Local News – Monday, January 3rd, 2022
When it comes to frozen water pipes, it’s all about prevention. Frozen pipes can leave you without water in the worst of weather. And they cost a lot to repair. But with a few simple steps, you can easily preserve both your budget and your peace of mind. Before the cold weather truly sets in, know where your main water shut-off valve is located. Eliminate sources of cold air near water pipes by fixing windows or insulating walls. Protect exposed pipes by wrapping them with insulation, fabric or newspaper. When temperatures stay below freezing, let the snow cover your water meter. Snow acts as insulation, so don’t disturb it. Allow a small trickle of water to run overnight to keep pipes from freezing. Open cabinet doors to let warm air in your home reach the pipes. If your pipes do freeze, shut off the water immediately. Apply heat to the frozen pipe by warming the air around it. Avoid kerosene heaters or open flames. Make sure any outdoor hoses are no longer attached to spigots. Turn the water back on slowly once pipes have thawed, and check for cracks and leaks. If you discover numerous leaks from split or damage pipes, shut the water off and contract a professional plumber to investigate the problem. Please be familiar with your home’s plumbing system as you will be the first to know when there is a problem and have to take action promptly if there is a problem.
At its December 10 open meeting in Jefferson City, the Missouri Conservation Commission approved the following recommendations by the Missouri Department of Conservation (MDC) for upcoming turkey-hunting and deer-hunting season dates. The 2022 Spring and Fall turkey hunting dates are April 9th and 10th for Spring Youth Portion, followed by the regular Spring Turkey Season April 18th through May 8th and Fall Firearms Turkey Season will be October 1st through 31st. The Archery Deer and Turkey hunting dates for 2022-2023 will be September 15th through November 11th and November 23rd through January 15th, 2023. The 2022 – 2023 Firearms Deer hunting dates are October 29th and 30th for the Early Youth portion, then November 12th through 22nd for Regular Firearms portion. The Late Youth portion will be November 25th through 27th, followed by the Firearms Antlerless Deer portion December 3rd through 11th and the Alternative Methods portion will be December 24th through January 3rd, 2023. Details on hunting regulations, harvest limits, allowed methods, required permits, and other related information will be available online and in MDC’s 2022 Spring Turkey Hunting Regulations and Information booklet and MDC’s 2022 Fall Deer & Turkey Hunting Regulations and Information booklet prior to the related seasons. Buy Missouri hunting permits from numerous vendors around the state, online at mdc.mo.gov/buypermits or through MDC’s free mobile app, MO Hunting, available for download through Google Play for Android devices or the App Store for Apple devices.
In addition to frigid temperatures and snow and ice, winter brings dangerous driving conditions and the potential for damaging and deadly storms. In 2020, there were more than 5,500 vehicle crashes in Missouri in which snow or ice were factors, which resulted in 1,698 injuries and 26 deaths, according to preliminary results provided by the Missouri State Highway Patrol. Even if not directly involved in a crash, an accident blocking the roadway could cause other drivers to be stranded for hours. Avoiding non-essential travel during winter storms is one of the best ways to reduce the chance of becoming involved in a crash or becoming stranded. It also allows snow removal crews to clear the roads faster and first responders to get to crashes more quickly. Assemble a separate vehicle winter emergency kit that includes a blanket, radio with spare batteries, snacks or energy-type food, jumper cables, flares, shovel and sand or shingles to give tires traction. Avoid driving whenever possible when conditions are poor. Postpone travel if possible. If your vehicle breaks down or slides off the road, stay with your vehicle and call or wait for help. In 2020, 41 people reportedly died as a result of low body temperatures due to prolonged exposure to cold weather, according to the Missouri Department of Health and Senior Services. Protect against frostbite and hypothermia by wearing warm, loose-fitting clothing in several layers. Avoid alcohol, limit time spent outdoors in frigid temperatures and stay indoors, if possible.
The Dent County Fire Protection District Board of Directors will be meeting tomorrow night at 6:00 at the fire station located at #2 South Main Street. After the roll call and approval of the minutes from the December meeting will be the financial report and approval of bills. Following the calendar review the board will go over the monthly reimbursement report before addressing any old or new business brought before the board. After hearing various reports, the board will set the date for the February meeting before adjourning and going into closed session if needed. The regular meeting of the Dent County Fire Protection District Board of Directors is open to the public.
The American Red Cross will be holding a blood drive at the New Harmony Church main gym on Highway 32 West on Wednesday from 2:00 until 6:00. Currently, the Red Cross still experiences dangerously low inventory not seen in more than a decade. As an extra thank-you from the Red Cross, those who come to donate will also be automatically entered to win a home theater package and a $500 e-gift card. To register for the blood drive, call 1-800-733-2767 to schedule your appointment.