EDGAR CO. (ECWd) –
Just when you think you have seen it all, up jumps the devil and assures you there is more to come!
Asinine Behavior -Utterly Stupid or Silly
Intelligence – Having the faculty of reasoning and understanding
Stupid – Marked by a lack of intelligence
When you’re done reading this one I assure you, all will agree a lack of intelligence lead to asinine behavior supported with clear stupidity!
As always, we will start with the statute!
Nursing Mothers in the Workplace Act
"An employer shall provide reasonable unpaid break time each day to an employee who needs to express breast milk for her infant child."
Now comes the Asinine Behavior by yet another Edgar County employee.
We were informed last week that the Edgar County Airport Manager, Jimmy Wells, had banned a baby from the airport because the mother, an employee (and wife of a business owner) of a private business leasing space there, was breast feeding. He said he considered it “unprofessional” and a county airport employee was complaining.
So if this is the case, would Mr. Jimmy Wells be preventing a business from complying with the law?
Let’s go one better !
"A mother may breastfeed her baby in any location, public or private, where the mother is otherwise authorized to be, irrespective of whether the nipple of the mother's breast is uncovered during or incidental to the breastfeeding;"
"Private right of action.
A woman who has been denied the right to breastfeed by the owner or manager of a public or private location, other than a private residence or place of worship, may bring an action to enjoin future denials of the right to breastfeed. If the woman prevails in her suit, she shall be awarded reasonable attorney's fees and reasonable expenses of litigation."
If Mr. Jimmy Wells did in fact take this action as the Airport Manager he would be violating state law himself and be subjecting Edgar County to yet another lawsuit.
During the County Board Meeting on the 21st of November 2012 the Grandfather of the breast feeding child read this statement. (Video of the meeting and the reading of this statement coming soon) The prepared statement came after Mr. Bogue spent well over a week trying to come to an agreement with the airport manager and the airport board.
Where this article gets interesting, as if this isn’t over the top enough, is the fact that prior to the county board meeting we had been informed of what had happened and the source providing us the information was told, by one of the County Board members that was at the airport meeting, where the subject was raised by Jimmy Wells.
Interesting because during the county board meeting I confronted the board as to their knowledge of these events and all four that were at the airport meeting DENIED anything like this was ever discussed.
Did I say FOUR? Yes, FOUR County Board members were together at an Airport meeting discussing county business yet no posting of a COUNTY BOARD meeting was anywhere to be found. More on that violation of the law later!
The four present denied any breastfeeding issue was discussed yet a person who was there when it came up was disturbed enough to prepare a statement and read it to the county board and even contact an attorney in an effort to resolve the matter. So who is telling the truth? Based on the track record of our elected officials, I tend to not believe much they say anymore as they have lied so many times we can’t keep track.
It would appear that Mr. Jimmy Wells doesn’t know how to be honest about certain things as well. You see when all this hit the fan this week, John Kraft stopped by the airport and provided a Freedom of Information Act request for some records, of which ALL LEASES was included.
Upon reading that request Mr. Jimmy Wells took it upon himself to inform John that they don’t have any leases. Interesting position to take Mr. Wells when just two days later you send this letter to RSB Aviation, who happens to be the father of the breast feeding baby! If you don’t have any leases how is it that you reference a lease in your letter to RSB Aviation?
I wonder if Mr. Jimmy Wells is familiar with 720 ILCS 5/32-8?
“Tampering with public records. A person who knowingly and without lawful authority alters, destroys, defaces, removes or conceals any public record commits a Class 4 felony. (Source: Public Act 77-2638)”
Telling us he doesn’t have any leases when in fact he does would be concealing a public record!
All indications are, that after the Grandfather of the breast feeding baby read his statement to the county board, a clear retaliation against his son Rusty Bogue, owner of RSB Aviation, is being pursued. Pursued in a manner that just might jump up and bite the county in the back side! I say that because Mr. Jimmy Wells was dumb enough to inform Rusty Bogue that had he not contacted the Watchdogs (he never did, we contacted him) and his father not read the statement to the county board and not gotten an attorney involved none of this would have happened.
None of what Mr. Wells? The Board Members claimed nothing happen so what exactly is it that never would have happened? You see, it’s pretty tough to keep the truth suppressed when so many people are involved. Even harder when those we can’t trust are stupid enough to circle the wagon and claim nothing took place.
It’s not as if certain members of the Airport Management and Board members aren’t familiar with illegal acts. For example, Chris Patrick, a recently elected County Board Member is the Chairman of the Airport Board and Vice President of PEDCO, which none other than Bobby Colvin is the President. Interesting company he keeps isn’t it!
Chris Patrick is currently one of those that IDOT is investigating for getting a driveway on the taxpayers dime. He had no comment when confronted at the county Board meeting on that issue so I guess he will fit right in with the rest of those who have mastered the phrase of “no comment”! It’s been reported to us that he is living with his girlfriend who works at the airport. I wonder how she got her job?
Airport Board member Dale Barkley just happens to be the Paris Township Road Commissioner. You may remember these articles here and here. It’s clear, breaking the law doesn’t seem to bother these folks.
Verlin Funkhouser, outgoing County Board member, also sits on the Airport Board and he is the very board member that assured me he would look into the gun running of the past sheriff, as we can’t have that. He has not looked into anything in that regard so I can’t believe anything he says other than he did notice the dirt in the corners of the court house floor and felt the Sheriff wasn’t getting it clean enough.
Kevin Trogdon, another outgoing County Board member, also sits on the Airport Board. Kevin has mastered the path of silence when confronted with facts that put him in the front and center of questionable actions. Failure to put farm ground out for bid comes to mind and to this day, no bid notice has gone out.
Karl Farnham, yet another County Board member, was present during the Airport meeting however he is not on the Airport Board. So what was Karl doing there? According to our sources it was his chance to talk to some county board members to figure out who the next County Chairman is going to be, which is something that is supposed to be done in public but breaking the law doesn’t bother Karl, as long as the statute of limitations has passed. At least that was the only concern regarding the guns he sold illegally when he was sheriff.
