April Birthdays
11 Bud Meek
11 Nicholas Rucker
12 Bernice Brown
12 Richard Brown
12 Michelle Miller
12 Cheryl Johnson
13 Ruth Henry
13 Eric Hensley
13 Richard Melvin
14 Rusty Faubion
15 Justin Miller
18 David Stewart
18 Juaquina Treadaway
19 Kelly Cordell
19 Peggy Roed
19 Sarah Marcum
21 Joe Everhart
21 Bill Farrens
21 Allen Kettle
21 Rob Molt
23 Allen Stewart
24 Wyatt Gray
24 Jerry Lawrence
25 Kenton Johnson
28 Karla Norris Wiederholt
28 Alan Nicholas
28 Jeremy Reid
29 Tami Blunt
29 Lynn Stewart
29 Elaine Gray Schornhorst
30 Wanda K. Campbell
30 Russ Naill
April Anniversaries
20 Danny & Peggy Brown
28 Melvin & Danna Shoemaker
Saturday, April 7, 2012
Extension Area Crop Pest Report
Growers have been finding high levels of alfalfa weevil and aphids. Fields have been sprayed but please refer to the pre-harvest intervals for insecticide applications. As far as aphids, different aphids have different economic thresholds. Use alfalfa weevil levels as a priority to guide spraying decisions.
The use of cover crops has provided additional complexity to herbicide program especially when managing glyphosate resistant weeds. The recrop intervals as provided on the herbicide label will some information of potential injury to planting a fall cover crop.
Weeds have an early start this spring with warm temperatures. Early herbicide applications may not last as long as you would typically expect. The early herbicide application timing should be monitored carefully for potential escapes as the weather impacts planting date.
Corn planting depth that is most concerning is too shallow especially in no-till. Coulters must cut residue and not hairpin residue into the seed furrow. Deep running of trash whippers may cause heavy rains to cut through the track especially if not running with soil slopes.
Watch fields coming out of CRP for additional pests or especially any fields that have not had typical management in the past. Pests such as white grub can be found especially the second year after coming out of sod. Scout fields carefully for crop injury.
Black cutworm moth flights in northwest Missouri have been light. As of this date, one may find an occasional area within a field that may have damage.
For more information, contact Wayne Flanary at 660-446-3724 or Heather Benedict at 660-425-6434, Regional agronomists, University of Missouri Extension.
The use of cover crops has provided additional complexity to herbicide program especially when managing glyphosate resistant weeds. The recrop intervals as provided on the herbicide label will some information of potential injury to planting a fall cover crop.
Weeds have an early start this spring with warm temperatures. Early herbicide applications may not last as long as you would typically expect. The early herbicide application timing should be monitored carefully for potential escapes as the weather impacts planting date.
Corn planting depth that is most concerning is too shallow especially in no-till. Coulters must cut residue and not hairpin residue into the seed furrow. Deep running of trash whippers may cause heavy rains to cut through the track especially if not running with soil slopes.
Watch fields coming out of CRP for additional pests or especially any fields that have not had typical management in the past. Pests such as white grub can be found especially the second year after coming out of sod. Scout fields carefully for crop injury.
Black cutworm moth flights in northwest Missouri have been light. As of this date, one may find an occasional area within a field that may have damage.
For more information, contact Wayne Flanary at 660-446-3724 or Heather Benedict at 660-425-6434, Regional agronomists, University of Missouri Extension.
Friday, April 6, 2012
Teacher tenure and failed school districts bills fall in Missouri Senate
Two of the major education issues for the 2012 legislative session failed in the Missouri Senate.
The Senate rejected an effort Tuesday, April 3, to eliminate the state teacher tenure system. A day earlier, Monday, April 2, a Senate filibuster forced the chamber to cast aside a measure that would have allowed St. Louis County schools to reject students from the unaccredited St. Louis City school system.
The tenure-elimination plan was rejected 17-15 by the Senate. Under current law, a Missouri public school teacher is given automatic job protection after five years.
"People want to have reform, and we can't just walk away from this," said the proposal's sponsor, Sen. Jane Cunningham, R-St. Louis County.
Senate Education Committee Chairman David Pearce, R-Warrensburg, sponsored the move to shelve elimination of teacher tenure and said the process was going too fast.
