Good January OPRC Meeting in Mountain Grove
The Ozarks Property Rights Congress held their January meeting at the Hayloft Restaurant in Mountain Grove on January 26th.  Nearly 50 folks, including 147th District Representative Don Wells, came to hear updates on property rights issues.

OPRC research specialist, Doreen Hannes, represented OPRC as part of 18 concerned citizen groups whose members delivered a beautifully framed Declaration of Duty to each State Representative and Senator on January 4th in Jefferson City as part of the Consent of the Governed Rally. They greeted the legislators, “We’re the people and we’re here to help.” “It was a very, very positive thing,” Hannes said.

Hannes said that though it is still early in session, it is obvious that concerned citizens will need to go up to Jefferson City often to make their voices heard this year. She exhorted everyone to get involved with the legislative process. “It is our job, as citizens, to be vigilant, to be aware, to know what’s happening, to stand in the gap, and require the right action from our elected officials.”

“You don’t have memorize every word of a bill or know all of the State’s Revised Statutes to be effective, but you do have to know the bill’s ramifications for freedom,” she added. “In several cases we have been able to bring about a right action from our state legislators. They just have to know that we get it, that we understand the process, and that we’re not going to sit back and take whatever they want to do anymore. It’s up to us, also, to inform out friends and neighbors what is happening.”

Hannes reviewed some bills currently proposed in the Missouri General Assembly. “The Right to Raise Livestock is a returning bill. It sounds good until you carefully look at the wording. Basically, it gives Missouri citizens the right to raise livestock in a “humane manner.” That is humane manner as defined by the University of Missouri. The University of Missouri does whatever the USDA tells it to. The USDA has hired a former Humane Society of the US litigator to run the USDA Animal Welfare Division in the west half of the country. Knowing the beliefs of the HSUS, that sends up a big red flag on this bill. It opens the door to regulate animal owners with the USUS desired animal welfare practices.
“I’m for animal welfare.  I raise animals I want my animals to be as happy and healthy as possible, but I do not believe they have more rights than people. Animal cruelty is against the law already.”

Issues in Senator Brian Munslinger’s nuisance law suit bill SB490 are already covered by the Farm Freedom Act. Land use issues handled on a state wide level is zoning, pure and simple. We already have the capacity for redress. It is a local control issue and is best handled on the local level. This bill effectively gives Confined Animal Feeding Operations (CAFOs) extra rights while pretending to protect farmers.”

Two bills that I feel we can support  is HB1444 which would prohibit the sterilizing, adopting out or euthanizing seized animals before the case has thoroughly decided.

SB547 the Right to Work Bill. Representative Wells commented, “This bill will bring companies with jobs to Missouri. Presently, companies are taking their jobs to “right to work” states.” Wells encouraged citizens to begin a letter writing campaign to the Missouri House Speaker Steve Tilley to make their feelings know that Missouri needs this right to work legislation.

Attendees also heard a report from Carolin Burch who attended the Mountain Grove Lion’s club noon meeting. At the meeting, former State Treasurer Wendell Bailey presented his 15 Point priority list for a Ten County Plan designed to increase the income and educational levels in South Central Missouri. There will be more information on this as it develops.

Bob Parker took time off from the campaign trail to touch base with the home folks.  Speaking of being a fiscal conservative, Parker said, “We need to defund the non-elected, job killing regulatory agencies who place unreasonable, costly burdens on businesses and citizens. We have to cut off the money. Even if there is good in a bill, if it funds these agencies, a Congressman has to vote no, then explain to folks back home why the no vote was necessary.” In the August primary, Parker is facing JoAnn Emerson for the 8th Congressional District seat.

The next OPRC Meeting will be in Gainesville on February 9 and in Mountain Grove on February 23.

Ozarks Property Rights
Congress Meeting
January 26 -7:00 p.m.
Hayloft Restaurant – Mountain Grove, Missouri

Come early if you care to eat, as no food is allowed in the meeting room.

