Remember -- A layer of dust protects the wood beneath it. A house becomes a home when you can write, "I love you" on the furniture.
I used to spend at least 8 hours every weekend making sure that things were just perfect in case someone came over to visit. One day I realized that no one came over; they were all having fun.
Now, when people do visit, I don't have to explain the "condition" of my home. They are more interested in hearing about the things I have been doing while I was away living and having fun. If you haven't figured it out yet, please consider my advice. Life is short, so please try to enjoy the blessings God has given us.
Dust if you must, but wouldn't it be better to paint a picture or write a letter? Perhaps bake cookies or a cake, and plant a good seed for God. Ponder the difference between want and need.
Dust if you must, but there's not much time, with river to swim or mountains to climb, music to hear, and books to read, friends to cherish, and a life for God to lead.
Dust if you must, but the world's out there with the sun in your eyes, the wind in your hair, a flutter of snow, or a shower of rain. This day will not come around again.
Dust if you must, but bear in mind, old age will come and it's not kind. When you go, and go you must, will the Lord have you spending time in heaven chasing dust?
It is not what you gather, but what you scatter that tells what kind of life you have lived.
--Submitted by Glenda Wyer
Monday, October 31, 2011
Icle Young Visitors
Visitors of Icle Young during the past week have been Cathy Cottrell and sons John and Nathan of Fort Madison, IA; Paul and Sally Beezley of Washington, IA; Huey and Kay Rowen, Glenda Wyer, and Geneveive Walker, all of Sheridan.
Three Killed in Hopkins Wreck
Three people were killed and four others injured in a one car accident 1/2 mile east of Hopkins on 246. The Missouri State Highway Patrol reports that a 2003 Chevy pickup driven by Scott Woods of Hopkins was eastbound and ran off the south side of the road. Woods overcorrected and then vehicle then went off the north side of the road. As the vehicle came back onto the road, it overturned, coming to rest on the south side of the roadway on its wheels and caught fire. All occupants of the vehicle were ejected. Chrystal Olerich, 18, of Lake View, IA was pronounced dead at the scene at 3:34 in the morning. Benjamin McIntyre, 22, of Hopkins, was also pronounced dead at the scene. Josh Bix, 21, of Hopkins, was pronounced dead at St. Francis Hospital in Maryville.
Sustaining serious injuries were Jordan Breeding, 19, of Hopkins and Samantha Weed, 18, of Bedford. Breeding was life-flighted to Heartland Regional Medical Center in St. Joseph. Weed was taken to St. Francis Hospital and then life flighted to Omaha. Kaley Folkerts, 19, of Bedford and Scott Woods, 22, of Hopkins received minor injuries. Folkerts was transported to the St. Francis Hospital while Woods refused treatment at the scene.
Sustaining serious injuries were Jordan Breeding, 19, of Hopkins and Samantha Weed, 18, of Bedford. Breeding was life-flighted to Heartland Regional Medical Center in St. Joseph. Weed was taken to St. Francis Hospital and then life flighted to Omaha. Kaley Folkerts, 19, of Bedford and Scott Woods, 22, of Hopkins received minor injuries. Folkerts was transported to the St. Francis Hospital while Woods refused treatment at the scene.
Wednesday, October 26, 2011
Eight FFA Members Travel to Nationals
Worth County FFA members recently attended the National FFA Convention in Indianapolis, IN from October 18-21. Members attending included Austin Carlson, Chase Thummel, Jared Simmons, Shannon White, Caleb Mace, Grant Parman, Jennifer Runde, and Sydney Thummel. Local FFA members traveled with FFA members from other schools, including Stanberry, Lathrop, North Harrison, and Princeton. During this event, students were able to partake in educational tours, as well as leadership development and FFA business meetings. Tour sites included the Cameron Caves, Abraham Lincoln Presidential Library and Museum, Indianapolis Motor Speedway, and Hunter’s Honey Farm. In addition to convention sessions and the FFA career show, students attended activities sponsored by the National FFA Organization, including a hypnotist show and Blake Shelton concert. This activity provided an excellent opportunity for local FFA members to develop leadership skills and gain insight into the future of the agriculture industry and agriculture education in general. The purpose of the National FFA Organization is to develop premier leadership, personal growth, and career success for students through agriculture education.