"This has long-term ramifications for the future of Missouri," Pearce said.
Cunningham said she was surprised by the vote and described it as "terribly disappointing."
"The colleagues in the Senate put government employees ahead of students," Cunningham said when asked about the vote.
Then on Thursday, April 5, the Senate approved a different approach. On a voice vote, they approved a provision that would increase from 5 years to 10 the number of years a teacher must be employed before obtaining job-protection tenure.
The amendment was sponsored by Senate Republican Leader Tom Dempsey, R-St. Charles.
"Moving it from five to 10 years means teachers will continue to grow and develop," Dempsey said.
The measure, given preliminary approval by the Senate, also eliminates the "last in, first out" principle for laying off teachers when budget problems force cutbacks. Under current law, layoffs start with the least senior teacher.
One major education issue did clear the Senate. It removes the two-year waiting period for the state to take over unaccredited school districts. The measure was prompted by the accreditation loss effective Jan. 1, 2012, of the Kansas City School District.
The Senate rejected an effort Tuesday, April 3, to eliminate the state teacher tenure system. A day earlier, Monday, April 2, a Senate filibuster forced the chamber to cast aside a measure that would have allowed St. Louis County schools to reject students from the unaccredited St. Louis City school system.
The tenure-elimination plan was rejected 17-15 by the Senate. Under current law, a Missouri public school teacher is given automatic job protection after five years.
"People want to have reform, and we can't just walk away from this," said the proposal's sponsor, Sen. Jane Cunningham, R-St. Louis County.
Senate Education Committee Chairman David Pearce, R-Warrensburg, sponsored the move to shelve elimination of teacher tenure and said the process was going too fast.
"This has long-term ramifications for the future of Missouri," Pearce said.
Cunningham said she was surprised by the vote and described it as "terribly disappointing."
"The colleagues in the Senate put government employees ahead of students," Cunningham said when asked about the vote.
Then on Thursday, April 5, the Senate approved a different approach. On a voice vote, they approved a provision that would increase from 5 years to 10 the number of years a teacher must be employed before obtaining job-protection tenure.
The amendment was sponsored by Senate Republican Leader Tom Dempsey, R-St. Charles.
"Moving it from five to 10 years means teachers will continue to grow and develop," Dempsey said.
The measure, given preliminary approval by the Senate, also eliminates the "last in, first out" principle for laying off teachers when budget problems force cutbacks. Under current law, layoffs start with the least senior teacher.
One major education issue did clear the Senate. It removes the two-year waiting period for the state to take over unaccredited school districts. The measure was prompted by the accreditation loss effective Jan. 1, 2012, of the Kansas City School District.
Community Choir Performs Easter Theme
The Worth County Community Choir & Band performed at an Easter concert at the Grant City Baptist Church Friday. They opened up with the band playing “El Shaddai (There is a Savior), followed by a welcome and prayer by interim minister Richard Lamborn. The band then performed “Near the Cross” and “Behold the Lamb” and “When I Survey the Wondrous Cross.”
The Choir then took the stage and sang a praise medley, followed by “I’ve Just Been with Jesus,” “Lamb of God,” “He Looked Beyond my Fault,” a Resurrection Day medley, “I Pledge Allegiance to the Lamb,” “Hallelujah! (Praise the Lamb),” “Christ the Lord is Risen Today,” and the Easter Song.
Choir members performing were Linda Phipps, Pat Houts, Judy Claypool, Carolyn Houts, LeeAnn Grabb, Mary Seat, Keith Younger, Deb Younger, Danny Jackson, Lowell Houts, David Hunt, and directed by Becky Thompson. Band members were Carolyn Houts (director), Becky Thompson (clarinet), Jane Gabriel (clarinet), Danny Jackson (clarinet), Keith Younger (trumpet), Lowell Houts (trumpet), Mary Seat (trombone), Deb Younger (flute), and Louise Craven (flute).
Brent Fletchall provided the drum accompaniment for the band while Martin Thompson provided the narration. Marilyn Thompson and Judy Claypool set up the reception afterwards.
