State briefs 1/21/04

Dolan back at Capitol after Army investigation

JEFFERSON CITY, Mo. -- After being reprimanded by the Army, state Sen. Jon Dolan returned to the Capitol Tuesday for the first time since casting a pivotal vote for concealed guns legislation and vowed to use his public office to pressure military officials into clarifying their service rules for public officials. Dolan recently received a letter of admonition -- a relatively light punishment -- for unknowingly violating military rules against political activity by taking leave from a National Guard assignment in Cuba to vote on legislation last September.

Guns bill would allow other hidden weapons

JEFFERSON CITY, Mo. -- Missourians who receive permits for concealed guns would automatically be entitled to carry hidden knives, blackjacks and other lethal weapons as well -- possibly into some places where concealed firearms are prohibited. Opponents of the concealed guns law cite such a possibility among their reasons for asking the state Supreme Court to declare the law unconstitutional. Arguments are scheduled Thursday before the state's highest court.

Trucker says he was fired over his 412-pound frame

ST. LOUIS -- Walter Geter says he has an impeccable driving record, with nearly a dozen safety awards to prove it. He never dreamed his girth would get in the way of his work. But the 6-foot-2, 412-pound truck driver from suburban St. Louis finds himself without a job after being fired by USF Holland. For nearly three decades, Geter fit his frame inside the cab of any long-haul rig. But last week, the company asked him to drive a smaller tractor. And when he couldn't fit, the company fired him. Geter has filed a grievance through his union, Teamsters Local 600, to get his job back, and he said he's prepared to take his complaint to court.

-- From wire reports