Missouri - Spring has arrived, and along with it, varying temperatures and weather patterns. These changes can cause problems for drivers. The Missouri State Highway Patrol offers these reminders for driving safely during spring:
Heavy rain can cause flooding and spring showers will certainly spawn flash flooding. Never drive through fast-moving waters; even a small amount of fast-moving water can sweep a slow-moving vehicle off the roadway. If your vehicle becomes stuck in rising water, get out quickly and move to higher ground. Respect barriers or barricades put in place by MoDOT. They are there to protect you; don’t go around them!
Widely varying temperatures can leave roadways or bridge floors covered with frost. Even though roads appear to be clear, it is important to slow down and watch for slick areas, especially early in the morning. Temperature changes also cause fog to develop. Drivers need to slow down, turn on their headlights, and be prepared to stop in foggy conditions.
Weather conditions requiring the use of windshield wipers are usually those that affect visibility. Motorists are reminded that state law requires them to turn on their vehicle’s headlights any time they are using the windshield wipers. It only takes a second to turn on your vehicle’s headlights. But, that second could make you more visible to other drivers and prevent a traffic crash.
Drivers need to be aware of farming equipment in the spring. Tractors and other wide farm implements will be traveling down rural roads. Drivers are encouraged to be patient, slow down, and give these pieces of equipment room on the road. If you plan to pass a slow-moving farm implement, do so wisely. Never attempt to pass on hills or curves. Also, check for a “driveway” on the left before passing. A farm implement moving to the right may be preparing for a wide turn, rather than allowing you to pass.
Spring weather brings more traffic to the roadways, as people begin taking advantage of Missouri’s many recreation areas. Watch for changes in traffic patterns caused by the increase in the number of drivers on the road. One of the traffic patterns to watch for is an increase in bicycles or pedestrians. In nice weather, joggers are more common. Also, children are likely to walk or ride their bicycle to school. Stay alert!
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!!!
Submitted by
Dee Loflin SMT Manager/Writer
Jefferson City, Missouri - Every spring, the Missouri Department of Transportation starts preparing for a busy summer season of construction and maintenance work across the state. Part of that preparation includes a coordinated, comprehensive approach to keep motorists and workers safe in work zones. That's why the department will observe National Work Zone Awareness Week, which is April 15-19.
"Each year we observe Work Zone Awareness Week to remind motorists to slow down, eliminate distractions, and pay attention in work zones," said MoDOT Director Dave Nichols. "This year we repeat this message with heavy hearts, after losing yet another member of the MoDOT team last year."
On September 21, 2012, Motorist Assist Operator Clifton Scott had just established traffic control following a collision on eastbound I-70 in Independence. He was struck and killed by a vehicle passing through the area.
"Clifton is one of 16 MoDOT workers who died in the line of duty since 2000," said Nichols.
"While we thoroughly train our team to take safety measures when working near traffic, we need every driver to watch out for highway workers and do their part to make sure everyone can return home safely. " When possible, MoDOT places signs, barricades and other forms of traffic control far in advance of what most people consider a "typical" work zone. But that might not always be the case, particularly when work zones are established in an emergency situation or a moving operation.
"This year, we really want to emphasize that not all work zones look alike," said Beth Wright, MoDOT State Maintenance Engineer. "We want to remind motorists that work zones can be moving operations, such as mowing or roadway striping. They can also be short term, temporary lane closures to make quick repairs or remove debris.
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Last year, MoDOT vehicles were added to the "Move Over" law, which protects law enforcement and emergency response vehicles parked on the side of the road.
"We ask that motorists follow this law and move over or slow down when they see MoDOT vehicles with amber and white lights flashing," said Wright.
As part of Work Zone Awareness Week 2013, MoDOT is distributing a new public service announcement that features Clifton Scott. Clifton was interviewed several years ago by a Kansas City television station, urging motorists to be cautious as they approach work zones. In the video, he speaks of his desire to safely return home to his family every night. That video and additional information about work zones can be found at www.modot.org.
Dee Loflin SMT Manager/Writer
As a long time restauranteur in the Dexter area, Aaron McBride certainly knows his way around the kitchen. He has managed and offered many extended hours of work in their family business until the couple made the decision to branch out on their own with the Holey Cow Cafe concept.
A vision that developed several years ago on a family vacation, Aaron and Misti patiently waited for an opportunity to develop.
Misti has been involved in local businesses currently working as a top performer for AgXplorer in Parma, Missouri. Formerly with B A Promotions, she knows the value of local business to the vitality and strength of our community.
