Carthage City Council woman fails in attempt to suspend city attorney who is leaving May 10 anyway

It's just money.

During the April 23 Carthage City Council meeting, council member Lori Leece asked what on the face of it would appear to be an important question.

The council was about to approve spending $25,000 so St. Louis attorney Paul Taylor could conduct an investigation of Mayor Dan Rife, which would lead to an impeachment, because that's what the City Council wants and that's Paul Taylor's specialty.

The contract the council would vote on a few moments later, however, called not only for the $25,000 for the investigation, but also for expenses.

Leece asked what those expenses would be.

Seemed like a good question.

Impeachment ringleader Tiffany Cossey, using the tone of voice that showed her irritation that someone felt the need to ask how much of the taxpayers' money was going to be spent, dismissed the question with that kind of tone you use when a child is getting unruly.

It might be for mileage, Cossey said, or it might be for lodging if they had to have any overnight stays.

Mileage and lodging can add up quickly, but it's just taxpayer money.

Of course, the council could save a lot of taxpayer money by just trying to get along with Rife and then work to vote him out of office next April, but that's not going to happen.

The council voted 7-2 with Cossey, Jana Schramm, Terri Heckmaster, Alan Snow, Derek Peterson, Dustin Edge and Tom Barlow approving the contract and Leece and Chris Taylor voting "no."

Cossey wasn't finished. 

Following what from all intents and purposes appears to have been a heated closed session, Cossey, who has already led what may have been an unsuccessful effort to fire City Administrator Greg Dagnan (it depends on your definition of the word "and") and who has Rife in her sights went after City Attorney Greg Dally.

During the closed session, Cossey accused Dally of sending a text message to a law enforcement officer with the information that a Carthage business owner, who had spoken at a previous meeting, had an outstanding warrant. Cossey claimed Dally targeted the woman because of what she said at the council meeting. Dally denied that was his intent, even though he acknowledged sending the text.

The information about the business owner was public information that is available through the state of Missouri's case.net system.

When the council returned to open session, Cossey offered a motion to ask the mayor to suspend Dally, even though Dally's last day as city attorney is May 10. The motion passed by a 6-3 vote with Cossey, Schramm, Heckmaster, Snow, Peterson and Edge voting yes and Leece, Taylor and Barlow voting against the measure.

It didn't matter. Rife wasn't going to suspend Dally.

That didn't stop Cossey from continuing her rampage.

Cossey, the perpetual motion machine, next made a motion to write a letter to the Missouri Bar Association notifying it of what she termed as Dally's unethical behavior. Schramm quickly parroted a second.

Barlow tried to stop where this was heading by noting that taking a step like that should at least involve an investigation.

Leece, once again displaying the patience of a saint, said her heart was broken both for the woman who thought she had been targeted and for someone whose career and life could be affected by the outcome of the vote.

Cossey pushed onward, claiming this was just the latest instance of targeting in the city and this time, the vote went against her.

Only Schramm and Peterson voted with Cossey, while Leece, Taylor, Barlow, Edge and Snow voted "no" and Heckmaster abstained.

The council will meet in another special session 6:30 p.m. Monday in the Carthage Water and Electric Plant community room.

***

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Joplin company manager charged with stealing nearly $13,000 from employer

The Newton County Prosecuting Attorney's office filed a felony stealing charge today against a Joplin man who allegedly took $12,972 by making unauthorized charges on his employer's credit card.

Richard R. Carriger II (DOB 1986), manager for Midland Paper, stole the money over a five-month period between October 2023 and March 2024, according to the probable cause statement.

According to Midland Paper invoice records Carriger used the company’s credit card to purchase items from 10/05/2023 through 03/05/2024. Unauthorized uses of the company’s credit card were valued at $12,972. 

Mr. Carriger was interviewed by me on 03/12/2024. Mr. Carriger was advised of his Miranda rights and agreed to speak with me. During this interview Mr. Carriger admitted to using the company credit card to purchase personal items. He also admitted that he purchased items for the business and his residence using the company credit card. 

Mr. Carriger states that he originally purchased multiple items but later cancelled the order knowing it was wrong. Mr. Carriger admitted to using the company credit card to purchase gift cards, totaling $4,275. 

