Donna M. Bland, 65, passed away at her home on Wednesday, August 3rd, 2011.
A Memorial Service was held August 8th, 2011 at 2:00 p.m. at Christian Chapel, 3300 S. Providence Road, Columbia, MO.
Donna was born November 2, 1945 in Maryville, MO to William Donald and Bessie Pauline (Wiley) Masters. They preceded her in death. She married Thomas Bland on May 21, 1977 in North Carolina. He preceded her in death in October 2008.
Survivors include one sister, Martha (Gene) Imbler of Moberly, MO; brother Sam Masters (Phyllis); one niece, Stacy McCrary (Michael), and one nephew, Chad Masters (Joan), all of Columbia. She is also survived by great-nephews Jack Masters, Harrison and Sam McCrary, and great-niece Anna McCrary.
In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be given to Christian Chapel Academy, 3300 S. Providence Road, Columbia, MO 65203 or Happy Tails, 5900 S. Rangeline Road, Columbia, MO 65201. Online condolences may be left at www.memorialfuneralhomeandcemetery.com.
Monday, August 29, 2011
Brad Lager's Capitol Report -- Ensuring A Vibrant Agricultural Industry
Missouri has been blessed with approximately 29 million acres of productive farmland. This means that nearly two-thirds of our state is utilized for some type of agricultural production. As a result, our state and its citizens have benefited from this natural environment and our state’s economy has prospered from the hard work of Missouri’s farmers. From our heritage as ranchers and row crop farmers to our emerging work in plant science and biomass initiatives, Missouri’s farmers have a proud history of embracing new technology and innovation.
Research and development is more important that ever to the future of agricultural production. Missouri is fortunate to have an infrastructure in place, through many of our institutions of higher education, to fuel agricultural innovation. These programs are committed to developing the future of agriculture by equipping the leaders of tomorrow with new knowledge, new innovation, and new operational methods which greatly increase production while protecting and preserving our natural resources. These advancements have led to higher crop yields, healthier livestock, and new markets for our agricultural products.
Missouri’s agricultural leaders of today continue to instill a strong work ethic and a commitment to community in future farmers. This commitment has fertilized local organizations such as Future Farmers of America, 4-H, and other youth in agriculture programs that allow young farmers the opportunity to showcase their skills and hard work. As a result, these future farmers understand the vital role of farming in our society which inspires them to positively advance their industry.
Missouri has historically been a leader in agricultural production, and the continued success of this industry is crucial to the financial health of our state. There will be many opportunities as the next generation of Missouri farmer competes in the global marketplace. Through the cultivation of innovation and the development of future farming generations, Missouri agriculture will continue to be a strong pillar of our state’s economic foundation.
As always, please feel free to call, email, or write with your ideas or concerns. The Capitol number is (573) 751-1415, my email is brad.lager@senate.mo.gov and my mailing address is Room 422, State Capitol Building, Jefferson City, MO 65101.
New Law Allows Military Spouses who Relocate to File for Unemployment
A new law passed by the legislature and signed by the Governor went into effect yesterday, allowing the spouse of an active member of the military to be eligible for unemployment benefits if accompanying the spouse in the event of a military transfer.
“Missouri is the proud home of Fort Leonard Wood and Whiteman Air Force base. Each year, our military families face moves from base to base for the good of our national defense and these transfers cause unique financial pressures. In many cases, the non-military spouses may have to leave their employment due to a military transfer. Generally, individuals in Missouri that voluntarily quit their employment to move with a spouse are ineligible for unemployment benefits. This new law recognizes that spouses of military service personnel who must quit their jobs due to a military transfer are not quitting voluntarily but for the good of our nation. With this new law, the state is recognizing the sacrifices of military families who are relocating,” says Department Director Larry Rebman.
Robyn McCullem, mother of two small children, is relocating from Missouri to join her husband Private First Class Ryan McCullem in Fort Huachuca, Arizona. She has worked as a Distributor Sales Consultant for the past three years. Her last day was Friday and she filed her unemployment claim yesterday. “Being a military spouse presents its own unique challenges when it comes to having a full-time career. Leaving behind a job you love and uprooting your family isn’t voluntary when you are a military spouse,” says McCullem. “It’s nice to know our state supports those who have to make big career sacrifices and transitions to be with their soldier as they continue serving our country.”
House Bill 136 was sponsored by House Representative David Day, of Dixon. Rep. Day serves as Chairman of the House Veterans Committee. Prior to this new law, military spouses were not able to collect unemployment in Missouri if they left their job to travel with their spouse to a new duty station. Missouri is the 39th state to allow military spouses to file for unemployment benefits until they find full-time work.
Based on 2010 figures, this new law will provide benefits to more than 200 military families a year. For more information or to file for unemployment benefits, visit www.moclaim.mo.gov
New state law allows consumers to learn more about their physicians
Under a new state law, Missouri consumers can now learn more about the educational history of their doctors. House Bill 265, signed by Gov. Jay Nixon, took effect yesterday and allows the State Board of Registration for the Healing Arts to release extensive information about licensed doctors for the first time. The board's website now allows consumers to learn about medical and professional schools attended by physicians, as well as any specialties or board certifications. also gives more authority to the board to discipline doctors who violate the law. The board can now: feature on the board's website at pr.mo.gov , or they can contact the board by phone at 573-751-0098.
In addition, more information will soon be available to the public: Under the law, any future information submitted to the board may be released if it pertains to discipline by another government agency or court-ordered limitations on a doctor's practice.
"This law is a significant step toward better transparency for patients in Missouri," said John M. Huff, director of the Missouri Department of Insurance, Financial Institutions and Professional Registration. "We always encourage consumers to learn as much as they can about the professionals they're doing business with, and that's especially important in a doctor-patient relationship."
· More effectively seek an immediate suspension of a physician's license when the board believes the doctor is a danger to patients;
· Streamline the process for discipline of doctors;
· Move cases more quickly through the state Administrative Hearing Commission, which conducts hearings related to the discipline of doctors; and
· Discipline doctors for alcohol dependency, being on a sex offender registry or failing to cooperate with board investigations.
Consumers who would like to learn more about their physicians can use the licensee search
About the Missouri Department of Insurance, Financial Institutions & Professional Registration
The Missouri Department of Insurance, Financial Institutions and Professional Registration (DIFP) is responsible for consumer protection through the regulation of financial industries and professionals. The department's seven divisions work to enforce state regulations both efficiently and effectively while encouraging a competitive environment for industries and professions to ensure consumers have access to quality products.
Worth County Sheriff's Report for August 31, 2011
8-22 -- Person in with incident report.
8-23 -- Called Gentry County for two criminal history reports.
8-24 -- Person in for meeting with Sheriff.
8-25 -- 911 call for domestic disturbance in Grant City; Sheriff and deputy investigate; one person transported to join.
8-25 -- Worth County resident reports car/animal accident.
8-26 -- KCP&L lineman reports vandalism to light pole at 4th & High Street, Grant City.
8-26 -- Worth County Sheriff’s Department (WCSD) checks on a med alert call; “all OK.”
8-26 -- Person calls to report a house breakin in Grant City.
8-26 -- Missouri State Highway Patrol in office with a possible intoxicated driver.
8-26 -- WCSD investigates C&I driving in Grant City.
8-23 -- Called Gentry County for two criminal history reports.
8-24 -- Person in for meeting with Sheriff.
8-25 -- 911 call for domestic disturbance in Grant City; Sheriff and deputy investigate; one person transported to join.
8-25 -- Worth County resident reports car/animal accident.
8-26 -- KCP&L lineman reports vandalism to light pole at 4th & High Street, Grant City.
8-26 -- Worth County Sheriff’s Department (WCSD) checks on a med alert call; “all OK.”
8-26 -- Person calls to report a house breakin in Grant City.
8-26 -- Missouri State Highway Patrol in office with a possible intoxicated driver.
8-26 -- WCSD investigates C&I driving in Grant City.
Northwest Cellular Changes Name
As part of celebrating their 20 Year Anniversary, Northwest Missouri Cellular is making significant changes to the company’s image. Going forward, Northwest Missouri Cellular will be marketed simply as “NorthwestCell”. Roger Bundridge, NorthwestCell General Manager explained, “We’ve been contemplating the idea of changing our name for some time. Many of our customers already refer to us as NorthwestCell, which encouraged us to move forward.”
Bundridge pointed out the name change was done primarily for branding and marketing reasons in order to eliminate confusion regarding coverage. “When we first started, the name was descriptive of our service area. We have long since offered nationwide plans with no charge for roaming, but the name has at times resulted in the perception that we only offer local coverage,” Bundridge said. He continued, “In reality, a simple comparison of NorthwestCell coverage maps with those of our competitors reveal we actually offer the best nationwide service available to consumers in this area.”
For those who may misinterpret the name change, Bundridge clarified, “We have not been sold. Legally we retain the Northwest Missouri Cellular, LLP name. We remain the same locally owned and operated company that has served this area for over twenty years.”
NorthwestCell is also unveiling plans that include bundled voice, text and data, with an unlimited prepaid option to follow. Bundridge described these, along with continually expanding phone lineup as well, “We offer the latest Android and BlackBerry devices, along with basic and military grade tough phones. The wide selection of phones plus our new value bundles are definitely a reason to consider NorthwestCell.” Bundridge adds, “I invite everyone to stop by any of our locations to find out how much you can save with NorthwestCell. It’s not uncommon to see new customers who are willing to pay early termination charges with their old carrier simply because they’ll save that and more by switching to us. I think you’ll be pleasantly surprised.”
Bundridge pointed out the name change was done primarily for branding and marketing reasons in order to eliminate confusion regarding coverage. “When we first started, the name was descriptive of our service area. We have long since offered nationwide plans with no charge for roaming, but the name has at times resulted in the perception that we only offer local coverage,” Bundridge said. He continued, “In reality, a simple comparison of NorthwestCell coverage maps with those of our competitors reveal we actually offer the best nationwide service available to consumers in this area.”
For those who may misinterpret the name change, Bundridge clarified, “We have not been sold. Legally we retain the Northwest Missouri Cellular, LLP name. We remain the same locally owned and operated company that has served this area for over twenty years.”
NorthwestCell is also unveiling plans that include bundled voice, text and data, with an unlimited prepaid option to follow. Bundridge described these, along with continually expanding phone lineup as well, “We offer the latest Android and BlackBerry devices, along with basic and military grade tough phones. The wide selection of phones plus our new value bundles are definitely a reason to consider NorthwestCell.” Bundridge adds, “I invite everyone to stop by any of our locations to find out how much you can save with NorthwestCell. It’s not uncommon to see new customers who are willing to pay early termination charges with their old carrier simply because they’ll save that and more by switching to us. I think you’ll be pleasantly surprised.”
Sunday, August 28, 2011
Jack Remembers -- Strangest Sale
I’ve been a real estate broker since 1963. I started out specializing in farms and to this day have never sold a house in town. Back in the 1970’s the Trust Department of United Missouri Bank gave me two farms to sell, both were located in Jackson County, and both were 250 acres. The sale price was $1,000 per acre, or $500,000. I advertised the farms and received a call from a man who asked how much would have to be put down initially to purchase the farm. I told him 10% which would be $50,000. He asked me to meet him at a restaurant on Noland Road in Independence the next morning.
When I met the mystery man, he informed me he was representing the buyer, who wished to remain anonymous, and wanted me to buy the two farms in my name. I was to close the property at Chicago Title in Kansas City and at that time, to call him and he would give me the name of the buyer. Chicago Title was to do a flow-through from my name in to the anonymous purchaser’s name. He handed me a $50,000 Cashier’s Check made out to me, and told me to call him when I was ready to close and he would give me an additional check for the balance.
The original owner had left these two farms in his estate to the School of the Ozarks, Park College, and Children’s Mercy Hospital. It took me quite a while to get these three entities to sign off in order to close the property. I called the number I had been given and the man said to meet him the next morning at the same restaurant, same time. He handed me another Cashier’s Check made out to me in the amount of $450,000. I now had $500,000 cash, no contract, no signatures. I then went to Chicago Title, closed the property, made the phone call, and transferred the property to a Corporate name I was given. I found out later, the purchasers wanted the farms quite badly, but had a conflict of interest.
I made a $30,000 commission and can say it was the strangest sale of my career. If you are a real estate broker or agent and have an interesting transaction you would like to share, contact me.
Jack can be reached at PO Box 40, Oak Grove, MO 64075 or jackremembers@aol.com
When I met the mystery man, he informed me he was representing the buyer, who wished to remain anonymous, and wanted me to buy the two farms in my name. I was to close the property at Chicago Title in Kansas City and at that time, to call him and he would give me the name of the buyer. Chicago Title was to do a flow-through from my name in to the anonymous purchaser’s name. He handed me a $50,000 Cashier’s Check made out to me, and told me to call him when I was ready to close and he would give me an additional check for the balance.
The original owner had left these two farms in his estate to the School of the Ozarks, Park College, and Children’s Mercy Hospital. It took me quite a while to get these three entities to sign off in order to close the property. I called the number I had been given and the man said to meet him the next morning at the same restaurant, same time. He handed me another Cashier’s Check made out to me in the amount of $450,000. I now had $500,000 cash, no contract, no signatures. I then went to Chicago Title, closed the property, made the phone call, and transferred the property to a Corporate name I was given. I found out later, the purchasers wanted the farms quite badly, but had a conflict of interest.
