Stormy weather inside courthouse
The bad weather blew out of Christian County overnight, but the atmosphere remained stormy inside the county courthouse this morning.
Christian County Treasurer Karen Matthews called Presiding Commissioner John Grubaugh on the carpet today for hosting an unposted commissioners’ meeting inside commission chambers Oct. 4 prior to the press release justifying Commissioner Tom Huff’s depositing county gravel on Chadwick’s baseball field parking lot.
Matthews said the agenda for that day clearly stated all three commissioners would be attending a function in Springfield at 10 a.m. Much to the surprise of Matthews, County Clerk Kay Brown and Prosecutor Ron Cleek, Grubaugh and company including Huff and attorney Todd Johnson, along with Emergency Management Director Phil Amtower and Auditor Sam Yarnell held a pow wow at about that time, obviously to hammer out the news release. Amtower did the typing and sent out the ‘emergency’ release to media in which the two commissioners blamed the prosecutor for the Highway Patrol investigation calling it “politically motivated.”
The third commissioner, Bill Barnett, was sent happily on his way to Springfield with the promise the other two would arrive there separately. They never did.
Matthews contends if the two commissioners, a quorum, were talking county business without it being posted properly, they violated the Sunshine Law. If they were not talking about county business, then they were using county resources, including employees, to defend themselves against the criminal investigation.
Still no word from the prosecutor about the outcome of that investigation.
Tags: commission, Gravel, Sunshine Law
You can comment below, or link to this permanent URL from your own site.
October 22, 2007 at 6:03 pm
WOW. What wit Great Blog!!
This story on “Stormy Weather” needs to see the light of day. It needs a little Ben Franklin along with a generous quantity of soy based ink.
It is hard for the boys to face the facts. I will bet you Boss Hog (John Grubaugh) won’t like what he sees or reads.
October 22, 2007 at 9:59 pm
I would like to know what facts this story actually has. Seems like alot of assumtions, but that is what we come to expect. Why was it again that Roy Matthews used county road crew to cut trees at his church when he was the Presding. Oh let me guess he saw the error of his ways and has changed. What ever.
October 23, 2007 at 10:38 am
So is it O.K. for county resources to be used to discuss with the paper all of these alleged facts? This proves that the Treasurer, the Clerk and the Prosecutor have to much time on their hands. I suggest that the taxpayers request a review of the number of employees in these departments to consider consolidation as obviously the elected officials are not focusing on the county moving forward, but wasting tax dollars. Second, Donna are you a journalist or a gossip columnist? The news muse about says it all.
October 23, 2007 at 12:20 pm
Journalists ask questions and get answers—write news stories and opinion pieces.
What the truthseekers and taxpayers should be asking about and conerned over is the concentration of power and the balance of power. That is just as important on the county level as it is on a national level.Those who attend commissioner sessions and pay attention to county business have a level of understanding that is different from those who do not.
Questioning power and scrutinizing actions is what this democratic government is based on. There is nothing wrong with holding government officials accountable–and the louder they complain about it sometimes speaks to the reasons why.
The facts about the news release being composed and released to the media, even when it implicated Commissioner Bill Barnett, are the facts. Barnett was then and is now marginalized because he refuses to march to the same drumbeat in the commission office.
October 23, 2007 at 3:03 pm
So which is this? A news story or an opinion piece.
October 23, 2007 at 3:06 pm
I do not have to attend every meeting to realize that when these elected officials, which do not seem to have constructive or legitimate concerns, are continuously in the news, they can not be accomplishing the other duties they were elected to complete.
October 23, 2007 at 3:27 pm
STOP AND THINK!!!
Why is it that the Attorney General did not and has not dismissed the complaint about criminal (forgery) wrongdoin?
Why is it that the Attorney General did not and has not dismissed the complaint of 9 serious violations of the sunshine act that will cost Grubaugh and Huff (Huff & Puff) a combined total of $90,000.00 out of their own pocket not the taaxpaayers?
If the allegations were unfounde they would have been dismissed out of hand, but they havent.
It is a good thing Grubaugh sets the budget for the jail, he might want to improve the menu as he might be getting his dinner on a plastic tray.
His glee club of Amtower, Robertson and Yarnell will jump ship like rats on a sinking ship. Look at the facts boys and ? spin, spin will make you dizzy
October 23, 2007 at 6:37 pm
My guess is the reason the AG did not respond was there was nothing there to respond to. My guess is they thought it was a waste of their time and totally political.