Mr. Carriger allowed me to come to his residence which is also located in Joplin, Newton County, Missouri. I recovered the Ryobi power washer, portable heater, and a Ryobi chainsaw at his residence which he willingly gave me. These items were purchased using the company’s credit card.

The case was investigated by the Joplin Police Department.

Nancy Hughes: Fix it, God

“Consider it pure joy, my brothers, whenever you face trials of many kinds, because you know that the testing of your faith develops perseverance. Perseverance must finish its work so that you may be mature and complete, not lacking anything.

James 1:2-4 (NIV)

Teaching my four-year-old grandson to tie his shoes was quite a challenge. He struggled for several minutes but eventually got “one rabbit in the hole” before his attention turned to “Max and Ruby” on television and the lesson ended. But it brought back memories of another shoe-tying experience as a school nurse many years ago.

 

I was in my office when the mom of one of our first graders came in, obviously frustrated. She looked at me and demanded, “Nurse Nancy, I have a problem and YOU need to fix it now.” Notice that she was the one with the problem but I was the one she had decided needed to fix it. So I replied, “Well, Mrs. Smith, what’s the problem?” And she said “It’s my daughter Megan. She refuses to learn to tie her shoes.”

When I asked what she had done to help her daughter so far, she replied “Well, I show her how to do it but she screams and refuses to even try. She throws her shoes at me, crosses her arms, and yells at me to get out of her room.” I couldn’t resist asking: “And what do you do then?” She seemed surprised at my question. “I get out, of course!” she replied.

To me the problem could be fixed within about 10 minutes, I told her. She was very excited and said “How? Tell me how!” (Can I mention that it was the middle of January and we were having some pretty nasty weather?) I continued “I would put Megan’s shoes on the front porch and put Megan on the front porch. Then I would tell her she can come in when she ties her shoes and I would shut and lock the door.”

Honestly, does that not make sense to you? Made sense to me. But Mrs. Smith didn’t think so because she began yelling “I can’t believe you would ever suggest anything like that! YOU don’t have a heart!” I thought to myself: “And YOU don’t have a brain.” (Yes, it was a thought for which I later repented.)

As I reflected on the shoe-tying incident, I realized that it was often a mirror image of how I act when faced with a tough situation. I react in two ways: first, I pray about what is going on but if I don’t like God’s answer to my heart, I move on to my second reaction: “Fix it, God!” without listening and obeying His will.

 

Maybe He whispers “You can do it, Nancy” or “Wait, Nancy” or “Keep on doing what you are doing and be patient, Nancy” but that’s not what I want to hear. Too often, I know what God wants me to do . . . I just don’t want to do it. Instead, I want HIM to instantly get rid of the trial by either removing or solving the situation or changing the person that I have a conflict with or . . . you get the picture?

We must learn to seek His face first, in all situations. And when we do that, we have to be willing to listen to His answer . . . and to obey. Oh, the lessons I have learned when trials have come and I have focused on the Lord, listened to His voice, and obeyed. Resist the urge to cry “Fix it!” to God and instead trust Him to guide you in His Word through whatever situation you may be facing . . . including shoes that refuse to be tied.

Father, help me to seek your will and obey. Please guide and direct me through each trial so I may grow and mature in my walk with you. In Jesus’ Name. Amen.

R.A.P. it up . . .

Reflect

What is your immediate reaction when faced with a trial?

Do you want it “fixed” instantly or do you ask God to show you His will?

Apply

When a trial confronts you, meet it head-on with a short prayer of “Your will, your way, Father.”

Journal a list of previous trials you have had and how God answered your prayers each time. Then praise Him for His faithfulness.

Power

James 1:2-4 (NIV) “Consider it pure joy, my brothers, whenever you face trials of many kinds, because you know that the testing of your faith develops perseverance. Perseverance must finish its work so that you may be mature and complete, not lacking anything.

Psalm 55:22 (NIV) “Cast your cares on the Lord and he will sustain you; he will never let the righteous fall.”

Proverbs 3:5-8 (NIV) “Trust in the Lord with all your heart and lean not on your own understanding; in all your ways acknowledge him and he will make your paths straight. Do not be wise in your own eyes; fear the Lord and shun evil. This will bring health to your body and nourishment to your bones.”

(For more of Nancy Hughes' writing, check out her blog, Encouragement from the War Room.) 

