Jack Remembers for 12-3-08

My oldest son, Dr. Steven Hackley, is a psychology professor at the University of Missouri at Columbia. He does research and also teaches. My daughter, Jackie Sommer, lives in Independence and is an attorney, working in the Jackson County Counselors Office. Take either one of them out of their profession, they would probably have a hard time making a living. My youngest son John is just the opposite, he was one of those kids who could do anything. He attended vo-tech school at Fort Osage and is now one of the top salespersons for Office Depot after having educated himself in computers and sales. He sells to corporate clients and teaches them how to order online.
When John was eleven years old, I gave him a 135 Massey Ferguson tractor and rotary mower. He called the railroad and got the job cleaning up and mowing the railroad right of way through Oak Grove. He also mowed weeds around the local home builders developments. He made so much money with that tractor and mower that when he was sixteen years old he bought himself a brand new pickup truck. At that time he also owned twenty head of brood sows and was loaning money to his older sister and brother.
One day the railroad called me up and said they wanted to come down to Oak Grove and talk to John Hackley. He had done such a good job on the right of way going through town that they wanted him to give them a price on cleaning up and mowing sixteen miles of right of way in Independence. I told them he was terribly busy and there was just no way he could do the job at this time. I failed to tell them he was only twelve years old.
Jack can be reached at PO Box 40, Oak Grove, MO 64075 or jackremembers@aol.com

More Ways to Save During the Holidays

More Ways to Save During the Holidays
You can never have too many tips on how to save money during the holidays. Dr. Rebecca J. Travnichek, Family Financial Education Specialist with University of Missouri Extension shares additional tips on how to spend less and get more over the holiday season.
Set some reasonable ground rules regarding gifts for relatives. It’s easy to lose control when it comes to family gift-giving. If you’ve always given a gift to your sister, but now she’s married with children, don’t get trapped into giving many gifts. You’ll end up spending a king’s ransom on present. Instead, suggest to family members that ground rules be set as to who will receive gifts and who won’t. One gift to each family, rather than one gift to each family member, would be an appropriate way to keep a financial lid on things.
Do your Christmas shopping early, when gifts are on sale. Draw up a Christmas shopping game plan well ahead of time. Your efforts will be amply rewarded. Once you know who is getting what, you can purchase gift items when they go on sale. Why fight frenzied last-minute Christmas shoppers for the privilege of paying full price?
Don’t go overboard when giving young children holiday gifts. Amid the general chaos and excitement that usually accompany major holidays, individual gifts receive only fleeting attention. Young children have short attention spans, which makes it unlikely that they will lavish much attention on most of their presents.
Don’t buy gifts that require batteries. Unless you want to bankrupt the recipient slowly.
Organize a "Secret Santa" at your office. If holiday gift-giving is getting out of hand at the office, organize a "Secret Santa." Each participant draws out of a hat a name of a coworker to whom he or she must anonymously give one present. Everyone is assured of getting a gift, and more importantly, each person has to buy only one gift.
Make your own wreaths. Rather than buying a wreath, why not make your own? It’s a fun family project, and it saves money. The best Christmas tree decorations are the homemade variety. If there are children about, take advantage of that no-cost source of enthusiastic labor to reduce the expense of adorning your tree.
Reuse tinsel. We use tinsel that has been used on the tree for the past several years. While the savings may be small, recycling tinsel sends an important message to the younger generation: Waste is wasteful.
Don’t spend a fortune in outdoor lighting. Drive around some neighborhoods during the holiday season and you will think that you’re in Las Vegas or Times Square. There must be some sort of no-holds-barred competition among the residents of these neighborhoods. Someday a jet is going to mistake these Xmas-happy locales for an international airport and attempt to land on someone’s front lawn. You don’t need a "thousand points of light" to celebrate the season, unless you own a large block of stock in your local utility company.
For more information on this or any other family or personal finance topic, contact Dr. Rebecca J. Travnichek at the Andrew County Extension Center (816) 324-3147.

Four-State Beef Conference

Area Cattlemen Should Make Plans to Attend
The 25th Annual 4-State Beef Conference
Area cattlemen should mark the dates of January 14th and 15th on their calendars and make plans to attend the 25th Annual 4-State Beef Conference. The conference planning committee has designed an excellent program that should have something of interest to all beef producers. Speakers and their topics for the 2009 conference are as follows: Dr. Rick Rasby, University of Nebraska – "Update on Storing Co-Products."; Dr. Darrel Mark, University of Nebraska – "Economics of Storing Co-Products."; Dr. Vern Anderson, North Dakota State University – "Drylotting Beef Cows."; Dr. Barry Dunn, Executive Director of the King Ranch Institute for Ranch Management, Texas A&M, Kingsville – "Whole Herd Management Strategies for Tough Times".
The conference is scheduled for Wednesday, January 14th and Thursday, January 15th, 2009. The Wednesday morning session will begin at 10:00 a.m. in Washington, Kansas at the First National Bank, and the afternoon session will begin at 4:00 p.m. in Tecumseh, Nebraska at the Community Building. The Thursday morning session will also begin at 10:00 a.m. in Lewis, Iowa at the ISU Armstrong Research Farm, and the afternoon session will start at 4:00 p.m. in King City, Missouri at the Eiberger Building.
The 4-State Beef Conferences are designed to give beef cattle producers in Iowa, Kansas, Missouri, and Nebraska an annual update on current cow-calf and stocker topics. The conferences provide a forum of Extension Specialists from four of the USA’s leading beef cattle land grant universities.
The registration fee is $25.00 per person and reservations are requested by, Friday, January 9th, 2009. The fee includes a beef meal and a copy of the conference proceedings. To keep registration fees affordable in the future, please help us by calling in your reservations. For more information or to register for the conference, contact your regional livestock specialist, or call the Andrew County Extension Center at (816) 324-3147, or visit our website at: www.extension.iastate.edu/feci/4StBeef/.

