since the end of the Civil War, most cemeteries have hosted a “Decoration Day” service that sometimes included dinner on the grounds. Family members would come home for that one day to visit both their living and deceased loved ones. In times past, it was a disgrace to see neglected and undecorated graves in a cemetery on Decoration Day. The most well kept and well decorated cemetery in our area is the Mountain View Cemetery in Des Arc, MO. Throughout the week leading up to Memorial Day you will see multiple generations of family coming together at the cemetery to decorate the graves of their loved ones- both young and old. People travel from all over the state to decorate the graves in the Des Arc Cemetery. On Memorial Day the graves were decorated with beautiful bouquets, wreathes, handmade crosses, and flags. How terribly depressing it was to return to the cemetery a week later and find out that all of the flowers and flags were removed and taken to the dump. I think this is a sign of how our society is continually taking a turn for the worst. The cemetery staff threw away these symbols of love for family heritage without a second thought as to how far people travelled and how much time was spent making the arrangements and decorating the graves- not to mention the money that was spent. What can you do? People have no respect for the pioneers and veterans who worked hard to make this country what it is today. God Bless America!

  96. Anonymous on June 7, 2021 at 8:38 pm

    Only cowards hide their face.

  97. Anonymous on June 3, 2021 at 4:01 pm

    My name is Patrick Fenton and I am the Human Resources Director with Town & Country Supermarkets, Inc. Please note, Town & Country Supermarkets, Inc. DOES NOT REQUIRE employees to receive the Covid-19 vaccine. Further, Town & Country Supermarkets, Inc. DOES NOT REQUIRE employees to show proof of having received the Covid-19 vaccine. Finally, our employees are asked to wear a mask if they have not received the Covid-19 vaccination. However, this process is addressed using the HONOR SYSTEM. We trust if our employees are not wearing a mask this is because they have received the Covid-19 vaccine. However, once again, we DO NOT REQUIRE employees to be vaccinated nor do we require employees to show proof they have been vaccinated. We trust our employees are honest. If anyone has further questions or concerns, I can be reached at our corporate office in Salem, MO. The telephone number is 573-729-2325. Thank you.

    • Anonymous on June 10, 2021 at 7:58 pm

      What do you do to them if they refuse to wear a Mask ?

      • Anonymous on August 22, 2021 at 2:04 am

        None of your business. What are you, a communist?

  98. Anonymous on May 29, 2021 at 8:05 am

    Everyone should look up the NUREMBERG CODE……….then ask how are these local stores `Illegally` demanding their Employees take a experimental Medical Injection .

  99. Anonymous on May 15, 2021 at 7:06 am

    Just a reminder…….HIPAA LAW prohibits any employeer , TnC included , from demanding Medical Info ( Vaccine info/proof ) from it’s employees………………..hhs.gov/hipaa

    • Anonymous on October 1, 2021 at 3:44 pm

      Except… it is not…. at all… protected information per HIPAA. Take 17 seconds and google a fact before you profess your “Just a reminder” nonsense.

  100. Anonymous on April 19, 2021 at 10:13 am

    Cancel Culture. Happening now in the USA and rural America. The newspaper is a form of free speech and they are allowing people to do so, kudos to them! Asking people to cancel their subscriptions because of an Anonymous comment in a newspaper section is just as ridiculous as tearing down statues. Lets “cancel” history because the TRUTH offends us. Shame on those even suggesting this.

  101. Anonymous on April 12, 2021 at 5:50 pm

    It was interesting to find out that the SI School District has lots of money in their coffers since they raised the school tax. It seems that the entire staff received a “bonus” of $1,500 right before the school board election. Add that to the stimulus they received (while still working and receiving a paycheck) and they netted quite a sum last month! In addition, in a school of 263 enrolled students, SI pays their bookkeeper extremely well at a salary of around $60,000/year, you have to wonder….why? It doesn’t seem that the “school tax” is benefiting anyone but the staff at South Iron School, especially if you are related to a Board Member. If they had this much money to hand out…why did they ask the district patrons to donate for them going to State? Why wasn’t the $1,500/staff member used to take the kids to the State Championship? Some of the board members went to the State playoffs….wonder if the school paid for their hotel rooms and food? Probably so…

    • Anonymous on April 16, 2021 at 9:42 pm

      A secretary makes more than teachers?!? Must be a nice gig! Can’t imagine how teachers feel when that became public knowledge!

      • Anonymous on April 16, 2021 at 10:04 pm

        I searched public records and found some teacher salaries. Did you know the St Louis Post Dispatch has a place where you can search salaries for all teachers in the state? The base pay for one teacher who has been with the South Iron district for over 15 years is about $20000 less than the bookkeepers salary. There has to be more to this story. Why are taxpayers not demanding answers?

    • Anonymous on April 16, 2021 at 9:51 pm

      Many area schools have granted stipends to certified and non-certified staff this year due to the extra challenges and increased workload that have arisen due to COVID-19.

    • Anonymous on April 16, 2021 at 10:06 pm

      Isn’t the bookkeeper’s husband on the board?

    • Anonymous on April 16, 2021 at 10:13 pm

      The newspaper should not have printed this!

      • Anonymous on April 19, 2021 at 7:22 am

        I looked at the Post Dispatch site. 263 enrolled students with a FULL time staff of 40 and then the additional staff. 263 divided by 40 is 6.57 kids per staff member. Are the students so unruly that you need 2 principals? Seems like with that many students they only need one good principal for the entire school. That would make a lot of money available to the teachers who actually deserve the money instead of another administrator.

    • Anonymous on April 16, 2021 at 10:17 pm

      The $1,500 per teacher is a great idea. The timing was off. Being so close to the election, the vote should have been delayed until after the election. If there was a deadline to spend the money, then why wait so late to grant the payments?

      South Iron has never paid for teams to go to the state tournament. The community has always funded the trips. At least in recent years!

    • Anonymous on April 16, 2021 at 11:03 pm

      Should be forced to sign a name!

    • Anonymous on April 16, 2021 at 11:32 pm

      Teachers are underpaid! Give them a break.

  102. Anonymous on April 4, 2021 at 9:38 am

    Only fearful people are still wearing Face Diapers after over a Year.

    • Anonymous on April 7, 2021 at 5:38 pm

      You die the horrible death several of my friends did, you will find out fast what fear is. They were rough and tough hombres also, they thought. The only good thing us they both suffered strikes so they didn’t fully realize the total agony of having your entire body die from oxygen deprivation. I just wish there was a way those that don’t want to work together could sign off on using health care facilities so those who are careful could be taken care of and health care workers not endangered but people who don’t want to use “face diapers” – I promise you will be the ones who want to crowd to the front of the line when they realize the horror of your lungs shutting down.