I made a $30,000 commission and can say it was the strangest sale of my career. If you are a real estate broker or agent and have an interesting transaction you would like to share, contact me.
Jack can be reached at PO Box 40, Oak Grove, MO 64075 or jackremembers@aol.com
110 Worth County Children are Food Insecure
Feeding America, the nation’s largest hunger relief organization released their study that reveals children in every county and congressional district are in the fight against hunger.
The study “Map the Meal Gap: Child Food Insecurity 2011” shows that in our service area figures range from 20-31 percent of children who are food insecure. The lowest county is Leavenworth coming in at 20.4 percent of children with food insecurity while Livingston comes in at 31.2 percent insecure rate.
One out of every four children in Second Harvest Community Food Bank service area is considered food insecure.
There are approximately 80,200 members of the population that fall under 18 years old and 19,700 or 25 percent are considered food insecure. In Worth County, MO, 428 members of the population fall under 18 years old and 24.5 percent or 110 children are considered to be food insecure.
In the “There can be no greater cause than to ensure children have enough food to be healthy, grow and learn. Second Harvest stands ready to strategically address this complex issue.” David Davenport, executive director, Second Harvest Community Food Bank. “We ask only that our community embrace the belief that hunger in the life of a child is unacceptable and act on that belief as an advocate, donor or volunteer.”
Being food insecure is defined as the lack of access at times to enough food for an active and healthy life; limited or uncertain unavailability of nutritionally adequate food. The term hunger means the uneasy or painful sensation caused by a lack of food. According to this study, millions of people in the United States are going without food.
Second Harvest is helping to end hunger in children via our Backpack Buddies program. Children who are eligible will receive a backpack on the weekends that contain nutritious food to help get through the weekend. This school year, over 2,000 children will receive assistance in 14 counties.
More information about the study can be found at http://feedingamerica.org/hunger-in-america/hunger-studies/map-the-meal-gap.aspx
The study “Map the Meal Gap: Child Food Insecurity 2011” shows that in our service area figures range from 20-31 percent of children who are food insecure. The lowest county is Leavenworth coming in at 20.4 percent of children with food insecurity while Livingston comes in at 31.2 percent insecure rate.
One out of every four children in Second Harvest Community Food Bank service area is considered food insecure.
There are approximately 80,200 members of the population that fall under 18 years old and 19,700 or 25 percent are considered food insecure. In Worth County, MO, 428 members of the population fall under 18 years old and 24.5 percent or 110 children are considered to be food insecure.
In the “There can be no greater cause than to ensure children have enough food to be healthy, grow and learn. Second Harvest stands ready to strategically address this complex issue.” David Davenport, executive director, Second Harvest Community Food Bank. “We ask only that our community embrace the belief that hunger in the life of a child is unacceptable and act on that belief as an advocate, donor or volunteer.”
Being food insecure is defined as the lack of access at times to enough food for an active and healthy life; limited or uncertain unavailability of nutritionally adequate food. The term hunger means the uneasy or painful sensation caused by a lack of food. According to this study, millions of people in the United States are going without food.
Second Harvest is helping to end hunger in children via our Backpack Buddies program. Children who are eligible will receive a backpack on the weekends that contain nutritious food to help get through the weekend. This school year, over 2,000 children will receive assistance in 14 counties.
More information about the study can be found at http://feedingamerica.org/hunger-in-america/hunger-studies/map-the-meal-gap.aspx
Affordable Care Act funds will create jobs and target health improvement, local capacity building
HHS Secretary Kathleen Sebelius today awarded up to $137 million, partly supported by the Affordable Care Act, to states to strengthen the public health infrastructure and provide jobs in core areas of public health. Awarded in nearly every state, the grants enhance state, tribal, local and territorial efforts to provide tobacco cessation services, strengthen public health laboratory and immunization services, prevent healthcare-associated infections, and provide comprehensive substance abuse prevention and treatment.
“More than ever, it is important to help states fight disease and protect public health,” said Secretary Sebelius. “These awards are an important investment and will enable states and communities to help Americans quit smoking, get immunized and prevent disease and illness before they start.”
The grants will fund key state and local public health programs supported through the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) and the Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration (SAMHSA). Most of these grant dollars come from the Prevention and Public Health Fund created by the Affordable Care Act. Additional SAMHSA dollars supplement this investment.
“CDC supports state and local public health departments which are key to keeping America safe from threats to health, safety, and security from this country or anywhere in the world,” said Centers for Disease Control and Prevention Director Dr. Thomas Frieden. “With these funds, CDC is strengthening our ability to prevent and combat diseases and keep Americans safe against expensive and dangerous health threats.”
“These funds will allow us to bolster public health services to communities and build on successful programs that have helped people lead healthier lives. Today’s investments will help us prevent future health care costs from problems such as tobacco-related illness and substance abuse,” said Pamela Hyde, administrator of SAMHSA.
The awards include:
- $1 million to further enhance the nations’ public health laboratories by hiring and preparing scientists for careers in public health laboratories, providing training for scientists, and supporting public health initiatives related to infectious disease research.
- Nearly $5 million to help states and territories enhance and expand the national network of tobacco cessation quitlines to increase the number of tobacco users who quit. Quitlines are the toll-free numbers people can call to obtain smoking cessation treatments and services.
- More than $42 million to support: improvements to the Immunization Information Systems (registries) and other immunization information technologies; development of systems to improve billing for immunization services; planning and implementation of adult immunization programs; enhancement of vaccination capacity located in schools; and evaluations of the impact on disease of recent vaccine recommendations for children and adolescents.
- $2.6 million to the Emerging Infections Programs around the country to continue improvement in disease monitoring, professional development and training, information technology development, and laboratory capacity.
- $9.2 million to eight national non-profit professional public health organizations to assist state, tribal, local, and territorial health departments in adopting effective practices that strengthen their core public health systems and service delivery. They will also enhance the workforce by providing jobs in critical disciplines of epidemiology and informatics, thus attracting new talent to public health.
- $1.5 million to evaluate and prevent ventilator-associated pneumonia to reduce cases of Methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus (MRSA) infections and protect Americans from healthcare-associated infectious diseases.
- Up to $75 million to fund nine Screening, Brief Intervention, Referral and Treatment programs over the next five years. These programs will allow communities throughout the nation to provide more comprehensive substance abuse screening, secondary prevention, early intervention and referrals to treatment for people at higher risk for substance abuse. The actual award amounts may vary, depending on the availability of funds and the performance of the grantees.
Today’s announcement is another part of the Obama Administration’s broader effort to improve the health and well-being of our communities through initiatives such as the President’s Childhood Obesity Task Force, the First Lady’s Let’s Move! campaign, the National Quality Strategy, and the National Prevention Strategy. Similar to the Obama Administration’s Partnership for Patients which aims to make hospitals safer, more reliable and less costly, today’s announcement is also an important step in improving the quality of health care for all Americans.
A full list of grantees is available at: http://www.hhs.gov/news/press/2011pres/08/state_prevention_grants.html
Wind and Hail Damage Area Crops
The injury from wind and hail damage hit many parts of northwest Missouri. Wind damage occurred about a month ago that affected northern Atchison, parts of Nodaway and Gentry counties. "Then we had two days of storms that combined straight wind and hail causing some of the worse crop injury that I have seen in my career in the Maryville area," explained Wayne Flanary, Agronomist with University of Missouri Extension.
Hail damage around the area varies in intensity. Crops around Maryville and Nodaway County were heavily damaged along with reports of damage in other counties. The worse hail damage looks as if the corn crop was harvested as the field is brown. Corn stalks are cut and lying on ground along with ears. Soybean stems also cut and lodged. This damage will be a complete loss.
Lighter damaged corn fields have shredded leaves, bruising and lodged corn. Most corn fields were in the dent stage. The starch is hardening causing a milk line. This line moves from the top of the kernel toward the cob. Kernels at this stage will not abort. Kernels may be lighter as the kernel continues to dry down. This is good news where corn fields have standing stalks with ears that can be harvested.
The wind damage from straight line winds broke and bent corn stalks over. In places, it's the whole field whereas others, there are areas within the field. This will be a slow harvest as growers try to pick-up as much lodged corn as possible.
As far as soybeans, the damage occurred during seed fill. The soybean plant takes energy from leaves and other plant parts and places this energy into the seed. Defoliation, broken stems, lodged soybeans all can be found.
Soybean plants will adjust growth for the condition of the individual plant. Four days after the injury, we are seeing brown pods which the soybean plant will abort and they will drop to the ground.
Soybeans will be affected greatly when leaves are lost and stems are bruised and cut. This damaged occurred during the critical seed fill. You can inspect your crops now and check for pod drop. With injury occurring this late in the season, plants will not compensate. They will set as much seed as each individual plant can with the stress placed on it.
The straight wind laid soybeans over in many fields. The shading affect of plants lying on top of each other will reduce yield.
For more information, contact Wayne Flanary at 660-446-3724 or Heather Benedict at 660-425-6434, Regional Agronomists, University of Missouri Extension.
Hail damage around the area varies in intensity. Crops around Maryville and Nodaway County were heavily damaged along with reports of damage in other counties. The worse hail damage looks as if the corn crop was harvested as the field is brown. Corn stalks are cut and lying on ground along with ears. Soybean stems also cut and lodged. This damage will be a complete loss.
Lighter damaged corn fields have shredded leaves, bruising and lodged corn. Most corn fields were in the dent stage. The starch is hardening causing a milk line. This line moves from the top of the kernel toward the cob. Kernels at this stage will not abort. Kernels may be lighter as the kernel continues to dry down. This is good news where corn fields have standing stalks with ears that can be harvested.
The wind damage from straight line winds broke and bent corn stalks over. In places, it's the whole field whereas others, there are areas within the field. This will be a slow harvest as growers try to pick-up as much lodged corn as possible.
As far as soybeans, the damage occurred during seed fill. The soybean plant takes energy from leaves and other plant parts and places this energy into the seed. Defoliation, broken stems, lodged soybeans all can be found.
Soybean plants will adjust growth for the condition of the individual plant. Four days after the injury, we are seeing brown pods which the soybean plant will abort and they will drop to the ground.
Soybeans will be affected greatly when leaves are lost and stems are bruised and cut. This damaged occurred during the critical seed fill. You can inspect your crops now and check for pod drop. With injury occurring this late in the season, plants will not compensate. They will set as much seed as each individual plant can with the stress placed on it.
The straight wind laid soybeans over in many fields. The shading affect of plants lying on top of each other will reduce yield.
For more information, contact Wayne Flanary at 660-446-3724 or Heather Benedict at 660-425-6434, Regional Agronomists, University of Missouri Extension.
Governor calls special session of the Missouri General Assembly
Democratic Gov. Jay Nixon put a job-creation package and reforms to the state's tax credits on the schedule Monday for a Sept. 6 special session of the Missouri General Assembly.
"I appreciate the work the General Assembly has already done to achieve broad consensus on these priorities, and I look forward to continuing to work with legislators on both sides of the aisle during an efficient, focused and productive session," Nixon stated in a press release calling the session.
Missing from the agenda is the roughly $150 million that the governor has pulled from the budget and reallocated for disaster relief in areas such as Joplin — an item Nixon promised in July he would put on the agenda. However, Republican State Auditor Tom Schweich released an audit last week contesting Nixon's action.
"We are aware of no constitutional or statutory authority to withhold from appropriated expenditures based on state obligations that were unanticipated at the time the budget was passed by the General Assembly," the auditor wrote in a letter to Nixon.
The governor's office said Monday that the state is already spending out of that pool of funds. In a the statement on the special session, Nixon said the topic wouldn't be formally addressed because the damage assessments are still in progress.
"Before we can determine the best method to finance our recovery obligations, we must determine the full extent of the damage," Nixon said.
Other items that made the agenda for the special session include:
- Creating tax incentives for an air cargo hub for China at St. Louis Lambert Airport;
- Giving St. Louis control of its local police force;
- Adding tax breaks for business, technology and amateur sports;
- Moving the state's presidential primary to March.
Republican Calls on Kinder to Step Down over Adult Club Allegations
The call came from Nixa Republican House member Kevin Elmer.
The southwest Missouri legislator said that Kinder's behavior in which he admitted to attending a club with scantily clad women was not in keeping with Republican values.
"It is the type of behavior that does not speak well for what it is that we stand for," Elmer said.
"It does not bode well for what it is our party stands for and the integrity of the people that we want to represent our state and community.
Elmer is the second Republican from southwest Missouri to abandon Kinder's campaign. Earlier a major contributor was reported to have asked for return of his contributions to Kinder.
Elmer said he had talked with other Republicans before announcing his position. He said none sought to discourage him and that he expected other Republicans to join his call for Kinder to step aside.
There was no immediate response from Kinder's spokespersons.
The southwest Missouri legislator said that Kinder's behavior in which he admitted to attending a club with scantily clad women was not in keeping with Republican values.