Blackwood Gospel Quarter Performs

On Nov. 22, the Grant City Baptist and Allendale Baptist Churches sponsored a concert by the Blackwood Gospel Quartet. People came from miles around to hear them sing some new songs and also old songs; some of them being songs that the original Blackwood Brothers had recorded. There were even a couple people from northern Iowa! A love offering was taken and then the group took requests. Everyone received a blessing from worshipping God through their singing and humor. Fellowship continued after the concert with cookies, coffee and punch. The Blackwood Gospel Quartet members are Mark Blackwood, Dustin Bearden, Dave Mann, and Brad Smith.

Jack Remembers for 11-26-08

A group of prominent businessmen in Lee’s Summit had a high stakes poker game every Wednesday night. Everyone knew about the game including a small time criminal by the name of Bobby Ash who robbed the game at gunpoint. In court, he was defended by an attorney by the name of Robert Duncan. Robert and I were drafted on the same day and spent two years together in the infantry. He was a brilliant and colorful criminal attorney. They tried Bobby for robbing one man, and he was acquitted. They then tried him for robbing each of the poker players and he was found guilty each time, sent to prison under the habitual criminal act. Robert appealed the case all the way to the U.S. Supreme Court, and lo and behold, they heard the case, reversed the decision saying it was double jeopardy since he had committed only one crime, which was robbing the poker game. Bobby was freed from prison and later killed by a prostitute in Kansas City.
In the meantime, Robert became famous, wrote a textbook for law students, traveled around to law universities on the lecture circuit, and became wealthy. He would call me when he came through on his way to St. Louis or Jefferson City and we would meet at Union 76 for coffee. When Robert went in a bar or restaurant before the waitress could say, "My name is Sally and I’ll be your waitress for the evening", he would say, "Hi, My name is Robert, and I’ll be your customer for the evening."
Robert bought a big complex in the Bahamas and was going to start seminars for continuing education for lawyers, and went broke. Almost everybody in our army outfit came home alcoholics. Robert and I were no exceptions, only I stopped before it got me. Robert had requested a pair of glasses, his favorite book, a flashlight, and a quart of bourbon be put in his casket when they buried him a few years ago.

McCaskill, Grassley Sponsor Bill to Strengthen Oversight

U.S. Senators Claire McCaskill (D-MO) and Chuck Grassley (R-IA) today moved to tighten government oversight of the financial rescue plan approved by Congress in October. The senators introduced a bill that would put in place provisions to better monitor how the $700 billion dollars are spent by increasing the power and authority of the Special Inspector General created to oversee the program.

The law was written based on the plan spelled out by the Treasury Department at the time, to buy up troubled, toxic assets. Now that the Treasury plan has changed, the authority of the Special Inspector General needs to be broadened. The McCaskill-Grassley bill will provide the necessary fixes to ensure there is strong oversight in place.

“We voted on this measure thinking there would be responsible oversight of how the tax dollars are being spent,” McCaskill said. “Instead, almost half the money has been doled out but no one is watching to make sure that the government is spending it wisely. We need to fix this before another cent is spent unsupervised.”

“The stronger the watchdog, the better, given the enormous stakes for the taxpayers with this bailout package. Congress, the current administration and the new administration need to take every step possible to make sure the sensibilities of Main Street are not violated as the $700 billion is used,” Grassley said.

The legislation will:

Give the IG temporary hiring power. This will allow the IG to quickly begin hiring staff without going thorough the normal civil service process which could cause a lengthy delay in beginning oversight work. The temporary hiring power is modeled after the provisions created for the Special Inspector General for Iraq Reconstruction (SIGIR) and will only last for six months.

Expand the authority of the IG to cover any and all action conducted as part of the Troubled Asset Relief Program, including assistance to homeowners and foreclosure mitigation efforts. Under the current language of the law, the IG’s authority would cover only two sections of the relief program.

The senators are hopeful the legislation will pass the Senate unanimously before Congress recesses for the year. Senators Susan Collins (R-ME) and Joseph Lieberman (I-CT) are co-sponsors.

