Submitted by
Dee Loflin, SMT Manager/Writer
Dexter, Missouri - Using consumer fireworks on New Years is a tradition. And it can be safe if a few common sense rules are followed, says Ralph Apel, the spokesperson for the National Council on Fireworks Safety. Consumer fireworks go through vigorous third party testing in China before being shipped to the United States. But he notes, according to the U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission (“CPSC”), there were an estimated 9,600 fireworks related injuries during the Fourth of July season in 2011. Most of these injuries would not have occurred if the fireworks had been used under close adult supervision and if some basic safety steps had been taken.
The National Council on Fireworks Safety offers these common sense safety tips for using consumer fireworks in hopes that injuries to consumers can be greatly reduced this season:
- Know your fireworks; Read the warning labels and performance descriptions before igniting.
- Have a designated shooter to organize and shoot your family show.
- Alcohol and fireworks do not mix. Save your alcohol for after the show.
- Parents and caretakers should always closely supervise teens if they are using fireworks.
- Parents should not allow young children to handle or use fireworks.
- Fireworks should only be used outdoors.
- Always have water ready if you are shooting fireworks.
- Obey local laws. If fireworks are not legal where you live, do not use them.
- Wear safety glasses whenever using fireworks.
- Never relight a “dud” firework. Wait 20 minutes and then soak it in a bucket of water.
- Soak spent fireworks with water before placing them in an outdoor garbage can.
- Never attempt to alter or modify consumer fireworks and use them only in the manner in which they were intended.
- Report illegal explosives, like M-80s and quarter sticks, to the fire or police department.
The National Council on Fireworks Safety urges Americans to follow common sense safety rules in their holiday celebrations.
The National Council on Fireworks Safety is a 501(c)(3) charitable organization whose sole mission is to educate the public on the safe and responsible use of consumer fireworks. For a full list of consumer fireworks safety tips and a safety video, please visit www.FireworksSafety.org.
The Dexter Fireworks Display will be held at dusk on Wednesday, July 3rd. Happy 4th of July!
Submitted by
Beth Farrah, SMT Writer
Washington D.C. – Today, Congressman Jason Smith announced his appointment to the Judiciary and Natural Resources Committees in the 113th Congress. Smith was welcomed to both committees today during regularly scheduled hearings.
“The Judiciary Committee will be tackling some of the biggest issues facing our country. From immigration reform to recent reports of government surveillance, the Judiciary Committee will play a key role in crafting national policy. I look forward to working with Chairman Goodlatte and other members of the Committee during this important time,” said Smith. “The Natural Resources Committee is of great importance to families living in South East and South Central Missouri. As the operator of my family farm, I know firsthand the challenges farm families face from Washington regulations. Our district is also home to the Mark Twain National Forest, National Scenic Riverways and mining and timber interests. I look forward to working with Chairman Hastings and other members of the Natural Resources Committee to protect private property rights and bring a little common sense to the national debate.”
Chairman of the House Judiciary Committee, Bob Goodlatte, (R-VA) welcomed Smith to the Committee.
“I am pleased to welcome Jason Smith to the House Judiciary Committee. His background as an attorney and a small business owner make him particularly well suited to the work of our Committee. I look forward to working with Jason on the many important issues that will be debated before the Judiciary Committee.”
Chairman of the House Natural Resources Committee, Doc Hastings, (R-WA) welcomed Smith to the Committee.
“I’m pleased to welcome the newest Member of Congress, Rep. Jason Smith, to the Committee on Natural Resources. Having grown up on a family farm, Jason understands the importance of responsibly harvesting our natural resources and how crucial it is for jobs and economic growth. I look forward to having Jason’s expertise on the Committee and am confident he’ll be a strong advocate for the people of Missouri.”
A Passion To Serve Others With the Love of Christ
For Team Pictures - Click Here
Article Submitted to
ShowMe Times
news@showmetimes.com
McLoud, Oklahoma - There is nothing that brings forth the greatness of the human spirit more than when others are facing devastation and hurt. The natural reaction is the desire to find a way to help. Some talk about helping, others offer donations while others discover ways to climb directly into the action.
The Church of God in Dudley, Missouri found no hesitation among their congregation as a group of ten members loaded up campers and left their homes bound for Moore, Oklahoma to actively help with the tornado recovery efforts. The primary objective was to feed the victims of the tornadoes and volunteers in the area.Three days before the group’s departure, they were notified that volunteers from the Moore region were moving 20 miles east to the more sparsely populated area of McCloud, Oklahoma. Located in Pottawatomie County, McLoud is one of the poorest counties in the area.
