Gov. Jay Nixon today reported that the swine flu (H1N1) virus already spreading in other states appears to have reached Missouri. The administration is responding by ensuring that anti-viral medications are distributed to the affected site and that the case is properly handled.
The first probable case of swine flu in a Missouri resident was discovered Wednesday afternoon during lab tests on specimens sent to the state health lab as part of the state’s stepped-up efforts to defend against the new strain of flu. Department of Health and Senior Services Director Margaret Donnelly, state epidemiologist Sarah Patrick, MPH, Ph.D and emerging infections coordinator Eddie Hedrick, BS, MT(ASCP) CIC joined Gov. Nixon to announce the discovery of the probable case.
The Centers for Disease Control (CDC) will test the sample to make a final confirmation that the Missouri case is the swine flu. The time for the CDC to complete these tests is currently averaging about two days.
State officials cautioned that a single case of swine flu was a concern but not a cause for alarm. Gov. Nixon said the state has a plan to deal with flu outbreaks and local health agencies and state officials are following that plan.
"Since the first case was reported in the U.S., we have prepared for the possibility that the disease would reach Missouri," Nixon said. "Now that a probable case has been found here we are moving quickly to send anti-viral medications to the community and taking all appropriate steps to treat the problem and prevent its spread."
Gov. Nixon remarked that the state’s response plan includes aggressive outreach and notification of all local health agencies, as well as communication between the state epidemiologist and the Centers for Disease Control. Gov. Nixon also reiterated that communication with the public about influenza prevention and treatment would be a critical component of the state’s response.
"The most important thing we can do is make Missourians aware of the state’s response, of the best practices for avoidance of swine flu and facts about how the disease is treated. We want everyone to know how to keep themselves healthy and that the effects of a positive test will be controlled," said Gov. Nixon.
Missouri’s swine flu case involves a resident of Platte County. Because notification is pending, further information about the patient cannot be released at this time.
Health officials are working to determine who might have been exposed before the patient showed symptoms. Officials will be notifying anyone with whom there was close contact.
The patient will be asked to remain at home until seven days after symptoms first appeared to ensure the patient is no longer contagious. Typically, the patient’s family will also be given instructions in ways to avoid spreading the illness to family, including proper hand washing techniques and medical care, and family members will be monitored for signs of illness.
People who have been in close contact with the patient will be advised to go home at the earliest sign of illness and to minimize contact in the community to the extent possible.
Wednesday, April 29, 2009
Friday, April 24, 2009
National Crime Victim Rights Week
April 26th - May 2nd is National Crime Victims’ Rights Week, a time to focus on victims of crime and celebrate our nation’s progress in serving them. This year’s theme, “25 Years of Rebuilding Lives: Celebrating the Victims of Crime Act,” honors a landmark national commitment to victims of crime. In 1984 Congress passed the Victims of Crime Act (VOCA), which created the Crime Victims Fund.
The Missouri Crime Victims Fund supports victim compensation programs, which reimburse victims for many out-of pocket expenses that victims face in the aftermath of the crime. It also helps fund victim assistance programs that support victims by providing physical and emotional care and guidance in navigating the criminal justice system. Since 1993, the fund has provided services to approximately 861,000 victims of crime in the State of Missouri and has paid more than $93 million in victim compensation to Missouri crime victims and their families.
Gov. Jay Nixon said, “The Victims of Crime Act was an important recognition of the continuing impact crime has on victims and of the assistance they deserve. The entire Department of Public Safety shares my commitment to ensuring crime victims receive the assistance they need.”
The State of Missouri will hold a ceremony in honor of National Crime Victims’ Rights Week on April 30th, 2009 at noon on the first floor of the Missouri State Capitol Building. A reception hosted by Mothers Against Drunk Driving will immediately follow the ceremony. Gov. Jay Nixon is scheduled to speak and read a Victims' Rights proclamation. Gov. Nixon has been a leader in supporting and expanding the rights of crime victims during his more than two decades of public service, including increasing funding for domestic violence shelters and fighting for the rights of victims to be present during court proceedings.
