American Heritage Festival Claims Millions in Damages.

American Heritage Festival promoters Janis and Terry Reed and Ann Funk "and all others similarly situated as a class" filed a complaint for damages in the United States District Court for the Western District of Missouri, Southern Division in Kansas City last Friday according to the plaintiffs Kansas City attorney Todd Nielsen .

The document names as defendants William Pierce, Jerry Neil, Steve Weston, T. Mark Elliot, Danny Hensley, Edie Swingle Neil, Mary O’Halloran, Randy Turner, Judy Thomas, Liberty Group Publishing, Inc. (Carthage Press), Knight Ridder (Kansas City Star), and Entertainment Communications, Inc. (KMBZ Radio).

The document claims that the independent and collective efforts some of the defendants violated the Reeds and those who attended the event as a class’ rights under the United States Constitution Amendments I, IV, V, and XIV and Title 42 United States Code Sections 1983, 1985, and 1986.

The document states that except for the "fear, danger, and paranoia caused by the Defendants mentioned above, The American Heritage Festival was a peaceful, joyful celebration of American heritage by typical American families from all over The United States. There were no arrests. There were no crimes reported. No nazis, white supremacists, white separatists, wackos of any type have been identified as a member of the Plaintiff Class by any Defendant herein, or by anyone else. The Class does not include any nazis, Christian Identity movement members, white supremacists, white separatists, wackos, would-be terrorists, or terrorists of any type. The inability of the regiments of undercover armed agents present throughout the festival to make any arrests or spot any of the aforementioned groups of people, indicates that no such individuals were in attendance at the festival. The undercover agents were entrenched all over "Red Oak II" (private property), and the Precious Moments Campus (private property), without a warrant or permission from the owners, or Plaintiffs, Terry and Janis Reed, who were the leasees of the premises."

Mary O’Halloran, Randy Turner, Entertainment Communications, Inc., and Liberty Group Missouri Holdings, Inc. were named as part of the class action requesting compensatory damages in the amount of $250 million and punitive damages in the amount of $500 million. The following is quoted from the document.

"On July 20, 1998, Defendant, Randy Turner, acting as Managing Editor for Defendant, Liberty Group Publishing, Inc., commonly known as Carthage Press, authored and caused to be published, two articles in the Carthage Press. In one of the articles authored by Mr. Turner in the Carthage Press on July 20, 1998, Mr. Turner brought to the public’s attention, the fact that Judy Thomas had made false statements in her Kansas City Star article of July 19, 1998. For instance, Mr. Turner advised the public that the quotations in Ms. Thomas’ article attributed to Carthage Chamber of Commerce executive, Heather Kelly, were absolutely false. The article also criticized statements made by Defendant, Mary O’Halloran, on her radio program of July 20,

1998. Ms. O’Halloran had attacked the local Chamber of Commerce. Nevertheless, with full knowledge that a portion of Ms. Thomas’ article was false, Mr. Turner embellished upon the false assertions within Ms. Thomas’ article which pertain to all of the Plaintiffs herein. Mr. Turner falsely stated in the July 20, 1998 issue of the Carthage Press:

‘A blanket of white descended last weekend over the rainbow quilt, Carthage.’...

‘There were the Nazi sympathizers and other white supremacists. . .They were here Friday. They were here Saturday and the nuts were also sprinkled in our Sunday.’. . .

‘The Nazi sympathizers and the white supremacists were here, side by side with the survivalists and those who see conspiracies lurking behind every corner. These people were in Carthage.’

"Defendant, Randy Turner did not attend or observe any portion of ‘The American Heritage Festival’. Upon information and belief, his entire article was based upon portions of a Kansas City Star article which he had already reported to be false in other respects. Defendant, Randy Turner and Liberty Group Publishing, Inc. printed the false statements above in willful, wanton, total and gross disregard for the truth."