  103. Anonymous on March 26, 2021 at 8:35 am

    No Mask – No Vacc- Don’t Ask

  104. Anonymous on March 24, 2021 at 5:47 pm

    Question Biden’s cognitive skills? You supported Trump who: 1) wanted to fight hurricanes with H-bombs, 2) wanted to go to Mars and not the moon because “they were the same distance from earth” and the clincher 3) wanted to inject people with disinfectants to fight Covid. DUH!

  105. Anonymous on March 22, 2021 at 12:34 pm

    I got my $1400 check in spite of Jason Smith voting “NO”. In 2022 I will not forget he tried to keep it from me.

  106. Anonymous on March 22, 2021 at 8:11 am

    I got my $1400 check in spite of Jason Smith’s “NO” vote. In 2022 I won’t forget he tried to take it away from me.

  107. Anonymous on March 22, 2021 at 8:07 am

    I got my $1400 check in spite of Jason Smith’s “NO” vote. In 2022 I won’t forget he tried to take it away from me.

  108. Anonymous on March 18, 2021 at 5:12 pm

    Sue Hagen each week you give me reason to laugh. No reason to have comics in the paper with your comments each week. You need to come out from under the rock you are living in and stop watching main stream news outlets. They lie. Antifa & BLM has taken credit for the “riot” at the Capitol and complaining about not getting a good stimulus check shows me that you are waiting with your hands out like so many other Democrats for something “free”. Who do you think will pay for that “free” stimulus check? You, me, and every other tax paying citizen in the US for the rest of our lives and generations to come after us. Have you not seen it already at the gas pumps? Grocery stores? The continued hate for a person who did all that they could for the US and the utter agreeing will to usher in the destruction of the entire US by the current government is ludicrous and anyone who agrees with it needs to read up on the real history of this Nation and get their heads out of their nether regions.

  109. Anonymous on March 18, 2021 at 1:32 pm

    Congratulations! Super accomplishment for all the local teams in the Final Four this past weekend! You should be proud!
    However, why is just SI showcased in the paper this week? Why are there no pictures of the Ellington Girls? They have never won and this is great news. Since the paper bought the Mountain Echo, all Wayne County gets is Iron County news. This week there were at least 8 pages dedicated to news for Iron County in a Wayne County paper when you include the obituaries. They have a paper, let the extra section go in that paper. Just like Reynolds County news is published in the Reynolds County paper. If you get 2 of the 3 papers in the area, you get to read duplicate news most every week. Sharing headlines that could affect everyone is fine but can we have a little something more about Wayne County in our paper please and thank you.

  110. Anonymous on March 9, 2021 at 11:51 am

    In 2022 will you member that Jason Smith and Senators Blunt and Hawley voted to keep your $1400 assistance check from you, let your unemployment checks run out and keep you and your children below the poverty line?

  111. Anonymous on March 4, 2021 at 9:53 am

    When is Town n Country going to allow their employees to take off their Slave Muzzles ? I heard they are now firing workers who don’t want to work with Air Restriction. Jeff Clark should be ashamed.

  112. Anonymous on March 2, 2021 at 11:44 am

    I might remind my critic that Harry S Truman (no . after the S needed, S was his middle name) was the ultimate realist when he ended WW 2 with two atomic bombs. He never hesitated. It might not be an idealistic solution, but it worked. With abortion, what is working? The ACA and it’s “reproductive services”. Abortion is at a 30 year low, and more could be done. So I don’t see myself as this or that as you, I would just like to do some problem solving and work on being a work horse, not a show horse like others.

  113. Anonymous on February 24, 2021 at 2:45 pm

    Can i smack of hypocrisy AND ignorance instead of hypocrisy or ignorance? If elected officials and other opinion submitters can do both, so can I..

  114. anonymous on February 23, 2021 at 1:21 pm

    Piedmont MODOT might need to take some notes from Silva MODOT! Silva thank you for busting your butts! If you don’t believe me, drive Silvas roads then drive Piedmonts, you can tell a difference!

    • anonymous on February 23, 2021 at 1:24 pm

      The insulting section to the local MoDOT directed toward piedmont is the most senseless and most uneducated thing I have seen toward a group of individuals that works around the clock till the storm is over . Your local MoDOT works hard for the community and does and outstanding job and you allow them to get slapped in the face in the local newspaper? Shame on you! for allowing such filth to be blasted across the county… Shame on you!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

  115. Anonymous on February 11, 2021 at 1:36 pm

    Guns and abortion. Republicans have made much hay out of those topics. I see Jason Smith, with the GOP in trouble after trashing the Capitol, has gone back to the abortion well ignoring the fact the the ACA (ObamaCare if you prefer) and it’s “reproductive services (birth control)” has abortion at a 30 year low and has reduced it @ 2% a year for 12 years according to AARP. Now they want to axe the ACA which would shoot abortions up – sorry, don’t get it. If we only had Harry Truman back as in the “buck stops here”.

  116. Anonymous on February 10, 2021 at 10:41 pm

    I would be nice if the Road and Street Department would clear and salt Residential roads. I’m not sure why they dont!!!!

  117. Anonymous on February 7, 2021 at 9:07 am

    I am grateful to Chris Dinkins, Darrel Atchison, and Holly Rehder for letting us know what is going on with our State government, and showing they are open to our input, and offering to answer our questions. Then there’s Jason Smith. His weekly column tells us nothing about what he is doing in Washington. Jason, please start representing your district instead of being a lap dog for Kevin McCarthy.

  118. Anonymous on January 18, 2021 at 3:44 pm

    I wear a mask in these dangerous times to prevent the spread of a potentially killing virus to YOU, on the odd chance that I may have contracted it and may still be unaware, but contagious. I would appreciate the same courtesy from you who think you should wear it only for yourself. I wear one because God gave me the good sense to come in from the rain, give poisonous snakes a wide berth, and not jump from a perfectly operating plane. For those who are familiar with the scriptures they use to justify not wearing a mask, I believe there is one that has to do with not tempting the Lord who gave you the sense to do the above mentioned. Just saying!