One should realize the long process of planning, organizing and executing of the plan required to begin a small business today.
The couple was quick to acknowledge the many contributions of local businesses that have provided services to allow this dream to become a reality. Many local businesses have helped with their dream. Just to name a few: BA Promotions & Marketing, Busy B Lumber, County Wide Abstract, County Wide Insurance, D&S Plumbing, First Commercial Bank, First Midwest Bank, Newwave Communications, Ricky Stearnes Heating and Cooling, and Young Real Living.
The Holey Cow Café experience will be unique to Dexter. Specializing in coffees, donuts, soups, sandwiches and ice cream. You will enjoy the casual atmosphere complete with WiFi, flat panel TV’s, couches, outdoor dining as well as a drive-thru for your convenience.
Their gourmet coffee will be roasted and blended to perfection. They will also offer iced coffee lattes, cappuccinos, frappes and smoothies. You won’t want to miss out on their delicious donuts including glazed, long john’s, cinnamon rolls, twists, cake and jelly filled; individually eaten or by the dozen.
Holey Cow Café will also offer breakfast sandwiches, fried chicken sandwiches, chicken salad, ham & cheese, and the holey cow burger. There’s even a kid’s menu with roast beef, grilled cheese and chicken bites. And who could resist their special cheese sauce with waffle fries?
Ice Cream, no problem! Waffle cone or regular, you decide. Talk about a selection with 8 flavors to choose from and you can personalize your treat on their marble slab by adding the mix-ins. They will even have sugar free vanilla. Can you say “HOLEY COW”?
Breakfast, lunch and dinner will be served, along with the specialty coffees. It will be a great place to bring your kids and enjoy a comfortable relaxing atmosphere. Located in the old Wendy’s building at 1119 N. One Mile Road, it's easy to find.
“If you have ever had the pleasure of watching a “Friends” episode, then you already have an idea of what it’s going to be like,” according to Aaron and Misti.
If you would like to contact Aaron or Misti McBride, they have set up an email address, info@holeycowcafe.com and a website, http://www.holeycowcafe.com. Find them on Facebook as well, https://www.facebook.com/pages/Holey-Cow-Cafe/353332378118700
Submitted by
Beth Farrah, SMT Writer
Jefferson City, Missouri — Visitors will have the opportunity to discover spring wildflowers on guided hikes this spring at Sam A. Baker State Park. Sponsored by Missouri State Parks, the hikes will take place at 10 a.m. on Saturday, April 13 and Saturday, April 27. The hikes are free and open to the public.
The wildflower hike will provide the opportunity for hikers to discover the diverse wildflowers found in the park. A park naturalist will lead the hike along the popular Shut-ins Trail while teaching about the types of flowers, how to identify them, their medicinal and edible purposes and historical folklore.
For both hikes, visitors should meet at the Mudlick Trail trailhead, across the road from the park store. It is recommended that hikers wear sturdy, closed-toed shoes.
Sam A. Baker State Park is located on Highway 143 about four miles north of Patterson. For more information, contact the park at 573-856-4514. For more information about state parks and historic sites, visit mostateparks.com. Missouri State Parks is a division of the Missouri Department of Natural Resources.
Qulin, Missouri – The Missouri Department of Economic Development (DED) today announced that a Qulin not-for-profit organization has been approved for state tax credits under the Neighborhood Assistance Program (NAP). The approved projects are part of approximately $6.6 million approved in the second round of NAP applications for FY 2013.
Community Senior Citizens, Inc. has been approved for $350,000 in NAP tax credits. The organization will utilize the NAP tax credits to construct a 5,000 square-foot nutrition center and food pantry. Construction of the new facility will enable the Community Senior Citizens to expand congregate and home-delivered meal services and health education programs, as well as creating a community thrift shop.
The DED administers the Neighborhood Assistance Program that helps not-for-profit organizations and raise private-sector funds by providing partial state tax credits to businesses that make contributions to approved community improvement projects.
Businesses can donate cash, materials, supplies or equipment; technical assistance and professional services; labor; real estate; or stocks and bonds. Credits can equal up to 50 percent of the total amount contributed or up to 70 percent for projects located in most rural areas.
Not-for-profit organizations participating in the NAP program conduct capital campaigns or provide services in the areas of crime prevention, education, job training, physical revitalizations, or community services. The Neighborhood Assistance Program is utilized by not-for-profit organizations throughout Missouri to make their communities a more desirable place to live and work, as well as pave the way for economic development.
