Since Proposition B was put on this November's ballot, some of it's most vocal opponents have been small-business owners.

But on Monday, Give Missourians a Raise held three press conferences featuring small-business owners who support the measure. Conferences were held in Columbia, St. Louis and Kansas City.

Prop B opponent Brad Jones said that he can't believe any small-business owners would support Proposition B as it is written.

An insurance spokesman warned that accidents caused by deer traditionally increase dramatically in the last three months of the year.

Mating season, crop harvesting, and hunting seasons have been cited as causes.

The Missouri Supreme Court ruled unanimously to allow the tobacco tax increase measure to appear on the Nov. 7 ballot.

The ballot initiative would increase the current 17-cents a pack cigarette tax to 97-cents a pack. If approved, the changes would take effect at the beginning of next year.

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Gov. Matt Blunt appointed Deborah Scott to direct the Department of Social Services today. Scott will succeed Gary Sherman, who was appointed to the position in March 2005.

Before her appointment, Scott was the deputy director of the department. She will begin her duties as interim director immediately, but her appointment as director must be approved by the Senate.

Chairman Kurt Odenwald says Columbia's ban on smoking is a positive step. 

He is trying to make St. Louis City smoke-free as well, citing great health benefits as one of the main reasons.

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