We hope to have information on the Rural Ozark Area Development (ROAD) proposed Ozark Rural University. Former State Treasurer Wendell Bailey and Dr. Dhanjoo Ghista  are involved in the development of this project. We learned of it from an article in the January 17 issue of the West Plains Quill. We should have more information on it at the meeting.

Doreen Hannes attended the Consent of the Governed Rally in Jefferson City on January 4th and will report on what was accomplished by the citizen advocates.

Also, on the agenda is a discussion of some of the legislation issues being considered by the Missouri General Assembly.

January Meeting in Gainesville a Victim of Winter Weather

Because of the prospect of single digit windchill temps and high winds, we are cancelling the Thursday, January 12 meeting in Gainesville.
The decision was made to err on the side of safety and caution.

We are planning for a meeting on February 9 at Vaught’s Family Restaurant at 7:00 p.m. (Again, Weather Permitting)

Please call any folks you know who don’t have email and let them know the meeting has been cancelled.
Thanks
Carolin Burch
Dave Davis
Doreen Hannes

Gainesville, Missouri
January 12, 2012 -7:00 p.m.
Vaught’s Family Restaurant
On meeting nights food is served from 5 p.m. to 7 p.m.

Doreen Hannes will be speaking on issues of concern to citizens in 2012. She attended the Consent of the Governed Rally in Jeff City on Jan. 4th and will report on what was accomplished by citizens who showed up

As always, in the Winter, the meeting is “Weather Permitting!”
If in doubt, call Vaught’s at 417- 679-1080 or one of the two numbers below before 2:00 p.m. on meeting day.

Contacts: 417-284-3742 or 417-668-5977

OPRC Meetings are open to the public and visitors are always welcome!

Plan ahead for the Mountain Grove, Missouri OPRC meeting on January 26 at the Hayloft Restaurant at 7:00 p.m.
Come early, if you care to eat.

Consent of the Governed Rally
Opening Day of the Missouri Legislative Session

January 4, 2012

1st. Floor Rotunda, Capitol Building, Jefferson City, MO

Itinerary:

9:30 – 10:30:  Come Early for Assistance locating your Rep. & Senator

10:30 – 11:30:  Speakers

11:30 - ?:  Presentation of Documents

Visit with your senator and rep in their office.

Does it really matter if you stay home? YES!

It matters because there is no way for our elected officials to know the citizens are watching unless they see us at the Capitol!
You know that old saying: “out of sight; out of mind.”
Are the citizens of Missouri still awake? Are they watching?
This rally is organized to help people like YOU be seen and heard.
A large turnout shows that it’s not just a few “squeaky wheels” in Missouri whining about government spending.
YOU can be part of real change in Missouri. Will YOU be heard this year?

Jefferson City on January 4

Opening Day of the Missouri Legislative Session

10:30 a.m. -11:30 a.m.

Come Early

The program will include a review of key issues of concern to conservatives and a variety of guest speakers.  Attendees will be given a packet of information and encouraged to meet and get to know their representative and senator while they are at the Capitol. Scheduled speakers include: Dave Roland, Rep. Ed Emery, David Linton, and Ed Martin.

Organization Sponsors
Franklin County Patriots    Missouri Campaign for Liberty    Missouri First   Concerned Women for America    Mexico Patriot Tea Party    Sullivan 9/12
Missouri Precinct Project    Crawford County Campaign for Liberty    Cooper County Patriots   Branson Tea Party Coalition    Eureka Tea Party    Mid-MO Patriots      St. Louis Tea Party Coalition    Lebanon Tea Party    Sikeston Tea Party   Capital TEA Party    Ozarks Property Rights Congress

For more information on co-sponsoring this rally please email ruthcarlson@gmail.com

Ozarks Property Rights Congress  Meeting
Thursday, October 27 – 7:00 p.m.
Hayloft Restaurant, Mountain Grove, Missouri

Come early if you care to eat, as no food is allowed in the meeting room, due to limited restaurant staff.