Public Service Commission approves surcharge increase for Spire customers

(From Missouri Public Service Commission)

The Missouri Public Service Commission has approved a request filed by Spire Missouri, Inc. (Spire Missouri) to change the Infrastructure System Replacement Surcharge (ISRS) on the bills of its natural gas customers. The ISRS first appeared on Spire West customer bills in April 2004 and on Spire East customer bills in June 2004.

This ISRS adjustment reflects infrastructure replacement investments made by the natural gas company during the period of September 1, 2023 through February 29, 2024. These costs for natural gas pipeline replacements and relocations are not currently included in Spire Missouri’s rates.

 

The current ISRS for residential customers of Spire East is $0.75 a month. As a result of this case, the ISRS will increase to $1.43 a month. For Spire West residential customers, the current ISRS is $1.79 a month. 

 As a result of this case, the ISRS will increase to $3.22 a month. Spire Missouri has been authorized to file tariffs reflecting the Commission’s decision. Those tariffs will include a proposed effective date for the ISRS change.

Was it a Carthage City Council meeting or a Looney Tunes revival?

Carthage City Council's version of a Warner Brothers cartoon continued tonight with City Administrator Greg Dagnan in the role of Bugs Bunny and council member Tiffany Cossey personifying Elmer Fudd, except for the part about being "vewwy, vewwy quiet."

Cossey's quest to fire Dagnan continued as she made a motion for a special council meeting Monday, April 29 to change a city ordinance so she can get rid of Dagnan.

The council, by a 7-2 vote, fired Dagnan April 11, except it couldn't fire Dagnan because the city administrator can only be hired or fired by the council AND the mayor and Mayor Dan Rife wasn't having anything to do with it.

Though Cossey insisted the word AND meant AND when the hiring takes place, but means something totally different when it came to firing, Dagnan was still employed as of tonight.

So part of the special meeting will be so Cossey can see to it that the wascally city administrator can finally be shown the door with no ifs, ANDS or buts.

With so many special meetings recently, though, you have to wonder how long will be before none of them are really special.

During the council comment time, Cossey and fellow council members Alan Snow, Derek Peterson and Dustin Edge provided numbers of how many people contacted them since the last meeting and whether those people supported the firing of Dagnan and the impeachment of Rife.

All of them said there were far more people who approved their actions since the election.

Council member Lori Leece wondered why she was the only one who was questioning if it was worthwhile to upset the whole town and cost a lot of money to hire a lawyer to conduct the impeachment.

Cossey snapped back at her. "Are you finished?" and ended by explaining, "I am carrying out the will of my constituents."

Tonight's meeting also included an emotional goodbye from City Attorney Nate Dally, who noted that being Carthage's city attorney "meant more to me than just another job." This was "my hometown."

He offered praise for the heads of city departments he had worked with and said he was not leaving with bitterness, but that it was a huge relief.

His last day is May 10.

That's all, folks.

Former Carthage parks director arraigned in trial court, pleads not guilty to stealing, money laundering

Former Carthage parks director Mark Peterson waived the reading of the charges and pleaded not guilty during his arraignment in the trial division of Jasper County Circuit Court Monday.

Peterson is charged with three counts of stealing and two counts of money laundering.

According to the probable cause statement, Peterson stole more than $140,000 from the city between 2020 and 2022.

Peterson was taking money from the operation of the municipal golf course and depositing it into multiple bank accounts labeled as "Mark Peterson DBA Pete's Pro Shop," the statement said.

Peterson's next hearing is scheduled for 9 a.m. July 8.

Change of plea hearing set for Joplin man on child pornography charge

A change of plea hearing has been scheduled for 10:30 a.m. May 6 in U. S. District Court in Springfield for Shawn Jay Moore, 58, who is charged with receiving and distributing child pornography.

According to a detention motion filed December 28 Moore allegedly uploaded 14 files depicting child pornography onto an online dating website.

The defendant was later interviewed and confessed to downloading child pornography from the internet on a daily basis.

According to the detention motion, Moore also "has an extensive history of alcohol abuse manifested in six convictions for driving while intoxicated."

Tulsa man sentenced to 10 years for role in meth conspiracy in Jasper, Newton counties, SW MO

(From the U. S. Attorney for the Western District of Missouri)

A Tulsa, Oklahoma, man was sentenced in federal court today for his role in a conspiracy to distribute large amounts of methamphetamine in southwest Missouri after law enforcement officers seized approximately 29 pounds of methamphetamine, approximately $57,000, and several firearms.

