Today, May 12, 2025, Stoddard County officially received Missouri Blue Shield designation from the Missouri Department of Public Safety.  This prestigious honor recognizes Missouri communities that demonstrate a steadfast commitment to enhancing public safety and supporting law enforcement.

The Missouri Blue Shield Program, created by Governor Kehoe in January 2025 through Executive Order 25-03, recognizes local governments that make significant efforts to reduce crime, foster law enforcement collaboration, and build strong community partnerships for public safety.

"Public safety is the foundation of a thriving community and state.  It affects everything from families feeling secure to businesses having the confidence to invest and grow," said Governor Kehoe.  "We designed the Missouri Blue Shield Program to recognize communities that go above and beyond in creating place where people want to live, work, and build their futures.  A Missouri Blue Shield designation is a testament to the hard work and dedication of local governments across Missouri who are leading the wya in making public safety a priority."

"The Department of Public Safety is proud to work alongside communities like Stoddard County, that have shown exceptional dedication to enhancing public safety," said Mark James, Director of the Missouri Department of Public Safety (DPS).  "This program is about fostering collaboration between local law enforcement agencies and the communities they serve.  Our goal is to support these efforts, providing resources and guidance to help communities build sustainable, long-term solutions for crime reduction and public safety."

The Stoddard County Commission is proud to see Governor Kehoe create such a program to honor the communities who go above and beyond to support their law enforcement.

Stoddard County Sheriff Carl Hefner states, we are excited and honored to be involved with a State, local Government and Community who shows such support for our law enforcement.  Without them we would not have the funding to meet our basic needs as law enforcement.  The Missouri Blue Shield Program will bring public safety in Missouri to a new level of community relations and protection for our citizens.

Eligibility and Program details

Communities are eligible for a Missouri Blue Shield designation based on their dedication to reducing crime, making substantial investments in public safety, and developing strong collaboration with law enforcement agencies and community stakeholders.  Each participating community's commitment will be reviewed annually to ensure continued alignment with the program's goals.

Participation Incentives

Communities that earn a Missouri Blue Shield designation will receive grant funding for law enforcement training and equipment as part of Governor Kehoe's Recommended Budget for the State Fiscal Year 2026.  Communities will also be feature on Governor Kehoe's social media pages as well as the DPS website to highlight their participation in the program.

About Stoddard County

Stoddard County earned a Missouri Blue Shield designation due to its exceptional commitment to public safety. Through specific initiatives, such as officer recruitment efforts, major law enforcement funding, and partnerships with community stakeholders, the community has demonstrated a strong and ongoing commitment to protecting its residents.  This designation affirms Stoddard County's effort to create a safer, more secure environment for all who live and work here.

The Stoddard County Commission I s seeking interested Stoddard County citizens for open positions on the Stoddard County SB40 Board.  there are four (4) positions available this year.  Two will be up due to their third year serving, one resigned effective immediately and one is resigning in June.

The SB40 Board oversees the distribution of funds to assist the advancement of the developmentally disabled in Stoddard County, specifically the Sheltered Workshop.  The SB40 Board was created after voters of Stoddard County approved a tax to be distributed to the Stoddard County Workshop many years ago.

Interested individuals should submit their resume or letter of interest to the Stoddard County Clerk's Office, in the Government Building, located at 401 South Prairie Street, Bloomfield, Missouri or by mail, P.O. Box 110, Bloomfield, Missouri 63825 by 10:00 a.m. Monday, June 2, 2025 

EEOC

If you any questions, please contact the Stoddard County Presiding Commissioner, Greg Mathis, at (573) 421-6629.

The Stoddard County Commission meeting began with the Pledge of Allegiance and a prayer over the county and county employees.

Kenny LaRue is a concerned citizen

Greg Mathis contacted the Public Service Commission during the last Commission meeting and got some information.  He asked about who notified the customers of Liberty Utilities of their increase in sewer rates effective March 1, 2025.  He was told that the it was the responsibilities of Liberty Utilities to notify the public of the increase.

Mr. LaRue had several pages of information.  "We believe we are being scammed by Liberty Utilities," stated LaRue.  "They are a privately owned company and it's a money making thing. The rates were $34-$36 per month and now it has increased to $93 per month which is over $84,000 to take care of this water treatment plant per year, and not they will receive 2 million over 10 years in profit.  This takes money away from Stoddard County and gives to Chicago, Illinois. It is costing $8 to dispose of $1 of water. I just can't believe it."

"If this is the new rate increase then $232,000 will be taken out of Stoddard County and moved to Chicago.  It will cause our property values to go down and no one will buy a house as they will have to pay another $93.00 to flush their toilets," stated LaRue.

"Public Service Commission not very open," continued LaRue. "We would like to see a document from these appointed officials and should be responsible for their actions and what did they base this increase on."

Kari Standley, Clerk, City of Bloomfield - Proclamation to make May 4th - May 10th Local Government Week

Standley was not in attendance, but the Commission said they had no issue making May 4th - 10th as Local Government Week.

Moiton to sign the Local Government Week Proclamation for the city of Bloomfield made by Commissioner Wes Howard, seconded by Commissioner C.D. Stewart.  All three voted yes and motion passed.

At 10:00 it was requested to have a meeting with Colter Gaebler with Smith & Co. Engineering to discuss bridge contracts.

Reconstruction Conference 

Bridge 752 Project - Bridge is currently closed and will be closed until first week of September

Colter Gaebler will be Construction Manager on this project.  

Keith Simpson, Keith Simpson Contracting will be the contractor and site foreman and was available at the Commission meeting.  He stated it would be the second week of June to begin work on the bridge with a completion date of end of July.

Matt Wilkerson with MoDOT was also at the Commission meeting.

Bridge CR 766 Bridge Project - Bridge will be shut down from August 4, 2025 thru the first week of November 2025

The responsibilities of the engineers includes inspection with authority to require compliance to contract documents.  Gaebler went over the contract for responsibilities of owner's governing body, of contractor, and any other agencies contributing to the this project.  He made sure all law requirements were discussed such as EEOC requirements, wage rates, and an onsite job poster.  

Andy Holden, Stoddard County Sheriff's Department

Allowing Mr. Holden to apply for for the Adoption of the Resolution 04/28/25 Blue Shield made by Commissioner C.D. Stewart, seconded by Commissioner Wes Howard.  All three voted yes and motion yes.  This resolution demonstrates the counties commitment to pubic safety and crime reduction.  Mr. Holden will apply and once the application is approved will come back to the Commission for a photo opportunity and completion of the resolution.

SB40 Board Update

"It was a productive meeting; however none of us have talked about the SB40 to give any type of recommendation," stated Mathis.

"I felt pretty good." stated Stewart. " I thought it went really well."

"Once both sides aired out a little bit it was productive," commented Howard.

SB40 Meeting with Sheltered Workshop meeting minutes will be available next week.  Mathis stated that minutes were taken during the meeting between all parties involved.

Other Business

Motion to pay city of Advance $149,673.63 from ARPA funds made by Commissioner C.D. Stewart, seconded by Commissioner Wes Howard.  All three voted yes and motion passed.

Motion to approve the Open Meeting Minutes for April 21, 2025 Commissioner Wes Howard, seconded by Commissioner C.D. Stewart.  All three voted yes and motion passed.

Motion to approve the Closed Session Meeting Minutes for April 21, 2025 made by Commissioner Wes Howard, seconded by Commissioner C.D. Stewart.  All three voted yes and motion passed.

Motion to adjourn into closed session made at 11:04 a.m. for personnel made Commissioner C.D. Stewart, seconded by Commissioner Wes Howard.  All three voted yes and motion passed.