  119. Anonymous on January 18, 2021 at 3:30 pm

    I so looked forward to the Jason Smith version of the “truth of the happenings” of the attempted takeover of the U.S.Capitol on 01/06. True to form, he did not disappoint. Immediately forgetting that he is, presumably, an elected representative of ALL Missourians, not just Retrumplicans, he attacked ALL democrats by pointing a finger at Nancy Pelosi and stating she helped cause this treasonous uprising. Whattttttt! He quoted a black man in his first paragraph and then attacked Black Lives Matter in his second. He then proceeds to describe the chaos, violence and scary moments. No heroics on his part, but he deftly throws the Capitol police “under the bus” for their lack of planning and preparedness. He indignantly informs us that there are resignations from those responsible for the poor preparation. Not surprisingly, there is not ONE WORD uttered about the real cause of this traitorous uprising in the sanctified halls of our great nation. The REAL CAUSE, of course, is one Donald Trump who, along with the likes of Jason Smith, Ray Rehder and Josh Hawley continue to spread the lies about a crooked election with NO PROOF other than the made up stories of their mentor. Courts have found no proof. Donald has no proof, his lawyers have no proof. If anyone has proof they should take it to “the Donald” or be quiet about it. The real crooked election was four years ago when your President won without receiving even half of the popular vote. That is not the way a democracy should work. The majority of the people did not vote for him then or now.

  120. Anonymous on January 18, 2021 at 2:36 pm

    It is interesting (but not surprising) that Missouri Senator Holly Rehder took over the column from her bad-boy husband last week. Sounds as if she is trying to do “damage control” for the harm Ray has done to her reputation by his Capitol hill antics and his constant cheer-leading for the out-going “Liar-in-chief”. Oddly, the Senator failed to make any reference to the biggest “news-maker” of the week or to apologize for her fallacy-spreading husband. I think people would rather hear from our duly-elected senator about state-oriented activities than her misled spouse. The newspaper should take a lesson from Twitter, Facebook, et.al. and refuse to print the lies that have been circulated recently about the crooked election that all began being spread months ago by “the man who would be King” and were so graciously and eagerly taken up by the recently (last four years) brainwashed.

  121. Anonymous on January 18, 2021 at 2:11 pm

    Ray Rehder was so proud of his plans to participate in the assault on the Capitol on 01/06 that he bragged about it in his last Trump-parroting, malicious spreading of “Fake crooked-election” news article in this publication. I was so impressed that I mailed a copy of it with his picture to the FBI when they announced they were seeking to identify the traitors to our democracy who were seeking to put Trump in as our new “King”. I prefer our current system and have no idea what these people were thinking, trying to re-create the monarchy our ancestors fought and died to escape from in 1776. Even conservatives should see that their peers who engaged in this treasonous behavior were mis-lead and ultimately betrayed by the greatest liar of a president this country has and will ever see. Good riddance!!

  122. Anonymous on January 18, 2021 at 1:47 pm

    Kudos to the likes of Sue Hagan, Robert Ramshur, James L. Hartley, Bob Roney, and the other enlightened contributors who have bravely signed their names to what are unpopular opinions in this mostly” Retrumplican” community. Thank you, thank you for the truthful things you declare on behalf of the many, many who share these views! You are far from alone.

  123. Anonymous on January 12, 2021 at 10:33 pm

    Advocation of Trumpist Rights

    It’s time to examine the Trump supporter in a different light. The common misconception is that they become this way through nurture, not nature, but there is a simple proof in the absolute fact that no one would choose to be this way. They are born, not created and they deserve the same rights and freedoms as the rest of us. I’m not crazy about the notion of baking a wedding cake for a Trump wedding, but I will, because that is what America is all about…baking cakes for people we don’t much like even if we are not bakers. Although it is somewhat startling, open displays of Trumpism must be tolerated in public. I assure you that it will not rub off and isn’t likely to spread through contagion although sedition is entirely another matter and should be confined to the impure halls of D.C. area Motel Six motels where despite the common social media misconception, federal means have in no manner been applied for free issuance of Jim Beam and Spam sandwiches on Wonder Bread. Let me clarify by example: It is perfectly acceptable for a Trump supporter to say that they have a close latino friend and that they once watched a Woody Allen film. It is not appropriate for the Trumpist to shoot that latino friend or Woody Allen, the same rules we all live by despite the universal dislike of any Woody Allen film made past 1983. We must build a more inclusive America, an America removed of petty prejudice. I promise that the current coronavirus plague is not the Trump plague brought forth by God to punish the Trumpist immorality and the proof is that sometimes normal people get it too. If you must, imagine that your teenager suddenly announces that he/she is a Trump supporter. It might not be a passing phase. Perhaps you missed the signals throughout childhood. It is well past time to hold an open mind. I urge you to love them because you find love where you find it, love is all there is and what the world needs now is love sweet love.

  124. Anonymous on January 8, 2021 at 5:55 pm

    It will be interesting to read how Jason Smith and Ray Rehder stickup for Trump after this. But then again, they have had four years of defending the indefensible.

    Anonymous

  125. Anonymous on January 3, 2021 at 12:07 pm

    Congratulations to all my fellow Americans who have the common sense and integrity to respect the results of elections. What Congressman Smith and Senator Hawley are doing by questioning elections conducted in other States is despicable and embarrassing. Concentrate on representing Missouri. Quit foolin’ around with Democracy!

  126. Anonymous on December 21, 2020 at 3:39 am

    This just has me floored. How can Wayne County Children’s Division call and discuss a juvenile case with an attorney who has not yet been retained by anyone that is involved in the case? Isn’t their laws to that? Maybe privacy? And how in the world can they stop a family from attending church together all on hearsay? When this family is trying to rebuild a cracked foundation and put God in theirs lives. So their new foundation will so much stronger and better. I think the workers there think theyre untouchable but wake up CD YOURE NOT. You will be held accountable in the court of law.

  127. Anonymous on December 20, 2020 at 8:42 am

    Christians have turned out to be the biggest Cowards during this Hoax….what happened to Faith ? But keep wearing your Ritualistic Shame Muzzle if it makes you feel good and safe. The government has now become your God.

  128. Anonymous on December 16, 2020 at 8:40 pm

    I would like for sue hagan to address the hunter biden and eric swalwell china sell out problem. this is a national security crisis. our demoracy is in trouble thanks to pay to play, and chinese spys. but all sue hagan can say is trump is bad. perhaps she should look at the democratic party,

  129. Anonymous on November 24, 2020 at 7:37 am

    Christians give up your mask , and open your bible and read what it clearly says…….`For God has not given us a spirit of fear, but of power and of love and of a sound mind`.

