Submitted by
Dee Loflin, SMT Manager/Writer
Jefferson City, Missouri – According to the Missouri Department of Conservation (MDC), no matter where Missourians live -- in the country, suburbs or cities -- trees and forests are valuable to their health, wealth and happiness. Celebrate the value of Missouri trees and forests on Arbor Days in April by planting native trees and practicing proper tree care. Get more information on backyard tree care, including proper tree selection and planting tips, at mdc.mo.gov.
Missouri has been observing Arbor Day since 1886 when the General Assembly declared that the first Friday in April should be set aside for the appreciation and planting of trees. National Arbor Day is recognized on the last Friday of April. Each state determines its Arbor Day based on its unique climate and weather patterns.
Missouri Governor Jeremiah (Jay) Nixon recently issued a proclamation designating April 5 as this year’s Arbor Day in Missouri. National Arbor Day is April 26.
In support of Arbor Day and in cooperation with the Missouri Department of Transportation’s (MoDOT) “Trees for Tomorrow” program, MDC distributes nearly 100,000 native tree seedlings from its George O. White State Nursery to fourth-grade classes from more than 1,300 schools throughout the state each March. MODOT provides financial support for the production and distribution of the trees. The seedling distribution supports MDC’s Discover Nature Schools program, which provides grade-appropriate curriculum and activities to help students understand the importance of conservation.
TREES WORK
The Missouri Department of Conservation works with and for Missourians to sustain health forests and trees, and trees work. According to the MDC “Trees Work” public-awareness campaign:
Trees Work for Your Wallet
· Shade from two large trees on the west side of a house and one on the east side can save up to 30 percent of a typical residence's annual air conditioning costs.
· Trees placed around buildings as windbreaks can save up to 25 percent on winter heating costs.
· Street trees in neighborhoods increase sale prices of houses by an average of $8,870.
Trees Work for Your Health
· Views of nature assist at the workplace. Employees with views of nature report 15 percent fewer illnesses and feel more enthusiastic and less frustrated than those without a view outside.
· Those who commute along tree-lined roads remain calmer and drive less aggressively than those who drive along less treed roads.
· Tree-lined streets are more walkable, encouraging more active lifestyles, which decreases obesity and improves heart health.
· 100-foot plantings of tall trees can reduce noise by 50 percent.
Trees Work for Your Family
· Symptoms of Attention Deficit Disorder in children are relieved after spending time in treed areas. Kids can better concentrate, complete tasks, and follow directions after playing in natural settings. Contact with nature helps children develop imagination, creativity, and social relationships.
· Trees along streets promote physical activity in children and increase longevity of the elderly.
· One of the most effective means of protecting children from sun damage is to plant shade trees where they play.
Trees Work for Your Community
· A 10-percent increase in trees in a neighborhood reduces crime by 12 percent.
· Trees improve downtowns. People are willing to spend 12 percent more for goods and services in downtowns with trees, and spend more time shopping and come back more frequently.
· People tend to be more familiar and socialize more with neighbors in neighborhoods with trees.
Trees Work for Your Community
· A 10-percent increase in trees in a neighborhood reduces crime by 12 percent.
· Trees improve downtowns. People are willing to spend 12 percent more for goods and services in downtowns with trees, and spend more time shopping and come back more frequently.
· People tend to be more familiar and socialize more with neighbors in neighborhoods with trees.
Trees Work for Our Environment
· Covering more than one-third of the state, Missouri trees and forests protect soil from erosion and filter water, provide oxygen needed to breathe and clean the air by trapping and storing pollution.
· Missouri forests and trees provide habitat for an incredible diversity of plants and animals that could not exist without them, along with a wealth of outdoor recreational opportunities and breathtaking scenic beauty.
· 100 mature trees intercept about 100,000 gallons of rainfall per year, reducing runoff and providing cleaner water.
· The net cooling effect of a young, healthy tree is equivalent to 10 room-size air conditioners operating 20 hours a day.
· Missouri’s forests store more than 5 million tons of carbon. Each year, an acre of forest captures between one and four tons of additional carbon.
· For each pound of new wood that grows, the tree removes about 1.8 pounds of carbon dioxide from the air and produces 1.3 pounds of oxygen.
Trees Work for Our Economy
· Missouri trees and forests provide lumber and other wood products used around the state and around the world.
· Missouri’s forest products industry contributes approximately $7.3 billion to the state economy annually, supports 41,200 jobs, and generates $610 million in taxes.
