Missouri - The Conservation Commission voted to approve proposed amendments to regulations regarding the operation of hunting preserves and wildlife breeding facilities that hold white-tailed deer, mule deer, their hybrids, and other members of the deer family, known as cervids. The changes would become part of the agency’s strategy to minimize fatal disease risks to the state’s deer herd.

Actions recommended by the Commission include:

Banning the importation of live white-tailed deer, mule deer, and their hybrids from other states.

Improving fencing requirements for captive-cervid facilities.

Requiring all deer 6 months or older that die in a Conservation Department-licensed facility to be tested for CWD.

Establishing better record-keeping requirements for Conservation Department-licensed captive-cervid operations.

Prohibiting any new captive-cervid facilities within 25 miles of where CWD has been confirmed.

The proposed amendments are designed to ensure the health of Missouri’s entire deer herd, which includes free-ranging and captive-cervids. These proposed amendments work to reduce the risk of this fatal disease (CWD) from spreading beyond the limited area where it has been found, while minimizing the economic impact on the captive-cervid industry and the communities and businesses that benefit from deer hunting and deer-related activities.

CWD is a fatal disease that affects members of the deer family, collectively called cervids. It is different and unrelated to the recent outbreak of hemorrhagic diseases. Those diseases – blue tongue and epizootic hemorrhagic disease – are caused by viruses and are often not fatal. Their effects are short-term and localized. However, hemorrhagic diseases have been in Missouri for years, and white-tailed deer are adapted to cope with them.

Over 500,000 citizens enjoy deer hunting, sharing their hunting heritage and passing that heritage on to future generations. Missourians consume millions of pounds of venison and share with neighbors in need through the Share the Harvest Program. The spread of CWD could negatively impact deer-dependent businesses that support more than 12,000 Missouri jobs and generate over $1 billion in economic activity annually.

Proposed changes to the Wildlife Code of Missouri would give white-tailed deer an extra measure of protection against this fatal disease. The Missouri Department of Conservation stresses that success depends on an informed, involved public.

Now that the Conservation Commission has approved proposed amendments to the regulations, they will be published in the Missouri Register. There will be a 30-day public comment period beginning July 16, and any comments on the proposed rule changes will be forwarded to the Conservation Commission for its consideration. Those comments will be reviewed prior to deciding whether the rules will be adopted, amended, or withdrawn. To comment go to www.mdc.mo.gov/deerhealth.

Springfield, Missouri - Jason Brasier, a Willow Springs native, and his business partner, Brittney Greer, a Dexter native, own American Wasteland Entertainment, based out of Springfield, Missouri.

American Wasteland Entertainment, a Springfield, Missouri-based production company, released the first episode of the second season of it’s award-winning web series, today:  Drifter: Lonesome Highway. The second season of Drifter was shot locally in the southwest Missouri area.
 
Episode one of Lonesome Highway and all of Season 1 can be viewed at http://www.drifterseries.com
 
Drifter: Lonesome Highway begins about four weeks after the end of Drifter: Broken Road as she continues her quest for vengeance.  Lonesome Highway takes us deeper into Drifter’s mind and exposes more of the pain that has led her on her quest.
 
Lonesome Highway comes out on the heals of numerous awards and recognitions that Broken Road received and is already receiving praise:
 
·       "Drifter: Lonesome Highway is Gritty and Compelling storytelling with a rocking soundtrack!" ~Paul Awad -Director of Thurston - The Western Web Series
 
·       "Graphic, grimy, and gripping. Buckle your seat belts Drifter fans, because Season 2 is non stop crazy." ~Michael Caruso~ Producer of DeVanity
 
·       "These strong female characters in this series are a breath of fresh air." Larry Litle - Geekykool.com
 
·       "Bigger, tougher and more badass." -Matt Smolen- Director/Producer of Chris & Josh
 
At the 2013 LA Webfest, Drifter: Broken Road (season 1) received the following awards:  Outstanding Lead Actress, Outstanding Composer, Outstanding Writing, & Outstanding Directing. Drifter: Broken Road was also named an “Advance Selection” to the Marseille, France Webfest.
 
Drifter: Broken Road was also named a Hollyweb Festival 2013 Official Selection, Indie Soap Award Nominee, IndieIntertube.net another outstanding Drama Webseries of 2012 list, ScifPulse.net Top 10 Webseries of 2012 list, and A Top 10 Mingle Media TV Audience Choice Awards 2012 Finalist.
 
Drifter: Lonesome Highway stars Vanessa Leinani – Texas, Jennifer Eiffert – Springfield, MO, Jason Preston – Sparta, MO, Rodney Wiseman – Walnut Cove, NC, Drew Diveley – Independence, MO, George Cron – Springfield, MO, Melissa Young – Claremore, OK, Kelly Purser – Joplin, MO, Tyler Bueno – Springfield, MO, Michael Brasier, Willow Springs, MO, Shawn Young – Dexter, MO, Rachael Edlow – Carrollton, MO, Dalton Briggs – Springfield, MO, Brittney Greer – Dexter, MO, Jason Knight – Springfield, MO, Ben Cain – Cabool, MO, Jason Coatney – Willow Springs, MO, Elton Rose – South Africa, Bruce Robinson – Columbus, KS, Jason Brasier, Willow Springs, MO, and Zac Rantz, Nixa, MO.

Dee Loflin, SMT Manager/Editor

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

This section of roadway is located between Route 114 and Route 61.

Weather permitting, work will performed Tuesday, June 3 through Tuesday, June 10 from 7:30 a.m. to 4 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.