Also speaking at the ceremony will be Darrel Ashlock, Executive Director of Kids Harbor, and serving as master of ceremonies; Dwight Scroggins, Buchanan County Prosecuting Attorney and the President of the Missouri Association of Prosecuting Attorneys; and Melanie Oldani, a courageous woman who following her sister’s murder became a vocal advocate for all victims of crime.
The following agencies donated their time and effort to make this year’s Crime Victims’ Rights Week ceremony and awareness week a success: the Missouri Department of Public Safety’s Office of the Director, the Department of Corrections, the Department of Social Services Division of Youth Services, Mothers Against Drunk Driving, the Missouri Coalition Against Domestic and Sexual Violence, the Missouri Office of Prosecution Services, the Department of Health and Senior Services, the Missouri Attorney General’s Office, and the Missouri Secretary of State’s Office.
The Missouri Crime Victims Fund supports victim compensation programs, which reimburse victims for many out-of pocket expenses that victims face in the aftermath of the crime. It also helps fund victim assistance programs that support victims by providing physical and emotional care and guidance in navigating the criminal justice system. Since 1993, the fund has provided services to approximately 861,000 victims of crime in the State of Missouri and has paid more than $93 million in victim compensation to Missouri crime victims and their families.
Gov. Jay Nixon said, “The Victims of Crime Act was an important recognition of the continuing impact crime has on victims and of the assistance they deserve. The entire Department of Public Safety shares my commitment to ensuring crime victims receive the assistance they need.”
The State of Missouri will hold a ceremony in honor of National Crime Victims’ Rights Week on April 30th, 2009 at noon on the first floor of the Missouri State Capitol Building. A reception hosted by Mothers Against Drunk Driving will immediately follow the ceremony. Gov. Jay Nixon is scheduled to speak and read a Victims' Rights proclamation. Gov. Nixon has been a leader in supporting and expanding the rights of crime victims during his more than two decades of public service, including increasing funding for domestic violence shelters and fighting for the rights of victims to be present during court proceedings.
Also speaking at the ceremony will be Darrel Ashlock, Executive Director of Kids Harbor, and serving as master of ceremonies; Dwight Scroggins, Buchanan County Prosecuting Attorney and the President of the Missouri Association of Prosecuting Attorneys; and Melanie Oldani, a courageous woman who following her sister’s murder became a vocal advocate for all victims of crime.
The following agencies donated their time and effort to make this year’s Crime Victims’ Rights Week ceremony and awareness week a success: the Missouri Department of Public Safety’s Office of the Director, the Department of Corrections, the Department of Social Services Division of Youth Services, Mothers Against Drunk Driving, the Missouri Coalition Against Domestic and Sexual Violence, the Missouri Office of Prosecution Services, the Department of Health and Senior Services, the Missouri Attorney General’s Office, and the Missouri Secretary of State’s Office.
Producers may need to bale some pasture for hay
Source: Robert Kallenbach, 573-884-2213
Warm weather after a long, cool spring will make grass growth jump in pastures and hay fields, said Rob Kallenbach, University of Missouri Extension forage specialist.
“Producers must be prepared to deal with a lot of extra growth,” he said.
Soils moisture was plentiful this spring, so all it takes is some sunshine and warmth, Kallenbach said.
Forage graziers who measure growth in their paddocks have been getting about 40 pounds of dry-matter growth per day per acre in mid-April. That was when soil temperatures were still low, in the 40-degree range. When soil temperatures increase to 55 degrees, production goes up sharply.
“We’ll be seeing about 80 to 90 pounds per acre per day,” Kallenbach said. “At 40 pounds, you think you are a good forage manager. At 80 pounds, things fall apart as forage growth gets ahead of the livestock.”
A challenge for pasture managers is to keep forage grazed down so that plants don’t set seed heads, he said. Once a plant sets seed, it stops growing leaves. With intensive grazing, livestock prevent seed head formation.
“The secret to pasture management is keeping the forage in the vegetative stage,” he said.
For easier pasture management, farmers divide large pastures into smaller grazing paddocks and move their herds from one to another every couple of days. By concentrating large numbers of animals on a smaller acreage, grass can be grazed down uniformly. No plant escapes nipping, preventing set of seed heads.
Seed control is important on tall fescue, the most common grass in Missouri pastures. Most fescue plants are infected with an endophyte fungus that makes a toxin that retards animal growth. While the whole plant can contain endophyte toxin, it becomes concentrated in the seed heads.