DOT: Salt Shortage Will Not Affect Missouri Roads

When the first snowfall of winter hits this year, MoDOT is prepared with enough salt and equipment to maintain the level of service we have provided in previous years. Safety is always our highest priority. While some towns and municipalities in Missouri may be concerned about salt supplies, MoDOT will not have trouble keeping highways drivable.

Last year's particularly harsh winter depleted much of the country's salt supply causing prices to rise. This, coupled with a strong hurricane season and high Mississippi River levels, has made delivery of salt via river barges slow.

MoDOT takes salt bids in May and is virtually unaffected by the supply decline that happened late this summer. The department received its first salt shipment over the summer in order to pre-fill and prepare for the first snow in Missouri. During the winter, as salt supplies are used, part of the agency's contract agreement with suppliers is to provide for a replenishment order sometime between Nov. 1 and April 30.

"Trying to keep salt throughout the winter and not run out is tricky," Maintenance Liaison Engineer Tim Jackson said. "Conserving as much salt as possible is the best method. You have to keep the strength of the storm in mind and use the right amount at the right time, while still maintaining road safety."

MoDOT reminds you, "In Ice and Snow, Take It Slow."
Here are some tips for driving in winter weather:
Slow down for wet, snowy, icy conditions.
Avoid quick braking or acceleration.
Find out about driving conditions before you go.
Every time you travel - Buckle Up to Arrive Alive.
Turn signals, brake lights and windows need to be clear of snow.
You should never use cruise control in winter weather conditions. Find out more at www.modot.org/newsroom.

Missourians to See Increase in Unemployment Benefits

As the unemployment rate reaches a fifteen-year high, U.S. Senator Claire McCaskill applauded the passage of a bill in the United States Senate today to increase unemployment benefits. Over the past year, the U.S. economy has lost 1.2 million jobs, almost half in the last three months alone. States are facing budget shortfalls, and many families are struggling to meet basic needs.

“As we approach the holiday season with a weak economy, too many Missouri families are going to find themselves in a financial crunch,” said McCaskill. “This funding will help those hurting most by the economic downturn keep their heads above water, and I’m glad to say we got it done before Congress goes home for the holiday.”

The bill passed today will grant unemployment benefits for an additional seven weeks for those who lost their jobs and already exhausted their benefits. For states that have been hit particularly hard by the economic slowdown and have unemployment rates higher than 6 percent, including Missouri with 6.4 percent unemployment, the bill provides an additional 13 weeks in benefits. Thus Missourians will qualify for an additional 20 weeks of unemployment benefits.

The House of Representatives already passed a version of the bill so the legislation will now go to the President for his signature or veto.

Opinion: Corn Farmers Fight to Set the Record Straight

Opinions do not necessarily reflect those of the Sheridan Express

by the Missouri Corn Growers Association
Earlier this year, food processors, retailers and other critics blamed corn-based ethanol for rising grain prices and increased costs in the grocery aisle. Today those same critics have egg on their face as food prices remain high despite plunging commodity markets.
"Corn is selling under the cost of production, yet the price at the grocery store remains the same," said Keith Witt, Missouri Corn Merchandising Council chairman and farmer from Warrenton, Mo. "Judging by the record profits and smaller packaging, the motive of big food companies is crystal clear. Their focus is on their bottom line - at the expense of farmers and consumers."
These big food companies are blaming ethanol all the way to the bank. This quarter alone, Kraft boasted a net income of $1.4 billion - more than double last year's results. Sales at Kellogg's climbed 9.5 percent and third-quarter net income increased from $305 million last year to $342 million this year.
Targeting farmers and the ethanol industry, organizations such as the Grocery Manufacturers Association (GMA) and the National Restaurant Association have repeatedly blamed higher food prices on biofuels. But according to the United States Department of Agriculture, the farm value of products producers supply to manufacturers accounts for only 19 cents of every dollar of processed food.
"The price of corn and other commodities equals less than two dimes of every food dollar," said Witt. "Since these slanderous allegations were made, commodity prices have dropped nearly in half, ethanol production continues to expand, but the price of corn flakes remains the same."
Studies from Purdue University, Texas A&M, the White House Council of Economic Advisers, Iowa State University, etc. have all concluded the price of oil, not ethanol, was the major driver behind food price increases. Commodity speculation, a declining dollar and an increasing middle class in China, India and other markets also played a role.
"Consumers deserve the truth and America's farmers deserve an apology," Witt concluded.
The Missouri Corn Merchandising Council has launched a series of radio ads to help educate consumers on the "sticky pricing" in today's food industry. Available in 60 and 30-second versions, the ads question how grain prices have dropped, yet food prices remain the same, therefore eliminating the blame ethanol has unfairly been given.
For more information regarding food and fuel visit, www.mocorn.org and click on the Food and Fuel icon.

