April 7, 2014 -- John Hoffmann's latest combined Town and Country/Chesterfield newsletter is now online for you to download and read. Among the stories in this edition:

OUT WITH THE OLD AND IN WITH THE NEW IN TOWN AND COUNTRY, WHILE CHESTERFIELD STAYS WITH THE OLD GUARD... BUSINESSES GOING AND COMING...A HINT OF A POSSIBLE CHANGE IN BOND RATINGS...T-FED ARRESTED AGAIN ...MONARCH FIRE DISRICT HAS NEW TURMOIL...HOPE YOU DON'T NEED TO BE RESCUED IN THE WATER IN CHESTERFIELD FOR AT LEAST SEVERAL MONTHS...PLUS LOT'S MORE.

ELECTION RESULTS: In Town and Country it was a bad night for incumbents. Pages 1-6

CHANGES AHEAD WITH NEW ALDERPERSONS: Pages 6-8

A BUSINESS IS LEAVING AND A NEW ONE COMING BY MIDDLE OF SUMMER: Pages 8 & 9

NEWS FROM THE FINANCE COMMISSION: A hint from the finance director, a member doesn't like cameras and a roads report. Pages 9-12

SEE TOWN AND COUNTRY'S NEW LAKE: Page 13

CHESTERFIELD: THE INCUMBENTS WON BY BIG MARGINS: Pages 13 & 14

ANOTHER BOOKING SHEET DOCUMENTING THE LIFE OF T-FED: Chesterfield's favorite Bad Boy is booked and fingerprinted again. Pages 15-17

A VERY BAD WEEK FOR THE FIRE UNION: It isn't was one thing it was another for Local 2665 all around the town. U. City officials apparently learned their lessons 36 years ago and are taking violations of policy by firefighters very seriously. Meanwhile in Chesterfield an old face is back on the command staff at Monarch. Pages 17-22

FIREFIGHTERS, UNION OFFICIALS, COMMAND STAFF AND ELECTED OFFICIALS ARE NOT IN A BIG HURRY TO PROVIDE THE SPEEDIEST RESPONSE FOR WATER RESCUES: Something at the end of Thursday's Monarch Fire District meeting amazed me. See what you think: Pages 22 & 23

REAL ESTATE: We look at a couple of the higher properties in the Snoburbia Journals. Pages 24 & 25

MUSIC: WE WENT TO A CONCERT WHERE THERE WAS NO BAR SERVICE ... AND CAN TELL YOU TO GO TO THE ONE THIS WEDNESDAY WITH BAR SERVICE: Get out and have a bite to eat and enjoy a big band. Pages 26 & 27

CARTOONS: Pages 27-31

THESE STORIES AND MORE IN JOHN HOFFMANN'S EX-ALDERMAN NEWSLETTER 124 AND UNAPPROVED CHESTERFIELD NEWSLETTER 69 COMBINED EDITION

April 7, 2014 -- John Hoffmann's latest combined Town and Country/Chesterfield newsletter is now online for you to download and read. Among the stories in this edition:

ALDERMAN PHIL BEHNEN HAS FEW CAMPAIGN CONTRIBUTIONS BUT ONE IS A BIG CONFLICT OF INTEREST:  Pages 7 & 8

FOUR TERM ALDERMAN BREAKING CAMPAIGN LAWS:  Phil the lawmaker is also Phil the lawbreaker...he should know better. Pages 10 & 11

THE MORE THE MAYOR PATS HIMSELF ON THE BACK THE MORE IT COSTS THE RESIDENTS: Read how when Jon Dalton tells everyone what a great job he is doing in the City newsletter it costs residents more. Page 1

QUEENY DOG PARK COMING THIS YEAR: There will be a 7-acre dog park with a separate area for smaller breeds at Queeny Park this year.  Read the details. Pages 1-5

SEE WHERE THE COPS DID NOT PATROL ALL DAY AND WHO IT AFFECTED. Pages 5 & 6

RESIDENT COMMITS SUICIDE AT DRACE PARK:Page 6.

FOLLOW THE MONEY...Town and Country Races: Pages 7 & 8

SIGNS, SIGNS EVERYWHERE THERE'S SIGNS Part 1: Pages 8-10

BIG CONTRASTS: The Ward 2 aldermanic race has an interesting big contrast. Page 10

WE LOOK AT SIGNS WE ARE SURE FRED MEYLAND-SMITH HATES: Pages 11 &12

THE TOWN AND COUNTRY ART SHOW YOU DON'T WANT TO TAKE THE KIDS TO: In case you have not had a chance to stop by the Longview House, we share some photos: Pages 12-14

CHESTERFIELD NEWS:

FOLLOW THE MONEY...Chesterfield Races: Pages .14-16

SIGNS, SIGNS, EVERYWHERE THERE'S SIGNS PART 2: Pages 17-19

CLARKSON VALLEY MAYOR DOESN'T LIKE CHESTERFIELD MAYOR'S NEWSLETTER: Pages: 19 & 20

WEST COUNTY SOLAR PANEL WARS:  Pages 21-25

UP JUMPS SRPING, SPRING CAN REALLY HANG YOU UP THE MOST AND IT MIGHT AS WELL BE SPRING:  Pass the snow shovel...three photos from the last three starts to spring. Pages 26 & 27

MUSIC:  Read what is upcoming and where we have been. Pages  27-29

CARTOONS:  30-34

THESE STORIES AND MORE IN JOHN HOFFMANN'S EX-ALDERMAN NEWSLETTER 123 AND UNAPPROVED CHESTERFIELD NEWSLETTER 68 COMBINED EDITION

March 31, 2014 -- John Hoffmann's latest combined Town and Country/Chesterfield newsletter is now online for you to download and read. Among the stories in this edition:

TOWN AND COUNTRY NEWS:

FIRE SAFETY IGNORED BY CITY CONTRACTOR:  Putting wood chips under charcoal b-b-q grills and next to wooden buildings might not be very smart. See photos Pages 1-3

FRED MEYLAND-SMITH LEADS CHARGE AGAINST A SIGN:  Fred who apparently hates most signs unless they are on Missouri Baptist Medical Center is screwing with another unsuspecting local business. Aldermen continue one request for a sign saying it might be an advertisement, while not realizing one they approved is part of a marketing scheme. Pages 3-7

SEX OFFENDER LEAVES TOWN AND MOVES TO WEBSTER GROVES: Former Chesterfield lawyer on the sex offender lists moves from Clayton Road to South Elm Ave. Page 7

2013 TOWN AND COUNTRY CRIME STATS AND POLICE ACTIVITY:  Pages 8-11

CITY TO SPEND $36,000 FOR NEW WEBSITE: Pages 11 & 12

WORK ON CONWAY ROAD GIRLS' GROUP HOME COMES TO A STOP: Pages 12-14

MORE TREES DISAPPEAR FOR NEW SUBDIVISION: page 14

ELECTION 2014:  We look at candidate mailers, signs and who suddenly for the first time ever has to run against somebody: Pages 15-18

CHESTERFIELD NEWS:

CHESTERFIELD SEX OFFENDERS:  While Town and Country got rid of its last resident on the Missouri sex Offender list, Chesterfield still has 13.  See who they are. Pages  19-22

CHESTERFIELD POLICE WAIT 5 DAYS TO TELL PUBLIC ABOUT KIDNAPPING AT CHESTERFIELD MALL: Pages 22-25

CUNNINGHAM BOWS OUT OF THE LAST RACE FOR 2014...MEANWHILE A WEST COUNTY LIAR AND POLITICAL JOKE FIRES A SHOT AT HER: Pages 25-27

MEDIA WATCH: Town and Style's Bill Beggs continues his campaign of misinformation. Pages 27 & 28

NY TIMES DOES THIRD STORY INVOLVING ST. LOUIS:  None of them are too positive...Pages 28 & 29

RFT BLOGGER CLEARLY IS NOT A ST. LOUISIAN: One story did her in.  Page 29

REAL ESTATE:  See what Chesterfield couple is trying to sell two houses. Pages 30-32

THE COSTCO LAUGH:  Pages  32 & 33

MUSIC:  Pages 33 & 34

CARTOONS: Pages 34-37

THESE STORIES AND MORE IN JOHN HOFFMANN'S EX-ALDERMAN NEWSLETTER 122 AND UNAPPROVED CHESTERFIELD NEWSLETTER 67 COMBINED EDITION

March 24, 2014 -- John Hoffmann's latest combined Town and Country/Chesterfield newsletter is now online for you to download and read. Among the stories in this edition:

IT'S A RITE OF SPRING...Mayor/cigarette lobbyist Jon Dalton lies about the city budget. Pages 1 & 2

2013 FIRE DISTRICT STATS FINALLY ARRIVE: Read what took so long and where the fire and EMS calls were in Town and Country in 2013. Pages 2-4.

