Something We Can Do About Gas Prices...Now! Have you noticed how gas prices go up and down like a yo-yo, sometimes even throughout the day? This is because high gas prices are caused by more than just supply and demand. Wall Street energy traders and speculators are manipulating the market.Experts tell us that oil speculation and trading has raised the price of oil as much as 25 percent. Even Congressman Sam Graves seems to agree. He claims to "have played an active role in ensuring that traders are not cheating the system."But then, Graves turns right around and admits that his energy approach will not bring short-term relief to consumers. "There isn't much you can do [about high gas prices] in the short term, to be quite honest with you," Graves said to the Kansas City Star on July 14.
We know better. Almost everyone, from economists and the airlines to consumer groups - everyone but the oil companies - agree that we can lower gas prices by cracking down on speculators.But Graves' bills have applied only to natural gas and specifically exempted oil speculators. So first Graves tells us he's helping to lower gas prices. But then he won't support the legislation that actually cracks down on speculators. And finally, he tells us there's nothing we can do about high gas prices. With double talk like this, is it any wonder that Americans are furious with Washington? We all know that oil companies make more profits when gas prices are higher. And speculators drive prices up.
Sam Graves, one of the top recipients of campaign contributions from Exxon and Big Oil, just reported thousands more in contributions from oil companies. And again, he is caving in to the special interest lobbyists for Big Oil who write these checks.The fact is, we can do something to provide relief for consumers in the short-term. We must crack down on energy traders and oil speculators. I call on Congressman Graves to do what I would do in Congress: support the real "Close the Enron Loophole Act," which would prohibit oil speculators from making money off the backs of hardworking consumers by manipulating oil prices. While Graves misleads voters and protects his Big Oil company and speculator buddies, who are making a fortune at the expense of hard working families, Missourians are calling for change.
Kay Barnes is a candidate for U.S. representative for Missouri's 6th Congressional District
Monday, July 28, 2008
39 Players Out for Junior Football
Coach Richard Baker reported that 39 kids between 3rd and 6th grade have signed up for the Junior Football League team for its second year. This was their third camp of the year; they had one other camp in Worth County and then Coach Baker took 20 kids to the Bearcat Youth Camp where they learned football skills there.
Although the team lost 12 players, they gained 14, including another speedy third grade class to go with last year’s speedy class. There are twelve 6th graders, ten to eleven 5th graders, five to seven 4th graders, and the rest are 3rd graders.
Another camp will be held this Saturday, August 2nd. There will be guest speakers, food served, and the camp will be more intense than the first three. Junior footballers from around the league will come and participate in the camp along with Worth County’s kids. Baker said that his players improved greatly from the first two camps and that they would continue to improve.
Coach Baker talked about the importance of his players being good citizens. "I want you to be good students, athletes, and citizens. I don’t want to hear any complaints about you not doing your homework," he said to his charges. "Schoolwork has to come first. And I don’t want you mouthing off to any of the kids from other towns."
Worth County will host two games this year; they only hosted one last year.
"I can’t thank the donors and contributors enough, especially with the high cost of fuel," said Coach Baker. "I can’t thank the school enough for letting us use their facility, and I thank all of the kids and parents for all of their hard work. Without their support, none of this would be possible."
Although the team lost 12 players, they gained 14, including another speedy third grade class to go with last year’s speedy class. There are twelve 6th graders, ten to eleven 5th graders, five to seven 4th graders, and the rest are 3rd graders.
Another camp will be held this Saturday, August 2nd. There will be guest speakers, food served, and the camp will be more intense than the first three. Junior footballers from around the league will come and participate in the camp along with Worth County’s kids. Baker said that his players improved greatly from the first two camps and that they would continue to improve.
Coach Baker talked about the importance of his players being good citizens. "I want you to be good students, athletes, and citizens. I don’t want to hear any complaints about you not doing your homework," he said to his charges. "Schoolwork has to come first. And I don’t want you mouthing off to any of the kids from other towns."
Worth County will host two games this year; they only hosted one last year.
"I can’t thank the donors and contributors enough, especially with the high cost of fuel," said Coach Baker. "I can’t thank the school enough for letting us use their facility, and I thank all of the kids and parents for all of their hard work. Without their support, none of this would be possible."