Opinion: Marijuana and the Marginalization of Prevention

Opinion pieces do not necessarily reflect the opinions of the Sheridan Express.

by Dr. Stephen Wallace
Dealing a blow to years of work and recent gains in youth drug prevention, Massachusetts has joined a growing, but still short, list of states to decriminalize marijuana possession. At least that is the intention of some 65 percent of voters checking "Yes" on a ballot initiative that makes possession of an ounce or less of marijuana a civil offense (punishable by a ticket) as opposed to a criminal one. And this on the same day that the same voters approved a ban on greyhound racing.
Protect the dogs but throw the kids under the bus. Go figure.
Indeed, opponents of the ballot initiative – which include state constitutional officers, district attorneys, police chiefs, ministers, school superintendents, and major newspapers – say, "We believe that efforts to legalize drugs of any kind represent the wrong direction for Massachusetts and put our children, our families, and our communities at risk."
For its part, the Committee for Sensible Marijuana Policy, which backed the measure, points proudly to the monetary savings for police departments, never mind the total national economic cost of drug abuse of $254.8 billion in 2008 or the obvious cost shifting to an already overburdened health care system. For example, Massachusetts' Coalition for Safe Streets says that marijuana is already a primary factor in juvenile ER admissions.
And emergency department episodes involving marijuana almost tripled from 1994 to 2002, according to the Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration (SAMHSA), which reports that marijuana is the most widely used illicit drug in America. In fact, of all youth ages 12-17 in drug treatment in 2000, nearly 62 percent had a primary marijuana diagnosis.
But dollars don't equal sense in this equation. What really matters is the health and safety of our children.
Marijuana smoke contains 50 to 70 percent more carcinogenic hydrocarbons than does tobacco smoke, increasing the risk of chronic cough, bronchitis, and emphysema, as well as cancer of the head, neck, and lungs. It also leads to changes in the brain similar to those caused by cocaine and heroin.
In addition, marijuana use affects alertness, concentration, perception, and reaction time, all critical to the safe operation of automobiles.
Yet, alarmingly, SADD research has shown that young people tend to underestimate the dangers of drugged driving, with 15 percent of teen drivers reporting having operated a car under the influence of marijuana.
Other risks, including deteriorating school performance, disrupted relationships, depression, suicide, and crime, can't be overlooked.
Our kids deserve clear, unambiguous messages about the dangers associated with marijuana, the very type of messages that have helped drive down use among Massachusetts high school and middle school students from 50 percent to 41 percent since 2001.
On a national level, annual prevalence of marijuana use has fallen 33 percent among 8th graders and 25 percent among 10th graders during the same time period.
And that is important because turning back the tide of progress in youth drug prevention is not only a Massachusetts issue, but rather one that threatens kids everywhere – especially with other loosening of restrictions on marijuana use being proposed in Congress.
Some supporters of decriminalization point to statistics showing that relaxed laws have not led to an increase in marijuana use (even though 65 percent of students in the SADD study cited the law as the number one reason why they choose not to use drugs). Interesting considering that SAMHSA reports half the states with the highest percentage of new youth marijuana users have medical marijuana programs .
But debates over the data aside, shouldn't our focus remain on reducing use, not on maintaining the status quo?
In What Americans Need to Know About Marijuana, the Office of National Drug Control Policy (ONDCP) shoots holes in a series of "myths" that no doubt perpetuate drug use by young people and embolden even caring adults to send the message that smoking weed is really no big deal. Among them:
· Marijuana is harmless.
· Marijuana is not addictive.
· Youth experimentation with marijuana is inevitable.
In their place, ONDCP advocates for a closer examination of the facts, including the incredibly powerful role that parents can play in keeping their kids drug free by staying involved, setting limits, and enforcing consequences.
The importance of empowered parents in reducing youth drug use cannot be overstated, especially in the face of well-funded state and national campaigns to decriminalize the potent presence of marijuana in too many young lives.
It is, without a doubt, a clear and present danger.
Stephen Wallace, national chairman of SADD and author of the new book Reality Gap: Alcohol, Drugs, and Sex—What Parents Don't Know and Teens Aren't Telling, has broad experience as a school psychologist and adolescent counselor. For more information about SADD, visit sadd.org. For more information about Stephen, visit stephengraywallace.com.