POLICE ACTIVITY: Unlike the fire district, the police department seems to know exactly what it has been doing from month to month. Read the February stats...Page 5

ALDERMANIC CANDIDATE PASSED THE GOOD GOVERNMENT TEST: Linda Rallo is running against incumbent Phil Behnen for the Ward 4 seat on the Board of Alderman. Rallo had been the staff administrator for State Rep. Cole McNary for three years. We were sure we would find some lobbyist gifts going to Rallo during those three years. We were wrong. According to the Missouri Ethics Commission Rallo passed the good government test with flying colors...while her boss did not do so well. Pages 5 & 6

CHESTERFIELD NEWS:

AIR SHOW AND MALL MASS SHOOTING PLANNED FOR FIRST WEEKEND IN MAY: Sounds like the plot line for a Stanley Kubrick movie doesn't it? May 4 could be a hectic for fire and police personnel in Chesterfield. Page 7 & 8

CUNNINGHAM STAYING WITH A FIRE HELMET: After being courted by the County GOP to run for County Executive and being drawn by her inner-self to return to the Missouri Senate, Jane Cunningham announced she is not going to file to run for County Executive, but is still considering the Senate run. Pages 8 & 9

MORE MONARCH NEWS: Board of Directors are drug free...cash reserves drop and revenue flow stops. Pages 9 & 10

CHESTERFIELD CITY COUNCIL NOT VERY IRISH, EVEN FOR A DAY: Pages 10-12

CASEY CALLS OUT OPPONENT AT MEETING: Councilman Mike Casey asked the Mayor to speak on a topic at the last City Council meeting. The request was directed squarely at his opponent. Page 12

DUELING SALES TAX BILLS IN STATEHOUSE: Both would help Chesterfield, but one much more than the other. Pages 12 & 13

KAZEN VS CASEY: We look at the statements provided by each candidate to the League of Women Voters. Pages 13-15

OUR THANKS TO ANDY FOR A GOOD READ: Pages 15 & 16

THE BLUES COMES TO CHESTERFIELD: We find it is hard to get the blues in Chesterfield, but we try and find a reason nonetheless. Pages 17 & 18

SHOW-TOW OR SHOW-TOO? Two guys who I don't think know that much about St. Louis. Pages 18 & 19

RED LIGHT CAMERAS: What is needed to be done to make them fair across the state. Pages 19-22

THE EXPRESS SCRIPTS SHAKEDOWN: See what hometown Express Scripts did to make me mad. Pages 22-24

THE SATURDAY ANITA SHOW BACK AT SMITTY'S: Starting on March 29th at 2:30. Pages 24 & 25

QUATROS STUPIDOS ON A WINNING STREAK: Having fun playing trivia. Too lowbrow for Town and Country but not for Chesterfield. See where the weekly game is in Chesterfield: Pages 25 & 26

CARTOONS: Pages 26-32

THESE STORIES AND MORE IN JOHN HOFFMANN'S EX-ALDERMAN NEWSLETTER 121 AND UNAPPROVED CHESTERFIELD NEWSLETTER 66 COMBINED EDITION

March 17, 2014 -- John Hoffmann's latest combined Town and Country/Chesterfield newsletter is now online for you to download and read. Among the stories in this edition:

DALTON MOVES TO THIRD LAW FIRM IN 11 YEARS: Mayor/Cigarette Lobbyist Jon Dalton has changed law firms again. Plus read why no law firm should want Dalton. Page 1-3

DALTON REPRESENTS BUSINESS TRYING TO BUILD IN TWO SUBURBAN COMMUNITIES THAT HE VOTED DOWN IN TOWN AND COUNTRY: It is the case of the greedy double face. Pages 3 & 4

THE HOUSE WHERE PEOPLE CHARGED WITH FELONIES GO TO DIE: See what a ranch house in the Thornhill Estates subdivision has in connection with getting felony cases dismissed. Mom who tried to kill her kids is just the most recent of the infamous to die in the house. Pages 4-6

DEER ACCIDENT FOR FEBRUARY: There was only one. Page 6

HERE TO TODAY...GONE TOMORROW: The latest original T&C house to bit the dust. Page 7

PLANNING AND ZONING VOTES DOWN SOLAR PANELS: There were on the wrong side of the roof...the side that gets the most sun. Pages 7-9

ROOF DAMAGE: See where the city has been ignoring some roof damage to public buildings, Pages 10 & 11

NOW OPEN: It has been open for a month now...but spring plantings can't come soon enough. Page 11

CHESTERFIELD NEWS

REMINDER: HIGHWAY 40 TO BE CLOSED SOON FOR WEEKEND: Page 12

PUBLIC WORKS COMMITTEE DECLARES A PUBLIC ENEMY NUMBER ONE: See who the culprits are. Pages 12 & 13

PLANS FOR NEW SUBDIVISION BEFORE PLANNING AND ZONING: See where and how many homes are planned. Pages 13 & 14

MORE STORES FOR ONE OUTLET MALL: New plans filed with city to build more retail space. Pages 14 & 15

A VOCABULARY CHANGE: Read which councilperson has changed their vocabulary when discussing amendments to bills drafted by the staff. Page 15

CITIZEN OF THE YEAR TO BE ANNOUNCED ON MONDAY: Read who will get the award as we continue to plug our own citizen of the year. Pages 15 & 16

COURT CASE UPDATE: The Little Old Wine Stealer. Pages 16 & 17

The Smitty's Bartender Slasher: Page 17

MONARCH NEWS: Rick Gans adds to last week's newsletter. Pages 17 & 18

Jane Cunningham: From a press release that smells like a staged event we turn into a fashion event: Pages 18 & 19

TWO FOR ONE: Jane is talking about running for County Executive and continuing to hold the Monarch job. We doubt she could win the race, we think that holding two elected positions isn't legal and point out just a few of the conflict of interest. Pages 19 & 20

DEMOCRAT'S BILL ATTACKING CUNNINGHAM CAN ONLY BACKFIRE: In the long tradition of the Missouri House read what stupid bill was introduced by a Democratic State Rep. It was filed to attack Cunningham but only makes the state rep look like an idiot. Page 20 & 21

READ WHO GETS THE BIGGEST PAYCHECK IN ALL 50 STATES: Page 22

REAL ESTATE: Check out the highest price of any real estate in last week's Ladue News, then tell me exactly who in Ladue would be ready to move. Pages 22 & 23

Be Happy Where You Are: We look at the housing prices in DC snoburbia Maryland suburbs where I used to work. Pages 23 & 24

THE PREMATURE DEATH OF MY WIFE RESULTS IN A PASTA DINNER: Page 24

OBIT: We remember the weatherman who we still quote today. Page 25

MUSIC: The Air Force Big Band has a new way to find terrorists and Canadians at a concert. Read how. Pages 26 & 27

CARTOONS: Pages 27 to 30

THESE STORIES AND MORE IN JOHN HOFFMANN'S EX-ALDERMAN NEWSLETTER 120 AND UNAPPROVED CHESTERFIELD NEWSLETTER 65 COMBINED EDITION

March 10, 2014 -- John Hoffmann's latest combined Town and Country/Chesterfield newsletter is now online for you to download and read. Among the stories in this edition:

FELONY DWI ARRESTS ARE UP FOR 2014 IN TOWN & COUNTRY: The first of the year started with back-to-back arrests of two drivers for felony DWI (3^rd or more DWI). Apparently instead of fewer problem drunk drivers early stats are showing more. Pages 1 & 2

SOLAR PANEL FLARE UP: The Battle of Who has to Look at the Solar Panels that dated back to 2010 has resurfaced. A resident's alderpersons ignore her but an alderman from the other side of town comes to her aid. Pages 2 & 3

SO MUCH FOR BEING A TREE CITY: Pages 3 & 4

TOWN AND COUNTRY PLANNING DIRECTOR TO RETIRE: Sharon Rothmel's last day at City Hall will be in April. Page 4

HOUSE ON MASON ROAD BADLY DAMAGED IN FIRE: Page 4

T&C POLICE DETECTIVES MAKE A QUICK BURGLARY ARREST: Read where the crime was, who did it and how the property was recovered. Page 5

CANDIDATE MAKES AN EARLY MAILING: We look at what she had to say and it wasn't much. Pages 5 & 6

FOLLOW THE MONEY: We review the first campaign finance reports from T&C candidates. One is getting a lot of money, just as we had predicted. Pages 7 & 8

OUR GOAL IS TO FIND OUT HOW MANY CALLS THE FIRE DISTRICT ANSWERED IN 2013 ... THEY APPARENTLY DON'T KNOW: You would think a government agency would keep track of their work. That is apparently not the case when dealing with the West Co. EMS & Fire Protection District. Pages 8 & 9

CHESTERFIELD NEWS:

HARDBALL MOVE OF KILLING PROPOSED SUBDIVISION GETS DEVELOPER'S ATTENTION: After four councilmen and the mayor voted to kill a proposed subdivision by a local builder, suddenly the builder found more money to maintain a cemetery, Pages 10 & 11

THE BATTLE OF THE CHIROPRACTORS CONTINUE: Read the latest and see if you can help find a new name for the alumni association. Pages 11 & 12

CHESTERFIELD ARTIST APPEALS LOSS OF HIS STUDIO: Don Wiegand continues a legal fight to keep his studio as he continues to lose. Page 12

HIT AND RUN DRIVER IS NOW CHARGED IN THE SNOW COVERED SIDEWALK CASE: Police release news of how long victim was in snow drift, as businesses, a church and the Monarch Fire District refused to shovel their sidewalks. Page 13

MONARCH FIRE PRESIDENT COMPARES MONARCH FIREFIGHTER SALARIES TO THOSE IN NEW YORK CITY: We then compare them to districts and departments around here. Pages 14-16

FIRE BOARD AND UNION NEGOIATIONS BREAK OFF: Robin Harris claims fire union is not being realistic or serious in negotiating a new contract. Pages 16 & 17

CITY COUNCIL CANDIDATE IS A LITTLE OFF: Andy Kazen who is running against Mike Casey for the Ward 3 Council seat and is a little off on his campaign about sales tax revenue. A little off is being kind. He is waaaaaaay off. Pages 18 & 19

CUNNINGHAM IS COURTED AND IS LOOKING BACK AT THE GOOD OLD DAYS: Former senator Jane Cunningham was interviewed by the County GOP as a possible viable candidate for County Executive and might be looking at a return to Jefferson City. Frankly we think she is doing too much good in her current office to leave. Pages 19 & 20.

FOLLOW THE MONEY CHESTERFIELD STYLE: We looked at or for the 40-day before election reports at the Ethics Commission and the county Board of Elections. We didn't find much. Pages 20 & 21

ADAM PAUL FILES TO FLEE ELLISVILLE FOR CLAYTON: Pages 21 & 22

LOBBYIST GIFTS ... SUE ALLEN BEATS JOHN DIEHL IN TAKING FREE FOOD: Who would have thought! Also see which local representatives took nothing from weasel lobbyist in January. Pages 22 & 23

REAL ESTATE: We go back out to the Meth Capital of America for another very expensive pad. Pages 23-25

FOOD: BEST HOT CHOCOLATE ... this is no lie. Page 25

RESTAURANT REVIEW NOT KIND TO DALTON'S BIG DEAL PLACE: I like two things when I was there, but nothing else. The Post-Dispatch food critic only liked one thing at the new T&C restaurant. Page 26

MUSIC: Free Concert at Touhill Concert Hall ... See your tax money at work entertaining you. Page 26

The dangers facing trumpet players in everyday life! Page 27

Chesterfield singer sits-in in little Bohemia: Pages 27-28

CARTOONS: Pages 28-34

THESE STORIES AND MORE IN JOHN HOFFMANN'S EX-ALDERMAN NEWSLETTER 119 AND UNAPPROVED CHESTERFIELD NEWSLETTER 64 COMBINED EDITION

March 3, 2014 -- John Hoffmann's latest combined Town and Country/Chesterfield newsletter is now online for you to download and read. Among the stories in this edition:

DALTON ADMITS TO 27 ETHICS VIOLATIONS: The Missouri Ethics Commission found that Town and Country Mayor/Cigarette Lobbyist Jon Dalton was guilty of 27 Violations of Missouri Statues concerning the filing of campaign finance records. Read what Dalton's excuse was. Pages 1-3

CLICK HERE TO DOWNLOAD THE ETHICS COMMISSION'S FINDINGS AND CONSENT ORDER

JANUARY POLICE STATS See what the T&C police were up to in January! Page 3

10 MINUTE COLD FRONT BLOWING THROUGH CREATES 225 CALLS OVER NEXT 105 MINUTES AT DISPATCH CENTER: City Administrator Gary Hoelzer laid out what havoc a cold front with strong straight line winds caused by the number of calls to the police dispatch center. Page 3

UPDATES ON WIFE KILLER AND MIDNIGHT DRUNK BURGLAR: Page 4 & 5

WOMAN POLICE OFFICER'S SEXUAL HARRASMENT LAWSUIT SETTLED: The lawsuit listing the sexual harassment directed at the lone female Town and Country Police Officer has been settled. Unfortunately I don't think anyone from the mayor on down said they were sorry. Pages 5 & 6

REVENUES DOWN IN 2013 FOR LONGVIEW PARTY/MEETING HOUSE: Revenues for Longview House rentals dropped 27% in 2013. Page 6

MAYOR IS GONE AND ALDERMEN MAKE ALDERMANIC PRESIDENT MAD: Alderwoman Lynn Wright was running the last Board of Aldermen meetings and she wasn't happy. Read why. Pages 6-8

ALDERMAN GIVES NEW BUSINESS AN UNUSUAL WELCOME: Alderman Tim Welby had an unusual way of helping a new business in his ward. Pages 8 & 9

CHESTERFIELD NEWS pages 9-17

CITY COUNCIL CANDIDATE QUESTIONS OUR USE OF A WORD AND OF A TV CHARACTER: However the Merriam-Webster's dictionary seems to back me up on the word. Readers will decide on the use of the TV character. He accused me of skewing "old." Pages 9-12

THIS NEWSLETTER BECAME AN AGENDA ITEM AT A CITY COMMITTEE MEETING: Read what committee and what newsletter. Pages 12-14

EVICTION AND LAWSUIT AT LOGAN ... PLUS WE ARE AMAZED AT WHO IS THE PRESIDENT OF THE BOARD OF TRUSTEES: Even if your back and neck feel great, you might find this interesting. Pages 14-17

THE ACTION OF SOMEONE IN ELLISVILLE SUPPORTS MY THEORY ON WHAT WEST COUNTY REPUBLICIANS HAVE TO DO TO GET RID OF CHARLIE DOOLEY: The man who cost Ellisville over $100,000 and counting and is also facing a personal lawsuit and who lied to citizens thinks he ought to be County Executive. If this is what the Republican Party has, Republicans are going to have to take Democratic ballots in the August primary if they hope to vote Charlie Dooley out of office. Pages 17-19

TURNS OUT THE BAD MOM WASN'T DUI AND LIGHTING OFF FIREWORKS ... SHE WAS TRYING TO KILL HERSELF AND SONS TO IMPRESS FORMER BOYFRIEND: Read a requirement set by the judge in case Kara Koriath makes bond before trial. Pages 20-22.

