Monday, August 24, 2020

Asian Knotweed Found Along County Roads

Worth County commissioners received complaints of Asian Knotweed growing along the gravel road that runs south of Jeff Andrews’, just east of the West Fork and south of Isadora. It is a highly invasive species. It is also known as Japanese Knotweed. Its stems are edible as a vegetable which tastes similar to rhubarb, and it can be used by honeybees. However, it is a highly invasive species due to the fact that it can choke out native vegetation and can damage concrete foundations, buildings, roads, and walls. It can be controlled by glyphosate or other pesticides, or by digging up the soil; however, the roots can get as much as nine feet deep. In the UK, there are mortgage lenders who will refuse to lend to prospective homeowners if the plant is discovered nearby. It is found in 42 out of the 50 states in the US.

Emergency Management Director Abby Hawk reported that there were 7,500 Coronavirus cases in Missouri since the week before; there were 1,000 fewer new cases than the week before. There were no new cases in Worth County. The school is doing a “mask up” campaign to encourage students to wear masks. There is another shortage of N95 masks nationwide. The county has ordered 1,000 masks.

Jim Fletchall reported that a road south of Mosbarger’s needed a 36” tube. Brush problems on Roads #189, 176, and 178 were discussed. The commission decided to send brush letters to landowners along Road #189. 

The county performed a tax sale on a building with unpaid taxes.


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