Bin Corn Grain Drying Requires Special Attention

Bin Corn Grain Drying Requires Special Attention
A lot of high moisture corn is being binned this year. It is critical to manage this grain so it will keep in good condition until it is moved on to the elevator.
Most grain bins have air pushed through the grain from the bottom and then removed out the top. As the air moves through, moisture evaporates from the grain into the passing air. The grain at the bottom of the bin loses moisture the quickest as it is nearest to the incoming air. Once the grain moisture reaches equilibrium with the air, no more drying will take place. Once corn loses moisture, it does not readily absorb moisture back.
As air passes through the grain, it takes the path of least resistance. Grain top surface should be leveled so air will move through evenly. Secondly, fines may accumulate in the center of the bin where the grain is dropped. Fines will restrict the movement of air and this area of the grain should be watched carefully for heating.
Many use natural air drying, meaning that fans push unheated air through the grain mass. University of Missouri Guide, G1310, Low Temperature In-Bin Drying of Shelled Corn, is a resource that provides information regarding filling depth information. The depth of grain affects air flow and which, in turn, affects the rate of moisture loss from grain.
As the moisture leaves the grain, a drying front is formed and moves upward in the grain. This front should be pushed through the grain mass till the top of the grain is dried.
Research indicates that grain being stirred using natural air increases the time required to dry the grain. The drying front is broken up which causes the air leaving the grain mass containing less moisture.
If stirring devices are used with unheated air, the stirring device should be run during filling the grain to reduce packing and redistribute the fines along with leveling the grain. Then allow the drying front to move through the grain. The bottom of the grain will be somewhat dryer than the top, growers may want to use stirrers to just before the drying front moves through the top of the grain and this will help equalize moisture content of grain mass.
Continuous fan operation is needed when the moisture content of the corn is above 18% and the temperature of the grain is above 40 degrees F. The goal should be to reduce grain moisture to 15.5% if sold during winter and 15% moisture if held over to next year.
Another option is to use heated air to increase drying. Heated air increases the ability to carry away moisture. There are various charts which indicate the relationship between humidity and temperature.
As we move into colder temperatures, grain should be cooled down to prevent convection currents within the grain mass. Run the fan to create a uniform temperature in the grain mass. Convection currents can occur if outside temperatures are low and grain temperatures are high by the air moving along the bin sides downward and then upward in the warm grain center. This can lead to a wet area in the middle top of the bin.
Check grain temperature monthly. If you find problems, run the aeration fan. If you have a stirring device, use this to break up the area of high moisture corn. If you do not have a stirring device, you should remove grain to break up the wet area.
For more information, contact Specialists with the University of Missouri Extension Service, Wayne Flanary, Regional Agronomist at (660)446-3724 or Heather Benedict, Regional Agronomist at (660)425-6434 and Jim Crawford, Natural Resource Engineer at 660-744-6231.

Grant City CBC Meeting for November 3rd, 2008

Grant City Community Betterment held their monthly meeting on November 3rd at City Hall.
The Bingo/Soup Supper hosted by Grant City Community Betterment, VFW and VFW Auxiliary was a success with close to $1,000 being raised for the Pool Fund. We appreciate everyone who helped and attended.
Debbie Roach and Cathy James attended the 45th Annual Missouri Community Betterment Conference in Jefferson City on October 19th and 20th and Grant City received second place in their population category. The plaque will be put on display in City Hall and we invite you to stop by and see all the awards we have received over the past 20 years. We are proud of all the awards and accomplishments we have received and they wouldn’t have been possible without all the caring and wonderful people in our community.
We held our Annual Nut Sales which benefits the “Toys for Worth County Kids” Project. Each year the number of underprivileged children increases and with the help of Allendale and Sheridan Community Betterment Clubs , Dollar General and many other businesses and individuals who give toys, monetary donations and support we are able to make Christmas a little better for the children in our county. If you would like to make a monetary donation you may send it to Grant City Community Betterment, PO Box 335, Grant City, MO 64456.
We will be putting decorations up in the Courtyard on Sunday, November 23rd at 1 pm and would appreciate all the help we can get. We did not put them up last year due to the weather; hopefully this year will be better. We have added a couple of new decorations, we hope you enjoy them.
We will also be conducting a Holiday Home of the Week Contest. You do not have to do anything to enter; just be sure and get your decorations up by December 1st. The contest will run for 4 weeks and prizes will be awarded to the winners on December 1st, 8th, 15th and the 22nd. The contest will be sponsored by Grant City Community Betterment, Flowers Unlimited, and the Oldtowne Cafe.

County Commission Minutes for November 17th, 2008

Meeting was called to order at 9:00 am by Presiding Commissioner. Members present: Mozingo, Calhoon and Waldeier.
1. Commissioner Calhoon made a motion to approve the November 10, 2008 minutes as read. Commissioner Waldeier seconded. Motion carried.
2. Commissioner Waldeier made a motion to approve the Agenda. Commissioner Calhoon seconded. Motion carried.
3. Commissioner Waldeier made a motion to approve and pay bills. Commissioner Calhoon seconded. Motion carried.
4. Jim Fletchall discussed future bridge replacement projects one on CR 23 and one on CR 257. Commissioner Calhoon made a motion to have Bridge Engineering Assistance Program (BEAP) studies conducted on both sites. Commissioner Waldeier seconded. Motion carried. Mark Huck will be contacted.
5. Gary Kincaid and Mary George from Northwest Missouri Children’s Advocacy Center which provides various services for abused children. They came to the Commission to present information on the services offered to Worth County Children. The Center if partial funded by federal programs and thru local donations; they presented a request for $600.00 for Worth County’s portion.
6. Lisa Hargrave, County Clerk presented Certified General Election Results to the Commission.
7. Dick VanVactor; Secretary for the 911 Board came to the Commission to discuss 911 signage and expenses. John Young will be consulted on the Board’s ability to borrow money from commercial sources.
8. Charity Austin came to the Commission to present contracts for upcoming year’s services. After discussion, Commissioner Waldeier made a motion to enter into a contractual agreement with Worth County Progress Organization for economic development for 2009. Commissioner Calhoon seconded. Motion Carried. Commissioner Waldeier made a motion to pay $300 for Great Northwest Days. Commissioner Calhoon seconded. Motion carried.
9. Commissioner Waldeier made a motion to adjourn. Commissioner Calhoon seconded. Motion carried. Meeting adjourned at 11:35 am.

