Written by
Beth Farrah, SMT Writer
Jefferson City, Missouri — Bellflower fifth-grade student, Shelby Stille, recently submitted the winning slogan contest for the Department of Natural Resources’ Earth Day 2013 slogan contest. Shelby took first place by creating her slogan called “Energy Efficiency: It’s the Bright Idea”. Although there were more than five-hundred other entries from students of all ages based on the same theme: “energy efficiency”, Shelby toppled them all with her idea.
Shelby is the daughter of Ned and Maria Stille, a family who lives in Bellfower, Missouri. She is a student at Montgomery City Elementary School and is in Christina Harms’ fifth grade class. Since she is the winner of the themed slogan contest, she has been rewarded with a $50 gift card (donated by her local Central Bank in Jefferson City) and she will even get the chance to appear on stage during the 2013 Earth Day opening Ceremony this weekend in Jefferson City on April 19th.
Shelby’s slogan was unique, clever, and thoughtful. It reminds people every day that being energy efficient is not only easy, but it is a smart thing to do. Lighting, heating and air conditioning, and transportation are daily parts of our routines but we should also make being energy efficient part of our routines too. It does not only effect our environment, but it also affects our lives economically.
Earth Day 2013 represents the Department of Natural Resources’ 19th year sponsoring the event, which will include multiple educational displays and activities from the department as well as a number of other state and federal agencies. The day’s events will also include a number of stage shows and contests. Although geared toward upper elementary school age students, the event is free and open to the public and is fun for people and students of all ages.
Earth Day will be celebrated this year on Monday, April 22nd but it is never too soon or too late to start “Going Green” or working to save our environment. With the simple tasks that Shelby mentioned with her award-winning slogan, everyone can take steps towards a brighter future for our society and our planet. There will be many other Earth Day activities that will take place throughout the weekend and next week, so be sure to stay updated and to get involved, whether it is a local or national cause. As we move into spring, remember that “Energy Efficiency is the Bright Idea”.
Dee Loflin, SMT Manager/Writer
Stoddard County, Missouri - Eastbound Route 60 in Stoddard County will be reduced to one lane as Missouri Department of Transportation crews perform bridge maintenance.
This section of roadway is located between Route AH and Route 114.
Weather permitting, work will performed Thursday, April 18, Monday, April 22 and Tuesday, April 23 from 6:30 a.m. to 5 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.
Submitted by
Beth Farrah, SMT Writer
In honor of the victims associated with the tragedy in Boston, the President of the United States has ordered all flags to be flown at half-staff. This honorable act will continue all the way to sunset on Saturday, April 20th, 2013.
Proclamation by President Barrack Obama: As a mark of respect for the victims of the senseless acts of violence perpetrated on April 15, 2013, in Boston, Massachusetts, 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, April 20, 2013. 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 sixteenth day of April, in the year of our Lord two thousand thirteen, and of the Independence of the United States of America the two hundred and thirty-seventh.
Written by
Dee Loflin, Manager/Writer SMT
Miss Viers is a 2013 Dexter High School Senior graduating on May 17th. She plans to attend Missouri State University in Springfield, Missouri.
Kaitlin is planning to major in Physical Therapy and minor in Political Science.
Pictured from left to right are Dennis Viers, Kathy Viers, Kaitlin Viers and Stoddard County Republican Club Chairman Jim Henderson.
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!!!