Doreen Hannes will discuss the Sustainable Communities Initiative that has been promoted throughout state through Regional Planning groups, Council of County Governments, municipalities and community groups.
This is Agenda 21 at its finest, purest form. OPRC, along with other property rights advocacy groups, has been working to educate county commissioners and other officials to the undesirable effects of signing on to this initiative.

There will be no meeting in Mountain Grove or Gainesville in November or December.  With hunting season and the busy holiday season, it was decided to take a break. We will plan to hit the ground running in January (weather permitting).

Ozarks Property Rights Congress Meeting
September 22 -7:00 p.m.—Hayloft Restaurant – Mountain Grove, Missouri

Come early if you care to eat, as no food is allowed in the meeting room.

Topics of discussion will include a review of the August 6 Ozarks Conference on Private Property Rights held in Mountain Grove.

Doreen Hannes will give a legislation update on the proposed Aerotropolis, “China Hub” Free Trade Zone in St. Louis.

A representative from the U.S. Forest Service has been invited to speak on the reasoning behind the USFS most recent push to close roads and trails in the National Forest.

Bob Parker will talk about “Regulations.” About 3,500 new regulations were put into effect last year. Agencies are out of control enacting regulations which cause devastating costs to business. It is said, “These regulations are killing us.” Bob will present hard number statistics to bring home what that actually means.

Everyone is welcome. Come and bring a friend.

DVDs of the August 6th Conference will be available for purchase at $20 for the two disk set which includes Sheriff Richard Mack’s presentation.

Chapters are you passing out Sheriff Mack booklets to your local sheriff? Are you discussing what you learned at the conference with your local law enforcement people?

SEPTEMBER 2011
MEETINGS SCHEDULE

All meetings are in Missouri unless otherwise stated

Christian County Chapter
Ozarks Property Rights Congress

September 1 — 7:00 p.m.
Mt. Zion Baptist Church - 877 Hwy JJ.

From the West, take Hwy 14 East from 65 Hwy through Ozark towards Sparta and approximately 1 mile past W Hwy take a left off of 14 onto JJ Hwy, then 0.8 tenths of a mile to Mt. Zion Baptist Church on the left.

Meeting topics will include a Review of the August 6 Conference in Mountain Grove

And the Christian County Food Code

Come see what it is all about!
Contact Bob Estep 417-844-8406 or Mike Wasson 417-634-5679
www.ozarksprc.com - Email: info@ozarksprc.com

Lawrence County Chapter

Ozarks Property Rights Congress
Tuesday, September 6 - 7:00 p.m.

The location of the meeting is at the old red roofed church in Mount Vernon. The directions are: approximately 2 blocks N. on Market St. (in front of the Keen Bean) to Division, W. 1 1/2 blocks to the corner of Division and West St.

This month we have the opportunity to have our Lawrence County Sheriff Brad Delay as our guest speaker. He will speak on among other things, his view of “freedom issues” and we will have a chance to ask him questions as well.

Eric Vought will lead a discussion of a precious metals trading system. This is a very good time to invite your neighbors and friends.

Contact: Eric Vimont 417-366-0999

Gainesville Chapter
Ozarks Property Rights Congress

September 8 – 7:00 P.M.

Vaught’s Family Restaurant
Highway 160, West of Gainesville
On meeting nights, food is served from 5 p.m. to 7 p.m.

Topics of discussion

Review of August 6 Conference

Doreen Hannes will discuss Missouri HB840

“Aerotropolis Trade Incentive and Tax Credit Act” which will create the

“China Hub” Global Free Trade Zone in St. Louis

Far Southwest Chapter
(McDonald County)

September 13 – 7:00 p.m.
New-Mac Community Room
Anderson, Missouri

Topic of Discussion

Sustainable Development presented by Will Roberts

Contact: Arthur & Virginia Waggoner

wagg@leru.net – 417-435-2661

MOUNTAIN GROVE MEETING

September 22 – 7:00 P.M.
Come early, if you care to eat, as food is not allowed in the meeting room due to limited restaurant staff.

