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Sheriff ready for crackdown on underage drinking

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Published: Monday, July 27, 2009 1:28 PM CDT

All this week, members of the Cole County Sheriff's Department will be working to make sure underage drinking doesn't take place at the Jefferson City Jaycees Cole County Fair.

Earlier this year, the sheriff's department received grant funding for the initiative.

The grant will go towards paying overtime for four deputies to be on duty each night during the fair. The grant money is administered by the Missouri Department of Public Safety.

It's estimated that 40 percent of those attending the fair are between the ages of 15 to 20.

The deputies will be in uniform and plain clothes in the beer gardens, grandstand and parking lot areas.


Underage drinking party raided		Soon you can enjoy all editions of the News Tribune with a morning cup of coffee

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Thanks.

boscoe wrote on Aug 4, 2009 8:37 PM:

" "Banned from the fair"!?!?!? What a severe punishment! "

jcgrad wrote on Aug 4, 2009 6:56 PM:

" For those that say the Jaycees don't care, I know that for the last 3 years, if you were caught drinking underage or passing off to minors. You not only faced punishment from the county, but the Jaycees banned you from the fair for the remainder of the week. That also went for those that started fights etc... We also want the fair to be a good time for all and are doing our best to provide that with what we have to work with. Remember we are all volunteers and get this, we pay to volunteer with this organization because of the good it does for the community. "

jcgrad wrote on Aug 4, 2009 6:53 PM:

" I know for the last 3 years people are carded when they purchase the tickets, when they enter the beer garden, when they are served and again when they leave if they look young enough. Many people are carded as many as 2-3 of those places per trip to the beer garden. You are only allowed to get 2 beers at a time, (you only have 2 hands). However, we will take into consideration the idea of only serving one beer at a time. Jaycees were also walking the crowds in all areas and are within legal right to request an ID. If you are not able to produce one, you can be taken to a deputy or one broughttoyou.(cont) "

jcgrad wrote on Aug 4, 2009 6:49 PM:

" Just to clarify for all of you. The Jaycees ARE held responsible if they SELL to or SERVE minors. I will not say ALL the time because as others have mentioned one bad apple can slip through, but MOST of the time the minors are drinking because someone else bought it and gave it to them. You are correct that MOST of the minors drinking are not "hanging out" in the beer gardens, they are in the areana stands and the midway. So, yes the plain clothes deputies walked those areas and did get a few. Deputies were not the only ones that were carding people that looked under 21. (cont) "

online_editor wrote on Aug 4, 2009 3:35 PM:

" CardsFan4: If you subscribe to the newspaper, it includes access to the e-Edition at no extra cost. If you're having trouble logging on using your existing account information, e-mail circ@newstribune.com or call (573) 636-3132 or toll free 866-332-8965 and ask for help. "

CardsFan4 wrote on Aug 4, 2009 3:19 PM:

" NT Webmaster:
I don't necessarily think you intentionally rotated the article about the crime spree out, but I do wonder why we would have to pay $2.95 for an article that is free when it comes out or something that is not even 7 days old? Also, why if we have a subscription do we have to pay to view the paper online? "

limerick54 wrote on Aug 4, 2009 12:30 AM:

" NT Webmaster: I didn't say it was deleted, I said it vanished. I just found it odd since it was a newer article than this one and it suddenly became hard to find. "

rojo wrote on Aug 3, 2009 5:25 PM:

" Hopefully the NT articles helped divert some kids from trying to buy/drink beer. Thanks to the editor for creating an awareness. Better to warn minors ahead of time than try to corral them when they've become problematic. "

NT webmaster wrote on Aug 3, 2009 4:56 PM:

" We do not delete articles. Current news is kept in rotation, older articles go to archives. Please check there. "

limerick54 wrote on Aug 3, 2009 1:38 PM:

" It is interesting that the article discussing the crime spree that happened in Cole County during the fair has vanished. "

CardsFan4 wrote on Aug 3, 2009 12:11 PM:

" Now that the fair is over I am wondering if the Cole County Sheriff's Office will release a report showing how many minors were arrested/busted for possesion or trying to buy alcohol. Then we could at least see the actual results, although the report can never show how many people were discouraged from trying to participate in illegal activity due to the law enforcement presence. "

waitingontheend wrote on Aug 3, 2009 11:44 AM:

" year not your "

waitingontheend wrote on Aug 3, 2009 11:44 AM:

" Stop, I am glad you had a good time at the fair, and I must say, I had you pegged for a girl. Maybe next your Jr will card you. :) "

stop wrote on Aug 3, 2009 9:41 AM:

" jrfan now you really hurt my feelings cause I didn't get carded one time! I guess 45 and balding doesn't look young to you??!!!

