Greetings, My Fellow Missourians

I attended a very informative meeting on Tuesday evening in Bolivar at Smith’s Restaurant.  There was a crowd of more than 125, including mayors from many local cities across southwest Missouri.  The main discussion regarded animal control/animals running at large and the many problems associated with this issue.   Animals running at large can pose potentially serious threats to public safety and health.   Several speakers including animal control officers, veterinarians, and staff with the Missouri Department of Agriculture spoke at the meeting and provided insight on what is involved past just capturing an animal; many factors are involved including shelter for the captured animal, staff to run the shelter, and funding.  Animal shelters, municipal pounds, rescue shelters, and contract kennels are all options to contain seized, stray, abandoned, or homeless animals.   Current and possible ordinances in local area towns as well as potential USDA community facility loans and grants were also discussed.   Animal control is a big challenge with no easy answers, but the meeting provided useful information in how to deal with it.  At the end of the meeting, Richard Sheets with the Missouri Municipal League advocated for Proposition D and encouraged the passage of this legislation, because municipalities and counties will each receive 15% of this gas tax revenue dedicated to road and bridge infrastructure construction and repair.  For detailed information on this ballot measure, please visit www.SAFERMO.com.

Veteran’s Day is Nov 11…

…but since November 11th falls on a Sunday, Veteran’s Day will be observed as a federal holiday on Monday, November 12th.   As we observe this special holiday, I ask you to keep these amazing men and women in your hearts and prayers, and also to give thanks to all of the brave Americans who have served in defense of our nation throughout its history.  We would not be the greatest nation on this planet today without their service and sacrifices, and our future would not be nearly as bright without the leadership they will continue to provide in the years to come.  They deserve our respect, our gratitude, and our commitment to preserving the memory of their deeds.  We are blessed to have these true heroes who have done, and continue to do, so much for our great nation.

Upcoming veteran’s day ceremonies:

Thursday, Nov. 8, 9 a.m., Osceola High School Veteran’s Day Assembly (Breakfast served to Veterans at 8:30 a.m.)

Sunday, Nov. 11, 11 a.m., Benton County American Legion Post 217 “Wreathing of the Waters” Ceremony at Drake Harbor.

Monday, Nov. 12, 9:30 a.m., Hermitage High School Veteran’s Day Assembly.

Monday, Nov. 12, 1:30 p.m., El Dorado Springs DECA Chapter 23rd Annual Veteran’s Day Assembly in the High School Gym.

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