Watchdog  Headlines !
Introduction:

"The man who reads nothing at all is
better educated than the man who
reads nothing, but newspapers."

Welcome to the O'Fallon Watchdog.
The quote above is from Thomas
Jefferson but it could just as well
have been said by anyone who
reads The St. Louis Post-Dispatch
and other smaller local papers.

The Post-Dispatch is a business
and like other businesses has
clients. Despite all the talk of ethics,
civic responsibility and meaningless
Platforms the bottom line for the
Post is the bottom line. The Post
would like you to believe its product
is the news which requires some
level of credibility to sell.

The truth is the Post is selling
newspapers which may by chance
contain news from time to time. The
more of its product it can sell the
more it can collect from its
advertisers.
However, even if it doesn't sell more
of its product the Post must keep its
major source of money, its
advertisers, happy or the bottom
line drops even further.

What the consumer is left with is not
news (we will refer to it at O'Fallon
Watchdog as "postnews") but what
the Post-Dispatch wants you to
believe is the news. Thus, the Post
will slant its coverage on issues by
choosing only those stories which fit
its agenda, refuse to research other
stories, omit relevant facts, provide
incorrect information, smear anyone
who dares to be on the wrong side
and then bundle it up and throw its
post news on our driveway.

This is never more true than in the
postnews about O'Fallon. For this
reason we started the O'Fallon
Watchdog. We hope to fill in the
blanks about allegations of past and
on going wrong doing in O'Fallon in
particular although other areas may
be covered as well. We plan to do
this by providing you with the facts
about what happened in O'Fallon
yesterday, what is happening today
and what we think may happen
tomorrow.

This page is a place where our
readers can read some of the
recent headlines in local
publications accompanied by the    
O’Fallon Watchdog point of view.

We will provide our readers with
links to supporting documentation
when possible and our source of
information if practicable. By
providing this information we hope
to empower our readers to ask the
right questions, challenge our
elected officials to provide answers
and hopefully work to correct the
problems we expose.
O'Fallon Watchdog
Exposing Corruption, Injustices and the Truth.
It is error alone which needs the support of government. Truth can stand by itself.
Thomas Jefferson
Council wants safety director
By Nancy Cambria
ST. LOUIS POST-DISPATCH
11/14/2006

O'FALLON — In a move that could pave the way for the return of fired Police Chief Steve Talbott to O'Fallon, the City Council has
quietly taken action to establish the position of director of public safety that could be filled as early as next month.

Without discussion, the council introduced last week a $13,472 amendment to its current budget to cover the new position's salary
and administrative expenses through year's end. John Griesenauer, managing director of administrative services, said Monday
that staff members had been instructed to develop a job description within the $69,700 to $96,500 salary range that would also
include use of a city car. The council will have a final vote at its regular meeting next month.
O'Fallon mayor's aide has tangled history with council
By Nancy Cambria
ST. LOUIS POST-DISPATCH
11/18/2006

O'FALLON, MO. — O'Fallon's political landscape has taken another unexpected spin.

On Friday, Mayor Donna Morrow hired Carl Maus, a St. Charles County political activist, as her assistant. His salary is $57,471, the
same as Pat Sobelman, who quit earlier this month in a dispute with Council President Peter Cantwell.

Maus, a founder of Citizens for Responsible Community, will begin his new job Monday, Morrow said. His group campaigned hard
for Morrow's successful mayoral bid last year, donating more than $18,000 to her campaign and funding fliers and ads in her
support. The group has been active in several key O'Fallon elections.
Director just isn't needed, report says
By Nancy Cambria
ST. LOUIS POST-DISPATCH
01/25/2007

O'FALLON, MO. — An outside review of the city's police department criticizes the proposed formation of a public safety director —
a job the City Council may approve tonight.

The report, completed earlier this month and released Wednesday, recommends a variety of changes in the management of the
102-officer department as well as a new headquarters, more personnel and considerable new equipment.

It also criticizes the formation of a public safety director being pushed by the majority of the council. The council is expected to
make a decision on the position at tonight's regular meeting, at 7:30 in City Hall.

"In reality, the establishment of this unrequested position provides for an unnecessary level of bureaucracy and simply creates a
chief over the current chief of police, an unworkable solution to a problem that does not exist," consultant James Sewell says in his
report.
Former St. Peters mayor gets 18 months in bribery case
By Tim Bryant
ST. LOUIS POST-DISPATCH
01/30/2007

Shawn Brown's 18-month prison sentence, handed down Monday in federal court, came with a stinging rebuke from the judge, who
said the former St. Peters mayor abused his position and destroyed the public's faith in good government.

U.S. District Judge Henry Autrey rejected the request by Brown's attorneys to sentence him to home confinement. Autrey instead
gave Brown the minimum prison time guidelines called for in the felony bribery case. The former mayor could have gotten up to two
years.

Brown, 35, resigned Oct. 23 after pleading guilty of soliciting and accepting a $2,750 bribe from Redflex Traffic Systems Inc., the
company that is installing red-light traffic cameras in St. Peters.

Dressed in a dark, pin-striped suit, Brown stood as Autrey quizzed him about his mayoral campaign in 2004.

"Part of your promise to the citizens of St. Peters was honest government," the judge said.
Old Koch v. New Koch
Part One of a Two Part Series
By The O'Fallon Watchdog

Hyland Green is a development north of Highway 70 off of Highway P in O'Fallon.  Koch Road (we will refer to it as "Old Koch") runs
right through the development. Hyland Green was first proposed during Former Mayor Paul Renaud's administration and despite
heavy criticism from residents in the area the city approved the project. McBride & Sons is one of the main builders of homes in the
development and Renaud was employed by a McBride company when Hyland Green was approved.

As part of the project the developer agreed to build a new road (we will refer to it as "New Koch"), however, the City would then allow
the builder to tear out Old Koch and use that land as part of the project. (In part two of this series we will look into the City's attempts
to pay the developer to build New Koch.) However, there was a problem with this plan because Old Koch was a County Road  and
O'Fallon had no control over the road. City staff recognized this problem and made it a condition of approval of the plat that Old Koch
be vacated.
Official cleared of harassment
St. Louis Post-Dispatch
02/13/2007

O'FALLON - The city has closed its review of a grievance filed by a former employee against Council President Peter Cantwell and
cleared the official of wrongdoing.

In October, Mayor Donna Morrow's assistant, Pat Sobelman, resigned. She told officials in a letter that Cantwell had harassed and
intimidated her in her office, causing severe stress that made her job unbearable.
O'Fallon, Mo., leaders point fingers amid sales tax slowdown
By Nancy Cambria
ST. LOUIS POST-DISPATCH
03/04/2007

O'FALLON, MO. - With a six-mile stretch of shopping centers along Highway K, O'Fallon has been considered the land of milk and
chain stores when it comes to retail in St. Charles County.

But a $600,000 shortfall last year in expected sales tax revenue has city officials nervously evaluating the surrounding competition
and picking old political fights.

"Is it time to panic? No. It's time to be concerned," said Council President Peter Cantwell, who noted the city had only a few major
commercial developments come before the planning board this past year and even fewer that broke ground.
Special Report - Peter Cantwell's Committee Disclosure report
By The O'Fallon Watchdog

Peter Cantwell has filed his 40 day before the election report and it reads like the Who's Who in the Home Building and Development
Industry.  Do the residents feel the contributors who funds Peters campaign do so because he is looking after the citizens of
O'Fallon's best interest or the best interest of the Homebuilding and Development Industry?
Old Koch v. New Koch
Part Two of a Two Part Series
By The O'Fallon Watchdog

In Part 1 we discussed how both the City and County have ignored the law to give away public land ("Old" Koch Road) for the benefit of
a developer. Of course, ignoring the law is standard operating procedure when it comes to the  
builders and developers but the giveaways don't stop with the road. As was first  reported in the Watchdog, the City is now trying to pay
the developer  $800,000.00 of our tax dollars for a road that is already built. This payment is  
not only unnecessary and wasteful but it is also illegal as we will discuss  below.
Political Favors? You decide.
By the O’Fallon Watchdog

In researching Peter Cantwell’s latest campaign disclosure report the Watchdog took particular interest with a expenditure of
$4,750.00 to a company called Cannon Strategies. In researching documents on file with the Missouri Secretary of State office we
found the following information.

Cannon Strategies LLC
Purpose: Direct mail and political consulting
Organizers:
Steve Wyatt Earp, 541 Meadowlark Lane Arnold MO 63010
Brad Schneider, 429 N. Main. O’Fallon MO, 63366

One of the domains that Peter Cantwell is using for his web site is owned by Brad Schneider. That explains why Peter Cantwell’
s website looks very similar to State Representative Vicki Schneider’s web site. When the Watchdog saw the name Schneider at
429 N. Main that raised additional interest. That’s happens to be the same address for:
ELECTION  2007
By the O’Fallon Watchdog

On April 3, 2007 municipal elections will be held throughout the state.  While the turnout for these municipal elections is generally low
the decisions  we make in these elections impact our daily life and pocket book more than the  more publicized state and national
elections. With that in mind we will look at  the choices presented to the voters in the two contested races for council in  O'Fallon.
Ward 3 pits incumbent Peter Cantwell against political newcomer Jeff  Yelich while in Ward 4 incumbent Bill Hennessy is being
challenged by JC Caudle.