Jeffrey L. Hughley, 39, was sentenced by U.S. District Judge M. Douglas Harpool to 10 years in federal prison without parole.

On Nov. 6, 2023, Hughley pleaded guilty to one count of conspiracy to distribute methamphetamine and one count of possessing a firearm in furtherance of a drug-trafficking crime.

Hughley admitted that he was a courier during the conspiracy to distribute methamphetamine in Barry, Stone, Polk, Lawrence, Greene, Jasper, Newton, and Christian Counties from Nov. 1, 2020, to April 28, 2022. Hughley delivered more than 4.5 kilograms of pure methamphetamine to co-defendant Brian E. Hall, 46, of Aurora, Mo.

Hughley was arrested on April 28, 2022, when he drove to Hall’s residence. Law enforcement officers searched his black Toyota Camry and found 10 garbage bags in the trunk that contained a total of 22 pounds of pure methamphetamine. Officers also found a loaded Taurus 9mm semi-automatic pistol in the floorboard of the front passenger seat.

Hughley was arrested after law enforcement officers had executed a search warrant at Hall’s residence as part of an ongoing methamphetamine investigation. Officers seized seven pounds of methamphetamine from Hall’s residence, as well as a Taurus 9mm semi-automatic pistol, approximately $57,000 in cash, and drug paraphernalia used for the packaging and sale of methamphetamine.

A co-conspirator told investigators that Hughley had delivered large quantities of methamphetamine to Hall’s residence on at least four occasions. Each time he dropped off methamphetamine, he also picked up cash from Hall to return to an individual in Oklahoma. The co-conspirator told investigators that Hughley was supposed to pick up $57,000 from Hall on the night of his arrest.

According to court documents, Hughley made multiple trips to multiple states to distribute methamphetamine for which he was paid thousands of dollars. In April 2022, Hughley purchased a drone for $5,730 for a leader of the drug-trafficking organization. Hughley and a co-conspirator discussed using the drone to smuggle contraband into a prison facility.

Hughley operated a business, God’s Gifted Athletes, where he provided strength training to young athletes in his community. The government’s sentencing memorandum noted the devastating impact of methamphetamine use on youth and families. According to the National Center on Substance Abuse and Child Welfare, children whose parents use methamphetamine have an increased risk of exposure to parental violence, placement into foster care, and living in environments that do not have adequate resources to meet their basic needs.

The amount of methamphetamine Hughley trafficked to Barry County in only four trips (while in possession of a firearm) was enough to supply four doses (0.25 grams per dose) of methamphetamine to every man, woman, and child in the community.

Hughley is the second defendant sentenced in this federal indictment, in which 20 defendants have been charged. Hall pleaded guilty on March 22, 2023, and awaits sentencing.

This case is being prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorney Jessica R. Eatmon. It was investigated by the Missouri State Highway Patrol, the Drug Enforcement Administration, the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives, the FBI, the Bureau of Indian Affairs, the Ozarks Drug Enforcement Team, the Barry County, Mo., Sheriff’s Office, the Stone County, Mo., Sheriff’s Office, COMET (the Combined Ozark Multi-Jurisdictional Enforcement Team), the Oklahoma Highway Patrol, the Greene County, Mo., Sheriff’s Office, the Polk County, Mo., Sheriff’s Office, the Ottawa County, Ok., Sheriff’s Department, the Bolivar, Mo., Police Department, the Cassville, Mo., Police Department, the Kimberling City, Mo., Police Department, the Springfield, Mo., Police Department, and the U.S. Marshals Service.

Jason Smith: The dangerous consequences of Biden’s failed foreign policy agenda

(From Eighth District Congressman Jason Smith)

On April 13, the Iranian regime carried out a massive, unprecedented attack against Israel using drones, cruise missiles, and ballistic missiles. I’m glad the attack was largely thwarted, but I can’t imagine how terrifying it must have been for Israeli families. I will continue to keep them in my prayers during these dangerous times.

While the Iranian regime has previously relied on its network of terror groups to attack Israel, this was the first time it has carried out a strike from its own soil against our most important ally in the Middle East. And it’s no coincidence that the attack occurred at a time when Israel’s support from the Biden administration is waning and after years of failed policies that have emboldened Iran.