· Trees along streets in Missouri communities provide $148 million annually in benefits, including energy savings, increases in property values, and storm-water retention.
For more information, visit www.mdc.mo.gov and search “Trees Work."
Dee Loflin, SMT Manager/Writer
Memphis, Tennessee - March 13, 2013 - The U.S. Army Corps of Engineers, Memphis District, today mailed a notice to individuals who reside in, operate and/or do business in the Birds Point New Madrid Floodway in Missouri, that it may be operated during a high water event. The notice serves as a reminder to these individuals that they may experience flooding if the floodway is activated.
This notice, which will be sent annually, reminds those individuals that the U.S. Government may flood the area within the floodway to reduce pressure on the regional flood risk reduction system. It also reminds them that it is their responsibility to minimize environmental contamination during floodway operation.
In case of high water they must take measures to prevent uncontained spills of pesticides in accordance with Missouri state law. Property owners who store or permit storage of hazardous materials, hazardous waste, or naturally occurring radioactive material (NORM) on their property must take appropriate precautions to prevent release of such materials and waste. Water or gas wells within the floodway must also be sealed and capped to prevent any contamination from floodwaters, and propane or fuel tanks should be secured or removed prior to floodway operation.
Public notice will be given through local officials and the news media in the event that floodway operation becomes necessary. Any pre-operation notice will be given as early as possible to allow time for evacuation of people and livestock, and for removal of personal belongings.
Dee Loflin, SMT Manager/Writer
"This event began sixteen years ago with just a couple of churches," stated Mary Worley. "And we are probably the largest ecumenical events around." The eleven congregations have graciously volunteered to help with this wonderful event.
The following churches, Broadwater Church of the Brethren in Frisco, Dexter Evangelical Free Church, Faith Lutheran, First Christian Church of Dexter, DOC, Bernie Christian Church, First United Methodist Church, Sacred Heart Catholic, Sadler's Chapel United Methodist, St. Joe General Baptist Church, Risen Church of Dexter and The Lighthouse Christian Center.
This event will be held at the Sacred Heart Catholic Church from 11:00 a.m. - 7:00 p.m. and the cost is $7 each. Children under 6 eat FREE! Carry-outs are available.
All of the proceeds will be evenly divided and go to the Stoddard County Gospel Mission, Stoddard County Children's Home, Meals on Wheels and Stoddard County ARC.
Irene Huey of Sacred Heart Catholic Church and Sheila Jackson of the First United Methodist Church are co-chairs for this event. For more information you may call 624-6995.
Submitted by
Dee Loflin, SMT Manager/Writer
Dexter, Missouri - Spring is just around the corner and April is a great month to divide and conquer your perennials. Before you start cutting, the Annual Spring Plant Swap will be held on April 27th and this is a perfect time to share your green thumb secrets and plants.
The Mother-to-Mother program sponsored by the Regional Healthcare Foundation will be hosting their annual spring plant swap on Saturday, April 27th at Cox Corner at Walnut and Business 60 in Dexter, Missouri.
So, we are asking all of you who like to garden or would like to add to your garden to please donate your special cuttings. All types of plants and garden supplies as well as gardening books are welcome.
Check-in of plants will be held from 8:00 am to 10:00 am with the swap to start at 10:30 am. Plants do not have to be potted; seedlings should be wrapped in moistened newspaper.
Green thumb consultants will be on hand to visit with all attendees to give that extra bit of advice.
The swap is FREE, but donations will be accepted to fund activities of the Mother-to-Mother program.
For additional information you may contact the event hostess, Patty Shell at 820-5232.
Written by
Dee Loflin, SMT Manager/Writer
Dexter, Missouri - The Dexter Bearcat Booster Club will be selling both the District Championship T-shirts ($10) and the Final Four T-shirts ($15) directly after school today, Tuesday, March 12th.
There will be a pep rally for the DHS Lady Cats tomorrow morning at the Bearcat Event Center at 9:15 a.m. The DHS Jazz Cats will also perform and really get the students cheering. The girls will be leaving for Columbia and will circle the schools as the students will show their spirit in support of their accomplishments of getting to the Final Four Championship.
Show your support by purchasing a t-shirt and cheering for the Lady Bearcats!! The Dexter community is extremely proud of them and wishes them a safe journey.
One Team One Dream! Go Cats!! The ShowMe Times will see you in Columbia and be reporting throughout the games.