If cattle cannot keep up on eating the grass growth, some paddocks should be set aside for hay harvest. For best nutritional content, that grass must be cut for hay before seed heads set.
Kallenbach alerted alfalfa growers to watch their fields closely as the weather warms. “The first cutting of alfalfa will be due about the first week of May. It might not look like it now, after a cool spring, but it will grow quickly with warmer temperatures,” he said.
Alfalfa should be harvested before full bloom and seed set. Cutting when plants are at first bloom gives the best compromise on yield and quality.
To take advantage of haymaking days, all haying equipment should be checked and ready to run. “Haying time is closer than anyone thinks,” Kallenbach said.
To cut haying costs, Kallenbach urges management-intensive grazing when possible.
Increasingly, graziers use rising-plate meters to measure the daily dry-matter growth in each of their grazing paddocks. The cane-mounted device can measure pasture growth as the producer walks through a paddock. Most users are dairy producers, Kallenbach said, but beef producers also are adopting the measuring devices, which are imported from New Zealand.
Results of the regular forage measurement are plotted on a grazing wedge, using software. MU Extension has developed an online grazing-wedge calculator, available at www.plantsci.missouri.edu/grazingwedge/. The online tool also allows producers to view grazing wedges that participating farmers have volunteered to make public.
Warm weather after a long, cool spring will make grass growth jump in pastures and hay fields, said Rob Kallenbach, University of Missouri Extension forage specialist.
“Producers must be prepared to deal with a lot of extra growth,” he said.
Soils moisture was plentiful this spring, so all it takes is some sunshine and warmth, Kallenbach said.
Forage graziers who measure growth in their paddocks have been getting about 40 pounds of dry-matter growth per day per acre in mid-April. That was when soil temperatures were still low, in the 40-degree range. When soil temperatures increase to 55 degrees, production goes up sharply.
“We’ll be seeing about 80 to 90 pounds per acre per day,” Kallenbach said. “At 40 pounds, you think you are a good forage manager. At 80 pounds, things fall apart as forage growth gets ahead of the livestock.”
A challenge for pasture managers is to keep forage grazed down so that plants don’t set seed heads, he said. Once a plant sets seed, it stops growing leaves. With intensive grazing, livestock prevent seed head formation.
“The secret to pasture management is keeping the forage in the vegetative stage,” he said.
For easier pasture management, farmers divide large pastures into smaller grazing paddocks and move their herds from one to another every couple of days. By concentrating large numbers of animals on a smaller acreage, grass can be grazed down uniformly. No plant escapes nipping, preventing set of seed heads.
Seed control is important on tall fescue, the most common grass in Missouri pastures. Most fescue plants are infected with an endophyte fungus that makes a toxin that retards animal growth. While the whole plant can contain endophyte toxin, it becomes concentrated in the seed heads.
If cattle cannot keep up on eating the grass growth, some paddocks should be set aside for hay harvest. For best nutritional content, that grass must be cut for hay before seed heads set.
Kallenbach alerted alfalfa growers to watch their fields closely as the weather warms. “The first cutting of alfalfa will be due about the first week of May. It might not look like it now, after a cool spring, but it will grow quickly with warmer temperatures,” he said.
Alfalfa should be harvested before full bloom and seed set. Cutting when plants are at first bloom gives the best compromise on yield and quality.
To take advantage of haymaking days, all haying equipment should be checked and ready to run. “Haying time is closer than anyone thinks,” Kallenbach said.
To cut haying costs, Kallenbach urges management-intensive grazing when possible.
Increasingly, graziers use rising-plate meters to measure the daily dry-matter growth in each of their grazing paddocks. The cane-mounted device can measure pasture growth as the producer walks through a paddock. Most users are dairy producers, Kallenbach said, but beef producers also are adopting the measuring devices, which are imported from New Zealand.
Results of the regular forage measurement are plotted on a grazing wedge, using software. MU Extension has developed an online grazing-wedge calculator, available at www.plantsci.missouri.edu/grazingwedge/. The online tool also allows producers to view grazing wedges that participating farmers have volunteered to make public.