Ergot Found in Area Fields
Ergot Found In Area Fields
Ergot has been identified in area fescue fields and other grass pastures. Ergot is dark black sclerotia (ergot bodies) found replacing the grain in the heads of grasses just prior to harvest. These are often larger than the seed of the plant but vary depending on the specie of grass infected. This is a disease caused by a fungus which reduces yield and quality of hay and may cause livestock disease called ergotism.
Grass plants first become infected by wind-borne spores. The spores land on flowers, germinate and invade the growing embryo of the developing kernel. Next, a yellow-white, "honey-dew" exudes from the infected flowers. The fluid contains a large number of asexually produced fungus spores (conidia).
Many species of insects visit the "honey-dew" and become contaminated with the fungus spores. These insects visit other grass flowers and spread the fungus, in a repeating cycle that continues as long as the florets are open. Spores may be transferred to other grain heads by rain-splash as well as direct contact.
Ergot develops more abundantly during wet seasons. Wet weather and wet soils favor germination of the ergot bodies and cool, wet weather during flowering favors development of the "honey-dew" stage. Dry weather during flowering is detrimental to spore production and germination. Susceptibility to infection among crops increases with any condition that may prolong flowering or cause sterile florets.
We have found ergot in tall fescue, orchard-grass at the Hundley Farm and also in tall fescue at the Graves-Chapple Farm.
Ergot is toxic to animals. Animals consume ergot by eating the sclerotia present in contaminated feed. All domestic animals are susceptible, including birds. Cattle seem to be the most susceptible.
The responses of animals consuming ergot are usually quite variable. For more information regarding impact of feeding ergot hay to livestock, you can contact your regional Extension livestock specialists, Amie Schleicher, Rockport; Jim Humphrey, Savannah; or Shawn Deering, Albany.
For agronomic information, contact Wayne Flanary, Regional Agronomist, University of Missouri Extension at 660-446-3724.
Ergot has been identified in area fescue fields and other grass pastures. Ergot is dark black sclerotia (ergot bodies) found replacing the grain in the heads of grasses just prior to harvest. These are often larger than the seed of the plant but vary depending on the specie of grass infected. This is a disease caused by a fungus which reduces yield and quality of hay and may cause livestock disease called ergotism.
Grass plants first become infected by wind-borne spores. The spores land on flowers, germinate and invade the growing embryo of the developing kernel. Next, a yellow-white, "honey-dew" exudes from the infected flowers. The fluid contains a large number of asexually produced fungus spores (conidia).
Many species of insects visit the "honey-dew" and become contaminated with the fungus spores. These insects visit other grass flowers and spread the fungus, in a repeating cycle that continues as long as the florets are open. Spores may be transferred to other grain heads by rain-splash as well as direct contact.
Ergot develops more abundantly during wet seasons. Wet weather and wet soils favor germination of the ergot bodies and cool, wet weather during flowering favors development of the "honey-dew" stage. Dry weather during flowering is detrimental to spore production and germination. Susceptibility to infection among crops increases with any condition that may prolong flowering or cause sterile florets.
We have found ergot in tall fescue, orchard-grass at the Hundley Farm and also in tall fescue at the Graves-Chapple Farm.
Ergot is toxic to animals. Animals consume ergot by eating the sclerotia present in contaminated feed. All domestic animals are susceptible, including birds. Cattle seem to be the most susceptible.
The responses of animals consuming ergot are usually quite variable. For more information regarding impact of feeding ergot hay to livestock, you can contact your regional Extension livestock specialists, Amie Schleicher, Rockport; Jim Humphrey, Savannah; or Shawn Deering, Albany.
For agronomic information, contact Wayne Flanary, Regional Agronomist, University of Missouri Extension at 660-446-3724.
Letter to the Editor -- Repudiate Graves
Missouri's Sixth Congressional District has a chance this fall to repudiate the failed policies and incompetence of the Bush-Cheney-Graves agenda. We must elect Kay Barnes to the US Congress. She offers a fresh agenda, independence from the special interests and a fighting voice for working families.