Thanks for all you did, EVERYBODY I encountered at the fair were friendly and did a great job.

Just would have been nice to get carded that all :) "

jrfan wrote on Aug 3, 2009 9:25 AM:

" Okay....I personally worked at one of the beer gardens at the fair this weekend....just because they had a beer ticket DID NOT mean that they got into the beer garden. I carded anyone that looked under 40. I had some people mad at me because they were over 30 but didn't have an ID to show me and I did not let them in. The servers WERE NOT drunk they didn't have time to drink..they were to busy selling beer. I am not a Jaycee but I still volunteered to help....They can ALWAYS use more help. Anyone that is afraid they aren't doing a good enough job can ALWAYS come out the fair and volunteer. "

stop wrote on Aug 3, 2009 7:25 AM:

" I went to the fair and had a great time. Seen some old friends. Listened to some great music. Beer $2.50 a cup, bar prices. Hot dog $1.00 fries $1.25 not bad at all. Watched races which were part of admission.
Admission was $10.00 not bad considering the amount of entertainment it covered.
Great job Jaycees "

live77 wrote on Aug 2, 2009 11:32 PM:

" I was as shocked as the rest of you at the Jaycee fair. The cost of draft beer is outrageous. I had to spend alot of money on beer alone. It should be cheaper, or even free as the jaycees are supposed to help people out. Help me out. Hahahhahahaha "

buffysummers wrote on Jul 31, 2009 3:03 PM:

" I think the Jaycees could skip having to sell beer in order to make money and instead have "battle of the newstribune bloggers". I would buy a ticket! "

stop wrote on Jul 31, 2009 11:08 AM:

" bluenurse sound like a good time! "

bluenurse wrote on Jul 31, 2009 12:33 AM:

" I have never been, but I've been told it's the closest thing to New Orleans Mardi Gras. People travel some distance for it & usually the downtown hotels are pretty booked.

They do hold activities the weekend before Mardi Gras weekend that are more family/children oriented; e.g. the Wiener Dog Derby where people race dauschunds (sp); a pet lookalike contest, pet tricks, etc. then a parade that Sunday afternoon when people dress their pets in all sorts of costumes. I work every weekend so I never get to go but that is also very well-attended & you get lots of people from out of town. "

bluenurse wrote on Jul 31, 2009 12:29 AM:

" Stop: various groups/people here have tried to close down Mardi Gras but have not ever been able to close it down completely. They have made the area smaller over the past 2-3 years & they stopped the parade that occurred the night before Ash Wed. - that one could get pretty rowdy. The big event is always the weekend before Ash Wed - they have a parade that Sat too with a float contest - sometimes women "accidentally" do things to get the people on the floats to throw beads. The media does state that Mardi Gras is more for adults & not children. "

whiners wrote on Jul 30, 2009 4:57 PM:

" I know, what's with having dirt grounds at fairs? I ONLY go to fairs that have shiny tile or marble floors that are regularly mopped by beautiful, elegant people. "

waitingontheend wrote on Jul 30, 2009 12:47 PM:

" I don't think what I said on the other article was a dig, fairs are dirty - they are held on a dirt ground, there is no way stuff stays clean. Drunks do roam around. Everyone knows that as kids you were told to stay away from the carny's they were gypsy's etc. Whether that is true or not who knows, who cares, they are working. But it is a known saying. I also, talked up the 4-H programs and other competition type events. Finally, the fair is like a big controlled party when you have people drinking. What is the problem here, someone help me out. "

waitingontheend wrote on Jul 30, 2009 12:39 PM:

" If you like drinking and that atmosphere that goes with it when people go to far with it then you should go to the fair you won't have a problem, if you don't care for that atmosphere than you should definitely pick and chose what you attend, and that isn't just the Cole County Fair that is any of these small town fairs that promote beer gardens. It is a fact that things are going to happen when alcohol is involved. Nothing demeaning about it, it is what it is. "

waitingontheend wrote on Jul 30, 2009 12:35 PM:

" If you would have read all my comment before going balistic it say's that is why I don't go anymore because of the stuff that goes on, it's not my thing. "

stop wrote on Jul 30, 2009 12:11 PM:

" Waiting I took a look, and your right a lot of stuff being said. Boomer seems to be the only one that is sensitive to the exaggerated, demeaning remark which I noticed you had yours. I didnt say youre the only one that throws stuff out in an effort to ruin a persons good name it just seems to be your primary goal.
If you dont like what goes on at the fair then dont go. "

waitingontheend wrote on Jul 30, 2009 11:39 AM:

" I've never been a jaycee, so I don't know all the inside stuff that goes on, but I have heard stories from others that were, but that is considered rumor. I only know what I witnessed at the fair when we use to go. I would think though that JC is not the only one like that. I agree with some of the other posters though that the jaycees should be held accountable just like a bartender or any other establishment serving liquor, after all they have to obtain a liquor license with the same requirements. "

G.Willikers wrote on Jul 30, 2009 11:08 AM:

" Waiting - What is sad is that it is all true. What USMC said about them is EXACTLY what I have been by friends of mine that have been in the JC Jaycees or were prospective members. "

waitingontheend wrote on Jul 30, 2009 11:05 AM:

" Stop, I would suggest you jump on the Puttin on A Fair article and defend your jacees because there is not much good being said about them, oh that's right its just me that offends you. Have a good. :) "

G.Willikers wrote on Jul 30, 2009 9:58 AM:

" The Callaway County SD has said they will respond to calls for assistance, they simply are not on the payroll to provide security this year. What is wrong with a private, for profit venue having to pay for security?

It is my understanding that Cole County SD is being paid by Jaycees for security and these are officers that would normally be off duty....yet they are there in more of a law enforcement capacity than a security capacity. "

lifer wrote on Jul 30, 2009 9:58 AM:

" Cardsfan4 you will find that there are folks whose posts here give the impression that their sole purpose in life is to "smash and bash". They appear to hate everything about Jefferson City and everyone in it. They are either condescending and arrogant or they are scamming by posting insults to see what they can stir up. At any rate the end result is very negative. While no place is perfect, I commend our local law enforcement for at least trying to make a dent in our local drinking and driving problems, After listening to my scanner last night when the fair closed I know they were not just sitting around eating doughnuts. "

Byron W. wrote on Jul 30, 2009 9:38 AM:

" Would people pefer what the Cole County sheriff is doing or what the Callaway County sheriff is doing? http://www.fultonsun.com/articles/2009/07/29/news/187news01.txt "

stop wrote on Jul 30, 2009 8:45 AM:

" bluenurse good thing the Mardi Gras celebration your talking about isn't in Jefferson City because these people would want to shut it down. As far as minors being served beer, I dont think it happens or at least very little. Most likely the beer the supposed minors are drinking is bought for them by an adult.
If you read the posts often you will see that some people are just waiting on the opportunity to throw comments out there to see if they will stick. "

G.Willikers wrote on Jul 30, 2009 7:59 AM:

" rojo - A better question to ask would be "Have they even had any undercover stings to see if underage kids could buy". "

bluenurse wrote on Jul 29, 2009 11:31 PM:

" I hope they really don't allow the servers to drink while they are serving. How in the world would they be able to tell when a customer has had enough?

As far as checkpoints for people leaving a place, I don't know. Never heard of it happening anywhere here.

As far as minors getting busted for drinking, happens every year here in St.L at Mardi Gras -probably the worst. "Indecent acts" too, people doing stuff to get beads, & a bunch of people mistake alleys & other people's lawns for portapotties. "

Boscoe wrote on Jul 29, 2009 4:18 PM:

" I think the Jaycees should be held accountable if they are serving underaged or intoxicated people beer. The beer garden should be shut down if they are caught doing either of these things.

Also, I remember a whole lot of obscene acts happening in the fair parking lot when I was in high school (I was an offender, too!). If there are any obscene acts on the fair grounds, the Jaycees should also lose their liquor license.

Why the doublestandard- giving the Jaycees a pass when wage tax-paying businesses do not get a pass? "

rojo wrote on Jul 29, 2009 4:01 PM:

" So......how many have they busted so far? Any Jaycees arrested for serving minors? "

stop wrote on Jul 29, 2009 3:22 PM:

" And I wont apologize for responding an attack on the individuals with the Jaycees. "

waitingontheend wrote on Jul 29, 2009 1:59 PM:

" My apologies Cardsfan - I should not have responded to the attack that singled me for a general comment. Again, my apologies. "

sillyrabbit wrote on Jul 29, 2009 1:37 PM:

" If the kids are not allowed to drink how are they ever going to understand why mommy and daddy can't hold down a job and are always passed out on the couch? "

stop wrote on Jul 29, 2009 1:22 PM:

" I agree I shouldn't get so aggravated...
Mud slinging started when waitingontheend wrote on Jul 29, 2009 8:49 AM:

" Apparently then, the Jaycees do not care if the fair would get closed down because they knowingly sell to minors all the time. I think it is called the "wink wink sale". "

I'm glad the Sheriff is cracking down on the underage drinking. See you at the fair...I'll be at the beer garden "

CardsFan4 wrote on Jul 29, 2009 12:51 PM:

" Now, back to the point!
I agree with whomever said emotions should be allowed into the argument, but I also agree with G that there are MANY other instances that are just as emotional and hard to deal with. That being said, I have a relative that was killed by a drunk driver when she was 14 and where I hold such a grudge against the driver is because it was a 100% avoidable incident. If someone is texting, however, I would feel the same! What really matters is if the incident was truly avoidable; if so, then regardless of the cause, one would be very angered at the recklessness of the driver. "

CardsFan4 wrote on Jul 29, 2009 12:47 PM:

" When I read these posts I become very intrigued at how people share their opinions; throughout yesterday we had a civil discussion about the issue of the extra deputies being present and if it was useful and better solutions. Now, though, we have people attacking one another and calling each other names, as if we were in elementary school again. I just started my account yesterday and was enjoying the discussion we had going. Once again, though, the chat has turned personal and doesn't allow for much civil discussion. Disagreeing and sharing opinion is great; I love it! But personally attacking someone should be left out of this. "

waitingontheend wrote on Jul 29, 2009 12:47 PM:

" Stop, Well finally something we agree on because I have the same exact opinion of you. "

maybaby wrote on Jul 29, 2009 12:38 PM:

" Actually, the Jaycees can be held responsible. It's called the "Third Party Liability Law." Look it up. It not only could potentially make the Jaycees liable, but also the indivual serving. "

stop wrote on Jul 29, 2009 12:33 PM:

" Waiting I've written and deleted several time my responce to you. I will just say your posts paint a picture of you that I don't like. "

waitingontheend wrote on Jul 29, 2009 11:52 AM:

" G. the last time we went to the fair the beer garden server was had a cup and was quite tipsy themselves. I think at least they should make the servers stay sober and then they can drink after closing if they feel they have to. This is off topic but does the word "itch" mean anything to you. "

waitingontheend wrote on Jul 29, 2009 11:50 AM:

" Stop, no I didn't because I am not stupid to drink in public and get into trouble. Yes, I did drink when I was underage because my husband was old enough to buy but I didn't do it out at public events. You, know I don't give a hoot whether you believe me or not because every single post that comes from you is sarcastic and argumentative. I don't know what your problem is. I think it best if you stick to posting about the story instead of personally attacking the poster because you have a problem with them. "

G.Willikers wrote on Jul 29, 2009 11:33 AM:

" Stop - Whether or not it is the Jaycee's fault depends....they can be held liable just like a bar owner can if they serve an obviously intoxicated individual and that person hits/kills someone. ....and there have been obviously intoxicated people served at the Jaycee fairgrounds....a lot of times the Jaycees are consuming their own product and can be as much a part of the problem as anyone else. "

stop wrote on Jul 29, 2009 11:07 AM:

" waiting you should turn yourself in for underage drinking and turn the people in that served it to you. No matter how long ago it was you should at least pay the fine just to make things right.

Oh I forgot who I was talking to, you didn't partake you were just offered. And Clinton didn't inhale.
Just because a teen is drinking doesn't mean they bought it! Chances are someone bought it for them. Rolling MY eyes. And you call me stupid. "

stop wrote on Jul 29, 2009 11:00 AM:

" Boscoe what do you mean the present agreement The Jaycees have a fair in which they legally sell beer, and yes they make money doing it, nothing wrong with that. If a person chooses to drink too much and drive they can be arrested for a DWI, this is not the fault or responsibility of the Jaycees.
I dont agree with the grant money but it is what it is and also not the Jaycees fault.
Yes the fair is about making money, which they use in many great ways, and they make the fair as safe as they possibly can. "

waitingontheend wrote on Jul 29, 2009 10:50 AM:

" I guess all those teens are drunk before they come and all those cups in their hands are full of soda. Rolling my eyes. "

waitingontheend wrote on Jul 29, 2009 10:48 AM:

" Excuse me but I am not forcing any agenda on anyone where do you come off with that stupid remark anyway. I'm sure not all are that way but there are some that are. "

waitingontheend wrote on Jul 29, 2009 10:48 AM:

" Sorry stop but I know for a 100% fact that it is true because I had friends that worked the booth and when I was underage was told I would have no problem to just come by when they were working and I am sure that has not changed. "

stop wrote on Jul 29, 2009 10:36 AM:

" Waitingontheend why do you always throw out remarks that are untrue or at least you cant prove.