    • Anonymous on December 21, 2020 at 1:21 pm

      My minister once said” Don’t go in the road and pray to not get hit by a car”. Food for thought

      • Anonymous on December 30, 2020 at 7:47 am

        keep living in Fear.

  130. Anonymous on November 23, 2020 at 7:58 am

    Congratulations SI on your victory in the 1st round of tournament play! South Iron does have a strong history in high school basketball, at least on the local level. It is enjoyable to watch these talented athletes on the court. What I don’t like however, is the constant desire to bury their opponents at every opportunity by as many points as possible. Mr. Dinkins does a great job coaching his team and getting the desired results..a win. The Win however, does not need to be in the form of a 90+ point score over your opponent. Sports is suppose to teach our children how to “play fair” and be “team players”. Keeping a starting line in a game until the second half, when you are ahead by 60 points is not teaching what needs to be taught in our school systems by being a “team player”. Although, it does present the opportunity for the leading scorers to add to their “total career points” tally. Since the teams were so unequally matched, a great opportunity was missed by not allowing the “second string” of players to START the game instead of the usual let them end the game scenario. It would have been an awesome opportunity for these players to start not only a game, but a local long-time tournament! They would have talked about that for the rest of their lives! The spectators would have been more into it for the kids and it would have been a much more enjoyable game to watch. As it was, it was the usual boring stuff that we see each time SI wants to pound their opponent. Letting the second string start would have shown how Mr. Dinkins cares about all of his players and not about how many points his team scores above the other team. Hats off to Bismarck for hanging in there.

  131. Anonymous on November 14, 2020 at 12:34 am

    The mask is the induction of the eugenics cult, stop being sheep lead to the slaughter!

  132. Anonymous on October 18, 2020 at 9:24 am

    Tiime to burn your Muzzle’s ( mask ). Stop being sheep.

  133. Anonymous on October 2, 2020 at 9:13 am

    Election Flu ( hoax ) will be over soon.

    • Anonymous on January 18, 2021 at 5:54 pm

      The “Election Flu” has skyrocketed since the Presidential election in November. Kind of wondering what happened. Maybe we should listen to the scientists and not the people who believe that we shouldn’t social distance and wear masks as a political statement. While I’m at it, will everyone who keeps shouting the lie that Joe Biden was not legitimately elected PLEASE produce the actual evidence of any fraud. Just because somebody says it on the internet doesn’t make it so.

  134. Anonymous on September 30, 2020 at 1:33 pm

    The Presidential Debate was one the most embarrassing things I have ever watched. It made me ashamed that this is the image that we put forth to the world, that, this is what democracy should look like. Shame on both candidates. I wish there was a realistic alternative. I don’t want to vote for either candidate.

  135. anonymous on September 29, 2020 at 3:05 am

    Despite all those who criticize Trump, his accomplishments have been well document.
    But whether they realize it or not , what are Democrats really voting for? Democrats are
    on record supporting abortions up to full term. Some babies are kept alive long enough to
    harvest and sell their organs. Democrats are involved in the protection and release of incarcerated
    criminals. This has included murders and rapist, child traffickers , and pedophiles. in fact,
    they are supporting the push for legalizing pedophilia through groups such as NAMBLA (North
    American Man Boy Love Association). Criminals released through Democrat programs get out
    and continue their crimes with little fear of consequences.
    Terrorist groups such as BLM and Antifa are being allowed to loot, burn, and physically attack citizens
    young and old in Democratic cities. They are being funded and fueled by left wing organizations.
    Kamala Harris (Biden’s running mate) has openly stated she would issue an executive order to
    confiscate all guns If / when she is president. Ending the 2ND Amendment has been a top
    priority for Democrats. Without the 2ND Amendment, citizens no longer have rights to defend
    themselves. To add to the list, homeless numbers continue to rise, when the funds are shifted
    to housing, feeding and insuring non US citizens. Stop relying on mainstream media to provide you
    with truth. Your job should be to check out the facts. And for those who consider themselves
    conservative Christian, think again!!

  136. anonymous on September 24, 2020 at 2:43 pm

    A vote for any liberal Democrat is a vote for socialism, globalism, infanticide, chaos, perversion, and the destruction of our traditional family-oriented American way of life. Despite the gaslighting by all the mainstream media outlets, documentation of these nightmares can be seen in the videos taken by alternate news sources and more importantly everyday citizens with their phone cameras. Liberal Democrats blame all their crimes on anyone but themselves. They should be separated from America because, as leftists, what they do is commit crimes, vote for an organized criminal government, encourage criminals to invade our country, and deprive us of our civil rights. Perversely, they most often harm the very minorities they claim to be defending. So, the question is do you want to live in a violent, socialist, Marxist, destroyed, America, or return to a moral, Christian-oriented, law-abiding, prosperous, America? I know which America I want to live in.

    • Anonymous on December 7, 2020 at 4:04 pm

      America isn’t and never has been a Christian nation. But people who pretend to be Christians sure do say and do a lot of terrible things to others. Get your head out of your storybook.

    • Anonymous on December 20, 2020 at 1:55 pm

      Guess you missed all of those numerous Bible passages and God’s won word about accepting the foreigner seeking refuge into your homes and giving them even a share of your own inheritance. Jesus wouldn’t put kids in cages. And before you even reply with yet even more “what-about-isms” about the cages, all of this is a result of the failed war on terror that REPUBLICANS began after the disputable events of 9/11/2001 and the Repulican Iraq War Lie.

  137. anonymous on September 22, 2020 at 7:38 pm

    Scouts Strong Boy Scouts of America Virtual Golf Tournament!
    Every dollar raised will stay in your local community to support the youth and their families. Your involvement is critical to our success and betterment of our community’s youth. Please consider becoming a partner and sponsor in our mission to prepare young people to make ethical and moral choices over their lifetimes by instilling in them the values of the Scout Oath and Law.

    https://www.facebook.com/SiouxDistrictGslacBoyScoutsOfAmerica/https://www.facebook.com/SiouxDistrictGslacBoyScoutsOfAmerica/

    Please contact Jennifer Sokolowski, Development Executive at 573-832-1161 or email jennifer.sokolowski@scouting.org about sponsorship opportunities.

  138. Concerned Parent on September 18, 2020 at 9:29 am

    I’d like for the newspaper(s) to check into why the Bunker R-3 School is withholding information regarding COVID-19 infections in their staff. It’s very concerning that the only information we’re getting is in the gossip chain in the parking lot at the local Dollar General, and not from our School Board and School Administrators. The Reynolds County Health Department has also been *very* lacking, several phone calls have led to nothing but a voice mail box. So much for transparency during this health crisis, I suppose we just keep sending our kids to school until we start having deaths, only then will we *finally* be told their is indeed infections at our school.