Statement Released by Terry and Janis Reed

"It saddens us to say that we have been unable to solicit the cooperation of the Jasper County Sheriff’s Office in setting the record straight about the American Heritage Festival, held July 17-19 in Carthage, Missouri. Due to political forces, a paranoid law enforcement bureaucracy, selfish interests within the Jasper County government and liberal media with an agenda, our festival was labeled a convention of ‘white supremacists,’ ‘neo-nazis,’ ‘hate mongers’ and, in general, an unpatriotic, un-American, antigovernment event. The American Heritage Festival was nothing of the sort and we would not have condoned such a gathering. We therefore regretfully announce that our only recourse to clear the air, clear our names, and remove the stigma for all those who attended the fun-filled and informative festival is to file suit."

The Jasper County Candidates.

Space limitation allow only those candidates opposed in the primary a short background.

David Dally, Candidate for Judge of the Circuit Court #29, Division 2

David Dally graduated Carthage High School and received both his undergraduate and law degree from the University of Missouri. He was Carthage City Attorney for the last twelve years. He lives in Carthage and is active in various community activities.

Susan F. Butler, Candidate for Judge of the Circuit Court #29, Division 2

Susan Butler received her law degree from Mississippi University. She currently has a thriving private practice in Joplin. Susan is especially interested in family law. She serves as Guardian and Litem on numerous occasions, representing children at risk. Susan and Dr. Patrick Butler (deceased) raised their family in Southwest Missouri.

Joseph W. "Joe" Schoelberl, Candidate for Associate Circuit Judge, Division 4

Judge Joseph W. Schoelberl served as Division IV Judge the last four years, with experience as prosecuting attorney, appointed by, then, Governor Ashcroft, and over ten years private practice, as well as holding high level state government positions, including Missouri House Judiciary Committee counsel. He's seeking his second four-year term.

Gayle Crane, Candidate for Associate Circuit Court Judge, Division 4

Gayle is a partner in the Law Office of Sotta and Crane, P.C., which has offices in Joplin, Missouri and Columbus, Kansas. Gayle is married to John Podleski, an attorney in Carthage with Crandall, Dally, and Podleski. She has three children: Jacob, age 9, and Anna, age 2.

Danny Hensley, Candidate for Presiding County Commissioner

A Lifelong county resident, Danny graduated from Carthage and still works as a farmer and businessman in addition to current Commissioner duties. Danny has been Associate County Judge, Presiding County Judge, Associate Commissioner, and is seeking his fourth term as Presiding County Commissioner.

Helen K. (Kathy) Rowland, Candidate for Presiding County Commissioner

Kathy Rowland is a lifetime resident and businesswoman of Jasper County. She, her husband Bill, and their four children have been involved in political, community, school, and church activities the past 30 years. She is here today because of her desire to serve the people of Jasper County.

Linda Williams, Candidate for Clerk of the Circuit Court

Linda has lived in Jasper County for 38 years and has 12 years of formal education. She worked 25 years in the Jasper County Court System as a court clerk in every division of the court system.

Kaare "Cory" Gjeruldsen, Candidate for Clerk of the Circuit Court

In addition to his extensive civic involvement, Kaare is the commercial account manager for Carthage Ford Mercury. He is a 52-year county resident and graduated Sarcoxie High School and SMSU. He served terms on the City Council and School Board at Sarcoxie and the Jasper County Republican Central Committee.

John L. Putnam, Candidate for Clerk of the County Commission

John Putnam's family has lived in Carthage since 1868. He has a degree in Business Administration (University of Missouri) and 25+ years business experience, including the management and computerization of Four States Supply Company. He has served the Jasper County Republican Central Committee since 1984.

Jim Lobbey, Candidate for Clerk of the County Commission

Jasper County born and raised, Jim's professional administration duties and broadcast career span more than 35 years. He's heavily involved in community service organizations and functions with involvement in the fringes of the political process for over 35 years-closely affiliated with volunteer opportunities and service to political officials.