Im over 40 years old and I still get carded when I buy tickets to get beer.

You are so wrong that I would consider your post slanderous. I guess lying is ok when you are trying to force your agenda on others. "

boscoe wrote on Jul 29, 2009 9:00 AM:

" Oh, I see. The present arrangement allows the Jaycees to rake in the money from the beer sales, and the county can rake in the money from the fines on the minors buying beer.

Its not about public safety or public service. Its about the money.

Oh, and the Feds/State is in on the deal too, because they provide the grants to pay doubletime overtime to the officers who work the fair to help in the collection of the money.

Sorry, I forgot to follow the money. "

boscoe wrote on Jul 29, 2009 8:56 AM:

" Instead of targeting the minors, the Sheriff should be targeting the Jaycees. Hire a bunch of underage kids to try to purchase beer, and if the Jaycees sell them one, then shut down the beer garden.

What is so hard? "

waitingontheend wrote on Jul 29, 2009 8:49 AM:

" Apparently then, the Jaycees do not care if the fair would get closed down because they knowingly sell to minors all the time. I think it is called the "wink wink sale". "

maiximista wrote on Jul 29, 2009 8:45 AM:

" G - I actually think it realistic to have a logical conversation that includes the emotions that are brought about by a given topic.

Losing a loved one in any type of accident is devastating. I don't see where anyone has stated that it is more devastating when it involves alcohol. What I wrote was " Once it happens to you or someone you care about, you understand the importance of the removal of even ONE impaired driver from the road by a checkpoint, because you understand that the one that was removed might have been the one that would have hit you or your loved ones." "

stop wrote on Jul 29, 2009 8:43 AM:

" The Jaycees ARE held responsible if they sell to underage drinkers and the fair could get shut down if they are caught and the individual that sold the beer would be held responsible.

I'm not sure why you would think any differently. "

boscoe wrote on Jul 29, 2009 8:32 AM:

" How about holding the Jaycees responsible for selling to underage drinkers? If that happens at a convenience store, it gets shut down and the employee who sold to the minors gets fired. "

G.Willikers wrote on Jul 29, 2009 7:52 AM:

" I get so tired of hearing people say "if you've ever known someone killed by a drunk driver" and trying to inflict emotions into a logical debate about borderline legal practice of checkpoints. How is having a loved one killed by a drunk driver more devastating than having a loved one killed by a speeding driver, inattentive driver, careless driver, tired driver, etc.?? Either way a loved one is dead. There are bigger threats to drivers out there than the 1 or 2 out of a hundred drivers at night that are over the limit. What are we doing about those bigger threats to drivers? "

stop wrote on Jul 29, 2009 7:43 AM:

" The fair is called the Jefferson City Jaycees Fair so I would say it is a fair put on by the Jefferson City chapter of the Jaycees. "

stop wrote on Jul 29, 2009 7:32 AM:

" I dont know this for a fact but I would guess the purpose of the beer garden is kind of the same as having a person check IDs before you can go in a bar.
Beer is sold at the fair to make money. No other reason. Unless things have changed overnight we/I still have the right to buy and consume beer and the Jaycees can sell it nothing wrong with that.
As far as underage drinking, teens drink, they always have and they always will, youre not going to stop it. The best thing to do is try to keep them off the road. "

momtoo wrote on Jul 28, 2009 9:44 PM:

" what is the purpose of the beer garden? Is it to "safely" let people drink in public? or is it to make money on people drinking in public? I never really have gotten a "good" reason. Is it a fundraiser for the Jaycees? I would like to know how much money is actually made at the beer garden per night? Any Jaycee want to give this number up?

