Written by
Dee Loflin, SMT Manager/Writer
Bernie, Missouri - Severe winter weather across much of Missouri and parts of Illinois and eastern Kansas last week forced the cancellation of approximately 20 American Red Cross blood drives, resulting in a shortfall of more than 1,200 blood and platelet donations through the Red Cross Missouri-Illinois Blood Services Region.
Now that the storm has passed, eligible donors are encouraged to give lifesaving blood and platelets to help offset the current shortfall and ensure a stable supply.
The Bernie High School Student Council (STUCO) is sponsoring a Red Cross Blood Drive today February 25th from noon until 6 p.m. in the Annex Gym. Everyone is invited to come out and donate today.
“While inclement winter weather can hinder blood and platelet donations, patients’ needs for these lifesaving blood products is constant.” said Scott Caswell, CEO of the Missouri-Illinois Blood Services Region, which serves nearly 80 hospitals region wide. “Now that the severe weather has subsided, we encourage eligible donors to give and help ensure patients’ needs continue to be met.”
All blood types are needed, especially types O negative, A negative and B negative. Platelets are also in great need as they have a shelf life of just five days and must be replenished regularly.
How to donate blood
Simply call 1-800-RED CROSS (1-800-733-2767) or visit redcrossblood.org to make an appointment or for more information. All blood types are needed to ensure a reliable supply for patients. A blood donor card or driver’s license or two other forms of identification are required at check-in. Individuals who are 17 years of age (16 with parental consent in some states), weigh at least 110 pounds and are in generally good health may be eligible to donate blood. High school students and other donors 18 years of age and younger also have to meet certain height and weight requirements.
About the American Red Cross
The American Red Cross shelters, feeds and provides emotional support to victims of disasters; supplies about 40 percent of the nation’s blood; teaches skills that save lives; provides international humanitarian aid; and supports military members and their families. The Red Cross is a not-for-profit organization that depends on volunteers and the generosity of the American public to perform its mission. For more information, please visit redcross.org or join our blog at http://blog.redcross.org.
Written by
Dee Loflin, SMT Manager/Writer
Dexter, Missouri - It was a very social and fun morning as the Dexter Masonic Lodge continued their long tradition of a country breakfast for area friends and neighbors. The meal was complete with sausage, bacon, eggs, biscuits and gravy, pancakes and a drink.
As a beautiful crisp Saturday morning unfolded, area residents were quick to take advantage of the convenient breakfast as fantastic way to get their day started. More than 260 meals were served oduring the morning either as a dine-in or carry-out order.
"We had a good crowd today," stated one lodge member who was serving. "We hold these events three times annually in February, June and either October or November. These are always a great community get together."
The Dexter Masonic Lodge #532 is a group that is very quiet about their philanthropies in the Dexter community. These three breakfasts throughout the year are the only fundraisers held by the group, but it enables them to offer aid to people in the area and provide scholarships to local high school students.
"Everyone seemed to enjoy our breakfast and all those who came said it was an excellent event and the food was top-notch!" stated Elmer Wilson. Elmer will celebrate sixty-one years as a member of the lodge this April.
"We had plenty of help today from our members," added Wilson. "We were really happy about that and got it all cleaned up rather quickly. Everything worked efficiently and got the crowd to their seats promptly."
It was easy to see the health of the organization with the members joining in to lend a hand with the event. Currently, the lodge has a steady membership of over 140 members in a time that organizations struggle to get new blood.
The Masonic Lodge has a rich history of membership from within the Dexter community. Ken Swearingen is currently the Worshipful Master and believes that honor and integrity are at the core of their belief system. Members are obligated to pracitce self control and treat the people around them with respect, regardless of their own personal opinion of that person.
Posted by Dee Loflin, ShowMe Times Manager
Gov. Jay Nixon today declared a state of emergency in Missouri in response to severe winter weather that began early this morning, bringing hazardous travel and the possibility of power outages. The weather system has involved a mix of snow, sleet and ice throughout the state, with forecasts of 10 inches or more of snow in some parts of the state and a wintry mix across many other regions of Missouri.