Ben Jenness, yet another County Board member, was also present during the Airport meeting.
It has become clear that certain people in this county think they can do what ever they want, to whomever they want, and get away with it.
Well I have to admit, I never dreamed I would be willing to fight like hell on a breast feeding issue, but fight I will. The nerve of a County Employee to try and ban a baby from a Public Airport over Breastfeeding, and then implement clear retaliation when exposed, is yet another example of why We The People have to step up and get involved. This has to stop!
In an effort to shine some light on this we have contacted several TV news media outlets as well as the Illinois Breast Feeding Task Force! Yes, there is actually a Breast Feeding Task Force! Lets see how Jimmy Wells and the rest of the Airport board suck on that one!
60 Comments
Angela Mason
Posted at 21:19h, 23 NovemberIgnorant. But what do you expect?
Edgar County Watchdogs
Posted at 21:33h, 23 NovemberThat’s the problem, they did just what we expected…
Dennis Cary
Posted at 21:49h, 23 NovemberDennis Cary liked this on Facebook.
The joker
Posted at 06:04h, 24 NovemberEdgar county new low, trying to shut down a business
for no good reason. Just keeps getting worse. Do they
understand that RSB Provide 5 or more people with jobs
around here? They also contribute a lot to the aviation
world from giving lessons to working on airplanes.
That airport was nothing until RSP moved in. Sounds
like old Jim Bob might be a little jealous, i sure
can’t see any other reason. Go RSB I’m sure a lawyer
would look at this and laugh! Jackpot another lawsuit
against the county! What a JOKE, who does Jimmy think
he is?
jmkraft
Posted at 08:26h, 24 NovemberMessage we received that compels us to answer:
“so (Name withheld) called and said some board members
met to discuss some issues so where is it against the
the law to meet and discuss things give it a break”
————————-
Answer:
The answer can be found in the statute, (5 ILCS 120/)
Open Meetings Act, and defines a “meeting” as any
gathering of a majority of a quorum (this would be 3
county board members in our case) where there is
discussion of public business – the meeting must have
a notice and agenda posted at least 48 hours in advance
of the meeting.
“Any gathering” means in person, through email chains,
consecutive telephone calls, forwarded/replied text
messages, coffee shop, breakfast at restaurant, etc…
where public business is discussed.
It is the responsibility of each board member to comply
with the law – all they had to do was walk out – but
they chose to break the law.
Each County Board member present committed Class C
Misdemeanor – not that the State’s Attorney will do
anything about it – but the fact remains: they broke
the law.
Kirk Allen
Posted at 08:34h, 24 NovemberIf there is ever a reason for the people to stand up
and fight back, this has to be the top of the list!
For a man to think he has the power to stop the most
basic right a mother has is enough to piss off the Pope!
Make this story go viral and everyone attend the next airport
and county board meetings!
Call you representatives, news media, facebook etc.
This must be stopped!
Kirk Allen
Posted at 09:33h, 24 NovemberKirk Allen liked this on Facebook.
Edgar County Watchdogs
Posted at 09:33h, 24 NovemberEdgar County Watchdogs liked this on Facebook.
jmkraft
Posted at 12:45h, 24 NovemberAnother message rec’d:
I’m glad you have jeff voight to tell you everything
What happened he wasnt invited to airport so he called
you john
—————–
My reply:
If that’s what you think happened, then you need to
wake up. I’m not going to say who did call us, but I
know he didn’t. Were you one of those in attendance?
You need to start concentrating on doing the right
thing instead of trying to hide every thing you do…
Get some sleep and quit worrying who is talking to
whom – if you follow the law and do what’s right, even
though it might be harder than cheating, things like
that won’t bother you so much.
Edgar County Watchdogs
Posted at 15:44h, 24 NovemberI think Jimmy forgot that intimidation by a public
official is a Class 3 Felony…
EJ Bozarth
Posted at 15:38h, 25 NovemberThe Airport Manager should be sternly rebuked and
issue a public apology. Jimmy Wells’ arrogance and
insensitivity, let alone his grasp of business sense
and character, defy understanding. Absent his reversal
of this ridicules position he should be removed from
his position.
Tim F.
Posted at 21:19h, 25 NovemberYet again Chicago politics puts a black eye on good
business owners. Just sad that Mr, Wells and elected
officials are so incoherent and this inexcusable.
jmkraft
Posted at 21:32h, 25 NovemberPar for the course here in Edgar County.
What bothers me most, is that I knew what they
were going to do before they even did it.
Nothing surprises me anymore around here.
Rusty Bogue
Posted at 21:33h, 25 NovemberRusty Bogue liked this on Facebook.
BD Spencer
Posted at 21:47h, 25 NovemberLack of intelligence leads to asinine behavior supported
with clear stupidity, well said! Didn’t their Momma’s
teach them to always tell the truth? This is how things
get way out of control. A simple, I didn’t know, I’m
sorry… please exercise your rights and feed your
child as needed would have ended this quietly and
quickly. Stupid people afraid to get caught when
they are wrong, and now the lies built up until it
didn’t make sense. And they got caught anyways! LoL
Graham B
Posted at 22:24h, 25 NovemberIt is clear Mr. Wells wants to make everybody else’s
business his. Mr. Bogue, who I have personally known
since the name Lewinsky was on the news every night,
is a man of extremely good character, honesty,
forthrightness, steadfastness, and a model citizen and
business owner. He is to be commended for defending
his civil rights against a compensating bully. I could
instantly….just off of the top of my head, think of
at least………eight people who would jump in front
of a bus for Mr. Bogue. He is a man to be revered in
business and fatherhood. IT is BEYOND TIME…that all
of us right thinking citizens regardless of political
persuasion or stripe, stand up and say enough is enough
to cronyism, crookedness, and disgustingly ignorant and
dangerously unliberating behavior by OUR………PUBLIC.