Prouddad, I agree with you. Too many people type on these boards, and give no "solution" to the problems that they so loudly complain about. and you don't have to be an LEA to help stop underage drinking or to keep people from drinking irresponsibly. "

go4it2 wrote on Jul 28, 2009 7:11 PM:

" As far as catching people drinking and drving they need to stand by this QUICK TRIPS and just watch how many people go in and buy beey but then is walking out with one that is opened and is drivning away. THAT'S STILL DRINKING AND DRIVING "

go4it2 wrote on Jul 28, 2009 7:10 PM:

" What they should do at the JC Fair it to not let people get more that 1 beer at a time. If their girlfriend or whoever wants a beer let them go in and get it themselves. That way they can't hand off a beer to a minor. "

boscoe wrote on Jul 28, 2009 5:33 PM:

" If the checkpoints actually removed the offenders from the road and stopped them from drinking and driving ever again, that might be one thing. However, everyone knows that just pulling them off the road for one night just means they will have to wait until the next night to drive under the influence again. They just keep driving under the influence over and over until they might be caught for another night in the tank, and then they are released to do it again until they finally kill themselves or take out a prominent family member, etc. and then they might actually get a few years of prison time until parole. "

boscoe wrote on Jul 28, 2009 5:29 PM:

" Better idea: Punish the offending DUI drivers. After 2 DUIs, it is time to take their license away forever. Any deaths resulting from DUI should be treated as murder, as that is what it is.

The problem isn't the cops, its the judges and the prisons.

If we had stronger laws, there would not be very many drunk drivers, and we wouldn't need the harassment of checkpoints.

All this work to catch just a few DUIs while harassing a bunch of innocent citizens is not effective, especially when there is no punishment. "

prouddad wrote on Jul 28, 2009 4:45 PM:

" If anyone in here thinks they can do a better job or have better ideas... Become a deputy, policeman , Trooper and actually DO something about it. All i ever read is how MORE they should have done blah blah blah ....GET OF YOUR LAZY CHAT ROOM SITTING AT HOME COMPUTER TOUGH GUY ATTITUDE BUTTS AND CONTRIBUTE MORE THAN JUST WORDS!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! "

maiximista wrote on Jul 28, 2009 3:46 PM:

" There will always be a faction of people out there who are against sobriety checkpoints. Until they have their own personal experience (through themselves or someone that they care about) with the devastation that enters one's life when everything gets destroyed by the thoughtless, immature, irresponsible behavior of an impaired driver, they won't change their minds about the checkpoints. Once it happens to you or someone you care about, you understand the importance of the removal of even ONE impaired driver from the road by a checkpoint, because you understand that the one that was removed might have been the one that would have hit you or your loved ones. "

boscoe wrote on Jul 28, 2009 3:34 PM:

" The only thing they are doing is encouraging more beer sales. When they make the minor pour out his beer, he has to go buy another one or else get his buddy to buy him another one.

Why don't they also crack down on all the pot at the grandstand and the music shows too? "

rojo wrote on Jul 28, 2009 3:24 PM:

" Well, at least they're doing SOMETHING about the problem other than talking about it. I hope they catch every last minor in possession and publish their names in the paper. Good luck Deputies! "

G.Willikers wrote on Jul 28, 2009 1:25 PM:

" I think we take it one step farther.....CONNECTED ROUNDABOUTS!! let's see them weave in and out and around 3-5 of those roundabouts. Anyone that passes that has got to safe to drive! LOL!

I wonder if they are going to change new driver's test to include roundabout rules? LOL!! "

G.Willikers wrote on Jul 28, 2009 1:10 PM:

" CardsFan4 wrote on Jul 28, 2009 12:46 PM:

Wouldn't it just be nice if people were responsible for themselves and we didn't have to worry about them?!

Would it ever. Sadly though, this country is heading in the exact OPPOSITE direction. Anymore it seems to be about blaming someone else and refusing to accept responsibility. But I must say, this comment section seems to have taken a turn lately. It seems there are more folks on here lately that can debate civilly and move on. It's kind of refreshing actually. "

boscoe wrote on Jul 28, 2009 1:07 PM:

" Whose fair is it anyway?

Jaycees?
Cole County Commissioners?
Chamber of Commerce?
City of Jefferson's?