The Choir then took the stage and sang a praise medley, followed by “I’ve Just Been with Jesus,” “Lamb of God,” “He Looked Beyond my Fault,” a Resurrection Day medley, “I Pledge Allegiance to the Lamb,” “Hallelujah! (Praise the Lamb),” “Christ the Lord is Risen Today,” and the Easter Song.
Choir members performing were Linda Phipps, Pat Houts, Judy Claypool, Carolyn Houts, LeeAnn Grabb, Mary Seat, Keith Younger, Deb Younger, Danny Jackson, Lowell Houts, David Hunt, and directed by Becky Thompson. Band members were Carolyn Houts (director), Becky Thompson (clarinet), Jane Gabriel (clarinet), Danny Jackson (clarinet), Keith Younger (trumpet), Lowell Houts (trumpet), Mary Seat (trombone), Deb Younger (flute), and Louise Craven (flute).
Brent Fletchall provided the drum accompaniment for the band while Martin Thompson provided the narration. Marilyn Thompson and Judy Claypool set up the reception afterwards.
Weekly Road Work for April 11th, 2012
The following is a listing of general highway maintenance work in the Sheridan Express coverage area for the week of April 9-13, 2012. Weather conditions may cause postponements in the planned work schedule. Other construction or maintenance work may occur on other roadways throughout the area. Many projects will include lane closures and delays can be expected. Most work will be done between normal working hours 7:30 a.m. - 3:00 p.m.
The Missouri Department of Transportation reminds the public to buckle up, slow down, and drive with extreme caution through work zones. For more information about a project, please contact MoDOT at 1-888-ASK-MoDOT (888-275-6636) or log onto www.modot.mo.gov/northwest/. You can also follow MoDOT's Northwest Missouri District on Twitter at twitter.com/ModotNorthwest or on Facebook at www.facebook.com/ModotNorthwest.
Gentry County
Route CC - pothole patching from Hwy 48 to end of state maintenance, April 9-11
Various routes - spraying weeds and washing bridges, April 9-13
Route BB - pothole patching from U.S. Hwy 169 (in Gentry County) to Route P (in Andrew County), April 12-13
Harrison County
Various routes - spraying weeds and washing bridges, April 9-13
Nodaway County
Route O - pothole patching from Route B to Route 46, April 9
U.S. Hwy 71 - pothole patching from the U.S. Hwy 136 intersection south to Route FF, April 9-10, Route WW - pothole patching from Route M to the end of the route, April 10-13
Route UU - pothole patching from Route C to the end of the route, April 11-13
Various rural routes - spraying weeds, April 9-13
Various rural routes - washing bridges, April 9-13
Worth County
Various routes - spraying weeds and washing bridges, April 9-13, 7:30 am to 3 pm
The Missouri Department of Transportation reminds the public to buckle up, slow down, and drive with extreme caution through work zones. For more information about a project, please contact MoDOT at 1-888-ASK-MoDOT (888-275-6636) or log onto www.modot.mo.gov/northwest/. You can also follow MoDOT's Northwest Missouri District on Twitter at twitter.com/ModotNorthwest or on Facebook at www.facebook.com/ModotNorthwest.
Gentry County
Route CC - pothole patching from Hwy 48 to end of state maintenance, April 9-11
Various routes - spraying weeds and washing bridges, April 9-13
Route BB - pothole patching from U.S. Hwy 169 (in Gentry County) to Route P (in Andrew County), April 12-13
Harrison County
Various routes - spraying weeds and washing bridges, April 9-13
Nodaway County
Route O - pothole patching from Route B to Route 46, April 9
U.S. Hwy 71 - pothole patching from the U.S. Hwy 136 intersection south to Route FF, April 9-10, Route WW - pothole patching from Route M to the end of the route, April 10-13
Route UU - pothole patching from Route C to the end of the route, April 11-13
Various rural routes - spraying weeds, April 9-13
Various rural routes - washing bridges, April 9-13
Worth County
Various routes - spraying weeds and washing bridges, April 9-13, 7:30 am to 3 pm
Road Safety Audits for Northwest Missouri
Through strong partnerships and the use of Road Safety Audits, we are doing even more to keep the roads as safe as possible in Northwest Missouri.
In the fall of 2010, a partnership was formed between the three northwest Missouri Regional Planning Commissions, the Federal Highway Administration and the Missouri Department of Transportation to begin performing several Road Safety Audits in the region.