“Countless phone calls and emails of questions about what we would be facing could not equip us with what was ahead (when we arrived),” said Jeff Jarrell.
As expected, the region was filled with the destruction from the EF5 tornado that occurred on May 20, 2013, but little attention had been given to the community of McLoud which was hit with tornado damage the day prior to the Moore event.
“The devastation in Moore is by far greater but they have plenty of volunteers assisting with recovery efforts,” noted Taylor Jarrell. “However, the outlying areas got far less attention but have the same damage.”
“A lot of the smaller towns in the area didn't get hardly any media attention so they didn't get much help,” added Taylor. “Seeing the damage first hand almost seems as if the tornado hit last week in those places.”
The group was confident their skills would be a blessing to the people of Moore, Oklahoma. A talented collection of workers in construction and general clean up, members of the group brought a gift of service that was perfect – their ability to cook and feed the workers and volunteers.
You may be well aware of the cooking talent of this group, as the Dudley Church of God is one of the favorite community vendors every year at the Stoddard County Fairgrounds. Their blooming onion receives raved reviews and is a crowd pleaser at any event.
Or you may be of the era when Mrs. Barbara Jarrell was busy in the kitchens of the Dexter Public Schools serving up their famous hot cinnamon rolls and no-bake cookies.
"We are pretty used to feeding people," commented group member, Jeff Jarrell. "We thought it was a good idea to put our words into action to help these people."
Upon arriving this past Sunday to McLoud, the group was quickly directed to the kitchen of a local Baptist Church. Their talent kicked into high gear each day as the team fed over 300 individuals for lunch and dinner each day this past week. Their efforts was like the equivalent of feeding the entire population of Dudley at 317 people twice a day.
When not in the kitchen, team members Marion Field and Jeff Jarrell were quick to get involved in the clean up efforts in the community. Pastor Josh Hester rolled up his sleeves as well and joined in to lend a hand removing trees and brush from creeks to help prevent flooding, constructing storage sheds to store personal items, installing tarp to damaged roofs of homes and cutting up mobile home frames for scrap metal.
"I can honestly say that this has been the best and worst week of my life,” recounted Jeff Jarrell. “The experience of being blessed enough to come and help others in need has been most gratifying. But seeing the devastation and countenance of despair on the faces of those affected was heart wrenching.”
In a world that volunteerism is challenging to find, Pastor Josh Hester has to be very proud that over 25% of his congregation is willing to sacrifice their vacations and personal time to help others.
“Our group did a lot of good while we were here, but we need to get the message out ‘that our neighbors in Oklahoma are still in great need,” added Jeff. “Our desire is that our local community will see how this trip has not only brought positive effects to the people we served, but the same effects to our lives through this mission work."
Team members included; Pastor Josh Hester, Marion Fields, Scott Townsend, Stephanie Townsend, Barbara Jarrell, Dean Jarrell, Nancy Jarrell, Jeff Jarrell, Jonathan Guite, and Taylor Jarrell.
"Where in the world is Dudley, Missouri?" was something the group heard far too often. After all, such a small town church bringing a large impact to the lives of those that are working to put their lives back in order.
With a long satisfying week behind them, the group completed serving their last dinner Friday night to those that have continued to assist the people of Moore. They will begin packing in the morning and take the long trek home with a lot of satisfaction in their hearts.
"The most impressive part to me was that people came from all over the country to help others," noted team member Taylor Jarrell. "I've been able to meet volunteers from West Virginia, Canada and even the Virgin Islands."
"It sure has been quite the experience," add Taylor. Taylor is a 2010 graduate of Dexter High School. "I'm sure all of us wish we could stay longer as there's so much still to do."
"The relationships that I have acquired through this experience will never be forgotten and will last a lifetime,” added Nancy Jarrell. “I will be forever touched by the devastation seen, and all the people with so much lost and yet so much resilience.”
Additional Praises: The relocation of the Dudley team from Moore to McLoud nearly cancelled the entire trip. Weeks of preparation and planning would have all been lost had it not been for the diligent efforts of Gale Jordan of Hope International in Bernie, Missouri. His relentless efforts to search for needs in McLoud kept the trip alive and made the 2013 Oklahoma Mission possible for the 10 members of the Dudley Church of God.
Written by
Dee Loflin, SMT Manager/Writer
Dexter, Missouri – The Annual JAKES Day Event was a huge success Saturday with 73 children between the ages of 4 and 17 attending as well as approximately 40 adults. The Missouri Department of Conservation, National Wild Turkey Federation, American Outdoors, Crowley’s Ridge Limbhangers of Dexter and the Crowley’s Ridge Blackpowder Club of Dexter volunteered their time to reach out to the younger generation of our community to give them an opportunity to get outdoors and try hands-on activities.
