St. Louis Missouri

Charter Communications to launch EPIX

Saint Louis MO — Mon, 08 Feb 2010 03:35:00 GMT

St Louis MO - Charter Communications said Thursday it plans to launch EPIX, a television, video-on-demand and online service, in May.

Terms of the agreement between Charter and EPIX, a premium movie channel, were not disclosed.

The pay TV channel was launched in October by Viacom Inc. (NYSE: VIA and VIA.B), its Paramount Pictures unit, Metro-Goldwyn-Mayer Studios Inc. (MGM) and Lionsgate (NYSE: LGF).

Through its distribution partnerships, EPIX will be available for consumers in nearly 16 million homes by May, Charter said.

EPIX, led by President Mark Greenberg, is also has deals with Cox Communications and Mediacom Communications.

Last month, Charter President and Chief Executive Neil Smit, the highest-paid executive in St Louis MO, announced plans to leave the company at the end of February to oversee cable operations at Comcast Corp., the nation’s largest cable operator. His replacement hasn’t been named.

Missouri Big Brothers Big Sisters win tax credits

Saint Louis MO — Sun, 07 Feb 2010 03:30:00 GMT

St Louis MO - The Missouri Department of Economic Development said Thursday that two St. Louis organizations that offer various services to Missouri children have been approved for Youth Opportunities Program (YOP) tax credits.

Big Brothers Big Sisters of Eastern Missouri, St Louis MO, has been approved for $250,000 in YOP tax credits. The group will use the tax credits to provide one-to-one mentoring services to at-risk youth in St. Louis City, St. Louis County and Cape Girardeau County.

Life Skills, St Louis MO, has been approved for $59,241 in YOP tax credits. It will use the tax credits for its Youth Employment Services program, which prepares at-risk teens with disabilities to find and keep competitive employment after graduation.

The Youth Opportunities Program, administered by the Missouri Department of Economic Development, provides tax credits to organizations administering positive youth development or crime prevention projects.

About DED
The Department of Economic Development will achieve its vision by stimulating and supporting economic security, opportunity, growth and a high quality of life in Missouri communities.

The Department of Economic Development administers a wide array of programs designed to enhance Missouri's economy in the 21st Century. It is composed of agencies that execute statutory requirements and department policy in the areas of community, economic and workforce development,.

St Louis Storm Watch: 6 inches of snow possible

Saint Louis MO — Sun, 07 Feb 2010 00:00:00 GMT

St Louis MO -- A St Louis Winter Storm Watch is in effect that includes all of the News 4 viewing area for Sunday night to Tuesday morning. The band of snow expected from this storm extends from Texas to northern Indiana and will pass right over St. Louis.

Snow is expected to start falling Sunday night (Super Bowl Sunday) and continue through Tuesday morning. The snowfall will intesify through the day Monday and into Monday night with some seeing more than six inches of snow.

Gusty winds and drifting snow could add to the headaches with this storm. Get the latest St Louis MO weather forecast.

The stlouismo.com has been tracking the weather system and says this snow will be different from what we saw on Friday. News 4 Chief Meteorologist Steve Templeton from Channel 4 says that the warmer temperatures and wet conditions kept our Friday snow totals low, however that will not be the case in this next round. Colder temperatures, windy conditions and the snow and ice already on the ground will mean that whatever falls over the next couple of days should stick.

stlouismo.com will have extended coverage of the winter storm. You can watch live coverage around the clock here and on our twitter.com/stlmissouri.com account. If there are school closings you can find those on KMOV.com and first thing in the morning.

Missouri Housing Commission Wins Two National Awards

Saint Louis MO — Sat, 06 Feb 2010 03:25:00 GMT

St Louis MO - In recognition of its innovative approaches in serving the hard-hit housing market, Missouri Housing Development Commission is the recipient of two awards for excellence, presented at the 39th annual conference of National Council of State Housing Agencies (NCSHA).

The national conference was held in San Antonio, TX October 3 though October 6. Housing Finance Agencies from numerous states were in attendance to learn about the latest programs and trends in the affordable housing industry. The conference hosted ten program focus areas including communications, finance, governance, homeownership, human relations, information technology, legal, management innovation, rental and special needs housing.

NCSHA hosted an awards ceremony on October 5, where housing agencies were recognized for excellence in six categories.

In the category of Homeownership: Empowering New Buyers, MHDC won the excellence award for its Tax Credit Advance Loan (TCAL) program, which monetizes the first time homebuyer tax credit for use as down payment and closing costs. MHDC was the first housing organization to implement such a program, and it has subsequently been used by numerous other housing agencies.

MHDC’s submission entitled Innovative Private Placement Provides Capital for Homeownership Program During Critical Economic Times won in the category of Management Innovation: Financial. In 2008, MHDC partnered with Federal Home Loan Bank Des Moines to develop a private placement of taxable bonds for its homeownership program. The arrangement has proven to be an imperative capital resource that has financed the MHDC homeownership program during exceedingly difficult times in the capital market.

MHDC is an instrumentality of the state of Missouri, which constitutes a body corporate and politic. It is governed by a board of directors that includes the governor, lieutenant governor, attorney general, state treasurer and six commissioners appointed by the governor. The commission makes funds available for rental housing developments, preservation of affordable rental housing, home mortgages, home improvement loans, grants to neighborhood housing groups and other housing programs. MHDC functions as a bank, providing financing directly to developers or through a network of private lending institutions.