"It is the type of behavior that does not speak well for what it is that we stand for," Elmer said.
"It does not bode well for what it is our party stands for and the integrity of the people that we want to represent our state and community.
Elmer is the second Republican from southwest Missouri to abandon Kinder's campaign. Earlier a major contributor was reported to have asked for return of his contributions to Kinder.
Elmer said he had talked with other Republicans before announcing his position. He said none sought to discourage him and that he expected other Republicans to join his call for Kinder to step aside.
There was no immediate response from Kinder's spokespersons.
House Budget chair blisters the governor's budget director over disaster funds
The House Budget Committee grilled State Budget Director Linda Luebbering about the $150 million being withheld by the governor for disaster relief. The governor has set aside the money in anticipation of payments to Joplin and other areas affected by natural disasters without knowing exactly how much money is needed.
Committee chairman Ryan Silvey, R-Kansas City, charged Gov. Jay Nixon's action was unconstitutional because the state's constitution does not give him power to withhold funds from the budget to use the money for other purposes.
Article 4, Section 27 of the Missouri Constitution empowers the governor to withhold funds if revenue collections are running below the estimate upon which the budget was based. Silvey charges that provision does not empower the governor to cut agency allotments to reserve funds for other purposes the governor wants to finance.
Luebbering said money is needed to cover the expected costs for disaster relief in Joplin and the flooding in southeast Missouri. State obligations could include debris removal or rebuilding schools but as of now there is no breakdown of the specific costs, she said.
"We think setting aside $150 million for all these efforts is a perfectly reasonable amount of money," Luebbering said.
Silvey and other members of the committee questioned why the governor was withholding money from the 2012 fiscal year instead of using the money available in the state's Rainy Day Fund. Created in 2000 as the Budget Reserve Fund, the Rainy Day Fund contains roughly $500 million, half of which can be used for disaster relief payments.
"The Rainy Day Fund is an option," Luebbering said. "I don't know if we will use the Rainy Day Fund."
The constitution requires a two-thirds vote by the General Assembly to use the Rainy Day Fund for emergency relief. In July, Nixon said he would include disaster relief funding as part of the legislature's special session that begins Sept. 6, but in the official call issued Aug. 22, Nixon left out the issue. A special session can take up only the specific issues included in the governor's call.
Silvey questioned why the governor decided to exclude the legislature from discussing the disaster funding in the special session.
Directly facing Nixon's top budget official, Silvey repeatedly voiced frustration about the administration's approach, saying, "The governor does not want to deal with the legislature."
Luebbering said the governor made the decision to restrict expenditures to allow for more flexibility later in the year. She said the governor's office was looking at the broader constitutionality of the issue and previous court cases that established precedence for the decision to withhold funds. She could not name the cases she was referring to.
"The executive branch has the authority to balance the budget," Luebbering said.
Silvey said he did not feel a solution was reached at the meeting but was glad the committee served its purpose in questioning the decision.
"It's clear that the governor does not like dealing with the legislature," said Silvey. "It's clear that he'd rather have flexibility than go along with the constitution."
Rep. Chris Kelly, D-Columbia, told the committee the issues with the governor's budget is due to the legislature's own action in crafting a budget that left the door open for the governor to use funds for disaster relief without clear legislative authorization. He called on the Budget Committee to close the administrative flexibility in executive spending.
"It is easy to drive a truck through that little flexibility hole without seeing the damage," Kelly said.
Silvey said these issues will likely affect bills in the next legislative session.
"Our problem isn't where's the money's going but the process that it's getting there," Silvey said. "We want to see the money going where we appropriated it."
Earlier this month, State Auditor Tom Schweich sent the governor a letter questioning the constitutionality of the governor's budget withholding actions. Schweich charged that Luebbering's budget official failed to provide any information substantiating that revenue collections were falling below the original estimates upon which the budget was based.
Nixon adds social media communication by teachers to the legislature's special session.
Gov. Jay Nixon issued a news release Friday (Aug. 26) adding another item to the agenda of the legislature's special session that begins Sept. 6.
Nixon added repeal of a provision that critics have charged would block teachers from using social media like Facebook from communicating with their students.
The provision was part of a broader bill dealing with requirements for public schools in dealing with allegations of sexual misconduct by school employees.
"In a digital world, we must recognize that social media can be an important tool for teaching and learning," Nixon was quoted as saying in his office announcement.
Nixon's announcement was issued shortly after a Cole County judge issued an order barring enforcement of the new law.
The bill's sponsor, Sen. Jane Cunningham, R-St. Louis County, said restricting use of social media for legitimate communications with students was not the intention of her measure. She was reported to be meeting with education leaders to draft a bill clarifying the issue.
Nixon added repeal of a provision that critics have charged would block teachers from using social media like Facebook from communicating with their students.
The provision was part of a broader bill dealing with requirements for public schools in dealing with allegations of sexual misconduct by school employees.
"In a digital world, we must recognize that social media can be an important tool for teaching and learning," Nixon was quoted as saying in his office announcement.
Nixon's announcement was issued shortly after a Cole County judge issued an order barring enforcement of the new law.
The bill's sponsor, Sen. Jane Cunningham, R-St. Louis County, said restricting use of social media for legitimate communications with students was not the intention of her measure. She was reported to be meeting with education leaders to draft a bill clarifying the issue.
McCaskill Statement on Cuts to Missouri Disaster Relief Funds
U.S. Senator Claire McCaskill released the following statement following a decision by the Federal Emergency Management Administration to redirect funding from Joplin and other Missouri areas that have received federal disaster declarations, to communities impacted by Hurricane Irene.
"Days ago I walked the streets of Joplin. I saw construction projects where rubble had been, I saw parks where trees had toppled, and I saw a community trying to heal and rebuild -- I didn't see any camera trucks. I warned FEMA and assured victims in Joplin that they would not be forgotten after the camera trucks lowered their antennas and rolled out of town, I will fight to make sure that promise is kept. FEMA should be prepared for all types of disasters and have the resources to respond rapidly and stay until the work is done, and until the community is made whole again."
"Days ago I walked the streets of Joplin. I saw construction projects where rubble had been, I saw parks where trees had toppled, and I saw a community trying to heal and rebuild -- I didn't see any camera trucks. I warned FEMA and assured victims in Joplin that they would not be forgotten after the camera trucks lowered their antennas and rolled out of town, I will fight to make sure that promise is kept. FEMA should be prepared for all types of disasters and have the resources to respond rapidly and stay until the work is done, and until the community is made whole again."
Missouri's auditor sues the governor.
The lawsuit by Republican Tom Schweich charges the Democratic governor has violated the state constitution by withholding appropriations to state agencies, including education, to provide funds for natural disaster relief.
At issue is a constitutional provision giving the governor power to withhold appropriations from state agencies if revenues fall below the original estimates upon which the budget was based.
Jay Nixon has based his withholding on the basis of needing the money in order to provide additional money for natural disaster relief involving damages from the Joplin tornado and flooding along the Missouri and Mississippi rivers.
On August 19, Schweich had sent the governor a letter questioning Nixon's constitutional authority to withhold funds. In the letter, Schweich charged the governor's budget director failed to provide any data demonstrating there was an actual shortage in revenue collections.
Article IV, Section 27 provides that "The governor may...reduce expenditures of the state or any of its agencies below their appropriations whenever the the actual revenues are less than the revenue estimates upon which the appropriations were based."
Earlier this summer, Nixon had announced he would include the disaster relief funding in the legislature's special session that begins Sept. 6.
But in his official call, issued after Schweich's letter, Nixon dropped the natural disaster issue from his formal call. In a written statement, Nixon was quoted as saying they did not yet have a full estimate of the costs.
“Starting a Business: The First Steps”
Many individuals have the dream and desire to someday own a business. Unfortunately, many of these same people don’t know where to start. Moreover, they are afraid to make that leap into entrepreneurship because they do not know enough about taxes, licenses, financing, and marketing. If this sounds like you, make plans to attend “Starting a Business: the First Steps,” a University of Missouri Extension seminar. The seminar will be 9:00 AM to 12:00 Noon, September 15, 2011, at the Buchanan County Extension Office, 4125 Mitchell Ave., St. Joseph, MO
The instructor for the seminar is Tom Kelso, MU Extension Northwest Region Business Development Specialist. He will review the basics involved in starting your own business, explain the importance of planning, discuss the legal and regulatory requirements; and identify sources of funding, and steps which should be taken to market your product or service.
Registration for the seminar is required by Monday the 12th either by calling or e-mailing Tom Kelso, MU Extension Business Development Specialist at 660-446-3724 or kelsot@missouri.edu,. The registration fee is $35 and payable when you attend the class.
At the conclusion of the seminar, if you need additional assistance, you may arrange to meet with a business consultant through MU Extension.
Let us help you make your dream a reality. The MU extension seminar on “Starting a Business: The first Steps” will be 9:00 AM to 12:00 Noon September 15, 2011, at the Buchanan County Extension Office, 4125 Mitchell Ave., St. Joseph, MO
If you need special accommodations because of a disability, or if you need materials in an alternative format, please inform Tom Kelso, MU extension business development specialist at least two weeks prior to the seminar to make arrangements.
Learn about other business development offerings and resources at: http://www.missouribusiness.net/
Thursday, August 25, 2011
Cut to the Chase -- Labor Day and Agriculture
Labor Day and Agriculture
Monday, September 5th, is the 117th observance of Labor Day in the United States. We can thank America’s labor unions, the real creators of Labor Day, for this national holiday. The industrial revolution of the 18th and 19th centuries resulted in vast numbers of people leaving the farm to live in cities and to work in factories.
Working conditions then were awful compared to current standards. To improve their lot in life, workers became involved in the infancy of the labor union movement, participating in parades to draw attention to the union effort to improve working conditions for the American worker.
President Grover Cleveland signed the Labor Day Act into law in 1894, declaring it a legal public holiday. We still observe Labor Day 117 years later, but few Americans will attach the importance of the labor movement to the holiday. This is not to belittle the significance of Labor Day, but when Congress created the concept of observing many holidays on Mondays rather than on their actual dates, it significantly reduced the meaning of the events beyond the fact they provide us three-day weekends.
Consider, however, the importance of Labor Day to our country when it was established and declared a legal holiday. Americans were given a paid day off work to allow them to attend and participate in parades and special ceremonies recognizing the labor movement. We still have parades, ceremonies and speeches to recognize the American worker on Labor Day, but most of us will not attend; after all, it is a three-day weekend near summer’s end, perfect for swimming, water skiing and barbecue.
Even if we do think of Labor Day, few will consider the American farmer since few farmers would embrace the labor movement as a practical method for filing grievances. Farmers going on strike in spring prior to planting would result in no crop to harvest in the fall. The consequences would be disastrous.
As an industry, however, agriculture deserves special recognition on Labor Day. While most of us are far removed from farming, it is important to note approximately 20 percent of us have jobs thanks to farming. So, happy Labor Day from the nation's biggest employer – American farmers.
Denny Banister, of Jefferson City, Mo., is the Assistant Director of Public Affairs for the Missouri Farm Bureau, the state’s largest farm organization.
Monday, September 5th, is the 117th observance of Labor Day in the United States. We can thank America’s labor unions, the real creators of Labor Day, for this national holiday. The industrial revolution of the 18th and 19th centuries resulted in vast numbers of people leaving the farm to live in cities and to work in factories.
Working conditions then were awful compared to current standards. To improve their lot in life, workers became involved in the infancy of the labor union movement, participating in parades to draw attention to the union effort to improve working conditions for the American worker.
President Grover Cleveland signed the Labor Day Act into law in 1894, declaring it a legal public holiday. We still observe Labor Day 117 years later, but few Americans will attach the importance of the labor movement to the holiday. This is not to belittle the significance of Labor Day, but when Congress created the concept of observing many holidays on Mondays rather than on their actual dates, it significantly reduced the meaning of the events beyond the fact they provide us three-day weekends.
Consider, however, the importance of Labor Day to our country when it was established and declared a legal holiday. Americans were given a paid day off work to allow them to attend and participate in parades and special ceremonies recognizing the labor movement. We still have parades, ceremonies and speeches to recognize the American worker on Labor Day, but most of us will not attend; after all, it is a three-day weekend near summer’s end, perfect for swimming, water skiing and barbecue.
Even if we do think of Labor Day, few will consider the American farmer since few farmers would embrace the labor movement as a practical method for filing grievances. Farmers going on strike in spring prior to planting would result in no crop to harvest in the fall. The consequences would be disastrous.
As an industry, however, agriculture deserves special recognition on Labor Day. While most of us are far removed from farming, it is important to note approximately 20 percent of us have jobs thanks to farming. So, happy Labor Day from the nation's biggest employer – American farmers.
Denny Banister, of Jefferson City, Mo., is the Assistant Director of Public Affairs for the Missouri Farm Bureau, the state’s largest farm organization.
Monday, August 22, 2011
Worth County Sheriff's Report for August 24th
8-15 -- Local business owner reports pop machine broken into.
8-15 -- Repo company calls about a car in Worth County.
8-15 -- Local citizen in about a mail scam.
8-17 -- Worth County Sheriff’s Department (WCSD) investigates 911 hangup call.
