EAST PRAIRIE - In May, Big Oak Tree State Park and Towosahgy State Historic Site in Mississippi County were covered with 12 to 16 feet of water and sand following the intentional breach of the Birds Point Levee along the Mississippi River. But this week, this unique spot in Southeast Missouri reopened to the public. Two events in September will provide special opportunities to revisit these areas.

"Our staff monitored these two facilities throughout the summer to determine the impact of the breach. We are pleased to be able to reopen these areas to the public while we continue to make repairs to our facilities," said Bill Bryan, director of Missouri State Parks, a division of the Missouri Department of Natural Resources.

At Big Oak Tree State Park, the areas open for visitor use include the main picnic area and the boardwalk, which takes visitors into the heart of the vast swamp forest. Other portions of the park remain closed while assessment continues on the impact from the flooding. All of Towosahgy State Historic Site will reopen to the public.

Visitors will have a chance to celebrate the reopening of Big Oak Tree State Park during its annual Living History Day event Sept. 10. This free event will take place from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. in the park's main day-use area. The event will feature demonstrations of old-time skills such as spinning, trapping, flintknapping and making canvas floor cloths. "Bluegrass Revival" and the "Shoestring Band" will provide music throughout the day and barbecue and funnel cakes will be available for purchase. The Southeast Explorer, a mobile teaching and learning center from Southeast Missouri State University, will be available with exhibits about the history of southeast Missouri. The center features activities for grades three through six so the event will provide something for the entire family and all age groups.

On Sept. 24, the rural location of Towosahgy State Historic Site will provide the perfect setting for an evening event showcasing the night sky. The site preserves the remains of a once-fortified Indian village of the Mississippian Culture between 1000 A.D. and 1400 A.D. Join staff on top of the temple mound to view the blanket of stars from the same vantage point as Native Americans did more than 1,000 years ago. The event will include Native American stories of the night and tales of the constellations. This free event will be from 7 p.m. to 9 p.m.

"Visitors at these two sites will notice some changes and areas that will need improvements. We can continue to make these improvements while our visitors take advantage of the great fall weather to revisit two outstanding resources in southeast Missouri," Bryan said

Big Oak Tree State Park is located 15 miles south of East Prairie on Highway 102. Towosahgy State Historic Site is located approximately 15 miles southeast of East Prairie on County Road 502. To reach the site, take State Highway 77 south toward Dorena and turn west on County Road 502.

For more information on these events, call Hunter-Dawson State Historic Site at 573-748-5340. For more information about Missouri state parks and historic sites, call the Missouri Department of Natural Resources toll free at 800-334-6946 (voice) or 800-379-2419 (Telecommunications Device for the Deaf) or visit mostateparks.com.

---

Links Of Interest

Big Oak Tree State Park Photo Gallery
Big Oak Tree State Park

By Annabeth Miller,
ShowMe Times Editor

Ten years ago on Sept. 11, “everything changed.” On that sunny day, thousands of Americans were killed in terrorist attacks at the World Trade Center and the Pentagon. Passengers kept another airliner from reaching a target believed to be in Washington; the Pennsylvania countryside that claimed them is now hallowed ground, too.

As the 10-year anniversary of the Sept. 11, 2001, attacks draws near, the ShowMe Times wants to help our community share in remembrance of that day and its continuing impact on our lives. Beginning Monday, Sept. 5, the ShowMe Times will be sharing your stories - your memories, reflections, thoughts for the future.

We invite our readers to write about anything related to the attacks and what you’ve seen, felt and experienced in the 10 years since that fateful day.

• What were you doing when you learned of the attacks?
• What does the anniversary mean to you?
• Do you remember where you were when you heard the news?
• Did you or someone you know lose a loved one?
• Can you remember your first thoughts?

We hope you will feel free, as well, to share your experiences. Have you visited Ground Zero or any of the Memorials in New York City? Or have you paid tribute to those who died or injured on that brave airline flight or at The Pentagon?

