I must have sat down a dozen times to write this post, just to be called away for something else, some other task, some other issue needing my attention.

Andy Gabrielson, aka Find the Tornado, was killed over the weekend by a drunk driver, just a hour from my backyard.

He died, coming back from doing what he loved: chasing a storm.

I can’t say Andy and I were close. That would be a lie. However I met him on roughly a half dozen occasions when I first started as a storm spotter. We met for coffee and chit chat as he gave me some insight. We had met via twitter. He was a good man, with a love for the chase and a eye for video and pictures. You have probably seen his footage on countless Weather Channel shorts and news work across the country.

Andy was the real deal.

Last year his truck was flipped with him inside (the last 45 seconds of the video if you want fast forward to it)

Andy did his best to get good footage, which he more often than not succeeded in. He also gathered good data which was very important to meteorologists.

His work, his candor, and his will to do good for people was practically legendary. Last year he picked up Joel Taylor of Team Dominator fame from the side of the road after Reed and Joel parted ways. Andy was always, always willing to help.

As tribute over 500 storm chasers came together to honor Andy, in a way that can only be seen on the Radar screens that we watch, haunt, and stare at for hours. He would have appreciated it I think:

The world is a lesser place, and this storm season won’t be the same without him

If your in the area, or you wish to make a donation to Andy’s family, or attend his service, that information is after the jump.

God speed Andy, and where ever you are, ride the lightning.

For those going to Andy’s funeral on Saturday, it is asked that you wear jeans and black t-shirts. FindTheTornado t-shirts or SevereStudios t-shirts preferred, but any black shirt will do.

According to Andy’s parents, here are the services scheduled for Andy Gabrielson:

VISITATION
Friday, February 10
4pm – 8pm

FUNERAL
Saturday, February 11
10am

Both will be held at:
Grace Lutheran Church
500 N. Kniss
Luverne, MN 56156
http://graceluverne.org/about-2/location/

Flowers can be delivered to:
Hartquist Funeral Home
207 Elm Street
Luverne, MN 56156
(507) 283-2777
http://www.hartquistfuneral.com/obituaries/Andrew-Gabrielson/

Cards and/or monetary gifts can be mailed to:
Greg and Joanne Gabrielson
1320 91st St.
Luverne, MN 56156

We have also set up a fund where people can donate.
CLICK HERE for the Andy Gabrielson Memorial Fund.

For any questions, please contact Kory Hartman at (605) 770-1624

Mom and Pop operations that are trying to make their way in the world of bottom lines, last dollar and otherwise chain establishments.

Fortunately no one has been able to come up with a brick & mortar chain of cigar bars yet. Romeo’s is no exception.

I’ve had the pleasure of sitting, visiting and smoking with Tom of Ponderings from a Piper’s Paradise. Tom is also one of only two people who work at Romeo”s. He’s a writer, blogger, and sports fan…all of which are things deer to this misplaced Irish Georgia boys heart. Thanks to his establishment, we have wiled away several hours talking about books, literature, writers, sports, and strung out hippies while toking on some very good cigars.

They have an excellent selection, and no they aren’t paying me for this post. Not even a free cigar.Tom & Larry are extremely knowledgeable and a couple of real nice guys. Thats the whole reason I’m giving them a plug. Well that and the fact that I want them to stay in business so sending some traffic and folks their way can’t hurt.

If your ever in Bentonville, you should drop in and say hi to Tom and Larry. Get a Master Blend cigar. Sit on the couch, and get a cup of coffee while you chat. Relax. Stay a while. Tell’im I sent you over.

Thats what a good cigar, and a good cigar bar, is all about. And no chain will ever replicate that.

15 miles.

Thats all that separates my home from the town of Exeter, Missouri. Population 700.

It’s a small town. Smaller than I graduated high school in. Compared to some towns in Southwest Missouri, however, it is practically a metropolis.

It is also not the sort of place where crime happens.

Unfortunately, in the case of Abby and Isabella Chapman, thats exactly what has happened. A crime. One that is breaking their hearts of their mother and family, and shocking southwest Missouri.