Monday, April 20, 2009
Straight Talk with Sam Graves for April 22nd, 2009
Tea Parties Serve as Wake Up Call for Washington
In December of 1773, colonists boarded three British ships and threw its cargo into the Boston Harbor. This tea party served notice to the king in London that his loyal subjects in the New World believed the Tea Act had gone too far. Of course, the king and the British Parliament did not listen and passed even more authoritarian laws. This led to more protests and eventually sparked the American Revolution.
So it should be of concern to Congress that bags of tea have started showing up in our mail. Constituents fed up with Washington are once again using tea to make a point to their tone deaf leaders. Hopefully, Washington will heed this wake up call.
The issues have changed, but the sentiment is the same. The government in Washington has once again stopped listening to its constituents. In Missouri, we know that you cannot spend or tax or bail your way to prosperity. Yet, that is exactly what this government has been attempting to do.
The spending has not stopped. Instead, Congress passed the biggest budget in American history. It will result in a trillion dollar deficit this year and into the future. In fact, it will double our national debt in five years and triple it in 10 years.
Americans deserve a government that understands you cannot tax and spend your way to prosperity. Citizens from across the country are pleading with Washington to stop spending and start listening. Perhaps a good ole fashioned tea party will remind Washington that they are spending your money.
In December of 1773, colonists boarded three British ships and threw its cargo into the Boston Harbor. This tea party served notice to the king in London that his loyal subjects in the New World believed the Tea Act had gone too far. Of course, the king and the British Parliament did not listen and passed even more authoritarian laws. This led to more protests and eventually sparked the American Revolution.
So it should be of concern to Congress that bags of tea have started showing up in our mail. Constituents fed up with Washington are once again using tea to make a point to their tone deaf leaders. Hopefully, Washington will heed this wake up call.
The issues have changed, but the sentiment is the same. The government in Washington has once again stopped listening to its constituents. In Missouri, we know that you cannot spend or tax or bail your way to prosperity. Yet, that is exactly what this government has been attempting to do.
The spending has not stopped. Instead, Congress passed the biggest budget in American history. It will result in a trillion dollar deficit this year and into the future. In fact, it will double our national debt in five years and triple it in 10 years.
Americans deserve a government that understands you cannot tax and spend your way to prosperity. Citizens from across the country are pleading with Washington to stop spending and start listening. Perhaps a good ole fashioned tea party will remind Washington that they are spending your money.
Sunday, April 19, 2009
Capitol Report for April 22nd, 2009
The Need for a Balanced Budget
This past week, the Missouri State Senate passed it’s version of the fiscal year 2010 budget. I believe that crafting our state’s spending plan is the most important thing we do in state government. Unlike our friends in Washington DC, here in Missouri, we are bound by our Constitution to produce a balanced budget. Although this forces the Legislature to make many difficult decisions, I believe that our state government must live within its means just like you and I do in our personal checkbooks.
In the coming weeks, the appropriations leaders in both the House and Senate will meet in conference to work out the differences. As I look at both versions of this budget, I am concerned with the amount of federal money being used to fund ongoing programs. For example, the Senate version includes nearly $950 million of one-time money to fund ongoing state programs. While many legislators are happy to take this federal handout thereby avoiding the difficult decisions necessary to balance this year’s budget, I am disappointed that the General Assembly once again took the easy but fiscally irresponsible approach to budgeting. Relying on this one-time money does not fix the underlying problem; it simply postpones the difficult decisions that will have to be made in order to structurally balance our budget in future years.
As the budget process moves forward, I will continue to fight for a budget that does not spend more than we bring in. We must make the difficult decisions necessary to responsibly deal with our growing financial demands and live within our means. We must work to reduce the rate at which government programs are growing while prioritizing current funding to honor our promise of making education Missouri's number one priority. I believe we have a responsibility to the taxpayers to make the decisions necessary to balance the budget while ensuring state government is held accountable for how the people’s money is utilized. Although balancing the budget in difficult times is never easy, it is the responsible thing to do.
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 429, State Capitol Building, Jefferson City, MO 65101.
This past week, the Missouri State Senate passed it’s version of the fiscal year 2010 budget. I believe that crafting our state’s spending plan is the most important thing we do in state government. Unlike our friends in Washington DC, here in Missouri, we are bound by our Constitution to produce a balanced budget. Although this forces the Legislature to make many difficult decisions, I believe that our state government must live within its means just like you and I do in our personal checkbooks.