WHAT'S AT STAKE
Do you think these local elections don't matter? Do you think your City council doesn't have any power? Think again.
Roe Lawsuit... The Graves Connection.
By the O’Fallon Watchdog

The lawsuit filed by St. Charles County Councilmen Joe Brazil (R) against Republican consultant Jeff Roe could get very
interesting. Brazil sued Roe for a posting Roe put on his web site. In the posting, Roe claims Brazil was drunk when he
was involved in a tragic accident which resulted in the death of one of Brazil's close friends, Norval Pierce. Brazil denies
that he was drinking when the accident occurred. This accident dates back to 1982 when Brazil was a senior in high
school at McCluer North which is located in Florissant, Mo. The police officer who investigated the accident indicated
Brazil was not drinking as have witnesses who were with Brazil that night. News stories from the Post-Dispatch and the
old Globe Democrat dating back to 1982 make no mention of alcohol nor do any of the teachers, police officers and
students who were interviewed.  So where did Roe get his information?
Ground Breaking held for 260-acre project in O'Fallon, Mo.
By Nancy Cambria
ST. LOUIS POST-DISPATCH
03/29/2007

O'FALLON, MO. — As the promises went up, the trees came tumbling down in a ceremony Wednesday to mark the development of a
260-acre tract of pine trees and fields at highways 40 and DD.

THF Realty and Cullinan Properties announced preliminary plans for The Village of O'Fallon, an outdoor, 50- to 100-acre shopping,
dining and residential area to be built in conjunction with a 400-home subdivision.

Cullinan President Jeff Giebelhausen said the Village development was part of the growing commercial trend away from malls toward
"lifestyle" projects. Such projects use pedestrian-style streetscapes to house shops, restaurants and entertainment. In the case of
O'Fallon, the complex would probably include second-story office and residential units.
FRAUD 101
By The O'Fallon Watchdog

In Part 1 of a series on Koch Road we reported on the St. Charles County Councils' decision to vacate a portion of Old Koch Road. As
we explained, the councils' decision (it should be noted Joe Brazil was the lone dissenting vote) to vacate Old Koch was wrong under
the law but, of course, to be expected since the vacation benefited a developer at the tax payers expense. Well once again the
Watchdog got it right as a Judge in St. Charles County recently ruled that the councils decision to vacate Old Koch was incorrect.

However, despite warnings from staff, Bob Lowery allowed the developer to proceed as if Old Koch was vacated. Building permits
were issued by the city and houses were built on our road! In fact, the employees who warned Lowery of the legal problems with
allowing the builder to proceed were suspended and subsequently fired by Lowery.
Blame the heat for street creep
Engineer explains the reasons for, solutions to shifts in concrete
By Nina Kult
O'Fallon Journal
Saturday, May 19, 2007 3:54 PM CDT


For years, the expansion and contraction of concrete, more commonly known as street creep, has been plaguing communities.

O'Fallon officials are not only helping fix the problem in neighborhoods, they are establishing long-term solutions to prevent street creep
from occurring in the future.

Bill Guerdan, professional engineer and senior vice president of St. Charles-based SCI Engineering, was invited to the May 10 City
Council meeting to discuss street creep.

He explains that in the summer heat, concrete expands; the winter cold makes it contract. During expansion and contraction, dirt, rock and
debris collects between slab joints, slowly pushing a driveway slab, for example, into a home's foundation.
‘Fish and Ships’: Ex-O’Fallon Officials Take To The Airwaves

By Mary Ann O'Toole Holley
Mid Rivers Newsmagazine

They’re not quite Hannity and Colmes, and nothing like Bill O’Reilly or Chris Matthews, but the new duo of the St. Charles County
airwaves are certainly piquing interests around these parts.
Former O’Fallon City Attorney Rick Fischer and former O’Fallon Ward 2 Alderman Lyn Schipper have taken their uncensored opinions to
the airwaves.

Each Tuesday morning at 9 a.m., their outspoken voices resonate from radios throughout St. Charles County and beyond via station
KFAV 99.9 on your FM dial.

Their 15-minute “talk show” comically dubbed “Fish and Ships” (a takeoff on their names) brings to the light of day a more radical or
humorous look at issues of national, state and local importance.
Council considers adding fifth ward
By Nina Kult
O'Fallon Journal
Wednesday, May 2, 2007 7:04 AM CDT

As O'Fallon's population goes up, city officials are considering adding a fifth ward to district maps.

Currently, eight councilmen - two for each of the city's four wards - serve on the O'Fallon City Council.

During the council's work session Thursday, council President Bill Hennessy said Ward 3's population is getting humongous compared
to other wards.

"I just feel, at this point, the city has gotten big enough that it may be time to look at adding a fifth ward and redistricting in such a
matter," said Councilman Rick Lucas, Ward 2. "We're close to 80,000 residents within city limits, not including residents within the city
that are part of St. Charles County."

City Attorney Kevin O'Keefe said the City Council may redistrict by passing an ordinance, and is not required to take the matter before
voters during an election. He said being classified as a third-class city, O'Fallon is allowed to have either one or two councilmen per
ward and no less than four wards.
A wreck of a night

By Steve Pokin
O'Fallon Journal
Crash into firehouse was a wake-up call
Saturday, April 28, 2007 12:33 PM CDT

A year ago, Steve Groeper, of Weldon Spring, had what most of us would consider a bad night. He drove his $80,000 Dodge Viper
into the Cottleville fire station on Motherhead Road.

His car was totaled and the damage to the firehouse would total $63,500. He personally paid for the repairs.

"It was definitely not a good evening," Groeper says.

But in one way the accident was fortunate, he says.

"You don't understand what is really important until something bad happens to you," he says. "My wife and I were both in that car.
We both could have easily been killed. My two kids could have been without parents."

Groeper, who turns 40 next month, until a year ago was a successful real estate developer. His St. Charles County projects include
the Heritage Trails subdivision, the old St. Charles Speedway property in St. Peters and the former St. Charles Golf Course in St.
Charles.

His life changed April 26, 2006, during the drive home from Travena's restaurant in Cottleville with his wife, Debbie. He was
eastbound on Highway N when he lost control at Motherhead Road.
O'FALLON  WANTS TO ANNEX BUSCH  WILDLIFE
By The O'Fallon Watchdog

The City of  O'Fallon will hold a public hearing on July 12, 2007 at 7:30 PM concerning the  proposed annexation of Busch Wildlife,
Weldon Springs Wildlife and Howell  Island. (This was reported in the Watchdog Chit Chat last week.) This deal has  been in the works
for months although O'Fallon has denied its plans. St. Charles  County Councilmen Joe Brazil indicated he spoke with O'Fallon City
Administrator  Bob Lowery last week about the proposed annexation. Brazil indicated he was told  by Lowery the City had no plans to
annex these areas.

Brazil indicated this is a bad idea because it would open up any areas  contiguous to this land to annexation by O'Fallon and the city's
high  density development and builder "friendly" policies.  High  density development would also likely restrict the ability to use firearms in
 the annexed areas. (O'Fallon has an ordinance in place now against the discharge  of firearms in the city limits.) Of course, the main
reason this is a bad idea  is O'Fallon cannot be trusted. As informed readers of this site know, O'Fallon  has a history of doing what is
best forbuilders/developers rather than  residents. While Mayor Donna Morrow, Councilmen Yelich and Gardner and recently  
Councilmen Christoff have stood up to the builders/developers, they are in the  minority. We encourage anyone who is interested in
protecting these areas to  call, email or write Lowery and the other elected representatives in O'Fallon as  well as our County leaders.
Please also plan to attend the public hearing on  July 12, 2007.The Watchdog will be following this story closely because we are sure
there  is more to come.
BUSCH WILDLIFE UPDATE
By The O'Fallon Watchdog

As expected, O'Fallon's plan to annex Busch Wildlife and the Research Park  has caused a stir. In a front page story in the
Post-Dispatch City Administrator  Bob Lowery explained his plan was to annex Busch  Wildlife so it could get to the Research Park. In
the same article Mayor Donna  Morrow indicated she was unaware of the plan but that she was against it. Also  this morning, The
Charlie Brennan show had on Adolphus Busch and St. Charles  County Councilmen Joe Brazil to discuss the proposed annexation.
Busch and  Brazil did a good job of explaining why this a bad idea but attempts to reach  Lowery to explain his views were unsuccessful.
And we do  mean "his" views because Lowery does not speak for the  city nor should he.

In yesterday's story we reported the public hearing was set for July 12,  2007, however, this has been changed to July 6, 2007. This just
happens to be  the Friday night after the Fourth of July, a time in which many people will be  out of town. Finally, one interesting aspect
of the Post story is that former alderman  Peter Cantwell indicated he was an original proponent of the annexation plan.  
This indicates a few things; (1) This plan has been in the works for months but  has been kept secret from the public and possibly from
other elected officials,  (2) Lowery's denials such a plan was being discussed were untrue, and: (3)  electing Jeff Yelich over Cantwell
was a smart decision. Even after he was  defeated Cantwell continues to prove he could care less about the residents
but  instead is worried about his campaign contributors. Great start to your campaign  for mayor Peter and while the firestorm builds we
look forward to reminding  everyone you were an "original" proponent of the plan.
O'Fallon, Mo., withdraws plan to annex Busch preserve
By Nancy Cambria ST. LOUIS POST-DISPATCH 06/12/2007

O'FALLON, MO. — Busch wildlife fans can relax — O'Fallon has dropped an annexation plan that included the
conservation area and the Missouri Research Park.