It sounds like it is the responsibility of the County Commissioners if the sheriff's Dept is doing the enforcement. Why would the county government be promoting drinking? "

why wrote on Jul 28, 2009 1:06 PM:

" You guys are cracking me up....spay/neuter, roundabouts, all too funny, but actually not bad ideas. It would be pretty funny to see a bunch of drunks in a roudabout (not that I want them to be driving), but couldn't you see it - souch a great visual...wonder if they could figure out how to get out...alot of sober people in this town don't even know how to drive in them....& since we are going to be a city full of them, that would be a great test.... "

waitingontheend wrote on Jul 28, 2009 12:54 PM:

" Maybe they could use the roundabout as the sober test instead of touching your nose or walking a straight line. "

CardsFan4 wrote on Jul 28, 2009 12:48 PM:

" Haha, G the Chamber is probably behind this! If people are drunk they won't realize some of the problems! Heck before too long they are going to want to put a roundabout it to get to the fair. Be good for traffic congestion! Ha "

CardsFan4 wrote on Jul 28, 2009 12:46 PM:

" Oh yeah two cents, I definitely agree with that; just as a bar is held responsible, so should the Jaycees.
G I definitely agree with innocent until guilty in most cases and I have a problem with checkpoints on the intrusive side, but then I consider the benefits provided and it becomes a toss up. Wouldn't it just be nice if people were responsible for themselves and we didn't have to worry about them?! Man, that would be the day! lol "

G.Willikers wrote on Jul 28, 2009 12:24 PM:

" 2 cents - Sometimes Jaycees are part of the problem.....and I don't mean just because they are serving the alcohol. "

G.Willikers wrote on Jul 28, 2009 12:23 PM:

" Cards - I guess I just lean towards innocent until proven guilty and not trampling on the majority's rights just to catch a small % of criminals. But I agree about the checkpoint leaving the fair.....I'm willing to bet somenights the % might even reach 25 or more. Kind of a sad statement actually.

Boscoe - Wonder if Chamber of Commerce is behind this. You've heard the comment "drink till they look good"....well maybe this is the JC version.....drink until you're happy with the city!! LOL! "

two_cents_worth wrote on Jul 28, 2009 12:23 PM:

" CardsFan4... I totally agree with what you just said, but you must admit the Jaycees are setting themselves up for a possible lawsuit arising from an accident or abuse from an intoxicated individual(s) who were allowed to purchase alcohol after they were already drunk. "

stop wrote on Jul 28, 2009 12:09 PM:

" The city should offer a low cost spay/neuter program for underage drinkers.

That should stop most of them :} "

CardsFan4 wrote on Jul 28, 2009 11:34 AM:

" Haha, well thats not to far from the mindset in the area. And I don't really have a problem with people drinking or anything, I just wish people would be safer while partaking in it. "

boscoe wrote on Jul 28, 2009 11:28 AM:

" One thing's for sure: around here you gotta have alcohol and get drunk to have a good time. "

CardsFan4 wrote on Jul 28, 2009 11:24 AM:

" contd.
I just feel that at least we are catching some of them and not ALL of them are able to plead down. If they had just been pulled over and received their DWI, they would have also been able to get relatively nothing out of it. My vision of it is at least they were able to take that driver off of the road for that night and avoid a potentially terrible incident.
Two Cents Worth:
Sorry but I disagree, because then you are really letting the "bad apples" ruin it for people that are responsible when they drink. And 2 or 3 drinks for some is not much, whereas for others does a pretty good job of intoxicating them! "

CardsFan4 wrote on Jul 28, 2009 11:20 AM:

" @da'lake and boscoe:
I agree that there are many times that a checkpoint doesn't yield above a 15% "success" rate, but I guess I think along the lines of, "well at least we got at least one off of the road." Maybe that is silly thinking, but it is what I seem to be happy with. And I would also imagine that a checkpoint at fair exits would yield far more than a 5% "success" rate and would hopefully discourage many drivers from even attempting to drive after drinking. As for people pleading down, that happens with almost every criminal case. So if that is the case, than we are wasting our time with almost everyone according to that. contd "

waitingontheend wrote on Jul 28, 2009 11:16 AM:

" We use to go to the Saturday night concert, but after having to deal with drunk ignorant teens and adults shoving, starting fights, talking loudly about nothing important, spilling their "soda's" all over you that magically smell like beer we quite going. I have always heard that it is easy to get beer from the beer garden because everybody's friends work and slip drinks so maybe they should do like they do the bars and penalize the servers to. "

two_cents_worth wrote on Jul 28, 2009 11:15 AM:

" Aren't bartenders starting to be held liable for serving intoxicated customers more alcohol? I can't understand why there isn't a 2 or 3 drink limit per customer. Liability issues, if nothing else, should warrent this.

Of course, there will always be those who will try to get around it.... "

boscoe wrote on Jul 28, 2009 11:12 AM:

" Then offenders plead down or just get probation, even the repeat/persistent offenders.