There is no question in my mind that this attack would not have happened if former President Donald Trump was in office. Under Trump, the U.S. was feared by our enemies and respected by our allies. The Trump administration’s maximum pressure campaign against Iran was incredibly effective, whether it was scrapping the Iran Nuclear Deal, hitting Iran in its pocketbook with tough sanctions, or greenlighting a precision air strike to take out Iranian Quds Force commander Qasem Soleimani – the leader of the regime’s worldwide terrorist efforts. Unfortunately, Biden scrapped Trump’s maximum pressure campaign and replaced it with policies that have only emboldened Iran.

It’s not just Biden’s policies that have emboldened Iran. It’s also his weak rhetoric and unacceptable criticism of Israel’s handling of its war against evil terrorists. Biden’s so-called warning to Iran just a day before the attack was a single message: "Don’t." And in the days following the attack, Biden and world leaders urged Israel to just “take the win” and not retaliate because the strikes caused minimal damage. They have no business dictating the terms of Israel’s response to a direct attack on their nation. And on the evening of April 18, Israel responded appropriately to Iran’s attack by taking out military targets in an effort to defend itself and discourage the regime from carrying out another attack.

What Israel needs right now more than ever is strong support from its allies. But since the October 7th terrorist attack, Washington Democrats have become increasingly critical of Israel and its war against the terrorists who carried out the worst massacre of the Jewish people since the Holocaust. The Left has called on Israel to agree to an immediate ceasefire without conditions for having their hostages returned home. They’ve demanded the U.S. cutoff military aid to Israel. They’ve called on Israel to host new elections in an effort to oust its prime minister. It’s absolutely unacceptable.

 

House Republicans are fighting back. In direct response to the April 13 attack, we advanced numerous measures to support Israel and hold the evil Iranian regime and its terror proxies accountable. We passed a bill to revoke the tax-exempt status of terrorist-supporting organizations, an effort I’ve helped lead as Chairman of the Ways and Means Committee. We also advanced a resolution condemning Iran's attack and reaffirming support for Israel. In addition, the House passed several bills aimed at strengthening sanctions on Iran, the number one state-sponsor of terror in the world.

Israel is one of our strongest allies and closest friends. Whether it’s providing weapons, aid, or intelligence, the U.S. must ensure Israel has the resources it needs to defend itself and keep its people safe. I will ALWAYS stand with Israel, and I will continue pushing this administration to do what’s right and abandon its policies that are emboldening Iran.

Senate battle over taxes that fund Missouri Medicaid leaves state budget in limbo

By Rudi Keller

Missouri Independent

On Jan. 18, the ninth day of the 2024 legislative session, a bill essential to balancing the state budget was placed first in line on the Senate’s calendar for debate.

(Photo- Sen. Lincoln Hough, R-Springfield, speaks during a budget debate in April 2023- Rudi Keller/Missouri Independent)

On the same day, a bill expanding an education scholarship program was also put on the calendar, second in line.

Last week, the education bill narrowly passed the Missouri House on its way to Gov. Mike Parson for his signature.

 

The bill that would balance the budget by renewing roughly $4 billion worth of medical provider taxes that fund Medicaid hasn’t received as much as a minute of debate.

At a news conference last week, Sen. Doug Beck, an Affton Democrat, said the delays are frustrating.

“It’s completely ridiculous that we’re perfecting the Senate bill on gold and silver on a Thursday when we could have all week long been talking about the” taxes, he said.

While the Medicaid taxes, known as the federal reimbursement allowance, have gotten scant attention inside the Senate, there’s been plenty of talk outside the chambers.

Senate members of the Missouri Freedom Caucus, six of the 24 Republicans in the chamber, have promised to filibuster renewal of the taxes until two other legislative items are finished. Both are Senate-passed bills awaiting votes in the House.

The first is a bill banning Planned Parenthood from the Medicaid program. The second is a proposed constitutional amendment to alter how a majority is determined for voter-initiated constitutional amendments.

But even if those bills pass, the Freedom Caucus has also said it will demand the federal reimbursement allowance legislation include an expiration date before they will consider letting it come up for a vote. And at that point, other amendments — such as Medicaid work requirements — may also become mandatory for the Freedom Caucus to and their filibuster.