"It's become such a divisive issue," City Administrator Robert Lowery Jr. said Monday. "We want to be viewed as a good
neighbor. " Who is the "we" Lowery is constantly talking about? From all the reports, the plan to annex Busch Wildlife was
not even known by 7 of our 9 elected officials. Mr. Lowery still doesn't understand "we" did not elect him.

Lowery said widespread public unease over the fate of the wildlife area drove the city to reconsider its plans.  Duh. If
Lowery isn't fired for working behind the back of elected officials he should be fired for the pure stupidity of this plan. The
city's rush to beat a competing annexation bid for the research park by Weldon Spring also caused further tension that
doomed the idea, he said.  Bob, the plan was doomed because it was a bad idea.

"We didn't have the opportunities to fully discuss the issue because of the pressure and competition from other cities to sit
down and see if this was a viable option," he said. "We had to act or lose."  You had months to discuss this plan but you
choose to keep it secret. If you would have run this idea by someone who looks out for the residents rather than just the
builders/developers you would have found out this idea would never work.

The plan came under fierce opposition last week from some local officials and environmentalists, including Adolphus Busch
IV, whose grandmother donated the $70,000 to the state to buy the parcel in 1947. Although Lowery said the city had no
intention of altering the area or superseding state authority over it, critics worried that the future of the preserve —
including its popular hunting and shooting range activities — would be compromised.  Even though this plan was in the
works for months, Lowery was unable to answer even the most basic questions. His answers indicated he did not
understand the complexity or ramifications of the proposal.
Watchdog comments
to story in yellow
Will Bob Lowery get
fired or demoted after
this latest travesty?
Shouldn't Bob Lowery
be held to the same
standard as Al Renaud
or will Bob get a pass?
Maybe Security
Guard at City will be a
good fit for Bob?
Koch Road Update
By The O'Fallon Watchdog

Judge Lucy Rauch ruled on June 16th, 2007 in favor of the plaintiffs in the Koch Road lawsuit. The watchdog will keep you abreast of
further developments. To see the judgement click on the Koch Road judgement link below.
Wrongful Death lawsuit
By The O'Fallon Watchdog

The family of Craig Dodson filed a wrongful death lawsuit against Kacie Kissell. Kissell is the daughter of former State Rep Don Kissell.
Dodson died of  a drug overdose at the Kissell residence in July of 2005. Kacie Kissell is currently serving time for her involvement in the
death. The investigation by the O'Fallon police department of the death was criticized by O'Fallon elected officials and the St. Charles
County prosecuting  attorney. Don Kissell was a lobbyist for the Missouri Police Chief's Association  for which former O'Fallon Police Chief
Steve Talbott was a board member. The St.  Charles Prosecutors office has also alleged that Talbott was involved in another  cover-up
involving Kacie Kissell and drugs. These allegations were at the center  of Talbott's removal as Police Chief. We will provide further
information on the  lawsuit once we learn more details.
Charlie talks with Mayor
Pam Fogarty of Dardenne
Prairie, MO; Mayor Don
Licklider of Weldon
Spring, MO; Doyle Brown
of the Mo. Dept. of
Conservation; Adolphus
Busch; Bob Lowry, Jr., City
Administrator of
O'Fallon,MO; Rick Fischer,
former Special Counsel,
ST CHARLES COUNTY REPUBLICAN CLUB presents Representative
Cynthia Davis Receives Legislator of the Year Award
This morning when I woke up, I felt like Cinderella the morning after the ball.  Last
night I accepted an award for being the "Legislator of the Year".  The award was
presented by a St. Charles County civic club.  It is estimated there were between
35-40 people in attendance at the Noll's Restaurant in O'Fallon.  The caption reads,
"In recognition of her outstanding service and remarkable impact on the community
she serves."  It has been my honor to represent our district in any office in which I
have served.  I do not perform my duties to get awards, yet when others appreciate
my service, it is extra special.  A sincere "thanks" to all of you who attended.
sourced from Mrs Davis's newsletter.
City will pay for WingHaven roundabouts
By Nina Kult
O'Fallon Journal
Tuesday, July 10, 2007 12:29 PM CDT

After months of debate, the City Council decided last week to release the final payment of $35,000 to WingHaven LLC for landscaping and
artwork, overriding Mayor Donna Morrow's veto

Councilman Bill Hennessy, Ward 4, presented a ledger from 2001, which indicated the Board of Aldermen approved the expenditure of
$230,000 in open session.

For the last several weeks, councilmen have discussed whether a reimbursement agreement to WingHaven LLC that was made under a
previous Board of Aldermen almost six years ago actually existed.

"We paid the $195,000 and now they want the rest of their payment," Hennessy said. "It's there, in black and white."

Morrow has argued that the reimbursement lacks form and substance, and merely fulfills an existing obligation. The roundabouts were part of
an $8 million St. Charles County road program for the WingHaven community.
Citizen's persistence helps creek
By Kathy Etling
SPECIAL TO THE POST-DISPATCH
08/04/2007

Lisa Markham of O'Fallon, Mo., didn't set out to change the world, so she'll happily settle for making a difference in one small section of St.
Charles County. What Markham did — and how she did it — could serve as a template for other environmentalists dismayed by the
degradation of the nation's rivers and streams.

It was in 2005 when Markham, 47, a graphic artist, first learned that one of her neighbors was planning to have his property rezoned.
Curious, she phoned David Woods, O'Fallon's director of planning and zoning, who explained that the rezoning would involve seven parcels
of land totaling 35 acres located at the intersection of Highway K and Mexico Road. Woods said that once rezoning was complete,
construction would commence on a "big box" commercial development similar to those springing up all over St. Charles County, the Midwest
and the nation at large.

Markham knew that piece of land. One of her neighbors had purchased some of the property in years previous but had never developed it.
This "benign neglect" left Belleau Creek in a pristine state despite the tentacles of rapid growth and development that were threatening to
strangle its beauty.
Businesses, developers frustrated by O'Fallon's sewer hookup freeze
By Nancy Cambria
ST. LOUIS POST-DISPATCH
07/01/2007

O'FALLON — For years, sisters Janet and Linda Day have harbored the sweet dream of franchising their Heaven Scent doughnut shop.

But the popular purveyors of supersize doughnuts, towering wedding cakes and a signature chocolate Long John have encountered an
unpleasant blockage in their plans to build a prototype drive-through store on busy Bryan Road. Although they can build the shop, they are
now banned from connecting to the city's sewer service.

Ditto for Susan Davis of Davis Inc., whose family has been slowly building a lucrative warehouse complex on the northwest side of O'Fallon.
Davis has been told that she can build her new 15,000- and 20,000-square-foot warehouses on industrial property off Hoff Road — but she
too has been temporarily denied permission to hook into the sewer system because the city says it has run out of capacity.

Almost nine months have passed since O'Fallon began issuing letters to developers of everything from donut shops to shopping centers
and condominiums, informing them that their projects will have to remain on hold because the city's wastewater treatment plant at highways
M and 79 is almost maxed out. The city has so far denied wastewater hookups to some 14 developers, City Engineer Steve Bender said.
O’Fallon Approves New Handguns For Police
By Amy Armour
Mid Rivers Newsmagazine

It’s not in the budget, but the O’Fallon City Council will work around it.

Sgt. Jeff Gray, with the O’Fallon police department, addressed the City Council at its June 28 work session with four requests to help firearms
training at the police department. Gray would like to equip all of the officers with new handguns, purchase a firearms training simulator,
replace the shotguns in the police cars with rifles and provide tasers for every police officer.

None of the items were included for the budget this year.

Number one on the list was new pistols for all of the officers. The current pistols the police department uses have a 10 ½-pound trigger, which
Gray said is heavy for handgun standards.

The firearm is more difficult for an officer of a smaller stature and requires more training, Gray said.
The new pistols would have a 6-pound trigger, and Gray said the new gun was evaluated by the officers as a major improvement.
Watchdog comments
to story in yellow
Morrow Flexes Muscle - Could It Be, ‘The Pipeline Lady Is Back?’
By Mary Ann O'Toole Holley
Mid Rivers Newsmagazine

Well before the fallout from the failed coup to annex the St. Charles County Research Park and Busch Wildlife, some residents were reacting
to O’Fallon Mayor Donna Morrow’s renewed demeanor saying the “Pipeline Lady is back.”  At the O’Fallon City Council meeting held earlier
this month, there was no doubt: The O’Fallon chain of command has shifted — again.

Morrow acquired the nickname after gaining a reputation as an outspoken opponent of high-pressure pipelines built in Winghaven’s residential
areas and ran for mayor on a platform of “open and honest government.” At the last council meeting, Morrow chided City Administrator Bob
Lowery Jr. for moving forward with the annexation without her knowledge and the knowledge of the majority of the council.  The Mayor
campaigned on the dangers of high pressure petroleum pipelines yet she has done nothing as Mayor to increase the safety to our citizens
from these hazards. If the Mayor is serious about open and honest government the why does she allow the city to charge $17,000 for public
records? If the mayor is sincere she should provide the information requested at a reasonable fee and inline with the Missouri sunshine law.

