Local News – Thursday, November 1st, 2018
To reflect estimated changes in the wholesale cost of natural gas as well as a change in the Ameren’s Actual Cost Adjustment (ACA) factor, the natural gas customers of Union Electric Company d/b/a Ameren Missouri will see natural gas rates change under a filing that takes effect today. The ACA factor is a mechanism which tracks any over-collection or under-collection of actual natural gas costs over a 12 month period. The net over- or under-collected balances are subsequently either refunded or collected the next year. Ameren Missouri residential customers in all of its service areas will see natural gas rates decrease by approximately $0.02 per Ccf (per hundred cubic feet of natural gas). This change will affect Ameren Missouri natural gas customers in areas such as Columbia, Rolla, Salem, Owensville, Jefferson City, Mexico, Wentzville, Cape Girardeau and Marble Hill. Approximately 50% to 55% of a customer’s current natural gas bill reflects the cost of natural gas from wholesale suppliers. The wholesale cost of natural gas (the cost your local natural gas company must pay to its suppliers for natural gas) is not regulated by the Missouri Public Service Commission. The wellhead cost of natural gas is unregulated and is primarily driven by supply, demand and the weather. The Missouri Public Service Commission does conduct an annual regulatory review to ensure that regulated natural gas companies make prudent decisions in securing natural gas supplies for their customers. Ameren Missouri serves approximately 130,400 natural gas customers in Missouri.
A two vehicle accident occurred in Phelps County Tuesday at 5:00 in the afternoon on Route V about a mile north of Rolla. According to a report released by the highway patrol, the accident happened as a 1997 GMC Sierra driven by 35-year old Christopher Kean of Vichy, was eastbound when he crossed the centerline. A 1997 Ford Explorer driven by 27-year old Michael Davis of Rolla was westbound and attempted to avoid the Kean vehicle and was sideswiped by the GMC. Davis was taken to Phelps County Regional Medical Center for treatment of minor injuries. Both vehicles sustained moderate damage. The GMC was removed from the scene by C&C Towing and Both drivers were wearing safety devices at the time of the accident.
An accident happened in Tuesday night at 9:10 in Maries County on Route H about a mile south of High Gate. According to the highway patrol report, a 2013 GMC Terrain, driven by 39-year old Jennifer Gipson of St. James was westbound when the GMC struck a cow that was standing in the road. Gipson received minor injuries and was transported by Ozark Central Ambulance to Phelps County Regional Medical Center for treatment. The GMC sustained minor damage and was removed from the scene by Spurgeon’s Towing. Gipson was wearing a safety device at the time of the accident.
The Dent County Fire Protection District Board of Directors will conduct their November meeting on Tuesday, November 6th at the fire station beginning at 6:00 in the evening. After approval of the agenda as well as the minutes from the October meeting, the Board will review and approve bills. The Board will review financial reports for the district, a note to the board that the budget for 2019 will be due in December, and there will be a review of the calendar for upcoming events. The monthly reimbursement report will be presented and the Board will address any old or new business. The Board may then vote to go into closed session to discuss personnel, if necessary and they will also set the date for the December meeting to be held at the fire station beginning at 6:00 on December 4th. The November meeting of the Dent County Fire Protection District Board of Directors is open to the public.