Road Safety Audits are the examination of an existing road or intersection by an independent, multidisciplinary team. This team of five to 10 individuals, usually made up of local law enforcement, highway engineers, Regional Planning Commissions and local government officials, come together to review roadways and prepare reports that list potential safety improvements and suggest ways of funding the improvements.
"Regional Planning Commissions are practical organizations to conduct RSAs because they can offer resources afterward to help communities implement the safety improvements suggested in the RSA report," said Tom Bliss, Mo-Kan executive director.
The partnership was so successful, in fact, that in August of 2011, their efforts were recognized with an award at the National Rural Transportation Conference in Washington, D.C., called the "Excellence in Regional Transportation Award." The award recognizes the year-long cooperation of the three Regional Planning Commissions in northwest Missouri – The Mo-Kan Regional Council in St. Joseph, the Northwest Missouri Regional Council of Governments of Maryville, and the Green Hills Regional Planning Commission in Trenton.
"We applaud the initiative and efforts of all of the participants," said MoDOT Northwest District Engineer Don Wichern. "We are always seeking new ways to partner with the community we serve, especially when it involves the safety of the driving public."
Working hand-in-hand with the FHWA and MoDOT, the three RPCs conducted a two-day training workshop in St. Joseph learning how to conduct road safety audits. They then took advantage of the FHWA's Peer-to-Peer program to conduct audits of roadways to identify areas that are most in need of a safety examination. The group's goal is to conduct three road safety audits (one in each RPC region) every year in the 20-county area of the Northwest MoDOT District.
After potential needs are determined from the audits, all partners help determine the best ways to fund both short and long-term projects, based on other existing area concerns.
"These RSAs are one more tool to review as we strive to keep our roads as safe as possible," Wichern said. "Recommendations from the RSAs can range from low to high costs options, and we have to weigh needs with available resources to ensure we are keeping the public safe while still making the best use of taxpayer funds."
In the fall of 2010, a partnership was formed between the three northwest Missouri Regional Planning Commissions, the Federal Highway Administration and the Missouri Department of Transportation to begin performing several Road Safety Audits in the region.
Road Safety Audits are the examination of an existing road or intersection by an independent, multidisciplinary team. This team of five to 10 individuals, usually made up of local law enforcement, highway engineers, Regional Planning Commissions and local government officials, come together to review roadways and prepare reports that list potential safety improvements and suggest ways of funding the improvements.
"Regional Planning Commissions are practical organizations to conduct RSAs because they can offer resources afterward to help communities implement the safety improvements suggested in the RSA report," said Tom Bliss, Mo-Kan executive director.
The partnership was so successful, in fact, that in August of 2011, their efforts were recognized with an award at the National Rural Transportation Conference in Washington, D.C., called the "Excellence in Regional Transportation Award." The award recognizes the year-long cooperation of the three Regional Planning Commissions in northwest Missouri – The Mo-Kan Regional Council in St. Joseph, the Northwest Missouri Regional Council of Governments of Maryville, and the Green Hills Regional Planning Commission in Trenton.
"We applaud the initiative and efforts of all of the participants," said MoDOT Northwest District Engineer Don Wichern. "We are always seeking new ways to partner with the community we serve, especially when it involves the safety of the driving public."
Working hand-in-hand with the FHWA and MoDOT, the three RPCs conducted a two-day training workshop in St. Joseph learning how to conduct road safety audits. They then took advantage of the FHWA's Peer-to-Peer program to conduct audits of roadways to identify areas that are most in need of a safety examination. The group's goal is to conduct three road safety audits (one in each RPC region) every year in the 20-county area of the Northwest MoDOT District.
After potential needs are determined from the audits, all partners help determine the best ways to fund both short and long-term projects, based on other existing area concerns.
"These RSAs are one more tool to review as we strive to keep our roads as safe as possible," Wichern said. "Recommendations from the RSAs can range from low to high costs options, and we have to weigh needs with available resources to ensure we are keeping the public safe while still making the best use of taxpayer funds."
