In 1992, a group of bowhunters in Missouri began the program to share the deer they harvested with those less fortunate. Since then, Missouri hunters have donated more than 3.3 million pounds of venison to the needy through Share the Harvest. Last year nearly 4,000 hunters donated more than 212,000 pounds of venison.
The program is administered by the Missouri Department of Conservation (MDC), the Conservation Federation of Missouri (CFM), and supported by numerous sponsors.
To participate, hunters simply take their harvested deer to one of more than 130 participating meat processors around the state and let the processor know how much venison they wish to donate to the program. Hunters can donate a few pounds to a whole deer. The processor will package the ground meat, which will be given to local charitable agencies for distribution to hungry Missourians.
The cost of processing is the hunter's responsibility, but funds are available to help with processing costs when a whole deer is donated. CFM reimburses processors a predetermined amount for each whole deer donated. This allows processors to reduce the processing fees to hunters. In addition, many processors have local funds available that allow deer to be processed for free or at reduced cost. Contact individual processors to determine if local funds are available.
To find participating processors pick up MDC's 2015 Fall Deer & Turkey Hunting Regulations and Information booklet at MDC offices and nature center, where hunting permits are sold, and online at mdc.mo.gov.
Campaign Supports FREE Mammography Program
Cape Girardeau, Missouri - Saint Francis Medical Center kicked off its annual Pink Up breast cancer awareness campaign with a bang on Thursday night. Nearly 1,600 guests, including breast cancer survivors, their families and supporters, and Southeast Missouri State University student athletes gathered at the Medical Center’s Cancer Institute for food, entertainment and shopping, all benefitting Dig for Life, Saint Francis’ program that provides free mammography screenings and other cancer services for local women who could not otherwise afford them.
The evening featured the return of the Pink Up Choir, made up of singers and musicians from seven local churches and led by Barry Stone of Lynwood Baptist Church and a performance by 7-year-old twins Jayvon and Jayvion Biles of Charleston, Mo. Country music artist Candy Coburn of Dexter, Mo., joined the choir for a performance of her breast cancer anthem, “Pink Warrior.” A spectacular fireworks finale brought the evening to a close.
National Breast Cancer Awareness Month also began October 1. Saint Francis and its many community partners will continue to raise awareness and funds for Dig for Life throughout the month. According to the American Cancer Society, death rates from breast cancer have been declining since about 1989, with larger decreases in women younger than 50. These decreases are believed to be the result of earlier detection through screening and increased awareness, as well as improved treatment.
Saint Francis launched Pink Up Cape in 2010 to raise awareness of breast cancer in the community. During the campaign, residents are encouraged to “pink up” their homes and businesses in support of the cause. Proceeds benefit Dig for Life, a joint effort of Saint Francis Medical Center, Southeast Missouri State University and private donors that provides free mammograms to area women who otherwise could not afford them. Dig for Life provides more than 400 free mammograms to local women each year, and has provided nearly 3,000 free mammograms since 2000. Last year, more than 195 local businesses, 50 schools and countless individuals raised more than $215,000 in support of the program.
Breast cancer is the second-most diagnosed – and second-most fatal – cancer in women. One in eight women will be diagnosed with the disease in her lifetime, but early detection could save her life. Women age 40 and older should have a yearly screening and the Dig for Life program attempts to remove financial barriers for those who need the screening but cannot afford it.
Events supporting Dig for Life are scheduled throughout October and are listed at www.digforlife.com. Please visit the website or call 573-331-5133 to learn more or to donate to the cause.
Saint Francis Medical Center is a 289-bed facility serving more than 650,000 people throughout Missouri, Illinois, Kentucky, Tennessee and Arkansas. Guided by its mission to provide a ministry of healing and wellness inspired by its Christian philosophy and values, the Medical Center has become a progressive, innovative regional tertiary care referral center. Saint Francis’ major service lines, which have received national recognition, include the Neurosciences Institute; Orthopedic Institute; Family BirthPlace, featuring the region’s first Level III Neonatal Intensive Care Unit; Heart Hospital; Emergency and Trauma Center with Convenient Care; Cancer Institute; and Fitness Plus.
A PROCLAMATION
As a mark of respect for the victims of gun violence perpetrated on October 1, 2015, in Roseburg, Oregon, by the authority vested in me as President of the United States by the Constitution and the laws of the United States of America, I hereby order that the flag of the United States shall be flown at half-staff at the White House and upon all public buildings and grounds, at all military posts and naval stations, and on all naval vessels of the Federal Government in the District of Columbia and throughout the United States and its Territories and possessions until sunset, October 6, 2015. I also direct that the flag shall be flown at half-staff for the same length of time at all United States embassies, legations, consular offices, and other facilities abroad, including all military facilities and naval vessels and stations.
IN WITNESS WHEREOF, I have hereunto set my hand this second day of October, in the year of our Lord two thousand fifteen, and of the Independence of the United States of America the two hundred and fortieth.