Tuesday, October 25, 2011
Worth County Sheriff's Report for October 26th, 2011
Report of possible theft of walnut log.
Report of lost billfold.
Followup on vandalism in Denver at Methodist Church and Post Office.
Bond posted.
Report of cattle out on Missouri 46 west of Hatfield; Harrison County advised.
Cattle out on Route M west of Denver; officer dispatched.
Cattle out north of Denver; officer dispatched.
Cattle out on Route B north of Oxford; officer dispatched.
Funeral assist.
Report of animal neglect; officer checks location.
Report of runaway child.
Report of stolen big screen TV.
Highway Patrol in with an arrest warrant to process.
Officer checks suspicious vehicle report south of Sheridan.
Individual in the office with questions about obtaining an ex-parte order.
To report a problem, contact the secure phone line at (660) 564-2222. For emergencies, dial 911.
Report of lost billfold.
Followup on vandalism in Denver at Methodist Church and Post Office.
Bond posted.
Report of cattle out on Missouri 46 west of Hatfield; Harrison County advised.
Cattle out on Route M west of Denver; officer dispatched.
Cattle out north of Denver; officer dispatched.
Cattle out on Route B north of Oxford; officer dispatched.
Funeral assist.
Report of animal neglect; officer checks location.
Report of runaway child.
Report of stolen big screen TV.
Highway Patrol in with an arrest warrant to process.
Officer checks suspicious vehicle report south of Sheridan.
Individual in the office with questions about obtaining an ex-parte order.
To report a problem, contact the secure phone line at (660) 564-2222. For emergencies, dial 911.
Wednesday, October 19, 2011
Farm Service Agency Increases Guaranteed Loan Limit
Harrison County USDA Farm Loan Manager Charles Meissen announced that the loan limit for the Guaranteed Loan Program will increase to $1,214,000. The limit is adjusted annually based on the "Prices Paid to Farmers Index," compiled by the National Agricultural Statistics Service.
"Raising the guaranteed loan limit will allow FSA to better meet the financial needs of producers across the state," said Meissen.
Another change will affect the one-time loan guarantee fee charged on all FSA loans obligated after October 1st, 2011. The one-time loan guarantee fee will increase from 1.0% to 1.5% of the guaranteed portion of the loan.
FSA guaranteed loans allow lenders to provide agricultural credit to farmers who do not meet the lender's normal underwriting criteria. Farmers and ranchers apply for a guaranteed loan through a commercial lender and the lender arranges for the guarantee. FSA can guarantee up to 95% of the loss of principal and interest on a loan. Guaranteed loans can be used for both farm ownership and operating purposes.
Producers who are unable to obtain financing through a commercial lender, including a guaranteed loan, could be eligible for a FSA Direct Loan. These loans are made by FSA with government funds and the limit is $300,000 (except for Emergency Loans which have a limit of $500,000). The maximum combined guaranteed and direct farm loan indebtedness is now $1,514,000.
For more information on FSA's farm loan programs, please contact Charles Meissen at the Harrison County USDA Service Center at (660) 425-7635.
"Raising the guaranteed loan limit will allow FSA to better meet the financial needs of producers across the state," said Meissen.
Another change will affect the one-time loan guarantee fee charged on all FSA loans obligated after October 1st, 2011. The one-time loan guarantee fee will increase from 1.0% to 1.5% of the guaranteed portion of the loan.
FSA guaranteed loans allow lenders to provide agricultural credit to farmers who do not meet the lender's normal underwriting criteria. Farmers and ranchers apply for a guaranteed loan through a commercial lender and the lender arranges for the guarantee. FSA can guarantee up to 95% of the loss of principal and interest on a loan. Guaranteed loans can be used for both farm ownership and operating purposes.