8-18 -- WCSD investigates car/deer accident, North 169.
8-18 -- Daviess/DeKalb jail transports prisoner to Worth County court.
8-19 -- Missouri State Highway Patrol needs information on Worth County population.
8-19 -- Person in for CCW renewal.
8-21 -- WCSD investigating a domestic disturbance.
8-21 -- WCSD investigating a C&I report.
To report a problem, contact the secure phone line at (660) 564-2222. For emergencies, dial 911.
8-15 -- Repo company calls about a car in Worth County.
8-15 -- Local citizen in about a mail scam.
8-17 -- Worth County Sheriff’s Department (WCSD) investigates 911 hangup call.
8-18 -- WCSD investigates car/deer accident, North 169.
8-18 -- Daviess/DeKalb jail transports prisoner to Worth County court.
8-19 -- Missouri State Highway Patrol needs information on Worth County population.
8-19 -- Person in for CCW renewal.
8-21 -- WCSD investigating a domestic disturbance.
8-21 -- WCSD investigating a C&I report.
To report a problem, contact the secure phone line at (660) 564-2222. For emergencies, dial 911.
Saturday, August 20, 2011
$2.9 Million in Stolen Property Returned by Task Force
Standing with Missouri law enforcement and agriculture leaders at the State Fair, Gov. Jay Nixon today announced that the Missouri Livestock and Farm Protection Task Force has recovered more than $2.8 million in property stolen in rural areas since 2009.
The task force works with the Missouri State Highway Patrol’s Rural Crimes Investigative Unit (RCIU), local sheriffs, farmers, cattlemen and pork producers to target the theft of livestock and farm equipment, as well as other property and drug crimes that affect Missouri’s rural communities. The federal government designates 97 of Missouri’s 114 counties as rural.
“The cooperation between state and local law enforcement, along with farmers and ranchers is making a real difference in recovering property, preventing livestock and equipment thefts, and making Missouri’s rural communities safer and more secure,” Gov. Nixon said. “Two years ago, I reconstituted the Livestock and Farm Protection Task Force to track and respond to crime trends in rural communities. This partnership, information sharing and plain hard work have exceeded my very high expectations.”
Gov. Nixon said that as of Aug. 15, the Livestock and Farm Protection Task Force and Rural Crimes Investigative Unit have:
- investigated 891 incidents, including 799 working in conjunction with other law enforcement agencies;
- been involved in the arrest of 182 suspects; and
- recovered $2,871,738 in stolen property
Property recoveries have included livestock, tractors, trailers, farm equipment, ATVs and large quantities of fertilizer. An undercover investigation into the theft of John Deere tractors led to the recovery of equipment valued at about $350,000 and arrests across several counties in southwest Missouri. In conjunction with the Livestock and Farm Protection Task Force, the RCIU has held regional rural crime summits around the state, meeting with law enforcement, farmers and business owners to discuss information sharing and protective measures.
“Criminals often don’t operate in a single county or region of our state, so it’s important that we in law enforcement network, share information and collaborate,” said Col. Ron Replogle, superintendent of the Missouri State Highway Patrol. “The task force and RCIU are perfect for intelligence sharing and for directing additional investigative resources into an area that might be experiencing a rise in criminal activity.”
“Missouri farmers and ranchers have to deal with tough weather conditions, global competition and other challenges, so reducing crime and the fear of the theft of valuable equipment and livestock helps the bottom line,” said Missouri Department of Agriculture Director Dr. Jon Hagler. “The Livestock and Farm Protection Task Force has a proven record of recovering equipment, reducing crime and educating rural communities about crime prevention.”
Livestock and Farm Protection Task Force members include the Missouri Department of Agriculture, the Missouri State Highway Patrol, the Missouri Sheriffs’ Association, the Missouri Office of Prosecution Services, the Missouri Cattlemen’s Association, the Missouri Pork Association, the Missouri Farm Bureau, the Missouri Livestock Market Association, the Missouri Bankers’ Association, the University of Missouri Extension, and the U.S. Department of Agriculture.
The Livestock and Farm Protection Task Force and RCIU encourage tips from the public to the Rural Crime Tip Line (888-484-8477). Tips about rural crime may be made anonymously. Calls are taken 24 hours a day.
Obituary -- Dr. Jack Parker 1928-2011
Dr. Jack O. Parker, 82, was born August 23, 1928 and passed away August 18, 2011 at Heartland Hospital in St. Joseph, Missouri, five days prior to his 83rd Birthday.
“Doc” was born to Wilma and Wilzie Parker in Isadora, Missouri. He graduated from Parnell High School in 1947. He studied Veterinary Medicine at the University of Missouri Veterinary College in Columbia, MO, class of 1954. He served as a First Lieutenant in the U.S. Army during the Korean War. “Doc” practiced Veterinary Medicine in Grant City for 28 years, also served as Grant City Mayor. Later he became a Federal Meat Inspector for the USDA in Waldron Arkansas and New Mexico. He retired in 1989.
Jack was a member of the Christian Church in Ravenwood, MO, and the American Legion Tri.C Memorial Post # 464, Conception Junction, MO.
On June 12, 1948, Jack married Marjorie Lucille Young of Bedison, MO. They had 63 years together. They were blessed with two daughters, Deborah and husband Mike Fletchall, Stanberry, MO, and Diane and husband Randy Osborn of Grant City, five grandchildren and eight great-grandchildren.
Also surviving are three half sisters: Lettie and husband Sonny Kneedler, Sue and husband Leroy Benge, Patty and husband Willie Benge, all of Winterset, Iowa; sisters Fern Burns, Arlene Carroll and Betty Smith:
“Doc” was preceded in death by mother Wilma, step-father Ralph McClure, father Wilzie, brother Joe Parker, and sister Venetta Robertson.
Funeral Services will be 2;00 p.m. Monday, August 22, 2011 at Prugh-Dunfee Funeral Home in Grant City, MO, with visitation one hour prior to service. Interment will be in the Nodaway Memorial Gardens, Maryville, MO. Military Rites will be presented by American Legion Tri-C Memorial Post # 464 of Conception Junction, MO. Memorial contributions may be given to the Christian Church, Ravenwood, MO.
“Doc” was born to Wilma and Wilzie Parker in Isadora, Missouri. He graduated from Parnell High School in 1947. He studied Veterinary Medicine at the University of Missouri Veterinary College in Columbia, MO, class of 1954. He served as a First Lieutenant in the U.S. Army during the Korean War. “Doc” practiced Veterinary Medicine in Grant City for 28 years, also served as Grant City Mayor. Later he became a Federal Meat Inspector for the USDA in Waldron Arkansas and New Mexico. He retired in 1989.
Jack was a member of the Christian Church in Ravenwood, MO, and the American Legion Tri.C Memorial Post # 464, Conception Junction, MO.
On June 12, 1948, Jack married Marjorie Lucille Young of Bedison, MO. They had 63 years together. They were blessed with two daughters, Deborah and husband Mike Fletchall, Stanberry, MO, and Diane and husband Randy Osborn of Grant City, five grandchildren and eight great-grandchildren.
Also surviving are three half sisters: Lettie and husband Sonny Kneedler, Sue and husband Leroy Benge, Patty and husband Willie Benge, all of Winterset, Iowa; sisters Fern Burns, Arlene Carroll and Betty Smith:
“Doc” was preceded in death by mother Wilma, step-father Ralph McClure, father Wilzie, brother Joe Parker, and sister Venetta Robertson.
Funeral Services will be 2;00 p.m. Monday, August 22, 2011 at Prugh-Dunfee Funeral Home in Grant City, MO, with visitation one hour prior to service. Interment will be in the Nodaway Memorial Gardens, Maryville, MO. Military Rites will be presented by American Legion Tri-C Memorial Post # 464 of Conception Junction, MO. Memorial contributions may be given to the Christian Church, Ravenwood, MO.
Nick Adcock Represents US at Thorpe Cup
Nick Adcock, former MU track and field decathlete/heptathlete, traveled to California to represent the USA, August 13, 14, 2011 at The Thorpe Cup, which was held at the Olympic Training Center in Chula Vista, CA.
The Thorpe Cup is an annual International Track & Field (decathlon/heptathlon) Meet between the USA and Germany men and women, each having 7 men & women athletes to compete for their country; the meet is named after USA Olympian Jim Thorpe who won the first Olympic gold medals for the 1912 pentathlon and decathlon.
This was Adcock's 3rd consecutive year to represent the USA at The Thorpe Cup; the last two years were held in Marburg, Germany.
Adcock's first day of competition consisted of the 100 meter dash at 11.23, long jump 23' 10&3/4", shot put 44' 4&1/4", high jump 6' 6", and ending day one with the 400 meter run at 48.85 with a score of 4,043. He was in third place and top American behind Germans Hechler and Fricke.
On day two Adcock started with 110 meter hurdles at 14.41, then discus 125' 9", pole vault 15' 1&1/2", javelin 168' 4" and ending the day with the 1500 meter run at 4:39.58 with a total score of the two days of 7,679 and taking 5th place overall and the second highest scoring American.
The German men won 38,870 to the USA men 38,006, but the USA Men leads over the German Men in the 18 years of competition 13 to 5.
The USA women won 17,611 over the German Women 17,115 in the heptathlon competition.
In 2012, the Thorpe Cup will be back in Marburg, Germany.
Adcock is the son of Gary & Sue Adcock of Kansas City, MO, grandson of Galen & Betty Ruckman of Grant City, MO and Carl & Virginia Adcock of Bethany, MO.
The Thorpe Cup is an annual International Track & Field (decathlon/heptathlon) Meet between the USA and Germany men and women, each having 7 men & women athletes to compete for their country; the meet is named after USA Olympian Jim Thorpe who won the first Olympic gold medals for the 1912 pentathlon and decathlon.
This was Adcock's 3rd consecutive year to represent the USA at The Thorpe Cup; the last two years were held in Marburg, Germany.
Adcock's first day of competition consisted of the 100 meter dash at 11.23, long jump 23' 10&3/4", shot put 44' 4&1/4", high jump 6' 6", and ending day one with the 400 meter run at 48.85 with a score of 4,043. He was in third place and top American behind Germans Hechler and Fricke.
On day two Adcock started with 110 meter hurdles at 14.41, then discus 125' 9", pole vault 15' 1&1/2", javelin 168' 4" and ending the day with the 1500 meter run at 4:39.58 with a total score of the two days of 7,679 and taking 5th place overall and the second highest scoring American.
The German men won 38,870 to the USA men 38,006, but the USA Men leads over the German Men in the 18 years of competition 13 to 5.
The USA women won 17,611 over the German Women 17,115 in the heptathlon competition.
In 2012, the Thorpe Cup will be back in Marburg, Germany.
Adcock is the son of Gary & Sue Adcock of Kansas City, MO, grandson of Galen & Betty Ruckman of Grant City, MO and Carl & Virginia Adcock of Bethany, MO.
Wednesday, August 17, 2011
Groom Pleads Guilty to Federal Charges
The Associated Press and KCTV 5 report that former Worth County Sheriff Bear Groom has pleaded guilty Wednesday to federal charges of depriving eight women of their civil rights by forcing them to expose parts of their bodies to him. In addition, prosecutors alleged that he took pictures of them as well. Groom served as Sheriff until he was ousted by Independent Candidate Terry Sheddrick in a three way race in 2008. He served for eight years.
Editorial: Sorry, Governor, studies do not reflect reality
The governor's office recently released a study purporting to show that Missouri had grown from 40th to 28th in a study by the University of Nebraska Bureau of Business Research. The problem with that study is that it does not reflect the whole picture of the area. The fact of the matter is that the whole state is not sharing in this growth that Governor Nixon is touting in advance of the 2012 races, when the political races heat up. And supposedly, Missouri's jump was the greatest improvement of any Midwestern state.
But the fact of the matter is that the bleeding here in Worth County and the rest of this region is continuing unabated. Population is still declining. The Gunstock Factory, which was one of the main lynchpins of economic revival efforts here 10 years ago, shut down and the building is up for sale. Northeast Nodaway had to close down the Parnell school and consolidate with Ravenwood. Over 25 businesses employing over 50 people have closed just in Worth County alone in the last few years. The fact of the matter is that we are not sharing in this prosperity that the governor is talking about in advance of the 2012 election.
The news release goes on to tout all of the governor's accomplishments over the last few years since he has been in office. But the fact of the matter is that we're getting left behind. With the fall sports season on us again, we are reminded that teams are only as good as their weakest link. Even Michael Jordan could not produce a winning season when he played for the Washington Wizards his last two years -- he simply did not have a strong enough supporting cast. As long as Worth County and other such parts of the state are not sharing in this growth, Governor Nixon has not done enough. Numbers are fun to look at and programs are fun to look back on, but they do not reflect the whole picture.
But the fact of the matter is that the bleeding here in Worth County and the rest of this region is continuing unabated. Population is still declining. The Gunstock Factory, which was one of the main lynchpins of economic revival efforts here 10 years ago, shut down and the building is up for sale. Northeast Nodaway had to close down the Parnell school and consolidate with Ravenwood. Over 25 businesses employing over 50 people have closed just in Worth County alone in the last few years. The fact of the matter is that we are not sharing in this prosperity that the governor is talking about in advance of the 2012 election.