……….>>>>>>>
;>>>>>>SERVANTS!!!!!<<<<
<<<<<<<<<<<
When we go about our daily lives without the interference
of others, guess what…. nothing adverse happens. Mr.
Wells, sadly is just the latest example in what appears
to be the tentacles of the nanny state of Chicago and
the rest of the Hussein crowd intruding onto people who
simply want ONE….SIMPLE …..THING…. to go about
their daily lives, run their businesses, raise their
children, and contribute to our society, our country,
and our fabric. What an uncommon, common…….. notion!!
This, if nothing else should educate, inform and underscore
the fact, that…. Just because someone has an "R"
next to their name on a ballot or affiliation, may not mean
much. Remember that thing about Liberty?? … then, the
pursuit of happiness??? Rusty, having known you for so
long, I can only say, everything since you could shave has
turned to gold! You contribute in the best possible way
to your corner of Edgar County, and the world. You are a
worker whose ethic is beyond question! It is your right to
raise your child in your fashion, so long as you don't ,
(not that you ever would) do anything adverse. Mr. Wells
and others on the board might be well advised to seek inner
guidance as to how they have demonstrated their actions in
just these affairs, rather than enforce vis a vie dictum how
others should conduct their affairs. Mr. Bogue is an asset
to Edgar County, the City of Paris, and Illinois. To play
tiddlywinks over one of the most natural acts on Earth,
WILL…. without question negatively affect the economic
outlook of Edgar County, when….THEY CAN ILL
AFFORD IT!!!!!!!!!!! DEFEND RUSTY BOGUE!!
joe henderson
Posted at 22:36h, 25 Novemberrsb is an asset to airport & edgar county they
provide employement , revenue for the county and
provide an outstanding service & work ethic for
the aviation world these are only a few of the things
they provide off the top and these are every hard
to find in this world anymore its a shame when you
work so hard to do the right things that there are
people out there that will try to destroy a good
thing and break laws doing it sound like the airport
may need a new manager that will work well with
companies that makes airports grow !!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
one question i have where would the airport be
without rsb ???????????????
Del
Posted at 22:59h, 25 Novemberno wonder Edgar County has a problem bringing in
new business. “Unprofessional” to breastfeed a
child at work?! Then terminate (or try to run
out of town) RSB which employees 5 or more not
to mention the revenue their business would
generate from their customers who visit Edgar
County Airport. Someone needs to be terminated
– and that would be Mr Jimmy Wells and anyone
who supports his insane idea
ken schultz
Posted at 00:38h, 26 Novemberi live in az.and have been to edgar co airport and
also spent money in your city.i did not know there
was so many small minded people in that city rusty
and his staff is an asset to edgar co. airport and
if he is not there i will go to a different airport
and city for my needed services. GROW UP PEOPLE OR
STAY HOME
Anotherfaceinthecrowd
Posted at 01:53h, 26 NovemberMr. Wells needs to pack his things!!! The only reason
edgar county air port is still operating is because mr
bogue is there!!! Sending an eviction notice to one of
the few revenue earning businesses left in our county
would be an extremely hard hit!!
Allin Lawrence JR.
Posted at 06:01h, 26 NovemberThis kind of stupidity is exactly whats wrong with
this country today,
I think sometimes airport managers are there so long
the think they own it and it belongs to them. I know
Rusty and others at RSB aviation and consider them to
be very professional and im sure they are well liked
in the community.
L G (Bud) Schoenleben
Posted at 06:32h, 26 NovemberWow! Sounds like the airport manager is acting like
Adolph! They need to sweep this guy out the door and
get a manager in there that has some common sense.
I’ve known the folks at RSB Aviation for several years.
I’ve been to their business at the airport & spent
some money with them. I don’t know how I could have
been treated any better than I’ve been treated by Rusty
and his people. And now they want to bury him??? Get a
grip! Send Rusty, his family & his business over to
our airport in Ohio where we need more like him. We
would welcome him and his family with open arms!
ern Knoc (Emeritus Faculty, IN State University, Aviaition Dept.
Posted at 07:22h, 26 NovemberSounds like a restriction being imposed on a lady
breast feeding her child in an apparently lawful
manner (there appears to be more than “meets the
eye” in this ridiculous situation). Also the
“gun running” and other allegations are a bit beyond
my initial understanding in reading this. Let’s get
to the bottom of it and let the chips fall where they may.
Good grief, who hasn’t seen a mother breast feeding a
child? Let’s get real about the culture in which we live
Kent Hutchins
Posted at 07:34h, 26 NovemberIn the world we live in, it is difficult to find a
business and business operator that are entirely
trustworthy and genuinely friendly. When I find
such a person, I take my business to him, regardless
of distance, because I place a great deal of value on
being treated fairly and with honesty and integrity.
Although I live in Indiana, Rusty Bogue and his
staff at RSB are the only people I trust to service
and maintain my aircraft and I know others that share
this same opinion.
Rusty possesses the ultimate “can do” attitude while
taking on all tasks with a positive energy and a genuine
desire to help customers, clients, and visitors. His
upbeat personality and engaging personal style enables
him to interact effectively with both the public and
his staff.
During my frequent visits to the Edgar County Airport,
I have seen firsthand the improvements made since RSB
has located their business there. I am not suggesting that
RSB Aviation should receive exclusive credit for these
improvements, but I will say that Rusty Bogue and his staff
are excellent unofficial ambassadors for Edgar County, doing
what they can to ensure that visitors to Edgar County and
the airport have a pleasant experience.
It is my hope that the people with the power to resolve
this issue will do so quickly and responsibly so that the
energy now being wasted on this topic can be redirected.
naomi gates
Posted at 07:51h, 26 NovemberAs a woman, I am appalled, breast feeding done
modestly is a beautiful thing. Nobody complains
when you give a bottle to a baby. Feeding is
feeding.