October 23, 2007 at 8:02 pm
OH! The AG has responded and the investigation has moved forwa and upward not downward. You should go to the courthouse for yourself and see the documents.
The eevidence was strong enough that Judge John Waters did not suggest further action, after reviewing the evidence HE MADE A COURT ORDER! ordering the AG into this issue. Ask the Judge what he thinks, Ask the Prosecutor. Ask the AG. Ask the Highway Patrol. Or as Huff & Puff so they can put their spin (not the facts) on it.
You said it correct, just a guess. Time to stop guessing and you should look at the facts or visit the lighthouse for the blind.
Oh! by the by I hear that they have two bunks available at the slammer. But the question is; WHO IS ON THE TOP BUNKO…..
October 23, 2007 at 10:21 pm
Mr. Gadfly Guy:
So are you saying the AG responded with results? I guess I must have missed seeing their response. Was it publicized?
If a person wanted to see these results, where do they obtain a copy in the courthouse? I would assume the county prosecutor would be able to provide them.
I do not appreciate your rude comments about “lighthouse for the blind.” How heartless.
I do not understand your last paragraph about two bunks. Why would you make such comments.
Christian County residents do not talk to each other in this manner. Obviously you were not raised here. You must be a transplant.
October 24, 2007 at 9:15 am
Being a female you should understand the comments.
As far as the Lighthouse, they help the blind. Remember the comment
“He turned a blind eye”
Are you having fun venting??????
I have to go and do my ironing and the dishes and tend to my Hogs.
Say hello to the Boss.
October 24, 2007 at 11:05 am
The purpose of this blog is to stimulate discussion and give insight to goings on in the county that may not make it in the newspaper or other news media. It is not to insult each other with off-color remarks. If that happens, this blog will disappear.
Discussion and controversy is not a bad thing…but keep undertones and overtones on the road and not in the gutter.
And to answer Tired Taxpayer about news versus opinion. Short answer: News is on the news pages of a newspaper; opinion — editorials and columns — are on those pages labeled opinion, or viewpoints or voices.
Sometimes you’ll find a story with analysis attached to it somewhere – that would be the writer’s ‘analysis’ of the particular situation.
It is becoming more difficult to discern news from opinion especially with PR pieces. Blogs are necessarily written through the lens of the blogger and should be viewed that way.
October 24, 2007 at 1:03 pm
I would ask if this is such a hot topic how come the Real Media outlets are barely covering it. Keep in mind a newspaper can print any garbage they want as with the Meida TV in particualr they have rules and for the most part refrain from becoming a gossip publications. As far as the AG’s office I would like to know when the decision was made as well because that has not made the news.
October 24, 2007 at 7:05 pm
So Mr. O…. what was the response from the AG? You said in a previous blog they responded, so what did they say? We are all still waiting for your response.
Mrs. O – Why didn’t the Headliner cover it?
October 24, 2007 at 7:15 pm
Can anyone tell me why Karen Matthews, the county treasurer has so much time on her hands that she can watch every move our commissioners make? I thought she was elected to do the work of the treasurer. If I remember correctly, her office is on the second floor of the historic courthouse, and the county commission is on the first floor.
October 24, 2007 at 8:48 pm
In response to Ann, O’Gaffney forwarded an e-mail to the Headliner late yesterday from the AG’s office that says the office has the complaint and is working it. Two weeks ago the AG’s office was in Springfield talking about the Sunshine Law. At that time James Klahr said the office moves slowly because there are only a few people there dedicated to Sunshine Law issues. Whatever resolution comes from the complaint, the Headliner will report it.
And to Big Boy: Matthews, in the course of her duties, frequents the commissioners’ offices during the day, as does the County Clerk and her staff. It is not unusual to see any number of courthouse staff and elected officials come in and out of the commissioners’ offices to conduct official business or just to visit.
Just a walk out the front door of the courthouse gives a view into the commission chambers–but that begs the question. The commissioners shouldn’t mind anyone ‘watching their every move’ in the course of conducting the public’s business. That’s what they signed up for.
October 24, 2007 at 9:53 pm
The other day I overheard a gentleman talking about the former Presiding Commissioner and he stated that Mr. Matthews, Chudemelka and Barnett had been found delinquent in several areas by the Missouri State Auditor. He said that most of the very issues Mrs. Matthews complains about were in this audit. So being curious I researched and found the information on the auditor’s website.