Producers who are unable to obtain financing through a commercial lender, including a guaranteed loan, could be eligible for a FSA Direct Loan. These loans are made by FSA with government funds and the limit is $300,000 (except for Emergency Loans which have a limit of $500,000). The maximum combined guaranteed and direct farm loan indebtedness is now $1,514,000.
For more information on FSA's farm loan programs, please contact Charles Meissen at the Harrison County USDA Service Center at (660) 425-7635.
Monday, October 17, 2011
Commission Passes Disability Resolution
The Worth County Commission passed a disability resolution at their regular meeting Monday, adopting a policy of non-discrimination on the basis of disability. The commission says that the resolution is necessary in order to comply with the Rehabilitation Act of 1973 in order to get future Community Development Block Grants that they elect to pursue. Passage is also needed to comply with the Americans with Disabilities Act as well.
It will be the policy of the county that all programs and activities be accessible and usable by qualified persons with disabilities in accordance with Section 504 and the ADA. The county will conduct a self-evaluation with the assistance of a citizen review committee and make necessary modifications in order to comply. Where building modifications are required, the county will take these requirements into account.
The resolution creates a grievance procedure for complaints of discrimination under the ADA; all persons who believe that they have been discriminated against will have the right to file a written complaint. The claimant shall deliver to the clerk's office a written complaint stating the name and identification, the department name and location, a description of the incidents involved, the nature of the claimant's disability, and other necessary information. The County Clerk will investigate the factual basis for the grievance and hold a meeting with the claimant; within 10 days, the Clerk will notify the claimant of their decision and what corrective action will be taken by the county.
If the claimant is not satisfied by the decision, they may appeal to the County Commission within 45 days of the date of the meeting with the clerk whether notification from the clerk is received or not. The hearing will be conducted in an informal manner and commissioners will make every effort to avoid the appearance of conducting a trial in a court of law. The appeal will be in writing and shall state why the claimant believes the County Clerk's decision was incorrect.
No later than 10 working days after the written appeal, the clerk shall fix a time and place for convening a hearing before the commission. Following the hearing, the commission will rule within 48 hours and provide their written findings and recommendations to the claimant. Failure to attend by the claimant or to notify the commission of their inability to attend will constitute just cause of dismissal of the complaint. The purpose of this process is not to award monetary damages, but to correct a situation that is occurring within a county building.
The resolution also adopts a statement of nondiscrimination regarding hiring, promotion, disciplining, or removal of any county employee on the basis of handicapped status.
A complete copy of this resolution can be obtained at the Worth County Clerk's office.
In other action, the commissioners stated the county policy towards gated roads. Such roads are dealt with on a case by case basis, but will not be maintained if they are gated off.
With the colder weather, the county is getting ready for winter. There are no more heaters that are running on 110 power; they are all running on 220. The county, however, is wired for 110 current.
The commission recently was left with the problem of how to house Community Services and the Economic Development office. The Economic Developer's office is moving out of the basement of City Hall because the city says it needs the area for storage. Community Services is moving due to massive budget cuts at the federal level. Community Services will move to the Grant City Methodist Church while the Economic Developer is moving in with the Extension Office in the basement of the Courthouse. Outgoing director Charity Austin said that she will begin moving stuff this week. The Worth County Progress Organization is still taking applications for the Economic Developer's position and will try and fill the position at their November meeting.
Treasurer Linda Brown reported that the county had made a $25,000 transfer from the CART fund to cover the Special Rock Fund. The Patron gravel is mostly hauled for this year. The county might still haul some bypass rock for Route C. The 100% match for county roads that bypass the Route C construction between Denver and Allendale is still in effect. Route PP is now open while construction for Route T north of Allendale has been postponed until next year.
Lenny Roush reported that the county has around 160 pounds of ice melt and two bags of liquid melt left, which he said would last through the first severe snowstorm. He will look at prices for more.
Commissioners spent much of the day looking at the Rinehart road as well as other roads that are being targeted by the new Brush Ordinance.
It was reported that Grand River had run a fiber optic cable over a county tube, which Commissioner Dennis Gabbert said the county had not been notified of. The county is in the process of drafting a letter to GRM.