In the coming weeks, the appropriations leaders in both the House and Senate will meet in conference to work out the differences. As I look at both versions of this budget, I am concerned with the amount of federal money being used to fund ongoing programs. For example, the Senate version includes nearly $950 million of one-time money to fund ongoing state programs. While many legislators are happy to take this federal handout thereby avoiding the difficult decisions necessary to balance this year’s budget, I am disappointed that the General Assembly once again took the easy but fiscally irresponsible approach to budgeting. Relying on this one-time money does not fix the underlying problem; it simply postpones the difficult decisions that will have to be made in order to structurally balance our budget in future years.
As the budget process moves forward, I will continue to fight for a budget that does not spend more than we bring in. We must make the difficult decisions necessary to responsibly deal with our growing financial demands and live within our means. We must work to reduce the rate at which government programs are growing while prioritizing current funding to honor our promise of making education Missouri's number one priority. I believe we have a responsibility to the taxpayers to make the decisions necessary to balance the budget while ensuring state government is held accountable for how the people’s money is utilized. Although balancing the budget in difficult times is never easy, it is the responsible thing to do.
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 429, State Capitol Building, Jefferson City, MO 65101.
Doin God's Work for April 22nd, 2009
Sheridan United Methodist Church news and notes by Glenda Wyer.
This week has inspired many to plant crops, gardens, and flowers. "There is a time for everything and every activity under heaven." -- Ecclesiastes 3. Some times, God’s time doesn’t seem like our time. I’m sure all of us get impatient, especially when spring fever hits. The old wise tale may hold true as it rained Easter Sunday and the forecast looks promising. Spring rains seem to have also brought new life to more flowers.
In Bible study, we are studying a great lesson; patiently waiting and what we are to do while we wait quietly for answers to prayers. It can strengthen our relationship with God. I can testify that persistence in prayer and patience can have a silver lining behind those clouds.
Wednesday nights, come join us as we sing praises, pray, and fellowship. Trust me, "Daddy Sang Bass" misses a lot with no male voices. Come on, guys, join in. What are you waiting for, the harvest? While all of us wait, what kind of seeds are we sewing? Hopefully, the qualities Jesus desires in all of us will reflect His ways. We are all disciples Doin’ God’s Work.
Perhaps you have heard the phrase, "Pay it forward." It can be contagious. When you are doing something nice for others, that’s doing God’s work. Try planting a few seeds of kindness this week and see if they don’t smile back at you.
I pray that what seeds we sow will be only good seeds that others can see the Light of Christ in us. May God bless you; see you in church this week.
This week has inspired many to plant crops, gardens, and flowers. "There is a time for everything and every activity under heaven." -- Ecclesiastes 3. Some times, God’s time doesn’t seem like our time. I’m sure all of us get impatient, especially when spring fever hits. The old wise tale may hold true as it rained Easter Sunday and the forecast looks promising. Spring rains seem to have also brought new life to more flowers.
In Bible study, we are studying a great lesson; patiently waiting and what we are to do while we wait quietly for answers to prayers. It can strengthen our relationship with God. I can testify that persistence in prayer and patience can have a silver lining behind those clouds.
Wednesday nights, come join us as we sing praises, pray, and fellowship. Trust me, "Daddy Sang Bass" misses a lot with no male voices. Come on, guys, join in. What are you waiting for, the harvest? While all of us wait, what kind of seeds are we sewing? Hopefully, the qualities Jesus desires in all of us will reflect His ways. We are all disciples Doin’ God’s Work.
Perhaps you have heard the phrase, "Pay it forward." It can be contagious. When you are doing something nice for others, that’s doing God’s work. Try planting a few seeds of kindness this week and see if they don’t smile back at you.
I pray that what seeds we sow will be only good seeds that others can see the Light of Christ in us. May God bless you; see you in church this week.