BARACK OBAMA
Poplar Bluff, Missouri - If you are looking for something fun to do then check out the numerous activities planned for the Iron Horse Festival on Saturday in Poplar Bluff including the Iron Mountain Rendezvous hosted by Dee Loflin, Two Feathers Trading from Dexter, Missouri.
The festival will officially begin at 10:00 a.m. on Saturday and conclude at 5:00 p.m.; however the old fashioned encampment will be there Friday, Saturday, and Sunday!
Penny McGath, executive director of Downtown Poplar Bluff, Inc. has worked many hours along side the DPB board members, and volunteers to plan this fantastic event.
Nearly 7,000 people attended the event last year and this year looks to be even larger. Section of Main Street and Vine Streets will be closed from midnight Friday until 6:00 p.m. Saturday. Vendors will line South Main Street with a variety of foods, arts, crafts, and information.
BREAKFAST on Saturday will be served at the Historic Depot with pancakes, sausage, and a drink from 6:00 a.m. – 11:00 a.m. in the 105 year old train station. Tickets are $5.00 and all proceeds will benefit the reconstruction of the historic staircase at the depot.
The Iron Horse Depot is also sponsoring the Iron Mountain Rendezvous pre-1880’s encampment. Participants will be camped in Wiseman park along the Black River from noon – 5 p.m. on Friday, all day Saturday and Sunday. They will have delicious kettle corn, primitive demonstrators, traders, fire start demonstrations, flintknapping, hands-on learning center with furs, skulls, and live turtles. Try your hand at throwing a tomahawk or atlatl or even shoot a primitive long bow.
There will also be a 5k Run at 8:00 a.m. on Saturday morning, 20-mile River Race on the Black River from Hendrickson Access to Wiseman Park at 9:00 a.m.
A Veterans celebration will be provided by John J. Pershing VA Medical Center at 10:00 a.m. at the Butler County Courthouse gazebo. The event will honor the veterans and USA patriotism.
Performing on the Main Street stage will be Tori Travers, Black River Blues, Charlie Grubb, and the Iron Horse Express, Millstones, Thin Blue Line, Swamp Whiskey, Gary Garner Jazz Band, Kyle Richards. Jim Hager will provide the sound system. There will also be comedy acts between the music shows.
A Car Show will begin at 9:00 a.m. Three trophies in each of the 20 classes will be presented at 4:00 p.m. at the Courthouse gazebo.
A special Kids Zone will be at Wiseman Park next to the encampment from 10:00 a.m. – 4:00 p.m. There will be four bounce houses supervised by Sears youth center students. The Boys and Girls clubs will provide kids games, craft projects, and face painting.
The Three Rivers College Forestry Club will host forestry competitions beginning at 10:00 a.m. Saturday morning.
The Three Rivers College Rodeo Team will do roping demonstrations at 11:00 a.m.
There will be a Dog Show at 1:00 p.m. in the Kids Zone. Prizes will be awarded for most appealing large dog, best looking medium dog, cutest small dog, cutest puppy, best dressed and best in show.
Four demonstrations will precede the dog show. They include the K9 drug dog at 10:30 a.m., Linda Kush of Sit and Stay Training and Boarding at 11:00 a.m., Doggie Designs grooming tips at 11:30 a.m. and the SEMO Dog Trainers at noon.
If you love trains, this is the place to be! Union Pacific Railroad’s Mini Train will provide rides for the children on the Black River Coliseum parking lot during the festival. The MOARk Regional Railroad Museum in front of the coliseum will be open from 11 a.m. – 4 p.m.
A colorful Hot Air Balloon will be on display from 1 p.m. – 3 p.m. weather permitting. There will be an opportunity to purchase raffle tickets with the winner receiving a free hot air balloon ride for two. Winner will be drawn at 5 p.m. Saturday.
There will be plenty of vendors on hand including sand art, t-shirts, scarves, necklaces, coasters, table runners, hand-crafted wood utensils, earrings, key chains, rustic décor, kids face painting, handmade doll clothes, belts, Mules gear, wood crafts, trains, tractors, trucks, pop guns, rubber band guns, gourd art, baby quilts, baby blankets, potholders, oven mitts, aprons, mesh wreaths, décor, grapevine wreaths, and more!
For more information call McGath at (573) 714-5742.
Iron County, Missouri - The Iron County Sheriff's Office has issued an endangered SILVER Advisory for a missing man.
According to the sheriff's office, Cecil Irvin Hedricks, 77, was last seen at the Zepher Station 147 Route Y in Viburnum, Mo. at 9 a.m. on Monday, Sept. 28.
He is described as a white male, 5' 8", 166 pounds, with gray hair and blue eyes.
They say he is known to have a heart condition and seizures. He recently suffered memory loss, confusion and has been without his heart medication since he went missing.
His vehicle is described as a 2003 Dodge pickup with Missouri license 9DV304.
Deputies say they're not sure what direction he went after he left the Zepher Station.
Anyone with any information should immediately call 911. You can also call the Iron County Sheriff's Office at 573-546-7051.
