Submitted by

Beth Farrah, SMT Writer

Jefferson City, Missouri — The Missouri Department of Natural Resources will welcome more than 1,200 fifth graders from all over Missouri to Earth Day 2013, Friday, April 19 from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m., on the South Lawn of the Capitol. Capitol Circle Drive and a portion of Broadway Street will close temporarily to accommodate the event.

The Department of Natural Resources sponsors the event and is being joined by 12 other local and state agencies with booths, exhibits, interactive displays and stage shows on the grounds. Stage shows will include Environmental Survivor, a game show based on the popular television series and hosted by KAT Country 94.3 morning show hosts Kevin Hilley and Erin Hart; a presentation from the World Bird Sanctuary; and the Department of Natural Resources' own Science Guys, Nick Newport and Chatchai Pinthuprapa, who will entertain students with feats of science.

Nearly 1,200 students, representing 66 classes from 25 schools, have registered to attend Earth Day 2013. Registered classes include schools from St. Louis and 11 counties: Boone, Callaway, Camden, Chariton, Cole, Gasconade, Lincoln, Maries, Moniteau, Montgomery, Osage, Randolph and Scott.

This year marks the department’s 19th annual recognition of Earth Day. Earth Day is targeted toward students, but the event is free and open to the public, as well.

Submitted by
Dee Loflin, SMT Manager/Writer

Dexter, Missouri – The National Weather Service in Paducah, KY has advised us that a line of strong to severe storms will move east across Missouri and western Illinois this morning, possibly intensifying as it crosses our region later today.  Isolated storms may develop ahead of the line this morning, especially over southeast Missouri and southern Illinois. 

Any storms today could be severe.  The forecast for the Dexter area is windy with scattered thunderstorms this morning, then strong thunderstorms becoming likely during the afternoon hours.  Storms may produce large hail and high winds.  High this afternoon with temperatures increasing to 78 degrees with a cold front coming in later.  Temperatures will drop in the mid 30’s tonight.

 

Dexter, Missouri – The National Weather Service at Paducah, KY has issued a Wind Advisory from 1 a.m. today until 1 a.m. Friday morning.  A wind advisory is issued when sustained winds are expected to reach 30 MPH or greater for longer than one hour or wind gusts are expected reach 45 MPH for any duration.

A fast moving and fast developing storm system will usher in strong winds today and tomorrow.  South winds will increase through the teens MPH today and occasional gusts could reach 45 MPH tomorrow.

These strong winds will occur outside of expected severe weather today.  Take appropriate measures to secure loose outdoor items that may be blown about by strong winds or wind gusts. 

If traveling, be prepared for strong winds across area roadways, especially if you are in a high profile vehicle.

Area lakes will experience high waves.

Written by

Beth Farrah, SMT Writer

 

Jefferson City, Missouri — Bellflower fifth-grade student, Shelby Stille, recently submitted the winning slogan contest for the Department of Natural Resources’ Earth Day 2013 slogan contest. Shelby took first place by creating her slogan called “Energy Efficiency: It’s the Bright Idea”. Although there were more than five-hundred other entries from students of all ages based on the same theme: “energy efficiency”, Shelby toppled them all with her idea.

 

Shelby is the daughter of Ned and Maria Stille, a family who lives in Bellfower, Missouri. She is a student at Montgomery City Elementary School and is in Christina Harms’ fifth grade class. Since she is the winner of the themed slogan contest, she has been rewarded with a $50 gift card (donated by her local Central Bank in Jefferson City) and she will even get the chance to appear on stage during the 2013 Earth Day opening Ceremony this weekend in Jefferson City on April 19^th.

 

Shelby’s slogan was unique, clever, and thoughtful. It reminds people every day that being energy efficient is not only easy, but it is a smart thing to do. Lighting, heating and air conditioning, and transportation are daily parts of our routines but we should also make being energy efficient part of our routines too. It does not only effect our environment, but it also affects our lives economically.

 

Earth Day 2013 represents the Department of Natural Resources’ 19^th year sponsoring the event, which will include multiple educational displays and activities from the department as well as a number of other state and federal agencies. The day’s events will also include a number of stage shows and contests. Although geared toward upper elementary school age students, the event is free and open to the public and is fun for people and students of all ages.

Earth Day will be celebrated this year on Monday, April 22^nd but it is never too soon or too late to start “Going Green” or working to save our environment. With the simple tasks that Shelby mentioned with her award-winning slogan, everyone can take steps towards a brighter future for our society and our planet. There will be many other Earth Day activities that will take place throughout the weekend and next week, so be sure to stay updated and to get involved, whether it is a local or national cause. As we move into spring, remember that “Energy Efficiency is the Bright Idea”. 

 
Stoddard County, Missouri - Eastbound Route 60 in Stoddard County will be reduced to one lane as Missouri Department of Transportation crews perform bridge maintenance.

This section of roadway is located between Route AH and Route 114.

Weather permitting, work will performed Thursday, April 18, Monday, April 22 and Tuesday, April 23 from 6:30 a.m. to 5 p.m. daily.

The work zone will be marked with signs.  Motorists are urged to use extreme caution while traveling near the area.

For additional information, contact MoDOT's Customer Service Center toll-free at 1-888-ASK-MODOT (1-888-275-6636) or visit www.modot.org/southeast.