  139. anonymous on September 12, 2020 at 1:08 pm

    COVID is not stupid, it is a Virus. COVID is not a joke. I know someone that had no underlying health conditions they got very, very sick, this is serious. COVID is not like the flu that I am familiar with at all.
    Until people believe doctors and scientists instead of politicians all of us will continue to suffer because of ignorance and inappropriate behavior.
    I know that change is hard on people, please do the right thing and be as kind and caring as you can, you won’t be sorry that you did!

  140. Anonymous on September 7, 2020 at 9:37 pm

    I just sat thru a ZOOM meeting of the Clearwater School Board on 7 September 2020 and I’m appalled by the total disregard shown for the the students and staff by ignoring science, increasing Covid-19 cases in the district and a continuing push for in person school, when there isnt enough staff to support it. Coupled with statements like, “Virtual classes are the same as no classes at all……….” its a wonder any teacher would want to work in this district, many quality teachers have already left. With school board leadership at the top that currently exists at Clearwater, its a certainty there will be more students and teachers who become ill because of poor decisions, it will be a miracle if someone doesnt die from them. The kids, staff and taxpayers all deserve better.

  141. anonymous on August 31, 2020 at 5:23 pm

    It is a shame that our local elected officials have stooped to the level that the politicians on a national level are taking. Crooked elections is something that we know happens on the national level during every election but we take a blind eye to it here locally.
    The elites will miss the special attention; free meals and special passes into events, the under the table “payoffs” and the status that comes with the office so they will do anything to make sure of a “win”. Even if it means cheating, scheming and lying to get their way. If they lie about an election, what else will they lie about? Speeding?
    We think “hey, we know these people” they aren’t crooked. But take a good close look at those same people with a different eye and see them for who they really are and what is really happening behind closed doors.
    The upcoming “special election” in Iron County should not be allowed to happen. But because the so called elites ( and there is more people involved than just the one who officially came forward ) cry foul, they get what they want….does this sound familiar? It doesn’t even matter to them that the County doesn’t have the additional funds that it will cost for the new election. It is happening on the national level and it is now being allowed in our rural counties.
    Now, instead of only Republicans voting for their “Republican” candidate, the Democrats also get to vote, which is in no way fair. They chose their ballot and vote in the first election and should not be allowed to vote for the Republican candidate…it is NOT fair! Once again, cheating to get the outcome that the elites want, not what the County wants. Sound familiar?

  142. anonymous on August 27, 2020 at 1:48 pm

    The Chamber of Commerce is always touting tourism, tourism. Sure we are close to the river and lake 10 miles maybe a little more. When they get tired of that then what do they have in the form of entertainment? If they come to Ellington it is a ghost town with only the store, dollar store, liquor store and a 2 restaurants open. There is NOTHING else here. Seems to me the Chamber would be busy trying to get new businesses and places to work plus other individual places here. Get these kids off the street corners and doing something besides congregating in groups and getting into trouble. Also it would help get some of these people to work and off of welfare. If I were a tourist I might come to the river or lake, but you wouldn’t catch me coming to Ellington for these empty streets, I would go to Eminence if I needed to go and they are not much better

  143. Anonymous on August 27, 2020 at 10:35 am

    I have read now for the second time of people complaining about donations at the Catholic thrift store are gone thru before the store is able to dig thru them. Let me just say THEY ARE DONATIONS. Quit being so greedy! Maybe these people dont have the money to come in and pay for your over priced and over used “donations”

    Also you ask in the newspaper WWJD? Well I can 100% tell you that he would not get on a newspaper forum and gripe. He would turn his cheek. You all sound like a bunch of PHARISEES. Do you remember the story in the Bible about the lady committing adultery and the pharisees brought her before Jesus? Do you remember what his response was? “He that is without sin among you let him cast the first stone at her.” Moral of the story don’t throw judgement on someone unless you are perfect and I can assure you that you are not.

  144. anonymous on August 10, 2020 at 10:01 am

    I just wanted to let everyone in our area and through out our state that our Wayne County Children’s Division is a joke!!! Let see when a child is taken from his or her biological parents and placed in alternative care and then the child is moved shortly from his or hers foster family and the child was only allowed to bring their clothes and all though I’m sure the intentions were good in going back and retrieving the items that were left. However in the meantime the old foster mom has up and left the county with over $250 in cash, 3 tablets, a Chromebook from school, and lots of sentimental items that their parents brought to them to make maybe just maybe a small part of this emotional traumatic event be a little easier for their kids. However now months later nothing has ben returned and as far as i know I guess we will just write it off and try to replace what we can. You would think that since the Childs best interest is what is important here then why isn’t their anything I can do to either get what little is left have the foster mom has burnt some of it or maybe charges filed or something for goodness sake!!!!

  145. anonymous on August 10, 2020 at 8:35 am

    It is pretty sad when you report a COVID exposure to the Wayne County Health Department and they do nothing about it because the person has a close contact working there. Maybe there is some truth to the stuff going around Facebook about the clinic…..shame on you for putting our community at risk!

  146. anonymous on August 4, 2020 at 11:46 pm

    Today my son and I went to vote at the Youth Center in Piedmont. The gravel lot is not disabled friendly and the mud puddles leading up to the wheelchair ramp were horrendous. The ramp itself is 2+ inches above the gravel meaning most wheelchair users require assistance to navigate onto the ramp. The weeds were at least a foot tall. The single entry door and ramp are too narrow and could easily cause an accident. It is ridiculous that we are forced to utilize this building when there are others with level paved parking and double doors (namely the AARP building). I would encourage the powers that be to either work on the youth center to make it better accessible or move to the AARP building for future elections.

  147. anonymous on July 31, 2020 at 5:06 pm

    Why is Town n Country in Piedmont violating OSHA regulations by forcing their employees to cover their face’s while working ? I sense a huge Law Suit coming.

  148. Anonymous on July 24, 2020 at 9:55 am

    I am APPALLED! I recently went into the Ironton Dollar General, where on the front door it says that face coverings are required. I walk in get what I need, and notice an employee standing behind the counter WITHOUT a mask on. The more I observe, it appears to be a manager. What kind of example is this setting if a company you work for is requiring its customers to do something, yet the manager doesn’t follow through?