Several stations were set up throughout the Bloomfield Holly Ridge Pavilion area. The Conservation Department presented a gun safety demonstration where youngsters were given a chance to shoot a shotgun at clay birds or they could choose to shoot a BB gun at balloons.
Shannon Collier was on hand from the Missouri Fur Trappers Association to teach students about fur trapping. Cougar, bear, beaver, mink, raccoon, possum, bobcat, coyote, and skunk hides were on display for them to touch and hold. There were several real traps available to set.
The Wappapello Corps of Engineers set up a station for Water Safety. They had a bucket of ice cold water to explain how hypothermia causes you distress, just like the Titanic. Most of the people froze to death in the water when the Titanic sank, not from drowning, a common misconception. They also had many different styles of life preservers for them to try on and wear properly.
The Crowley’s Ridge Blackpowder Club had four primitive skills stations set up for those who wanted to learn how to start fire with flint and steel or a magnifying glass. They learned how to shoot a slingshot and also throw a tomahawk. Curtis Waggoner and Amanda Koehler of Four Corners Archery helped students throw an atlatl and shoot a primitive bow. Popcorn Linda was on hand giving away FREE kettle corn! YUM! The parents enjoyed that as much as the children.
American Outdoors owner, Mark Jacques, along with Bobby Shipman helped students shoot various 3-D targets with modern bows. Each child also received a free Diamond Archery bracelet.
The Missouri Department of Conservation volunteers also had a fishing demonstration set up where children could cast a few plastic hooks to reel in brightly colored “fish” or Hula Hoops. Some of those kids could really cast across the parking lot! One student shouted, “I have never fished before and I caught my first fish!”
Lunched could not have come sooner, hotdogs, chips, banansas and apples and ice cold water were engulfed quickly and everyone was ready for the great CANDY CANNON! Many parents have had the pleasure of attending a Rendezvous and watched the little ones run for the candy after the big boom! Children scramble to gather candy after it has been shot out of the cannon.
They day ended with a .22 cal Cricket gun given away to Caleb Pierce from Wappapello. He was the first name drawn, but not to worry each child received a prize, a very nice tackle box from the Missouri Conservation Department and a kite from Crowley’s Ridge Blackpowder Club.
Many kids stated they couldn’t wait until next year when they could return and go on the nature hunt. Students found plastic spiders, frogs, snails, and snakes on the trail and also learned to call turkeys. Some even found real turkey feathers to take home. All had smiles and no one wanted to leave.
Thank you to everyone who participated in the JAKES Day Event especially to Tyson Foods for donating the lunch and helping to cook! This makes for a wonderful experience and each year seems to get bigger and bigger!
It takes many volunteers to host this event as well as donations from the community. Please support your local JAKES program by supporting the local NWTF Limbhangers Chapter by attending their annual banquet in January and by becoming a member of NWTF. Follow them on Facebook for the latest announcements and photos of their events.
All JAKES participants will have their name submitted as a JAKES Member and will receive four issues of a full-color JAKES Magazine, NWTF Membership Card, JAKES decal and a chance to win a Hunt of a Lifetime.
So get involved by introducing young boys and girls to the beauty and wonder of our natural resources! The NWTF challenges each of you to take an active part in participating in a JAKES Conservation Field Day event and make a difference in a the life of a child.
JAKES stands for Juniors Acquiring Knowledge, Ethics and Sportsmanship!
Written by
Dee Loflin, SMT Manager/Writer
Dexter, Missouri – The Keller Public Library is presenting all summer long, Dig Into Reading. Children of all ages are encouraged to attend this exciting Summer Reading Program sponsored by Friends of the Library.
Look What’s Digging Underground was presented on June 12 with over 125 people in attendance. Reita Lebeau was wonderful with her guitar and singing along with the children. Even a few parents were heard singing!
Betsy Taylor did a wonderful job presenting herself as THE MOLE! Mary Ann Taylor, John Ringer, Lindsay Schlief, Kim Cook, Sarah Miller, and Jean Rahn were on hand to perform many characters including Squirmin’ Herman, as the Earthworm!
Each Wednesday morning around 11:00 a.m. you find more fascinating characters reading and singing at the library. This week, on June 19th, “The Magic Underground” with a real magician Marty Hahne who will have a few tricks up his sleeve.
June 26th, “Lets Rock on Down”! July 3rd will be “Do The Dinosaur Stomp!” July 10th there will be “Live Animals Underground” with Jared Bakers and on July17th will be “I Dig Crafts!” Should be a fun and exciting summer for all ages.
