Submitted by
Dee Loflin, SMT Manager/Editor

Missouri - This Veterans Day, Gov. Jay Nixon is encouraging Missourians to recognize and thank throughout the year the dedicated men and women who have honorably served in our nation’s military.

“Generations of Missourians have answered the call to serve in our military and preserve our freedoms,” Gov. Nixon said. “On Veterans Day, especially, we acknowledge the sacrifices these men and women have made and give renewed honor and respect to our armed forces. On behalf of six million Missourians, I thank our veterans for their selfless dedication to our country.”

Gov. Nixon’s administration has made it a priority to ensure veterans have a smooth transition from military life to civilian life, including access to high-paying and meaningful careers. In 2010, Gov. Nixon established the Show-Me Heroes program, an initiative that helps connect military veterans with job opportunities when they return home from service. 

“Serving in the Armed Forces, one develops a unique set of skills and strong work ethic, making these men and women incredibly valuable members of our workforce,” the Governor said. “From an Army Civil Affairs Specialist, to a Business Operations Specialist, or a Navy Hospital Corpsman to an EMT, these folks are highly trained individuals with in demand skills. I encourage all employers to consider how hiring veterans could improve their business.”

Administered by the Missouri Division of Workforce Development, Show-Me Heroes showcases Missouri businesses that are willing and eager to hire veterans. Employers participating in the Show-Me Heroes program sign a pledge to ramp up efforts to reach out to, recruit and interview veterans for job openings at their business.

To date, 3,440 Missouri businesses have taken the Show-Me Heroes pledge and 4,622 veterans have been hired. Businesses that have hired veterans receive the Flag of Freedom award, which consists of a plaque featuring an American flag patch from the combat uniform of a member of the Missouri National Guard worn while that Citizen-Soldier or Airman was deployed in Iraq or Afghanistan. 

Gov. Nixon thanked Missouri businesses that have taken the Show-Me Heroes pledge and made efforts to hire local veterans.

Submitted by Jill Temples

SMT Writer

Jefferson City, Missouri – Gov. Jay Nixon and First Lady Georganne Nixon today applauded participants in the Governor’s 100 Missouri Miles Challenge for achieving their goal of logging 1 million miles on Missouri trails this year, and encouraged Missourians to continue to log miles atMO.gov as part of this outdoor fitness initiative.  To celebrate this milestone, on November 12 the Governor will visit Nevada, Mo. where the community has used the 100 Missouri Miles Challenge to advance the goals of its Healthy Nevada Project, a wellness initiative designed to promote wellness and reduce health care costs.

“Here in Missouri, getting out and enjoying the outdoors isn’t just something we do, it’s part of who we are, and reaching our 1 million mile goal is a great example of how these outdoor traditions are stronger than ever in communities across our state,” Gov. Nixon said. “The First Lady and I are proud to celebrate this accomplishment with the 12,000 Missourians who have taken the 100 Missouri Miles Challenge and encourage Missourians to keep logging their miles online at MO.gov to see how many miles we can log by the end of the year.” 

Launched to promote Missouri’s distinction as the 2013 Best Trails State in America, the outdoor fitness initiative challenges Missourians to complete 100 miles of outdoor physical activity by the end of the year. Since the official launch on June 1, 12,000 participants have completed more than 1,000,000 miles, including 347 miles by the Governor and 377 miles by the First Lady. 

Earlier this year, Missouri was named the “Best Trails State” by American Trails, a national, nonprofit organization dedicated to promoting our nation’s hiking, biking and riding trails. The award recognized efforts by federal, state and local agencies as well as private organizations to expand and improve Missouri’s comprehensive recreational trail system, which offers trails for a wide range of interests and abilities, including hikers, backpackers, cyclists, paddlers and equestrians.

Nearly 500 organizations – including schools, cross country teams and fitness clubs – have signed up to take the Challenge as a group, while almost 200 Missouri businesses have implemented the initiative into office wellness programs to promote overall health and physical activity among employees.

The Governor’s 100 Missouri Miles Challenge is a partnership with the Missouri Department of Natural Resources and Missouri State Parks, the Missouri Department of Health and Senior Services, the Missouri Department of Conservation, the Missouri Department of Economic Development and Division of Tourism, the Missouri Department of Transportation, the Missouri Department of Insurance and Financial Institutions and the Office of Administration. 

For more information and to take the Challenge, visit MO.gov. Participants can also share adventures, post photos and learn about upcoming events by connecting with 100 Missouri Miles on Facebook and Twitter using #100MoMiles

Written by
Dee Loflin, SMT Manager/Editor

Dexter, Missouri - Observed on November 8, National Parents As Teachers Day  is an “unofficial” national holiday.  This day offers parents as teachers services across the country.  These affiliates give all parents of young children support and it also gives information to all children will learn, grow and develop to realize their full potential. 

“The concept for Parents as Teachers was developed in the 1970′s when Missouri educators noted that children were beginning kindergarten with varying levels of school readiness.  Research showed that greater parent involvement is a critical link in the child’s development of learning skills, including reading and writing.” 

Dexter's PAT is very active in the community. They recently held a Big Truck Night for youngsters to see fire trucks, bucket trucks, an ambulance and some earth moving equipment.  The children loves hitting the sirens and honking the horns!  Join the Dexter Parents As Teachers on Facebook by clicking HERE.

Submitted by
Dee Loflin, SMT Manager/Editor

Missouri - If you were to pick the Missouri city where you are most likely to strike a deer with your car, would you pick Kansas City? Maybe Lee's Summit? They ranked first and second in 2011 for deer-vehicle collisions in Missouri. 



Deer-vehicle collisions on Missouri highways increase each fall when bucks become more active and weather turns colder. A recent insurance survey now places Missouri among the highest states in deer-vehicle crashes. 

Some 3,980 collisions with deer occurred last year on Missouri's highways, resulting in five fatalities and 411 injuries. Although some accidents with deer are unavoidable, motorists can take extra precautions to reduce the chance of striking these agile but unpredictable animals.



First, be aware that deer are coming out of the wooded areas to reach clearings now. Bucks are seeking mates and aggressively establishing their territories, challenging other bucks. Does are leaving their maturing fawns, beginning the process of separation. And farmers are harvesting corn and beans, which drives deer from natural cover into open areas like highways.



Be prepared for deer to cross or dart into a road at any time, particularly around dusk and dawn. Most (85%) of deer strike crashes occur from 5 p.m. to 6:49 a.m. To increase your long-distance visibility, use your high beams if other cars aren't approaching. 

If you encounter a deer, don't sound your horn but slow down or stop until the animal passes. If you see one, others may be right behind. Swerving may only place you in the path of the veering animal or another deer or two coming right behind the first. You may also lose control and cause more harm and damage than colliding with the deer.



Finally, remember to stay alert, slow down and buckle up. Most people injured in deer-vehicle collisions weren't wearing a seat belt.

Deer crossing signs are posted in areas where collisions or sightings occur frequently, but deer are unpredictable.

If you should hit a deer, report the accident to your local sheriff's office, the Missouri Highway Patrol or municipal police. Don't approach an injured or frightened deer because their sharp, hard hooves can seriously injure or kill you. MoDOT's maintenance crews will remove dead animals as quickly as they can get to them.