Missouri Agencies Receive $23 Million in Homeless Support

Saint Louis MO — Sat, 06 Feb 2010 03:21:00 GMT

St Louis MO - The Obama Administration announced December 23, 2009, that the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD) is renewing grant funding to keep thousands of local homeless assistance programs operational. Nearly $1.4 billion in renewal funding will help an unprecedented 6,400 programs continue to offer critically-needed housing and services to homeless persons and families.

Over 100 social service agencies throughout the state of Missouri are receiving $23 million for homeless services funding. The Balance of State Continuum of Care, which is a community plan to end homelessness that covers the 101 rural counties of Missouri, will be allocated $3.13 million of the $1.4 billion in funding from HUD. Missouri Housing Development Commission (MHDC) is the lead agency for the Balance of State Continuum of Care and will manage the application and allocation process for the 2010 funding.

The $3.13 million received by the Balance of State Continuum of Care will be allocated to qualifying social service agencies. The agencies will use these funds for permanent supportive housing, transitional housing, supportive services and Homeless Management Information Systems (HMIS) costs.

In 2010, HUD will announce the allocation of funding for new projects that will serve homeless persons and families, a share of which Missouri is planning to receive. The application and allocation process for the new project funding will also be managed by MHDC.

For a complete list of agencies receiving funding through the Balance of State Continuum of Care in 2010, visit www.hud.gov.

The 14 counties of Missouri not included in the Balance of State Continuum of Care serve the more metropolitan areas of the state. These counties receive funding through their own continua, serving the St. Louis City, St. Louis County, St. Charles, Springfield, Joplin, Kansas City and St. Joseph areas.

Pete Ramsel has resigned as director of the MDHC

Saint Louis MO — Sat, 06 Feb 2010 03:16:00 GMT

Pete Ramsel has resigned as director of the Missouri Housing Development Commission (MHDC).

His resignation is effective March 1, 2010 and the MHDC plans to conduct a national search to find a replacement. Pete Ramsel was named director in June 2007 after serving as acting director since October 2005.

Ramsel joined the MHDC in 1995 as a senior loan underwriter and later served as chief underwriter and deputy director.

“Today, I am surprised by the sudden resignation of Pete Ramsel from MHDC,” said Lt. Governor Peter Kinder, who serves on the MHDC, in a statement Wednesday. “Pete has been a consummate professional during his tenure at the commission. Over the past 15 years, Pete has worked tirelessly with commissioners and public and private entities to help strengthen our state by providing affordable housing for low-income Missourians.”

The state housing agency uses tax credits and tax-free bonds to help finance construction of affordable houses and apartments.

Last summer, the MHDC passed ethics reform following a state audit that raised ethical concerns about commissioners’ business ties to developers.

The MHDC recently approved a plan to pay the first year of property taxes for some residents who buy homes this year. The MHDC normally sells $300 million in bonds a year and uses the money to make loans to first-time homebuyers.

http://www.mhdc.com/

Saint Louis, Missouri among most generous cities

Saint Louis MO — Sat, 06 Feb 2010 03:06:00 GMT

St Louis MO is one of the most generous cities in the United States, a new study shows.

St Louis MO ranks eighth on a list ranking charity donations in 2009 among 273 cities with populations of more than 100,000.

The report ranks the cities based on per capita online giving and on the total amount donated online through Austin, Texas-based Convio.

St. Louisans gave $3.8 million, or an average of $60.26 each, in 2009, compared with $3.5 million, or $61.72 each, in 2008.

Despite a drop in average gift size in most cities, more than $284 million was donated by the 273 major cities in 2009, up from nearly $240 million in 2008.

Alexandria, Va., ranked as the most generous city. View the complete list here.

The rankings are based on the more than $921 million in online donations processed by Convio on behalf of thousands of nonprofit organizations during the calendar year 2009.

Most generous cities
1. Alexandria, Va.
2. Cambridge, Mass.
3. Arlington, Va.
4. Washington, D.C.
5. Minneapolis
6. Seattle
7. Berkeley, Calif.
8. St Louis MO
9. Bellevue, Wash.
10. Ann Arbor, Mich.

Missouri OKs $5M loan for One City Centre

Saint Louis MO — Sat, 06 Feb 2010 03:03:00 GMT

The state’s finance board approved a $5 million loan for the planned overhaul of the One City Centre office building in downtown St. Louis.

The Missouri Development Finance Board approved the loan in a telephone conference call Tuesday.

The city’s St. Louis Development Corp. made the request in October.

The city is working with SCR Investments, a partnership led by Stacy Hastie, chief executive of Environmental Operations Inc., on the $29 million planned overhaul of the 25-story office tower. The planned improvements helped attract law firm Lewis Rice Fingersh to relocate in the nearly empty building.

One City Centre was sold at a foreclosure sale Wednesday. SCR Investments, an investor group led by Hastie, was the sole bidder with $12.7 million.

One City Centre was part of Pyramid Co.’s real estate portfolio before the development firm, led by John Steffen, closed in April 2008. The building is adjacent to the vacant St. Louis Centre mall.