It does not seem that Mrs. Matthews was so concerned with issues when her husband was the presiding commissioner. I also read earlier that he used road crews to cut down trees, I would like to hear more about that for sure. Anyway take a look at this http://www.auditor.mo.gov/press/2002-98.htm
I would encourage everyone especially those relying on information from our Treasurers Office to read at the very least the Yellow Sheets in regards to the previous audits on Christian County.
In the audit it says and I have copied from it the following as I found it to be interesting.
The county entered into a lease agreement with a not-for-profit corporation to issue leasehold revenue bonds totaling $9,875,000 to construct the new judicial center. The county pays the lease payments with the proceeds from a one-quarter cent sales tax passed by voters. The County Commission did not bid the underwriter services or retain documentation regarding other underwriters reviewed and their respective fees. In addition, the county did not solicit proposals for bond counsel services or the bond insurer. These professional services totaled more than $308,000.
“The County Commission does not maintain adequate minutes of its meetings. Unofficial, handwritten minutes are kept by the County Commission’s secretary and are used to prepare the typewritten official County Commission minutes. As of June 12, 2002 the last entry in the official record book was for the August 16, 2001 meeting. In addition, several of the unofficial minutes appear to be incomplete and are generally vague.
Where were you then Mrs. Matthews and Mrs. Brown and further more why did take this long for the clerk to figure out she was supposed to be keeping minutes.
I think Mr. O’Gaffney’s efforts to make government more accountable are admirable; however his information is being relayed by hypocrites who have no credibility with me.
I hope he can find more credible people to help him with his Crusade.
October 24, 2007 at 9:59 pm
Have you ever watched the movie Charlotte Web? Do you remember the fly?
Donna… you are the fly, caught in Karen, Kay, Ernest and Ron’s web.
It seems you can’t get out.
I have no biased opinion either way
All I see is an unprofessional journalist
That enjoys stirring the pot
And can’t seem to write a ethical and legitimate story.
If all of us in Christian County could just get along
Maybe again we could all see how great of place this is to live
By following Karen, Kay, Ernest, and Ron in all of their scams
There will never be an end to this chaos.
October 24, 2007 at 10:02 pm
Mr. O’Gaffney,
Do not make the AG’s response out to be more than it is. Do you know how long it will take that office to even review 9 complaints? Just to review it and decided if they are going to decide to do anything will take months. Then if there actually is a crime it will take even longer. It will be some time before we know anything. I hope I am wrong I would like to know something. Of course maybe you found out something at the fundraiser at Krieders that you are not telling us. Could it be????
October 24, 2007 at 10:09 pm
Tell me how Karen Matthews can ridicule Tom Huff for helping a school when in an emergency, when her husband ROY MATTHEWS had the eastern road crew trim the trees at their OWN church when he was PRESIDING COMMISSIONER? THIS IS A FACT. Just ask the road crew.
Does the Headliner (and Kay, and Ron, and Ernest) think that was appropriate?
EXPLAIN THIS ONE KAREN MATTHEWS and ERNEST O’Gaffney?
October 24, 2007 at 10:13 pm
You are kidding? How can they be so quick to judge Commissioner Huff, when they actually did do something wrong.? Their own church? You’ve got to be joking me.
October 24, 2007 at 10:17 pm
Okay I do not know where that last entry came from, but whoever I am the one confused. Nevermind I would say that there are alot of us confused so use it all you want. I was actually wanting to find out that information if it was true.
Anyway did some more reading http://www.auditor.mo.gov/press/2003-100.htm
And this just cracks me up
The County Commission does not maintain adequate minutes of its meetings. Minutes do not exist for some scheduled County Commission meetings, and during April and May 2003 the County Commissioners did not have a secretary and only unofficial, manual notes were maintained of motions made.
People I am telling you really need to read these audits, they are great and they really make you wonder about the Matthews and their information. Oh by the way isn’t Roy the Chairman for the Christian County Coalition. YIKES that is SCARY.
October 24, 2007 at 10:18 pm
There is no way the AG will find that the Christian County Commission did anything wrong. You won’t find any better men in CC than Tom Huff and John Grubaugh. They have character and the citizens can see right through all of this political hogwash.