  149. Anonymous on July 21, 2020 at 1:51 pm

    pretty much came to tell them the same thing. Sound off is exactly what we DON’T need right now. Give everyone a platform for hate and anger. Terrible idea.

  150. anonymoua on July 21, 2020 at 10:49 am

    Sending children/teens to School, is just wrong. I mean to explain that no matter how they do it, what is at utmost importance is their lives. Also the School management person’s lives. I know that many will lost jobs because of this, but as I said their lives are most important. School does make it possible for job, social interactions, and yes the kids are you could say in free day care, which allows adults to work and bring in a income. Perhaps you both do not need to work and cut back on your spending, so as to allow your children to have a much better chance of making it through this Covid-19 virus. Save lives is utmost importance.

  151. Anonymous on July 20, 2020 at 12:29 pm

    As I’m sitting here eating my chicken nuggets from the ONLY fast food restaurant in Arcadia Valley, I can’t help but think it’s ridiculous that there are no other fast food joints in this area. I mean for heaven sakes there’s TWO Dollar Generals, but we can’t get us a Burger King or a Taco Bell? Come on!

    • Anonymous on July 21, 2020 at 3:41 pm

      Well, isn’t there a subway too? And I’m sure if there was demand then Sonic wouldn’t have closed?

    • Anon on July 21, 2020 at 8:45 pm

      Problem is quality of workforce/lack of workforce. Restaurants struggle trying to get help. Used to have a sonic in town. Was great but went downhill due to the type of workforce.

  152. anonymous on June 22, 2020 at 12:55 pm

    I would like to thank Jeff Clark of town and Country supermarket for keeping our local store supplied when other stores in surrounding towns were out of food and paper products. Even with meat shortage this store always has had plenty. Also the employees are always friendly and will go out of their way to assist you in any way! I am happy to have this kind of store in the community I shop in and hope it will remain here for a long time !!

  153. Pam Brewer on June 3, 2020 at 12:01 pm

    In your may 27 issue there was a column that was voiced by Ray Rehder that was appalling. After careful consideration I & many others who read it, will not be renewing our subscription.

    • Anonymous on December 7, 2020 at 4:06 pm

      Hope you don’t identify as Republican with that attack on the freedom of speech. No need to announce your departure, no one cares.

  154. Tara hillis on June 2, 2020 at 6:18 pm

    I would like to thank Tequilas Mexican restaurant in Piedmont for their great eating establishment . Their food and service has always been exceptional , but during the covid19 shutdown this business has really been careful and conscientious with making sure the food is prepared and served up safe for their customers .. hats off to the Mendiola family . We are lucky to have such a great restaurant In town. The food is always great, the people who work there are always so nice. I look forward to going back inside and sitting down for a meal but also really appreciate them for Their concern in making sure it’s safe to open up.. Keep up the good work !

  155. Anonymous on June 1, 2020 at 7:05 pm

    Sooo the new owners of Town N Country , the Gott Group or is it the Gotti Family ? Since they took over gave the employees 2 weeks of Hazard Pay because the Corona is deadly, then promptly stopped Hazard Pay and then Mandated all employees wear Face Coverings. What about Customers walking around freely ? NOPE… no face covering needed because we want your MONEY ! Face Mask do more harm than good, but the company obviously made the decision to make their Paying Customers believe they were looking out for their best interest while putting their Employees who make mininum wage at harm. All the while 90 % of paying customers coming into the store have no Face Coverings. SO what is it Gotti Family ? Are the Town N Country employees all infected with the Virus while YOUR customers are not ?

  156. anonymous on May 29, 2020 at 6:51 pm

    Why does the new owner of Town N Country in Piedmont not require Paying Customers to wear Mask inside their For Profit Store ? Yet they force their miniman wage workers to cover thier Faces. How is that preventing the spread of this pandemic ? Do they just want their Paying visitors MONEY ????…..all about making money, and make the workers suffer while putting out a false pretense that stockers Mask will protect their Paying Visitors…….ALL ABOUT MAKING MONEY FOLKS……they don’t care about their Employees………Is their family name GOTT or GOTTI ?

  157. Anonymous on May 28, 2020 at 8:20 am

    What is it with people going to the food pantry or food banks to get food for themselves or someone in need then go to someone else and try to sell what he got for free.
    Shame on you Gerry that is so wrong. You took from families that might not have made it there or had no way to get there to get food

  158. Anonymous on May 23, 2020 at 10:37 am

    Sue Hagan is once again bad mouthing people. Ray Rehder writes a great article as does Jason Smith. Both of these individuals tell what they have helped do in the past week. If sue Hagan thinks she can do a better job then she needs to run for office in November! Politicians are always great at telling what other people aren’t doing to please them but never say what good they could do if elected! And to win she will have to tell how she will improve what others are doing. Personally I don’t believe she would get enough votes to count ! Unless she is so depressed with the world and people in it then I would like to see an article from her where she congratulates others for their hard work. As of the present time I for one don’t have much respect for her or her articles.

  159. Anonymous on May 20, 2020 at 2:44 pm

    ALL these so called people of Faith in this small town bitching and complaining because workers in stores aren’t wearing mask. If your that fearful of dying and meeting your maker, then stay home and hide under your bed ! Some of us truly have Faith and refuse to be cowards to this over blown political ploy.

  160. Anonymous on April 16, 2020 at 8:31 am

    I’m sorry. I just don’t “get it”.
    I am a small business owner and this virus has hurt me terribly and it angers me that the rules can be broken for some but not for others.
    I just don’t understand that it is “okay” for people to go to public camping places, privately owed or not. I agree that they are probably further apart at a campsite than at home (sometimes), but on their journey to this camp spot, did they stop along the way for gas? Food? Do they have enough for the entire time they are camping or will they have to run to our local markets for milk and bread? Do they have a washer and dryer in their camper? Bathroom and shower? Bringing their own wood?
    Are the owners of the campgrounds prepared to sanitize each spot after they vacate it?

    We have a non-essential ban on traveling but is it considered vacation to go camping? I can stay out of the way of people when I travel on vacation as well, but since I stay at hotels, I am banned from traveling because it is “non-essential”. Both ways of travel can be called vacations but only one is allowed…not fair.

    I, like many people, also want a change of scenery, but we also want to go back to work so we can continue to pay our bills! The longer people defy the rules the longer it will take to get this Country back where it needs to be.
    Hey, I am all for business to get back to normal and I try to support my fellow small businessmen as much as possible, but isn’t this still a form of defiance? Public camping is not “essential” and I don’t agree that these places should be open it encourages people to break the rules and don’t you think we have enough of that already?

