Gov. Jay Nixon Suspends Department of Natural Resources Director

The Columbia Tribune reported today that Gov. Jay Nixon suspended Department of Natural Resources Director, Mark Templeton, for two weeks without pay after he provided false information to the governor. Nixon added later, "I'm angrier than words can describe."

Nixon's action came two days after he incorrectly told reporters that state beaches at the Lake of the Ozarks had been closed from May 18 to June 11 because of high pollution levels. The beaches, however, had not been closed. And on Wednesday, Nixon said his Department of Natural Resources director Mark Templeton had given him the false information about the closings.

More links on Lake of the Ozarks E. coli sampling results:
E.coli report reached governor's staff Springfield News Leader, 10/01/2009

Transcript of what Gov. Nixon said about DNR failure to close beaches Springfield News Leader, 09/30/2009

Fact-checking Nixon's claims about beach closings at Lake of the Ozarks Springfield News Leader, 09/29/2009

Governor: Report on E.coli not passed on Springfield News Leader, 09/29/2009

Transition at DNR slowed E. coli results Springfield News Leader, 09/28/2009

Ex-official: E. coli results known Springfield News Leader, 09/25/2009

DPS attorney requested, got surveillance tapes Springfield News Leader, 09/25/2009

Nixon aide knew about E. coli results in May, ex-DNR employee says Springfield News Leader, 09/24/2009

Plan targets polluters at Lake of the Ozarks Springfield News Leader, 09/24/2009