
Dexter, Missouri - Route 114 in Stoddard County will be reduced to one lane as Missouri Department of Transportation crews perform edge rut repairs.
This section of roadway is located from Route 25 to County Road 114.
Work will take place Wednesday, May 15 and Thursday, May 16 from 6:30 a.m. to 4 p.m., weather permitting.
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.
Please use caution when traveling and remember to slow down in construction zones.

Dexter, Missouri - Route 25 in Stoddard County will be reduced to one lane as Missouri Department of Transportation crews perform edge rut repairs.
This section of roadway is located from Business Route 60 to Bloomfield City limits.
Work will take place Wednesday, May 15 and Thursday, May 16 from 6:30 a.m. to 4 p.m., weather permitting.
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.

Submitted by
Beth Farrah, SMT Writer
Missouri - Colonel Ron Replogle, superintendent of the Missouri State Highway Patrol, would like to make the public aware of National Safe Boating Week, which takes place May 18-24, 2013. As the weather starts to warm up, we’re all anxious to get outside and enjoy the sunshine. Families and friends gather together to enjoy the outdoors, travel on vacation, and spend time on the water – boating, fishing, sailing, and more. It’s important to remember the safety precautions to take during all of these recreational water activities.
Nationwide, approximately 500 people drown each year from recreational boating accidents. Of those, nearly 88 percent were not wearing a life jacket.
It is imperative that everyone wear a life jacket at all times in and around the water. Missouri law requires children under seven to wear a life jacket at all times while on board a boat unless in an enclosed cabin area. The Missouri State Highway Patrol joins the National Safe Boating Council, U.S. Coast Guard Boating Safety Division, National Association of State Boating Law Administrators, and Canadian Safe Boating Council in encouraging safe and responsible boating, including wearing a life jacket, and being alert and aware in and on the water.
“Boating accidents occur too quickly for you to reach for a life jacket,” said Colonel Replogle. “Missouri experienced 82 boating accidents in 2012, in which 93 people were injured and 10 people were killed. Please pay attention when enjoying Missouri’s waters, and make sure you have a life jacket for each person in your boat. Take time to choose a life jacket that fits properly and is approved for your activity and body weight.”
Life jackets are now lighter, less obtrusive, and more attractive than ever before. The new inflatable life jackets allow the mobility and flexibility for activities like boating, fishing or paddling, and are much cooler in the warmer weather. There are many different varieties of inflatable jackets ranging from those that inflate instantly when submerged in the water to those that are manually inflated. All are designed to be more comfortable and wearable than the traditional life jacket.
In addition to your life jacket, remember these boating safety tips:
1) Don’t drink alcohol while you're boating.
2) Know Missouri’s boating laws before you get onto the water.
3) Make sure your boat is as prepared as you are. Schedule an inspection before you hit the water.
4) Check the weather. Know the forecast prior to going out, and check for changing conditions regularly.
5) Make sure you can keep in touch. In an emergency situation, cell phones and having a good float plan, which includes someone on shore knowing when you are leaving and when you should return, is important.
“The Missouri State Highway Patrol would like the 2013 boating season to be fun for everyone,” said Col. Replogle.
Boaters are reminded to contact the Missouri State Highway Patrol using *55 if they need assistance, or observe another boater operating a vessel in an unsafe manner.
The Patrol encourages motorists and watercraft operators to protect themselves by making sure everyone in the vehicle is properly restrained in a seat belt or child restraint and everyone in the vessel is wearing an approved life jacket. Click It 4 Life and Wear It!!!

The well decorated cafe features many varieties of coffee, donuts and sandwiches. In particular, the ice cream treats will be very exciting as customers will be able to design their own treat with the mixing of the many ingredients available.
The atmosphere and staff were very friendly and attentive to the needs of their customers throughout the morning. Even on "Opening Day" when things are typically hectic and crazy, all operations of the Holy Cow Cafe had been smoothed out and were prepped for an easy in and out visit or for a time to sit and enjoy your morning breakfast.

Holy Cow Cafe is also a wonderful meeting location for church groups and outings for ladies ministries. No program necessary, yet the relaxed sitting area would allow for a casual and comfortable area to just enjoy conversations and friendships.
Of course, those early morning guys that want a place to sit, sip and tell those long interesting stories of what's going on in the community will find the Holy Cow Cafe perfect for their needs. Plenty of coffee with convenient refills always makes the story a little more interesting.
As a review, let us share with our readers the doughnuts are incredible! Aaron definitely has a special gift for making these morning cake delights. With a wide variety of doughnuts, each are are covered and filled with all the magical bliss that make your taste buds sing for joy in the morning. Be very cautious not to eat them as you drive down the road as the hallelujah chorus may erupt in the front of your vehicle.
With local owners and a dedication to the Dexter community, please make it a point to stop by and encourage the staff at Holy Cow Cafe with your patronage.
Please place your comments below the Facebook Page on your experiences dining at Holy Cow Cafe!!!


Submitted by
Beth Farrah, SMT Writer
Missouri - Colonel Ron Replogle, superintendent of the Missouri State Highway Patrol, would like to make the public aware of Motorcycle Safety Month. Favorable weather is practically an invitation to motorcyclists to go for a ride. Car and truck drivers need to share the road with motorcyclists and keep the following in mind:
* Drivers should actively watch for motorcyclists.
* Motorcycles may look farther away than they are due to their smaller size. It is also difficult to judge the speed at which a motorcycle is traveling as it approaches.
*Motorcycles are hidden easily in a vehicle’s blind spots, or masked by objects or backgrounds. Thoroughly check traffic before changing lanes!
*Motorcyclists may slow down by downshifting or easing off the throttle. So, you may not see a brake light. Allow extra distance between you and a motorcycle.
*A motorcycle’s turn signal does not cancel after the turn like a vehicle’s signal does. So, pay attention, the motorcycle may not be turning.
*A motorcyclist will often adjust their position in the lane in order to be seen more easily and to avoid debris, wind, or passing vehicles. Allow the motorcyclist to share the lane; don’t assume they are being reckless.
*Stopping distance for motorcycles is similar to that of cars. But, slippery pavement can make stopping quickly difficult. Please allow more distance behind a motorcycle in these types of road conditions.
It’s important that motorcyclists take an active role in their safety. Keep these suggestions in mind when you’re on the road:
* Be visible. Motorists often have a hard time seeing you. Keep your headlight on, day or night. Use reflective strips/decals on your clothing and on your motorcycle. Be aware of other vehicle’s blind spots.
*Dress for safety. Wear a helmet and eye protection. Wear bright clothing. Wear thick or leather clothing for protection. Section 302.020 RSMo. states, in part, “Every person operating or riding as a passenger on any motorcycle or motortricycle, as defined in Section 301.010 RSMo., upon any highway of this state shall wear protective headgear at all times the vehicle is in motion. The protective headgear shall meet reasonable standards and specifications established by the director.”
*Think safety while riding. Give yourself space to react to other motorists’ actions. Use lane positioning to increase visibility. Watch for turning vehicles. Signal your next action in advance. Pretend you’re invisible and drive defensively.
*Know your bike. Get formal training and take refresher courses. Practice riding your motorcycle before going into heavy traffic. Know how to handle your motorcycle in all types of road conditions.
The Patrol encourages all motorists and watercraft operators to protect themselves by making sure everyone in the vehicle is properly restrained in a seat belt or child restraint and everyone in the vessel is wearing an approved life jacket. Click It 4 Life and Wear It!!!