Tracey Lyons
Posted at 08:20h, 26 NovemberI have flown in and out of Edgar County Airport on
business via RSB Aviation on numerous occassions.
Edgar County Airport is lucky to have Rusty and RSB
Aviation as a tenant. Rusty and his staff are
professional, friendly, and above all provide an
excellent service. To retaliate against RSB Aviation
for standing up for a blatant disregard for the law
is wrong and reflects negatively on Edgar County.
Really, over breast feeding! It is Edgar County’s loss,
as the people who fly with RSB Aviation will follow them!
Chris Talbot
Posted at 09:53h, 26 NovemberThis is one of the most ridiculous subject matters
that I have ever heard of……especially at Edgar
County Airport. Edgar County Airport is a small country
airport in the middle of nowhere that is suppose to
portray that mid-western honesty and charm along with a
warm family atmosphere. I am a former employee of RSB
aviation and can say without a doubt that Rusty carries
out those attributes on a daily basis. I can also say
with compete confidence that having Rusty and his business
at the airport is probably the best thing that could
happen for that place. The quality of service that he
provides for the community and the professionalism that
he displays in doing so in operating his business is
without a question the life source of that airport. I’ll
tell you what isn’t professional, an airport employee,
not an RSB employee, sleeping in the recliners watching
soap operas in the common area where everyday business
is being conducted. Rusty and Ann have treated me like
family and have helped me on my aviation career path.
To find that MJ has been banned from the airport because
she has loving hardworking parents that want to provide
for her in any way they can is appalling. Jimmy Wells
should be ashamed and embarrassed that he has done this
to the very people who have done so much for the very
airport that he depends on. Good Luck to the Bogues’,
I wish you the best in rising above all this stupidity.
Don Marshall
Posted at 10:18h, 26 NovemberAnd that’s why I hate politics. People making idiotic
decisions that effect everyone OTHER than themselves.
CC
Posted at 22:14h, 28 November“Edited by Admin” (No personal attacks – stick to the subject
in the article) – the other option would be to use your real name,
giving the subject of your rants an opportunity to defend
themselves…
Edited Comment:
xxxxxxxxxxx Speakig of “People making idiotic
decisions that effect everyone OTHER than themselves”
is the POT CALLING THE KETTLE BLACK. xxxxxxxxxxx is not one
able to make such a comment as he is no better than those
in article. He is all about HIMSELF.
Jon Bozarth
Posted at 10:46h, 26 NovemberThis is unreal! That airport would be an absolute
ghost town without the hard work and dedication to
general aviation that RSB Aviation, in particular
Rusty Bogue and his family have put in over the years!
A little over 3 years ago, I met Rusty and his wife
and have yet to this day found 2 people so dedicated
to making a small town aviation business succeed! In
the past 3 years I have seen an airport that resembled
nothing of an active airport with little to no traffic,
grow into an exciting airport to be around do to the
activities created by RSB Aviation, and Rusty and his
family! Pretty black and white who is in the wrong here!!
I am team RSB for sure!
casi harris
Posted at 12:48h, 26 Novemberhey jon! hope all is well!
Travis Brown
Posted at 12:39h, 26 NovemberThere is not much I can say that hasn’t already been
mentioned in this article or the comments below it, so
I’ll skip the derogatory stuff. I just want to support
Rusty as an excellent man and father. I have known
him since birth and can speak for his character. Many
people (myself included) have had to leave Edgar County
to chase dreams, but Rusty brought his dreams home. In
the process, he brought business to a county that is
mostly losing young people. Rusty, and his family, should
be lifted up for everything they are doing.
Tamara Bogue Voris
Posted at 12:58h, 26 NovemberStay after this. This is not a “political” football for
one side or the other ….it is a matter of law! Simple
as that!
So, when she ( baby Bogue ) is seeking high-office
possibly President one day she will have a great story
to tell about her enlightened home town…and how far we
have come in the treatment of women and women’s roles
in society and the workplace. Hope that this matter
is quickly corrected according to the law – and I hope
these issues will be resolved, work wise, “lease wise”
and lead to a more civil environment in the end. There
is an opportunity for my hometown to do the right thing
in the year 2012, before this story goes VIRAL and gets
really blown out of proportion (Jon Stewart, Steven
Colbert, Jay Leno, FACEBOOK etc.).
Matt Watson
Posted at 14:07h, 26 NovemberIf this was anywhere near a larger city, there would be
civil rights lawyers beating down Rusty’s door. This is
an open and shut case of a county employee making uneducated
decisions without any regard to the laws.
Kyle Cook
Posted at 14:40h, 26 NovemberI still have a hard time believing an airport manager has
time to come up with such absurd rules against the only
business at Edgar County Airport. Unquestionably, RSB
Aviation is responsible for growing Edgar County Airport
with a revenue generating business. He has created a
home for local airplane owners who use his maintenance
and flight instruction service. He has multiplied fuel
sales from near $0 to their present values. (A fuel farm
that can’t keep up during peak season) He has brought in
revenue from owners who aren’t based at Edgar County airport.
Some of the most important for a small town. RSB Aviation,
Rusty Bogue, and his family have been responsible, without
question, for creating the fastest growing airport in Illinois.
Dear Jimmy, I sincerely hope you will retract your statements
and issue an apology to RSB Aviation. I believe these statements
have come without thought. This is an issue that will not stand,
and Baby Bogue has support in Edgar County, and all across the
United States. This is bigger than small town politics at the
airport on Saturday mornings!
RSB Aviation will, without question, be successful.
Jim Cox
Posted at 16:08h, 26 NovemberI must admit that I’m completely confused about the information
in the article no milk here, and the movement to eliminate Rusty
Bogue from the Paris airport. Rusty is one of the smartest, most
dedicated, and hard-working people I have ever met, and I have
met a few. He seems to have boundless energy, and as far as I
can see, he is one of the primary reasons that the airport functions
so well. He has personally impacted my life, allowing me to attain
a pilots license, and have an aircraft to fly. Without his effort
and encouragement I would be one of the majority of student pilots
who give up in the quest to get a license. I can’t imagine what the
airport would be without his presence, and I appeal to you to
reconsider your decision to terminate his lease. Jim Cox, Danville
Il.
