Dee Loflin, SMT Manager/Editor
Stoddard County, Missouri - The Missouri State Highway Patrol reminds drivers that this is the time of year when crops are harvested. Thus, drivers should expect heavier farm machinery traffic--especially on rural highways. Farming plays a vital role in Missouri’s economy, history, and identity. Safety is important to drivers and farmers sharing the road!
“We encourage everyone traveling in Missouri's farming communities to stay alert and drive courteously,” said Colonel Ron Replogle, superintendent of the Missouri State Highway Patrol. “Farmers and motorists can share the road. Please obey all traffic laws and remain vigilant, no matter what you're driving.”
There were a total of 173 Missouri traffic crashes involving farm equipment in 2012. In those crashes one driver was killed and 21 were injured. In addition, two farm tractor passengers were injured.
The following are reminders for safe travel during this busy time of year:
MOTORISTS
* Stay alert for slow moving farm equipment.
* When you come up behind a tractor or other farm machinery, please slow down and be patient. Wait to pass until you have a clear view of the road ahead and there is no oncoming traffic. Never pass on a hill or curve.
* Collisions commonly occur when a motorist tries to pass a left-turning farm vehicle. A tractor that appears to be pulling to the right side of the road to let motorists pass, instead may be preparing to make a wide left turn. Watch the farmer’s hand and light signals closely.
* Pay close attention to farm equipment entering and leaving the highway from side roads and driveways.
* Special attention must be paid when traveling at dawn or dusk when the sun makes it difficult for drivers to see.
FARMERS
* Make sure any farm equipment being driven on Missouri roadways is properly marked with lights and a “slow-moving vehicle” emblem.
* Drive as far to the right as possible.
* If traffic accumulates behind you on a road where it is difficult to make a safe pass, you should pull off onto the side of the road in a level area, so the vehicles can pass.
* If possible, never travel on roadways at dawn or dusk when it is more difficult for drivers of other vehicles to see.
* Like other motor vehicles, most modern farm tractors have seat belts. Always use a seat belt when operating a tractor equipped with a roll-over protection structure.
* Often, all-terrain vehicles are used for agricultural purposes. ATVs being used for farming can only travel on highways during daylight hours and must be equipped with lights, a bicycle flag, and "slow-moving vehicle" emblem. The law requires anyone under the age of 18 to wear a safety helmet when operating an ATV; the Patrol, however, recommends all operators to wear a safety helmet regardless of age.
*Farmers are encouraged to review the regulations that pertain to farm vehicles and the transportation of goods. These regulations include, but are not limited to:
**When crossing state lines a truck is considered a commercial motor vehicle if it has a Gross Vehicle Weight Rating (GVWR) of 10,001 lbs. or more, therefore, it must comply with federal regulations. This applies to farm vehicles.
**Farm vehicles must display a USDOT number and the farm name.
**The driver of a farm vehicle must be at least 21 years of age.
**Those driving a farm vehicle must have a commercial driver license if the truck's GVWR exceeds 26,000 lbs., if the truck's gross combined weight rating (GCWR) exceeds 26,000 lbs., and the truck is operated more than 150 miles from the farm.
**The farmer may need to have the International Fuel Tax Agreement (IFTA) if the truck weighs over 26,000 lbs., or if it is licensed for over 26,000 lbs., or if it has three axles on the power unit. Fuel permits may be purchased from the state you are entering in lieu of the IFTA.
**The driver must possess a current medical card (DOT physical) when operating a truck with a GVWR of 10,001 or more lbs.
**Permits must be obtained from MoDOT if you are traveling on an interstate and your vehicle or load is over the normal size and weight requirements.
**Drivers must carry a log book if they operate a truck more than 100 miles from the farm. If the vehicle stays intrastate, this does not apply to vehicles licensed for 42,000 lbs. or less.
For a complete list of federal motor vehicle regulations which apply to farm vehicles please visit: http://www.modot.mo.gov/mcs/documents/FarmTruckSafety07.pdf.
Dee Loflin, SMT Manager/Editor
Bloomfield, Missouri - It has been a long journey for Kathy and thanks to her daughter, Lori, she was able to enjoy a scrapbook keepsake. Anyone who knows Kathy or has been touched by Kathy's kindness were asked to write letters or notes and they did!
The family would like to say thank you to everyone who participated, sent well wishes or simply prayed for Kathy.
"Great BIG Thank Yous to all who sent messages for Mom's 15 year Survivor Celebration! "Fifteen, Fighting and Fabulous" is an amazing tribute to Mom!"
She described it as "incomprehensible!" She was so anxious to start reading! We've shared many smiles and tears as we've been reading through these amazing notes of encouragement and support, memories and prayers.
