Globe Opinion on Downtown Works for Neosho, Too.

Below is an opinion article – I suppose from the editorial staff at the Joplin Globe.  They are commenting on the revitalization efforts for Joplin’s downtown area.  If you haven’t been downtown lately, it’s worth the trip.  And it goes to show you that a revitalized downtown, even if it’s different than 50 years ago, is still a good thing for a community.

Our view: New face, new life

The Joplin Globe Mon Feb 28, 2011, 07:35 AM CST

Downtown Joplin is getting a new face and a new life.

Just consider what has been happening to what was once the major business district of the city.

There is a lot of activity with the partnership of public and private investment tied to a “buy-in” of a back-to-the-past theme by building owners and tenants.

That represents a shift of momentum from the 1960s and 1970s when the birth of shopping centers and malls seemed to be the only game in town. We think there’s room and a big need for both.

The staple of the “new look” downtown has been the transformation of the former Newman’s Building on the southwest corner of Sixth and Main streets into a City Hall. Just across the street, apartments can be found in the former Frisco Building, which once housed a train depot, medical offices and businesses.

While the hustle and bustle that once was prevalent along Main Street during the 1940s and 1950s may never be recaptured, downtown Joplin is reclaiming its place as a viable economic entity. All that was needed was proper packaging.

Time can’t be rolled back. The thousands of shoppers who daily flocked downtown in the 1930s, 1940s and 1950s may never return in such numbers. But it is obvious that the old business district still has life and can generate economic excitement and dollars for Joplin.

NY Times Vindication

Great timing I guess!  Last night, the NY Times posted this article (and it’s in print today) regarding oil prices and the impact on the economy.  It mirrors (with much more detail) my post yesterday on that subject.

The article is here.

Economic Signs Remain Mixed – Oil is a Concern

I continue to track a number of economic indicators and statistics.  Today’s announcement that new single-family home sales were down 18.6% over last years already low rate reinforces the weakness our economy is experiencing.  Initial jobless claims are still averaging 402,000.  Durable good orders in January (excluding transportation) were down 3.6%.

Overall, signs are mixed at best and short-term optimism isn’t growing. 

Now enter the middle-east turmoil and upward pressures on oil.  It’s not a pretty picture.  Higher prices on gasoline will only worsen the economic picture as fewer dollars will remain to purchase other goods and services.

Not good news.

Pseudoephedrine Bill Moves Forward

The Joplin City Council voted 8-1 last night to advance a bill aimed to curb access to certain over-the-counter (OTC) drugs used in the manufacture of meth.  The bill would require a prescription for any drug containing pseudoephedrine.  Those drugs are currently required to be behind the counter and purchased with an ID, but do not require a doctor’s note.  The bill would only apply to purchases within the city limits of Joplin.

The council is expected to have a 2nd/3rd reading on the bill at their next council meeting. 

Wildcats Recognized for Back-to-Back Wrestling Championships

Yesterday afternoon, Neosho’s State Championship Wrestling team was honored during an assembly at Neosho High School.  In addition to the team championship, Neosho had 14 state qualifiers, 9 medalists, 4 state champions, and 5 academic All-State honorees.

Congrats to Coach Phillips for another great season.  We’re proud of all of you!

Joplin’s Proposed Drug Ordinance – One to Watch

The city of Joplin is currently discussing whether or not to pursue a new law that would require those purchasing certain cold medications to have a doctor’s prescription.  Why?  Because those drugs contain pseudoephedrine - a primary ingredient for meth.

On the surface, I see the attraction.  Missouri is ranked No. 1 in the nation for the number of meth labs and SW Missouri is by no means immune.  But will it work?  I guess time will tell. 

With the “metropolis” of Joplin having other cities close by, you may just move the purchases to nearby Webb City.  You also have to weigh the impact on those who truly need a decongestant from time to time when Mr. Sniffles comes to town.

For now, we can sit back and watch to see how this proposal evolves.  Drugs are a problem.  They have a significant cost on all of us, not just those in law enforcement.  I commend Joplin for trying to do more to stop it.  Ideally, a state or federal requirement will be a better “fix”.  But you have to start somewhere.

SAFER Grants Will Keep Neosho Safer

It was announced on Friday that Neosho was the recipient of almost $800,000 in grant monies from FEMA’s SAFER grant program.  Those monies will be used to restore the 9 positions lost to layoffs in 2010.  The program funds the positions for a period of two years, at which time the city will take over the financial obligation to fund those positions.

As of Friday, Neosho’s grant was the 16th highest awarded in the nation for the 2010 application period and the highest awarded in the state of Missouri.

While this funding restores protection on the fire side, the police force has yet to see any increases in staffing.  Finding additional funding for rehiring positions within our police force is still a top priority.

According to the FEMA website:

“The Staffing for Adequate Fire and Emergency Response Grants (SAFER) was created to provide funding directly to fire departments and volunteer firefighter interest organizations in order to help them
increase the number of trained, "front line" firefighters available in their communities.”

Councilman David Ruth Sworn In

Councilman David Ruth was sworn in this morning after being appointed at last night’s city council meeting.  The appointment was a 4-0 decision.  Mr. Ruth will serve until the April, 2012 election.  He is filling the term vacated by Chris Wright in January.