For more information find them on Facebook, Twitter and YouTube!

facebook.com/MoDOTSoutheast

twitter.com/MoDOTSoutheast

youtube.com/MoDOTSoutheast

Written by
Dee Loflin, SMT Manager/Editor

Dexter, Missouri – Each year hundreds of Relay for Life events are held all over this great nation to help those who are battling cancer.  The 2014 Stoddard County Relay held their annual event the first weekend of May and surpassed their set goal of $75,000 by more than $4,000.  Total raised was ….….drum roll please……$79,119.62!!!

Any outdoor event could have potential weather issues and this was the second year in a row they moved the event.  Last year thunderstorms and rain moved the event indoors to the Park Lane gym.  This year the rains came prior to the event a decision was made to move from West Park to East Park.  This proved to be an excellent decision with ample parking and paved areas many came out to help make the event successful.

The paved walking loop was lined with luminarias making the honorary Survivor’s Lap quite emotional for many.  Amy Ellinghouse was lifted high above taking photos from the top of the bucket truck!

Many activities and foods were available for supporters to enjoy.  One the most entertaining event is the annual Miss Relay where gentleman dress as ladies and beg for donations.  Always fun to watch those fellows strut their stuff!

The ‘Coolest Campsite and Theme” award went to two great teams, SoutheastHEALTH of Stoddard County and the Stoddard County Health Coalition.

Liberty Hill Church was recognized for having raised the most money as a team contributing $18,102.31. 

Real Estate Rock Stars and the Bowlers Against Cancer Teams wond the “Team Spirit Award”.

“Most Outstanding New Team at Relay” went to the Southwest Elementary School.  They raised $8,099.04.  Way to go Southwest!

Carrillo’s Martial Arts Studio’s Kick-Thong brought in $6,901.25.  General donations totals $2,348.25 and Luminaria bags brought in $805.

A list of teams and their donations are listed below:

Liberty Hill - $18,102.31, Central Cats - $9,083.62, Southwest Elementary -$8,099.04, Rebel Warriors - $5,269, Real Estate Rock Stars - $4,001, Bowlers Against Cancer (BAC) - $3,981.66, Four Oaks Hospice - $3,293.71, Health Nutz -- $2,942.72, Faith Lutheran - $2,571, SoutheastHEALTH - $2,159.53, Carmode Family - $1,999, Stoddard County Health Coalition - $1,655, Faurecia - $1,315.50, KDEX - $1,000, Spark of Hope - $875, Country Hope - $870, Tyson Foods - $769.03, Webfoot - $607, and Walgreens - $446.

The 2015 Relay for Life event is already in the planning stage so get your teams ready.  The Planning Committee has decided to host the event at East Park on May 1^st, so mark your calendar!

CELEBRATE    REMEMBER    FIGHT BACK

Submitted by
Dee Loflin, SMT Manager/Editor

Missouri - Summertime is hunting, fishing, camping, and hiking time. It also is tick time, and the Missouri Department of Conservation reminds those visiting conservation areas to take time to prevent tick bites.

Ticks can transmit diseases, including ehrlichiosis, tularemia, anaplasmosis, Lyme disease, Rocky Mountain spotted fever, and Southern tick-associated rash illness (STARI). The risk of contracting these illnesses is small but serious, so it is worth taking a few simple precautions to avoid them.

Protective clothing is the first line of defense against ticks. When outdoors, wear long-sleeved shirts, long pants, and boots with pants tucked into socks or boots. Rubber bands, blousing bands, or tape can be used to secure the cuffs of your pants.

Once indoors, conduct a thorough tick check and shower as soon as possible to remove any unattached ticks. Tumble clothes in a dryer on high heat to kill remaining ticks before washing your clothing.

Insect repellents also reduce the risk of being bitten. Products containing DEET are most effective. Apply DEET-based repellent on exposed skin and clothing. Use a product with at least a 20-percent concentration. Lower concentrations do not repel lone-star ticks, Missouri’s most common ticks. Essential oils and natural products are not registered by the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency for tick repellency. Be sure to follow label instructions to ensure safety and best results.

Products containing permethrin can be applied to clothing and equipment but not directly to skin. Garments must be allowed to dry thoroughly before wearing. These products kill ticks rather than merely repelling them. Again, be sure to follow label directions.

Most tick-transmitted diseases are not transferred to the host until the tick has been feeding for some time. The earlier the tick is located and removed, the less the chance of being infected with a tick-borne disease. When you are active outdoors, never allow more than a few hours to pass without a tick inspection.

Remove any attached ticks immediately. Proper removal is important, because improper removal can increase the likelihood of infection. Follow these steps to remove a tick that is already attached.

•                Use fine-tipped tweezers to grasp the tick as close to the skin's surface as possible. If you use your fingers, cover them with tissue or rubber gloves. Use only as much pressure as necessary to avoid forcing the tick’s stomach contents into the bite.

•                Remove the tick with a firm outward movement. Never jerk or twist the tick when removing it.

•                After removing the tick, thoroughly clean the bite area and your hands with rubbing alcohol, an iodine scrub, or soap and water.

Watch for symptoms of tick-borne disease in the days and weeks following a tick bite. These include any unusual rash and unexplained flu-like symptoms, including fever, severe headaches, body aches, and dizziness.

Symptoms of tick-borne diseases often are mild, but they should not be ignored. If you know you’ve been bitten by a tick and any of the above symptoms appear, consult a doctor and mention the recent tick bite. Prompt treatment with antibiotics can prevent serious illness or even death. 

For more information about tick-borne diseases, visit cdc.gov/ticks/resources/Hunterfactsheet.pdf and cdc.gov/ticks/diseases/.