Most of us who live in rural Missouri like it here. its quiet. We are off the beaten path. There are few shopping malls, theaters and other items that interest the jet setting crows. What there is, is peace and quiet. An idyllic lifestyle that has become lost in todays modern Microwave Burrito age.

Abby and Isabella Chapman were last seen on July 10. Their father Matt Chapman, picked them up from their mother, Amber Chapman, with the alleged intention of taking them to Silver Dollar City in Branson, MO: a large music and amusement park.

They have not been seen or heard from since.

With two small children still missing, the Barry County Sheriff’s Department has issued a warrant for the arrest of Matthew Justin Chapman, 35, of Exeter. He is charged with kidnapping his daughters, Abby L. Chapman, 7, and Isabella K. Chapman, 3, both of Exeter.

The local paper has a decent amount of information

Due to the fact that Matthew Chapman has been known to own several weapons, the Barry County Sheriff’s Department has listed the warrant with a cautionary indicator for law enforcement, said Epperly.

“I have seen a letter that was from him in which he stated that he believes the children are better off with him,” said Epperly. “After reading the letter, I believe that he loves his children very much, and as far as I know, he would not harm them, but they need to be located and this situation needs to be handled in the proper way.

“We know that he is not working,” said Epperly. “If he feels like he is on the run, things could deteriorate for him and the children very quickly.”

Amber Chapman has indicated that Matthew Chapman has said he would like to one day visit Colorado or Wyoming, said Epperly.

“We have searched his mother’s and sisters’ homes and a lot of other locations and not come up with anything so far,” said Epperly. “If anyone knows anything about their location, we urge them to call the sheriff’s department. They can remain anonymous. We just need to find these children.”

Matthew Chapman is five foot, 11 inches tall and weighs around 170 pounds. He has brown hair and green eyes. Abby Chapman is four feet tall and weighs around 45 pounds. She has brown hair and blue eyes. Isabella Chapman is three feet tall and weighs 40 pounds. She has blond hair and blue eyes.

Individuals with information on Matthew Chapman or his daughters are asked to call the Barry County Sheriff’s Department at 847-3121.

Matt Chapman was last seen in a silver Dodge Caravan. It is believed that he has a large quantity of camping equipment and gear so he may be at a national park, or even a very rural area.

Abby & Isabella Chapman (Image courtesy of KAPX News)

KPAX has the following descriptions
Abby L. Chapman is a white female, standing 4′ tall and weighing 45 pounds. She has brown hair, blue eyes and light complexion. She was last seen wearing a pink t-shirt and cut off blue jeans.

Isabella K. Chapman is a white female, standing 3′ tall and weighing 40 pounds. She has blonde hair, blue eyes and a light complexion. She was last seen wearing a pink tank top and blue jean shorts.

Matthew Chapman (Image courtesy of KPAX News)

According to family, he has contacts in Colorado, Wyoming, Montana and Texas. Chapman should be considered armed and dangerous.

Responders are being coordinated through established regional mutual aid agreements and requests filed with SEMA for state and federal resources.

Missourians interested in volunteering to assist should first call (800) 427-4626 or 2-1-1, instead of reporting directly to a command post or the disaster area. Those with medical skills interested in volunteering should go to: https://www.showmeresponse.org/.

Missourians wishing to make donations to help with the relief effort can go to http://www.sema.dps.mo.gov/recover/donations.asp or call (800) 427-4626 or 2-1-1.

Residents affected by the tornado who wish to notify their friends and family that they are safe should go to: https://safeandwell.communityos.org/cms/index.php. Friends and family who would like to check on their loved ones in the affected area can use the same site.

Missourians who need disaster information, shelter information or referrals are urged to call

2-1-1. The United Way’s 211 service number is now available for most areas in Missouri. In areas where the 211 number is not operational, citizens can call 800-427-4626.