Thank you all so very much!
Dee Loflin, SMT Manager/Editor
The Bernie Church of Christ joined the Chisolm Hills Church from Alabama. While on the week long trip, the teens interacted with Kuna men, women, and children, an indigenous people of Panama, by sharing the word through sermons, singing, and children’s lessons. The travelers stayed in man-made huts on islands in the middle of the Caribbean sea and traveled from island to island by boat.
Shown in the photo are Kassi Lawrence, Gideon and Kendra Stevenson, Dexter with Kuna children on the San Blas Islands, Panama.
Dee Loflin, SMT Manager/Editor
A "Super-Homecoming" has been planned surrounding the traditional Dexter Bearcat Homecoming that will not only celebrate our current students at DHS, but will provide a true social "Homecoming" event for alumni of the Dexter Public Schools.
WHY HAVE A SUPER HOMECOMING? The goal is to create an event that will increase community pride and school spirit on an even larger scale. To create a wholesome social event that broadens the fun and excitement of Homecoming and to encourage alumni to return to our community and enjoy all that Dexter has to offer!
Local involvement of alumni, local businesses and our young people has been the key to successfully planning this event. The Regional Healthcare Foundation is hosting the Tailgate Event on Friday from 4:30 p.m. - 6:30 p.m. with several businesses participating. If you didn't set up a tailgate spot, not to worry, YOU are still invited to come out and eat, drink, and have a great time.
The Dudley Church of God will have their concessions trailer set up along side of them will be the NWTF smoking chicken wings. Both are raising money for a good cause. The Church of God has many youth programs available and proceeds will go to help them continue their great work. The National Wild Turkey Federation will be donating proceeds back to the schools in Stoddard County to help with equipment and training for NASP: National Archery in the Schools Program. Both are truly good causes for our children!
Southeast Health is sponsoring a Kids Fun Zone. Children of all ages are encouraged to jump and play in the bounce houses and get their faces painted for the game. There is NO admission fees for the bounce houses and you can get a pretty cool PAW PRINT painted for FREE as well. So much fun! There will even be a snow cone truck sponsored by the Dexter High School Student Council! They are delicious treats you get to add as some flavor as you want!!
The band Flashback will be providing the entertainment on stage during the pre-game Super Bearcat Tailgate Event as well as after the football game at the 5th Quarter street festival.
The DHS Marching Bearcats will lead the parade from the tailgate party to the Charles Bland Stadium just in time for the introduction and crowning of the Homecoming Queen and her attendants at precisely 6:30 p.m. Don't miss this great opportunity to march into the stadium with your favorite Bearcat. There will be extra volunteers on hand to help take your money at the gate, so be prepared and don't forget to cheer!
Stick around for the half-time show featuring the DHS Marching Band performing "The Beatles" tunes along with the DHS Flag Corps! After the Bearcats defeat New Madrid County Central enjoy the 5th Quarter with more food, sodas and music.
Concessions will be available and the band Flashback will be performing in front of the Bearcat Event Center until 11:00 p.m.
It doesn't stop there!!! Join the D-Unit Pep Club at 8:00 a.m. on Saturday morning for the 1st ever ColorBurst Run. Then beginning at 8:30 is the Bearcat BBQ Cook-Off with prizes and judging at 10:30, 11:30 and 12:30. The DHS football team will be on hand to judge the delicious foods (They probably just hate having that job) and if you want I am sure they will take a moment for a photo opportunity!
Don't forget to enter your favorite car, truck, tractor, motorcycle or monster truck in the "Strut Your Stuff" Bearcat Car, Truck Tractor Show beginning at 9:00 a.m. Sponsored by Allen Christian Buick GMC and will benefit the Dexter Future Farmers of America. Prizes to be awarded at 1:00 p.m. The FFA club will be judging the "Faster Than a Speeding Ticket", most spirited, best in show, and most radical!
For more information about the 2013 Homecoming Community Event check out their Facebook page by clicking here.
Submitted by
Dee Loflin, SMT Manager/Editor
USA - If you do not already have a name for your car, now is the time to personalize it and pick a name today, as it is National Name Your Car Day, which is celebrated each year on October 2nd.
Many of you most likely remember ”Herbie” the Love Bug, “Lightning McQueen” from Cars, “Kit” from Knight Rider, “General Lee” from The Dukes of Hazzard and “Bandit” from Smokey and the Bandit. These are just some of the famous car names that are known by millions of people.
We spend a lot of time in our cars and take good care of them so why not give them a special name?
Have you chosen your car’s name yet?
Did you know there are e-cards for National Name Your Car Day? Send one to a friend today!