The news release goes on to tout all of the governor's accomplishments over the last few years since he has been in office. But the fact of the matter is that we're getting left behind. With the fall sports season on us again, we are reminded that teams are only as good as their weakest link. Even Michael Jordan could not produce a winning season when he played for the Washington Wizards his last two years -- he simply did not have a strong enough supporting cast. As long as Worth County and other such parts of the state are not sharing in this growth, Governor Nixon has not done enough. Numbers are fun to look at and programs are fun to look back on, but they do not reflect the whole picture.
Gov. Nixon commits to rebuilding Missouri River levees
During a visit to St. Joseph this afternoon, Gov. Jay Nixon said his administration is committed to helping rebuild levees along the Missouri River that have been damaged by record flooding this year. The Governor also announced that he will attend a meeting with upstream governors on flood-control issues scheduled to take place this Friday in Omaha.
“Over the past several months, historic releases of water from upstream reservoirs have placed unprecedented pressure and stress on levees across Missouri,” Gov. Nixon said. “These levees protect communities, vital infrastructure and some of the most productive farmland in the world. As the water falls over the coming weeks and months, we must complete an accurate assessment of the damage and move quickly to repair, rebuild and strengthen our levees.”
Gov. Nixon has announced his intention to call a special session of the Missouri General Assembly in September to take up a number of vital measures to create jobs, grow the economy and move Missouri forward. One of the session’s key priorities will be to develop a plan to pay for necessary repairs and rebuilding along hundreds of miles of damaged levees across Missouri and to support disaster recovery in other parts of the state.
Also today, Gov. Nixon announced that on Friday, he will join the governors of upstream Missouri River states for the meeting on flood control.
“The state of Missouri’s position on river management is clear: Flood control must be the top priority,” Gov. Nixon said. “I’m looking forward to this opportunity to emphasize that priority with my fellow governors from the upstream states.”
Gov. Nixon and the other governors also will have the opportunity to question Brigadier Gen. John R. McMahon, commander of the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers northwest district, about the decisions and factors that led to this historic flood.
Gov. Nixon made his announcement today at the Remington Nature Center in St. Joseph, where on June 2, he advised Missourians to prepare for imminent flooding. At that time, the Governor reported that all six major reservoirs along the upper Missouri River were at capacity, and that additional rainfall and snowmelt within the watershed would worsen the situation.
On June 8, Gov. Nixon ordered the Missouri National Guard to serve as the state’s lead agency on flood preparedness and fighting. In response to this order, the Guard deployed hundreds of Citizen-Soldiers to fill and place sandbags, inspect levees and support local efforts. Citizen-Soldiers continue to perform security and traffic patrols in northwest Missouri.
The U.S. Army Corps of Engineers is now releasing 150,000 cubic feet per second from the Gavins Point Dam, and will continue to release this rate through Aug. 18. Beginning Aug. 18, flows will decrease by 5,000 cubic feet per second per day until they reach the rate of 90,000 cubic feet per second. Today’s release rate is still more than twice the previous record.
Tuesday, August 16, 2011
Obituary -- Leatrice Rinehart 1926-2011
Leatrice M. Rinehart was born July 15, 1926 in Mt. Ayr, Iowa to John Thomas and Mary Maude (Smith) Golliday. She died August 14, 2011 in Mt. Ayr, Iowa at the age of 85.
Leatrice graduated from the Mt. Ayr High School. She married Calvin Rinehart on July 12, 1946. He preceded her in death July 14, 2011. Leatrice was a very religious person, accepting the Lord as her Savior at a young age. She enjoyed reading the Bible and going to church as long as her health permitted. She was a member of the First United Church of Diagonal, Iowa. She was homemaker who took great pride at her hard work at home as well as helping others.
Also preceding her in death were son: Steve Rinehart; daughter: Diane Hartley; her parents; and her only brother: Harold Golliday.
Leatrice is survived by 2 sons: Danny Rinehart of Davis City, Iowa and Jerry Rinehart of Des Moines, Iowa; 1 daughter: Debbie Burton of Maloy, Iowa; 7 grandchildren and 4 great-grandchildren who were the pride and joy of her life.
Leatrice will be sadly missed by family and friends.
Funeral Services were 10:30 A.M. Wednesday, August 17, 2011 at the Prugh-Dunfee Funeral Home in Grant City, Missouri. Pastor Brent Baxley officiated. Interment was in the Allendale Cemetery in Allendale, Missouri.
Leatrice graduated from the Mt. Ayr High School. She married Calvin Rinehart on July 12, 1946. He preceded her in death July 14, 2011. Leatrice was a very religious person, accepting the Lord as her Savior at a young age. She enjoyed reading the Bible and going to church as long as her health permitted. She was a member of the First United Church of Diagonal, Iowa. She was homemaker who took great pride at her hard work at home as well as helping others.
Also preceding her in death were son: Steve Rinehart; daughter: Diane Hartley; her parents; and her only brother: Harold Golliday.
Leatrice is survived by 2 sons: Danny Rinehart of Davis City, Iowa and Jerry Rinehart of Des Moines, Iowa; 1 daughter: Debbie Burton of Maloy, Iowa; 7 grandchildren and 4 great-grandchildren who were the pride and joy of her life.
Leatrice will be sadly missed by family and friends.
Funeral Services were 10:30 A.M. Wednesday, August 17, 2011 at the Prugh-Dunfee Funeral Home in Grant City, Missouri. Pastor Brent Baxley officiated. Interment was in the Allendale Cemetery in Allendale, Missouri.
Brad Lager's Capitol Report -- Missouri State Fair
The 2011 Missouri State Fair
The 2011 Missouri State Fair is now underway. For more than 100 years, the Fair has been a celebration of Missouri’s rich agricultural history and a showcase for the hard work of so many young talented Missourians. The Fair serves as the opportunity to honor the accomplishments of Missouri’s farm families and to get a glimpse at the future of Missouri agriculture.
While the State Fair serves as the platform to celebrate our history and traditions, it also plays a vital role in shaping those who will carry on this heritage thereby ensuring that Missouri continues to be a leader in agricultural production. Many organizations, such as Future Farmers of America and 4-H, do a tremendous job of supporting the next generation of agricultural leaders. Through their work and encouragement, thousands of agricultural entries are submitted at the Fair each year. The preparation of these entries teaches Missouri’s future leaders the work and commitment necessary to be successful in this ever evolving industry.
Our current and future farmers have access to markets that go beyond the produce aisle of the local grocery store. They now compete in a global economy which has fueled many farmers to diversify their production by participating in value added agriculture processes. Whether it is participating in a renewable fuels process or taking part in the quality meats initiative, the opportunities within these growing markets are tremendous.
The Missouri State Fair has something in store for each of the 300,000 visitors who pass through the gates each year. The dedication and support from parents, teachers, neighbors, and other local leaders who volunteer to support our young farming programs is encouraging. The State Fair serves as the showcase of the endless opportunities in our agricultural industry and I look forward to this bright and exciting future.
As always, please feel free to call, email, or write with your ideas or concerns. The Capitol number is (573) 751-1415, my email is brad.lager@senate.mo.gov and my mailing address is Room 422, State Capitol Building, Jefferson City, MO 65101.
The 2011 Missouri State Fair is now underway. For more than 100 years, the Fair has been a celebration of Missouri’s rich agricultural history and a showcase for the hard work of so many young talented Missourians. The Fair serves as the opportunity to honor the accomplishments of Missouri’s farm families and to get a glimpse at the future of Missouri agriculture.
While the State Fair serves as the platform to celebrate our history and traditions, it also plays a vital role in shaping those who will carry on this heritage thereby ensuring that Missouri continues to be a leader in agricultural production. Many organizations, such as Future Farmers of America and 4-H, do a tremendous job of supporting the next generation of agricultural leaders. Through their work and encouragement, thousands of agricultural entries are submitted at the Fair each year. The preparation of these entries teaches Missouri’s future leaders the work and commitment necessary to be successful in this ever evolving industry.
Our current and future farmers have access to markets that go beyond the produce aisle of the local grocery store. They now compete in a global economy which has fueled many farmers to diversify their production by participating in value added agriculture processes. Whether it is participating in a renewable fuels process or taking part in the quality meats initiative, the opportunities within these growing markets are tremendous.
The Missouri State Fair has something in store for each of the 300,000 visitors who pass through the gates each year. The dedication and support from parents, teachers, neighbors, and other local leaders who volunteer to support our young farming programs is encouraging. The State Fair serves as the showcase of the endless opportunities in our agricultural industry and I look forward to this bright and exciting future.
As always, please feel free to call, email, or write with your ideas or concerns. The Capitol number is (573) 751-1415, my email is brad.lager@senate.mo.gov and my mailing address is Room 422, State Capitol Building, Jefferson City, MO 65101.
Worth County Sheriff's Report for August 17, 2011
8-8 -- Worth County Sheriff’s Department (WCSD) responds to a disturbance at Casey’s.
8-9 -- Report of a possible break-in at Grant City residence.
8-10 -- WCSD responds to suspicious car north of Denver on Rim Rock Trail.
8-10 -- WCSD investigates report of possible break-in at Grant City business.
8-10 -- WCSD investigates report of vandalism at another Grant City business.
8-11 -- Grant City resident reports a stolen car; recovered.
8-11 -- WCSD responds to 911 call near Oxford; “pocket call.”
8-12 -- Person in to report lost license plate.
8-12 -- Person in to get Concealed Carry Permit.
8-13 -- WCSD responds to call of out of control juvenile.
8-13 -- WCSD investigates a car-cow accident.
To report a problem, please contact the Worth County Sheriff’s Department at (660) 564-2222. For emergencies, dial 911.
8-9 -- Report of a possible break-in at Grant City residence.
8-10 -- WCSD responds to suspicious car north of Denver on Rim Rock Trail.
8-10 -- WCSD investigates report of possible break-in at Grant City business.
8-10 -- WCSD investigates report of vandalism at another Grant City business.
8-11 -- Grant City resident reports a stolen car; recovered.
8-11 -- WCSD responds to 911 call near Oxford; “pocket call.”
8-12 -- Person in to report lost license plate.
8-12 -- Person in to get Concealed Carry Permit.
8-13 -- WCSD responds to call of out of control juvenile.
8-13 -- WCSD investigates a car-cow accident.
To report a problem, please contact the Worth County Sheriff’s Department at (660) 564-2222. For emergencies, dial 911.
WCCC News -- Residents Attend Rodeo
Shirley Pierce led Sunday School on Sunday morning. There was a good attendance. Shirley has led Sunday School for us for several years; the residents always look forward to it.
Exercise started off our week on Monday August 8th. We played Bingo later in the day and had a very good crowd. Bingo is a favorite of our residents. Becky Supinger and Rachel Downey stopped by later in the afternoon, the residents always enjoys the different stories.
Tuesday morning several of the ladies had manicures. That is always a good time for a cup of coffee and some visiting, Resident Council met in the afternoon. Howard Burns was the big winner of the Tuesday Domino tournament.
Wednesday the WCCC Auxiliary met. We are looking forward to the Labor Day Cookout. It will be held the evening of Thursday September 1st. Bingo was the game of choice Wednesday afternoon; Alice Nash was the blackout winner.
Alice Nash, Zeke Wake, Merle Foley, Maxine Roberts, Lois Constant and Alice Miller went for a ride on Thursday. We drove down to Gentry; that prompted a lot of memories and discussion about the stores that used to be there and the people who used to live there.
Maxine Roberts, Lois Constant and Verna Coker attended the Senior Center meal on Friday. The Allendale Rodeo was Friday evening and everyone had a great time. Etha Pearl Ray, Merle Foley, Alvin Marsh, Ina Jones and Maxine Roberts attended. I would like to thank Vickie Miller and the Allendale CBC for being so accommodating.
Exercise started off our week on Monday August 8th. We played Bingo later in the day and had a very good crowd. Bingo is a favorite of our residents. Becky Supinger and Rachel Downey stopped by later in the afternoon, the residents always enjoys the different stories.
Tuesday morning several of the ladies had manicures. That is always a good time for a cup of coffee and some visiting, Resident Council met in the afternoon. Howard Burns was the big winner of the Tuesday Domino tournament.
Wednesday the WCCC Auxiliary met. We are looking forward to the Labor Day Cookout. It will be held the evening of Thursday September 1st. Bingo was the game of choice Wednesday afternoon; Alice Nash was the blackout winner.
Alice Nash, Zeke Wake, Merle Foley, Maxine Roberts, Lois Constant and Alice Miller went for a ride on Thursday. We drove down to Gentry; that prompted a lot of memories and discussion about the stores that used to be there and the people who used to live there.
Maxine Roberts, Lois Constant and Verna Coker attended the Senior Center meal on Friday. The Allendale Rodeo was Friday evening and everyone had a great time. Etha Pearl Ray, Merle Foley, Alvin Marsh, Ina Jones and Maxine Roberts attended. I would like to thank Vickie Miller and the Allendale CBC for being so accommodating.
