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Gov. Blunt Takes Action to Help Law Enforcement Track Down Metal Thieves
JOPLIN, MO (kansascityfrontpage.com), May 27, 2008 - Copper and metal thieves have ravaged Missouri homes, farms, businesses and public infrastructure. Gov. Matt Blunt signed tough legislation to help law enforcement track them down.

"With copper and metal theft on the rise in our state, I asked the General Assembly to pass tough new laws aimed at putting a stop to this disturbing trend of copper and metal theft," Gov. Blunt said. "These thieves are literally tearing apart people's homes, farms and businesses and selling off the pieces for scrap. The legislation I signed today will give our law enforcement the tools they need to aggressively pursue these metal thieves and put them behind bars."

"I'm very pleased that everyone has recognized the urgent need to address the enormous problem of copper theft in Missouri. Our intention is to put a stop to these reckless crimes that are severely disrupting our lives and putting our citizens' safety at great risk. By requiring scrap dealers to collect more identifying information from sellers, and by fighting these criminals with stiffer penalties, we will greatly deter their efforts to steal and sell other people's property to make a quick buck. I would like to thank everyone involved for their hard work in getting this valuable piece of legislation passed," Sen. Rob Mayer said.

Senate Bill 1034 improves record keeping for the sale of metals to scrap dealers and others and will give law enforcement greater leads to protect Missourians from the growing problem of copper and metal theft.

The new law also prohibits scrap dealers from purchasing metal that can be identified as belonging to local governments without specific authorization including traffic signal boxes, street signs, manhole covers, guardrails and bleacher seats removed from local parks. Scrap dealers are also prohibited from buying metal beer kegs unless they are sold by the brewer.

Copper and metal theft is on the rise across the nation and in Missouri. Driven by increasing costs for the metals, thieves are capitalizing on prices that are approximately five times what they were just four years ago. In Missouri, for example, two men from Independence are suspected of stealing more than 16,000 pounds of material from an Army munitions plant. An attentive scrap dealer helped put an end to this scheme.

Lumière Place Unveils Lumière Link from Downtown St. Louis to the Riverfront
ST. LOUIS, MO (kansascityfrontpage.com), May 27, 2008 - Lumière Place today unveiled Lumière Link, a workable 400-foot pedestrian link between St. Louis' central business district and the Mississippi Riverfront.

Built by Pinnacle Entertainment at their expense, with no public subsidy, it represents an $8 million investment in a more walkable city.

"This link is an important part of Lumière Place, but we also think it is an important part for the future of downtown St. Louis," stated Daniel R. Lee, Chairman & CEO, Pinnacle Entertainment, in remarks during the special ceremony.

Lumière Place and city officials toured the well-lit tunnel, which will be manned by Lumière Place personnel 24-hours. The pedestrian-friendly link runs end-to-end from the new vestibule in Baer Plaza across from Edward Jones Dome on the west, underneath I-70 and 3rd St., to Lumière Place on the east end, where it enters near SLeeK and Asia restaurants. Pedestrials can then walk to the Landing and river front area.

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