She put Council President Pro-Tem Bill Hennessy in his place when he referenced himself as “president,” and asked for clarification from City
Attorney Kevin O’Keefe that the president pro-tem does not chair City Council meetings, except in the absence of the mayor — blocking a
trend former President Pro Tem Peter Cantwell boldly took.  Mayor, let Bill Hennessy chair as many meetings as he wants. He often comes
across as suffering some type of self-induced impairment and is very entertaining to watch. Not to mention provides material for the watchdog.
Tow company operator charged in tax case
By Robert Patrick
ST. LOUIS POST-DISPATCH
09/06/2007

Federal prosecutors have accused a Wentzville tow company operator of failing to report hundreds of thousands of dollars he made with
his towing business.
Rodney E. Sherman, 52, was indicted Thursday in federal court in St. Louis on seven felony counts of filing false tax returns.
The indictment accuses Sherman, who operates Budget Towing at 425 N. Business Highway 61 in Wentzville, of failing to report $418,000
in cash income to tax preparers preparing the company's 2002 to 2004 tax returns.
The indictment says that Sherman also used company funds to make payments on his behalf, meaning tax returns filed for he and his wife
were understated.
Each charge carries a maximum penalty of three years in prison.
Sherman could not be reached for comment. Allegations of overcharging by Budget Towing surfaced at least as far back as 2005, when
federal and local authorities raided the company and seized computers and other items.

Watchdog Response: Well the long awaited indictment of Budget Towing’s owner Rodney Sherman has come with a surprise. While seven
felony accounts of filing false tax returns may not be surprising for someone allegedly involved in fraudulent billing practices. What is a
surprise is no indictments yet on the alleged fraudulent billing practices. A practice that Budget’s own employee’s spoke of in their
interviews with the media. What’s up?

The Watchdog feels this may be the tip of the iceberg with more indictments coming for Rodney Sherman and possibly others.
Anonymous attacks on Morrow are coward's work
By John Sonderegger
ST. LOUIS POST-DISPATCH
09/16/2007

Now I know I've been picking on O'Fallon Mayor Donna Morrow a lot lately, but not today.

I don't know why she lost her job shortly before she was elected mayor in April 2005, but she also lost her health insurance.

Some cities in St. Charles County, such as St. Peters and St. Charles, include elected officials in benefit packages for regular employees.

But O'Fallon does not cover the mayor. So Morrow needed to find a way to pay for her post-employment COBRA benefits after the election.

She accepted what she considered a loan from Tom Wilkerson, owner of the Trigg Banquet Center, who paid her monthly $280 COBRA
bills. Morrow said she was unaware that Jim Blechle, owner of the O'Fallon Plaza shopping center along Main Street, also contributed a few
hundred dollars for her coverage.
O'Fallon, Mo., ordered to hand over police employee records in lawsuit
By Shane Anthony
ST. LOUIS POST-DISPATCH
07/31/2007

O'FALLON, MO. — City officials must turn over current and former police officers' personnel records to a man suing the officers and the
city over his own privacy, a judge has ruled.

Circuit Judge Ted House overruled most of the city's objections to a request for documents that included the employee files of former
Police Chief Steve Talbott, former Maj. Mark Henke, former Officer Jeffrey Allen and two current officers — Sgt. Tom Otten and David
Goewert.

The civil case deals with whether Henke, Allen, Otten and Goewert obtained an arrest record for Tom Wilkerson, the owner of Trigg
Catering, that was supposed to be closed.

House also ordered the city to turn over 10 years of contracts between O'Fallon and Allen, or his business, Network Real Estate LLC.
He also upheld a motion to dismiss the suit against St. John.

House's order said O'Fallon does not have to produce a copy of all reports or memos about the
Residents Act to Keep Out Wal-Mart’s Detention Pond

The O’Fallon Wal-Mart is seeking to expand its store by 75,000 sq. ft.  The site plans call for the existing “detention basin” behind Wal-Mart to
be nearly paved over, and a new commercial “detention pond” to be constructed across four-lane Highway K  in the residential neighborhood
of Fort Zumwalt Heights in unincorporated St. Charles County.  

Left with no alternative, residents of the Fort Zumwalt Heights subdivision recently voted to change their deed covenants in an effort to block
the City of O’Fallon from placing a Wal-Mart detention pond in their quiet neighborhood.   

In 2006, before the expansion plans were known, Wal-Mart’s real estate arm, To Have Fun (THF) Realty, purchased a single residence at
302 Ernst Place for double the market value.  THF and Wal-Mart are seeking to demolish the home and place a commercial detention pond
on the property, which adjoins nearby Belleau Creek and is feet away from neighbors.    THF is also asking the City of O’Fallon to voluntarily
annex the property.  

On Thursday, residents will discuss their plans for challenging both the detention basin and the annexation.

The City Council is scheduled to vote on the annexation at their December 13th meeting.

Who:
Residents of Fort Zumwalt Heights and a local attorney
What:            
Walk-through of proposed site for Wal-Mart detention pond
When:            
Thursday December 6, 2007 at 11:00 A.M.
Where:          

302 Ernst Place
O’Fallon, MO

For more information or directions, please contact:

Bud Jefferson
303 Ernst Place
O’Fallon, MO
636-240-5851

Watchdog Response: This was submitted by one of our readers who is trying to get the word out about this development and the effect it
will have on their neighborhood. The Watchdog has the deepest admiration for these residents and their efforts to protect their best interest.
Now we will see whose best interest the elected officials are looking after.
Important Headline submitted
by  Watchdog reader.
Updated
Watchdog
Response
City Council rejects Wal-Mart retention pond
By Elizabeth Perry
Saturday, December 15, 2007 12:27 PM CST


The O'Fallon City Council on Thursday blocked a plan that would have enabled Wal-Mart to build a retention pond on a lot in a
subdivision in St. Charles Unincorporated County.

The City Council voted to reject the annexation of 302 Ernst Place, a single lot in Fort Zumwalt, where the company planned to build a
pond to capture water run-off from a Wal-Mart parking lot.

"I think it's great-they don't need it to ruin everyone else," Darlene Winkelman, a resident of the subdivision for 50 years, said. Residents
of the subdivision showed up in force to the meeting wearing hand-made tags proclaiming their opposition to the project. They also
distributed informational handouts.

The lawyers representing Wal-Mart and THF Realty, the company that owns the site of the proposed retention pond, also had a sizeable
presence at the meeting.
Press Release

SCOTT E. LEE ANNOUNCES CANDIDACY FOR O’FALLON WARD 4 COUNCILMAN
Filed under: 2008, Campaign, Election, January, Press Release — Scott E. Lee @ 10:29:18 UTC
Contact: Scott E. Lee
Telephone: (636) 980-9841
Email: scott.eric.lee@gmail.com

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
Thursday, 03 January 2008

SCOTT E. LEE ANNOUNCES CANDIDACY FOR O’FALLON WARD 4 COUNCILMAN
Candidate Supports Redistricting, Will Promote Responsible City Growth and a Proactive Attitude Toward Infrastructure

O’FALLON, MO — Scott E. Lee today officially announced his candidacy for the Ward 4 City Council seat. Mr. Lee is a first time candidate
and will supply the funds for his campaign, seeking no donations from either the public or the business community.A twenty-one year
resident of the O’Fallon area, Mr. Lee recently has taken an interest in the inner-workings of local government. He told a group of
supporters, “I have been watching what’s been going on in O’Fallon for a while, and I am not sure that I agree with everything that’s being
done. I want to see that the city grows with its residents and businesses, and expands to meet future needs. I want to try to make sure that
the city plans to meet future infrastructure needs, and doesn’t simply react to immediate demands.”

Mr. Lee believes that some of the personal property taxes that the city currently collects can be reduced or eliminated, and replaced with
a form of usury tax. He believes that this will lower the tax burden on city residents while shifting some of the load onto visitors and
commuters.

With the focus recently on the proposed expansion of some of O’Fallon’s most prominent businesses, Mr. Lee has added a plank to his
election platform. He said, “While I understand the need for these businesses to grow and improve their facilities, I think the way that some
of them approach their growth is somewhat – lacking – and in one case, they were just plain rude.”

On the subject of redistricting, Mr. Lee is in favor of conducting a study to see if it would be beneficial for the city to realign itself and
possibly add one or even two new wards. He feels that this would be a boon to the people of O’Fallon, as it would lower the number of
residents that each Councilman would represent. He also feels that redistricting would provide more logical boundaries for each ward.

Mr. Lee concluded his announcement by telling the supporters that, “I don’t know if I can make changes as quickly as we would all like, but
I will certainly try to lay the framework for the city to grow proactively. I would also like to provide property tax cuts for the residents, and I
would like to find some way to keep developers from acting like steamrollers.”

If you’d like more information about Scott E. Lee, his position on any of these issues, or to schedule an interview with Scott E. Lee, please
call him at (636) 980-9841 any day between 10:00 am and 10:00 pm; email him at scott.eric.lee@gmail.com; or view his blog:
Scott E. Lee’s B-b-b-blog at WordPress.com


Watchdog Response: This Press Release was received by the O'Fallon Watchdog on January 3rd 2008. We are glad to see that the
residents of Ward 4 will have a choice in the upcoming  April election. We at the Watchdog hope no seats run unopposed.
Audit report won't be televised
By Latreecia Wade
Saturday, January 19, 2008 1:16 PM CST


The state auditor's office will present the results of a seven-month audit of St. Peters during a special meeting Wednesday - a meeting that
won't be televised, despite some residents' requests.

"This is a community thing, a very important meeting and this is the first time something like this was done in St. Peters," resident Ed
Appelbaum said Thursday.