MUSIC: Great band ... not so great singer. Pages 22 & 23

CARTOONS: Pages 23 & 24

THESE STORIES AND MORE IN JOHN HOFFMANN'S EX-ALDERMAN NEWSLETTER 118 AND UNAPPROVED CHESTERFIELD NEWSLETTER 63 COMBINED EDITION

February 24, 2014 -- John Hoffmann's latest combined Town and Country/Chesterfield newsletter is now online for you to download and read. Among the stories in this edition:

COOLEST DRUNK DRIVER HAS PROBATION REVOKED AND A WARRANT ISSUED: If the judge would look at some of the photos Faith Raymer is posting on social media since she has been on probation her entire sentence might be imposed. Pages 1-4

OLD MAN WINTER DEEPENS CITY'S DEFICIT: Page 4

TOWN AND COUNTRY PARKS COMMISSION MEETS: For the first time in 120 days the city's Parks Commission met. Unfortunately 120 days was not enough time for the person who keeps the minutes to get her October notes typed up! Read about the Horse Therapy contract, more on the Trova sculptures which turned out to be the same as in October. Pages 4-9

CHESTERFIELD NEWS: SUBDIVISION REZONING IS VOTED DOWN: Developer gets $360,000 concession but won't put $20,000 in a trust fund to maintain a cemetery. Pages 10-12

GREEWOOD VOTES FOR COMMON SENSE ... REST OF COUNCIL VOTES TO HIRE A LOBBYIST FOR $60,000: Pages 12-14

ARTIST FORGETS ABOUT KING LOUIE IX, BUT REMEMBERS THE HORSE: Pages 15 & 16

HIT AND RUN MANSLAUGHTER SUSPECT RELEASED: The woman from the Rover Bend subdivision was released after her arrest when the prosecutor's office wanted more evidence. Page 16

THE MISSOURI SENATE IS TRYING TO DENY THE CONSTITUTIONAL RIGHTS OF A GROUP OF INDIVIDUALS: See who. Pages 16-18

MEDIA WATCH: See what two former Patch.com editors are doing. STOP THEIF! Page 18

Where's April? Page 19

REAL ESTATE: Are you ready to spend $3.35 million for a Fenton address? Pages 19 & 20

FOOD: We find the cheapest way to experience an overpriced restaurant. Pages 21 & 22

A NEARBY EXPENSIVE DELI DID BRING BACK FOND MEMORIES OF A 1960s TV AD CAMPAIGN: Pages 22 & 23

Look at the ads here now:

WE CHECK OUT TWO NEW CHANGES IN RESTAURANTS ON CHESTERFIELD AIRPORT ROAD: Pages 23-25

MUSIC: Visits at some of our favorite places. Page 25

CARTOONS: Pages 26 & 27

THESE STORIES AND MORE IN JOHN HOFFMANN'S EX-ALDERMAN NEWSLETTER 117 AND UNAPPROVED CHESTERFIELD NEWSLETTER 62 COMBINED EDITION

February 17, 2014 -- John Hoffmann's latest combined Town and Country/Chesterfield newsletter is now online for you to download and read. Among the stories in this edition:

LONG TIME DEMOCRAT ACTIVIST AND LOCAL KOOK SUPPORTING CHALLENGER FOR BOARD OF ALDERMAN: Mariette Palmer (left) sent out the invites to a campaign kickoff that were signed by Al Gerber's wife for Amy Anderson, who is challenging incumbent Chick Lenz in Town and Country. Read the details pages 1-3

GEOGRAPHY LESSON: Either Amy Anderson is not sure where the city limits are or she just likes to include pretty photos of buildings not in Town and Country on her campaign website. Also she wants to wear the hat of real estate agent and find a tenant for a building that already has one making monthly payments. Pages 3 & 4

DEER ACCIDENTS FOR JANUARY: See where the January deer-car crashes in Town and Country were. Page 4

SERIAL DRUNK DRIVER SENTENCED: She (right) was on probation with a 6-month jail term stayed for another DWI when she pled guilty to a felony DWI. She is now on double secret probation, getting a second probation term. Read the details, including her BAC level and the fact that she had self over-medicated with powerful pills while driving almost three times over the legal limit. Pages 5 & 6

BUSINESSES AND GOVERNMENT AGENCIES MADE SNOW EVENTS DEADLY FOR PEOPLE WALKING: People who come out and work for low wages in West County should not expect local government or local businesses to make it unsafe for them to wait for a bus. Read about this and the lady wanted in a fatal Chesterfield hit and run. Pages 6-9

CHESTERFIELD DOG THIEF NOT NEW TO THE COURT SYSTEM: We take a look at Shelly Renee Hess (left) after she was charged with stealing puppies from pet stores. Pages 9-12

ANDY KAZEN AND ELLIOT GRISSOM ARE ONLY CANDIDATES SO FAR TO USE INTERNET OR SOCIAL MEDIA: From what Andy Kazen wrote on his FB page, we are not sure if he is running for school board, the fire district or city council. But at least he has something out there. Pages 12 & 13

MONARCH FIRE DISTRICT FIRE CALLS FOR 2013: Good news is the fire district is not using much water! In 2013 Monarch firefighters responded to 73, trash dumpster, grass and car fires. They also went to 38 fires inside structures, most associated with out of control cooking events. For a district with 5 fire stations and over 100 firefighters, this is not a lot of work. Luckily the EMS calls give them something to do. Pages 13 & 14

MONARCH PASSES TWO NEWS POLICIES: Firefighters and paramedics found under the influence of illegal drugs will not be fired for a first offense. However under the new policy there will not be a third offense. Also the Kelly Days issue is settled. Pages 14 & 15

NEW WHOLE FOODS TYPE STORES COMING TO THE AREA: See where two new stores that will compete with Whole Foods are going to locate. Page 16

SNOBURBIA LAWYER AT WHITE HOUSE: One St. Louis Lawyer and his wife were present at the recent State Dinner at the White House. See who. Page 17

REAL ESTATE: See what $8.9 million will get you these days. Pages 17 & 18

THE PARTY: See photos from our February 10 party and check out the link to some of the entertainment. Pages 18-20

DON'T MISS: This Wednesday big band and great vocalists at the Kirkwood Station Brewery. Page 20

MEET THE BEATLES IN STOCKHOLM: check out the Beatles in 1963 on a teenage Bandstand type show in Sweden. Page 21

CARTOONS: pages 21-26

THESE STORIES AND MORE IN JOHN HOFFMANN'S EX-ALDERMAN NEWSLETTER 116 AND UNAPPROVED CHESTERFIELD NEWSLETTER 61 COMBINED EDITION

February 11, 2014 -- This edition of the Combined Newsletters features DEER and MUSIC, plus accidents, another rezoning battle involving the dead, Chesterfield hiring a tobacco lobbyist, how the acronym for STORE HIGH IN TRANSIT was used at a recent city council meeting, police parking, the real estate section and lots of music video links.

2014 DEER HARVEST REPORT IS IN: Read how many deer were shot in one week in January in Town and Country. Also read the estimated deer population rate. It is creeping toward 50 per square mile instead of down toward 20 per square mile. Read where the deer were shot and where they are still walking around. Pages 1-7

GUESS WHO IS AT FAULT: Just after the snow started falling on Tuesday February 4 there was an accident on I-270 south of Clayton Road. We took a photo of the accident scene and ask you to guess who was at fault. Pages 7 & 8

SUMMER & WINTER: See a photo that shows for some things the seasons don't matter. Page 9

CHESTERFIELD CITY COUNCIL VOTES TO HIRE TOBACCO LOBBYISTS: Read who was hired, for how much and for what reason. Pages 9-12

BIG ST. LOUIS EVENT MOVING TO CHESTERFIELD? Maybe for this event we should change the city's name to Cheddarfield. Page 12-14

NEW SUBDIVISION FOR SCHOETTLER AND CLAYTON ROADS REACHES COUNCIL: The rezoning and subdivision bills for Schoettler Grove have reached the City Council but they are not close to being ready for passage. Read about the plans and the problems. Pages 15 & 16

CONNIE DROPS THE "S" BOMB: It was originally an acronym used in shipping back in the days when livestock and cargo where shipped together in sailing ships. It stood for Store High In Transit. It was so the cargo would not be damaged by manure or urine from the livestock. Over the years the definition has changed. A councilwoman inadvertently used it in a recent meeting. Pages 16 & 17

POLICE PARKING: See the photo of an excellent job of Police Car parking in Chesterfield. Page 17

MEDIA WATCH: KSDK and KMOV ruin a perfectly good snow day. Read how! Pages 17 & 18.