Build-A-Bear Workshop Supports Children’s Heart Foundation

admin — Tue, 02 Feb 2010 16:00:00 GMT

St Louis MO - Build-A-Bear Workshop®, the interactive entertainment retailer of customized stuffed animals, and its foundation will raise funds during the month of February for the Children’s Heart Foundation (CHF), an organization that works to advance research of pediatric congenital heart defects. Build-A-Bear Workshop Guests can support this cause by donating $1 at checkout registers in any Build-A-Bear Workshop retail location in the United States. In addition, a portion of the proceeds from the purchase of each Bearville Outfitters™ Virtual Stuff Game Card through March 31, can also be directed by Guests to CHF when they activate the cards at buildabearville.com®, the company’s virtual world.

“Through the remarkable generosity of Build-A-Bear Workshop we are bringing health, hope and happiness to children impacted by congenital heart defects,” said William Foley, the Children’s Heart Foundation executive director. “By supporting promising research and raising awareness nationally, Build-A-Bear Workshop is helping the Children’s Heart Foundation with its goal of saving children’s lives - one heart at a time.”

Build-A-Bear Workshop believes in the teddy bear philosophy of being good people and good bears. Throughout its 13 year history, the company has shared the hug of a teddy bear wherever needed in local communities and abroad. Build-A-Bear Workshop has given Guests a voice in supporting the causes that are important to them and through its corporate donations and foundation grant programs, has given more than $25 million to children's health and wellness, animals, literacy and other important causes.

“Build-A-Bear Workshop strives to provide Guests with opportunities to assist causes that are important to them,” said Maxine Clark, founder and chief executive bear. “As we celebrate Valentine’s Day, it is fitting that we support this organization that is all about helping children. We are honored to partner with this great cause during this season of love to help families whose lives are directly touched by cardiovascular disorders.”

The Children’s Heart Foundation

Motivated by the needs of children, the goal of the Children’s Heart Foundation is to bring health, hope and happiness to children impacted by congenital heart defects, the number-one birth defect in the U.S. The CHF accomplishes this goal by funding the most promising research to advance the diagnosis, treatment and prevention of congenital heart defects. For information on the CHF, visit www.childrensheartfoundation.org.

About St Louis MO Build-A-Bear Workshop

Build-A-Bear Workshop, Inc. is the leading and only global company that offers an interactive make-your-own stuffed animal retail-entertainment experience. Founded in 1997, the company and its franchisees currently operate more than 400 Build-A-Bear Workshop stores worldwide, including company-owned stores in the United States, Puerto Rico, Canada, the United Kingdom, Ireland and France, and franchise stores in Europe, Asia, Australia and Africa. In 2007, the interactive experience was enhanced - all the way to CyBEAR™ space - with the launch of buildabearville.com®, the company’s virtual world stuffed with fun. The company was named to the 2009 FORTUNE 100 Best Companies to Work For® list. Build-A-Bear Workshop (NYSE: BBW) St Louis MO posted total revenue of $468 million in fiscal 2008. For more information, call 888.560.BEAR (2327) or visit the company’s award-winning Web site at buildabear.com®.

Parental permission may be required to access buildabearville.com. Visit buildabearville.com for details.

49 Teams Submit design improvements for Gateway Arch grounds

admin — Tue, 02 Feb 2010 14:53:00 GMT

[stlouismo] - A total of 49 teams from the United States and seven foreign countries have entered the competition to design improvements to the Gateway Arch grounds and its connection to downtown.

The CityArchRiver 2015 Foundation announced Friday that the jury for the competition, known formally as "Framing a Modern Masterpiece: The City + The Arch + The River 2015," will meet next week to review the portfolios that were submitted by Thursday’s deadline.

On February 10, 2010 the jury expects to announce results of its review, including invitations to between eight and 10 entrants to assemble complete teams for the next part of the three-stage competition.

On February 18, 2010 an event for local contractors, minority, disadvantaged and women-owned businesses and others will be held at the Old Courthouse to meet with design teams to discuss their opportunities to take part in the project.

Other public events will include a chance to meet the designers in April and a public exhibition of the designs this summer.

Donald Stastny, manager of the competition, said he was "pleased by the level of interest we've received from very talented individuals and firms." Stastny is CEO of StastnyBrun Architects, Portland, Ore.

Attorney Walter Metcalfe, a member of the group that is governing the competition, added:

"We anticipated great interest in this competition, and we were right. The truly global nature of this competition is testament to Saarinen's masterpiece, the Mississippi River, St. Louis and the opportunity to weave it all together.

"Great design minds throughout the world were challenged to share their vision and imagination with us, and they were willing to do. I'm already looking forward to the ribbon-cutting on Oct. 28, 2015 - the 50th anniversary of the completion of the Arch."

Make the Right Call Super Bowl Sunday

admin — Tue, 02 Feb 2010 04:42:00 GMT

St Louis MO - Make the right call this Super Bowl Sunday by designating a sober driver before kicking off your Super Bowl festivities.

Super Bowl Sunday is one of America's largest and most entertaining national sporting events. It is also one of the most dangerous days on the roads, due to drinking and driving. This year, make the right call and help prevent unnecessary deaths and injuries.

"Designating a sober driver should be on the top of everyone's Super Bowl party list," said Leanna Depue, chair of the executive committee of the Missouri Coalition for Roadway Safety. "It's just one of several easy steps to ensure everyone will Arrive Alive at their destination."

Young males, ages 21 to 34, are most likely to be involved in automobile crashes, to drive while impaired and be among those least likely to wear their safety belts. Research also shows that the same group is the core audience for major sporting events like the Super Bowl.

Be a responsible St Louis MO Super Bowl host or guest by following these tips:

•·         Make sure all guests have a designated driver.

•·         Serve plenty of food and include soft drinks, juice and water.