State Auditor Susan Montee is expected to deliver a report about the audit at 7 p.m. Wednesday in activity rooms A through D at St. Peters
City Hall, located at 1 St. Peters Centre Blvd.The audit came as a result of a resident petition that garnered 2,786 signatures. The audit
began May 29, 2007, and lasted through December, said Lisa Bedian, a city spokeswoman.
For our
Reader's in
St.Peters
O'Fallon residents continue to pay cost of corruption
From:  Wake Up Call Missouri
January 25, 2008




The widespread corruption that plagued the City of O'Fallon during the administration of former Mayor Paul Renaud
(and current Council President Bill Hennessy, pictured to the right) continues to cost the taxpayers of O'Fallon.
In a story which appeared in the Post-Dispatch today it was reported that:

In a ruling handed down last week, Circuit Judge Nancy Schneider said that under a June 2004 agreement between the city and Public
Water Supply District No. 2, the water district exclusively controls new sanitary sewer users. Barring a reversal on appeal, the ruling
means city officials won't be able to stop sewage from several customers, including the Meadows at Lake Saint Louis, a shopping center
scheduled to open its first phase in August.

O'Fallon City Administrator Robert Lowery Jr. placed a freeze on hookups into the sewer system last fall because officials said the city's
aging wastewater treatment plant on the north side of town was operating at capacity. Its discharge risked exceeding environmental
standards, officials said.

The Meadows isn't the only new customer affected by the ruling. ­Schneider ordered the city to immediately take all measures necessary
to ensure that its treatment facility has adequate capacity to receive and treat all wastewater transferred to it by the water district's
users, present and future.

The end result of this will be that the taxpayers will be forced to pay the costs of upgrading the system to increase the capacity. How is
this related to corruption? During Renaud's tenure the city gave away tap ons to our water and sewer systems to the preferred
developers and builders. One of the builders who benefited from this was Renaud's employer McBride & Sons. The bill for these illegal
giveaways has now come due.

When paying their taxes the residents of O'Fallon should be sure to remember to send Renaud a thank you note and while you're at it
don't forget to include a note to Hennessy and former alderman (and current council candidate) Mark Perkins who supported giving your
money to the developers. This is but one example of many "favors" Renaud/Hennessy/Perkins provided to developers/builders and we
will be paying for this for years to come.

Watchdog Response:  Isn't amazing Bill Hennessey continues to get re-elected despite the damage he has done to our city by looking
after the interest of his buddies and campaign contributors? He is currently trying to put the old team back together with Perkins running
for office in ward 1 and the Charter commission. His wife is even running for the Charter commission. Apparently he doesn't have
enough support to bring his buddy former police chief Steve Talbott back. I guess Christoff is one of the folks standing in the way. Must
be why the Water and Sewer plant is in such a mess and nothing is still being done about it. I guess its because fixing them wouldn't
benefit Bill's buddies or campaign contributors.
Susan Montee's audit of St. Peters should be investigated
From:  Wake Up Call Missouri
January 24 2008

The St. Peters audit is in and if you listen to what Montee had to say, rather than what she wrote, you might think St. Peters is the
standard by which other cities should be measured. If that is the case we should all throw in the towel. Of course, based on Montee's
comments, St. Peters issued press release which claims nothing wrong was found in the audit. To make matters worse the media
picked up on this theme and reported Montee found St. Peters was clean.

First, I suggest everyone read the report and come to their own conclusions, since what has been reported as the facts are not true.
Then I suggest you take a look at the Government Auditing Standards  (GAS) to which Montee was required to conduct the audit. I
do not profess to be an expert in regard to government auditing but Montee's poor audit is as evident based on common sense as it is
from reading the standards. I will be posting more details about the audit in another post but let me give you one example of what
Montee believes is a clean city:

St. Peters is involved in a project known as Lakeside 370. The city began purchasing land for the project in 2000 and has purchased
1552 acres for a total of 9.1 million. Montee reports that the city did not obtain an appraisal on some of the land purchased, most
notably 98 acres which was purchased from former mayor Tom Brown's son-in-law. (Montee did not mention the name of her fellow
Democrat Brown but instead said one sale "involved a related party to the mayor in office at the time.") Therefore, the average price per
acre for the land obtained from those not related to Brown was $5,227.00 while Brown's son-in-law received $15,306.00 per acre.

Montee offers no explanation for the large difference in price per acre and, for the most part, ignores this clear conflict of interest. The
GAS provide as an example of abuse the following:

c. Misusing the official's position for personal gain (including actions that could be perceived by an objective third party with knowledge
of the relevant information as improperly benefiting an official's personal financial interests or those of an immediate or close family
member...)

The Brown land deal is a perfect example of "abuse" under GAS but to avoid making such a finding Montee simply ignores this part of
her job. In the report Montee states "because the determination of abuse is subjective, our audit is not required to provide reasonable
assurance of detecting abuse." Huh? I think this means Montee won't tell on her fellow Democrat Tom Brown.

Watchdog Response: Corruption comes in many forms. Forms that a performance audit may or may not uncover. Wake Up Call
Missouri brings up very good points. I can remember in O'Fallon two months after the state auditor did her audit. The Budget Towing
episode happened and the cities special counsel Rick Fischer uncovered a treasure trove of information on corruption in O'Fallon. Visit
the Looking Back section and play the video "The Renaud/Hennessy Administration Exposed" to hear what he uncovered after
O'Fallon's own state audit.  Items that our state auditor seam to have missed.
Madam Mayor (flip) flops on You Paid For It
From:  Wake Up Call Missouri
February 1, 2008.



Elliott Davis and the You Paid For It crew paid a visit to O'Fallon Mayor Donna Morrow last week to discuss the city's role in the ongoing Koch
Road scandal. I will be posting a copy of the story once it becomes available on the Fox 2 St. Louis web site. In the mean time I have set out
below (as best I could since Morrow constantly interrupted Davis) the questions asked by Davis and Morrow's answers, but first let me provide
some back ground:

Four families bought homes (estimated at $300,00) from McBride & Sons that were built on a public easement upon which a public road, Koch
Road, ran. St. Charles County had voted to vacate the road under certain conditions (conditions which have not been met) and a group of
residents filed suit to stop the county's action since it was in violation of the law. McBride and the developer, Hyland Green, illegally tore out
Koch Road while the lawsuit was pending. McBride did not have any rights to the easement at that time but they wanted the land to build houses
so they simply ignored the law and proceeded. The homeowners allege they were not told by McBride that their houses sat on a public
easement and now their homes are all but worthless since they cannot sell or refinance them. In addition, the Judge ruled that St. Charles
County's attempt to eventually vacate the road was unlawful since Koch Road was still useful to the residents.

At the direction of Mayor Morrow, city staff had originally followed the law and refused to issue building permits to McBride (flip.) (I know this
would seem obvious but when the favored builders/developers ask for something in St. Charles County the law is rarely an impediment.)
However, after the appointment of Bob Lowery as City Administrator, Morrow and the city changed their position and issued McBride building
permits to construct homes on a public road (flop.) Davis' story focused on this decision. Here are Davis' questions and Morrow's answer with
my comments in red:

Davis: Why did you issue (building) permits when this land was still tied up in litigation?

Morrow: First of all we issued the permits before the Judge made her ruling so it was not tied up in litigation. (Wrong. The case was tied up
in litigation as Davis points out in his follow up question.)

Davis: But it was still the subject of a court case.

Morrow: Elliott we're a political subdivision of the state just like the county is. (Interrupting Davis) So we have certain, there's a whole (pointing),
there's 20 volumes of what we have to do according to the state. (Um...Well yea...OK...I'll bet there wasn't 20 volumes) So the county and
the city have done their duty. (The county went out of its way to give land to a developer and violated the law in the process. The city
went out of its way to allow the builder to illegally construct homes and violated the law in the process. However, maybe Morrow
believes it is her duty to help out her political friends.)

Davis: Madam mayor I'm trying to ask some key questions here, my key question is why did the city issue building permits to... ?

Morrow: (interrupting) Because we had the authority to, because we had the authority to. (Wrong, Wrong. Of course, the law does not
give O'Fallon the authority to issue building permits on a county road and doing so is actually in direct violation of the law.
Caveat; I have not read the special set of 20 volumes of things O'Fallon has to do which Morrow keeps in her office. I can only say
that those "20 volumes" do not apply anywhere outside her office.)

Davis: Was that a mistake?

Morrow: No it was not a mistake. (Well, in Morrow's defense, Davis did not ask a mistake in whose mind. I'm sure it was not a mistake
to McBride, or Hyland Green, or Morrow's assistant, campaign supporter and friend of the developer, Carl Maus. However, if he
meant a mistake in the eyes of the citizens and the law Morrow was absolutely wrong.) (interrupting Davis) According to the state
statutes we had the full authority to issue it, whether or not it was pending in litigation or not. (OK Madam Mayor, now you are starting to
bore me. Everyone repeat after me...WRONG.)

For those interested in the full story on Koch Road I have linked all of my posts about it on the right. As for you Madam Mayor, I want you to think
about a suggestion I made to you shortly after you appointed me. Now would be a good time to follow my advice.

