As election times nears...

I'm hoping that everyone will make an effort to get out on November the 2nd and place a vote for the candidates of their choice. Red or Blue, it's up to you. There are many important issues facing the citizens both nationally and here in Missouri. Please check out the sample ballot here!

There are three constitutional amendments to consider along with two Propositions. I have to express ignorance as to the meaning of the first amendment proposal. The other two are pretty straightforward and everyone will have to vote their conscience. Proposition A has to do with the ability of the sate to levy additional real estate taxes and B has to do with the regulation of state dog breeding operations. A measure that if passed will have an impact on where our tax dollars will go. Once again please vote your conscience. Note: There seems to be a movement afoot at the state level to impose more strict penalties on anyone who mistreats pets of all kinds.

Wagon Wheel Family Dining

I have eaten at the Wagon Wheel Family Dining restaurant a number of times now. I first discovered this eatery about two months ago while going on a sightseeing tour with my sister who recently moved here from California. They’re located at 20262 US Hwy 160 near the three way junction of Highways 160-76 or about 3 miles east of Forsyth Missouri on Highway 160. They currently have ‘winter hours’ which are W-S 7:30AM to 7 PM and Sundays 7:30AM to 2 PM. (These hours are subject to change, so call ahead to make sure).

What I like best about the Wagon Wheel restaurant is how similar it is to eateries I can remember as a youth (that was a long time ago, trust me). Just down home American cuisine at affordable prices. There’s nothing very fancy or overdone at the Wagon Wheel but you get a good feeling eating there all the same. The hamburgers are good and juicy. Just the way I like them. (My sister mentioned that she especially liked the toasted buns). Other menu items include sandwiches like Pattie melts and grilled chicken. The dinner offerings also included chicken fried steak, ham and pork tenderloin to mention just a few. The establishment is owned and operated locally by Judy Alstatt, whom I have had the pleasure of talking with on numerous occasions.

The bottom line is I feel this is a good place with good food at fair prices. Please give them a try and let me know what you think! Note: This establishment is typically closed during the winter months, so call before you go there. The number is (417)-546-4219.

Please vote on November the 2nd!

“All men dream but not equally. Those who dream by night in the dusty recesses of their minds wake in the day to find that it was vanity; but the dreamers of the day are dangerous men, for they may act their dream with open eyes to make it possible.”
T.E. Lawrence

By his own admission, President Obama has now realized 70% of the legislation he envisioned to change America. His next two years in office will be an effort to make sure these changes stay, whether Americans like it or not.

If you like what this man and what his congress has wrought then please vote on November the 2^nd. If you do not like the direction our country has taken, then make damn sure you vote on November the 2^nd.

Hairwaves in Forsyth Missouri

15796 US Highway 160

Forsyth, MO 65653
Phone: (417) 546-4420

Salons like Hair Waves by Becky offer services that often include haircuts, nails services, waxing, manicures and pedicures.

My sister likes this saloon for both its competitive pricing and the ambiance. The business is centrally located in a small strip mall right down from the Hometown Appliance Store.

Please, Taney County, get out and vote!

No matter what your political leanings are, please do this yourself and this nation a favor and find a way to vote in the November 2^nd elections. If you can’t for some good reason, OK, I’ll live with that, but for those of us who do, it’s really important that we all take a stand. Left, center or right.

Our country is now standing at a crossroads and the outcome of this election will determine some very major directions that will affect citizens in both the short term and long term. We have a choice to make on November 2^nd and on succeeding elections which will determine whether we stay a Republic that follows the Doctrine of the Constitution or whether we go down the path of a Democratic Socialist State. It’s just that simple and just that imperative!

Empire Electric Demands More Money!

Well, it seems Empire Electric is strapped for cash once again. Gosh darn it all. After grabbing a whopping 13.4 percent increase in September, the company is looking for another 9.2 percent. This rate increase would not become effective until mid 2011 if approved. The overall yearly increase would represent a hike of 22.6%. According to Empire officials, the increase is needed to cover the cost of the construction costs of a new plant in Platte County.

They also want to continue the use of a fuel adjustment clause that would allow them to increase the rates they can charge twice a year on June 1^st and December 1st. These increases would be tied to increases in the cost of fuel used to run the generators.

The Future of Missouri Water

Like many Americans, I have become increasingly concerned with my water supply. Questions concerning the source of drinking water and how often it is tested are just a couple of things I would like to know about. So, here is what I have found out concerning my neck of the woods.

It’s my understanding is that the Taney County Water District Number 2 supplies most of Forsyth Missouri with drinking water. Their office is located at 1865 State Highway VV in Powersite. The telephone number is 417-334-8010.Office hours are 9:00 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. Monday through Friday. They do have emergency numbers on the answering machine in case you have a water main emergency after business hours. Their office observes most legal holidays.

The Public Water Supply District #2 of Taney County states that they are in compliance with the newest rules and regulations established by the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) and the Missouri Department of Natural Resources (DNR) pertaining to the Safe Drinking Water Act and lead content in water. They send two samples per month to the DNR laboratory in Springfield for testing. These samples are taken at random locations throughout the District.

The District office also prepares a Consumer Confidence Report (CCR) annually. This report is mailed to all their customers to notify the public of all constituents found in out drinking water and what levels of each constituent is allowable by the Department of Natural Resources (DNR). Anyone interested in obtaining a copy of CCR report can call their office and they will gladly mail one to you.

I plan on requesting this report and will followup with a blog on my findings in the near future.