    Now, if you have your OWN LAND and have a camper/home there and you stop at your regular stores and gas stations and do not need to use anything along the way to get there or while you are there…what are you waiting for?

  161. Anonymous on April 1, 2020 at 9:01 pm

    I just wonder how many of the Republicans in Wayne county who are capitalist and supposedly conservative are going to take the stimulus money. It’s a no brainer that they’ll spend it,puff up and tell everyone what trump did for them when what is it other than socialism and the worst part is many will be on social security, Medicare, SSI, or welfare. They don’t know whose programs benefit them or like businesses who are capitalist until they hit hard times and then BAIL ME OUT DONALD TRUMP AT THE SAME TIME YOU DO YOURSELF.

  162. anonymous on April 1, 2020 at 8:48 pm

    I really like the Rattlesnake holler articles. It’s the only one in the paper that deals with facts and not the FAKE TRUMP BS. I wonder what Jason Smith, Ray Rehder, and Wayne Wallingford have done since being in office. All you ever get out of their idiotic articles is what our lying president really meant and how the Democrats are trying to make him look bad. Anyone with any common sense can see our president is a bold faced liar and it will insult the average person’s intelligence but unfortunately common sense isn’t so common anymore. Why do we even need Smith or Rehder articles when you hear the exact same thing every time you hear our phony president. Wake up people they are for big business. A WORKING MAN VOTING REPUBLICAN IS LIKE A CHICKEN VOTING FOR COLONEL SANDERS.

  163. anonymous on March 25, 2020 at 4:03 pm

    I can say I really like Ray Rehder column every week, I read it first thing. He usually tells it like it is. Most everything he says is correct, and it needs to be brought up and out where everyone can see. Keep up the good work!!!!!

  164. anonymous on March 25, 2020 at 3:52 pm

    Sue Hagan never seems to say anything positive about anyone! It is always negative and political.I am convensed she thinks her ideas are the only ones that are right.Unless her article is changed somewhat ,I don’t think it needs to be published anymore!Her space could be used for articles about the Piedmont community!

  165. anonymous on March 25, 2020 at 9:26 am

    Why is town n country in piedmont still making their employees carry customers grocieries out? Seems they don’t care about the Covid-9 outlines by the CDC. Who makes these descions ? Or do they only care about profit ?

  166. anonymous on March 18, 2020 at 12:58 pm

    Just a clarification. The Historic church in Greenville is not going to be a library like it was intended to be. The library is now being ran elsewhere. If you donated to help fund the library you should ask questions and look into why the new library is not being helped by the Historic society as planned. Before you donate or buy things ask questions to figure out what the fundraising profits are going towards. Just a suggestion.

  167. anonymous on March 9, 2020 at 8:14 pm

    There is no longer a cat rescue in Greenville. After many years of having a place to dump your unwanted cats it is CLOSED. You will just have to take them home with you, because dumping animals is against the law and our whole neighborhood is watching. We are being over ran with dumped cats and kittens that r going to starve. There r plenty or reasonable spay and neuter clinics some are free if u can’t afford it. Spay or nueter today. Or keep your kittens.

  168. anonymous on February 13, 2020 at 3:47 pm

    I just wanted to express my appreciation to the 4 clearwater middle school teachers who had on the matching tshirts that seem to have become an issue . These 4 women are excellent in everything they do at Clearwater. I know for a fact, as I worked with all of them before retiring a few years ago . I think it would be so nice if the citizens in our community would put themselves in a teachers place and realize just how hard they all work to make future productive People in an invironment that nowadays, is really ugly . Why don’t we all take a step back and appreciate the goodness in these teachers who were just trying to make the day a little more fun and laid back for our kids . I am very proud to know these women personally and professionally and every thing they stand for. Thanks CMS !

  169. anonymous on February 1, 2020 at 6:36 am

    Is anyone else tired of all the bad mouthing that Wayne County law enforcement and courts get? Pseudo journalists, ambulance chasing lawyers, entitled citizens, criminals and their families among others, are always quick to blame someone else when they run afoul of the law and suffer the consequences. Many times, they are given multiple chances before incurring penalties. Law enforcement and the courts serve the good citizens of Wayne County, trying to make our community a better place. A true shame some people think they should not be held responsible for their own actions.The common denominator in all their problems, is themselves. If you don’t like our legal system when they do their jobs, stop committing CRIMES. Be a benefit to your community, not a burden.

  170. anonymous on January 11, 2020 at 8:47 pm

    All Missourians should be thankful and supportive of the U.S. Forest Service’s (USFS) decision to join the Missouri Feral Hog Elimination Partnership. In December the USFS announced the decision to no longer allow hunting of feral hogs in the Mark Twain National Forest (MTNF). This was both a wise move and a positive step in the fight to eliminate highly invasive and destructive feral hogs. Most public land agencies had already closed feral hog hunting in 2016, after 25 years of allowing hog hunting only increased the population and range of feral hogs in Missouri.
    Along with the USFS’s closure of feral hog hunting in MTNF, they also announced that feral hogs could be “opportunistically taken” during deer and turkey hunting seasons by hunters with an unfilled permit in compliance with the permit conditions.
    Consistency across all public lands in Missouri to halt the spread of feral hogs will be a good thing. The Missouri Department of Conservation is leading an interagency task force to eliminate feral hogs through a program focused primarily on trapping. Hunting is not an efficient means toward that goal. Hunting activities, particularly hunting with dogs, scatters the sounder and makes trapping efforts much more difficult.
    Professional wildlife managers and biologists know what they are doing, and by focusing their efforts on trapping they are making headway toward eliminating feral hogs in Missouri. They should be allowed to continue doing their jobs unimpeded by politicians and others who wish to interfere with sound science-based management.

  171. anonymous on December 23, 2019 at 11:13 pm

    Driving down Hwy 34 today passing the now abandoned Pine Hill Drive-in I was appalled to see the place falling apart. How could the owners let this Iconic Wayne County Venue fall apart as it is? Swallow your pride and sell it, even if you’re losing money. Let someone else take it over that will take care of it and possibly one day reopen this Iconic place.