“We’re going to continue to fight for a sunset, and maybe there’s some other provisions that fit on this bill,” said Sen. Bill Eigel, a Weldon Spring Republican running for governor.

The budget, which must be completed by May10, can’t be finished in committee until the provider taxes are secured for the future, said Senate Appropriations Committee Chairman Lincoln Hough, a Springfield Republican running for lieutenant governor.

 

“I don’t really deal in ultimatums,” Hough said. “I deal with the constitutional necessity of passing a budget in the state, not trying to leverage someone to get something else done.”

Hough scheduled a hearing for Tuesday to discuss changes to the House-passed budget spending $50.7 billion. Senate floor debate on the budget is expected the following week.

“We’re running up against the end, and FRA and the budget, and all of these things, are in front of us that I think will take center stage in the coming days,” Senate President Pro Tem Caleb Rowden said last week.

Democrats, who hold the minority in both legislative chambers, said they’re tired of waiting for Republicans to bury their factional warfare.

House Minority Leader Crystal Quade opened her Thursday press conference with criticism of the House GOP for not moving independently of the Senate. Quade filed the only bill in the House to extend the taxes, but it has not been referred to a committee.

“If we do not get this passed,” Quade said, “everything else we’re doing when it comes to the budget or funding mechanisms, is just smoke and mirrors.”

What is the Federal Reimbursement Allowance?

Since 1992, Missouri has taxed hospitals – and later nursing homes, ambulance providers and pharmacies – to support the Medicaid program. The money becomes part of the state’s share of the federally sponsored program.

This year, Missouri must provide 34.69% of the cost of most Medicaid services. An exception is the group covered by a 2020 ballot initiative that used a provision of the Affordable Care Act to cover adults aged 18 to 64. The federal government pays 90% of the cost for that group.

The budget proposed by Parson in January pegs the general revenue cost for the entire Medicaid program at 21.7% of the projected $17.8 billion total. The remainder of the state’s share, $1.7 billion in Parson’s budget, comes from reimbursement allowances and other funds.

There is no general revenue in the $3 billion budget line covering the cost of the adult expansion group. Instead, much of the state’s share comes from money banked as a bonus federal share of the regular Medicaid program as an incentive to expand coverage.

The provider taxes are slated to supply $50 million toward the cost of Medicaid expansion in the coming year’s budget, drawing $450 million in federal funds. There’s another $950 million from the provider taxes used across 16 lines of the Medicaid budget, drawing at least $1.8 billion in federal funds.

The taxes have been renewed 16 times during regular legislative sessions. That regular process was disrupted in 2021, when first an effort to ban payments for some contraceptive medications, and later the question of banning Planned Parenthood as a Medicaid provider, forced lawmakers to have to return for a special session to extend the taxes.

The taxes expire Sept. 30 without passage of a renewal bill.

If reimbursement allowance funds aren’t available, the Medicaid budget will have to be rewritten and cuts made to make up the shortfall, Hough said.

He’s ready to debate the bill at any time, he told reporters.

“I’m waiting on the floor leader just say, ‘Hey, let’s go to the FRA and let’s get this thing done,’” Hough said. “I think she’s got competing interests with our small band of merry men out there on the floor all the time that you know, constantly slow things down and want to say we haven’t gotten anything done.’


Consequences of failure

Missouri has accumulated a surplus that stood at $6.4 billion at the end of March.

Eigel said he’s not concerned that the state can fund its obligations without the provider taxes.

“We have more than enough money with or without the FRA to meet the obligations of the state,” Eigel said.

Sen. Rick Brattin, speaking at a news conference Thursday, said the goals the Freedom Caucus is working towards are more attainable if members are willing to push against the\ constitutional deadline for passing the budget.

“We can get a lot of things done and I think that’s what we have to leverage to ensure we’re able to protect the Constitution, to make sure that abortion isn’t in our Constitution and to fight against that,” Brattin said. “We’re going to do everything by every means possible.”

Senate Democrats are ready to help pass the provider taxes without the Freedom Caucus demands and to get the budget through on time, Minority Leader John Rizzo of Independence said.

He thinks the deadlines will be met, he said.

“You’re gonna probably see a lot of other bills fall by the wayside because they’re unable to move on FRA and on a budget pretty quickly,” Rizzo said. “I don’t think it’s time to panic quite yet.”