Thursday, April 5, 2012
Casey Guernsey's Capitol Report -- Improving the Legal Environment for Business
As I talk to business owners throughout the district, there is a recurring theme that emerges no matter where I go. People want to make it easier to do business here in Missouri. Whether it is an out-of-control legal system or burdensome state and federal regulations, our small businesses continue needing relief. I strongly believe we must allow for an environment to grow jobs and business, but it is absolutely critical to keep those businesses and jobs we already have in Missouri.
One way we can help existing businesses in the state is by reforming our workers’ compensation system. That is the purpose behind HB 1403 which was given initial approval in the Missouri House this week. This bill makes workplace accidents, injuries, and diseases easier to resolve for employees and less expensive for small businesses. It accomplishes this by making three significant changes to the law.
First, HB 1403 puts occupational diseases back under workers’ compensation where it was prior to 2005. In 2005, a change in the law resulted in court rulings that moved cases involving occupational diseases outside of the workers compensation system. As a result, these cases are now ending up in court causing litigation costs to rise on all of our businesses. And for a small business, a trial means a costly defense that may lead to huge damage awards and bankruptcy. Not surprising to anyone, these lawsuits have resulted in a huge windfall for trial attorneys with little left for the injured party or small business.
Next, the bill also includes much needed co-employee liability reform. A court recently ruled that injured workers can sue co-workers for action or inaction as part of their workers compensation case. HB 1403 alleviates this burden on employers and their workers by raising the standard to gross negligence for an employee to be sued. Here in the House, we think that employees shouldn’t be sued for simply doing their job.
Finally, HB 1403 includes a provision that will reform the 2nd Injury Fund, moving it closer to solvency. The fund has been in trouble for some time, and it seems that past legislatures have been unwilling to make the difficult decision to fix the problem.
The 2nd Injury Fund collected $43 million from Missouri businesses last year while its obligations increased to $77 million. This bill gives the business community several key reforms. For example, the bill eliminates a claim for permanent partial disability and suspends the lifetime payment to someone who can still be gainfully employed. While I would be in favor of eliminating the 2nd Injury Fund, I believe this is a good step toward adequate reform.
HB 1403 will help businesses by improving the legal environment for Missouri businesses. This bill is critical toward preparing the business climate for growth as the economy improves.
It is an honor to serve you in the Missouri House. If you would like to discuss these or any issue with me, please call 573.751.4285 or email me at casey.guernsey@house.mo.gov.
One way we can help existing businesses in the state is by reforming our workers’ compensation system. That is the purpose behind HB 1403 which was given initial approval in the Missouri House this week. This bill makes workplace accidents, injuries, and diseases easier to resolve for employees and less expensive for small businesses. It accomplishes this by making three significant changes to the law.
First, HB 1403 puts occupational diseases back under workers’ compensation where it was prior to 2005. In 2005, a change in the law resulted in court rulings that moved cases involving occupational diseases outside of the workers compensation system. As a result, these cases are now ending up in court causing litigation costs to rise on all of our businesses. And for a small business, a trial means a costly defense that may lead to huge damage awards and bankruptcy. Not surprising to anyone, these lawsuits have resulted in a huge windfall for trial attorneys with little left for the injured party or small business.
Next, the bill also includes much needed co-employee liability reform. A court recently ruled that injured workers can sue co-workers for action or inaction as part of their workers compensation case. HB 1403 alleviates this burden on employers and their workers by raising the standard to gross negligence for an employee to be sued. Here in the House, we think that employees shouldn’t be sued for simply doing their job.
Finally, HB 1403 includes a provision that will reform the 2nd Injury Fund, moving it closer to solvency. The fund has been in trouble for some time, and it seems that past legislatures have been unwilling to make the difficult decision to fix the problem.
The 2nd Injury Fund collected $43 million from Missouri businesses last year while its obligations increased to $77 million. This bill gives the business community several key reforms. For example, the bill eliminates a claim for permanent partial disability and suspends the lifetime payment to someone who can still be gainfully employed. While I would be in favor of eliminating the 2nd Injury Fund, I believe this is a good step toward adequate reform.
HB 1403 will help businesses by improving the legal environment for Missouri businesses. This bill is critical toward preparing the business climate for growth as the economy improves.
It is an honor to serve you in the Missouri House. If you would like to discuss these or any issue with me, please call 573.751.4285 or email me at casey.guernsey@house.mo.gov.
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