•·         Stop serving alcohol at the end of the third quarter of the game.

•·         Have the numbers of local cab companies at hand.

•·         Take the keys away from anyone who is thinking of driving while impaired.

•·         Only serve alcohol to guests over 21 years of age.

Remember, St Louis MO Fans Don't Let Fans Drive Drunk. For more information, visit www.saveMOlives.com.

BUD SELECT 55 - 55 calories and 1.9g carbohydrates

admin — Tue, 02 Feb 2010 04:32:00 GMT

St Louis MO - Following its success in test markets, SELECT 55 - the lightest beer in the world - will launch nationwide on February 1, answering a growing demand among a segment of adult drinkers who are seeking lower-calorie alcohol beverages to complement their busy lifestyles.

Whether adult drinkers are looking for light refreshment after a busy day or if they simply enjoy delicious low-calorie foods and beverages, SELECT 55 offers an unparalleled clean, crisp flavor with fewer calories than any other beer currently available.

Hitting store shelves across the country as the football season draws to its dramatic close, SELECT 55 will receive a boost in initial awareness when it airs its first national TV ad during CBS' broadcast of Super Bowl XLIV.

"We'd be hard-pressed to find a better way to introduce millions of adult beer drinkers to the lightest beer in the world than to feature the brand as part of our Super Bowl ad lineup," said Keith Levy, vice president of marketing, Anheuser-Busch, Inc. of St Louis MO "We've been encouraged by the positive response SELECT 55 has received in test markets and are pleased to now offer it to consumers nationwide. Our Innovations and brewing teams have once again successfully collaborated to give the consumer what they want."

A smooth, light golden lager with 55 calories and 1.9g carbohydrates per each 12-ounce serving, SELECT 55 is made with caramel malts and a blend of imported and domestic hopping. Brewed to complement the full flavor of Budweiser SELECT, SELECT 55 features a unique recipe that gives the beer its crisp finish with aroma notes of toasted malt and subtle hopping.

SELECT 55's launch will be supported by an all-new Web site -- Select55.com -- that will provide a unique online community for adult beer drinkers, with daily news and updates via "The Lightest Blog in the World," and a place for fans of SELECT 55 to interact.

Brewed at Anheuser-Busch's Los Angeles, St Louis MO and Williamsburg breweries, SELECT 55 is available in 12-ounce, clear glass bottles in 6-, 12- and 24-packs, and 12-ounce aluminum cans in 12- and 18-packs.

Based in St Louis MO, Anheuser-Busch is the leading American brewer, holding a 49.2 percent share of U.S. beer sales. The company brews the world's largest-selling beers, Budweiser and Bud Light. Anheuser-Busch also owns a 50 percent share in Grupo Modelo, Mexico's leading brewer. Anheuser-Busch ranked No. 1 among beverage companies in FORTUNE Magazine's Most Admired Global Companies list in 2009. Anheuser-Busch is a major manufacturer of aluminum cans and one of the world's largest recyclers of aluminum cans. The company is a wholly-owned subsidiary of Anheuser-Busch InBev, the leading global brewer, and continues to operate under the Anheuser-Busch name and logo. For more information, visit www.anheuser-busch.com or www.Select55.com.

SOURCE Anheuser-Busch

Lovie Smith hires Mike Martz as Bears offensive coordinator

admin — Tue, 02 Feb 2010 04:24:00 GMT

The Chicago Bears hired former Rams head coach Mike Martz as their offensive coordinator on Monday.

Martz, who employed Bears head coach Lovie Smith as his defensive coordinator in St. Louis early last decade, replaces Ron Turner, who was fired after the season ended.

Martz was out of the NFL last year after serving as the 49ers' offensive coordinator in 2008 and the Lions' coordinator in 2006-07. He'll be tasked with tutoring Bears QB Jay Cutler, who disappointed in mounting a 7-9 campaign with an NFL-high 26 INTs in his first season after being traded from Denver.

His hiring comes after his former boss in St. Louis, Charlie Armey, said making Martz the Bears coordinator would be the "worst thing" that could happen to Cutler's development.

Mike Martz Bio -

Born: May 13, 1951, in Sioux Falls, S.D.

Age: 58 (Seven years older than his boss, Lovie Smith).

Family: wife, Julie, three sons, Chris, David and Tim, and a daughter, Emily.

Childhood: Moved with family to Stockton, Calif., at the age of 8 then moved to San Diego before the age of 10. Attended Madison High School in San Diego and played linebacker.

College: Played tight end for two seasons at San Diego Mesa Community College, then played at UC Santa Barbara in 1971 before transferring to Fresno State in 1972, when UCSB dropped football. Graduated summa *** laude from Fresno State in 1972.

First coaching job: Started as an assistant at Bullard High School in Fresno, Calif, in 1973.

Last coaching job: Was the San Francisco 49ers' offensive coordinator during the 2008 season but was fired after ex-Bear Mike Singletary was named the head coach. The two had clashes when Singletary was the interim head coach, although Martz helped resuscitate the 49ers' offense.

In between: (college assistant): San Diego Mesa 1974, 1976-77; San Jose State 1975; Santa Ana College 1978; Fresno State 1979; Pacific 1980-81; Minnesota 1982; quarterbacks and receivers coach at Arizona State from 1983-87 and Sun Devils' offensive coordinator in 1984, then from 1988-91.