Topic of discussion

Review of August Conference

U.S. Forest Service closing trails

FEMA National Flood Insurance

Aerotropolis Trade Incentive & Tax Credit Act

For more info call 417-668-5977 or 417-457-6111

Email: info@ozarksprc.com

Barry County Chapter
Ozarks Property Rights Congress

September 29 – 7:00 p.m.
Barry County Library – Cassville Branch
Cassville, MO

Topics of discussion

The two sales tax initiatives placed the ballot by E-911 Board and

the County Commissioners for General Revenue tax

Contact: Paul Bingham – 417-665-1041

paulbingham44@yahoo.com

11th Ozarks Conference on Private Property Rights -
Full Day of Information on What’s Here, What’s Coming, & What to do about it!

Don’t miss an opportunity to have a record of  the Conference to watch and study. DVDs of the Conference are available for $20, which also covers mailing costs. Send your request, with payment and number of DVDs desired to: Recording Masters, Route 1, Box 816, Cabool, MO 65689. Expect your DVDs within 2 weeks. The Conference DVD will come as a two disk set. Some at the Conference said they had trouble hearing in the gymnasium, but I am assured that the audio on the DVD is perfectly clear.

An estimated 300 people attended the 11th Ozarks Conference on Private Property Rights at the YMCA in Mountain Grove, MO on Saturday the 6th. The theme of the Conference was Agenda 21 in the Heartland – How International Becomes Local.

The event was sponsored by Ozarks Property Rights Congress. and  began with a video tribute to the late c. Russell Wood, OPRC president. Wood, who passed away in May, was the president from the group’s formation in the fall of 2000 until his passing.

The c. Russell Wood Memorial REAL Conservationist Award was presented to L. D. (Dave) Davis of Udall, Missouri. Dave is the OPRC vice president. His quiet way of  working behind the scene has been an effective asset to the success of OPRC.  He achieved harmony in working with County Commissioners, a succession of newspaper editors, and the people of Ozark County.

Ray Cunio from Sullivan, Mo started the morning session off talking about how cities and counties are adopting the United Nations Agenda 21- Sustainable Development – Smart Growth provisions through planning and zoning comprehensive plans. Cunio helped defeat one such ordinance in Franklin County, MO, which would have included regulating the dark night sky.

Finding out about the Department of Transportation Director Ray La Hood’s new proposal to make farmers get CDL licenses to operate tractors and farm machinery caused quite a stir among those listening. The proposed change also means ANYONE driving a tractor or operating any piece of motorized farming equipment would be forced to pass the same rigorous tests and fill out the same detailed forms and diaries required of semi-tractor trailer drivers. This reclassification would bury small farms and family farms in regulation, paperwork, and expense. The questions on everyone’s mind, “What are these government people thinking? Do they want to destroy American farmers’ ability to feed the country?

On the subject of feeding the country, Doreen Hannes shed light on the escalation of raids by government agencies on private food clubs that sell raw milk products. She also talked about, “Good ag gone bad” as the “Leafy Green Products Marketing Agreement” is being put into effect.  The LGPMA is part of the Good Agricultural Practices(GAPs) passed down from the FDA and the UN. This Agreement tells growers of leafy greens that they must keep all wildlife out of their fields, including frogs, in order to protect their crops from E coli and other contaminants.

Bob Parker discussed the needless devastation suffered by farmers when the Corps of Engineers blew the levee on the Mississippi River in May and destroyed 200 square miles of prime farm land. The COE is catering  to environmentalists working to turn the farm land along the Mississippi into a wetlands habitat. The food supply in the world is at a critical stage, and with our government importing 70 percent of our produce, how can anyone think it is a good idea to destroy prime American farmland?                                       

Keynote speaker Sheriff Richard Mack spoke on the importance of your local County Sheriff in protecting citizens from the intrusion of the federal government. “Your County Sheriff is the executor of the law. He has no supervisor or boss except for the people,” Mack said.

