Episode 21: The Disaster Issue!

A special sneak preview of this week's Luminary:

In stores New Year's Day (and Saturday morning)!

For the Record: Mayor Gerry Richardson on Parkville's Next Decade

By Gerry Richardson
Special to the Luminary

Ten years is a long time and two paragraphs is a short space to write about it. To keep it short and sweet (I am, after all, the “no frills” Mayor) I will concentrate on just two areas; people and places.

In Racks Now: Volume 8, Episode 20

(Click photo for larger photo; (c) Neville Elder www.nevilleelder.com)

Aldermen Unanimously Approve 2010 Operating Budget

More in this week's Luminary (click graphic to enlarge).

END OF AN ERA: BETTY KNIGHT TO RETIRE FROM COMMISSION

WILL RETIRE IN DECEMBER 2010 AFTER 16 YEAR CAREER
By Mark Vasto

It's the end of an era in Platte County politics: Betty Knight will not run for re-election in November 2010, instead choosing to retire.

“At the end of December 2010 and 16 years as an elected official, I will retire as Platte County Presiding Commissioner," Knight announced in a statement released Monday. “It has been a great honor and privilege to have served the citizens of Platte County.”

Bill Grigsby: Teeing Off on Tiger

The great one, Tiger Woods, was having a bit of trouble keeping his tee ball out of the rough this past week.

Now the head pro at the driving school has the same trouble keeping his caddie in the fairway what with a fire plug and a nasty ‘ol tree getting in the way. But why in the world would any one in their right mind come to the conclusion that alcohol did not come into play?
(And to the caddy who used a putter to knock the rear window into a million pieces? She used the wrong club! One of those big headed drivers would be the proper weapon. )

It’s hard to bring a Cadillac Escalade to its knees at three in the morning without breaking some of the rules of privacy.

Vol. 8, Episode 18 is now in racks!

In this week's issue:

Top Stories:
County Auditor accused of Sexual Harassment
Seven Indicted for Parkville Mortgage Scam
Richardson Announces Re-election Bid

Columnists:
Mark Vasto on Why KISS Belongs in the Rock Hall of Fame
Rich Lowry on the Cult of Global Warming
Steve Youngblood on Autism and Texting
Dr. Lewis Roht on Doctor's Pay
Bill Grigsby on the Bowls

Also...
"The Col. Park Industrials"
The Eyes of Parkville
In the Kitchen with... Hugh Hefner

All that, plus all the other widgets and content you love in this week's Luminary!

Mayor Richardson to Run for Re-election

By Mark Vasto

Mayor Gerry Richardson more than likely quelled the rumbles -- and potential future rumbles -- within Parkville's political scene tonight, confirming that he intends to run for a second term in 2010.

"My family and I care deeply about this City and I hope that the citizens will allow me the honor of two more years at the helm," Richardson said on Tuesday night. "My current term has offered many challenges, occasional frustration and frequent satisfaction, but most of all the opportunity to learn. I would like the opportunity to use that hard earned knowledge and experience to benefit the citizens of Parkville."

From the Publisher: Five Seconds to Flu Free

By Mark Vasto

A friendly reminder to get your flu vaccines. H1N1 vaccines are available without cost at the Platte County Health Center on Hwy. 9 (the site of the former city hall). The regular seasonal flu is available for only $20.

People have questioned the efficacy or need of this shot, others have called it an outright conspiracy. I know of no doctor that has recommended not getting the inoculation in most cases, barring a specific allergy or existing health condition. Consult your doctor if you must but don't drag your heels before the Christmas travel season!

County Auditor Accused of Sexual Harrassment

By Mark Vasto


Months after an aggressive audit of the Platte County Human Resources Department, County Auditor Siobhann Williams has been accused of sexual harassment by the HR Department's former director. 


Leanna Fannon, 44, was recently demoted by the Platte County Commission -- an $8,000 pay cut -- and blames a vindictive Williams for the action. She filed a civil suit for sexual harassment on December 3, 2009. The claim was filed with the Missouri Commission on Human Rights and the U.S. Equal Employment Opportunity Commission.

Volume 8, Episode 17 is now in racks!

This was a tough episode...no sleep for your newspaperman and a lot of introspection on the war with the death of our local Marine.

Top Stories
Local Marine killed in Afghanistan
Buzzkill: Stolen 12-pack leads to two years in prison
Carriage Club cuts ties with the National

Commentary 
Bill Grigsby takes on the Tiger
Steve Youngblood speaks out about speaking out
Pastor Brian Ellison reminds us that the best is yet to come
Mark Vasto recounts his 50 hour cribside vigil and takes an inappropriate run at Meredith Baxter Birney

All this plus the usual widgets you've come to expect in your local newspaper...all for only 25 cents!

Christmas on the River is Tonight!

By Mark Vasto


It’s hard to consider now, but there was a time when Parkville did not have a Christmas on the River.

 Conceived by Bill Grigsby as he was driving home one winter night, considering the lights playing off the river and comparing them to a place he remembered in Sausalito, California. That led to him formulating a plan for a Christmas festival, a plan he ran by Parkville Community Development Corporation president Tim Rice. Rice suggested a choir...Grigsby suggested getting all of them – a “Thousand Voice Choir.”