BLOOMFIELD, Mo. -- The Stoddard County Commission approved a request from the Crowley Ridge Black Powder Club to combine its Black Powder Shoot with Liberty Days held at the Stars and Stripes Museum/Library in 2018, and move the black powder event to the west side of Highway 25.
Melvin Boyers, president of the Black Powder Club, made the request at the regular meeting of the commission Nov. 6. Boyers said he and Laura Meyer, director of the Stars and Stripes Museum, had discussed the change, and felt it would draw more interest to both events.
Boyers said both events were previously held in October. The Black Powder Shoot was held on the east side of Highway 25 for the past 13 or 14 years. He noted having the two events staged separately created a strain on the volunteers who organize and run the events. He said holding it on the west side of the highway would make it more accessible to those attending.
"I think we will draw more people by combining the two events," said Boyers.
Presiding Commissioner questioned whether having a shooting event held in conjunction with Liberty Days would pose a safety issue for students who attended the event.
Meyer said Education Day is held on Friday and there would be no black powder shooting on that day. She said the shooting would be on Saturday and Sunday.
Boyers said the black powder event would be arranged so that it would not endanger anyone attending Liberty Days.
"I would support the change as long as there is no danger to the public," said Commissioner Steve Jordan.
"I, too, have no problem," stated Commissioner Carol Jarrell. "Just make sure it has proper safety features."
Boyers said, "We have to meet safety standards required by our insurance."
Mathis asked when the combined event would next take place, and Meyer said it would be the second weekend in October, 2018.
"Just come and remind us next year before the event," said Mathis said to Boyers. "Bring us your proof of insurance and perhaps a schematic of where events will be held."
Boyers asked if the commission would approve a return to the east side if it were needed for future black powder shoots.
"We can't obligate any future commissioners," replied Mathis. "You would have to approach commissioners at that time.
The commission voted to purchase two Ford Explorers from Bud Shell Ford in Dexter at a cost of $28,058 per vehicle, have safety equipment installed by Ed Roehr Safety Products of St. Louis, Mo., at a cost of $7,730 for both vehicles and have the custom lettering done by Christian Memorials and Signs at a cost of $425.60 for both vehicles.
The commission opened sealed bids for the vehicles, equipment installation and lettering at their Oct. 30 meeting. All three companies were the lowest bidders -- Bud Shell for the vehicles, Roehr for the safety equipment and Christian for the lettering.
The commission took no action at the Oct. 30 meeting, asking Sheriff Carl Hefner to look over the bids to make sure they were all for the same equipment. The sheriff's office said the bids were all essentially for the same equipment and services.
The commission voted 3-0 to award the contracts to the lowest bidders.
David Goncher, with Colonial Life Insurance in Cape Girardeau, Mo., made a presentation to the commission for providing supplemental insurance and life insurance (term and whole) for county employees. He also presented dental and vision insurance options. Goncher said the coverage was cheaper than many rival companies and provided more benefits.
The commission advised him that they would consult with county employees to see if any were interested in pursuing benefits from Colonial Life.