(NFL): 1992-96, Rams: quarterbacks coach 1992-94, wide receivers coach 1995-96. 1997-98, Redskins quarterbacks coach. 1999-2005, Rams: offensive coordinator 1999, head coach 2000-05; 2006-07, Lions: offensive coordinator.

Head coaching record: 53-32 (six seasons with Rams).

Chinese ambassador to visit Missouri's State Capitol.

admin — Tue, 02 Feb 2010 04:19:00 GMT

St Louis MO - Zhou Wenzhong's visit to Jefferson City is part of an ongoing effort by Missouri officials to promote the development of a U.S.-Chinese air cargo hub at Lambert-St. Louis International Airport. The $40 million project includes plans to expand air cargo facilities at Lambert.

"I will continue to devote myself to this project, and I sincerely hope that this big idea will blossom into greater fruition at an early date," Zhou said at a press conference at Governor Jay Nixon's office.

Missouri Governor Jay Nixon told reporters the proposed air hub would benefit the entire Midwest as well as Missouri.

"We're centrally located in the United States we're in a unique opportunity to be with the growing, emerging, fast-growing economy of China, to be the leading spot for exporting Missouri goods and opening up trade opportunities both ways," [nixo] said.

Zhou is spending the night at the Governor's Mansion in Jefferson City. On Tuesday, he's scheduled to meet with Lt. Governor Peter Kinder and legislative leaders in St Louis MO.

Steve Ralston has signed with AC St. Louis

admin — Tue, 02 Feb 2010 04:10:00 GMT

St Louis, Missouri — Steve Ralston has signed with AC St. Louis of the new North American Soccer League after a 14-year career with Major League Soccer.

The 35-year-old St. Louis native signed Monday, becoming what the new league said was the first MLS player to join a non-MLS team. He will also serve as the club's assistant coach.

Team spokesman Tony Hubert said Ralston was an unrestricted free agent after eight seasons with the New England Revolution. Ralston is first in MLS games played with 378.

Ralston went to Oakville High School and Forest Park Community College in St. Louis before going to Florida International University.

The NASL was established in November with nine teams.

AC St. Louis is part of the North American Soccer League (NASL), which was established in November 2009 by the following teams: Carolina Railhawks, Crystal Palace Baltimore, Miami FC, Minnesota (name to be determined later), Montreal Impact, Rochester Rhinos, AC St. Louis, Tampa Bay Rowdies and Vancouver Whitecaps FC.

In 2010, the NASL's nine teams will partner with three teams from the United Soccer League (Austin Aztex, Portland Timbers and Puerto Rico Islanders) to form a second division league administered by the United States Soccer Federation.

UAW protests St. Louis Auto Show

Saint Louis MO — Sat, 30 Jan 2010 23:00:00 GMT

St Louis, Missouri - United Auto Workers protested outside the St. Louis Auto Show, which started today at the America’s Center downtown, after a judge denied their request to hand out fliers inside.

The United Auto Workers had wanted to protest inside the convention center and hand out fliers but was denied permission from the St. Louis Convention & Visitors Commission (CVC), which operates the convention center.

The union is protesting Toyota's plans to close the last auto plant in California this spring. The protest also coincides with Toyota's recent recall of eight models for sticking accelerator pedals.

The United Auto Workers then sought a temporary restraining order to pass out the fliers but a federal judge rejected that request so members protested outside. “They want to gain access to the building and say it’s a public building but when we have lessees, it becomes private and they can’t be disrupted,” said Donna Andrews, a spokeswoman for the CVC.

People are buying tickets and paying for the right to come in, said Kitty Ratcliffe, president of the CVC. "The license agreement provides for the quiet enjoyment of the space," she said.

St. Louis Francis Slay told the UAW that he supports the union’s — and every other group’s — right to protest lawfully, spokeswoman Kara Bowlin said. Slay also told the CVC that he supports their decision to exclude protesters from demonstrating inside the America’s Center complex or harassing their clients, she said.

The St. Louis Auto Show runs from today through Sunday and was organized by the St. Louis Auto Dealers Association and JD Events. About 400,000 people attended last year's show, said Chris Adelmann, executive vice president of the St. Louis Auto Dealers Association. "We're happy that we are not going to have any distractions," he said.

On Wednesday, St Louis, Missouri-based Enterprise Holdings said it was removing all of the Toyota cars affected by the recall from its North American rental fleets.

Six Flags in Eureka, Missouri hiring 3,000

Saint Louis MO — Sat, 30 Jan 2010 20:28:00 GMT

Six Flags St. Louis in Eureka, Missouri, is hiring more than 3,000 employees to fill positions for the 2010 season, which kicks off April 2, 2010.

The theme park said it saw a record number of applicants last year and is already seeing that trend continue this year with 40 percent more 2009 employees returning — the highest rate in nearly a decade and should boost the number of [jobs.

And it’s not just teens. Six Flags is seeing more adults who have been laid-off or are looking for second jobs, said spokeswoman Elizabeth Gotway.

Six Flags is hosting job fairs at the theme park February 6, 20, 27; March 6, 13, 20 and April 3, 10 and 17 from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. - New York-based Six Flags is working to exit bankruptcy in March.

The park offers St. Louis Jobs ranging from entry-level to seasonal management, including operators, lifeguards, cashiers, landscapers, front gate ticket takers, first-aid attendants, security officers, marketing/sales internships, finance, food service and retail positions.