Alcohol checkpoints all seem to be a total waste of time and money to me. A whole lot of effort and money spent, a whole lot of innocent people hassled, and the few guilty ones don't get any punishment. "

@da'lake wrote on Jul 28, 2009 10:27 AM:

" Cardsfan - What is your definition of showing "pretty good results". Often times the "success" rate is well below 5% and often below 1- 2%. Which means that AT LEAST 95 out of ever 100 drivers are not intoxicated and were subjected to the checkpoint for no reason. So much for liberty and freedom..... "

why wrote on Jul 28, 2009 9:48 AM:

" CardsFan4~I think you have a great idea. Somehow check those leaving or driving . I also agree with you speaking of drinking anywhere else but the beer garden. I remember my teen years, & if I was going to drink at the fair it definatley wouldn't be hanging out at the beer garden (too obvious). I did "some" drinking then & did some stupid things, but I was smart enough not to drive home or ride with anybody who had been drinking...But I sure did my fair share of sneaking alcolhol into places, & it was pretty easy! It was also easy to get the alcolhol! I am fortunate that nothing bad happened involving me or my friends "

Parrothead911 wrote on Jul 28, 2009 9:30 AM:

" I know there are those out there 100% opposed to checkpoints, and that is certainly your right.. There is no need t rehash the same arguments we all recently debated not too long ago.

Food for thought:
Within the last week or so, Boone County conducted a large-scale checkpoint in which every vehicle (according to the media) was checked, and arrested 14 suspected DWI's. That is roughly 15% of the drivers they checked. Scary. "

CardsFan4 wrote on Jul 28, 2009 9:09 AM:

" Just an idea:
Kind of going off of boscoe's comment and why's response. Why not just have checkpoints around the exit areas if you want to address the alcohol problems? I realize this could result in a real slow down of letting traffic move efficiently, but that seems more useful than just having deputies around the beer garden. So I can drink underage pretty much anywhere else on the faigrounds, just as long as I stay away from the beer garden I will be safe! Either way though, this is a good purpose, but I am just not sure of how effective this really usually is. Checkpoints, at least, consistently show pretty good results. "

why wrote on Jul 28, 2009 7:54 AM:

" and Boscoe - it seems as though you think checkpoints are a joke, again how many people do they get off the roads because they have had too much & should not be operating a vehicle? Do you think they enjoy being away from their families! They are trying to save the lives of innocent people. It may see light-duty, but just because it isn't always physically challenged does not mean it is light-duty. These officers devote their time & sacrifice theirselves for us....even if you don't see it. "

why wrote on Jul 28, 2009 7:48 AM:

" Just because the articles talks about cracking down on underage drinking, do not assume they will be doing nothing about those of age who have too much. Even if it is one, of age or underage, person they kept from driving home after having 1 too many that could be saving sombody's life, even yours! I know that some deputies may have more "fellowship" than what they should, but even though it may seem like light duty - I sure don't want to be the one to have to deal with a drunk that thinks they are invincible & "NOT" drunk! "

joytotheworld wrote on Jul 27, 2009 10:43 PM:

" While I agree that some folks get carried away, I don't think a full fledged attack on the one's who just went to have a good time. I think the extra law is a good thing. "

Parrothead911 wrote on Jul 27, 2009 4:36 PM:

" My guess is that there is underage drinking at the Fair, and Law Enforcement should be in place to control and mitigate it.

However, I am more concerned about the (thinking of a publishable word).. rectums ...that choose to drink themselves silly and then attempt to drive home. A saturation of State, County, and City patrols in the area would do wonders. "

boscoe wrote on Jul 27, 2009 4:05 PM:

" Is this just about the money? More overtime opportunities for light-duty work and fellowship among the law enforcement officers-- kind of like the overtime for the checkpoints? "

truthseeker wrote on Jul 27, 2009 3:53 PM:

" Lets not limit it to the underage, but also to the adults who may be over doing it too and putting people at risk as they drive home from the fair. "

mcnabb wrote on Jul 27, 2009 3:44 PM:

" limerick, the deputies are getting paid w/a grant for "OVERTIME" which means that the deputies at the fair would normally not be working anyway. they are coming in specially to work the fair. the county will still have its usual 2 deputies working overnight. "

boscoe wrote on Jul 27, 2009 2:54 PM:

" Every year they do a crackdown on underage drinking, and it continues every year. Why don't they give up? "

limerick54 wrote on Jul 27, 2009 2:45 PM:

" Well, no one that lives out in the county should leave their homes during fair time. All the criminals now know where the law will be. How lovely. "

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