Watchdog Response:  What more could the Watchdog add to Mr. Fischer's commentary other than Mayor Morrow's is like the weather is
St.Louis. Just wait long enough and it will surely change or in Morrow's case FLIP - FLOP.  I guess thats the advantage of having a political
science degree?
WARNING: THE JOURNAL HAS BEEN FOUND TO REPORT FALSE INFORMATION
From:  Wake Up Call Missouri
February 10, 2008.



If papers were required to warn their readers of the dangers of their product as other products are, the Suburban Journal would be
required to place in big bold letters the following; WARNING: THE JOURNAL HAS BEEN FOUND TO REPORT FALSE INFORMATION.
As I have reported in detail (Does the O'Fallon Journal have a credibility problem?) the O'Fallon Journal has not only failed to report on
the actions of one of its biggest advertisers, McBride & Sons, in illegally destroying a  public road but the Journal has actually reported
false information on this story. Despite having been fully informed of the truth, the Journal continues in its attempt to protect the guilty
parties.


In an article dated February 9, 2008 entitled Koch Road Case Continues, the writer, Elizabeth Perry reports,
Last year, St. Charles County Circuit Judge Lucy Rauch determined St. Charles County was wrong in deeming the road "useless," a
decision that led to the destruction of that portion of road and homes being built on the property.
A reader unfamiliar with the facts (i.e. readers of the Journal and Post-Dispatch) are led to believe that St. Charles County's finding that
Koch Road was "useless," allowed McBride & Sons (and the developer Hyland Green) to tear out the road. This is absolutely false and
Ms. Perry and her editor Erin Schultz are aware this is false. However, by reporting the story in a false light the Journal is able to
protect McBride & Sons from further exposure of its illegal actions.

The Journal promotes itself as providing "the most comprehensive coverage" of the St. Louis area. Journal readers should be warned
that the Journal's "coverage" is limited to news, whether true or not, it wants to report.

Watchdog Response:  As you will read in the introduction on the Headline page. One of the reasons the O'Fallon Watchdog was
created was to get you the information that area publications leave out. Whether done purposely or because of sloppy journalism we
feel it's important that you know the truth. Click on the Wake Up Call Missouri link above and you will see Mr. Fischer has had an
on-going battle with the Journal and their style of journalism.  Or  Click Here to Read another Questionable Story.
Click on Bob's picture to hear him speak.
Dear Watchdog:

Thanks for putting something on your Website:

Debbie Cook- Candidate for City Council Ward 4- O'Fallon, MO

My goal is to Restore Pride to Our Community.  I am committed to Representing the Citizens of O'Fallon, Attracting New Businesses to Our
City, Keeping O'Fallon Safe for All Citizens, and Ending Wasteful City Spending.  

I have lived in O'Fallon for almost 4 years with my husband and 5 sons.  Recently I was endorsed by Tri-County Labor Club and the
AFL-CIO Cope.  If elected I plan to work very hard for the residents and make decisions based on what is best for the citizens and the City
of O'Fallon.  I want to make sure O'Fallon continues to be a safe community to raise a family and make our government accountable and
effective once again.

Debbie Cook
dcook1964@hotmail.com


Watchdog Response: The O'Fallon Watchdog received this  e-mail on March 2nd, 2008 from Mrs. Cook. We have also included Mrs.
Cooks campaign flier that the watchdog was able to obtain. Thank You Mrs. Cook for stepping up to the plate and running for office in
O'Fallon.
E-Mail from Ward 4 Candidate Debbie Cook.
Has Post-Dispatch resorted to bullying widows to make news?
From :   Wake Up Call Missouri
March 05, 2008



My story yesterday, Post-Dispatch platform is a fraud, has drawn more interest than anything I have posted before. And it should. The
post was about a story written by Paul Hampel, who apparently had a bad day and decided to take it out on citizens who dare to question
their local governments. Actually, after speaking with one of the people Hampel attacked, it appears it wasn't simply a bad day on Hampel's
part, but rather a planned attack.

Sandy Waters is a 64 year old widow who has lived in St. Peters for over 34 years. She has been a trustee in her subdivision for over 20
years, a job that comes with no pay but a lot of headaches. She managed her son's baseball team when he was younger because no else
wanted to do it. Sandy did all this while working part time in between being a mother and wife full time.

While she followed local politics, Sandy had never spoken at a St. Peters council meeting until 2005. What made her take the time to get
involved? Sandy was watching a city workshop one night at home when Alderman Jerry Hollingsworth mentioned an idea in which St. Peters
citizens could help out the community by paying for a street sign which read, "Keep Kids Alive, Drive 25". Sandy thought it was a good idea
and that night went up to the council meeting and publicly volunteered to pay for such a sign. Her alderman, Patrick Barclay then followed
Sandy's lead and also pledged to pay for a sign. Since then Sandy has been a semi regular at the meetings, sometimes praising the city for
its actions, sometimes criticizing St. Peters but always caring about her city.

If you read the Post-Dispatch's Platform,  you would expect them to celebrate and encourage citizens like Sandy rather than compare
them to a murderer, but that is exactly what Paul Hampel and the Post did. Hampel called Sandy about ten days ago and left a message
that he was with the paper and would like to talk to her. At first Sandy was hesitant since she had no idea who Hampel was or why a reporter
would want to talk to her, but after talking with a friend she decided to call him back.
Tow company owner pleads guilty in tax case
By Robert Patrick
ST. LOUIS POST-DISPATCH
09/18/2008

A Wentzville tow company owner pleaded guilty to two federal tax charges Wednesday and admitted failing to report about $418,000 of
income from his towing business.

Budget Towing owner Rodney E. Sherman, 53, has or had contracts with various local governments and police departments, such as the
cities of O'Fallon, Foristell, Lake Saint Louis and Wentzville. The company then charged the vehicle owners to retrieve them. A large part of
the business was done in cash.

At Sherman's sentencing later this year, prosecutors will argue that Sherman failed to pay taxes of $30,000 to $80,000 on that income.
Sherman's lawyers will argue that it was less than $30,000. The higher amount could earn him 10 to 16 months in prison, and the lower
amount could mean six to 12 months, Sherman's lawyer Gil Sison said outside the courtroom.

Sherman appeared in court in his short-sleeved, blue-striped Budget Towing shirt, with his name on a patch on the right side.

The case began with allegations from a former employee that Sherman had been billing insurance companies for work that the company had
not done, shredding cash receipts and selling cars without titles to a salvage yard, but federal prosecutors declined to file charges related to
the other claims.

Prosecutors and Sison said there are no other ongoing investigations into Sherman's business practices.

Sherman is still challenging a search warrant that played a role in the investigation, and Sison said that if the challenge is successful,
Sherman could retract his guilty plea.

Federal and local authorities raided Budget Towing in 2005 and seized computers, file cabinets and other items.

The allegations led to a shakeup in the O'Fallon Police Department.

Chief Steve Talbott was fired in 2005 after city officials said Talbott showed favoritism to Sherman and in a drug-overdose investigation, and
other alleged matters. Talbott's firing set off a cascade of political squabbling and accusations. A major close to Talbott was placed on leave
and later retired.

Talbott denied the accusations and sued the city that year, eventually settling for $250,000.

Talbott told the Post-Dispatch at the time that Maj. Mark Henke was targeted because he was a supporter and Henke's lawyer said he was
placed on leave because he alerted the city administrator about allegedly improper actions by other officials.

Henke, who now works in private security, declined to comment Wednesday on Sherman's plea.

Talbott is now a patrol officer with the Lake Saint Louis Police Department and said Sherman "always did a good job towing for O'Fallon while I
was there. We never had any problems. We had minimal complaints on him."

Joel Currier of the Post-Dispatch contributed to this report.
Oh! Oh!!! Watch Jeff Schwentker's
plan to bring Budget Towing Back.

Click-On Jeff's Head to watch
video of him and news reports
from the 2005 raid on Budget
Towing
Woman gets 8 years for role in drug overdose
By Valerie Schremp Hahn
ST. LOUIS POST-DISPATCH
07/11/2006

ST. CHARLES COUNTY

Kacie Kissell, the daughter of a former state representative, was sentenced to eight years in prison on Monday for her role in the cocaine and
heroin overdose death of a St. Charles man - a case that helped prompt the ouster of O'Fallon Police Chief Steve Talbott.

Joshua Dodson, 20, died after being found unconscious near a backyard pool at the O'Fallon home of Kissell's parents on July 1, 2005.

Kissell, 24, appeared in St. Charles County Court on Monday. She pleaded guilty to drug possession and submitted an Alford plea to
involuntary manslaughter. An Alford plea means she does not admit guilt but concedes that prosecutors have enough evidence to convict her
at a trial.


Kissell's father, Don Kissell, runs a lobbying firm whose clients include the Missouri Police Chiefs Association and the city of St. Charles.

O'Fallon Mayor Donna Morrow cited delays in investigating the Kissell case as one of the reasons for firing the longtime chief. The ouster
touched off an emotional outcry in the community and later a lawsuit by Talbott. Morrow said she believed Talbott delayed investigating
because he was a board member of the Missouri Police Chiefs Association and had ties to Don Kissell. Talbott denied the accusation, saying
he investigated the death as he would any similar case.

After Monday's hearing, St. Charles County Prosecuting Attorney Jack Banas said that because the investigation had not been started soon
enough, authorities did not have valuable evidence such as the syringes or immediate follow-up with victims or medical workers at the hospital.
The lack of such evidence would have made going to trial difficult, he said.

Police should have known they were not dealing with an ordinary overdose case because it involved Kacie Kissell, a past drug offender,
Banas said.

