September is Suicide Awareness month

A recent study indicates the number of veteran and military suicides have dropped slightly because more people are seeking and getting the help they need. Several ways you can help continue the declining rate of veteran and military suicide are: Obtain awareness materials from the Veterans Crisis Line website at http://www.veteranscrisisline.net  1-800-273-8255 Check with your

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MDC says don’t dump aquariums to avoid spreading invasive species

The Missouri Department of Conservation (MDC) says with care citizens can help avoid the spread of harmful invasive species. One way, do not dump aquariums in rivers, ponds, and lakes. A non-native fish recently found at Blue Springs Lake in the Kansas City area provides an example. A bass angler caught a tropical, 10-inch oscar

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Riverview Community reunion cancelled

We are canceling the 63rd Riverview Community annual reunion set for Oct. 4, due to the concerns about the Corona Virus. We look forward to seeing you at next year’s reunion. We will still have regular church services and invite our community and friends to come and visit us when you can. We hope to

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Get your Festival food fix at the KC Renaissance Festival on Parade

Tickets are now on sale for the first ever Kansas City Renaissance Festival on Parade, a drive-through experience featuring over 20 of your favorite Festival foods. There will be exciting entertainment, featured artisans, and a chance to support Kansas City’s great Renaissance Tradition from the comfort and safety of your vehicle. Join the Parade weekends

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MDC revises regulations regarding coyote hunting and invasive species control

The Missouri Department of Conservation (MDC) updated regulations to the Wildlife Code of Missouri regarding coyote hunting and feral hog control at its Sept. 4 Conservation Commission meeting in Jefferson City. The change comes in response to citizen requests to the Regulations Committee to use night vision, infrared, thermal imagery equipment, or artificial light to

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Trees are focus of MDC online kids’ program on Sept. 24

Children can learn more about the many benefits trees provide at free virtual program. It’s hard to imagine what Missouri would be like without trees. The many benefits trees provide humans and wildlife make them an essential part of our landscape. Children can learn more about how trees help humans and animals in the Missouri

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MDC sets proposed bear-hunting framework for future seasons

Missourians asked to provide feedback Oct. 16-Nov. 14 on the proposed framework. The Missouri Conservation Commission recently approved a proposed hunting framework by the Missouri Department of Conservation (MDC) for a potential future black bear season in Missouri. The Commission approved the framework at its Sept. 4 open meeting in Jefferson City and is asking

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MoDOT director participates in launch of National Freight Strategic Plan

Patrick McKenna, director of the Missouri Department of Transportation and president of the American Association of State Highway and Transportation Officials, joined U.S. Secretary of Transportation Elaine L. Chao Thursday, Sept. 3, in the virtual launch of the first-ever National Freight Strategic Plan (NFSP). The virtual event may be viewed here: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=bfLAYZoaBzA#action=share Intended to strengthen

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Order seedling trees and shrubs

The 2020-2021 Seedling Order Form for the George O. White State Forest Nursery is now available online at mdc.mo.gov/seedlings, or by contacting the State Forest Nursery at 573-674-3229 or StateForestNursery@mdc.mo.gov (link sends e-mail). Place orders now through April 15, 2021.  You may order online, by mail or by fax.  The Vernon County Extension Office has

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STORMS

Some years back I took a pair of northerners on an Ozark float trip and in mid-afternoon dark clouds began to form to the west, with the ominous roll of thunder in the distance. I knew of a big, deep cave nearby with a dry floor, so I secured the boat in a protected spot

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