State briefs 10/6/05

Company settles lawsuit with 19 plant workers

JOPLIN, Mo. -- A butter flavoring manufacturer ordered to pay more than $53 million in damages to employees of a southwest Missouri popcorn plant who blamed the product for lung disease has settled with 19 other plaintiffs. The settlement was announced Tuesday by Ken McClain, an attorney representing 15 people whose lawsuits were awaiting trial in Jasper County Circuit Court. McClain also represents four others who had been denied damages by a jury, but had that verdict thrown out when it was learned a juror had failed to disclose relevant information during jury selection. McClain said the signed settlement agreements were delivered Friday to attorneys for New York-based International Flavors and Fragrances Inc. and its subsidiary, Bush Boake Allen Inc. Terms were not disclosed.

Blunt encourages using energy-efficient light bulbs

JEFFERSON CITY, Mo. -- Gov. Matt Blunt encouraged Missourians on Wednesday to make the switch to more energy-efficient light bulbs. Blunt held a news conference outside a hardware store in Jefferson City to promote the use of compact fluorescent bulbs. According to the Midwest Energy Efficiency Alliance, the bulbs use 75 percent less energy than a traditional incandescent light bulb and last up to 10 times longer. The group said that changing a home's five most often-used bulbs could save more than $60 a year in energy costs. Energy officials said the bulbs are also better for the environment. Blunt bought some of the light bulbs to use in the Governor's Mansion and said he has encouraged state agencies to also find ways to conserve energy, including using the bulbs.

F.W. de Klerk speaks at Northwest Missouri State

MARYVILLE, Mo. -- South Africa's last white president, F.W. de Klerk, was scheduled to speak Wednesday night at Northwest Missouri State University. De Klerk freed political prisoner Nelson Mandela, and the two shared a Nobel Peace Prize for negotiating the end of apartheid. Before leaving politics in 1997, De Klerk served for two years as Mandela's second deputy president. He now lectures internationally. "He had an enormous effect on world affairs," said Richard Frucht, a political science professor at Northwest Missouri State University who will introduce de Klerk. "To be exposed to that sort of individual not only brings new ideas and comments and things of that nature, but it's also inspiration that one person can make a difference."

Death penalty sought for man held in slayings

PINEVILLE, Mo. -- The state will seek the death penalty against a man accused of killing two people at their home near Pineville last week, McDonald County prosecutor Steve Geeding said. Orlie McCool, 70, and Dawn McCool 47, were shot and killed last Thursday. Levi King, 23, is charged with two counts of first-degree murder, first-degree burglary and armed criminal action in connection with the deaths, as well as with burglary and theft of three weapons from his father. Geeding said Tuesday he planned to seek the death penalty because of aggravating circumstances that he would not discuss.

State revenue up 4.8 percent for the year

JEFFERSON CITY, Mo. -- State revenue rose 4.8 percent during the first quarter of the state's fiscal year, government officials said Wednesday, exceeding what was budgeted but not relieving concerns about a tight state cash flow. Office of Administration commissioner Michael Keathley warned that the state could see weaker revenue collections in coming months as the economic impact of Hurricanes Katrina and Rita is felt. Keathley also said the state must work hard to keep its budget balanced in light of higher-than-expected energy costs. Net general revenue for the first three months of the 2006 fiscal year rose 4.8 percent, from $1.65 billion to $1.73 billion, the Office of Administration and state treasurer's office said.

Priest put on leave after abuse allegations

JEFFERSON CITY, Mo. -- A Roman Catholic priest accused in a Nebraska lawsuit of sexually abusing a boy 20 years ago was placed on administrative leave Wednesday by the mid-Missouri diocese where he is serving. The Rev. Richard Colbert will remain on leave from St. Ann parish in Warsaw and St. Peter and Paul Mission in Cole Camp while the allegations in the lawsuit are investigated, the Catholic Diocese of Jefferson City said in a statement. A diocese spokesman said officials there were unaware of the Sept. 26 lawsuit against Colbert until it was brought to their attention Tuesday by media and a victims' advocacy group. The group had sent a letter Wednesday to Bishop John Gaydos urging that Colbert be suspended immediately. Although serving in the diocese, Colbert is a member of the Society of the Precious Blood religious order and has returned the group's province house, the diocese said.

Bond to have UM building named in his honor

COLUMBIA, Mo. -- Sen. Kit Bond won't have to wait until retirement to get his name on a University of Missouri building. University curators meeting in St. Louis today and Friday are expected to change the rules governing when buildings are named after prominent alumni, faculty or supporters. Eliminating a guideline that recommends waiting until the person is retired or dead will allow officials to name the Life Sciences Center after Bond, who helped steer more than $30 million in federal support toward the research center.

-- From wire reports