Written by
Dee Loflin, SMT Manager/Writer

Dexter, Missouri - Every year Americans empty their wallets buying fireworks for the Fourth of July holiday. According to the American Pyrotechnic Association, in the year 2010 alone Americans spent more than $600 million on fireworks. But how exactly do these creations work?

According to Dr. Nikolay Gerasimchuk, associate professor of chemistry at Missouri State University, fireworks are a type of inorganic chemistry that contains two very important classes of compounds: propellants and explosives.

The colors visible when a firework explodes are caused by a large volume of gases mixing with heat, which creates the ignition of certain particles within the firework:

Magnesium and pieces of burning foil create the look of a shower of white stars falling from the sky.

Barium nitrate and copper creates a bright green color.

Potassium mixed with lithium creates a soft lilac color in the sky.

Together with the mixing of certain gases we get many beautiful colors.  Silver is the burning of aluminum, titanium, or magnesium powder or flakes.  Yellow is the burning of sodium compounds and orange is created when calcium salts are burned.

Though the origins of fireworks was not associated with the 4th of July, but with New Year's Eve; however It has now become an annual tradition that everyone enjoys.

The Dexter Fireworks Display will be held at dusk on Wednesday, July 3rd.  Bloomfield Fireworks Display will be held on July 4th.

Submitted by

Beth Farrah, SMT Writer

This has been another landmark year for Three Rivers College, as our efforts have resulted in continued unprecedented growth and major achievements in serving students and the region. The end of the 2013 fiscal year seemed a per­fect time to review college accomplishments.

In April, Three Rivers was named one of the fastest growing community colleges in America by Community College Week, the nation’s leading periodical for community, technical, and junior colleges. Record enrollment last fall topped 4,600 students, marking a 50 percent increase over the past five years.

These enrollment numbers included a record number of dual credit students. The college is providing dual credit courses to more than 400 students at 40 high schools. Our dual credit pro­gram helps area high schools provide challenging coursework for high-achieving students and helps their parents save money.

Corresponding to record enrollment, Three Rivers set a record in May for the number of graduates. The Three Rivers Class of 2013 was awarded more than 700 degrees and certificates, up 14 percent over 2012.

Three Rivers continues to build toward the fu­ture. We are nearing completion of a $2.2 million transformation of the Academic Resource Com­mons (ARC) into a one-stop hub for all academic support services on the Poplar Bluff campus. This was done debt-free using state funds and college resources.

Inside the ARC will be a center for the college’s Transitional Math and English courses. These courses are the result of a faculty-led project to redesign developmental courses to more effec­tively and more quickly prepare students for col­lege level work. The college received a $2 million U.S. Department of Education Strengthening In­stitutions grant for this innovative project.

In July 2012, Three Rivers signed transfer agree­ments with the University of Missouri to expand accessibility to higher education. The agreement allows several Three Rivers associate degrees to transfer directly into corresponding University of Missouri bachelor’s degree programs at MU and online. Programs include nursing, teaching, for­estry, occupational and physical therapy assistant, and more.

We began administering Licensed Practical Nurse programs in Kennett and Hayti which will see its first graduates this summer.

In response to our efforts to better assist our growing veteran population, Three Rivers was accepted as a member of the Servicemembers Opportunity Colleges Consortium and earned a spot on the G.I. Jobs Military Friendly Schools List, putting the college among the top 15 percent of institutions nationwide noted for offering high-value education and a welcoming environment for veterans.

For the second consecutive year, Three Rivers was ranked among the top 10 safest college and university campuses in Missouri by StateUniver­sity.com.

Three Rivers has enhanced our efforts at serv­ing high-performing students and experienced a large increase in membership in the Sigma Rho chapter of the Phi Theta Kappa, the official honor society for two-year colleges. We inducted 70 new members this spring, almost doubling our chapter’s membership.

For the 2012-13 academic year, the Three Rivers Endowment Trust awarded more than $32,000 in scholarships to Three Rivers students. The Endowment Trust, the 501(c)(3) not-for-prof­it organization designated by Three Rivers College to receive and manage gifts on behalf of the Col­lege, continues to work to support Three Rivers and its students.

Three Rivers continued efforts to strengthen the area workforce by securing grants and part­nering with employers. Funds secured included:

• $1.1 million from Department of Labor for healthcare workforce training to offer Certi­fied Nursing Assistant classes at no or little cost to participants.

• $250,000 from Missouri Foundation for Health for increasing retention of nursing students.

• $200,000 from Delta Regional Authority for mobile skills training lab.

• $265,000 in state money for firefighting and public safety training.

• $275,000 from the Missouri New Jobs Train­ing Program to provide training for Invensys Controls in West Plains.

• $800,000 from the Missouri Job Retention Training Program to provide training for SRG Global in Portageville.

