Language in the measure banning those under drinking age from bars is similar to that in a Joplin city ordinance, said Blake Wolf, legal adviser to the commission.

The measure, being proposed as a health ordinance, cites problems with drunkenness, violence and driving while intoxicated in connection with bars that lack age restrictions. The commission called for a measure after the Sheriff’s Department cited problems at Cadillac Ranch, a bar east of Carthage that admits those younger than 21.

The proposed measure will be available for review at commission offices in the courthouse.

“It’s a draft at this point, so we can make revisions,” Wolf said.

The commission also, after hearing a report and recommendations from Richard Webster, county auditor, and Jeannie Wells, county treasurer, accepted a proposal from Southwest Missouri Bank to serve as the county’s depositor for general funds, and from United Missouri Bank to handle excess funds and the collector’s account.

The commissioners also named David Everts to a post on the board of the La Russell Special Road District.

Legislation

Residents opposed to sexually oriented businesses have called for more regulation of the outlets. Bills proposed in the Missouri House and Senate would impose setbacks and other restrictions, including improved monitoring in the operations. The measures are pending in both houses, with a week to go in the legislative session.