Jack Remembers for 11-19-08

I am so sad. I lost my best friend last week. Buddy was a big black dog who was 10 years old, weighed 140 lbs, and had a curl in his tail. One day my sister came by with a friend and her friend’s granddaughter. When the little girl saw Buddy, she asked, "Grandma, how did they curl that dog’s tail?"
Buddy never had a leash or a collar, nor was he ever penned up. When he was a pup, he rode to town with me to my office one night. I left the door of the office open. He normally came on in, but this time when I came out Buddy was gone. I drove all over town calling him until about 1:00 a.m. The next morning I went by the city worker’s garage and told them if they found my dog, I would give the finder a hundred dollar bill. About an hour later, here came one of the city employees with my dog to the coffee shop. He made the mistake of going to City Hall bragging about finding Hackley’s dog. The City Manager overheard him and made him give me the money back.
Buddy was the perfect companion, friendly, loyal, and always took a walk with me. One day on our walk he discovered a litter of pups someone had thrown over Horseshoe Creek Bridge and he wouldn’t leave until they were finally rescued by the Oak Grove Police Department.
Buddy loved deer meat and would drag a carcass someone had shot and left lay up to the house for me to butcher, cut up and freeze. I carried a saw in my truck and when I would see a deer along side of a road, I would stop and saw off the hind quarters for Buddy. I was at a Rotary Luncheon in Paris. The speaker was the local conservation agent. I asked him a supposedly hypothetical question if it would be legal to cut meat off a carcass found on the road for my dog. He assured me it was illegal, and if anyone was caught doing so they would be issued a summons. I quietly left the meeting and drove my truck out of sight behind the restaurant. Just that morning, I had found a deer south of Paris on Highway 15 and had the hind quarters in the back of my pick-up to take home to Buddy.
Jack can be reached at PO Box 40, Oak Grove, MO 64075 or jackremembers@aol.com

Getting Prepared for the Holidays

Getting Prepared for the Holidays
Savannah, Mo. The holiday season is almost here. Are you prepared? Dr. Rebecca J. Travnichek, Family Financial Education Specialist with University of Missouri Extension shares some tips on how to spend less and get more over the holiday season.
· Make holiday travel plans early. If you are planning to travel over the holidays, don’t delay: make your travel plans now. If you will be flying, advance planning could save you a lot of money. Cheap seats go fast.
· If you’re having guests at your home for the holidays, prepare the food yourself. Holidays are expensive enough without having to drain the family coffers by feeding guests. Unless you are hosting a truly monumental banquet, avoid the expense of a caterer. Instead, enlist the help of other family members and relatives who are invariably hanging around during the holidays.
· Cook it all at once. If you’re preparing the big feast, don’t waste time and money by cooking each item separately. (Cook the roasted potatoes and the pies together). Figure out a way to prepare the meal without being a financial turkey.
· Ask your guests to bring food and drink if you’re having a big holiday banquet. Victuals aren’t cheap and neither are spirits, especially if you plan on feeding a gaggle of revelers. Asking each guest to bring along some food is standard operating procedure these days.
· Cut down on the gift-giving. The plain fact is that most of us spend more on gifts than we should. (The price of a gift is not a measure of affection for our loved ones.) Be more imaginative. Note: You’ll know you’ve got control of your personal finances when you spend at the same rate between Thanksgiving and Christmas as you do between Christmas and Thanksgiving.
· Buy family members gifts they need. Sure it may not be your idea of romance, but if your husband needs a band saw, why not give it to him for his birthday? He’s going to enjoy it a lot more than a necktie or a sweater.
· Give gifts that show the recipient the importance of saving. Like U.S. Savings bonds.
· Don’t buy gifts that will keep on costing the recipient money. Like the video game gadgets that require cartridges.
For more information on this or any other family or personal finance topic, contact Dr. Rebecca J. Travnichek at the Andrew County Extension Center (816) 324-3147.

Walk 1440 for November 12th, 2008

“I don’t care what they think!?”
Have you ever said these words?
Usually when these words appear in a conversation they escape our lips as we are turning our back to someone, even throwing our hands in the air with our head down & a clinched jaw…sound familiar?

IF we don’t care what people think then why does our body language say different?
Reality check…we do care what people think!

Frankly, it hurts when it feels like people don’t like us or accept us…we can try to deny it with words but our heart knows better.

When you cater to the mindset that “you don’t care what that person thinks” has it helped in that relationship?
What would it take to work in a relationship where you feel hurt?

Might it take endurance? Endurance means to stick it out when it’s tough…is that relationship tough right now?