Please send your reflections and thoughts to amiller@showmetimes.com. or fax toll free to 1-866-515-6826. Please make sure you include your name, age, and where you live.

Together we can remember, honor those who died, and show respect for those who continue to serve.

A memorial dedicated the the brave firemen and emergency workers who died on 9-11-2011 outside a fire station in New York City. This photo was taken by SMT reader Shannon Putnam, who visited the memorial during the Dexter Show Choir's tour of New York City this past June.

With great anticipation, the opening day of Fall Dove season begins on Thursday, September 1st and will run through November 9th. However, the start of a dove season is far more than that to many hunters around Southeast Missouri. Dove season marks the time for hunting buddies to get together, swap stories, and simply enjoy hanging out with each other.

Special events can be found all over as dove season begins. Many hunters are up early to catch a breakfast at one of their hunting buddy's houses. Others will grab a quick snack at local convenience store or a local restaurant. More than just an event, it's a tradition.

Many waterfowl hunters are very interested in dove season as it is the first opportunity to sharpen their shooting skills. Dove season is considered the mark of the beginning of all hunting seasons. It is the chance for many hunters to get their gear together and get prepared for a great season.

This past weekend offered area friends and buddies a chance to come together for the annual Mills' Hunting Season Kickoff. Complete with a full-blown skeet shooting contest, a BBQ whole hog and BBQ nachos, a crowds of friends was on hand to enjoy a beautiful afternoon of just hanging out.

The T-Shirt of the day outlined the feeling of the group with the slogan of “Good Friends, Good Food and Poor Shoot’in”. And that would pretty much sum up the day as the practice session ended and the groups were divided up into the a contest of “knockout” using skeet.

Of course, the shooters are important but nothing happens at this event without the pure stamina of the skeet throwing team. Head coach of the team is Kent Essner, who never brings a gun to the event. He leads a bullpen of arms better than the St. Louis Cardinals. Jim Rhodes, Shannon Lusk, Royce Snider and others all toss skeet at a feverish pace to empty every single skeet box.

The true spirit of hunting was shared among this group as everyone got together to laugh, have fun, and eat a great meal. This is the true value of a hunting experience as sometimes it's with old friends, sometimes with new friends, and often with family members. It stretches the boundaries of age from young to old - everyone enjoys a good hunt.

Jason Comfort offered his cooking expertise with a Cajun Microwave BBQ Whole Hog and BBQ Nachos complete with all the trimmings to top off a great day.

So the wish for everyone this season is for good times with good friends .... and the hope that your shooting will improve by the end of the season.

---

---

A large number of area hunting buddies gathered at the farm of Matt Mills for the annual skeet shooting event this past Saturday. It was easy to see the complete concentration on the faces and feel the spirit of good competition at the event. The winner of the day received a World Wrestling Federation Championship belt purchased by Matt at the past 18 Fore Life golf auction.

---

The Red Cross has scheduled the following blood drives in the area:

• Thursday, Sept. 8: Three Rivers College, 8 a.m. until 1 p.m.
• Friday, Sept. 9: Three Rivers College, 8 a.m. until 1 p.m.
• Saturday, Sept. 10: First United Methodist Church in Dexter, 9 a.m. until 2 p.m.

Last week, the Red Cross moved blood products to areas predicted to be in the path of Hurricane Irene. These products were used to treat patients before, during and after the storm.

However, the need for blood remains constant.

Area residents can make a difference in the aftermath of the storm by donating blood in the coming days and weeks. Donations can help make up for the blood that went uncollected due to blood drive cancellations across the east coast.

Right now, there is an immediate need for blood platelets. Platelets are the fragile cells that control bleeding and can be used by cancer patients and those undergoing chemotherapy. Platelets have a shelf-life of just five days, so they must constantly be replenished.

Anyone who presents to donate blood with the Red Cross Sept. 2-7 (Friday-Wednesday) is automatically entered into a drawing for a $1,000 gas card.

Photo Above: DHS student Darcy Lane prepares to give blood during a Red Cross Blood Drive in Dexter this spring. (SMT file photo)