What’s wrong with this picture is that our own prosecuting attorney didn’t have enough balls to say, “Hey guys, there wasn’t anything wrong done here.”
Oh well.. maybe he did say that at the first, but then changed his mind. Maybe he is scared of this crazy man from CA.
I hope our prosecutor doesn’t have any aspirations of ever becoming a judge in CC. Isn’t that a scarey thought… right before Halloween.
October 24, 2007 at 10:26 pm
I agree with you totally. I’ve known John and Tom most all their lives. I could not be prouder to have them serve as the leaders of our county. They have character. If they say something, you can take it to the bank.
Unlike some of these ridiculous articles I read on line coming from our county newspaper. These articles are so unfair, not to mention untruthful. I would have thought that reporters would have to follow some type of ethics. I’d be ashamed.
October 24, 2007 at 10:33 pm
This does crack me up. Should be interesting reading. Roy Matthews did something wrong? Oh me, Oh my…. Don’t tell Karen.
October 25, 2007 at 6:21 pm
Why did the Headliner start such a blog? Who does it help? .
I think we all need to read Matthew Chapters 6, 7 & 8.
October 25, 2007 at 7:43 pm
I just read the old audit reports. They are great!
I did not realize that Roy Matthews was behind 2 YEARS with the minutes and the next commissioner had to catch them up. Let’s see…… That would have been Grubaugh. Looks like Grubaugh had to clean up Roy Matthew’s mess.
Makes me wonder what Ernie would have done in the days of Roy Matthews at the helm? I wonder if Karen would have treated him the same as she does Grubaugh and Huff?
I wonder who approved these 2 YEAR old minutes?
October 25, 2007 at 7:55 pm
Karen, I see that you are up to your tricks again… Planting these sessions and Donna sharing them. How stupid do you think we are in the courthouse? You have no support (other than that nasty old man that hangs around, a few (even less than you realize from the clerk’s office, and of course your new secretary.)
I wonder what your next planned media stand will be? I’m sure we will see it in action real soon. We can’t wait……
If you don’t mind… Don’t wear that loud floral dress if Donna has her camera.
October 25, 2007 at 9:22 pm
Been a lot of traffic on this thing since last night.. Whew. People are really bored.
I’m looking for my answer from the Headliner staff (Ernest., Karen, or RON CLEEK) if you thought Roy Matthews should have asked the county road boys from the east to trim the trees at his and Karen’s very own church that is located on a state highway.
Your paper printed that these good ole boys (Roy and Tom Chudamilka ) would have NEVER EVER done anything like that when they were commissioners. Fact or fiction?
Have you ever heard the little saying – Liar, Liar, Pants on Fire…..
October 26, 2007 at 4:19 pm
First of all Confused,
I am not part of the Headliner staff. They do a good enough job without my help.
John & Tom have shelled out mega bucks to cover their patooties with Wampler and Passanessi and they haven’t been charged with a crime. Sound like innocent people to you?
Grubaugh and his rubber stamp, Huff (Huff & Puff) have broken the law and I have the goods to prove it. Do you want to see the facts?? Of course not, it might bother your sense of wellbeing.
I will be happy to meet you at the courthouse and show you all the documents and then you can decide for yourself. Or better yet talk to Judge Waters or the A.G. (573) 751-3321 and you can convince yourself Boss Hog and little hog are innocent.
But opinions and accusations do not negate the facts and the facts speak for themselves. Come see for yourself or just remain a flunky of Huff & Puff and have no scruples or self respect and don’t be your own person or just blow it out the ole proboscis.
October 26, 2007 at 5:42 pm
It would appear that these two men have been found guilty before the trial has started or even better the charges being filed. Regardless of what your opinion is people are to be innocent until proven guilty or at least that is what the Supreme Court of the United States says, regardless in the end it is the people who will settle on whether or not the law was broken.
Although entertaining as it is you really cannot take any of this information seriously unless there are facts to back it up. Take for example what Confused declared; it was backed up with factual information (WOW by the Way). The State Auditor wrote it down and published it with facts. The issue is that was in the past and that is yesterdays news and in order for that to be brought up the Headliner might create some friction with the Matthews cutting off their source of information.