The U.S. Army's 3rd Infantry Regiment, "The Old Guard," changes the guard as the body of former Army Cpl. Frank Woodruff Buckles, the last surviving American veteran of World War I, lies in honor in the Memorial Amphitheater Chapel at Arlington National Cemetery in Arlington, Va., on Tuesday, March 15, 2011.

Former Army Cpl. Frank Woodruff Buckles, the last surviving American veteran of World War I, passed away and was honoured this week.

He was laid down yesterday in Arlington National cemetery, the last of a generation who did what I think the current generation would be aghast to do, to sacrifice, to rise to meet.

He stands at parade rest, with his brothers and sisters who went before. The last man standing in a noble line.

A fellow Missourian, during the war Buckles served in England and France, driving ambulances and motorcycles for the Army’s 1st Fort Riley Casual Detachment.After the Armistice in 1918, Buckles escorted prisoners of war back to Germany. Following his discharge in 1920, he attended the dedication of the Liberty Memorial in Kansas City, Missouri, in honor of the Americans who died in World War I.

He died on Sunday, Feb. 27, 2011, at his West Virginia home at age 110. Mr. Buckles enlisted in the Army on Aug. 14, 1917, at the age of 16; he was discharged in 1920

Honor Guard carrying formaer Corporal Frank W. Buckles, United States Army, Last American Veteran of World War I to rest.

It’s so easy to forget them for it was so long ago,
That the old Bills of our Country went to battle, but we know
It was not the politicians, with their compromise and ploys,
Who won for us the freedom that our Country now enjoys.

Should you find yourself in danger, with your enemies at hand,
Would you want a politician with his ever-shifting stand?
Or would you prefer a soldier, who has sworn to defend
His home, his kin and Country and would fight until the end?

He was just a common soldier and his ranks are growing thin,
But his presence should remind us we may need his like again.
For when countries are in conflict, then we find the soldier’s part
Is to clean up all the troubles that the politicians start.

If we cannot do him honor while he’s here to hear the praise,
Then at least let’s give him homage at the ending of his days.
Perhaps just a simple headline in a paper that would say,
Our Country is in mourning, for a soldier died today.

Excerpt from A Soldier Died Today by A. Lawrence Vaincourt

More at Castle Argghhh!

I haven’t blogged anything regarding Missouri States sports program. That may change moving forward.

By a weird twist of fate, I just so happened to be finishing my paperwork at Carrington Hall for admissions while history for the school was being made on Saturday.

Missouri State got 18 points from Jermaine Mallett to lead four Bears in double figures in a 69-64 win over the Wichita State Shockers here Saturday afternoon in the regular-season finale for both clubs. With the victory, MSU (23-7, 15-3) earned its first-ever Missouri Valley Conference regular-season conference title.

Meanwhile I was giving copies of transcripts and other such material to admissions personnel.

While Adam Leonard hit a jumper with 5:17 left in the game put Missouri State up 57-47, I was touring the David Glass Hall looking for where my area will probably be.

And when Jermaine Mallet hit a three-point play at the 1:51 mark that gave the Bears a 63-59 lead, I was picking up my GMAT study material from the bookstore, the game playing in every building I had been in and in the store while I looked around.

As I got ready to leave David Leonard made the shot of the night, and perhaps the season, for Missouri State game. With 48 seconds left he dropped a three pointer, his fifth of the game, to put the Bears on top again 67-64.

During my drive in to downtown, the student body was rushing the floor at JQH Arena. People where leaning on the horns and students were hanging out windows screaming, over joyed. My daughter sat in the back of my truck wide eyed, and open mouthed at this crazed display of human emotion. I just grinned.

History was made for both myself and for the school. By the time I stepped in to the Springfield Brewing Company, the city was in pandemonium as the MSU’s first ever conference title had been sealed. For myself, a dream, a culmination of sleepless nights, workplace frustrations, and years of kicking myself had finally given way to moving forward in my education, taking the risk of the debt that we might get a better way of life when its all over.

While eating fish & chips and having a pint of bitters in my own celebration, none other than Jermaine Mallett walks in, and the entire restaurant erupted in to a standing ovation. Reminded me of Eric Berry coming in to the Tin Roof two years ago and everyone started chanting his name and cheering wildly.