Congress passed the Brady Bill in 1994. Mack said, “So here is the U.S. Congress making an unconstitutional gun control law, requiring a county official to enforce it and pay for it, then threatening to arrest him if he refuses! What a government!”

 Sheriff Mack was the first sheriff in the nation to file a lawsuit to stop the Brady bill. That lawsuit went all the way to the Supreme Court. The Court ruled in favor of the sheriffs. “On June 27, 1997, the Supreme Court ruled that the Federal Government could not commandeer state or county officers for federal bidding.”

 The next scheduled meetings for the Ozarks Property Rights Congress are September 8 in Gainesville at  Vaught’s Family Restaurant, 7:00 p.m. and September 22 in Mountain Grove at the Hayloft Restaurant, 7:00 p.m. OPRC meetings are open to everyone. For more information call 417-668-5977 or 417-457-6111.

11th Conference on Private Property Rights

The 11th Conference on Private Property Rights is scheduled for Saturday, August 6th at the YMCA in Mountain Grove, Missouri from 9:00 a.m. to 4:00 p.m. Sponsored by the Ozarks Property Rights Congress, this year’s conference will be a bittersweet event. In May, OPRC President c. Russell Wood passed away and his loss is deeply felt by all who knew him.  A video tribute to Russell will be presented at about 9:15 a.m. after the opening ceremonies.

The c Russell Wood Memorial REAL Conservationist Award will be presented just before noon. As in years past, the name of the recipient is not revealed until that time. The Award recipients have included, Sarah Steelman, the Texas County Commissioners, Senator Chuck Purgason, Derry Brownfield, Wanda Benton, Ray Cunio, Bob Parker, Bill and Carolin Burch, Mary Rivera, Doreen Hannes, and c. Russell Wood.

The theme of this year’s conference is Agenda 21 in the Heartland – How International Becomes Local. The lineup of expert speakers will present well researched, documented information on issues of pressing importance to citizens who are concerned with the way the country is headed.

Sheriff Richard Mack is coming in from Texas to speak on “The County Sheriff, America’s Last Hope.” He is a well known crusader for individual freedoms. 

Ray Cunio, founder of Citizens for Private Property Rights will speak on “Sustainable Development – Where the Rubber Meets The Road in Your Backyard.”

Doreen Hannes has been deeply involved in research, speaking, and writing on food issues as they pertain to the Federal and International interference with our food. She was in the courtroom in West Plains when the Morningland Dairy trial was going on and wrote extensively on the outcome and history of that family tragedy.  In  “Food is Now a Controlled Substance,” she will also talk about the USDA fining the Dollarhite family more than $90,000 for selling over $500 worth of live rabbits in a year.  Hannes said, “The recently passed and signed into law “Food Safety Modernization Act” has nothing to do with food safety and everything to do with government control.”

The flooding of over 200 square miles of  some of the world’s richest farmland when the Army Corps of Engineers blew the Birds Point Levee in eastern Missouri, has been the subject of Bob Parker’s writings and radio talks for several months. He has toured the site taken photos and talked with the victims of this fiasco, the area farmers. Parker will discuss the reason for the destruction of this farmland in his talk at the Conference.

Admission to the Conference is free, but donations are welcome. A special donation will be taken to cover Sheriff Mack’s expenses in coming to the Conference.Lunch will be the individual’s choice from the area restaurants. A list of restaurants will be provided in the Conference packet.

To find the YMCA, from Highway 95 in Mountain Grove, go to E. 9th, go east on E. 9th to YMCA Dr. The YMCA is about 4 blocks on the right. East 9th is about 7 tenths of a mile South of the Highway 95 at Highway 60 overpass.

For more information email info@ozarksprc.com or go to the website www.ozarksprc.com. Or call 417-668-5977 or 417-457-6111.