Sam Graves has sided repeatedly with corporate interests against the needs of the working people of the district. He helps big oil companies earn huge profits while we pay $3.50 for a gallon of gas. He claims to be pro-farmer and yet helps big corporations stop farmers from keeping back seed corn and has sided with corporations against ethanol production with farmers. Our choice is clear, Kay Barnes for Congress.
Robert Wheeler
Keytesville, MO
Sam Graves has sided repeatedly with corporate interests against the needs of the working people of the district. He helps big oil companies earn huge profits while we pay $3.50 for a gallon of gas. He claims to be pro-farmer and yet helps big corporations stop farmers from keeping back seed corn and has sided with corporations against ethanol production with farmers. Our choice is clear, Kay Barnes for Congress.
Robert Wheeler
Keytesville, MO
WCCC News for July 30th, 2008
Do you remember where and what you were doing July 20, 1969? Apollo II landed on the moon. In honor, we had Moon Pies and Tang for refreshments. Shirley Pierce came out and helped.
Becky and friends did Bible stories Monday evening. Grant City Christian Church brought church to us Tuesday.
Martha played dinner music.
Wednesday we partied! The staff had a surprise party for Patty Wimer. Patty retired after 15 years with the facility.
We will sure miss her and wish her the best! Thank you to Lois Downing for the beautiful cakes. They were delicious.
Ruth held Bible study Thursday morning. We played bingo in the afternoon.
Friday we did word puzzles. We learned a few new words.
Saturday Ruth took the shopping cart around. We enjoy shopping.
Shirley Pierce held Sunday school and the Allendale Baptist Church had services in the afternoon.
All of our resident's families need to mark their calendars, the Labor Day Picnic is coming August 28th!
Becky and friends did Bible stories Monday evening. Grant City Christian Church brought church to us Tuesday.
Martha played dinner music.
Wednesday we partied! The staff had a surprise party for Patty Wimer. Patty retired after 15 years with the facility.
We will sure miss her and wish her the best! Thank you to Lois Downing for the beautiful cakes. They were delicious.
Ruth held Bible study Thursday morning. We played bingo in the afternoon.
Friday we did word puzzles. We learned a few new words.
Saturday Ruth took the shopping cart around. We enjoy shopping.
Shirley Pierce held Sunday school and the Allendale Baptist Church had services in the afternoon.
All of our resident's families need to mark their calendars, the Labor Day Picnic is coming August 28th!
Grant City Council Meeting: Around $20,000 Raised for Pool Renovation Project
Economic Developer Charity Austin reported to the council that people had donated over $18,000 for the pool renovation project so far. The council met with Auditor David Rowe to discuss how best the city could manage the project. He said that it was best if the city oversaw the project since the city owns the pool; therefore, he said that all the money had to come through the city. He said that it was OK for the city to transfer the $25,000 that they pledged from the Street Light Fund since it was a transfer to a user-based account. This brings the total amount pledged from city and private donors combined to $43,000. Persons wanting to make a donation can send it to the WCPO Pool Fund at PO Box 53, Grant City, MO 64456.
After the meeting, even more money was raised; Austin told the Sheridan Express that the fundraiser dinner before the Draft Horse Pull Sunday brought in another $1,500 in donations; she estimated that the amount of money donated to the pool project was close to $20,000 as of Monday.
Austin said that she planned to send out even more fundraising letters; she said that she had already sent out 250 fundraising letters to Worth County Alumni for the pool renovations. She said that Brock Pfost was willing to donate some of the piping for the project and that volunteer crews were working. Becky McElvain of the Pool Renovation Committee reported to the Express in an e-mail that the Worth County Football Team had worked on the pool Wednesday night; a new blog has been started to report on progress of the renovations. The address is http://www.grantcitypool.blogspot.com/. There will be work nights every Tuesday and Thursday nights; weekends might be added as work nights as well.
Rowe said that the city would have to keep track of volunteer hours performed and that the project would fall under prevailing wage guidelines, but City Attorney David B. Parman said that the Division of Labor was not going to care in Grant City’s case since there were no unions involved in the project.
The council voted to approve the contract with Snyder and Associates for the Downtown Renovation Project.