All my life I have been a Vol fan. With MSU being a school in the FCS , I highly doubt that is going to change. I grew up around SEC football, and going to Neyland Stadium. SEC Football, and the Vols are in my blood, and in my soul.

But to me the two schools, MSU and UT, are very similar in a lot of ways. Small town values and small towns in general being one. Mountain location, lots of outdoor entertainment, both located near major music entertainment venues (MSU is close to Branson, MO, UT next to Gatlingburg, TN) and both have been underdogs as of late.

My tenure at Tennessee was extremely short, about 8 months, and notably uncompleted due to military transfers, whereas my experience at MSU may be entirely different. Both because it is graduate school, and of course because I intend to finish it. Also, though, I live here. It’s much closer than Knoxville (hour and a half versus 14 and half hours of driving). I can actually go to games. I can participate. Springfield isn’t Knoxville. Missouri isn’t the South where I grew up. It is however, as close to home as I have come in a very long time, and I like it here.

I guess what I’m saying is my blood will never stop bleeding orange. I will always be a Vol fan, first and foremost.

But because of immersion thanks to my upcoming education, there may be some maroon and white in there as well before it’s over with.

Who knows. Maybe I’m good luck for the school also. Considering we both made history for ourselves on the same day.

Go Bears

Greetings from the State Capitol. We are getting busier as the session proceeds. Bills are being passed out of committee and coming to the floor for debate. My Health Care Policy Committee is hearing bills weekly and some bills have been voted out and sent back to the Speaker. He will determine whether or not they will be debated on the House floor.

Since I have been in the health care business for many years, and am the committee chairman I am able to process some of my own legislation through the committee. One of the bills I am excited about is the Medical Volunteer Service Act (HB 29.) We have many health care professionals who are more than willing to give of their time and services for no compensation to benefit mankind. Unfortunately, now the provider has to purchase liability insurance before they can donate their services. This piece of legislation would protect the provider from lawsuits unless there was gross negligence or willful misconduct. I believe that if this bill is passed it would increase provider participation and benefit people who cannot afford healthcare services. My only problem is the trial attorneys who will fight this, but the bill passed out of the committee without any opposition.

We also passed out of the Health Care Policy Committee a late term abortion bill that would prohibit any abortion for a pregnancy that is over 20 weeks. Additionally we passed a bill that I sponsored to create a dental “carve out” for Medicaid. This would enable the Department of Social Services to increase dental services, but does not increase appropriations. Another interesting bill was a health care compact with other states. If given permission from the US Congress, Missouri could form a pact with other states to develop our own health care system and not be tied to the Federal Healthcare Bill which was passed this past year. We believe our state may have different healthcare priorities versus the federal government’s “one size fits” all application for all states.

During floor debate this week we heard a bill that would limit nuisance lawsuits against our family farms. Unfortunately, greedy out of state plaintiff attorneys are targeting Missouri’s farmers and ranchers in an attempt to shut down the animal agriculture industry in the state. Missouri’s laws, unlike all the agriculture states surrounding us, provide very little protection to our small farmers and ranchers. These lawyers, not only sue farms in Missouri, but also are suing on behalf of the HSUS in California to shut down producers there. Unless corrected, this could cost thousands of jobs and may destroy the animal agriculture industry in Missouri.

We have another school voucher bill again this year. This has been going on for many years, mainly sponsored by some big money from Kansas City and St. Louis. While it may sound reasonable, this would kill our smaller schools, because the money would follow the student, and this would financially hurt the smaller schools and possibly close them. I will do what I can to defeat this bill again.

I have received several E-mails from area public school teachers on altering the PSRS retirement system. They are understandably concerned about the retirement they have earned and for future retired teachers. I will make sure that our retired teachers are not in any danger of losing any of their defined contributions.

I look forward to hearing any of your concerns or comments and will respond to each of you.

xxx

Best Regards,

David Sater

68th District

866/485-0759

I’m declaring Open Season on Ground Hogs.