The fact that Judge Waters who is an elected issued an order for the Attorney General’s Office to investigate the situation does not mean that they broke the law and the fact that the Attorney General’s Office is investigating it does not mean they broke the law. An investigation is a FACT finding mission to reveal if any laws were broken. If the Attorney General’s Office say’s they broke the law and then files charges and then goes to court and then goes to a trial and then the jury finds them guilty and then the judge agrees. After all of that we will know if they are guilty. Until then I guess a person will have to wait, that is unless you want to jump on the bashing bandwagon.
As for me I am going to feed my dog, fix a steak, and watch Wild Hogs and wake up tomorrow knowing that even though there are narrow minded people in this world and our county government is srewed up there is a Supreme Court that believes in defending the constitution and the rights of the American Citizens.
October 26, 2007 at 5:58 pm
TURTHSEEKER DID’T SAY,
If he wanted to remain ignorant or he wanted to see the facts.
He also wished to ignore the fact that they lawyered up prior to being charged.
And if they are guilty……..Then what????
Everone in America is innocent until proven guilty.
but then there is also the court of public opinion…………..
Don’t be a coward. look at the facts… people who go off half cocked with our the facts lare?????
Websters Dictionary states “Ignorant” lacking in knowledge or training, uninformed, lacking special knowledge or information,
Also try; Ignoratioelenchi
So keep on as you are or come see the facts.
October 26, 2007 at 5:59 pm
I have been sitting here reading these entertaining comments and was actually laughing until I saw the comment about Robertson, Amtower and Yarnell.
Mr. O’Gaffney I do not know who you are or what you think you know but you sir are an idiot. I do not know these people on a first name basis and actually, I am not familiar with Yarnell. But I do know a few things about the Mr. Robertson and Mr. Amtower. These two men have contributed more to Christian County than you can imagine and for you to bring them into your meager comments goes to show what kind of person you truly are. I know you probably have some issue with them but in reality who do you not have an issue with. It is so very sad that you have elected to include people in your less than respectable comments that are providing services to this county that have never been seen before.
Mr. Robertson has turned the Sheriff Office into a respectable organization that I believe works in the best interest of the community. I was concerned when he took office in 2005 but it has been a blessing to the people and we should thank him for his service. As a matter of fact you ignorant old man Mr. Robertson spent 30 plus years serving the people of this state before taking the time to run for the office of Sheriff and you have the nerve to try and smear his name. You are a fool.
As far as Mr. Amtower is concerned I know what he has done for this county and those people living, working and traveling through. He has been a dedicated public servant for many years and again you taking the time and attempting to smear his name again show the lack of class you have.
You make think you are doing the community a service, well Mr. O’Gaffney why don’t you take the time and ask those gentleman how to serve the community, because they know how and you need some help with it.
October 26, 2007 at 6:35 pm
STEVE:
You are so on target. It seems Mr. O’Gaffney does not know how to serve the community. But, oh…. he thinks he does.
October 26, 2007 at 6:38 pm
I find it quite interesting that no one wants to address the issue of Roy Matthews and the kind of county commissioner he was.
Donna – You’ve defended Karen, Kay, Ron Cleek, and Ernie at every turn in this blog. I want to know what you think about ROY MATTHEWS asking county employees to trim the trees off of a state highway for his church. Also you might touch on Tom Chudomilka loaning county equipment to to Sparta for days…..
Or Gadfly – Would you like to tell me if you think this was using tax dollars wisely? Do you think you might still have a chance to sue Roy and Tom Chudomilka?
October 26, 2007 at 6:42 pm
Does anyone on this blog know why the foreman for the western road barn would have been the taxi for Commissioner Barnett for weeks after his knew surgery. If I understand, the road foreman made TWO trips a day and transported Commissioner Barnett to the courthouse while he was on company time.
I wander how he listed that on his timesheet that Commissioner Barnett would have approved? ERN – Here’s another one for you…………………………………………..
I believe this would have been an expense that Commissioner Barnett should have paid. Not the taxpayers of Christian County.
October 26, 2007 at 6:56 pm
I agree with Steve from Nixa, MO. Mike Robertson is an outstanding leader of our law enforcement. He is a professional. He worked for the Highway Patrol and I have so much respect for the Missouri Highway Patrol. Christian County is very fortunate.
Regarding Mr. Amtower – He did a tremendous job when Nixa was hit by the tornado. He took charge and did a wonderful job getting us through that mess.
I do not understand why Gadflly would say such things about these two outstanding individuals.
You are right. Gadfly needs to learn some things from them. First of all character.