Alan Bull, Candidate for Clerk of the County Commission

A Lifetime, 41-year county resident, Alan graduated Jasper High School and is currently Parks Administrator for Carthage-responsible for budgeting, personnel management, schedule coordination, city/state department project coordination, and purchasing. He's involved in the Chamber, Kiwanas, and the Ozark Turf Association.

Randy Stanley, Candidate for Clerk of the County Commission

Randy Stanley has lived in Jasper County 43 years. He has Bachelors degrees in Business and Accounting from Missouri Southern, and holds a Missouri Certified Public Accountants certificate. He has served on the Jasper County Republican Central Committee since 1992 and is the 128th Legislative district chairman.

Craig J. Putman, Candidate for Clerk of the County Commission

Craig is a 14-year county resident and worked at Carthage Radiology those same 14 years. He holds Bachelors degrees in Business Education with a Minor in Accounting, all from Truman State University.

Shirley Norris, Candidate for County Auditor

Jasper County Born and raised, Shirley graduated Jasper High School in 1953. She has two children, four grandchildren, is active in First Christian Church, and served numerous professional and civic boards. She managed county finances and budget officers for 16 years, serving terms as Auditor and Chief Deputy Auditor.

Jim Hunter, Candidate for County Auditor

Lifelong Carthage resident, Jim Hunter, is married to Cheral. They have five children: Kelly, Alyssa, Chris, Stephanie, and Chase. Jim is owner of Hunter Tire and Alignment-Carthage, and Hunter's Tire and Wheel, Joplin. Jim is a member of First United Methodist Church and a former City Councilman.

Mike Randolph, Candidate for County Coroner

Mike's lived in Carthage/ Jasper County 24 years and was Deputy Sheriff for 19 years, owned Carthage Deli 4 1/2 years, and is married to Sally Randolph with four sons and a grandson. He graduated High School at Kansas City, and MSSC's Police Academy, with numerous continuing education classes.

Gary Lyster, Candidate for County Coroner

(No response received to previous mailing.)

Just Jake Talkin'
Mornin',

If ya didn’t make it to the Eggs & Issues Breakfast last Friday, ya missed a good, informative look at the candidates for tomorrow’s election. The event was sponsored by the Mornin’ Mail and the Chamber did its usual good job of makin’ ever’thing comfortable and run smoothly. Also as usual, the First Methodist Church Women did an outstanding job preparin’ the food.

The candidates seemed a little more relaxed than at some of the earlier get togethers earlier in the season. I suppose by now they are more accustomed to bein’ in that situation.

There was some clarification by candidates on the various stances taken on the effect of the "millennium bug" on the county. Most seemed ta think any computer problems, at least within the courthouses, would be controllable when the century turns.

This is some fact, but mostly,

Just Jake Talkin’.

by

Carthage Farm & Home Supply, Inc.

The Super Handyman

By Al Carrell and Kelly Carrell

Dear Al: I have an old chainsaw, and the self-oiling mechanism doesn't work. To compensate, I put chain oil in a squeeze type plastic mustard bottle. The bottle's spout makes it easy to get small amounts of oil into the right spots. The twist-down lid closes up great, and I can just throw the bottle into my toolbox next to the saw when I go out to saw wood.

Q: I want to use a latex paint over an oil based paint but was told it wouldn't work. Why? Is there another way, or do I have to use oil-based paint?

A: I think the reason mistakenly warn against putting latex over oil-based paint is because of the old "water and oil don't mix" adage.

After the paint is dry, it's perfectly alright to use latex over oil, or vice versa.

You do want to make sure that the old paint is clean and without any gloss and that the surface is completely sound. Talk with your paint dealer to be sure you're using the proper paint for the project.

When you are trying to look behind the refrigerator or stove or some other hard-to-access-area, try using a mirror to see what's going on back there. If you can get your hand into position, then you can see with the mirror and maybe not have to move the monster from the wall.

You can also use a mirror to focus some illumination from a flashlight back there.

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