There's no shortage of job opportunities at Six Flags St. Louis this season. Six Flags St. Louis has many exciting employment opportunities throughout the park. As a Six Flags Team Member, you'll be sure to enjoy a new adventure each and every day.

Washington University wins $13 million Gates Foundation health grant

Saint Louis MO — Sat, 30 Jan 2010 19:00:00 GMT

Washington University School of Medicine in St. Louis has received a five-year, $13 million grant from the Bill & Melinda Gates Foundation to help eliminate elephantiasis and river blindness. The parasitic diseases belong to a group of infections known as neglected tropical diseases, which collectively have a health impact comparable to HIV and malaria.

"This project will work to optimize treatments that already are being used to help hundreds of millions of people," says principal investigator Dr. Gary Weil, professor of medicine and of molecular microbiology at the School of Medicine, in a statement. "We have simple and cost-effective treatments for many neglected tropical diseases, and for a cost of about 50 cents per person we can alleviate a tremendous amount of human suffering and disability and potentially eliminate some of these diseases permanently."

The new project is informally called "Death to Onchocerciasis and Lymphatic Filariasis" (DOLF), after its two primary targets. It is believed to be the largest global health grant so far to the university.

Washington University School of Medicine's 2,100 employed and volunteer faculty physicians also are the medical staff of Barnes-Jewish and St. Louis Children's hospitals. Through its affiliations with Barnes-Jewish and St. Louis Children's hospitals, the School of Medicine is linked to BJC HealthCare.

High Speed Rail St. Louis to Chicago at 110 mph

Saint Louis MO — Sat, 30 Jan 2010 02:56:00 GMT

St Louis, Missouri - The White House today will announce the awarding of $1.1 billion in stimulus money for a high-speed rail corridor providing three round trips daily between St. Louis and Chicago at 110 miles per hour along most of the route.

In addition, Missouri will receive $31 million for eight projects intended to upgrade passenger rail service between St. Louis and Kansas City.

The announcement will be made in St Louis, Missouri this afternoon by Ed Montgomery, White House executive director for auto communities and workers. He is to be accompanied by Missouri Governor Jay Nixon, Rep. Russ Carnahan, D-St. Louis, and other political and transportation leaders.

The outlay is part of White House plans to award $8 billion for high-speed rail and related improvements across the country. President Barack Obama was to travel to Tampa, Fla., today to announce the grants, one of his administration's key initiatives.

The White House said in a statement Wednesday night that the government planned to fund 13 new large-scale, high-speed rail corridors across the country, likening the spending to President Dwight Eisenhower's commitment to interstate highways.

The $1.1 billion award for the St. Louis-to-Chicago line was a significant victory for the Midwest, achieved after months of fierce competition. The award covers the first phase of the project; the entire cost is estimated at about $4 billion. In addition, Illinois was scheduled to receive $134 million for smaller passenger rail improvements.

"This is a huge deal," Sen. *** Durbin, D-Ill., said in an interview. "It will be a real boost for economic development along the St. Louis-to-Chicago corridor, and we need it. Downstate Illinois has been struggling with 11 percent unemployment, and this comes at a great time."

Carnahan called the awards "big news" for St Louis, Missouri.

"Soon, area workers will be put to work building high-speed infrastructure connecting the two great cities of St. Louis and Chicago and dramatically improving the rail system between St. Louis and Kansas City," Carnahan said. "By connecting Missouri’s two largest economic engines to the rest of the Midwest with faster, more-efficient rail travel, we are making a down payment on the economic future of our region."

The outlay, however, may provide Republican critics more opportunities to complain about the administration's spending decisions.

Illinois officials did not have an immediate estimate on construction time for the entire project. Some segments will be completed first, meaning that trains will be able to achieve the maximum speeds only on portions of the St. Louis-to-Chicago route. A White House release said that the 110-mile-per-hour route ultimately would extend from Alton to Dwight, Ill., 75 miles southwest of Chicago.

The $31 million Missouri award is designed to prevent delays that are interrupting service in the St. Louis-to-Kansas City corridor. As it stands, passenger trains often must give way to freight trains along the route, leading to uncertainties in rail travel between Missouri's major cities.

"What this will do is create an integrated rapid-transit commuter service between Kansas City, St. Louis and Chicago that can yield economic development and jobs both short-term and long-term," said a congressional aide who requested anonymity because the award had not been officially announced Wednesday.

The awards mark a lobbying success for elected officials in Illinois and Missouri. Illinois Gov. Pat Quinn and Missouri Governor Jay Nixon worked in tandem to persuade the White House, saying that high-speed rail and other improvements would bolster the economies of the two states.

Late last year, Quinn pressed the case in meetings with Obama and top White House aides. And Carnahan, a member of the House Transportation Committee, lobbied Vice President Joe Biden and made personal appeals to Federal Railroad Administrator Joseph Szabo and Transportation Secretary Ray LaHood.

By November, the federal government had received nearly 50 applications from 24 states requesting more than $50 billion for high-speed rail awards in addition to more than 200 requests for billions in smaller projects.

White House officials said that in its first 40 years of construction, the interstate system increased the nation's productivity by one-fourth and accounted for more than 7 million jobs.

"This is a long-term venture in which states will need to plan projects, purchase and lay track, build and assemble equipment and construct or upgrade train stations, tunnels and bridges," the White House said in a release, noting that Spain spent two decades and $35 billion to build its high-speed rail system.

After learning of Illinois' award, Durbin was asked if having an Illinoisan in the White House was helpful. "Doesn't hurt," he said.