O'Fallon police declined to respond Monday to Banas' comments.

Dodson's parents, Kelly and Craig Dodson, spoke in front of Circuit Judge Nancy Schneider at the hearing Monday. Kelly Dodson spoke
tearfully about her son, saying that he had had problems but had been trying to get his life back on track. He had a wonderful sense of humor
and was a talented artist who specifically loved to draw roses, she said.

Craig Dodson was more stoic, turning frequently to address Kissell directly and criticizing her behavior as well as the O'Fallon police
department for not opening a full investigation immediately after the death.

"This is the type of person all children should fear and be told about by parents talking to their children about drugs," he said. "Perhaps the
Missouri Police Chiefs Association can ask their lobbyist for stronger drug penalties to keep people like this off the streets."

Members of Kissell's family felt it was best not to appear at the hearing, said her attorney, Scott Rosenblum. Don Kissell could not be reached
for comment Monday.

Prosecutors dropped five other charges related to the case as part of a plea agreement. Since Kacie Kissell's arrest, she has been in prison
on a parole violation from a conviction for injecting heroin into the mouth and nose of a 16-year-old girl. Kissell could be eligible for parole in
the most recent case in about two or three years.

Prosecutor Philip Groenweghe said at Monday's hearing that Kissell's parents were out of town on June 30 when she decided to throw a party.
She prepared some heroin, two male friends came over, and she injected them and herself with the drug, he said. Two others showed up at
the house to drop off more heroin, he said. Kissell and the male friends then left because she had to give a ride to a friend who was living at a
halfway house, Groenweghe said.

The group eventually returned, and the male friends brought Dodson with them. Kissell prepared heroin for all of them, injecting herself and
her guests with the drug, Groenweghe said. She injected herself and the others repeatedly, eventually mixing the heroin with cocaine,
increasing the dosages each time, he said. This continued until early the next morning.

Police were called to the home after Dodson and one of the other men were found unconscious by the pool. Dodson died later that morning.
The other man, 21, of St. Charles, recovered.

Banas said he wished Kissell had learned from her previous conviction for injecting someone with drugs.

"This person has twice bit at the apple and doesn't seem to get it," Banas said of Kacie Kissell. "Because of her actions, another person lost
their life."
Watchdog Response: The Watchdog feels this isn't the last we hear of
the events that surrounded former police chiefs Steve Talbott's
dismissal. Let's not forget the story below from 2006 about Kacie Kissell
submitting an Alford plea in the death of a St. Charles man.  Rumor has
it that if Bill Hennesey is elected Mayor he will bring Steve Talbott back
to O'Fallon. Rumor also has it that in turn for former councilmen Peter
Cantwell to stay out of the Mayor's race Bill Hennesey will reward Peter
with Bob Lowery's current position of city administrator. Keep that in
mind next year when you go to the polls.
O'Fallon Police Officer awarded  Distinguished Service Award by U.S. Attorneys Office
By The O'Fallon Watchdog

In a rare and unusual move O'Fallon Police Officer Dave Buehrle received a honor usually reserved for federal agents.  On  
October 16th, 2008 Officer Buehrle received this honor along with  U.S. Postal Inspector Bruce Follmer and Special Agent  
Shannon Vernieuw for their work in the  Budget Towing investigation.  Rodney Sherman the tow company  owner pleaded
guilty to two federal tax charges and admitted failing to report about $418,000 of income from his towing business.

Congratulations Officer Buehrle for bringing this distinguished honor to the O'Fallon Police Department. A honor never
before received by an Officer of the O'Fallon Police Department. Your a credit to all those that wear the uniform
Councilman Dan Haney running for Mayor
By The O'Fallon Watchdog

Councilmen Dan Haney is apparently running for Mayor in O'Fallon in 2009. So far Pierce Conley and Bill Hennesey have also
announced their intentions to run .The O'Fallon Watchdog is excited that someone with Mr. Haney's commitment to the citizens
and not to special interest might be running. It's a shame that it can't be said for Mr. Hennesey and Conley.




If you have reached this page you are one of the few that either knew, or now knows, that I have started considering running for
Mayor of O'Fallon for the 2009 election. As they say on the Federal level "I have opened an exploratory committee". Over the past
few months I have received several calls to offset the current choices, as well as rumored choices, for this Mayoral race. The
requests have all had one common theme... someone is needed to represent the people of O'Fallon. I am glad that my work for the
Citizens of O'Fallon has been noticed by so many people.

As for my decision to run for Mayor; it will be based solely on my determination that I can put that time needed into the position
once elected. I want to make sure I can continue to be an important part in families lives as well as hold down my current job. I know
I could do an outstanding job for the city, I simply want to make sure I am fair to those that would be voting for me.

Thank you for taking the time to visit my site and if I decide to run for Mayor this page will be replaced with an entirely new website.
If you have any questions or would like to volunteer to help send me an email.

Councilman Dan Haney
Information taken from Mr. Haney's web-site
01.26.2009 6:00 pm
UPDATE: O’Fallon city administrator says role with partnership is unpaid
By Joel Currier
St. Louis Post-Dispatch

O’Fallon City Administrator Robert Lowery Jr. says he has never been paid for his participation in the Virginia-based company Global Training
Partnership. The company’s website lists him as a founder and trainer helping law enforcement with investigations of missing persons and
unidentified bodies.

“This has been conceptual since September,” Lowery said, adding that he is honored to be a part of the company and plans to maintain his
role as a trainer as Global Training Partnership LLC evolves.

“I intend to without any compensation,” he said in a telephone interview as he awaited a flight home to St. Louis from Miami. “Frankly, I’m
surprised folks would try to find something ugly in all of this.”He said that if the partnership does become a for-profit venture in the future, he
would petition the city council for a waiver allowing him to hold secondary employment. Current city ordinances bar the city administrator from
being employed outside his officials duties.

He said he was in Florida this weekend for a meeting with the International Homicide Investigators Association, of which he is a member.
Lowery missed last Thursday’s workshop and City Council meeting, and he was on vacation Friday. Asked whether the City Council had
placed him on paid administrative leave, Lowery declined comment.

Lowery lashed out at critics who have accused him of violating city ordinances by having a second job on top of his duties as city
administrator.“This is very ugly politics in the city of O’Fallon,” Lowery said.Also, Lowery said he has no desire to be police chief in O’Fallon.
The city appointed Maj. Bill Seibert as interim chief after former chief Jerry Schulte announced his retirement last month. The city says it is
conducting a national search for a new chief. Seibert said he has not decided whether to apply for the job.

EARLIER POST:
Ben J. Ermini, the only registered owner of a Virginia-based company for which O’Fallon City Administrator Robert Lowery Jr. is listed as a
trainer, says no one, including Lowery, has been paid for their involvement with the company.
“There’re a number of people I’ve talked to that are willing to provide training,” Ermini told the Post-Dispatch today. “Bob is one of them, and if
Bob participates, he would participate as a pro-bono instructor.”Robert Lowery Jr.

Global Training Partnership LLC, registered in Virginia on Sept. 23, describes itself on its website as “a training organization to assist law
enforcement investigators in conducting successful investigations in the area of missing persons and the identification of unidentified
deceased.”

The O’Fallon City Council held a closed meeting Saturday amid growing speculation about the status of Lowery’s job. Lowery has not yet
spoken publicly on the matter or his ties to Global Training Partnership. Ermini said the company and has not yet held any training sessions.
He hopes it will eventually become a profitable business. Ermini stressed that Lowery would not be paid for his participation. “I’m not in a
position to be paying people to help me,” Ermini said. “Nobody’s been paid anything for this organization.”

Ermini is the former executive director of the National Center for Missing and Exploited Children in Alexandria, Va. Ermini and Lowery know
each other from Lowery’s work with the organization before he became O’Fallon’s city administrator.
Ermini said he has spoken to Lowery about possibly becoming a trainer for the partnership, but so far, “Bob is not involved in this at all.”The
company’s website, http://globaltrainingpartnership.net , remains under construction.

Watchdog Response:
If you notice Robert Lowery Jr. is admitting that this is employment outside of the city because he is stating He said “that if the partnership
does become a for-profit venture in the future, he would petition the city council for a waiver allowing him to hold secondary employment”. First
off the ordinance doesn’t qualify if the outside employment is for profit or not.

There’s not a waiver process set in the ordinance and outside employment is outside employment. One of the reasons the city doesn’t allow
outside employment is because being a city administrator for a city O’Fallon’s size is a 24 hour / 7 days a week job. The city is paying Robert
Lowery Jr. around $145,000 a year and deserves his undivided attention.  He’s even listed as a founder of this LLC. If you read the comments
made by Robert Lowery Jr., Ben Ermini and what has been posted on the Global Training Partnership L.L.C. website it all seems to contradict
itself.

The ordinance reads:
SECTION 115.070: QUALIFICATIONS
The person appointed to the office of City Administrator shall be at least twenty-one (21) years of age, and shall be a resident of the City of O’
Fallon while serving in such capacity; further, such person shall be a graduate of an accredited university or college, having majored in Public
Administration, Engineering, Municipal Administration, Financial Administration or Public Relations fields, and/or the equivalent combination of
experience and training which provides the required knowledge, skills and abilities. The Administrator shall be a full-time employee and not
engage in any other employment. (Ord. No. 1961 §3, 8-21-91)


The links below will display the web pages that existed at www.globaltrainingpartnership.net before this story broke. They have been since
been taken down.