James Lee Cox
Posted at 16:17h, 26 NovemberI must admit that I’m completely confused about the information
in the article no milk here, and the movement to eliminate Rusty
Bogue from the Paris airport. Rusty is one of the smartest, most
dedicated, and hard-working people I have ever met, and I have
met a few. He seems to have boundless energy, and as far as I can
see, he is one of the primary reasons that the airport functions
so well. He has personally impacted my life, allowing me to
attain a pilots license, and have an aircraft to fly. Without
his effort and encouragement I would be one of the majority of
student pilots who give up in the quest to get a license. I can’t
imagine what the airport would be without his presence, and I
appeal to you to reconsider your decision to terminate his lease.
Jim Cox, Danville Il.
Kirk Allen
Posted at 17:21h, 26 NovemberI think EVERYONE that knows this is WRONG needs to show
up to the County Board meeting Monday the 3rd of December.
The new board members get sworn in at 8am then their meeting
is at 9am.
FILL THE COURTHO– USE!
Lori Muller Bailey
Posted at 17:53h, 26 NovemberI am appalled that those in charge would act without
thinking of the serious ramifications this decision
will have.
Bill Holbrook
Posted at 19:33h, 26 NovemberI am very familiar with airport politics but this has gone past
that straight to insanity. I don’t know how long this airport
manager has been at his position but it sounds like he has been
there way too long. I have know Rusty for many years, he is a
business associate that i consider a friend. I have never met
a man more honest than Rusty. He is easy to get along with, a
pleasure to know and do business with. The City of Paris and
certainly the Airport Board should know that they have a great
asset in Rusty. He has done more for the local aviation community
than anyone in years gone by. He is a fine business man who
employees 5 people and provides a valuable service to hundreds
more at the airport and surrounding community. Surely someone
in this county realizes the revenue RSB brings in with the
customers that travel to this airport just because of the service
he provides. Wake up people, the revenue he brings in not only
in payroll and fuel sales taxes, but car rentals, hotel room rentals,
food sales at local restaurants. Gas for those rental cars,
entertainment for those who fly in and a host of other revenues
that you can’t see but are there each and every day. If the
county or the airport board allows this to happen i will not
spend another dollar in your town and i will tell each pilot I
see on a daily basis to find another place to land because this
place cares more about corrupt politicians than they do about the
service RSB provides to the aviation community there. If Rusty
needs me there to testify for him, i will be there and I’ll bet
I won’t be alone.
Just one quick question for the watchdogs about the person who
complained about the breast feeding to start with. Was he an RSB
customer or was he a county employee who was sitting in RSB’s
break room drinking coffee instead of out earning the paycheck
the people of the county were paying him.
B.B.Hay
Posted at 19:35h, 26 NovemberI have read the article regarding the Edgar County Board
regarding a mother breast-feeding her infant. I find it
amazing in 2012 that someone can be this ignorant. I am
a Business Owner, and have traveled all over the U.S.,
Europe, and Asia for the past 35 years. It is inconceivable
to me that any FBO could have such an uneducated and
primitive view point. Ownership of aircraft either short
or long range requires substantial capitol and goes hand
in hand with large investment of staff and upkeep. People
who own aircraft normally have a common denominator of
travel and exposure to a sophisticated world of varied
cultures and traditions. If in fact the FBO is a profit
motivated operation would it not make sense that the
operators and management of such an operation would have
the common sense to be intelligent enough to actually “Be
in the year 2012” and have the sense it would take to
“come in out of the rain?” This is such a ridiculous issue
that at first one is inclined to laugh it off and move on….
however that is not the case. The airport manager in this
incident should be seriously composing a letter of apology
to this young mother and father and figuring out how to keep
the media and press from “perking up their ears” to such an
asinine directive from any county appointed or elected board.
I met the young mother recently and am impressed by the
balancing act she manages in being a mother and commuting
nurse and assisting her husband in his private business. This
is the reality today for young folks trying to “make” it in
a tough economy and are not only are they responsible parents
and working adults,but they are a definite asset to any
community in which they live and I would be proud to have
citizens like this in my own community south of Atlanta. It
appears with Social Media such a massive force in today’s
world the folks on the Edgar County Board would take an
intelligent and broad view of how foolish they must appear
to the citizens of the community they live in and to all the
folks like me who are now in the loop of such poor handling
of what is one of the most normal things on the planet since
the beginning of time. I sincerely hope more folks become
involved in this issue, having lived in China for several months
and having traveled all over the world….most of my business
associates would be howling with laughter over such idiocy!!
B.B.Hay Owner & Designer Dragon House Pearls Importer of
Cultured Saltwater and South Sea Pearls
Aaron mckee
Posted at 19:37h, 26 NovemberThis seems absolutely absurd. I wonder why Mr. Wells and
David have such a problem with children. I ask the airport
board and Jimmy; Is this what you really want? The airport
to go back to the old ways, “a dead airport”. Which would
actually cost Edgar County tens of thousands of dollars in
lost revenue. Rusty as well as all of us other RSB aviation
employees have always felt we are doing this not as a job
but as a passion to grow aviation. Rusty especially, has always
gone out of his way to do just that. Get more people excited
about aviation and provide an environment to learn how to fly.
It seems to me evicting RSB Aviation would be a step in the
wrong direction. Maybe that is what David and Mr. Wells want.
Less work, more soap operas and a greater dependence on taxpayers.
Let alone talk about treading on mother’s rights.
Bryan Haddix
Posted at 20:34h, 26 NovemberWhat a shame that a grown man like Jimmy wells has to pick
on a feeding infant. No one should have ask for his resignation,
he should be too ashamed to ever show his face in this county
again. But, at least with Rusty and his businesses gone ( no
matter how much revenue they generate for the airport ),
Jimmy’s employee can resume his sleeping position in the public
lounge area. Good Luck Rusty.