Source: stltoday.com

Missouri was awarded $31 million for high-speed rail projects

Saint Louis MO — Sat, 30 Jan 2010 02:30:00 GMT

St Louis, Missouri - Missouri was awarded $31 million for high-speed rail projects under the American Recovery and Reinvestment Act.

"We are very pleased. This is the best news we could have hoped for given the extreme competition for rail funding," said Brian Weiler, director of Multimodal Operations at the Missouri Department of Transportation. "We are excited to have funding for additional projects that will support jobs and carry on the momentum of building a faster and more reliable passenger and freight train service in Missouri and a stronger rail corridor across the Midwest."

The recovery act funding will be used for three shovel-ready projects that will support approximately 190 direct jobs:

•· a second rail bridge over the Osage River that will eliminate delays caused by a bottleneck, plus additional crossovers
that will reduce maintenance flexibility;

•· a universal crossover near the Kirkwood Amtrak station that will ease the flow of passenger train into and out of the St.
Louis area; and

•· safety improvements at several rail crossings, primarily west of Sedalia.

It will also fund preliminary engineering on six future improvement projects worth approximately $100 million, including double tracks between Lee's Summit and Pleasant Hill, a passing siding at Kingsville, a grade separation at Strasburg, a passing siding extension at Knob Noster and universal crossovers - a device that allows trains to crossover to another track in either direction - at Bonnots Mill and Hermann.

Missouri's success was part of a larger Midwest regional effort that, as a whole, captured $2.6 billion of the $8 billion in ARRA funds available for high-speed rail corridor improvements. The state consortium, known as the Midwest Regional Rail Initiative, is involved in an ongoing effort to develop and expand access to an improved passenger rail system in the Midwest. Besides Missouri, other participating states are Illinois, Indiana, Iowa, Michigan, Minnesota, Ohio, Nebraska and Wisconsin.

Michael Carter, Wentzville municipal court judge charged with DWI

admin — Sat, 30 Jan 2010 02:18:00 GMT

Michael E. Carter, 38, of the 800 block of Penny Lane in St. Peters, was charged Thursday in circuit court in St. Charles. He referred questions to his attorney, Travis Noble. Wentzville’s municipal court judge has been charged with misdemeanor driving while intoxicated and speeding.

St. Charles County Prosecutor Jack Banas said the evidence was sufficient to support the charges. Michael Carter, a Democrat, was elected municipal judge in Wentzville in April 2009.

Tickets written by a Missouri Highway patrol trooper say Carter was driving a 2008 Honda Ridgeline west on Interstate 70 near the Cave Springs exit just before 1 a.m. on Dec. 6. He was driving 16 mph over the speed limit, the trooper said.

Wentzville’s municipal judge is elected to a two-year term, but city officials want to change the judgeship to an appointed position. Lambi said a selection committee could vet appointed candidates carefully.

Aside from saying Carter was speeding and driving while intoxicated, the tickets contained little other information.

Noble said Carter was not swerving, weaving, drifting or showing other signs of intoxication as he was driving.

Noble said he did not believe his client was given the proper notification of Missouri’s implied consent law. In Missouri, drivers can lose their licenses for up to one year for refusing to submit to a test of their blood-alcohol levels.

Carter filed suit in civil court to challenge the allegation that he refused a breath test after he was stopped. A trial is scheduled in March for that case. The criminal charges are set for a hearing in April.

Wentzville Mayor Paul Lambi was unaware of the charges until contacted by a reporter today.

Municipal judges are overseen by the courts, not by their municipalities. If Carter is found guilty, he could be investigated by the Office of the Chief Disciplinary Counsel, which deals with attorneys, or the Commission on Retirement, Removal and Discipline of Judges. Both processes are confidential unless a report is forwarded to the state Supreme Court for action.

Before Carter’s 2009 election win, he unsuccessfully sought the Democratic nomination for lieutenant governor in 2008. He also ran for municipal judge in 2007 in St. Peters and a circuit court judgeship in 2006. He ran as a write-in candidate for a circuit judgeship in 2004 before he passed the bar exam.

Carter and students at the University of Missouri at St. Louis, where he was a business lecturer, resurrected a “time and temperature” phone line in 2006. He has used it to promote his law office and his candidacy

Bryan K. McMahon appointed as as Ray County prosecuting attorney

Saint Louis MO — Sat, 30 Jan 2010 01:59:00 GMT

St Louis, Missouri - Missouri Governor Jay Nixon today appointed Bryan K. McMahon (MAC-ma-hawn) as the prosecuting attorney for Ray County. Bryan McMahon has been serving as the interim county prosecutor since the appointment by Gov. Nixon of former Ray County Prosecuting Attorney James Carey Thompson as associate circuit judge.

McMahon, of Orrick, joined the prosecutor's office as an assistant prosecuting attorney in January 2009. He previously was in private practice in the Kansas City area and served as a public defender with the Missouri State Public Defender's Office. He is a graduate of the University of Kansas School of Law and of Washburn University.

"I am pleased to appoint Bryan McMahon as the Ray County prosecuting attorney, after he has served in that position on an interim basis," Missouri Governor Jay Nixon said. "His experience in this office will help him to ably serve the citizens of Ray County."

Kanas Jayhawks destroy Mizzou Tigers 84-65

Saint Louis MO — Tue, 26 Jan 2010 05:00:00 GMT

Jayhawks Marcus Morris scored 11 of his game-high 17 points in the decisive first half to lead No. 2 Kansas to an 84-65 victory against rival Missouri in Big 12 basketball action late Monday night.