One 1960s and 70s anchor man is entered into the St. Louis Media Hall of Fame, but where is the other one? Page 18 & 19

REAL ESTATE: The highest price tag for a home in Town and Style Magazine last week wasn't even around here. Page 19

HERE COME THE MUSIC STARTING WITH THE BEATLES: The Fab Four arrived on the Ed Sullivan Show in 1964 and at Busch Stadium in 1966 but see them perform on British TV before the Queen in 1963. Page 20 or see it now by clicking here now:

GET OUT OF THE WINTER BLAHS: St. Louis jazz pianist Herb Drury included at the end of his Christmas album the song, "Pick Yourself Up." He said he did it because he knew there were people who got depressed in the winter time and especially around Christmas. With week after week of frigid snowy weather we took Herb's advice. Here are some pretty good versions of "Pick Yourself Up." You can find these in the newsletter or just click on them below and watch and listen now:

Here are the Mike Samm singers from a British Variety Show:

The next is Mel Torme from a live performance. This is a great clip!

Diana Krall picks herself up at a little slower tempo.

Here are two clips with Fred and Ginger. The first is of them signing and the second is them dancing to the same song:

And finally here is my favorite instrumental version by Nashville jazz pianist Beegie Adair:

CARTOONS: Pages 24 & 25

THESE STORIES AND MORE IN JOHN HOFFMANN'S EX-ALDERMAN NEWSLETTER 115 AND UNAPPROVED CHESTERFIELD NEWSLETTER 60 COMBINED EDITION

February 4, 2014 -- THIS IS ANOTHER COMBINED TOWN AND COUNTRY/CHESTERFIELD NEWSLETTER. The Town and Country News is on Pages 1-5. Chesterfield News can be found on Pages 5-11.

SEE WHAT CANDIDATES IN THE CITY ELECTION ACTUALLY VOTE IN CITY ELECTIONS: In Town and Country, both challengers have trouble getting to the polls in April. Page 1

RIGHT: The polls can be a lonely place in April.

HOUSE BOUGHT BY SCHOOL: Read what house was purchased by a new school for the president and headmaster of the school. Page 2

NEW CLIENTS AND NEW CONFLICTS FOR MAYOR: There is more interesting news around Mayor Jon Dalton's client list in Jefferson City. The official list and the unofficial list! Pages 2-4

DEER NEWS: The lethal deer harvest has been over for two weeks, but the city says the contractor has not filed the final report yet. Pages 4 & 5

CHESTERFIELD NEWS: LOW VOTER TURNOUT: The ability to find their way to a polling place in April is especially bad in Chesterfield for the candidates trying to defeat the incumbents. I even wrote a song about one of them. Pages 5-8

MONARCH'S NEW TRANSPARENT FINANCES ON WEBSITE ARE UNIQUE: We looked at the Monarch's new addition to their website and found it remarkable. The salaries were truly amazing. Pages 9 & 10

ROCKWOOD SCHOOL BOARD HAS FIVE VYING FOR THREE SPOTS: It may be the girls against the "Good Old Boys." One candidate got a lesson in dirty local politics in 2013. Pages 10 & 11

THE POLICE CHIEF'S FINAL DAYS: It was quite a going out for County Police Chief Tim Fitch. If you are County Executive Charlie Dooley maybe Chief Jerry Lee who you forced out in 2009 wasn't so bad after all. Pages 12 & 13

IT ONE THING TO RIP OFF THE RICH ... A POOR FARM COMMUNITY IS SOMETHING ELSE: We looked at former Ladue banker Shaun Hayes (right) who the FDIC has ordered can no longer even be a janitor at a bank after the FDIC had to cough up $43,000,000. One lawsuit filed from a western Missouri rural bank hit home for me. Pages 13-15

A MAN WALKS INTO A BAR ... The question is, are they subterranean creatures, zombies or aliens? Page 16

MEDIA WATCH: Say Goodbye to the rest of patch.com. Pages 16-18. Look who doesn't know where it is in West County! This time it is not Bill Beggs! Page 18.

MIZZOU SWIMMER'S DEATH AND GANG RAPE COULD PUT UNIVERSITY ON SAME LEVEL AS PENN STATE: Page 18

A DEATH IN THE NATION'S CAPITOL: A story out of Washington, DC that makes you wonder how screwed up things really are. It also explains why there is an ambulance at the Capital Building just for Congresspersons and Senators. Pages 19-21

MUSIC: ELLA AND DEAN: We have a clip from 1966, the first season of the Dean Martin Variety Show on NBC featuring a duet by Dean and America's greatest female vocalist. Plus there is a bit where Ella Fitzgerald joins Dean and Gordon McRae on some Western songs. The link is in the article or you can watch it right here by clicking on play below.

START VALENTINE'S WEEK EARLY AND AVOID THE CROWDS: See where we will be and you can too. It's the 191 Night at the 119. Page 22 & 21

CARTOONS: Pages 23-25

THESE STORIES AND MORE IN JOHN HOFFMANN'S EX-ALDERMAN NEWSLETTER 114 AND UNAPPROVED CHESTERFIELD NEWSLETTER 59 COMBINED EDITION

January 29, 2014 -- COMBINED NEWSLETTER: Town and Country news starts on Page 1 and goes to Page 8. Chesterfield news takes over on Page 8 to Page 12. It is then regional news, another real estate section, music and the cartoons.

BJC SURGERY CENTER FOR KIDS AT THE OLD HIGHWAY PATROL HQ PASSES
Only one alderman voted against the developers. Read about the show before the vote, including some insults from the dais. Pages 1-6

$200 AN HOUR FOR CITY JUDGE NOT ENOUGH
The Town and Country judge is getting a raise. He was making about $200 an hour. He is now making $250 an hour. Read which alderman wanted to give him more and the mayor&rsquos comment. Page 7

RULES APPARENTLY DON'T APPLY TO ONE PERSON
The rule to hold your remarks to 3 minutes where the city uses a "countdown clock" is used for all speakers before the Board of Aldermen ... with one exception. Page 7 & 8

FIRE DISTRICTS CONTINUE THREAT TO LEAVE DISPATCH CENTER IN ELLISVILLE
Three more fire districts passed resolutions to leave the ownership group of Central County E-9-1-1. Read which ones. Pages 9 & 10

CUNNINGHAM WALKS OUT OF FIRE DISPATCH MEETING IN PROTEST
The Monarch Director keeps up the heat on Fire Union during contract negotiations, but sticks up for Fire Union employees at dispatch center. Page 10

MONARCH FIRE CHIEF'S CONTRACT UP IN 11 MONTHS
Will Tom Vineyard be around next year? Page 11

BOY SCOUT TOUGH ... NOT BEST DRESSED, BUT TOUGH
The boys of Scout Troop 505 are tough. First one grabs a wireless microphone out of the hands of the mayor and another is wearing shorts and no socks on a below freezing night. Page 12

MEDIA WATCH
KSDK may get a break on Kirkwood HS fiasco thanks to the Olympics. Page 13
A Post-Dispatch editor has tough time on knowing the difference between cars and airplanes. Pages 13 & 14

APPOINTMENTS TO ELECTION BOARD GO THROUGH
More bad news for the citizens of St. Louis County ... the two terrible nominees of Gov. Nixon to the St. Louis County Elections Board were approved by the Senate. Page 14

REAL ESTATE
We look at three properties in Snoburbia on the market. See which ones: Pages 15-17

PURINA BRINGS BACK BRAND ASSOCIATED WITH KILLING DOGS ... THE ST. LOUIS COMPANY WILL CONTINUE TO MAKE DOG TREATS IN CHINA
Read why I think Purina is making a big mistake and what they should be doing instead. Page 17

MUSIC:

LAST WEEK
Photos from the Dave Dickey Big Band Concert ... Anita has another SRO afternoon at Smitty's. Pages 17 & 18

NEXT WEEK
Special performance on Feb 10 of popular "make you laugh" musicians and singers. Page 19

A LOOK BACK AT FOLK SINGERS
Lefties without long hair! Pages 19 & 20

CARTOONS: Pages 20-23

THESE STORIES AND MORE IN JOHN HOFFMANN'S EX-ALDERMAN NEWSLETTER 113 AND UNAPPROVED CHESTERFIELD NEWSLETTER 58 COMBINED EDITION

January 23, 2014 -- For the second week in a row we had so much of the same material for both newsletters that we decided to combine them.

