Written by
Beth Farrah, SMT Writer
Jefferson City, Missouri – The flags of the United States and the State of Missouri at all government buildings in Missouri will be flown at half-staff from sunrise to sunset tomorrow on Wednesday, May 15th, in honor of Missouri’s Peace Officers Memorial Day, so designated by a state law created in 1996. The day commemorates the sacrifices of the federal, state, county and municipal peace officers who have been killed or disabled in the performance of their duties.
Peace Officers Memorial Day is not a national public holiday, but it has taken place annually since 1961. In October of 1961, congress came before the current president, John F. Kennedy, and proposed the idea of having a Memorial Day commemoration for the peace officers of America. Kennedy signed the bill and made it a law on October 1st. Ever since that day, the United States has celebrated Peace Officers Memorial Day on May 15th during the national Police Week. The president is requested to issue a yearly proclamation to designate events to take place on May 15th, such as: direct all government officials to lower all flags on government buildings to half-staff and invite state as well as local governments to participate in the event.
“This is another way in which we can honor those Missouri law enforcement officers who have made the ultimate sacrifice as they protected our safety,” Governor Jay Nixon said. “When Missourians see the lowered flags on Wednesday, it will serve as a reminder of the courage and selflessness of those who guard our safety every day.”
According to Concerns of Police Survivors (COPS), an average of about one-hundred-and-fifty police officers is killed every year while performing their everyday tasks. Many more have been injured during their line of duty. Families and co-workers often have a troubling time while dealing with the many tragic events that have caused them to lose a love one due to their profession. That is why many communities, both big and small, hold ceremonies, participate in Police Week activities, and hold memorial services in honor of the Peace Officers that have been lost.
Multiple communities and towns have a great deal of respect for the Peace Officers and the time and effort they put into protecting their citizens. This is why so many ceremonies are held for the tributes across the nation. Missouri is proud to be a part of Police Week as well as being a part of Peace Officers Memorial Day.
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.
And with such a wide variety of treats, customers might consider making this the trophy stop for summer baseball. It's always great to reward ice cream for your young supersstar's performance on the baseball or softball diamond. These are traditions of yesteryear that are remembered for a lifetime.
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.