Thursday, September 20, 2007
COGG Takes Action over "Autumn in the Park"
Citizens of Overland for Good Goverment (COGG) held a press conference today regarding the city's annual fall festival. Overland's
Autumn in the Park is scheduled for this weekend, September 22 and 23.
"We consider ourselves watchdogs of the city." explained COGG president Mark Giroux. "As such, we can not stand idly by while the city holds this mis-named festival. It is clearly still summer, yet they insist on the name calling, however wrong it may be."
Research done by the Picayune show that the group is right. Autumn is scheduled to begin this Sunday, September 23. The festival is scheduled for Norman Meyers park on Saturday and Sunday.
"I've checked my almanac," exclaimed COGG member Tom Fitzgerald. "It clearly states that Autumn does not begin until 4:51 pm that day. This so-called 'Autumn in the Park' ends at 5 pm. So, really it's only Fall for nine whole minutes!"
Third ward council member, Ken Owensby, is supporting the group on this measure. "This is exactly the type of action that I stand up for on the city council. We can not be loosey-goosey on our definitions." Owensby later said he might join the COGG group if they continue to bring such important matters to light.
Relatedly, apple butter sales by the Overland Historical Society should be brisk regardless of the naming controversy.
Tuesday, September 11, 2007
Mayor Works for New Businesses
During his first weeks of office, Mayor MT Schneider has reported that he has been very busy trying to get new businesses to locate in Overland. "I've been writing letters to companies. And if there is company
you want to see in Overland, you tell me and I will write them a letter," Schneider told the crowd at Monday's City Council Meeting.
"I'm amazed!", exclaimed Overland resident Shirley James. "If we only knew it just took something as simple as writing a letter to get business here---well, needless to say we would have done it long ago."
The Picayune, through a Freedom of Information Act/Sunshine Law request, was able to get a copy of one of the letters (above right).
Sunday, September 09, 2007
Giroux Announces New Community Group
Mark Giroux, Overland Planning and Zoning member and founder of COGG, has announced the formation of a new group--EGAD. A press release from the group explained the acronymic name.
East Sherwood
God
Awful
Drivers
Drivers existing East Sherwood are only allowed a right turn onto Midland Road. Giroux said this group was formed to gather like-minded people who want to turn
left onto Midland, onto Lackland or simply exit from the entrance.
Overland resident and driver, Sherry Stone, has fallen victim to the bad driving of East Sherwood residents. "A week cannot go by without nearly being hit by someone exiting East Sherwood in an illegal manner. I drive a bright yellow SUV--surely they can see that. Are they blind or do they just think they are above the law?"
When told of Ms. Stone's statement, founder Mark Giroux responded to the Picayune. "Ms. Stone may be on to something on the 'above the law' point, but really we are just God Awful Drivers. EGAD!"
Overland resident Michael Green shared the concern of many residents. "Isn't this the same joker who founded 'Citizens of Overland for Good Government', a group that has done everything but promote good government? One can hope that their goal of God Awful Drivers also has a reverse effect and start to promote better driving. "
OPD Plans Paternity Check Points
In conjunction with Mothers Against Deadbeat Dads (MADD), the Overland Police Department will be holding a Paternity Check Point at an unspecified location the weekend of September 14-16. Chief Herron explained that the measure is based on the success of the sobriety check points in getting drunk drivers off the street.
"This will have an overall benefit to the community--especially the children," stated Overland Police Chief Jim Herron.
"We have a definitive problem in the state of Missouri," explaind Social Services Director Charles Goodling. "It would take reams of paper to print off the lists of all parents who are behind in child support payments."
Mayor MT Schneider explained this was one of his campaign goals. "I'm proud to say that I am the one who brought paternity checkpoints to Overland."