Cole Aldrich registered a double-double with 12 points and 16 rebounds, while also adding seven blocked shots for the Jayhawks. Tyrell Reed came off the bench to match his career scoring high with 14. Missouri was led by Justin Stafford, who had 19 points, while Zaire Taylor added 11 for the visitors.

Kansas improved to 19-1 overall and 5-0 in the Big 12, while Missouri dropped to 15-5 and 3-2 in league play. The Jayhawks extended the nation’s longest home court winning streak to 54 consecutive games with the victory.

Kansas dominated the game defensively, as well as on the boards. KU held Missouri to just 28 percent shooting from the field and out-rebounded the Tigers 56-28. KU doubled the Tigers in points in the paint 36-18. An 11-2 Jayhawk run in the first half turned a 15-13 Kansas advantage into a 26-15 lead with eight minutes remaining. Safford hit a pair of free throws to pull Missouri within eight at 30-22 with 6:35 left in the period, but that would be as close as the Tigers would get the rest of the way.

KU closed the half on 15-5 run and took a 20-point margin (50-30) into the break. The Jayhawks dominated the first half statistically out-rebounding the Tigers 37-15 and shooting 51 percent from the floor while holding Missouri to just 25 percent shooting. Missouri forced KU into a season-high 23 turnovers, while committing just five miscues and out-scored the Jayhawks 18-4 in points off turnovers. But while MU attempted 11 more shots in the game, KU made nine more shots than the Tigers did.

Morris continued his recent scoring barrage as he has averaged 18.8 points and scored at least 16 points in each of the last five games. The sophomore hit six of 10 shots, while making five of six free throws. He also added nine rebounds in 24 minutes of action.

Aldrich flirted with a triple double as his seven blocks tied for the fifth-most in a game in KU history. The junior became the 15th player in Kansas history to record 700 career rebounds as he entered the night with 695.

Reed came off the bench and hit four of four three-point attempts to go along with an alley-oop tip-in. His 14 points matched his previous best vs. Siena last year.

KU led by as many as 28 points in the second half en route to its 11th straight victory against Missouri in Allen Fieldhouse. Kansas now leads the all-time series with its rival 168-94.

86 Percent of Missouri Roads Now in Good Condition

Saint Louis MO — Tue, 26 Jan 2010 04:54:00 GMT

St Louis, Missouri - According to new figures released by the Missouri Department of Transportation today, 86 percent of the state's busiest roads are now in good condition.

Road conditions in the Show Me State have been steadily improving since 2004 when only 47 percent of highways were in good condition. That year Missouri voters approved Amendment 3, which redirected some revenue back to roads and bridges.

"People tell me they know when they drive into Missouri because the roads get better. They used to tell me it was because the roads got worse," MoDOT Director Pete Rahn said.

MoDOT used the additional funding to make 2,200 miles of the state's most heavily traveled roads smoother and safer, accelerate 55 construction projects that are now complete and tackle 97 new projects that were years down the road.

Another factor contributing to the improved road conditions is MoDOT's Better Roads, Brighter Future program. Under this initiative, hundreds of miles of heavily traveled roads are getting smoother surfaces, wider stripes, brighter signs and paved shoulders.

"We have used the additional money from Amendment 3 to deliver smoother, safer roads on time and within budget," MoDOT Director Pete Rahn said.

However, MoDOT Director Pete Rahn said it will be difficult to keep state highways in good condition as funding for transportation decreases dramatically in the years ahead.

Peter Goll Named COO of Molina Healthcare of Missouri

Saint Louis MO — Tue, 26 Jan 2010 04:48:00 GMT

Peter Goll has worked for several companies in the health care industry, such as CIGNA, Aetna, National Medical Enterprises, UniHealth, Prospect Medical Holdings and Arcadian Health Plan & Management Services. His previous experience includes regional vice president for Arcadian Health Plan and Management Services, Senior Vice President of Prospect Medical Holdings and Regional Administrator for UniHealth. Goll holds a Bachelors degree in Health Care Administration and a Masters degree in Health Care Management.

Molina Healthcare of Missouri announced today that Peter Goll has been named Chief Operating Officer of its health plan, a subsidiary Molina Healthcare, Inc. (NYSE: MOH). In his new role, Goll will be responsible for managing all operational aspects of the company, including providing leadership and vision necessary to ensure effective organizational growth and financial strength. As chief operating officer, he will also oversee activities related to customer service, community outreach, appeals & grievances, provider contracts and provider services.

“Peter Goll has served in numerous leadership positions in the health care industry. His experience will be a great asset to our Missouri team,” said Joanne Volovar, president of Molina Healthcare of Missouri. “We are excited to have him on board and we look forward to his contributions as we continue to deliver quality health care services.”

Molina Healthcare, Inc. (NYSE: MOH) is a multi-state managed care organization that arranges for the delivery of health care services to persons eligible for Medicaid, Medicare, and other government-sponsored programs for low-income families and individuals. Altogether, Molina Healthcare's licensed health plan subsidiaries in California, Florida, Michigan, Missouri, New Mexico, Ohio, Texas, Utah, and Washington currently serve approximately 1.4 million members. More information about Molina Healthcare, Inc. and Molina Healthcare of Missouri can be obtained at www.molinahealthcare.com.