Thanks Mike and Mr. Amtower. We appreciate you very much and so do thousands of other Christian County citizens.
October 26, 2007 at 7:03 pm
I supported John Grubaugh in his last election and I will again. He has taken this ……… from all of you way too long. All I can say is he must have awfully broad shoulders and more character than all of you put together.
I will remember your behavior when I (and a ton of others from Fremont Hills) go to the polls. This is ridiculous.
October 26, 2007 at 7:06 pm
Gadfly -
The fact is you need to go back to CA. Or did they lock the gates?
October 26, 2007 at 8:38 pm
To Chris at Spokane:
My mother raised me to know that two wrongs do not make a right. And pointing fingers at other people is not a defense. The issues at hand have little to do with Chudomelka or Matthews.
Had similar complaints surfaced during their tenure, I would have reported on them as well. I think both would say I never gave either of them a free ride.
People refusing to compromise their elected duties certainly need no defense from me.
October 26, 2007 at 10:02 pm
This blog is a joke.
October 26, 2007 at 10:09 pm
Donna,
I’ll help Chris from Spokane out. If you are after some NEW stuff…
Here is a complaint for you to report. My above blog about what the current Commissioner Bill Barnett has been doing….. Having his road foreman drive him to work TWICE A DAY on company time. You might check this out. Should the taxpapers paid for this? Or is this blog location only for bashing Huff and Grubaugh?
Perhaps you are going to give Commissioner Barnett a free ride? We’ll see.
October 26, 2007 at 10:21 pm
Ms. O:
Oh yeah.. You are a queen and smart too.
October 26, 2007 at 10:23 pm
Headliner Crime Reporter…..
I would be curious to see how your investigation goes on Commissioner Barnett.
October 27, 2007 at 8:53 am
Donna O:
Okay so if the issues at hand had little to do with Matthews and Chudomilka, why did you obtain and print quotes from both ex-commissioners in your recent article that stated they never did anything like this – referring to the high school baseball parking lot?
October 27, 2007 at 9:04 am
Donna O – One more thing….
This morning on the national news a news reporter impressed me. While referring to a news topics she said she had her own opinion on the subject, but wanted to be a responsible reporter in her job and gave the other side as well.
How about you be responsible like this professional news reporter and obtain the facts before you report the news? I realize you can certainly have your own personal opinion, but when you are doing a story (and saying it is fact, not fiction) Christian County deserves to know both sides. You have never reported both sides to any story.
Good example – This weeks coverage on the county audit. Even though there was more than one issue written up, you chose to interview Karen Matthews and continued to back her accusations. You never even bothered to talk to the county auditor, when the subject was THE COUNTY AUDIT. Why is that?
Again, why don’t you do your homework?
October 27, 2007 at 10:09 pm
So they lawyered up. Wow once again they did something they are allowed to do. Gadfly you only seem to like the rules when they benefit you. If someone else uses them then you condem them and treat them as wrong doers. I could continue to banter back and forth with you about this but is it clear you feel that you are right and no one else knows anything. I do not know if they did or did not break the law. I want the FACTS presented by the Attorney Generals Office (NOT YOU) before I make a decision, that is what I am want. You want to hang them with out trial. Court of Public Opinion? What in the world does that court have to do with the Attorney Generals office. That must be a liberal crazy California thing. I am glad not everyone is like you. As for me I am done with this blog. I hope you all have fun and continue the spirited banter.
October 27, 2007 at 10:12 pm
I hope Boss does not find out where I hid the General Lee. YEEEEEE HAW
October 28, 2007 at 2:13 pm
Aren’t any of you who support Huff & Puff appalled at the amount of money (tax) that they are spending on Springfield lawyers?
October 28, 2007 at 3:01 pm
Call Cooter the General needs a tune up
October 28, 2007 at 5:29 pm
I have noticed the association between John Grubaugh and Boss Hog. If memory serves me right the Boss was always using trying to make a dime and from what I can tell John violated some laws that do not pertain to making him a personal profit. So I guess my question is why the association.
October 28, 2007 at 7:35 pm
Donna O:
If the issues at hand had little to do with Matthews and Chudomilka, why did you obtain and print quotes from both ex-commissioners in your recent article that stated they never did anything like this – referring to the high school baseball parking lot?
October 28, 2007 at 7:40 pm
Turkey… that sounds about right.