Shawn Bennett
Posted at 21:26h, 26 NovemberThree years ago this month, I visited the Edgar County Airport
to inquire about pilot instruction. It has been a livelong dream
of mine to become a pilot. I was immediately struck by the
friendliness, professionalism, knowledge, experience, and
helpfulness of everyone at the Edgar County Airport. Everyone
I met seemed genuinely concerned about the collective good of
Edgar County, the airport, and aviation as a whole. Both Rusty
and Jimmy were great ambassadors for Edgar County and aviation.
Three weeks after getting my pilot’s certificate, I purchased my
first airplane. Rusty has been exemplary his dealings with me.
My conscience decision to spend my aviation dollars with Edgar
County Airport and RSB Aviation is in no small part due to Rusty
and his staff. I have made it no secret how I feel about RSB
aviation. Because of my recommendation, a close friend of mine
has purchased his airplane from Rusty and continues to have his
maintenance done in Edgar County. Another close friend of mine
has received instruction at Edgar County and has become my partner
in the purchase of another airplane. RSB Aviation is my choice for
all maintenance and aviation expertise. I literally have trusted
Rusty with my life.
I have been witness to Rusty’s contributions to the growth of the
Edgar County Airport business. I have to believe that the increased
activity at the airport attributable to Rusty has been a financial
boost to the county. I do not believe that Edgar County will be
better when Rusty and RSB Aviation is gone.
While I am in support of Rusty and RSB aviation, I am also distressed
by the villainization of Jimmy Wells, the airport manager. When I
bought that first plane, there were no hangers available to lease.
I wanted to base it at Edgar County, even though I live in Danville.
As soon as a hanger became available, I was thrilled to lease it.
Jimmy also has worked very hard to promote the Edgar County Airport.
It was always my impression that Jimmy and Rusty were a team promoting
the mission of the Edgar County Airport. To see them at odds is
distressing.
It is my hope and desire that emotions could cool, logic prevail, and
that a compromise can be reached. Edgar County will be much better
served if we can return to a time where Jimmy and Rusty are once again
working together for the good of all Edgar County.
Rene Foli
Posted at 21:46h, 26 NovemberJimmy and Rusty are both good people. There is something
very wrong with this situation. All politics aside, let’s
get to the real issues at hand. Jim runs a good airport.
Rusty runs a great business. Seems to me that they both
can benefit from the work each of them does to promote
General Aviation.
With all the problems that we aviators face in this present
economy, do we really want to spend our time and money fighting
over such trivial matters. Good God folks the future of KRPG
is at stake here.
Do we really want this to go further than it already has. I hope not!
As I said earlier, both of these men are good people. In the
past three years Rusty has done a tremendous amount of good
for our airport. We need to moving in a positive direction.
Evicting RSB Aviation is not the answer!This needs to be
resolved quickly!
Respectfully,
R.A. Foli
Robert Bogue
Posted at 06:13h, 27 NovemberI’m disappointed by Mr. Wells actions. I hope that the county
board recognizes that Mr. Wells’ actions have created a substantial
risk for the county through the violation of numerous laws. I
would hope that they do act swiftly to remove Mr. Wells, rescind
the lease termination letter, and affirm the county position
regarding access and use to all county properties pursuant to
the law so as to further mitigate the exposure that Mr. Wells
has created in this situation and others.
Robert Bogue
– President Thor Projects LLC , Author, Speaker, and Brother
Alan B
Posted at 09:49h, 27 NovemberSome apparently won’t be happy until the airport becomes their
own private Wells/Patrick ghost town again. RSB, Rusty,
employees, and associates, have made a real airport out of
the place, and such a petty little complaint is trying to
destroy what has been made by some hard working, down to earth
people. Mr. Wells confesses to be such a Christian, and turns
around and pulls a trick like this!!? Get over yourselves Dave
and Jimmy, you’ll find out that there are real problems in the
world, and the world could just give a “””” about your little
petty concerns. Keep it up, and you will end up destroying what
has been built, and Edgar County Airport wil cease to exist.
V. BOTHWELL
Posted at 15:00h, 27 NovemberI wish to express my support for Mr. Rusty Bogue and can only
reiterate the many points that have already been stated; I have
known and worked with Rusty for 10 years, and where Rusty goes,
business flourishes. Before Rusty arrived, Paris airport was an
unknown entity with very little activity and very little value
to the community; now there is an active business which provides
local jobs, pays taxes, increases traffic at the airport which
further generates revenue for the airport (and therefore the
county), local restaurants, hotels, etc. – and the airport manager
wants to throw all of that away??!!! And do so by violating the
law and illegally discriminating against breastfeeding? Care
for a lawsuit, anybody??!!!
As a member of my local airport board, I can certainly say
that we would welcome and, indeed, consider ourselves lucky to
have a business such as this one on our airport; to attempt to
evict RSB Aviation and eradicate the many benefits and revenues
it has generated demonstrates an incredible lack of care and
concern on the part of the airport manager for the community
that taxpayers’ dollars pay him to serve.
I do believe, however, that this situation does certainly
warrant a dismissal — just not the one originally intended!
Jarrid McLaughlin
Posted at 23:12h, 27 NovemberI’ve known Rusty Bouge since a I was a young teen
nearly a decade ago. From day one Rusty showed himself
to be a nothing less than a respectful, professional
man with only the intentions of succeeding within
the boundaries of the law.
Rusty was a major asset to an airport near my
home. If he had a dream or goal, he pursued it until
it became reality. He now has an airport that’s
prospering in a community that is in need of an up-
standing, professional business. He does a great job
at what he does.