Friday, April 17, 2009
School Proposes Tightening Interventions for Low Grades
Parnell Secondary Principal Dale Healy requested that the Worth County School Board adopt tighter standards allowing the school to intervene when a student gets a zero on their homework. The current policy is that they go to intervention study hall when they get a D+ or lower grade on Tuesday, Wednesday, and Thursday of each week. Healy said that the school now has the ability to detect when a student is not doing work thanks to the automated grading system put in place and that they can intervene earlier as a result. Students would be assigned under the new plan if they get a 0, a star grade, or what Healy called "zero quality work," or, for instance, a student getting only 5 points out of 20 on an assignment. He said that would help avoid problems where students could try to get out of going by getting a 1.
Under the proposal, students with no zeros will have the option of participating in other activites during intervention hall; Healy said he wanted to focus on ways of rewarding students with no zeros. Students who are required to be in an intervention study hall who do not bring work and necessary materials would get an alternate assignment. Students who skip out of study hall would receive multiple after-school detentions.
The objective under the plan would be for the student to finish the assignment. There would be teachers paired up with students; for instance, math teachers would be paired up with students getting zeros in math. Healy said that there would be committee meetings that would work out the logistics and that they would come back to the board with a proposal next month. Board members were supportive; Richard Mullock said that it would help with situations later in life both in college and in work situations. Healy said that the school already sends notes out to parents of students with zeros and doesn't wait for mid-terms to notify them.
Under the proposal, students with no zeros will have the option of participating in other activites during intervention hall; Healy said he wanted to focus on ways of rewarding students with no zeros. Students who are required to be in an intervention study hall who do not bring work and necessary materials would get an alternate assignment. Students who skip out of study hall would receive multiple after-school detentions.
The objective under the plan would be for the student to finish the assignment. There would be teachers paired up with students; for instance, math teachers would be paired up with students getting zeros in math. Healy said that there would be committee meetings that would work out the logistics and that they would come back to the board with a proposal next month. Board members were supportive; Richard Mullock said that it would help with situations later in life both in college and in work situations. Healy said that the school already sends notes out to parents of students with zeros and doesn't wait for mid-terms to notify them.
In other action, the board named Jubal Summers board president, Karen Fletchall vice president, Sherri Runde treasurer, and Candy Sorensen secretary.
Suzi Smith gave a report on the 7th and 8th grade science and Physical Science classes that she was teaching. She said that her students were making extensive use of the laptops to make brochures of the human digestive and respiratory systems. They were doing so using the Microsoft Publisher software.
Superintendent Matt Robinson asked the board for feedback regarding the reading of the school policies that is done monthly. Richard Mullock said that the current procedure, where the board gives policies two readings before adoption, was a good one because it prevented things from getting pushed through without deliberation. He thought that the board could have more input in the drafting of policies; Robinson said that the school board policies were normally ones that came from the state. Jubal Summers said that another advantage of the current process was that it helped new board members get up to speed on the policies of the school. All board policies are online at the school's website; the policy that is online is the one that the school is bound by.
The board voted to transfer $187,205 from the General Fund to the Capital Fund. This is the money that will go towards the heating and cooling project as well as other possible expenses. The school typically keeps the money in the General Fund every year until it is needed.
Duane Warner was present to discuss the next phase of the heating and cooling project for the school. They went from a 10 ton/12 ton system to two 12 ton systems for the gym, which Warner said would be cheaper since he would not have to get two different sets of parts for the two systems. Other changes included addition of some duct work. The fans would still be there to supplement the system in the event of a large crowd. The system would have sensors that would adjust the level. Two potential problems that Warner identified were pressurization and condensation. Warner said that with the exhaust fan, pressurization should not be too much of a problem while he said that if the school set the system before it became hot and humid, condensation on the floor should not be a problem.
The board voted to authorize Superintendent Matt Robinson to go below the 18% threshold that they had previously set in order to complete the second phase of the project for $91,776. They also decided to give Robinson the discretion to spend out of either this year's or next year's budget. The board had decided to set a reserve threshold of 18% of their annual expenses that they could not go under except for capital improvements, maintaining existing programs, and keeping current staffing levels.
After a brief discussion, the board decided to keep the current registration policy, in which all visitors have to register at the main office.
The board voted to pursue two grants. One was for a corporate grant for science equipment for Tish Warner's classroom that would not require a match. The other was for a Family Consumer Science grant that would require a $5,000 match by the school.
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