From what I can tell I doubt they have any option but to get legal counsel. That is just good business. That is the responsible thing to do to protect the assets of Christian County. Mr. O’Gaffeery is the one that is costing us the taxpayers. He’s is the one that is filing the lawsuits.
October 28, 2007 at 7:47 pm
Donna Osborn – Editor and Chief,
Did your staff interview (talk to) Ms. Yarnill about the results of the Christian County audit? As the elected official (county auditor) I am just curious why your staff did not report her take on the results from the final audit.
October 28, 2007 at 7:51 pm
Did anyone hear Chuck Wooten this morning on KWTO? He said his station is investigating two ex-commissioners for trimming trees at the Mt. Zion Church. I guess they have interviewed people (employees and others) and have found out that these ex-commissioners (he did not mention their names) have asked county paid employees in the past to trim trees at a church and various other places.
Mr. Wooten said they would be doing an entire show on this subject next weekend.
Stay tuned to KWTO AM next weekend with Chuck Wooten.
October 28, 2007 at 11:01 pm
To Chris:
I asked Matthews and Chudomelka those questions to find out whether it was a practice of the commission to comingle funds between two taxing entities of the county. I asked Barnett the same thing. They all said no.
I also didn’t write a thing about what is being referred to as ‘gravelgate’ until I had solid information that it actually occurred.
October 29, 2007 at 10:22 am
Chris
The County already has a battery of lawyers in the courthouse, not to mention John Housley. Why does Huff have to pay another one $145/hr to fight about turning the clerk’s records over to her? Whar are they hiding? Maybe if you saw what they really do, you would see the light.
October 29, 2007 at 7:05 pm
First, let me start by stating that I am an Eastern District employee, and I’m proud to work for Tom Huff and John Grubaugh. I find it very amusing that people can sit here and bash Huff on his decision to help out a needy public facility. I very distinctly remember one night in March of 2006 when my telephone rang at 10:30 PM and it was my boss asking me to come in along with several other workers, because a tornado had hit the Nixa, Clever, and Billings area. Not only was it all of the Christian County Road workers, there were also several surounding counties out there lending a hand. Our crews spent about a week in the Western District, helping remove trees, and clear roadways. The Eastern Road crew were also sent the the Western District for clean-up of the May 2003 tornado. Now was this right? I don’t know and really, I don’t care. The point is: NOBODY COMPLAINED ABOUT THAT. Before some of you people bash the commissioners for helping out the Chadwick school, I think you better stop and think back to to the times that you or you community was in dire need. Who was there to help? Personally, I feel that Tom Huff did nothing wrong and will continue to think so. He helped out a poor school that was in need, just like people should. To Mr. O’gaffney, GET A JOB!
October 29, 2007 at 7:26 pm
Donna O:
Journalists are to abide by the same high standards to which we hold others.
October 29, 2007 at 7:28 pm
I love it! I love it!
October 29, 2007 at 7:31 pm
The good ‘ole boys as you call them would not need to obtain legal counsel if Mr. O’Gaffrrey would not sue the county over, and over, and over, and over, and over, and over. He must be trying to catch the number of law suits he filed in Californiiiiiiiiiaaaaa.
October 29, 2007 at 7:32 pm
Never meanin’ no harm….. Wouldn’t change if they could………………
If you wasn’t my cousin, I’m marry you…. Never stopped anybody in this familiy before Daisy Duke!
October 29, 2007 at 9:19 pm
Just remember If everything is coming your way, chances are you’re in the wrong lane.”
October 30, 2007 at 8:20 am
Donna O:
Ask Roy Matthews, Tom Chudomelka, and Bill Barnett if they remember when Tom C. and Bill gave themselves a huge raise (thousands of dollars) in the middle of their term of office (definately against state statutes). The state auditors said they should pay the money back to the county, but Presiding Commissioner Roy Matthews said no, they were not going to pay the money back. I would much rather be known as the commissioner that helped a county school in need rather than the commissioners that took a pay raise (tax payers dollars) that they were not entitled to.
October 30, 2007 at 8:45 pm
Deputy Enos Strate Says:
October 29th, 2007 at 7:28 pm
I love it! I love it!
Deputy Enos never said that ROSCO did.
November 16, 2007 at 1:52 pm
Wa Rosco house broken?
August 3, 2008 at 12:22 am
Very nice!!