Let alone the attention the airport gives to the
community, it has also given jobs to few that need a
source of income. The fact of the lying officials and
Jimmy Wells, goes to show the downward slope this
world is on. To put down a great man, great family,
and great business is something you should be ashamed
for. I pray you all screw your heads on correctly,
and decide to do what’s right. This is absolutely
ridiculous.
Jamie Walters
Posted at 09:28h, 28 NovemberI have working in aviation since if was 16 years old.
Worked for multiple airports, an airline and a Fortune
100 aviation department. I have know Mr. Bogue
professionally since 1999 and have never met anyone
more knowledgeable and dedicated to the aviation profession.
I have also flown into Edgar county airport hundreds of
times and remember the state of the airport prior to Mr.
Bogue’s presence. Is the economic condition of Paris and
Edgar county so great that a business like RSB Aviation can
be shut down by 4 or 5 public elected officials. Is anyone
in Edgar county aware of the current depression in General
Aviation. I fly into airports on a weekly basis that would
love to have a business like RSB on there field. Do we
realize that State and Federal spending is based on an
airport’s traffic volume, employment opportunity, and
local economic impact. All things that would be affected by
the removal of a viable business like RSB. There is nothing
about aviation that is cheap and contrary to popular belief
the job of an airport is not to make money directly, but to
bring money into a community by providing accessibility.
Example RSB fly’s in a company’s officials that decide to
locate a business in Edgar county that will produce hundreds
of jobs and tax revenue to the local economy. Without this
service they might locate in Terre Haute were they and there
vendors have greater transportation access. These things
happen on a daily basis. I know because I fly for a company
that wouldn’t dream of placing a facility in an area like
Edgar county if they didn’t have direct and efficient access
via aviation to that facility. More than likely this has
nothing to do with Children or Breast feeding. I’m sure someone
has involved there personal agenda. There is no other
reasonable explanation as to why we would be discussing
voluntarily closing a business asset like RSB in the worst
economy in 30 years. If RSB is forced out of business I will
make it my personal mission to let every business, Aviation
department and pilot I can know were the priorities of Edgar
County lie.
Sincerely,
Concerned Aviation Professional,
Jamie Walters
Graham B
Posted at 19:28h, 04 DecemberNailed it.
Right on Jamie
Jeffrey Morgan
Posted at 19:10h, 28 NovemberObviously the breast feeding is NOT the main agenda for those
opposing it! This boils right down to the almighty dollar.
Rusty, I hear you are the Ace of the Base and more power to
you and yours! I will stop in and see you one of these days
soon.
Godspeed,
Morgan
Colby Smith
Posted at 18:03h, 29 NovemberEver since I started flying KPRG has always been that airport
in the middle of a cornfield with no purpose and no reason
for using. In the past few years Rusty Bogue and RSB Aviation
have brought this airport to life and created an environment
that invites pilots and the general public to use. Rusty, Ann
and his team are more than just polite and helpful but also
have the knowledge and passion for aviation that most airports
would love to have. For the board members to overlook this does
nothing but prove their true character. Do the board members
and Mr. Wells truly care about the future of KPRG?
Kyle Dill
Posted at 12:34h, 30 NovemberThis situation at Edgar Co. Airport was brought to my attention a few days
ago. When I first read the article, I was shocked to say the least. It is
very hard for me to believe that any educated individual would attempt to
close a very successful business over the problem of breast feeding. The
law states that any mother has the right to nurse her child while at work,
this is common sense to most of us. But for a county employee not to know the
law (and throw common sense out the window) is sad to say the least.
I have been a part of aviation for 12 years and I have been flying professionally
for 8. I know firsthand the kind of business and growth an airport can bring to a
town. The amount of revenue an airport can generate is almost limitless and directly
related to its staff and facilities. In my many years of flying corporate jets I
have watched many eager businesses search for rural places operate and grow. The
local airport plays a major role in their choice. I have flown into Edgar Co. Airport
before and after RSB aviation was located on the field. I can say that the hard work
and dedications of Rusty, RSB Aviation and his staff have transformed that airport.
I can remember multiple times of flying into PRG (Edgar Co.) to find it looking like
a ghost town. The few times I did locate someone in the terminal building, he was usually
watching soap operas or sleeping. That has all changed in the years since RSB Aviation
has been a resident at the airport. Now when you drive up or fly in, there is always a
friendly face meeting you at the airplane. Someone who cares about making a business
successful, and actually has pride in what they do (both of which seem to be sparse
these days). Having professionals with a passion for aviation is a must at any airport,
especially one as small as PRG. RSB Aviation has given people a reason to stop in Paris,
and has generated the opportunity for businesses to utilize the airport.
I have known Rusty for the past 13 years of my life. There are very few as professional
and dedicated to what they do. He has put in countless hours growing RSB Aviation into
what it is today. If you have ever met him you know exactly what I am talking about. I
would do anything to help out Rusty, his family and his business; because I know he would
do the same for me in an instant! That’s just the kind of guy he is. I find it almost
impossible to believe that all of these problems that have come up at the airport have
stemmed from the simple act of a mother nursing her child. I have read the follow up
articles on this subject and it seems that there is an ulterior motive behind ending RSB
Aviation’s lease at the airport. I truly can’t imagine that ending a lease of a successful
business, which has a direct effect on a small business owner and countless families, is
in the best interest for Edgar Co. Airport or the town of Paris.
The bottom line is that Jimmy Wells clearly doesn’t have PRG or the city of Paris in mind
here. It sounds like he has his own personal agenda and is trying to use his position as
airport director to get it. If this really is about an employee nursing her child at her
place of employment, then what Jimmy Wells is doing is ILLEGAL. Plain and simple. If this
is about Mr. Wells and his own personal agenda, then I look forward the truth coming out
and him being held accountable for his actions. I just find it sad that Rusty, his family
and his business were caught up in the middle.
Kyle Dill, Fellow Professional Aviator
Graham B
Posted at 16:40h, 04 DecemberRight on Kyle!!
Ditto
Fellow Professional Aviator!