  172. anonymous on December 10, 2019 at 12:31 am

    Seems like more people put Christmas displays at Clearwater Lake than the greenway in town. My family has offered to put up displays for area businesses, etc., if can’t seem to find time to do it. Please see Georgia & she’ll pass the word to us to put up your display for you. Pretty sad no more people get in the spirit of Christmas. Come on, let’s fill the greenway. Still not too late 🎄 Merry Christmas 🎄

  173. anonymous on November 26, 2019 at 10:13 am

    Why? Why does South Iron have to beat a team by 90+ points? What does that say for sportsmanship? There is none anymore. So you have the best team in the area, good for you! That is awesome and wonderful for the student athletes. But, the team is lead by the Coach and by him keeping starters in the game for a long time and running up points against a team that is not as good as yours is a low class move. What if your child played for the loosing team? How would it make you feel? Your child feel? Would it want them to continue to play sports? Compete at anything?
    This is no way to TEACH children in any way shape or form on or off the court. It is a sad day for SI if they think this makes their school look good.

  174. anonymous on November 21, 2019 at 11:43 am

    I’m brainstorming for help and ideas on how to find massive spayed/neutered cats a home where they will be cared for properly!!! By “properly,” I mean given vaccinations yearly, given flea/tick protection, given shelter from the elements, be fed good food and given fresh water daily…oh and LOVE!!! Piedmont Pound Paws, Inc, does not have the funds, fosters, or facility to rescue at least 50+ cats/kittens that were dumped on the Greenville Cat Lady and she is STILL struggling. She’s NOT going to let any go unless she knows they will be taken care of and she cannot possibly do this all herself. Personally, I am appalled at the Greenville community for not seeing what they were doing to her when they referred every irresponsible person to her, for years and years. Does anyone have any ideas and willingness to actually DO SOMETHING to help??? I’ve taken on as much as I can handle without help. Maybe help get photos to help me get them courtesy listed??? Maybe offer to help her clean sometime??? Maybe adopt a fixed cat from her and take proper care of it??? Or even adopt one that Piedmont Pound Paws, Inc was able to get from her, give it “the works,” and list up for adoption at http://piedmontpoundpaws.rescuegroups.org. ANYTHING??? PLEASE???

  175. anonymous on November 20, 2019 at 6:45 pm

    To the Individual asking about the Hours of the Wayne County Historical Society in the 11/20/2019 Edition of the WCJB, They are open most Wednesdays and Saturdays 10 am-2 pm 108 West Elm in Piedmont

  176. anonymous on November 18, 2019 at 3:25 pm

    Last month I submitted an article for the sound off complaining about our Dollar General store in Piedmont. Today I visited the Dollar General store and was completely satisfied with the new management and the former employees. They are cleaning up the store and are more friendly and helpful then previously. Tony the new manager was very thankful for my comment. He said he had more complaints than compliments. I had told him I was one of them that was complaining also. But I can see a total change in the attitude of the employees And the cleanliness of the store.

  177. Anonymous on October 26, 2019 at 8:19 am

    This SoundOff! column is a terrible idea and journalistic trash. While the preamble states that there will be no personal attacks or libel, this is precisely what has been published. Giving an anonymous platform for people with personal vendettas, axes to grind or political attacks is just a bad idea, plain and simple. The accused have no way to confront their accuser or respond with facts. It’s just bad mouthing and gossip. You are in serious legal jeopardy.

  178. anonymous on October 25, 2019 at 9:48 am

    A few weeks ago, someone had the nerve to walk into my yard and take my ceramic elephant yard ornament. I do not appreciate it and I have something to say about it. Not everyone was born with money or had someone to hand it down to them, we have to work for ours. Also, I hope it makes you fell real good to take from not only me but my children. My 4 year old enjoyed to go out and sit on that elephant every morning as she watched her sisters walk to the bus stop. When she woke up to go that morning it was gone.. Try explaining that to a child.. So the next time you want to steal from someone you need to think about who you will be hurting from your gain. One of the ten commandments state “THOU SHALT NOT STEAL”!!!!!!! Have a Blessed Day!

  179. anonymous on October 22, 2019 at 4:20 pm

    We as the community feel that there should be some changes to the Dollar General Store in Piedmont, Mo
    You can not find anything without having to move storage shelves or totes. The previous manager Leigh always had everything in order. the stock room is were the “Stock” was kept until able to stock the shelves. When you ask the current employees something , they tell you they don’t know if they have it and will not help you look for it. Recently i went into the store and there were 5-6 employees outside on brake and the isles were cluttered you could not get through. We all need to pull together and call headquarters, as I did. We are a tourist town, this looks bad on our community. Hopefully with the new manager coming in, we will get this straightened out.

  180. Anonymous on October 16, 2019 at 3:39 pm

    I think it’s a shame that the ozark heritage festival craft show is no longer held on the Clearwater high school baseball field. The parking downtown is terrible, the crafts on the greenway are so crowded you can’t hardly get through. It’s ridiculous that because a few piedmont merchants think they are being left out so they had to have it changed. The chamber of commerce should open your eyes and see that the downtown merchants have plenty of publicity and people have shopping opportunities while watching the parade on Main Street … I will never go to another craft show as long as it’s down in that “hole” on the green way .. good grief, wake up and put it back out at the high school!

  181. Anonymous on October 4, 2019 at 1:37 pm

    The city of Piedmont needs to make some of the businesses put a fresh coat of paint on their buildings. I know not every business is super successful and afford to spend a bunch of money on their stores, but Paint doesn’t cost much. Or maybe use a hose and wash the siding off. I doesn’t cost that much to spruce up our town.

  182. Anonymous on October 3, 2019 at 9:47 pm

    The city of Piedmont needs to do something about its sidewalks along Main Street, It’s becoming a trip hazard for walkers and those in Wheelchairs. I traveled the stretch from Sitze Barber Shop down to Subway on 10/1 and lost count on how many times I was almost thrown from my wheelchair. Both sides of the street are equally as bad.

    • Anonymous on December 1, 2020 at 7:40 pm

      I think I may be missing something. At the beginning of the school year there was a virtual option for students due to Covid 19. Now as Covid numbers explode, the virtual option has been removed mandating all students attend in person, without a mask requirement or social distancing. Sports events continue uninterrupted also without mask requirments or social distancing whatsoever. It appears our Board of Education and Superintendent and doing everything possible to ensure every person in Wayne Co is exposed to Covid 19 and not make one decision that might protect the health and welfare of our students, teachers, staff and public as a whole. While other area schools have adopted virtual only classes and offered the option to continue virtual as the positivity rate in SEMO soars, our shortsighted officials seem set on making us all sick, and to what end? Who benefits? It mystifies me, I must be missing something……..

    • Anonymous on March 1, 2022 at 1:25 am

      Complaining might make them shut off your water. Be careful. The regime at City Hall hates it when the little people stand up to them.

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