Jack Remembers -- Saturday Nights, Part II
Dale Ensor, Lafayette County Treasurer, grew up on a farm near Butler. His family went to town every Saturday afternoon and sold their eggs for enough money to buy groceries for the upcoming week. Dale said after selling the eggs his mother went to the grocery store, his dad went to the feed store, and he went to the movie. The movie cost a dime, popcorn was a nickel, which out of his quarter allowance left him ten cents for a comic book. When he was old enough to buy a car, he continued to come to town every Saturday night where the young people had a square dance on the square. The band for the square dance consisted two guitars, a fiddle, banjo, and a caller on a flatbed wagon. Later in life, Dale said his mother got tired of looking at that big stack of comic books he had purchased every Saturday afternoon and threw them away. He figures if he had them today, they would be worth at least a new car.
I’ve had several people tell me Emma and Grain Valley had a free outdoor movie shown on the side of a building. The farmers at Emma went to Concordia to buy their groceries and the farmers near Grain Valley went to Oak Grove.
In Oak Grove on Saturday night, there were two barber shops which were so full it would take two to three hours to get a hair cut. Every once in a while, a town resident would be in the shop so he could hear all the gossip. My dad would be beside himself, saying “So and so could get a hair cut anytime during the week, why did he do it on Saturday night?” Looking back he was probably mad because by the time he got out of the barber shop, my mom would be ready to go home and he never had a chance to drink a beer a Vic’s Café.
Please let me know the Saturday night tradition in your home town.
Jack can be reached at PO Box 40, Oak Grove, MO 64075 or jackremembers@aol.com
I’ve had several people tell me Emma and Grain Valley had a free outdoor movie shown on the side of a building. The farmers at Emma went to Concordia to buy their groceries and the farmers near Grain Valley went to Oak Grove.
In Oak Grove on Saturday night, there were two barber shops which were so full it would take two to three hours to get a hair cut. Every once in a while, a town resident would be in the shop so he could hear all the gossip. My dad would be beside himself, saying “So and so could get a hair cut anytime during the week, why did he do it on Saturday night?” Looking back he was probably mad because by the time he got out of the barber shop, my mom would be ready to go home and he never had a chance to drink a beer a Vic’s Café.
Please let me know the Saturday night tradition in your home town.
Jack can be reached at PO Box 40, Oak Grove, MO 64075 or jackremembers@aol.com
Sunday, August 14, 2011
Cut to the Chase -- A New Kind of Tourism
A New Type of Vacation
By Samantha Warner
With the price of gas and current state of the economy, many Missourifamilies find it more difficult to take big, extravagant vacations. More people are taking advantage of the thriving agritourism industry across the state.
People who do not come from an agriculture background see agritourism as a way to experience farm and ranch life and educate their children while vacationing as a family. A driving force behind this is the increasing "local food" movement and an interest in where food comes from and how it is produced.
Some popular attractions in Missouri include: corn mazes, pumpkin patches, you-pick produce farms, trail rides, farmstead bed and breakfasts, Christmas tree farms, and educational activities geared towards elementary students.
Even though there are many great rewards for farmers and ranchers involved in agritourism, there are challenges to overcome. How to handle the liability of guests and how to best market a destination are among them.
Missouri Farm Bureau understands the importance of agritourism to its members and has an Agritourism Advisory Committee to help address challenges faced by the industry. Missouri Farm Bureau is committed to helping farmers succeed in pursuing agritourism opportunities, while also connecting the consumer to the product. To assist in this process the MFB website has a page dedicated to agritourism.
To access the page go to www.mofb.org, and click on the "Marketing & Commodities" tab. When the marketing page loads, click on the "Missouri Agritourism" tab - this will lead you to a listing of over 400 agritourism sites around the state just waiting for you and your family to come explore.
Whether you are a farmer looking to supplement your income by sharing the lifestyle you love with others from a non agriculture background, or you are looking for a local and unique vacation experience, give Missouri agritourism a try.
(Samantha Warner, of Archie, Mo., attends Missouri State University, and is a summer intern for Missouri Farm Bureau, the state's largest farm organization.)
By Samantha Warner
With the price of gas and current state of the economy, many Missourifamilies find it more difficult to take big, extravagant vacations. More people are taking advantage of the thriving agritourism industry across the state.
People who do not come from an agriculture background see agritourism as a way to experience farm and ranch life and educate their children while vacationing as a family. A driving force behind this is the increasing "local food" movement and an interest in where food comes from and how it is produced.
Some popular attractions in Missouri include: corn mazes, pumpkin patches, you-pick produce farms, trail rides, farmstead bed and breakfasts, Christmas tree farms, and educational activities geared towards elementary students.
Even though there are many great rewards for farmers and ranchers involved in agritourism, there are challenges to overcome. How to handle the liability of guests and how to best market a destination are among them.
Missouri Farm Bureau understands the importance of agritourism to its members and has an Agritourism Advisory Committee to help address challenges faced by the industry. Missouri Farm Bureau is committed to helping farmers succeed in pursuing agritourism opportunities, while also connecting the consumer to the product. To assist in this process the MFB website has a page dedicated to agritourism.
To access the page go to www.mofb.org, and click on the "Marketing & Commodities" tab. When the marketing page loads, click on the "Missouri Agritourism" tab - this will lead you to a listing of over 400 agritourism sites around the state just waiting for you and your family to come explore.
Whether you are a farmer looking to supplement your income by sharing the lifestyle you love with others from a non agriculture background, or you are looking for a local and unique vacation experience, give Missouri agritourism a try.
(Samantha Warner, of Archie, Mo., attends Missouri State University, and is a summer intern for Missouri Farm Bureau, the state's largest farm organization.)
Western Corn Rootworm Update
Western Corn Rootworm Update
Western corn rootworm field populations in eastern Iowa have developed resistance to the Cry3Bb1 rootworm trait according to Iowa State Entomologists. This is first confirmation of this type of resistance.
Researchers collected western corn rootworm adults from grower fields which had injury. They then grew the off-spring from these insects and conducted greenhouse research where the insects were exposed to the trait. The off-spring was less susceptible to this trait.
Growers were contacted and four problem fields had been planted to hybrids with this trait for at least three consecutive years. The control fields utilized a diversity of crops in a rotation and different management practices to prevent rootworm development and the insects did not develop resistance.
This is a reminder that we should continue planting the appropriate refuge and continuing to use integrated pest management practices such as pest scouting, use of economic thresholds, pest identification, crop rotation and other methods of pest control.
For more information, contact Wayne Flanary at 660-446-3724 or Heather Benedict at 660-425-6434, Regional Agronomists, University of Missouri Extension.
Western corn rootworm field populations in eastern Iowa have developed resistance to the Cry3Bb1 rootworm trait according to Iowa State Entomologists. This is first confirmation of this type of resistance.
Researchers collected western corn rootworm adults from grower fields which had injury. They then grew the off-spring from these insects and conducted greenhouse research where the insects were exposed to the trait. The off-spring was less susceptible to this trait.
Growers were contacted and four problem fields had been planted to hybrids with this trait for at least three consecutive years. The control fields utilized a diversity of crops in a rotation and different management practices to prevent rootworm development and the insects did not develop resistance.
This is a reminder that we should continue planting the appropriate refuge and continuing to use integrated pest management practices such as pest scouting, use of economic thresholds, pest identification, crop rotation and other methods of pest control.
For more information, contact Wayne Flanary at 660-446-3724 or Heather Benedict at 660-425-6434, Regional Agronomists, University of Missouri Extension.
State Treasurer Clint Zweifel says Missouri's $4 billion investment portfolio is secure
State Treasurer Clint Zweifel (ZWY-ful) issued a statement today about the continued strong fiscal health of the state's $4 billion investment portfolio in light of recent market fluctuation.
"Missourians should be confident in the health of their tax dollars I manage because those dollars are invested with prudence, using fiscally sound financial principles," Treasurer Zweifel said. "I want Missourians to know our bills will continue to be paid, and the $4 billion investment portfolio continues to be monitored with the utmost care, as it has been since the day I took office. The principles guiding our investments have not changed because they have been sound from day one - I focus on safety through conservative investments and manage liquidity so that our bills are always paid on time. The state's investment portfolio has not suffered any losses, and I am confident we will not be impacted because of the broad diversity and institutional safety put in place."
The investment portfolio is made up of funds not currently used to meet the state's cash flow needs. The investment portfolio consists of the following as of July 31:
U.S. Treasury Debt - 8 percent
U.S. Agency Debt - 51 percent
Repurchase Agreements - 18 percent
Bank Time Deposits - 17 percent
Highly-rated Commercial Paper - 6 percent
"Missourians should be confident in the health of their tax dollars I manage because those dollars are invested with prudence, using fiscally sound financial principles," Treasurer Zweifel said. "I want Missourians to know our bills will continue to be paid, and the $4 billion investment portfolio continues to be monitored with the utmost care, as it has been since the day I took office. The principles guiding our investments have not changed because they have been sound from day one - I focus on safety through conservative investments and manage liquidity so that our bills are always paid on time. The state's investment portfolio has not suffered any losses, and I am confident we will not be impacted because of the broad diversity and institutional safety put in place."
The investment portfolio is made up of funds not currently used to meet the state's cash flow needs. The investment portfolio consists of the following as of July 31:
U.S. Treasury Debt - 8 percent
U.S. Agency Debt - 51 percent
Repurchase Agreements - 18 percent
Bank Time Deposits - 17 percent
Highly-rated Commercial Paper - 6 percent
Big Catfish Swim in Small Streams
Sometimes big fish swim in seemingly small waters, such as the streams flowing through the rolling hills of northwest Missouri. It's not always obvious looking down on brownish rivers such as the Platte, Nodaway, Grand and One Hundred and Two - but huge flathead, blue and channel catfish lurk in their riverbed's deep holes.
Those anglers willing to do some paddling can enjoy a solitary experience and the chance to catch a trophy catfish, said Tory Mason, an MDC fisheries biologist who also fishes as a hobby.
"I've almost always caught fish just using rod and reel on canoe trips," Mason said. "I've never run into any other people when I'm out floating on these rivers."
As a biologist conducting catfish population surveys on rivers, he's also encountered some behemoths such as a blue catfish in the lower Nodaway River that he estimates topped 80 pounds. Catfish often enter streams in the state's northwest region from the Missouri River and swim upstream into the current, and perhaps that fish was one.
But sometimes very large catfish are caught far from the Missouri River in the upper reaches of streams that once drained prairies and now flow through farm land.
Josh Hendrix of Bolckow, Mo., in June caught a mammoth flathead catfish on a trotline baited with chub minnows in the One Hundred and Two River in Andrew County. It was far too big for his scale's top weight of 50 pounds, and he estimated the weight at 75 pounds.
"I could barely lift it," Hendrix said.
But catching big catfish in prairie rivers usually requires some angler effort to reach the more remote segments of streams, said Conservation Agent Michele Holland, who is based in Andrew County. The fish congregate in deep holes scoured by currents, and float fishing from johnboats or canoes is the best way to reach those spots. Getting boats up and down steep banks, even where public access is available, can be tricky.
"It can be a workout," Holland said.
MDC offers public access to rivers at conservation areas but boat ramps for launching large craft may not be available at generally shallow, upland streams. For instance, the Happy Holler Conservation Area north of Savannah offers bank access to the One Hundred and Two River but no boat ramps. Some rivers that are deeper in their lower reaches, such as the Platte River, do have boat ramps. But anglers should be aware that flooding can sometimes temporarily cover those ramps with mud and silt.
Anglers can look for accesses at the http://www.mdc.mo.gov/ website. Scroll down and on the right is a "Regs and Areas" box with options, select "Conservation Areas." Select the county where you plan to fish and click on "Find," and a list of conservation areas and river accesses will appear. Select the area to see what type of access is available.
Once on the river, finding fish can be pretty simple, Mason said.
"Your paddle will hit bottom for half the float," he said. "Then you'll come to a spot where you can't hit bottom. That's where the fish are. You can eliminate a lot of fishless water that way."
June and July are prime month for catching catfish in prairie streams. But August into autumn can be productive, too, because cooler weather and rains that cause a rise in water flow trigger fish to feed more actively. Mason likes to fish with dip or stink baits in late summer.
Autumn also brings on fall color and smaller streams often wind through scenic areas, Holland said, including the segment of the One Hundred and Two River that passes through the Happy Holler Conservation Area.
"It can be a pretty float," she said. "We usually don't run into anyone else on the water, even on a Saturday. _ Bill Graham
Bill Graham - Media Specialist
Missouri Department of Conservation
Gorman Discovery Center
4750 Troost Ave.
Kansas City, Mo. 64110
816-759-7305 ext. 1131
Fax: 816-759-7333
Those anglers willing to do some paddling can enjoy a solitary experience and the chance to catch a trophy catfish, said Tory Mason, an MDC fisheries biologist who also fishes as a hobby.
"I've almost always caught fish just using rod and reel on canoe trips," Mason said. "I've never run into any other people when I'm out floating on these rivers."
As a biologist conducting catfish population surveys on rivers, he's also encountered some behemoths such as a blue catfish in the lower Nodaway River that he estimates topped 80 pounds. Catfish often enter streams in the state's northwest region from the Missouri River and swim upstream into the current, and perhaps that fish was one.