Might it take encouragement? Does the relationship feel positive or negative?
Likely, negative… it takes encouragement to work in a negative relationship

So, who do you seek out to get endurance & encouragement?
Might it be the very person you are trying to stop thinking about? (Is it working for you?)
Are they able to encourage you to endure in this relationship?

May the God who gives endurance and encouragement give you a spirit of unity among yourselves as you follow Christ Jesus, Romans 15:5 NIV
The book of Romans is written to people who are in a church in Rome…they are Christians

Why would the writer of Romans have to tell Christians that God gives endurance & encouragement for the purpose of unity & acceptance of one another?
Could it be they weren’t united & accepting of one another?
Could it be they were seeking out people, not God for endurance & encouragement?

So that with one heart and mouth you may glorify the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ. Accept one another, then, just as Christ accepted you, in order to bring praise to God. Romans 15:6-7 NIV
Your relationship with that person can get better but who do you need to seek out first for endurance & encouragement?

For sure, acceptance is what you want but have you accepted them first; which is what God wants?

When you choose to seek out God’s endurance & encouragement to work in that relationship and when you choose to accept the people that hurt you…those relationships will now have purpose…the praising of our God

The question is: do you care what God thinks?
There are 1440 minutes in a day…WALK1440 knowing God’s acceptance to accept them

County Commission Minutes for November 10th, 2008

Meeting was called to order at 9:00 am by Presiding Commissioner. Members present: Mozingo, Calhoon and Waldeier.
1. Commissioner Calhoon made a motion to approve the November 3, 2008 as read. Commissioner Waldeier seconded. Motion carried.
2. Commissioner Calhoon made a motion to approve the Agenda. Commissioner Waldeier seconded. Motion carried.
3. The Commission received the Notice to Proceed on the roofing contract. Commissioner Waldeier made a motion to sign the documents. Commissioner Calhoon seconded. Motion carried. Documents signed.
4. The Commission discussed the CERF contribution. Commissioner Waldeier made a motion to leave the present election in place for 2009. Commissioner Calhoon seconded. Motion carried.
5. The Commission received an email from River Bluff Architects regarding the Courthouse ADA Accessible project. They provided estimates on savings if switching to a limited use limited access elevator.
6. Jim Fletchall reported the Kirk Cemetery Bridge is completed banks seeded and gravel being hauled to both approaches. He needs to order tubes for projects approved in the last few weeks.
7. Commissioner Waldeier checked gravel needed on CR 71, CR 72 and CR 102 and gave Jim estimates on loads. Waldeier also reported a hole washing off the east side of CR 72 at the foot of the hill north of Jerry Dignan’s house. Jim was aware of the problem and solutions were discussed.
8. Commissioner Waldeier made a motion to go into closed session in accordance with Missouri Statute 610-022 to discuss personnel issues. Commissioner Calhoon seconded. Role vote: Mozingo – aye; Calhoon – aye and Waldeier – aye. Personnel present in the closed session Jim Fletchall, Road and Bridge Supervisor; Commissioners; Linda Brown, County Treasurer and Lisa Hargrave, County Clerk. Session closed at 10:45 am.
9. Session reopened at 11:15 am.
10. Charity Austin, Worth County Economic Developer came to the Commission to discuss 2009 budget issues. She also reported there will be a meeting with a Military group from Wentworth Military Academy on December 10, 2008.
11. Linda Brown, County Treasurer gave weekly financial reports.
12. Commissioner Waldeier made a motion to adjourn. Commissioner Calhoon seconded. Motion carried. Meeting adjourned at 11:45.

Pierce, Hoffer to Wed

Kevin and Charity Austin, of Sheridan, Missouri, announce the engagement of their daughter, Amber Pierce, to David Hoffer, son of Jim and Michelle Hoffer, of Granville, Ohio and Ken and Lisa Miller, of Johnstown, Pennsylvania. Amber graduated from Muskogee High School in 2001. She graduated from the University of Central Oklahoma with a double major in Kinesiology and Community Health. She is currently employed with the University of Arkansas for Medical Sciences in Little Rock. David graduated from DuBois Area High School in 2001. He joined the United States Air Force in June of 2001. He is currently a Staff Sergeant stationed at the Little Rock Air Force Base. He has served his country through nine deployments.
The bride-to-be is a granddaughter of Dan and Naomi Whitehouse, Sapulpa, Oklahoma, Gene and Clauddea Austin, Owasso, Oklahoma and the late Gloria Pierce. The groom-elect is the grandson of Marlin and Joan Hoffer, Dubois, Pennsylvania and Phil and Myrna Magnuson, Curwensville, Pennsylvania.
A January 31st wedding is planned at Christian Chapel in Muskogee, Oklahoma with a Caribbean honeymoon to follow.