Public Works Director Carl Staton told the council that the city had put in a new fire hydrant by Worth County lumber, put in a tube by Bob Wilson’s, and had fixed some of the signs that were torn up by the vandalism sprees this year. He said that it would take a lot of loads of clay to fix up the baseball diamond; the city has agreed to donate labor to the project and Staton said he would meet with Chuck Borey to discuss what was needed. He reported that the work on the streets would start next week; he said that the city would need to fix McKinney Street, which has ruts, a sand base, no crown, and extensive truck traffic.
The council discussed doing level billing for gas customers and discussed the rules. Customers must have had a 12-month history, and delinquencies would null and void the contract. They would run for a 12-month period with refunds at the end of the 12-month period. Currently, the city is doing a trial run starting in August to work out any glitches in the system. Parman and council members said the plan would help with residents on fixed incomes who were having trouble paying high heating bills during the winter months by avoiding bills of as high as $350. City Attorney David Parman said that he would draw up a proposed contract for the council to look at next meeting.
The council voted to accept a bid for tire mulch for the pool park from Entire Recycling for $6,144.32 which was the only bidder for the project. There were two $500 donations to the project, which means that the Park Board will have almost $1,000 left over. Councilwoman Linda Phipps was not present; Cathy James made the motion to accept the bid. But councilmen Bruce Downing and Doug Pickering, who voted against donating the money at the last meeting, refused to second the motion; Mayor Debbie Roach reached Phipps by phone and Phipps seconded the motion, which resulted in a 2-2 split. Roach cast the tiebreaking vote in favor of the bid. The Park Board subsequently scheduled a work day on Saturday, August 2nd at 8:30 a.m. to put in the mulch; the board is calling for volunteers for the project. (Ad, Page 10)
Clerk Ayvonne Morin reported that the city did not receive any bids for the debris management plan; she said that she would note that in the city’s FEMA management book.
The council voted to donate $100 to the Worth County Fall Festival.
Councilman Bruce Downing asked why Windstream was not paying its franchise fees like Aquila/KCPL does with Grant City. "We have to give the phone company right of way and work around their phone lines," he said. "They are collecting a tax in our name, but the city is not getting a dime." City Attorney David Parman said that he would look into the matter.
After the meeting, even more money was raised; Austin told the Sheridan Express that the fundraiser dinner before the Draft Horse Pull Sunday brought in another $1,500 in donations; she estimated that the amount of money donated to the pool project was close to $20,000 as of Monday.
Austin said that she planned to send out even more fundraising letters; she said that she had already sent out 250 fundraising letters to Worth County Alumni for the pool renovations. She said that Brock Pfost was willing to donate some of the piping for the project and that volunteer crews were working. Becky McElvain of the Pool Renovation Committee reported to the Express in an e-mail that the Worth County Football Team had worked on the pool Wednesday night; a new blog has been started to report on progress of the renovations. The address is http://www.grantcitypool.blogspot.com/. There will be work nights every Tuesday and Thursday nights; weekends might be added as work nights as well.
Rowe said that the city would have to keep track of volunteer hours performed and that the project would fall under prevailing wage guidelines, but City Attorney David B. Parman said that the Division of Labor was not going to care in Grant City’s case since there were no unions involved in the project.
The council voted to approve the contract with Snyder and Associates for the Downtown Renovation Project.
Public Works Director Carl Staton told the council that the city had put in a new fire hydrant by Worth County lumber, put in a tube by Bob Wilson’s, and had fixed some of the signs that were torn up by the vandalism sprees this year. He said that it would take a lot of loads of clay to fix up the baseball diamond; the city has agreed to donate labor to the project and Staton said he would meet with Chuck Borey to discuss what was needed. He reported that the work on the streets would start next week; he said that the city would need to fix McKinney Street, which has ruts, a sand base, no crown, and extensive truck traffic.
The council discussed doing level billing for gas customers and discussed the rules. Customers must have had a 12-month history, and delinquencies would null and void the contract. They would run for a 12-month period with refunds at the end of the 12-month period. Currently, the city is doing a trial run starting in August to work out any glitches in the system. Parman and council members said the plan would help with residents on fixed incomes who were having trouble paying high heating bills during the winter months by avoiding bills of as high as $350. City Attorney David Parman said that he would draw up a proposed contract for the council to look at next meeting.