B Dallman
Posted at 15:56h, 30 NovemberI have now read through all the posts on this blog and have to laugh …. Or at
least I would laugh if it was not so ridiculous! I, like many of the other
folks which have posted comments, have many take offs and landings at the Edgar
County airport. I’d have to go back to my old logs to see, but as I think back
about all the times I flew over there for crosswind landing practice, I think
I may have only seen one or two other planes either in the pattern or on the
ground. I admit that was at least 15 or 20 years ago – but it sounds like Mr.
Bogue has done a very nice job of making a difference at the airport. It is
my understanding he now flies charter flights out of the airport in his three
turbine twins, has one or two crop dusters located at the airport, does high
quality maintenance on airplanes from all over the Midwest and beyond …. Sounds
like things are going very well.
So one has to ask how or why could this situation possibly be occurring – it
would seem to me that Rusty’s business would be exactly what any airport manager
would dream about having on their field. Income from fuel sales, increased traffic
counts, the ability of local businesses to have charter aircraft available at
their beckon call – ??? Well, as one who now is living close to, and flying out
of, a real nice Kansas airport looks at this overall mess, I would ask (and I think
local folks to Edgar County should certainly ask) who is really behind pulling
the strings of the airport manager? Who is it that really wants the space currently
occupied by Mr. Bogue’s business. I’d suggest that this is the question that
someone needs to get to the bottom of. Is it even an aviation related business, or
is someone looking for volume space … so that they can either store something really
big … or set up a manufacturing operation at rock bottom prices …. Or what else?
Otherwise, I just don’t see how this could have exploded into the situation that I
have now read all about.
The possibility that someone else wants that space (either a friend or someone that
has some level of power over the airport manager) to me seems to be the most logical
explanation. The issue of breast feeding being offensive to an employee of the airport
is so ludicrous that I can’t begin to believe this is what this whole mess is all
about. If it indeed what is behind this mess though, then it does look to me that
the County, if it allows this whole situation to continue, had better be checking
its insurance protection and making sure their premiums have been paid …. Because I
don’t think they will stand a chance if a lawsuit is brought against them. I would
hope that county residents would really be angry if this ends up causing a claim
against the county – although through the actions of a few employees, the county is
clearly liable. Heck, if Rusty gets a really good attorney, he may end up OWNING
the airport by the time this is all over!
Finally, while I have never met Mr. Bogue, I do know several folks that have spoken
on his behalf and do trust their judgment. On their words alone, I would encourage
Mr. Bogue to consider moving his entire operation to one of our small airports in
Kansas. I currently fly out of KPTS – you would fit in very well here. Kansas is
a very aviation-friendly State and we need good honest people to invest here both
in our city as well as our State. We understand the value of general aviation to
our community. We currently have about 8 turbine aircraft on our field and the
sales of aviation fuels to them and transient aircraft bring almost a million additional
dollars to the city coffers each year. Too bad Edgar County is so blind…. But rest
assured, RSB Aviation would be welcome here. I bet you would also be welcomed at
Hulman field, or Sullivan County, or Mattoon as well. I’ve heard you are a long time
Paris resident … so I know it would be hard to leave. However I bet you would build
friendships in any of those other cities very quickly. Good luck to the Bogues and
RSB Aviation …. I’ll be checking back to see how this ends up.
Nick Eberwine
Posted at 18:10h, 30 NovemberI started flying over ten years ago. In those ten years I don’t know that
I’ve met anyone as passionate about aviation as Rusty Bogue. He is an
immensely talented pilot, mechanic, instructor, and mentor and the reason
the local aviation community is much stronger than it ever has been.
I’m not the first to point out that the Edgar County Airport, before
RSB, was just a convenient place to practice landings. My last landing
(well, touch-and-go) at PRG was over 7 years ago. Before that landing
there were hundreds more at PRG and I can count on one hand how many
time I shared the traffic pattern with a locally based aircraft. I
know I never bought fuel there or contributed in any other direct way
to the airport’s revenue. The County Board should be jumping for joy
that Rusty has come home to Paris and brought general aviation (and
it’s revenue) with him.
As a husband and father of two young children I’m offended by the
ability of anyone to ban a child from a public venue. As a pilot
who started off in general aviation, I am baffled by the anti-family
stance of Jimmy Wells. A local flying community is supposed to be
one big family. We welcome strangers with open arms, share our
enthusiasm for aviation with other who are curious, teach each other,
learn from each other, delight in one another’s successes and rally
around those in need.
I hope everyone in and around Edgar County knows what an asset RSB is
to the airport. You wont find anyone better than Rusty to keep aviation
flourishing in your area.
CBBayPoint
Posted at 22:29h, 09 DecemberNailed it.
Jeff Jenkins
Posted at 12:00h, 01 DecemberLet me start by saying I’m absolutely appalled by what I’ve just read. I’m
shocked that something like this could be happening in this day and age in
Middle American. It sounds like Chicago style politics have drifted south.
I’ve known Rusty professionally for 13 years. He is without a doubt the
hardest working, most dedicated and ambitious person I’ve met, not just in
aviation, but overall. He is an absolute asset to any community.
As a corporate pilot, I would think nothing of flying 100 miles out of my
way to avoid landing a jet at a Pre-RSB Paris airport. The indirect impact
to the community of his presence is immeasurable. His maintenance facility
alone opens the door to the dollars that come with transient corporate
aircraft being able to operate at PRG. Without him, you’re missing out on
revenue from jet fuel sells, rental cars, hotel stays, catering, and dining.
All of these things give the option for large companies to do business in
the Paris area.
There is no justification for what is happening. Open your eyes and be grateful
that such a person has chosen to live in your community.
Concerned Aviation Professional
Jeff Jenkins
Corporate Pilot
CBBayPoint
Posted at 22:28h, 09 DecemberI’ve read Mr. Bogue’s statement, and I have to completely agree. This
really should not be an issue, as the law is on the side of the persons
who are in support of breastfeeding in the airport building.