Town and Country News: Pages 1-8

IT WASN'T SANTA ... A 2AM burglar was arrested after homeowners had barricaded themselves in a bathroom and called police. He threw a piece of patio furniture through door. Read the frightening details of this December crime. Pages 1 & 2

2014 DEER MANAGEMENT COMES TO AN END: $40,000 just doesn't go as far as it used to. Page 2

LAST MINUTE FILINGS GIVES T&C TWO APRIL CAMPAIGN RACES: Pages 2-4

NEW DENTIST OFFICE GETS VARIANCE TO BE BETWEEN PIZZA AND PASTA JOINTS: Pages 4 & 5

SPECIAL NEEDS SCHOOL GETS VARIANCE ON SOUTH OUTER FORTY ROAD: Pages 5 & 6

POLICE NUMBERS FOR DECEMBER: Page 7

PARKS CONTINUE TO ALLOW AN UNWANTED TAKEOVER OF THE PARKS: Pages 7 & 8

CHESTERFIELD NEWS: Pages 8-18

IT'S THE BATTLE OF THE KING OF KINGS CHURCH: Two parishioners of the local Lutheran church are running against each other for the Ward 1 Council seat. Pages 8-10

FULTS' VOTES FOR DEVELOPER PUTS HER IN A CONTEST IN WARD 4: Pages 10-11

CHESTERFIELD CITY COUNCIL COMES OUT OF HIBERNATION: After cancelling two consecutive meetings the City Council finally decided to hold a meeting. Pages 11 & 12

MEDIA WATCHES ONE, TWO AND THREE: We point out three items in the local media are either false or very misleading. The first two are examples of bad reporting. The third one we simply make fun of a bad headline. Pages 12-15

FIRE DISTRICTS INVOLVED IN A POSSIBLE MUNITY: Hopefully it will result in a savings for taxpayers. Pages 15-17

AN UNUSUAL CAMPAIGN CONTRIBUTION MAY COME BACK AND BITE A HIGH PROFILE ELECTED OFFICIAL. Pages 17 & 18

MILLION DOLLAR MAN STATE REP JOHN DIEHL RAPIDLY HEADING TOWARD TWO-MILLION DOLLAR MAN STATUS: Read the latest campaign contributions John Diehl has accepted (almost all from outside of his district, many outside of the state and some outside of the country). Diehl has now received $1,516,571 since 2008 to run against no one. Pages 19-22

ALL THE REST: Check out the money coming into all the other West County politicians in the fourth quarter of 2013. Pages 23-28

HOW TO GET A NEW COUNTY EXECUTIVE: I explain how West County voters can be sure there is a new County Executive in 2015. I just don't know if people in West County are willing to do what needs to be done. Pages 28 & 29

THE HIDEN COSTS OF THE KSDK SCHOOL LOCKDOWN: Pages 29 & 30.

THE CITY-COUNTY MERGER AND MY NIGHT AT THE LIBRARY: Pages 30-33.

ST. LOUIS ART GUILD FINDS RELIGION: Evicted from the Clayton Building, the Art Guild is moving. See where. Pages 33 & 34

REAL ESTATE: We looked at some of the back story of the most expensive house for sale in the Ladue News and go out of town (and not to California ...but to Maryland) to show what a great deal St. Louis area housing prices are. Pages 34-36

CARTOONS Pages 36-38

THESE STORIES AND MORE IN JOHN HOFFMANN'S EX-ALDERMAN NEWSLETTER 112 AND UNAPPROVED CHESTERFIELD NEWSLETTER 57 COMBINED EDITION

January 15, 2014 -- COMBINED ISSUE: Our Webmaster has correctly pointed out that often we are repeating too much regional material that covers all of Snoburbia and beyond. This week the Chesterfield newsletter only had two pieces on Chesterfield news so I have combined it with the Town and County Newsletter. The strictly T&C news begins on Page 1 and goes to page 12.

The Chesterfield news begins on Page 12 and ends on Page 15.

Page 15 to Page 26 has regional news, music and cartoons.

THE BJC REZONING SAGA AT 40 AND MASON CONTINUES WITH HALF-TRUTHS AND EVEN HOOKS A POST-DISPATCH REPORTER WHO REPORTS COMPLETELY FALSE INFORMATION: Children's Hospital President Joan Magruder (left) stuck to her script at the public hearing before the T&C Board of Aldermen. Part of it was fiction. Pages 1-5

RIGHT: An overflow crowd fills the Town and Country aldermanic chambers as the Board considers the BJC rezoning issue.

A TOWN AND COUNTRY ALDERMAN FORGOT HE HAD A CONFLICT OF INTEREST AND THEN TRIED TO SELL THE CROWD SOME BS: Pages 5-8

BJC KEEPS CITIZENS FROM SEEING MUCH AT ARCHITECTURAL REVIEW BOARD: Page 9

THE BIG CLAYTON KID BOOZE PARTY PART II: The City of Clayton at first did not believe the Sunshine Law and court rules applied to them. After filing three complaints we did get some additional information. Pages 9 & 10

2013 NUMBERS FOR DEER-VEHICLE ACCIDENTS ARE IN: Read on which roads you are most likely to hit a deer in Town and Country: Page 11

COPS SHUT DOWN SECOND DAY OF ESTATE SALE: Read where and why. Pages 11 & 12

CHESTERFIELD NEWSLETTER BEGINS: COURT RULES WELL KNOWN LOCAL ARTIST MUST VACATE HIS STUDIO: Read the court decision. Pages 12-15

TWO NOW HAVE FILED TO RUN AGAINST INCUMBENTS: A second person has filed in the race for the City Council in the April elections. First Mike Casey had an opponent. Now Elliot Grissom does. Pages 14 & 15

FOLLOW THE MONEY: In our last newsletter we wrote how we spent several hours looking through Governor Jay Nixon's campaign contributors lists to see if there was a reason why he would make two awful appointments to the St. Louis County Elections Board. We found 10,000 reasons in the case of one nominee. We also could not help but notice some other interesting contributions to Nixon reelection fund in 2012. We are sharing those in this newsletter. Pages 15-18

GUESS WHAT WEST COUNTY POLITICIAN TOOK IN THE MOST CHRISTMAS LOOT FROM LOBBYISTS: If you are a regular reader of our newsletter this should not be too hard. Pages 19-21

CLAYTON FORGOT TO REMOVE SNOW IN ONE BUSINESS AREA: The days after the big snow parking spaces were still hard to find under the snow in section of Clayton. Page 22

THIEVES STEAL CHRISTMAS DECORATIONS FROM ONE OF OUR FAVORITE STOPS ON THE CHRISTMAS LIGHTS TOUR: See where and how the police are on the case. Page 22

MUSIC: Free tickets ... get a pizza and hear a well known local jazz musician ... see the sketch of the trio that played Wednesday at Sasha's. Page 23 & 24

CARTOONS: Pages 24-26

THESE STORIES AND MORE IN JOHN HOFFMANN'S EX-ALDERMAN NEWSLETTER 111 AND UNAPPROVED CHESTERFIELD NEWSLETTER 56 COMBINED EDITION

January 12, 2014 -- The latest edition of John Hoffmann's Ex-Alderman Newsletter is now ready to download for your reading enjoyment. Among the stories in this edition:

GOVERNOR'S TWO NOMINEES TO COUNTY ELECTION BOARD NOT IN THE BEST INTEREST OF CITIZENS OR ELECTED OFFICIALS: See who Gov. Nixon just nominated to fill two Republican seats on the St. Louis County Elections Board and why they are awful appointments. Pages 1-7

TOWN AND COUNTRY SHOWING LITTLE CONCERN FOR SCHOOL BUS DRIVERS AND LITTLE KIDS ON THE BUS: The Town and Country Planning and Zoning Commission voted to make the I-64/Mason Road overpass less safe for the school busses making their way to Mason Ridge Elementary School. Pages 7 & 8

TOWN AND COUNTRY RANKED #2 OF MISSOURI SAFEST CITIES: Read the top five safest cities and how the ranking was made. If you want to move to the safest city it will mean dropping on the status chart. Pages 8-10

LOGAN STUDENT CHARGED WITH DRUNK DRIVING IN FATAL TOWN AND COUNTRY ACCIDENT: A drunk driving Logan College student returning to Chesterfield drove into the rear of a truck and killed a friend on I-64 at Mason Road. The driver is charged with felony manslaughter. We look at his facebook page. Pages 10 & 11

YET ANOTHER NEW MEMBER OF THE GANGS OF TOWN AND COUNTRY: This time the new member is alleged to have stolen a mere $2,000,000 in a bank fraud. Page 11

T&C RESIDENTS ELIGIBLE FOR LANDSCAPING REBATES: Read the details. Page 12

NEW HOUSE FOR THORNHILL DRIVE: Take a look. Does it look like a house to you? Pages 12 & 13

MEDIA WATCH:

Part 1: See which reporters know where they are and which ones don&rsquot. Page 13 & 14

Part 2: KSDK ASKS ALL THE QUESTIONS A SECOND TIME: TV station tries playing the same episode of Jeopardy two days in a row. Apparently being smart is no longer a requirement to work in television. Pages 14 & 15

Part 3: Town and Style once again does not know the geography of West County. Pages 15 & 16

Part 4: There is a new class of inductees going into the St. Louis Media Hall of Fame. See who is not on the list and we think are long overdue for being inducted. Pages 16-20

OUR TAXES WENT UP BUT ONE OF MY FAVORITE SERVICES IS DROPPED: Read how despite raising taxes 37% how the County Library has discontinued my favorite part of the library. Pages 20 & 21

MUSIC: We celebrate a birthday of a jazz trumpeter at one place and see a very good jazz trumpet player in town for a wedding at another: Pages 20 & 21.

THE AFTER CHRISTMAS, CHRISTMAS STORY: Out of Nebraska a story you expect just before Christmas and not after Christmas. Page 22

TV SPECIALS THE WAY THEY USED TO BE: TV networks used to have "Specials" on the air on a fairly regular basis. Compared to what you see now ...they really were special. If it happens to snow again and you are stuck in the house with time to kill check this out ...Page 25

Here is a 1963 TV music special from the BBC featuring Nat King Cole:

CLICK HERE TO WATCH VIDEO ON YOUTUBE

CARTOONS: This is the Governor Cartoon Issue Pages 26-30

THESE STORIES AND MORE IN JOHN HOFFMANN'S EX-ALDERMAN NEWSLETTER 110.

January 11, 2014 -- Another edition of John Hoffmann's Unapproved Chesterfield Newsletter is now available for you to download and enjoy. Among the topics in this edition:

Chesterfield Ranked 5^th Safest City in Missouri. Read the top five safest cities and how the ranking was made. Pages 1 & 2

MONARCH NEGOIATIONS CONTINUE: This week the discussion between management and labor was about Kelly Days and Union Dues. Plus read how the union has refused to allow a new member of the fire district join. Pages 2-6

LOGAN STUDENT KILLED BY ANOTHER LOGAN STUDENT DRIVING DRUNK: A drunk driving Logan student returning to Chesterfield drives into the rear of a truck killing a friend. Driver charged with felony manslaughter. Pages 6 & 7

GOVERNOR'S TWO NOMINEES TO COUNTY ELECTION BOARD NOT IN THE BEST INTEREST OF CITIZENS OR ELECTED OFFICIALS: See who Gov. Nixon just nominated to fill two Republican seats on the St. Louis County Elections Board and why they are awful appointments. Pages 7-13

MEDIA WATCH:

Part 1: See which reporters know where they are and which ones don't. Page 13 & 14

Part 2: KSDK ASKS ALL THE QUESTIONS A SECOND TIME: TV station tries playing the same episode of Jeopardy two days in a row. Apparently being smart is no longer a requirement to work in television. Pages 14 & 15

Part 3: Town and Style once again does not know the geography of West County. Pages 15 & 16

Part 4: There is a new class of inductees going into the St. Louis Media Hall of Fame. See who is not on the list and we think are long overdue for being inducted. Pages 16-19

OUR TAXES WENT UP BUT ONE OF MY FAVORITE SERVICES IS DROPPED: Read how despite raising taxes 37% how the County Library has discontinued my favorite part of the library. Pages 20 & 21

MUSIC: We celebrate a birthday of a jazz trumpeter at one place and see a very good jazz trumpet player in town for a wedding at another: Pages 20 & 21.

THE AFTER CHRISTMAS, CHRISTMAS STORY: Out of Nebraska a story you expect just before Christmas and not after Christmas. Pages 22-24

CARTOONS: This is the Governor Cartoon Issue. Pages 24-29

THESE STORIES AND MORE IN JOHN HOFFMANN'S UNAPPROVED CHESTERFIELD NEWSLETTER 55.

January 6, 2014 -- The latest edition of John Hoffmann's Ex-Alderman Newsletter is now ready to download for your reading enjoyment. Among the stories in this edition:

A CASE OF AFLLUENZA? Rumor has a high power murder lawyer being hired for a minor in possession charge against the off spring of a local official. We confirmed the charge, but not much else as the City of Clayton is not letting loose of any public records. Pages 1-3

TOWN AND COUNTRY DWI CASE SEES A CHESTERFIELD MAN BREAKS LONG HELD RULE OF THE ROAD AND GETS SENTENCED: The rule is ... If you have 4 prior DWI arrests and you are drunk and driving home do not pass marked police cars while doing 24MPH over the speed limit. Read who did and the facts of the case. Pages 3-5

MASON ROAD CLOSED BRIEFLY: It was for the County Bomb and Arson Squad. Page 5

DISCRIMINATION OF TOWN & COUNTY AND CHESTERFIELD AND RICH GIRLS: We uncover how 19-to-20 year old daughters of super rich parents with the wrong zip code are being blatantly discriminated against. We also make some wild recommendations. Pages 5-10

TOWN AND COUINTRY SHRINK SHOWS HEALING ARTS BOARD DID NOT HAVE MUCH OF A CASE, BUT HE STILL HAS AN "INTERESTING" PAST: The Missouri Healing Arts Board is perhaps one of the weakest regulators of doctors in the country. We routinely see doctors who practice on both sides of the river have their licenses lifted by Illinois authorities but continue to practice in Missouri. 51-year-old Dr. Surendra Chaganti of Town and Country recently showed how poor investigations by the Healing Arts Board are, but our further look still causes a raised eyebrow. Pages 10-13

OUR TAX BILL WENT UP: If you didn't notice I'm happy to point out why. Page 13-14

WHOA ... THAT WAS A CLOSE ONE: In 2006 T&C mayor Jon Dalton's former client, the WCEMS&PFD tried to annex Town and Country into the district which would have raised everyone's taxes dramatically. Read what their tax rate just shot up to. Pages 14 & 15.

THE YEAR IN REVIEW: We name our West County Person of the Year, Town and Country employee of the year plus the biggest institutional thief award. Also we name the most important or at least our favorite stories of the last 12 months! Pages 15-30

CARTOONS: We include a repeat of our favorite cartoons of 2013 and some new ones. Pages 30-38

THESE STORIES AND MORE IN JOHN HOFFMANN'S EX-ALDERMAN NEWSLETTER 109.