But sometimes very large catfish are caught far from the Missouri River in the upper reaches of streams that once drained prairies and now flow through farm land.
Josh Hendrix of Bolckow, Mo., in June caught a mammoth flathead catfish on a trotline baited with chub minnows in the One Hundred and Two River in Andrew County. It was far too big for his scale's top weight of 50 pounds, and he estimated the weight at 75 pounds.
"I could barely lift it," Hendrix said.
But catching big catfish in prairie rivers usually requires some angler effort to reach the more remote segments of streams, said Conservation Agent Michele Holland, who is based in Andrew County. The fish congregate in deep holes scoured by currents, and float fishing from johnboats or canoes is the best way to reach those spots. Getting boats up and down steep banks, even where public access is available, can be tricky.
"It can be a workout," Holland said.
MDC offers public access to rivers at conservation areas but boat ramps for launching large craft may not be available at generally shallow, upland streams. For instance, the Happy Holler Conservation Area north of Savannah offers bank access to the One Hundred and Two River but no boat ramps. Some rivers that are deeper in their lower reaches, such as the Platte River, do have boat ramps. But anglers should be aware that flooding can sometimes temporarily cover those ramps with mud and silt.
Anglers can look for accesses at the http://www.mdc.mo.gov/ website. Scroll down and on the right is a "Regs and Areas" box with options, select "Conservation Areas." Select the county where you plan to fish and click on "Find," and a list of conservation areas and river accesses will appear. Select the area to see what type of access is available.
Once on the river, finding fish can be pretty simple, Mason said.
"Your paddle will hit bottom for half the float," he said. "Then you'll come to a spot where you can't hit bottom. That's where the fish are. You can eliminate a lot of fishless water that way."
June and July are prime month for catching catfish in prairie streams. But August into autumn can be productive, too, because cooler weather and rains that cause a rise in water flow trigger fish to feed more actively. Mason likes to fish with dip or stink baits in late summer.
Autumn also brings on fall color and smaller streams often wind through scenic areas, Holland said, including the segment of the One Hundred and Two River that passes through the Happy Holler Conservation Area.
"It can be a pretty float," she said. "We usually don't run into anyone else on the water, even on a Saturday. _ Bill Graham
Bill Graham - Media Specialist
Missouri Department of Conservation
Gorman Discovery Center
4750 Troost Ave.
Kansas City, Mo. 64110
816-759-7305 ext. 1131
Fax: 816-759-7333
Haleys Bring In Record Fishing Haul
--Submitted by Jeff Haley. Jeff Haley and his Haley cousins Jim Haley and his 3 boys - Matt, Paul and Patrick all 4 of Maryland - descendents of Jesse Haley - once Mayor of Sheridan MO - were on a recent "fishing trip" - thought it would be nice to share with residents of Sheridan.
Started up north thinking marlin & tuna, but after a few days of limited tuna action, the damm things were biting south of me about 20 miles, and after an hour of no bites and little sign of life I couldn't take it any more, so we started running....marked 2 places of tuna on the way and stopped but could not get a bite so we picked up and started running again.... in my mind I knew I was going to be late for the party.... this time of year usually the tuna bite is short and sweet, if at all .....got down to the pack of boats and set out and in 10 minutes hooked a single 40 lb yellowfin....happy days.....at least we weren't skunked....got going again and hooked a double header, than an single 50 lb fish, and then hooked a bigeye which Jeffrey Haley, from Missouri, boated after a half hour.....101 lbs to earn a citation on the first offshore fishing trip he has ever been on... then we boated several more tunas and a wahoo to end one of the Obsessions best late inning comebacks!
Started up north thinking marlin & tuna, but after a few days of limited tuna action, the damm things were biting south of me about 20 miles, and after an hour of no bites and little sign of life I couldn't take it any more, so we started running....marked 2 places of tuna on the way and stopped but could not get a bite so we picked up and started running again.... in my mind I knew I was going to be late for the party.... this time of year usually the tuna bite is short and sweet, if at all .....got down to the pack of boats and set out and in 10 minutes hooked a single 40 lb yellowfin....happy days.....at least we weren't skunked....got going again and hooked a double header, than an single 50 lb fish, and then hooked a bigeye which Jeffrey Haley, from Missouri, boated after a half hour.....101 lbs to earn a citation on the first offshore fishing trip he has ever been on... then we boated several more tunas and a wahoo to end one of the Obsessions best late inning comebacks!
Tuesday, August 9, 2011
Unclaimed Property Scam
State Treasurer Clint Zweifel (ZWY-ful) is warning Missourians of an email scam being sent nationwide that claims the recipient is owed $2.8 million in Unclaimed Property found in a metal trunk and goes on to request personal information.
The current scam email states a fake individual, Jeff Smith, director of the National Association of Unclaimed Property Administrators, is working with the FBI to return $2.8 million found with the recipient’s email address and name attached. It further requests private information, including the recipient’s full name, address, telephone number, age and occupation. If a person responds, he or she is then directed to call an attorney based in the United Kingdom to provide personal financial information – the respondent then is charged high fees for the call. An example of the fraudulent emails can be found here.
“This email is a scam intended to steal personal information,” Treasurer Zweifel said. “Moving forward, Missourians should be on the lookout for two practices that can indicate an Unclaimed Property scam – unsolicited emails asking for personal information and an offer to return lost property, but for a fee. My team does not send unsolicited emails asking for personal information. I never charge a fee, and will never direct someone to a third-party charging a fee. If someone emails you about Unclaimed Property asking for personal information or wants to charge you to return your property, call my office at (573) 751-0123 to verify legitimacy.”
Treasurer Zweifel is a member of National Association of Unclaimed Property Administrators, but the group never notifies individuals of Unclaimed Property – that duty is left to individual State Treasurers and administrators. The Missouri State Highway Patrol and the Multi State Information Sharing and Analysis Center have been informed of the scam.
“My team only sends out emails in response to constituent questions, while working with an individual who has already begun the claims process or to let individuals who have registered for email notifications know of recently added Unclaimed Property,” Treasurer Zweifel. “Please contact my team any time you question the validity of an Unclaimed Property email.”
Individuals are also being encouraged to report suspicious Unclaimed Property emails to the Internet Crime Complaint Center at www.ic3.gov/complaint/default.aspx or the Federal Trade Commission at www.ftccomplaintassistant.gov.
The current scam email states a fake individual, Jeff Smith, director of the National Association of Unclaimed Property Administrators, is working with the FBI to return $2.8 million found with the recipient’s email address and name attached. It further requests private information, including the recipient’s full name, address, telephone number, age and occupation. If a person responds, he or she is then directed to call an attorney based in the United Kingdom to provide personal financial information – the respondent then is charged high fees for the call. An example of the fraudulent emails can be found here.
“This email is a scam intended to steal personal information,” Treasurer Zweifel said. “Moving forward, Missourians should be on the lookout for two practices that can indicate an Unclaimed Property scam – unsolicited emails asking for personal information and an offer to return lost property, but for a fee. My team does not send unsolicited emails asking for personal information. I never charge a fee, and will never direct someone to a third-party charging a fee. If someone emails you about Unclaimed Property asking for personal information or wants to charge you to return your property, call my office at (573) 751-0123 to verify legitimacy.”
Treasurer Zweifel is a member of National Association of Unclaimed Property Administrators, but the group never notifies individuals of Unclaimed Property – that duty is left to individual State Treasurers and administrators. The Missouri State Highway Patrol and the Multi State Information Sharing and Analysis Center have been informed of the scam.
“My team only sends out emails in response to constituent questions, while working with an individual who has already begun the claims process or to let individuals who have registered for email notifications know of recently added Unclaimed Property,” Treasurer Zweifel. “Please contact my team any time you question the validity of an Unclaimed Property email.”
Individuals are also being encouraged to report suspicious Unclaimed Property emails to the Internet Crime Complaint Center at www.ic3.gov/complaint/default.aspx or the Federal Trade Commission at www.ftccomplaintassistant.gov.
New High Risk Health Insurance Pool Available
Missouri's new high-risk health insurance pool is offering a significant reduction in rates. The board of directors of the Missouri Health Insurance Pool has announced a 23 percent reduction in rates for new and existing policyholders in its federally funded pool.
The pool guarantees health coverage for Missourians with pre-existing medical conditions, many of whom are unable to buy a policy from private insurance companies. The pool is funded by an $81 million federal grant, and has been operated by MHIP since July 2010.
"Our aggressive rate reduction is intended to make this much-needed health coverage more affordable," said John M. Huff, director of the Missouri Department of Insurance and an MHIP board member. "This pool is now insuring more than 550 Missourians who previously had no health coverage because they could not find affordable coverage in the commercial market. This premium reduction will make comprehensive health care coverage more accessible to Missourians with pre-existing medical conditions."
Huff says monthly premiums range from $137 to $601, depending on the consumer's age and which deductible is chosen. In addition to the federal grant, the program is funded by premiums paid by policyholders. No state funds are used by the pool.
To be eligible for the federally funded pool, applicants must be Missouri residents, have a pre-existing medical condition and be uninsured for at least six months.
Consumers can apply online for insurance coverage at mhip.org or by calling toll-free 800-821-2231.
This new pool is the second operated by MHIP in Missouri. Since 1991, MHIP has run a high-risk pool for Missourians, established by state law. The state pool has more than 4,100 members. That pool is funded by premiums paid by policyholders and by fees assessed on health insurance companies operating in Missouri.
MHIP is governed by a nine-member board of directors, appointed by the director of the Missouri Department of Insurance. The current board represents a broad cross-section of stakeholders, including the insurance director, insurers, consumer advocates and health care providers.
About the Missouri Department of Insurance, Financial Institutions & Professional Registration
The Missouri Department of Insurance, Financial Institutions and Professional Registration (DIFP) is responsible for consumer protection through the regulation of financial industries and professionals. The department's seven divisions work to enforce state regulations both efficiently and effectively while encouraging a competitive environment for industries and professions to ensure consumers have access to quality products.
The pool guarantees health coverage for Missourians with pre-existing medical conditions, many of whom are unable to buy a policy from private insurance companies. The pool is funded by an $81 million federal grant, and has been operated by MHIP since July 2010.
"Our aggressive rate reduction is intended to make this much-needed health coverage more affordable," said John M. Huff, director of the Missouri Department of Insurance and an MHIP board member. "This pool is now insuring more than 550 Missourians who previously had no health coverage because they could not find affordable coverage in the commercial market. This premium reduction will make comprehensive health care coverage more accessible to Missourians with pre-existing medical conditions."
Huff says monthly premiums range from $137 to $601, depending on the consumer's age and which deductible is chosen. In addition to the federal grant, the program is funded by premiums paid by policyholders. No state funds are used by the pool.
To be eligible for the federally funded pool, applicants must be Missouri residents, have a pre-existing medical condition and be uninsured for at least six months.
Consumers can apply online for insurance coverage at mhip.org or by calling toll-free 800-821-2231.
This new pool is the second operated by MHIP in Missouri. Since 1991, MHIP has run a high-risk pool for Missourians, established by state law. The state pool has more than 4,100 members. That pool is funded by premiums paid by policyholders and by fees assessed on health insurance companies operating in Missouri.
MHIP is governed by a nine-member board of directors, appointed by the director of the Missouri Department of Insurance. The current board represents a broad cross-section of stakeholders, including the insurance director, insurers, consumer advocates and health care providers.
About the Missouri Department of Insurance, Financial Institutions & Professional Registration
The Missouri Department of Insurance, Financial Institutions and Professional Registration (DIFP) is responsible for consumer protection through the regulation of financial industries and professionals. The department's seven divisions work to enforce state regulations both efficiently and effectively while encouraging a competitive environment for industries and professions to ensure consumers have access to quality products.
WCCC News -- Great Crowd for Bingo
Exercise started off our week on Monday August 1st. We played Bingo later in the day and had a very good crowd. Bingo is a favorite of our residents. Becky Supinger and Rachel Downey stopped by later in the afternoon. The residents always look forward to these visits.
Tuesday morning several of the ladies had manicures. That is always a good time for a cup of coffee and some visiting. Deloris Spire & Harlee Jo Meek brought 3 Maltese, Shitzu cross puppies to visit with the residents. The residents enjoyed the puppies and have invited them to come back and visit any time.
Wednesday was “Beauty Shop” day the ladies always look forward to this day. We have started a Book Club for Wednesday mornings. We started our first club meeting with Irma Bombeck stories. The Residents got several laughs out of these stories which prompted a few stories of their own. August Birthdays were celebrated Wednesday afternoon; Happy Birthday to Verna Coker and Lavetta Lassen. The Methodist ladies planned the party and residents enjoyed different melons along with music by Travis Dimmit. Everyone had a great time and the ladies did a wonderful job.
I would like to thank Mary Nell Richards and Marilyn Calhoun for leading Bible Study on Thursday morning. Bingo was the game of choice Thursday afternoon. Ina Jones was the blackout winner.
