DRUG ARREST SHUTS DOWN GOLF COURSE

Neosho Course Manager Fired After Raid On Home

NEOSHO, Mo. - The manager of the Neosho Municipal Golf Course was fired
Thursday after Newton County deputies raided his residence and arrested him
on felony drug charges.

Sheriff Ron Doerge said a search warrant was served at the home of Michael
Maier, 47, shortly before 5 p.m. Wednesday. The sheriff said about 65 grams
of marijuana, either bagged or rolled into cigarettes, was seized, along
with some pills for which Maier reportedly had no prescription. Sixty-five
grams amounts to about 2.25 ounces.

Maier, who was home at the time at his golf course residence, was arrested.
He was charged Thursday with felony possession of marijuana and felony
possession of Xanax, an anti-anxiety drug. He was released on $50,000 bond.

The course was shut down Wednesday shortly after the raid and opened late
for play Thursday around 10 a.m.

City Manager Jim Cole said Maier's contract with the city was being
terminated, and he will be given 30 days to move out of the course's former
clubhouse. He said the Neosho City Council will have to decide in the days
ahead how to proceed with course operations.

Maier, who had been on the job nine years, was being paid $199,000 annually
to operate the course. Under the terms of the contract, he was responsible
for paying course employees while the city covered all other operating costs.

During his tenure, the course was expanded to 27 holes and has seen
increasing use by area golfers.

The sheriff said the search was the result of a monthlong investigation by
the Newton County Sheriff's Department and the Southwest Missouri Drug Task
Force. A drug-sniffing dog used in the search reportedly led to the
discovery of marijuana inside the residence and in a vehicle. A small
amount of marijuana reportedly was found on Maier's person during booking
procedure.

"Our investigation continues, and anyone who had contact with him regarding
illegal transactions should be concerned," Doerge said.