The Global Training Partnership L.L.C. link shows that Global Training Partnership L.L.C. is a private partnership. It list the principles in the
partnership as Robert Lowery Jr., Ben J. Ermini and William “Bill” Hagmaier. It states they provide the following services “training, case
management consulting, cold case review, analysis and evaluation”. Also if you Google the address listed it appears to be an apartment
complex.




The About Us v1 link shows that Global Training Partnership L.L.C was founded by Ben Ermini and Robert Lowery and lists Robert Lowery Jr.
as a trainer.




The About Us v2 link shows that Global Training Partnership L.L.C was founded by Ben Ermini, Robert Lowery and William Hagmaier and lists
Robert Lowery Jr. as a trainer.




The Bob the Trainer link details Robert Lowery Jr’s biography
NEW: O’Fallon Mayor Morrow shuts door on ‘four years of hell’
By: Mary Ann O’Toole Holley
Newsmagazine Network

O’Fallon Mayor Donna Morrow will leave office this week, taking with her memories she
describes as “four years of hell.”
Watchdog response: Yeah, Four years of hell that I think SHE inflicted on this city,
elected officials and city employees. There is a long list of casualties. Todd Galbierz,
Sandy Stokes, Cash Sweiven, Dan McAteer, Tim Vanetta Steve Talbott, Mark Henke,
Cindy Berry, Lyn Schipper, Tom Otten, Dave Goewert, Art Genasi, Mary Creamer,
Terry Busken, Randy Hudson, Rick Fischer, Todd Criswell, Charlie Mobley, Pat
Sobelman, Monte Ellis, Jerry Schulte, Rich Morrel, Tom Harris. Who did I miss? I bet
you can think of a few.

As with all good intentions, Morrow’s dreams of taking O’Fallon to the top in a Dudley
DoRight movement never quite panned out.
“I don’t want to sound sour grapes, but we had it all going,” said Morrow, recalling the
dream team that came into office with her in April 2005. “We could have made all these
changes.”

For a while they did.
Watchdog response:  At least until Bob Lowery arrived on the scene. Interesting how
his name isn’t even mentioned in this story. Especially since Morrow had this love, hate
relationship with Lowery for the last 3 years. Before Bob Lowery’s presence the board
was able to end eminent domain abuse, pass a moratorium on floodplain development
until a new floodplain ordinance could be passed, new planned development
ordinance, new roadway construction standards and new building codes, stopped
unlawful annexation agreements, creation of the Parks Board, personal property tax
reduction, hired more inspectors and most importantly set the wheels in motion so        
O’Fallon voters had the opportunity to vote to become a third class city.

Morrow and a predominantly new City Council came into office at a time when City Hall
needed a major cleanup. A 2003 State Audit had found numerous acts of malfeasance
by the Renaud Administration (prior to Morrow’s arrival). She and a new slate of
aldermen started with the best of intentions of cleaning it all up. When Morrow took
office, she promised an “open door” policy.

Under Morrow’s direction the Board of Aldermen passed a new street ordinance
requiring improved street quality that was seemingly overlooked by the prior
administration. A core-sampling machine allowed O’Fallon’s Public Works Department
to take samples from streets and found certain thickness requirements had not been
met.  The streets were ordered to be rebuilt by the developers and future street
projects were required to use the increased thickness.

Morrow and the alderman fought against developer giveaways and worked to stop
substandard work in the city. Morrow was instrumental in resolving the issue of illegal
immigrants working at the O’Fallon Lakes and Southernside affordable housing
projects — a move that led to state laws disallowing undocumented workers on tax-
funded projects.
Watchdog response:  During Morrow’s campaign her moniker was the pipeline lady.
In four years what did she do to improve protection of our families from high pressure
pipelines? She had her dream team in the beginning. Why didn’t she fulfill her
campaign promise to the citizens?

Then, in early 2006, just about a year into Morrow’s term as mayor, aldermen Lyn
Schipper, Terry Busken and Randy Hudson resigned claiming the mayor had sided
with their adversaries Alderman Peter Cantwell and Bill Hennessy in hiring former
Renaud Administration Attorney Mark Piontek. Former City Attorney Rick Fischer
joined in the protest, submitting his resignation.

“When those guys all walked off, that was a huge disruption,” Morrow said. “Instead of
working in a process that could change it, they left. The people elected them to do a
job and they left. It has been difficult for me to figure it out. Again, I’m not a quitter.”
Watchdog response: Over time this website outlined precisely why Donna Morrow was
abandoned by her once allies. In the end Morrow’s former allies began to have doubts
about her and Bob Lowery’s leadership. Bob’s position was in jeopardy with members
of the board. Morrow took a gamble and ran to her enemies to preserve Bob Lowery’s
position. In the end Morrow and her remaining supporters Jane Voss, Bob Lowery,
Carl Maus and Adolphus Busch had their hat handed to them by Morrow’s former
allies. In this case the city may have benefited immensely if Morrow would have been
the one to quit. How ironic.

In the coming months, Morrow answered an ethic complaint that a supporter had paid
her health insurance; the city’s insurance carrier refused to renew liability coverage for
city staff and elected officials being sued over city business; two city department
directors were fired and another resigned in protest. They later filed lawsuits for unfair
termination and later received settlements from the city.
In July 2006, the council, including a cast of new members, issued a formal reprimand
to Morrow for "less than complete and less than precise" accounts of her actions and
accused Morrow of "unchecked executive power."
Watchdog response: Lets not forget two of these council members (Lucas and
Gardner) were hand picked by Morrow to replace Busken and Hudson. Apparently
they too had concerns about Morrow’s behavior being they were party to her
reprimand.

Morrow, along with other city officials have “pre-annexation agreements” hanging over
their heads. Prior to Morrow’s arrival, the Renaud Administration had promised $1.8
million in compensation for 1,183 existing and future sewer connection fees on
individual properties. The agreements were offered as part of the city's aggressive
campaign to annex farms and other properties into its southwestern flank to make way
for major single family subdivisions and apartment complexes.
The issues of sewer tap-on fees continue to plague the city. Property owners are
claiming breach of contract for refusing to honor the agreements made in 2001.

“You can only do what you can do,” Morrow said. “I went to the authorities, but I can’t
make them make a case. Rick Fischer didn’t know how to make a case. It’s just real
funny. There are still sewer tap issues out there, people want the sewer taps that were
promised, and some will sue.”

In November 2006, Morrow’s assistant resigned claiming intimidating remarks by
former Council President Peter Cantwell made her job unbearable. Shortly after that,
the city’s wastewater treatment plant began faltering and the council agreed that the
sewer plant was at capacity and could accept no new developments. The sewer plant
pump failure cost the city more that $100,000, then a second and third sewer pump
failed.

In March 2007, Davis Street Land Co. filed a lawsuit against O’Fallon for failing to
provide sewer service for The Meadows shopping development in Lake Saint Louis.
Significant improvements are currently being made to O’Fallon’s sewer system to meet
the needs of businesses and residents. The new system not only replaces the UV train
that failed structurally last year, providing a more efficient and dependable system. It is
now operated and maintained in-house.

Morrow said she did her best to clean up the messes, but one can only do so much.
Morrow listens calmly as she hears Mayor-elect Bill Hennessy promise “a new era of
harmony” in O’Fallon city government. She remembers well her own promise of “open
and honest government,” and thinks she did well, at least for her part.
Watchdog response:  I think under Morrow’s leadership a person can claim violations
of the Sunshine Law took place. Case in point is wanting to charge $17,000.00 for
public records. Don’t you think that was an attempt to withhold information?

“I think it’s possible to have a new era of harmony, but it may be contradictory with
regard to the separation of power of the government branches,” Morrow said. “In other
words, Hennessy said he wanted more communication, but the mayor and the council
are two separate parts of government. My past experience is that the council didn’t
always let the residents know. I wish Bill the best of luck with the communication that he
thinks he can get.”
Watchdog response:  Donna Morrow the council conducts it business in the council
chambers for all of the public to see. Where were you conducting city business? If
there is this separation of city government that you keep claiming then why do you
preside over the council meetings?

She adds, “The whole thing is… It will be interesting because as much as people were
against the old (Renaud) regime, it’s interesting how they turned around. It will be
interesting to see how things will be handled. It’s going to be different.”
Morrow said she doesn’t believe she ever dodged questions residents had, nor did
she ever lie.
Watchdog response: I honestly believe she thinks that last statement is true.

“The council, if they came to my office, had their questions answered,” Morrow said. “It’
s a two-way street. I certainly always had an open door with the council, but I never told
them they should vote this way or that way. Bill Hennessy was a councilman when that
was defined.”
As for the future, Morrow said she is exploring different opportunities. Late last year
she lost her job as a flight attendant, and has been job hunting since then.

“I got the resume out, but it’s all different from the way things used to be,” Morrow said.
“Right now I’m looking into knocking out some courses.”

Late last year, Morrow thought perhaps she would move to Mississippi to be closer to
her daughter who was affected by Hurricane Katrina, but because she lives with her
aging mother, she said she doesn’t think the time is right to make such a big change.
“Right now, with my mother, I think it would be too confusing for her to move to
Mississippi, so I’ll take it here and there, and maybe a year from now, I’ll be out there.”
Watchdog response: Best Wishes Donna Morrow. I wouldn’t trade spots with you for
all of the money in the world.