The commission renewed their dues with the Northwest Missouri Regional Council of Governments.
It was reported that the rural population for the county was down to 944 people based on 2010 census data.
Road & Bridge Foreman Jim Fletchall reported rock had been placed on #116. In going back over the old maps, County Clerk Roberta Owens reported that the numbering had been done sometime between 1903 and 1925. A map of the county did not show the roads numbered; however, a 1925 map showed the roads numbered much as they are today.
Regarding brush enforcement, Fletchall said that there were a lot of roads that had a dent made in them, but that there was still too much overhanging brush on a lot of them. He said he feared that the county would have to repeat the brush process all over again if the landowners did not cut it enough. He said that while present efforts had helped, it was not a cure and it was not what was called for under the brush policy. The county is getting more and more specific in its brush letters explaining what needed to be cut. Commissioners were touring roads Monday to see how well landowners with brush letters had followed up and removed brush from the roads.
Fuel storage came up as an issue again. Fletchall said that quotes he got regarding state-mandated containment ranged from $1,000 to $2,500. Shipping costs from a supplier out of the area would more than offset any price savings. The county will try and negotiate a better price to meet their containment needs.
Fletchall also said that a tube by Gordie Sorenson's was still a recurring problem. He said that he would be looking for buckets at auctions that would fit the present county vehicles. A 14 foot bridge near Oxford near Dennis Gabbert's was not holding up very well and it needs beams and more.
The commission said that they were still onboard with the city in pursuing a recycling program for the county. Previously, the county was unable to implement one because they could not find anyone willing to haul; however, there is a lot more money in the industry now and there are at least two businesses in Maryville that are willing to haul for recycling. King City has such a program and they have open container hours; people leave their trash and someone is there to sort it and put it in the bins. When the bins are full the hauler comes and leaves another one in its place. There would be no cost to the county if they were to get the grant; if they don't, the county said they would need to look over their situation first before proceeding.
Location would be a problem as Fletchall said that the county was still dealing with space issues at the county barn and the city's is not fenced off.
Austin reported that she was also pursing a program which would raise Deputy Tony Steele's salary to at least $28,000. It would not cost the county any more money; the goal of the program is to raise the salary level of the deputy to over $28,000 without any extra local costs. It would be renewable annually; Austin said she was not sure if there was a sunset clause like there is with the COPS grant.
It will be the policy of the county that all programs and activities be accessible and usable by qualified persons with disabilities in accordance with Section 504 and the ADA. The county will conduct a self-evaluation with the assistance of a citizen review committee and make necessary modifications in order to comply. Where building modifications are required, the county will take these requirements into account.
The resolution creates a grievance procedure for complaints of discrimination under the ADA; all persons who believe that they have been discriminated against will have the right to file a written complaint. The claimant shall deliver to the clerk's office a written complaint stating the name and identification, the department name and location, a description of the incidents involved, the nature of the claimant's disability, and other necessary information. The County Clerk will investigate the factual basis for the grievance and hold a meeting with the claimant; within 10 days, the Clerk will notify the claimant of their decision and what corrective action will be taken by the county.
If the claimant is not satisfied by the decision, they may appeal to the County Commission within 45 days of the date of the meeting with the clerk whether notification from the clerk is received or not. The hearing will be conducted in an informal manner and commissioners will make every effort to avoid the appearance of conducting a trial in a court of law. The appeal will be in writing and shall state why the claimant believes the County Clerk's decision was incorrect.
No later than 10 working days after the written appeal, the clerk shall fix a time and place for convening a hearing before the commission. Following the hearing, the commission will rule within 48 hours and provide their written findings and recommendations to the claimant. Failure to attend by the claimant or to notify the commission of their inability to attend will constitute just cause of dismissal of the complaint. The purpose of this process is not to award monetary damages, but to correct a situation that is occurring within a county building.
The resolution also adopts a statement of nondiscrimination regarding hiring, promotion, disciplining, or removal of any county employee on the basis of handicapped status.