January 6, 2014 -- Another edition of John Hoffmann's Unapproved Chesterfield Newsletter is now available for you to download and enjoy. Among the topics in this edition:

THERE IS A RACE: It appears as if it will be Maverick versus the incumbent for the Ward 3 seat in the upcoming Chesterfield City Council election: Page 1

CHESTERFIELD MAN BREAKS LONG HELD RULE OF THE ROAD AND GETS SENTENCED: The rule is ... If you have 4 prior DWI arrests and you are drunk and driving home do not pass marked police cars doing 24 MPH over the speed limit. Read who did and the facts of the case. Pages 2 & 3

INCREASED TAXES: Read why yours and my real estate tax bills went up and who is and isn't to blame. Page 3

MONARCH'S NEW BOARD SAVES $$$ WITH NEW INSURANCE: Read how much. Page 4

ELLISVILLE APPROVES DECK THEN CONDEMNS DECK ... HOMEOWNER OUT $20,000-PLUS: A listener to our appearances on the Jamie Allman called with a warning about a local contractor and how the inspection services of the city of Ellisville might have cost him a lot of money. Pages 4-6

DISCRIMINATION OF CHESTERFIELD AND TOWN & COUNTY RICH GIRLS: We uncover how 19-to-20 year old daughters of super rich parents with the wrong zip code are being blatantly discriminated against. We also make some wild recommendations. Pages 7-11

THE YEAR IN REVIEW: We name our West County Person of the Year, who happens to be from Chesterfield. Also we the most important or at least our favorite stories of the last 12 months! Pages 11-25

MUSIC: There is just one music item in this edition featuring a singer from Chesterfield. Page 25

CARTOONS: Pages 25-32 To see our favorite cartoons from 2013 check the Town and Country Ex-Alderman Newsletter 109.

THESE STORIES AND MORE IN JOHN HOFFMANN'S UNAPPROVED CHESTERFIELD NEWSLETTER 54.

December 31, 2013 -- We continue with our bi-annual report on West County Municipal Court cases in Town and Country and Chesterfield. At the end of the Town and Country cases we do a critique of the reports we have been reviewing. Then it is on to the Chesterfield cases.

WHAT DO THESE GUYS HAVE IN COMMON? They were all driving over 100 MPH and got no points on their driving record. Read how fast they were going.

MANS SAYS "JUST TWO DRINKS" AND THEN CHANGES IT TO "THREE" BUT BAC SAYS MORE: It was his second DWI arrest. Page 1

WE USE AN EXAMPLE OF WHEN EVERYTHING GOES RIGHT AND WHEN EVERYTHING GOES WRONG: 33-year-old drunk driver turns out to be a pain in the ass. Read how. Pages 3-5

CHESTERFIELD JUSTICE 1 ... DRUNK DRIVER ON PROBATION, FLEES COPS, KNOCKS OUT POWER TO HOMES ... Leaves court with no DWI conviction. Read the details. Pages 8 & 9

CHESTERFIELD JUSTICE 2 ... WOMAN HIGH ON HEROIN AND MARIJIUANA ALMOST HAS TWO HEAD ON ACCIDENTS GETS SPECIAL DEAL ... ONE CHARGE REDUCED FROM DWI AND THE OTHER TWO TURNED INTO ILLEGAL PARKING AND LITTERING: City Prosecutor Tim Englemeyer did not think a woman who smoked marijuana and shot up heroin was especially dangerous behind the wheel of a car. Pages 9-11

CHESTERFIELD JUSTICE 3 ... DRUNK DRIVER DRIVES PAST ROAD CLOSED SIGN AND GETS STUCK ON A PILE OF GRAVEL: Drunk and having smoked marijuana are not good enough reasons for Tim Englemeyer to refused to make a deal. Read the outcome. Pages 11 & 12

CHESTERFIELD JUSTICE 4 ... JUDGE AND PROSECUTOR PLAY MAGICIANS AND MAKE A PARKWAY SCHOOL TEACHER'S DWI VANISH: Caught at a DWI check point this one got off without even having to stay after school. Pages 12 & 13

CHESTERFIELD JUSTICE 5 ... CHESTERFIELD MAN TRIES TO DRAG WIFE INTO HIS DWI ACCIDENT. There is apparently no penalty for trying to use your innocent wife to get out of a DWI. In this case the drunk driver is rewarded with no fine and no points. Judge Brunk had no problem with this guy driving drunk at 12 noon at a crowded shopping center. Pages 13-15

CHESTERFIELD JUSTICE 6 ... THE ONLY THIEF IN THIS EDITION HITS DEPARTMENTS ACROSS THE COUNTY AND GETS CREDIT FOR TWO DAYS SPENT IN JAIL BEFORE COURT: It took almost three years to bring a 39-year-old North County man to justice for hitting a Chesterfield department store. Page 15

CHESTERFIELD JUSTICE 7 ... BACK FOR A REPEAT APPEARANCE: Feature in PART 1 of this report, Alex Layton is back. This time he was stoned and backing into cars at gas pumps. Stoned and backing into cars at 9:30 on a Saturday morning is no problem for the "hippie judge" Rick Brunk. Probation with no-record on one charge and the other reduced to "Illegal Parking." 30 days later Layton is arrested after driving stoned for 10 miles on a wheel rim. Pages 15-17

WHAT DO YOU DO TO FIX THIS? Pages 18 & 19

CLICK HERE TO DOWNLOAD DRUNKS AND THIEVES: WINTER 2013 PART 2

December 24, 2013 -- IT'S TIME FOR OUR BI-ANNUAL REVIEW OF THE WEST COUNTY MUNI COURTS. CLEARLY THERE IS A LOT OF ROOM FOR IMPROVEMENT.

We are now regularly twice a year reviewing court cases and police arrest reports. We continue to find that while the cops can stand some improvement, but do a pretty good job, the courts are still a joke. There is almost no transparency (especially in Chesterfield) and repeat offenders continue to get sweetheart deals. Local elected officials refuse to acknowledge or clean up this mess.

This December's report involves so many cases we had to break it down into two parts. Part 1 has some overview and concentrates on Town and Country cases, which are all DWIs and speeding over 100 MPH offenses.

Part II will be out a few days later and will have a few more T&C cases, plus all the Chesterfield Cases along with some recommendations from us. Here are a few highlights in Part I.

Kelly Flynn (left) of Florissant was drunk and in search of the new on ramp to I-270 from Clayton Road. Unfortunately it doesn't exist. Pages 4 & 5

Graham Redington (right) of Town and Country doesn't understand that when the cops know who you are, you are on probation for 1st Degree House Burglary that it is probably not a good idea to try and use a fake driver's license to buy beer at the local Schnucks or continue to drive around town for another two hours while you are high. Pages 5 & 6

Kristi Rose (left) claimed she had only two beers, but her BAC was .17%, plus she was driving with a suspended license. She received a No-Record DWI probation and the Suspended License charge was reduced to "Illegal parking." Pages 9 & 10

Alex Layton (right), while high on marijuana and prescription drugs, drove on I-64 from Hampton Avenue to west of Mason Road while his car was missing the right front tire. He is currently on probation for 7 different DWI and drug convictions. He also reappears in Part II of this report. Pages 11-14

Faith Raymer (left) claimed she only had "4 beers," but there were two open 24 oz beer bottles found in her car at the time of her arrest. She told the arresting officer she was sure she is the "hottest" person he has ever arrested. Read the facts in this case and see some of her Facebook photos. Pages 15-18

Eric Schirmer (right) was driving drunk while doing 110 mph. He was given a plea bargain deal. Pages 18 & 19

These are just a few people who got great deals for doing very dangerous actions. There are plenty more inside the newsletter.

Be sure to watch for Part II next week!

CLICK HERE TO DOWNLOAD
DRUNKS AND THIEVES: WINTER 2013 PART 1

• Stealing Under $500, Minor in Possession of Alcohol, 1-11-12
• Minor in Possession of Alcohol, Providing False Information, 2-13-12
• Destruction of Property, Stealing Under $500, 3-29-12