It is the latest sign of discontent over Renewable Environmental Solutions, which also has been the target of Mayor Jim Woestman as well as a resident's lawsuit over alleged odors from the facility.

The plant, which started operation in May 2004, has been plagued by repeated complaints about strong smells. Gov. Matt Blunt ordered the plant shut down in December 2005, but RES reopened three months later after spending more than $3 million for new odor control equipment.

RES has denied being the source of odors since the new equipment was installed. Brian Appel, developer of the RES technology, contends that the company has addressed its problems.

But some stores on the historic courthouse square, less than a mile from RES, keep a telephone number by the register for filing odor complaints from customers with the Missouri Department of Natural Resources.

Trisha Orr, of Carthage, found a receptive audience Monday when she went to businesses on the square to circulate a petition calling for stricter state regulations on odor. Orr said she and several neighbors are circulating the petitions.

Source: Bnd.com