Jefferson City, Missouri -  Gov. Jay Nixon has ordered that the U.S. and Missouri flags at state buildings in all 114 counties and the City of St. Louis be flown at half-staff on Saturday, May 11th to honor the bravery and sacrifice of Specialist Charles P. McClure.

Specialist McClure, age 21, formerly of Missouri, was a soldier in the U.S. Army serving in support of Operation Enduring Freedom in Kuwait. He died on May 2 of injuries sustained in a vehicle accident in Camp Buehring, Kuwait. His funeral will be held on May 11.

 “Specialist McClure served our country with bravery and dedication, and I ask all Missourians to remember his sacrifice when they see the lowered flags,” Gov. Nixon said. “Our thoughts and prayers are with his family as they mourn for him.”

Specialist McClure was assigned to the A Battery, 4th Battalion, 42nd Field Artillery Regiment, 4th Infantry Division, Fort Carson, Colo. His awards and decorations include the Army Commendation Medal, Army Good Conduct Medal, National Defense Service Medal, Global War on Terrorism Expeditionary Medal, Global War on Terrorism Service Medal, Army Service Ribbon, Overseas Service Ribbon, Combat and Special Skill Badge Basic Marksmanship Qualification Badge (Bar, Weapon: Rifle (Inscription: Rifle), Expert), and the Overseas Service Bar (2 awards).

Since most state building are closed over the weekend, many will fly the flag at half-mast all weekend.  It is not required that any business do the same; however it is voluntary to do so.

PFC Charles P. McClure, 21 of New Bloomfield, MO, a United States Army Private First Class, passed away Thursday, May 2, 2013 while serving in Kuwait.

Funeral services will be held at 10:00 a.m. Saturday, May 11, 2013 in the Memorial Chapels and Crematory of Waynesville / St. Robert. Burial with military honors will follow in the Missouri Veterans Cemetery – Fort Leonard Wood.

Visitation will be held from 5:00 – 7:00 p.m. Friday, May 10, 2013 in the funeral home.

PFC McClure is survived by his mother: Karrie Gladden Sandfort of Columbia, MO; father: Andy McClure of Cabool, MO; four siblings: Kayce McClure of New Bloomfield, MO, Kayla McClure of Little Rock, AR, Alton McClure of Columbia, MO and Karissa Sandfort of Columbia, MO; maternal grandparents: Garry and Karen Williams of Plato, MO; maternal grandfather: Jerry D. Gladden of New Bloomfield, MO; paternal grandparents: Jim and Doris McClure of Lynchburg, MO; other relatives and friends.

You paid the ultimate sacrifice for our freedom.  Thank you for your service and your dedication to our country.

Sikeston, Missouri - The Southeast Coalition for Roadway Safety is offering a free AARP Driver Safety class, designed for older, experienced drivers. The class will be held Thursday, May 9 from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m., with a break for lunch. It will be located at the Missouri Department of Transportation's Southeast District Office at 2675 North Main St. in Sikeston. 

The class will consist of video presentations, lecture and discussion. There are no tests and will be a number of breaks. The Southeast Coalition is covering the regular class fees of $12 for AARP members and $14 for nonmembers. Advanced registration is requested. To register, please contact Regional Coalition Contact Sandra Taurone at (573) 388-1259 or via email at sandra.taurone@modot.mo.gov.

The AARP Driver Safety Program is the nation's first and largest classroom refresher course.

"It is a very informative class, which could help a driver save his/her life or the life of a loved one. While older drivers have fewer crashes than younger drivers, they are more likely to be involved in a fatal crash," said Jim Stricker, a volunteer instructor for the course.

For older drivers, risks to safe driving may arise from health changes affecting vision, hearing or reaction time.

"Safe driving is a challenge for all drivers. Within the class, we will discuss factors that particularly impact older drivers," said Stricker.

He explained during the class, attendees will discuss driving strategies that take into account the effects of aging, common crash situations and ways to reduce the likelihood of a crash. In addition, today's highway system and traffic laws will be reviewed.

"Besides serving as a great refresher course, many insurance companies give a premium discount to individuals for completing a driver safety course," he said.

For more information, please contact Taurone at (573) 388-1259 or via email at sandra.taurone@modot.mo.gov.

Submitted by

Dee Loflin, SMT Manager/Writer

Scott City, Missouri - SEMO Area Agency on Aging will hold two Medicare Bootcamps on Thursday May 9 in Scott County.  The first on will be at the Eisleben Lutheran Church, 432 Lutheran Lane in Scott City, from 1:30 p.m. until 3:30 p.m. the second one will be held at Missouri Delta Medical Center, 1008 N. Main St. in Sikeston, this one will be from 6:00 p.m. until 8:00 p.m.   This Bootcamp, presented by Southeast Missouri Area Agency on Aging at no charge, will provide information about Medicare, Medicare Supplements, Medicare Health Plans, and the Medicare Prescription Drug program.

The information is for people who are becoming eligible for Medicare and also for those already on Medicare who have questions about what is covered, the difference between a Medicare Health Plan and regular Medicare, how and when to choose a Medicare Supplement, and how and when to sign up for Medicare.  Attendees will learn answers to these questions plus many others. 

If you are interested in attending you should call Jackie at SEMO Area Agency on Aging toll free 1-800-392-8771 to register.  Walk-ins are welcome but it is best to register to be sure there will be enough handouts for everyone. 

Submitted by

Dee Loflin, SMT Manager/Writer

Jefferson City, Missouri -  Missouri Secretary of State Jason Kander today reminded eligible Missouri voters to register to vote by Wednesday, May 8th, in order to participate in the June 4th special election in the 8th Congressional District. The special election is in response to Congresswoman Emerson’s resignation. There are four certified candidates vying for the office of US Representative of District 8: Steve Hodges (Democratic), Jason Smith (Republican), Bill Slantz (Libertarian), and Doug Enyart (Constitution).

“As Missouri’s Secretary of State, I want to ensure that every eligible Missourian has the opportunity to cast a ballot on Election Day,” Kander said. “The first step for any eligible Missouri voter is to make sure they are registered to vote, and that their voter registration is up to date. May 8th is the last day for Missourians to register to vote and be eligible to cast a ballot in the June special election.”

Currently registered voters who have moved or changed their names must update their registration with their local election authority to ensure they make it to the correct polling place and are listed accurately in the voter rolls on Election Day.

The voter registration deadline is May 8th; all voter registrations must be received or post-marked by that date. With the deadline being a state holiday, those wishing to register on May 8th should check with their local election authority to confirm business hours for that day. The post office will be open for those wishing to mail in their voter registration.