Do you like dogs? Have a big fenced in yard, or a small kennel? Do you want to help out? Then there's a program that you should know about. While at the Clinton animal fair over by the Westlake Ace Hardware on Ohio, we met some representatives of this program. Its a foster program for dogs.
I have to say- in light of all the bad press lately, I think Capitalism is getting a bad rap. In spite of the fact that it has helped people go from rags to riches and provides people with employment, the drive of either making a new product or service or taking a current one and saying "I can do that better!" is part of the drive that makes you want to live. Not everybody wants to be self employed, and there's nothing wrong with that- after all, a steady paycheck is definitely something desirable- but saying "I did that!" definitely has it's appeal. Unfortunately, it doesn't mix very well with government.
As a business owner, I have to be careful with all of my decisions. It's not too hard to lose everything- just ask the guys at any of these big lending firms. Yet they are still around. One of the things that large corporations don't seem to have to worry about is making bad decisions. For a company to be run well, there has to be the threat of failure. That threat doesn't seem to exist for some bigger businesses. Not because they're too big to fail, but like an alcoholic son they will get bailed out again. If they know that the government won't bail them out, they'll change their business practices, but not before.
This area has an amazing amount of people that have decided to go out on their own. There are over a thousand- from tree trimmers and roofers to restaurant owners and truckers to sign makers and computer repair geeks, (that's what my wife calls me) everyone wants to make it happen for them.
Things have been a little slow as we're going through some growing pains here, but we've been saving up to be even better in the upcoming year with our totally new idea. (Although some of the bigger newspapers have started doing the same thing)
JEFFERSON CITY – When the first snowfall of winter hits this year, MoDOT is prepared with enough salt and equipment to maintain the level of service we have provided in previous years. Safety is always our highest priority. While some towns and municipalities in Missouri may be concerned about salt supplies, MoDOT will not have trouble keeping highways drivable.
Last year’s particularly harsh winter depleted much of the country’s salt supply causing prices to rise. This, coupled with a strong hurricane season and high Mississippi River levels, has made delivery of salt via river barges slow. MoDOT takes salt bids in May and is virtually unaffected by the supply decline that happened late this summer. The department received its first salt shipment over the summer in order to pre-fill and prepare for the first snow in Missouri. During the winter, as salt supplies are used, part of the agency’s contract agreement with suppliers is to provide for a replenishment order sometime between Nov. 1 and April 30.
“Trying to keep salt throughout the winter and not run out is tricky,” Maintenance Liaison Engineer Tim Jackson said. “Conserving as much salt as possible is the best method. You have to keep the strength of the storm in mind and use the right amount at the right time, while still maintaining road safety.”
MoDOT reminds you, “In Ice and Snow, Take It Slow.”
Here are some tips for driving in winter weather:
If you're married , does your husband/wife work as well as you? If you are most people in the world that work, I'm sure the answer is yes. The problem with both husband and wife working is when you have kids. Anymore, both parents working is simply a necessity; and with the kid's it becomes even more of a need. Unless you're one of the fortunate that have a built in baby sitter, chances are you're paying someone to watch them.
For those that don't know already, Head Start is an organization that watches your children, but also teaches them. It's a kind of pre- preschool. Lately there have been more of them popping up in the area, thanks in large part to the help from the West Central Missouri Community Action Agency (WCMCAA).
A few Weeks ago a new one opened in Lowry City at the old Patty G's on Highway 13. We took a little time to find out about the program. "It's a safe, loving environment for the kids." Says Judi Parsons, "We have a routine for the entire day, and we make sure they get plenty of outside play time and we concentrate on health." She isn't kidding about this either. They have the kids brush their teeth after every meal and have hand washing as part of the daily routine. According to their literature, "The center option offers children opportunities to develop socially, intellectually, physically, and emotionally in a group setting. Each classroom is staffed by a qualified teacher, assistant teacher/driver nutritionist, and family advocate. Working as a team, they create an integrated early childhood educational experience."
There's another forum coming to the area- No it's not another get to meet the candidates forum, but it will help with the candidates in some areas. It's on Truman Lake News.
From time to time we get letters to the editor. While we like getting these, since they show the interest of the community, we thought there might be a more self controlling way to handle these. This way is with a forum. Although we assume that most people have a pretty good idea as to what a forum is, for the uninitiated, here's a description.
A forum is website that you can control. Think of it as a bulletin board. If you want to sound off about a subject, you can do it here. Kind of like if you put a paper with what you want seen on it with a thumbtack. If someone else wants to respond or add to what you wrote, then they can put something there as well. (Although we do have basic rules and guidelines). Anyone can join in and sound off about any subject in the area.
Right now we have it set up into various categories- politics and outdoors to start off with- including sub categories like fishing or Henry county. We also are going to switch our classifieds to a forum version, so you can get them on faster. Hope to see you there!