Got a foot of snow and more falling by the hour.

And insult to injury?

My area is going to be the hardest hit in the state.

Missouri DOT working to clear roadways using their TowPlow

Weather radio’s are already going off, and alerts are being sent to phones apparently.

We get snow in Missouri. Usually about 14 or so inches per year.

But this year, amidst people screaming global warming, has been just a little nuts.

We were declared a state of Emergency, which is a good thing for schools etc.

But the fact that my little corner of Missouri, specifically the Southwest is determined to be the hardest hit, does not bode well.

I guess we’ll see. I won’t be putting my snow chains away any time soon it looks like.

And if I ever see Punxsutawney Phil, I think I’ll be forced to shoot him, the dirty lying scoundrel.

If I vanish again you can keep track of my madness here and I’ll still be in Twitter via my phone.

Weather radio has been going off since Saturday.

So if I vanish for a few days? You’ll know why.

IMPACTS… TRAVEL WILL BECOME INCREASINGLY TREACHEROUS LATE TONIGHT AND TUESDAY. NEAR BLIZZARD CONDITIONS MAY MAKE TRAVEL NEARLY IMPOSSIBLE AT TIMES.

SNOW AND SLEET ACCUMULATIONS… STORM TOTAL SNOW ACCUMULATIONS WILL RANGE FROM AROUND A FOOT NEAR THE INTERSTATE 44 CORRIDOR TO AROUND A FOOT AND A HALF ACROSS PORTIONS OF SOUTHEAST KANSAS AND WEST CENTRAL MISSOURI.

SIGNIFICANT SLEET ACCUMULATIONS UP TO A HALF INCH ARE POSSIBLE… ESPECIALLY ALONG AND SOUTH OF INTERSTATE 44.

RAPID ACCUMULATIONS OF WINTER PRECIPITATION WILL BE LIKELY WITH SNOWFALL RATES POSSIBLY EXCEEDING TWO INCHES PER HOUR ON TUESDAY.

The issue here isn’t the amount. It’s the response. A lot of folks tend to think “Oh gee that little bit amount shouldn’t shut down anything.”

If southwest Missouri was Buffalo, maybe not. But we don’t have $1 million dollars to spend on every inch of snow, either.

I had this argument with one of my former employers. Who lived 4 miles from our job. “If i can get to work so can you!” said he. “You used to live in New York, you don’t have an excuse either!” Quoth his kiss ass assistant.

Let me break it down.

Buffalo, the city I used to live in?
The city has 350 salt spreaders, 2,000 snowplows and 250,000 tons of rock salt at its disposal, along with snow jet-powered throwers, snow blowers and de-icing cars either on the roads or ready to be deployed to blunt the impact of the storm.

Parking lot of my apartment complex during the Blizzard of 2001 in Buffalo, NY

On Average Missouri spends $41 Million dollars on snow removal.

New York? To put it in perspective Buffalo averages 93.6 inches of snow a year and is the 11th snowiest U.S. place on the list, outside Alaska, when mountain locations are included. When the mountain locations along with Alaska are excluded, it jumps to sixth place, and two other New York cities sneak onto the list: Rochester and Binghamton.

So at 1 million per inch, the city, just the city, of Buffalo spends twice what the entire state of Missouri spends on snow removal.

Don’t even get me started on Arkansas.

My infamous 1973 Ford Truck while the snow falls during the Blizzard of 2001.

Employers who demand employee’s to show up in these conditions?

Are asking for a lawsuit.

Because it’s not their vehicle that gets totaled, or their loved ones who get hurt, injured or stranded on the side of the road is it?

And state officials aren’t telling people to stay home for their health. They want you off the roads, period. I was in Buffalo during the Blizzard of 2001. The state and cities instituted driving bans to keep people off the roads and safe,

If your employer is making that kind of demand, you need to seriously reconsider who your working for, and if they have your best interests, or theirs, at heart.

And employers need to realize that its not worth the cost.