In October, Three Rivers College and Clearwater High School opened a Public Computing Center in Piedmont.

In November, Three Rivers College was se­lected as a stop on the 2012 Freshman Legislator Tour. About 80 new Missouri legislators heard the story of what Three Rivers is doing for our stu­dents and our region.

There have been numerous donations includ­ing 32.9 acres of land donated by Scott Mat­thews, valued at approximately $2 million. The land adjoins Matthews’ previous donation where the college is building our Eastern Campus.

We are continuing to build our staffing to meet needs, increasing payroll about 28 percent in the past three years.

And in June 2013, the Three Rivers Board of Trustees approved the largest budget in the his­tory of the college, with $23.9 million in the op­erating budget plus $10.5 million in the capital budget. Combined, this $34.4 million budget will create a $206 million economic impact on the re­gion as these dollars are spent in the area. Also contributing to the area economy is the more than $25 million in financial aid that Three Rivers awards to students each year.

Three Rivers is nearing completion of a $2.2 million transformation of the Academic Resource Commons into a one-stop hub for all academic support services on the Poplar Bluff campus.

Submitted by
Dee Loflin, SMT Manager/Writer

Dexter, Missouri - Using consumer fireworks on New Years is a tradition.  And it can be safe if a few common sense rules are followed, says Ralph Apel, the spokesperson for the National Council on Fireworks Safety. Consumer fireworks go through vigorous third party testing in China before being shipped to the United States.  But he notes, according to the U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission (“CPSC”), there were an estimated 9,600 fireworks related injuries during the Fourth of July season in 2011.  Most of these injuries would not have occurred if the fireworks had been used under close adult supervision and if some basic safety steps had been taken.

The National Council on Fireworks Safety offers these common sense safety tips for using consumer fireworks in hopes that injuries to consumers can be greatly reduced this season:

• Know your fireworks; Read the warning labels and performance descriptions before igniting.
• Have a designated shooter to organize and shoot your family show.
• Alcohol and fireworks do not mix. Save your alcohol for after the show.
• Parents and caretakers should always closely supervise teens if they are using fireworks.
• Parents should not allow young children to handle or use fireworks.
• Fireworks should only be used outdoors.
• Always have water ready if you are shooting fireworks.
• Obey local laws. If fireworks are not legal where you live, do not use them.
• Wear safety glasses whenever using fireworks.
• Never relight a “dud” firework.  Wait 20 minutes and then soak it in a bucket of water.
• Soak spent fireworks with water before placing them in an outdoor garbage can.
• Never attempt to alter or modify consumer fireworks and use them only in the manner in which they were intended.
• Report illegal explosives, like M-80s and quarter sticks, to the fire or police department.

The National Council on Fireworks Safety urges Americans to follow common sense safety rules in their holiday celebrations.

The National Council on Fireworks Safety is a 501(c)(3) charitable organization whose sole mission is to educate the public on the safe and responsible use of consumer fireworks.  For a full list of consumer fireworks safety tips and a safety video, please visit www.FireworksSafety.org.

The Dexter Fireworks Display will be held at dusk on Wednesday, July 3rd.  Happy 4th of July!

Submitted by

Beth Farrah, SMT Writer

Washington D.C. – Today, Congressman Jason Smith announced his appointment to the Judiciary and Natural Resources Committees in the 113^th Congress. Smith was welcomed to both committees today during regularly scheduled hearings.

“The Judiciary Committee will be tackling some of the biggest issues facing our country. From immigration reform to recent reports of government surveillance, the Judiciary Committee will play a key role in crafting national policy. I look forward to working with Chairman Goodlatte and other members of the Committee during this important time,” said Smith. “The Natural Resources Committee is of great importance to families living in South East and South Central Missouri. As the operator of my family farm, I know firsthand the challenges farm families face from Washington regulations. Our district is also home to the Mark Twain National Forest, National Scenic Riverways and mining and timber interests. I look forward to working with Chairman Hastings and other members of the Natural Resources Committee to protect private property rights and bring a little common sense to the national debate.”

Chairman of the House Judiciary Committee, Bob Goodlatte, (R-VA) welcomed Smith to the Committee.

“I am pleased to welcome Jason Smith to the House Judiciary Committee.  His background as an attorney and a small business owner make him particularly well suited to the work of our Committee. I look forward to working with Jason on the many important issues that will be debated before the Judiciary Committee.” 

Chairman of the House Natural Resources Committee, Doc Hastings, (R-WA) welcomed Smith to the Committee.

“I’m pleased to welcome the newest Member of Congress, Rep. Jason Smith, to the Committee on Natural Resources.  Having grown up on a family farm, Jason understands the importance of responsibly harvesting our natural resources and how crucial it is for jobs and economic growth. I look forward to having Jason’s expertise on the Committee and am confident he’ll be a strong advocate for the people of Missouri.”