Lunch Time Lottery was played Friday in the dining hall. We did not have a big winner this month so, the prize pot is growing. Zeke Wake, Etha Pearl Ray, Maxine Roberts, Norma Craven, Merle Foley, Ina Jones and Verna Coker took a van ride to the Sheridan area on Friday afternoon.
Tuesday morning several of the ladies had manicures. That is always a good time for a cup of coffee and some visiting. Deloris Spire & Harlee Jo Meek brought 3 Maltese, Shitzu cross puppies to visit with the residents. The residents enjoyed the puppies and have invited them to come back and visit any time.
Wednesday was “Beauty Shop” day the ladies always look forward to this day. We have started a Book Club for Wednesday mornings. We started our first club meeting with Irma Bombeck stories. The Residents got several laughs out of these stories which prompted a few stories of their own. August Birthdays were celebrated Wednesday afternoon; Happy Birthday to Verna Coker and Lavetta Lassen. The Methodist ladies planned the party and residents enjoyed different melons along with music by Travis Dimmit. Everyone had a great time and the ladies did a wonderful job.
I would like to thank Mary Nell Richards and Marilyn Calhoun for leading Bible Study on Thursday morning. Bingo was the game of choice Thursday afternoon. Ina Jones was the blackout winner.
Lunch Time Lottery was played Friday in the dining hall. We did not have a big winner this month so, the prize pot is growing. Zeke Wake, Etha Pearl Ray, Maxine Roberts, Norma Craven, Merle Foley, Ina Jones and Verna Coker took a van ride to the Sheridan area on Friday afternoon.
Jack Remembers -- Horse Whisperers
Tom Bass was born in slavery in 1859 near Mexico Mo which back then was the show horse capital of the world. He would become the greatest horse trainer who ever lived, probably a “horse whisperer” before the terminology was first used. He trained and showed world champion horses all over the United States, was visited in his home town of Mexico by Theodore Roosevelt, William McKinley, William Howard Taft, and William Jennings Bryan. He rode in the inaugural parades for both Presidents Grover Cleveland and Calvin Coolidge. For a short period of time he had a barn in Kansas City where he trained horses and founded the American Royal. When Tom Bass was seven years old, he was teaching a mule how to canter. One time trying to impress the plantation owner who happened to be Tom’s father he had the mule canter backwards at a fast pace
At about the same time in history, the Hackley family became known for their Thoroughbreds which were raised on my great-grandfather’s farm north of Richmond where he sold horses to Frank and Jesse James. Later Standardbred horses were raised and trained by his son George and grandson Dub Hackley from Waverly.
My dad raised and showed Tennessee Walking horses, and could gait a horse in nothing flat. When I was seven years old, my dad gave me an old horse to carry water to the thrashing crew who were loading wagons in the field. I hated that horse. I had to kick him every step of the way to the field but then hang on tight when we headed back to the barn to fill the jugs up with more water. The horse would be at a dead run and try to scrape me off on a post before heading to the barn where I would have to duck down to keep from hitting my head on the barn door.
Unlike Tom Bass, I could never control that old horse I had. I think that is why my family’s love of horses ended with me. I much preferred a Ford.
Jack can be reached at PO Box 40, Oak Grove, MO 64075 or jackremembers@aol.com
At about the same time in history, the Hackley family became known for their Thoroughbreds which were raised on my great-grandfather’s farm north of Richmond where he sold horses to Frank and Jesse James. Later Standardbred horses were raised and trained by his son George and grandson Dub Hackley from Waverly.
My dad raised and showed Tennessee Walking horses, and could gait a horse in nothing flat. When I was seven years old, my dad gave me an old horse to carry water to the thrashing crew who were loading wagons in the field. I hated that horse. I had to kick him every step of the way to the field but then hang on tight when we headed back to the barn to fill the jugs up with more water. The horse would be at a dead run and try to scrape me off on a post before heading to the barn where I would have to duck down to keep from hitting my head on the barn door.
Unlike Tom Bass, I could never control that old horse I had. I think that is why my family’s love of horses ended with me. I much preferred a Ford.
Jack can be reached at PO Box 40, Oak Grove, MO 64075 or jackremembers@aol.com
Millions in Unclaimed Cash Available at the State Fair
State Treasurer Clint Zweifel (ZWY-ful) announced today that members of his Unclaimed Property team will be at the 2011 State Fair each day starting Thursday, Aug. 11, from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. in the Mathewson Exhibition Center to help Missourians find and claim their property.
More than 400 account owners found $56,858 at the 2010 Missouri State Fair. One in 10 Missourians has Unclaimed Property, and there is $600 million available. Fairgoers will be able to search for property, file claims and ask questions.
“Thousands of Missourians will visit Sedalia for the State Fair, and it’s a perfect time to see if they, their family or their friends have some money waiting for them,” Treasurer Zweifel said. “The process is simple and easy – with 55 percent of claims now done without a piece of paper. Most fairgoers are going to find money or know someone who is owed money. The average claim is $300, so it is worth a visit.”
Anyone can search for Unclaimed Property anytime at www.ShowMeMoney.com. Missourians can also sign-up to receive email notifications when new Unclaimed Property matching their information is added. Since January 2009, Treasurer Zweifel has returned $85 million to more than 260,000 account owners.
About Treasurer Zweifel’s Unclaimed Property
State law requires financial institutions, insurance companies, public agencies and other business entities to turn over assets to Treasurer Zweifel that belong to a customer, client, employee or other owner if there have been no documented transactions or contact with the owner for five or more years. Most Unclaimed Property consists of cash from bank accounts, stocks, bonds and contents of safe deposit boxes that have been abandoned. It also can include uncollected insurance policy proceeds, government refunds, utility deposits and wages from past jobs. Treasurer Zweifel does not handle real property such as land, houses, cars and boats. There is $600 million in Unclaimed Property maintained by Treasurer Zweifel. Treasurer Zweifel never charges for the return of Unclaimed Property.
Monday, August 8, 2011
Region to Get Cybercrime Grant Money
The Missouri Department of Public Safety announced today that more than $300,000 in grant funding has been awarded to assist local authorities in the Kansas City and northwest Missouri areas in their efforts to fight online criminals who often seek to entice children and deal in child pornography. Last year, a U.S. Justice Department report ranked Missouri’s cyber crime fighting efforts among the national leaders in the number of arrests made and the number of law enforcement officers trained.
The initiatives receiving a portion of the $323,769 in grants are:
· The Northeastern Jackson County Cyber Crimes Working Group Against Internet Crimes in Independence will receive $121,092. Cities participating in the unit are: Independence, Buckner and Sugar Creek.
· The Western Missouri Cyber Crimes Task Force in Platte County will receive $202,677. Participating counties are: Andrew, Atchison, Bates, Buchanan, Caldwell, Carroll, Cass, Clay, Clinton, Daviess, DeKalb, Gentry, Grundy, Harrison, Henry, Holt, Jackson, Johnson, Lafayette, Livingston, Mercer, Nodaway, Pettis, Platte, Ray, Saline and Worth.
“Nothing is more important than protecting Missouri’s children from predators who prey online and these grants will help ensure that those efforts remain strong and well-funded,” said Department of Public Safety Director John M. Britt. “I am particularly impressed by the number of arrests Missouri’s cyber crimes investigators have been able to make, their professionalism and their recognition by the U.S. Justice Department as being among the nation’s leaders.”
The PROTECT Our Children Act of 2008 mandated that the Department of Justice report to Congress every two years on the effectiveness of the fight against child exploitation. Last year, the Justice Department’s first report to Congress ranked Missouri’s effort among the leaders of the 59 task force units surveyed nationally, including:
· First in computer forensics (1,441 computer examinations)
· Second in arrests (337 arrests)
· Second in officers trained (5,810 officers trained)
The Justice Department report included results from federal fiscal year 2008 and the first six months of 2009. Missouri, unlike many states, uses a regional approach that emphasizes working cooperatively across jurisdictional lines and information sharing among law enforcement agencies. The Missouri Internet Crimes Against Children Task Force manages Missouri’s child exploitation cyber crimes program and has 101 affiliate agencies in Missouri, including the cyber-crime task forces in the Kansas City and northwest Missouri areas.
Missouri’s task forces use several methods to fight online crime. These include undercover operations, during which officers pose as minors in online chat rooms, reactive enforcement, which utilizes and investigates tips from public or local law enforcement, and forensic investigation, which analyzes the computers of suspects for evidence of crime. Public education about the dangers of online crime is also an important role of a cyber crimes task force.
The Northeastern Jackson County Cyber Crimes Working Group Against Internet Crimes and the Western Missouri Cyber Crimes Task Force are two of the 14 multi-jurisdictional task forces receiving grant awards totaling $1,516,702, which comes from the American Recovery and Reinvestment Act Justice Assistance Grant program.
The August 2010 U.S. Justice Department report to Congress, The National Strategy for Child Exploitation Prevention and Interdiction, is available at http://www.projectsafechildhood.gov/docs/natstrategyreport.pdf
The initiatives receiving a portion of the $323,769 in grants are:
· The Northeastern Jackson County Cyber Crimes Working Group Against Internet Crimes in Independence will receive $121,092. Cities participating in the unit are: Independence, Buckner and Sugar Creek.
· The Western Missouri Cyber Crimes Task Force in Platte County will receive $202,677. Participating counties are: Andrew, Atchison, Bates, Buchanan, Caldwell, Carroll, Cass, Clay, Clinton, Daviess, DeKalb, Gentry, Grundy, Harrison, Henry, Holt, Jackson, Johnson, Lafayette, Livingston, Mercer, Nodaway, Pettis, Platte, Ray, Saline and Worth.
“Nothing is more important than protecting Missouri’s children from predators who prey online and these grants will help ensure that those efforts remain strong and well-funded,” said Department of Public Safety Director John M. Britt. “I am particularly impressed by the number of arrests Missouri’s cyber crimes investigators have been able to make, their professionalism and their recognition by the U.S. Justice Department as being among the nation’s leaders.”
The PROTECT Our Children Act of 2008 mandated that the Department of Justice report to Congress every two years on the effectiveness of the fight against child exploitation. Last year, the Justice Department’s first report to Congress ranked Missouri’s effort among the leaders of the 59 task force units surveyed nationally, including:
· First in computer forensics (1,441 computer examinations)
· Second in arrests (337 arrests)
· Second in officers trained (5,810 officers trained)
The Justice Department report included results from federal fiscal year 2008 and the first six months of 2009. Missouri, unlike many states, uses a regional approach that emphasizes working cooperatively across jurisdictional lines and information sharing among law enforcement agencies. The Missouri Internet Crimes Against Children Task Force manages Missouri’s child exploitation cyber crimes program and has 101 affiliate agencies in Missouri, including the cyber-crime task forces in the Kansas City and northwest Missouri areas.
Missouri’s task forces use several methods to fight online crime. These include undercover operations, during which officers pose as minors in online chat rooms, reactive enforcement, which utilizes and investigates tips from public or local law enforcement, and forensic investigation, which analyzes the computers of suspects for evidence of crime. Public education about the dangers of online crime is also an important role of a cyber crimes task force.
The Northeastern Jackson County Cyber Crimes Working Group Against Internet Crimes and the Western Missouri Cyber Crimes Task Force are two of the 14 multi-jurisdictional task forces receiving grant awards totaling $1,516,702, which comes from the American Recovery and Reinvestment Act Justice Assistance Grant program.
The August 2010 U.S. Justice Department report to Congress, The National Strategy for Child Exploitation Prevention and Interdiction, is available at http://www.projectsafechildhood.gov/docs/natstrategyreport.pdf
Sunday, August 7, 2011
NW Cellular Donates $1500 to Worth County Back to School Fair
As summer heats up, it won’t be long and children will be heading back to school. For many, tough economic times mean more assistance is needed for the basic supplies such as notebooks, pencils and backpacks. Northwest Missouri Cellular is once again supporting Community Services’ Back to School Fair to provide these much needed items to children in Atchison, Holt, Nodaway, Worth and Gentry counties. A recent donation of $1,500 was made to the directors of each county.
This program is an annual event that assists low-income families by providing education on resources available to them and backpacks filled with school supplies for the children that participate. Additionally, other services such as haircuts, immunizations, dental products and personal hygiene products are also offered in many locations. In 2010, over 100 children and adults attended the fair.
“With the uncertain economy and everyday prices from gas to food increasing, we realized more than ever we as a community need to provide assistance to this quality program.” said Roger Bundridge, General Manager for Northwest Missouri Cellular. “Our philosophy has always been to support the local communities that we live in. This is just one of the many ways that sets us apart from other wireless carriers within the area.”
This program is an annual event that assists low-income families by providing education on resources available to them and backpacks filled with school supplies for the children that participate. Additionally, other services such as haircuts, immunizations, dental products and personal hygiene products are also offered in many locations. In 2010, over 100 children and adults attended the fair.
“With the uncertain economy and everyday prices from gas to food increasing, we realized more than ever we as a community need to provide assistance to this quality program.” said Roger Bundridge, General Manager for Northwest Missouri Cellular. “Our philosophy has always been to support the local communities that we live in. This is just one of the many ways that sets us apart from other wireless carriers within the area.”
Subscribe to:
Posts (Atom)