The council voted to accept a bid for tire mulch for the pool park from Entire Recycling for $6,144.32 which was the only bidder for the project. There were two $500 donations to the project, which means that the Park Board will have almost $1,000 left over. Councilwoman Linda Phipps was not present; Cathy James made the motion to accept the bid. But councilmen Bruce Downing and Doug Pickering, who voted against donating the money at the last meeting, refused to second the motion; Mayor Debbie Roach reached Phipps by phone and Phipps seconded the motion, which resulted in a 2-2 split. Roach cast the tiebreaking vote in favor of the bid. The Park Board subsequently scheduled a work day on Saturday, August 2nd at 8:30 a.m. to put in the mulch; the board is calling for volunteers for the project. (Ad, Page 10)
Clerk Ayvonne Morin reported that the city did not receive any bids for the debris management plan; she said that she would note that in the city’s FEMA management book.
The council voted to donate $100 to the Worth County Fall Festival.
Councilman Bruce Downing asked why Windstream was not paying its franchise fees like Aquila/KCPL does with Grant City. "We have to give the phone company right of way and work around their phone lines," he said. "They are collecting a tax in our name, but the city is not getting a dime." City Attorney David Parman said that he would look into the matter.
Grow Your Own Farm workshops
Grow Your Farm workshops help those getting started in agriculture
University of Missouri Extension’s Grow Your Farm is a step-by-step educational program for people new to farming or who are thinking of diversifying their operation. The course is available at various locations throughout the state.
The program focuses on four management keys: marketing, operations, human resources and finance, said project manager Debi Kelly.
"At the end of the course, participants are expected to have developed a complete business plan," Kelly said.
"They first must identify their values, asking the question, ‘What is important to me?’" she said. From there, they take stock of their current situation, clarify their vision and develop a mission statement, which identifies their goals.
Goals lead to strategic planning and evaluation, and the final step, a written business plan, she said.
"Many people want to grow or raise farm products, but most do not think of the building blocks needed to write a successful business plan," she said. "You must ask yourself what skills and human resources you have, what market is out there for your product and how your business will be financed."
The curriculum includes eight weekly seminars and three farm tours. Instructors include extension specialists and farmers who have succeeded at their enterprises.
Cost is $200 per farm business for two people. Each additional person is $25. Fees include a set of course materials, including textbook and PowerPoint presentations.
"Farming takes a lot of work and family commitment," said Ted Cunningham, extension livestock specialist and one of the program organizers. "Participants are likely to be more successful if both spouses, or a parent and an adult child who will be involved in the operation, are part of the learning process."
Northwest Missouri
St. Joseph, Chillicothe, Maryville
Jan. 15, 22, 29, Feb. 5, 12, 19, 26, March 5
Contact: Tom Fowler
816-279-1691
fowlert@missouri.edu
University of Missouri Extension’s Grow Your Farm is a step-by-step educational program for people new to farming or who are thinking of diversifying their operation. The course is available at various locations throughout the state.
The program focuses on four management keys: marketing, operations, human resources and finance, said project manager Debi Kelly.
"At the end of the course, participants are expected to have developed a complete business plan," Kelly said.
"They first must identify their values, asking the question, ‘What is important to me?’" she said. From there, they take stock of their current situation, clarify their vision and develop a mission statement, which identifies their goals.
Goals lead to strategic planning and evaluation, and the final step, a written business plan, she said.
"Many people want to grow or raise farm products, but most do not think of the building blocks needed to write a successful business plan," she said. "You must ask yourself what skills and human resources you have, what market is out there for your product and how your business will be financed."
The curriculum includes eight weekly seminars and three farm tours. Instructors include extension specialists and farmers who have succeeded at their enterprises.
Cost is $200 per farm business for two people. Each additional person is $25. Fees include a set of course materials, including textbook and PowerPoint presentations.
"Farming takes a lot of work and family commitment," said Ted Cunningham, extension livestock specialist and one of the program organizers. "Participants are likely to be more successful if both spouses, or a parent and an adult child who will be involved in the operation, are part of the learning process."
Northwest Missouri
St. Joseph, Chillicothe, Maryville
Jan. 15, 22, 29, Feb. 5, 12, 19, 26, March 5
Contact: Tom Fowler
816-279-1691
fowlert@missouri.edu
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