“A severe winter storm continues to bear down on communities across the state,” Gov. Nixon said. “Missouri stands ready to help communities in need and to deploy the resources to keep folks safe. I urge all Missourians to keep a close eye on the weather and avoid unnecessary travel.”
The State Emergency Operations Center has been actively monitoring the storm system since yesterday. Gov. Nixon has been receiving updates from his emergency management team, including senior officials from the Missouri Department of Public Safety, Missouri National Guard, Missouri State Highway Patrol and State Emergency Management Agency to assess the current weather situation and review the latest forecasts.
Gov. Nixon has also activated the Missouri State Emergency Operations Plan, which allows state agencies to coordinate directly with local jurisdictions to provide emergency services.
Citizens who need disaster information, shelter information, and referrals are urged to call 211. The 211 Service is now available for most areas of Missouri. In areas where the 211 service is not operational, citizens may call 800-427-4626.
Gov. Nixon also encourages Missourians to take steps to protect themselves and their families, including:
• Listen to radio, television, or NOAA Weather Radio for weather reports and emergency information, or visit the state’s Web site – MO.gov – for comprehensive emergency information.
• If you must drive, check MO.gov for road conditions before departing. Dial the Missouri State Highway Patrol’s emergency line - *55 from a cellular phone – if you encounter an accident while driving.
• Check on the elderly and neighbors who may be in need of additional assistance. For information about emergency services and resources, visit MO.gov.
For more winter preparedness information, go to MO.gov.
Submitted by
Dee Loflin, SMT Writer
Dexter, Missouri – The National Weather Service in Paducah, KY has issued a WINTER STORM WARNING for periods of heavy sleet and freezing rain. This is in effect until 11 p.m. this evening. The WINTER WEATHER ADVISORY is no longer in effect.
Light sleet has begun to fall over much of the warned area this morning. The warning area is generally Northwest of a line extending from Mount Caremel, Illinois to Vienna, Illinois to Dexter, Missouri. (We made the national news!!) The sleet is expected to pick up in intensity this afternoon and may also transition over to freezing rain, especially over Southeast Missouri.
Some rumbles of thunder may also be heard. Temperatures should remain at or just below the freezing mark through early tonight as the precipitation begins to taper off.
Ice accumulations of one quarter to a half of an inch can be expected along with heavy sleet accumulations of an inch or two.
This wintry mix will likely lead to very dangerous travel conditions on roadways, especially bridges. Some power outages cannot be ruled out, especially over portions of Southeast Missouri where the greatest icing is expected to occur.
A WINTER STORM WARNING means significant amounts of sleet and ice are expected or occurring. Strong winds are also possible. This will make travel very hazardous or impossible.
Submitted by
Dee Loflin, SMT Writer
Jefferson City, Missouri - As the freezing rain, sleet and snow makes it way into Missouri over the next 24 hours, the Missouri department of Transportation reminds motorists to use caution and avoid travel if possible.
The variety of winter precipitation expected means that roads could become covered with snow and ice as this storm moves through the state. MoDOT crews are prepared for the storm, with trucks and equipment mobilized and ready to go.
Once the winter weather starts, the department works around the clock to plow and treat Missouri’s most traveled roads, including interstates, U.S. highways, and other high traffic routes.
One of the smartest things motorists can do during a winter weather event is stay safely at home, avoiding any necessary travel. Should you attempt to travel, take your phone and winter survival supplies, including blankets, extra clothing and food. If you do become stranded, stay with your vehicle and call 911.
Stay informed about the weather conditions by using MoDOT’s Traveler Information Map, available online at http://www.modot.org/ or through the new smartphone app. The map offers current views of road conditions for Missouri interstates and highways.
Motorists can also call MoDOT's customer service center for road conditions at 1-888-ASK-MODOT. The number is toll-free and is answered 24-hours a day, seven days a week, 365 days a year.