A Passion To Serve Others With the Love of Christ

For Team Pictures - Click Here

Article Submitted to
ShowMe Times
news@showmetimes.com

McLoud, Oklahoma - There is nothing that brings forth the greatness of the human spirit more than when others are facing devastation and hurt.  The natural reaction is the desire to find a way to help.  Some talk about helping, others offer donations while others discover ways to climb directly into the action. 

Three days before the group’s departure, they were notified that volunteers from the Moore region were moving 20 miles east to the more sparsely populated area of McCloud, Oklahoma.  Located in Pottawatomie County, McLoud is one of the poorest counties in the area. 

“Countless phone calls and emails of questions about what we would be facing could not equip us with what was ahead (when we arrived),” said Jeff Jarrell.

As expected, the region was filled with the destruction from the EF5 tornado that occurred on May 20, 2013, but little attention had been given to the community of McLoud which was hit with tornado damage the day prior to the Moore event.   

“The devastation in Moore is by far greater but they have plenty of volunteers assisting with recovery efforts,” noted Taylor Jarrell.  “However, the outlying areas got far less attention but have the same damage.”  

“A lot of the smaller towns in the area didn't get hardly any media attention so they didn't get much help,” added Taylor.  “Seeing the damage first hand almost seems as if the tornado hit last week in those places.”

The group was confident their skills would be a blessing to the people of Moore, Oklahoma.  A talented collection of workers in construction and general clean up, members of the group brought a gift of service that was perfect – their ability to cook and feed the workers and volunteers.

You may be well aware of the cooking talent of this group, as the Dudley Church of God is one of the favorite community vendors every year at the Stoddard County Fairgrounds.  Their blooming onion receives raved reviews and is a crowd pleaser at any event. 

Or you may be of the era when Mrs. Barbara Jarrell was busy in the kitchens of the Dexter Public Schools serving up their famous hot cinnamon rolls and no-bake cookies. 

"We are pretty used to feeding people," commented group member, Jeff Jarrell.  "We thought it was a good idea to put our words into action to help these people."

Upon arriving this past Sunday to McLoud, the group was quickly directed to the kitchen of a local Baptist Church.  Their talent kicked into high gear each day as the team fed over 300 individuals for lunch and dinner each day this past week.  Their efforts was like the equivalent of feeding the entire population of Dudley at 317 people twice a day.

When not in the kitchen, team members Marion Field and Jeff Jarrell were quick to get involved in the clean up efforts in the community.  Pastor Josh Hester rolled up his sleeves as well and joined in to lend a hand

"I can honestly say that this has been the best and worst week of my life,” recounted Jeff Jarrell.  “The experience of being blessed enough to come and help others in need has been most gratifying.  But seeing the devastation and countenance of despair on the faces of those affected was heart wrenching.”

In a world that volunteerism is challenging to find, Pastor Josh Hester has to be very proud that over 25% of his congregation is willing to sacrifice their vacations and personal time to help others. 

“Our group did a lot of good while we were here, but we need to get the message out ‘that our neighbors in Oklahoma are still in great need,” added Jeff.   “Our desire is that our local community will see how this trip has not only brought positive effects to the people we served, but the same effects to our lives through this mission work."

Team members included;  Pastor Josh Hester, Marion Fields, Scott Townsend, Stephanie Townsend, Barbara Jarrell, Dean Jarrell, Nancy Jarrell, Jeff Jarrell, Jonathan Guite, and Taylor Jarrell.

"Where in the world is Dudley, Missouri?" was something the group heard far too often.  After all, such a small town church bringing a large impact to the lives of those that are working to put their lives back in order.

With a long satisfying week behind them, the group completed serving their last dinner Friday night to those that have continued to assist the people of Moore.  They will begin packing in the morning and take the long trek home with a lot of satisfaction in their hearts.

"The most impressive part to me was that people came from all over the country to help others," noted team member Taylor Jarrell.  "I've been able to meet volunteers from West Virginia, Canada and even the Virgin Islands."

"It sure has been quite the experience," add Taylor.  Taylor is a 2010 graduate of Dexter High School.  "I'm sure all of us wish we could stay longer as there's so much still to do."

"The relationships that I have acquired through this experience will never be forgotten and will last a lifetime,” added Nancy Jarrell.  “I will be forever touched by the devastation seen, and all the people with so much lost and yet so much resilience.”

Additional Praises:  The relocation of the Dudley team from Moore to McLoud nearly cancelled the entire trip.  Weeks of preparation and planning would have all been lost had it not been for the diligent efforts of Gale Jordan of Hope International in Bernie, Missouri.  His relentless efforts to search for needs in McLoud kept the trip alive and made the 2013 Oklahoma Mission possible for the 10 members of the Dudley Church of God.