Community and Region Come Together for Julia Moore

When Donald Moore passed away prematurely of cancer, his wife, Julia (Hardy) Moore was left to take care of five children by herself. But since then, the community and region have come together to help her build a new house in Worth County northwest of Grant City. Moore said that the upstairs and the exterior were framed, the roof trusses were put on, the sheeting was put on, and some of the tar paper was put on as well. The house is being built on land donated by her parents, David and Carolyn Hardy.
The house is being built with almost all volunteer labor, with volunteers from the community, the Missouri State Highway Patrol, and the Missouri Baptist Builders Association coming in. At first, Moore’s three sisters, Jane, Susie, and Cindy, along with some of Donald’s friends from the seminary where he attended in Texas and people all over the country who were touched by her story sought to nominate her for Extreme Home Makeover. However, when that did not work out, Moore said that she turned to God in prayer.
She said her prayers were answered in January when that she came upon the book of Jeremiah, where the Lord told Jeremiah that he knew all the plans that he had for him. Moore then said that right then that she knew that the Lord was going to help her. A few weeks later, she got a call from Charles McCrary of the Missouri Baptist Builders Association, who agreed to donate labor to build the house.
Since then, men from St. Joseph, Savannah, Lees Summit, Edgarton, Macon, Albany, and Cameron have come to work on the new home. Among the people from Macon working is Larry Murdock a former Worth County grad and classmate of Julia’s father David Hardy. The number of people working on the project varies from day to day; however, 21 people worked on the house last Tuesday. In addition, there have been many local people helping as well. Dennis Downing drew up the plans for the house; Brian Monticue has helped with the construction as well. Among other local volunteers helping with the project have been Len Green, Jubal Summers, Jeff Blaine, Jerry Roach, Brad Gabriel, David Seat, and Michael Ruckman. Judd Summers has donated equipment for the project. Julia said that the quality of the work was "top-notch" and that they would make sure that everything was right for the project.
In addition, several area ministers have done devotionals for the workers, including Leland May of the First Baptist Church of Albany and Dirk Buffington, the new minister for the Grant City Christian Church. The CTA, the Worth County School, Sheila Hunt, and other people have donated food for the workers, while Mary Kay Hunt, Allen & Robin Andrews, and Pat & Sue Hardy have housed workers overnight. Mary Seat has coordinated the food help for the project as well as provide meals. Janie Gabriel, sister of Julia, has taken pictures of the project and posted them online. "Just about every church in the county is involved in some way," said Moore.
Moore, currently a teacher at Worth County, said that juggling teaching, raising five children, and working on the house project was difficult. "But it goes back to something Donald would say," she said. "I wouldn’t have picked this situation, but now that I’m here, I wouldn’t change a thing." She said that she wanted to keep Donald here and that she struggled with the issue constantly. "But there is a day and hour appointed for everyone," she said. "It’s truly in God’s hands."

Jack Remembers for 11-12-08

Deven Andrew Fulks was born three years ago last Sunday. He had a birthday party at the Broadway Grill, a restaurant run by his grandparents on Sunday afternoon when the restaurant was closed. The place was packed.
That kid got everything, toy trucks, clothes, a Spiderman toothbrush, a herd of horses, markers, games, books, and a battery operated John Deere tractor that he can ride on and it even pulls a trailer.
I watch Deven at church before the service while the choir is practicing. His grandmother is the church organist. Deven helps me put candy in a dish for the kids. One Sunday he sat patiently while I tried to get a package of Hershey Miniature Chocolates open. He desperately needed one of those Hershey bars. The only problem was that I couldn’t get the thing open. I was pulling on that plastic package and finally Deven said, "Bite it, Jack, bite it!"
One Sunday the candy bowl was empty and the preacher came by and said, "Jack, I had to dump your candy out. It was full of ants." Hearing that, Deven said, "We’ve got ants at our house, too." His mother doesn’t appreciate me telling that story.
This boy got more toys Sunday afternoon than my three kids had their entire childhood. I don’t really believe it’s a good idea for a three year old to get that many toys. What are they going to expect the next birthday and the year after that. By the time they are sixteen you’d have to buy the kid a Mercedes Benz convertible. They cleared a path through the restaurant for this boy to drive the tractor and he was flying down the isle when all of a sudden he hit the table with the ketchup bottles and they landed on the floor making a heck of a mess. Well, it serves them right. Buying all those expensive toys.
Whoa! Wait a minute! It was my wife Laura and I who gave him the battery operated John Deere tractor.

Registration for Winter Wheat School begins

Registration for Winter Wheat School Begins
Registration is now open for a winter wheat school to be offered Friday, December 12 at the Lions Hall in Forest City. The school will be held from 8:30AM to 5PM. This school is for growers who grow hard and soft red winter wheat in Northwest Missouri.
The school will focus on wheat management decisions before planting, through the growing season and harvest. We will be running a simulation which decisions will be made by growers and then discuss the impact of those decisions on the crop.
The simulation will have growers using example fields to grow wheat and make decisions. If growers would like to bring their own field information, soil test records, variety, planting date and rate information from this fall planting, this could also be used.
The school will be taught by Wayne Flanary, Regional Agronomist. There is a fee for the school. For further information, please contact Wayne Flanary, University of Missouri Extension at 660-446-3724.