Missouri Attorney General Chris Koster has filed a civil lawsuit against a Joplin dentist and his wife for allegedly making false claims to Missouri's Medicaid program. For four years, Dr. Samuel Miller and wife Gina allegedly filed claims and billed Missouri Medicaid for numerous dental procedures that were not performed, Koster said. The Millers came under investigation after a tip to the AG's Medicaid Fraud Unit. In the suit, Koster's office asks the Cole County Circuit Court to order the Millers to pay restitution and punitive damages to the state. Criminal Medicaid fraud charges are pending against Samuel Miller in Jasper County.
MAC Money to SWMO
The Missouri Arts Council has awarded $7 million in grants to Missouri nonprofit arts organizations, and more funding is available. In southwest Missouri, fiscal 2010 grants include: $15,679 for the Branson Arts Council's Community Arts Operating Support program; $11,961 for the Messiah Project; $23,311 for Missouri State University's Juanita K. Hammons Hall for the Performing Arts; $20,143 for Springfield Ballet; $32,502 for Springfield Little Theatre; $10,257 for Springfield Mid-America Singers; $34,863 for Springfield Regional Arts Council's Challenge America and Arts Operating Support programs combined; $27,884 for Springfield Regional Opera and its Challenge America program; and $32,350 for Springfield Symphony Association.
Altec Covers City Tax
While the city of Springfield opted out of the state sales tax holiday, Aug. 7-9, privately owned Altec Computers decided to cover the additional savings for consumers. Under Missouri law, back-to-school items, including computers and software, are not charged the state's 4.225 percent sales tax during the three days. Cities and counties have the option of also slashing their sales taxes from shoppers' receipts. In Springfield, Altec covered the city's 2.625 percent sales tax for a nearly 7 percent savings on qualified merchandise.
Slice of Nice
Boys & Girls Clubs of America and the Walmart Foundation teamed up to help children who receive free or reduced lunch during the school year but might not have access to adequate nutrition during the summer months. The Walmart Foundation donated $3,000 to each of the three local Boys & Girls Club locations, which will be combined with state funds. The Summer Servings grant allows the club to provide free lunches and snacks and is sponsored by the Missouri Department of Health and Seniors Services' Community Food and Nutrition Assistance Program.
Twice of Nice
Springfield-based The Rainbow Network is conducting its first online school supply drive. Participants may purchase supplies at wholesale prices and receive credits for tax-deductible donations. The merchandise will be shipped as needed to the 8,000 impoverished students that Rainbow Network strives to serve in Nicaragua. The drive's site is www.npowishlist.com/?mid=459; for more information, contact Development Director Ryan Owen at (417) 889-8088.[[In-content Ad]]
The first southwest Missouri location of EarthWise Pet, a national chain of pet supply stores, opened; Grey Oak Investments LLC relocated; and Hot Bowl by Everyday Thai LLC got its start.