A complete copy of this resolution can be obtained at the Worth County Clerk's office.
In other action, the commissioners stated the county policy towards gated roads. Such roads are dealt with on a case by case basis, but will not be maintained if they are gated off.
With the colder weather, the county is getting ready for winter. There are no more heaters that are running on 110 power; they are all running on 220. The county, however, is wired for 110 current.
The commission recently was left with the problem of how to house Community Services and the Economic Development office. The Economic Developer's office is moving out of the basement of City Hall because the city says it needs the area for storage. Community Services is moving due to massive budget cuts at the federal level. Community Services will move to the Grant City Methodist Church while the Economic Developer is moving in with the Extension Office in the basement of the Courthouse. Outgoing director Charity Austin said that she will begin moving stuff this week. The Worth County Progress Organization is still taking applications for the Economic Developer's position and will try and fill the position at their November meeting.
Treasurer Linda Brown reported that the county had made a $25,000 transfer from the CART fund to cover the Special Rock Fund. The Patron gravel is mostly hauled for this year. The county might still haul some bypass rock for Route C. The 100% match for county roads that bypass the Route C construction between Denver and Allendale is still in effect. Route PP is now open while construction for Route T north of Allendale has been postponed until next year.
Lenny Roush reported that the county has around 160 pounds of ice melt and two bags of liquid melt left, which he said would last through the first severe snowstorm. He will look at prices for more.
Commissioners spent much of the day looking at the Rinehart road as well as other roads that are being targeted by the new Brush Ordinance.
It was reported that Grand River had run a fiber optic cable over a county tube, which Commissioner Dennis Gabbert said the county had not been notified of. The county is in the process of drafting a letter to GRM.
The commission renewed their dues with the Northwest Missouri Regional Council of Governments.
It was reported that the rural population for the county was down to 944 people based on 2010 census data.
Road & Bridge Foreman Jim Fletchall reported rock had been placed on #116. In going back over the old maps, County Clerk Roberta Owens reported that the numbering had been done sometime between 1903 and 1925. A map of the county did not show the roads numbered; however, a 1925 map showed the roads numbered much as they are today.
Regarding brush enforcement, Fletchall said that there were a lot of roads that had a dent made in them, but that there was still too much overhanging brush on a lot of them. He said he feared that the county would have to repeat the brush process all over again if the landowners did not cut it enough. He said that while present efforts had helped, it was not a cure and it was not what was called for under the brush policy. The county is getting more and more specific in its brush letters explaining what needed to be cut. Commissioners were touring roads Monday to see how well landowners with brush letters had followed up and removed brush from the roads.
Fuel storage came up as an issue again. Fletchall said that quotes he got regarding state-mandated containment ranged from $1,000 to $2,500. Shipping costs from a supplier out of the area would more than offset any price savings. The county will try and negotiate a better price to meet their containment needs.
Fletchall also said that a tube by Gordie Sorenson's was still a recurring problem. He said that he would be looking for buckets at auctions that would fit the present county vehicles. A 14 foot bridge near Oxford near Dennis Gabbert's was not holding up very well and it needs beams and more.
The commission said that they were still onboard with the city in pursuing a recycling program for the county. Previously, the county was unable to implement one because they could not find anyone willing to haul; however, there is a lot more money in the industry now and there are at least two businesses in Maryville that are willing to haul for recycling. King City has such a program and they have open container hours; people leave their trash and someone is there to sort it and put it in the bins. When the bins are full the hauler comes and leaves another one in its place. There would be no cost to the county if they were to get the grant; if they don't, the county said they would need to look over their situation first before proceeding.
Location would be a problem as Fletchall said that the county was still dealing with space issues at the county barn and the city's is not fenced off.
Austin reported that she was also pursing a program which would raise Deputy Tony Steele's salary to at least $28,000. It would not cost the county any more money; the goal of the program is to raise the salary level of the deputy to over $28,000 without any extra local costs. It would be renewable annually; Austin said she was not sure if there was a sunset clause like there is with the COPS grant.
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