Jasper County Sheriff Bill Pierce submitted his resignation Wednesday at 3:00 p.m., but the resignation will not be formally accepted until the regular weekly County Commission Meeting next Thursday.

"He had no post of a 24-hour notice, so we’re not accepting his resignation until next week," said Presiding County Commissioner Chuck Surface.

Surface and Eastern District Commissioner Jim Honey both believe the infirm position should not be filled by a current Sheriff Department member.

At this time, there is no acting sheriff. If by next Thursday at the Commisioner Meeting a new sheriff has not been appointed, the Coroner will assume Sheriff duties. A special election will be held for a new sheriff within the next ten weeks. The cost of the special election should be approximately $70,000.00 according to County Clerk Ron Mosbaugh.

Pierce’s resignation may end an investigation into his department by the Missouri Attorney General’s office. Pierce was operating the commissary in the county jail as his private business as was the practice of former Jasper County Sheriffs. Questions have also been raised about extradition travel expenses in which Pierce submitted a reimbursement request for $1,701.00 for a prisoner extradition trip. The State refused to pay the bill after learning the cost included a four-day stay in Florida for Sheriff’s Captain Jeff Carr and his wife, Kay, who also works in the Sheriff’s Department, before picking up a female prisoner and returning to the county. Pierce has also acknowledged double-billing for over 168 hours overworked by deputies at the Route 66 Music Festival. Deputies were directed to work overtime for reimbursement to the county.

New Photography Exhibit at Shellie’s.

By Lee Sours, artCentral

New artwork is going on the walls at Shellie’s restaurant on West Third. The photography of Joplin artist, Mary Ann Soerries, will be on display beginning July 22. If you like plant life macro photography, be sure to stop by and see this exhibit.

Time is getting short to sign up for artCamp for kids ages 8-14. Call or come by artCentral to pick up an enrollment form. Classes are only $15 per day. Take your choice of a variety of classes from July 21 through August 2.

The batik class teaches an Indonesian method of hand dying textiles. Students in this class will need to bring a t-shirt or other light colored item to dye. The class is being taught by an artist who has painted scenes for cruise ships.

On Wednesday, an artist who formerly taught at the Waterworks art program in Tulsa, OK will be working with the students to create a large mural on our backyard fence. You’ll want to wear your grubby clothes and bring your creativity.

Another class I’m excited about is Aboriginal Animal Art taught by Randy Wright. This popular teacher will be showing us the styles of art used by the native aboriginal peoples of Australia. Who could resist bringing home a brightly painted lizard!? Or a map of the best watering holes and hunting grounds!?

Our next opening at the Hyde House Gallery on East 13th Street will feature the pastel paintings of Tom DeCleene in the Main Gallery. The Members’ Gallery will have "A Room With a View." This exhibit will have the pottery sculptures, paintings and other decorative pieces by Jerry Long. These exhibits run from July 25 to August 29.

HOURS: Tue – Fri 11 - 5

Sunday 12 -5 Closed Mon. and Sat. 1110 E 13th 358-4404 ozarkartistscolony.com

I was expectin’ a pretty good race for the office of Sheriff come next spring, but with only ten weeks to campaign, it should really be interestin’.

If I remember correctly, there was a pretty good number of folks runnin’ a couple a terms ago. With the Sheriff resignin’, I’m guessin’ there will be a couple a more enterin’ the race.

It may seem a little odd for the coroner to be next in line for the sheriff position, but in Missouri, the only person that can arrest a sheriff is the coroner.

The current coroner is J.D. Love who was one of those runnin’ for Sheriff as mentioned before.

Like I said, it should be an interestin’ campaign in the next 10 weeks or so.

This is some fact, but mostly,

Just Jake Takin.’

by

Oak Street health & herbs

Click & Clack
TALKS CARS

by Mari An Willis

As you may have seen on TV a recent study found that Vit E & beta carotene did not decrease the risk of dying from advanced Cardiovascular diseaseCVD). Since we are logically thinking Missourians, we know there are two sides to each story. According to Jeffrey Blumber, PhD of Tufts University described these conclusions as "unwarranted and very surprising". One major limitation of the study is the fact that the antioxidants were given to subjects with serious risk factors including heavy smoking, low activity and advanced heart disease without taking into consideration any environmental or dietary history for many patients.

"Cardiovascular disease is very complex and many dietary, environmental, genetic and physiological factors are involved," says Phillip W. Harvey, Phd and chief science officer of the NNFA. He continues "it is unreasonable to expect naturally occurring substances like Vit E and beta carotene to have any effect against CVD at such advanced stages. Antioxidants have been shown to be more effective in inhibiting early vs. late stages of the disease. The authors themselves clearly point out that the timing of antioxidant treatment is important..."

* This article is meant for informational purposes only and is not intended as a substitute for medical advice. Sources available by request.