Local News – Thursday, November 2nd, 2023

As temperatures cool, it can be easy to become lazy when it comes to staying on top of home energy usage. Here are four simple modifications you can make without much effort that can decrease your energy drain – and won’t require big sacrifices. First, let the sunshine in and take advantage of natural sunlight to heat your space, then close curtains to keep the heat inside. Second, lower the heat to 68 degrees. Consider slipping on a hoodie or a sweater to stay comfortable, as you can save 5% for every degree you drop your thermostat between 60 to 70 degrees. Third, clear your air vents and make sure there are no furniture items or appliances obstructing any vents to maximize heating efficiency. Lastly, avoid running hot water to thaw food. Meal prep ahead of time by defrosting frozen foods in the fridge overnight to save on energy and water. This is also a good time to explore your home for any potential improvements needed to conserve energy, such as caulking around leaky windows and doors, investing in a water heater jacket and installing weather stripping or insulation. Qualifying income-eligible homeowners and renters are eligible to receive assistance with these projects through local agencies like the South Central Community Action Agency. To get more information on the LIHEAP program, weatherization programs and other programs, call 729-3500 or stop by 1405 South Wines Street in Salem.

With deer and turkey hunting underway in Missouri, the Missouri Department of Conservation (MDC) reminds non-hunters to practice safety measures when afield during hunting seasons. MDC Hunter Education Coordinator Justin McGuire said that safety while hunting is ultimately the responsibility of the hunter. Hunters must clearly identify their targeted game animals before even putting their fingers on the triggers of their firearms or before drawing their bows when archery hunting. They must also be aware of what is behind their targets and should never shoot at movement or sound. McGuire added that non-hunters out in hunting areas can also practice some safety measures. He and MDC offer the following safety tips for non-hunters. Wear bright clothing to be more visible, such as a bright orange hat, jacket, or pack. Place a bright orange vest or bandana on the canines who join you and keep them leashed. Avoid earth-toned or animal-colored clothing such as tan and brown. Be aware that hunters are often most active during the early morning and late afternoon, when game animals are most active.
Be especially aware of your own visibility during these times when light is dim. Stay on designated trails. Trails are designed to improve the safety of public users and to protect sensitive habitats. Enjoying recreational activities only on designated trails will reduce the likelihood of entering hunting areas. Whenever venturing into the outdoors, let someone know where you are going and when to expect your return. Make yourself known. If you hear shooting, raise your voice, and let hunters know you are in the area. Be courteous. Once a hunter is aware of your presence, don’t make unnecessary noise to disturb wildlife. Avoid conflict. Identify hunting seasons and lands open to hunting. Learn where and when hunting is taking place. Plan your recreation activities based on this information. Find information on Missouri hunting seasons at mo.gov/hunting-trapping. Find conservation areas that allow hunting and those that do not by using the MDC Places to Go web feature at mo.gov/discover-nature/places.

The Missouri State Highway Patrol and Missouri Department of Revenue wish to inform potential future Commercial Driver License (CDL) applicants of an upcoming change in CDL testing procedure. The new modernized testing standard being adopted by Missouri will begin on December 4th, 2023 and will be utilized by all CDL examiners in the state, including at all Patrol examination sites and all third-party examination sites. The changes in testing procedure include a more streamlined pre-trip examination and more efficient basic skills course. It is important to note, per federal guidelines, applicants must pass the pre-trip and basic skills using the same testing model, meaning if an applicant passes the old model pre-trip, they must pass the old model basic skills test to be eligible for the road test. The Department of Revenue encourages training schools and applicants to consider this when making plans for testing. Those wishing to train for taking their CDL skills tests on December 4th or later should utilize the new CDL manual for applicable procedures. Current testing procedures will remain in effect statewide until December 1st. Both manuals can be found at dor.mo.gov/forms.

Football fans can be “Champions for Life” and score some Kansas City Chiefs apparel. The Community Blood Center of the Ozarks, the sole supplier of blood, platelets, and plasma to patients at 44 area healthcare facilities, is asking everyone to help make a touchdown for local patients in their community by donating blood at the upcoming blood drive in Salem on Tuesday, November 7th from 1:00 until 6:00 at the First Baptist Church Fellowship Hall located at 201 North MacArthur. All successful donors will receive an all-new Kansas City Chiefs “3X Champs” T-shirt, while supplies last. Donors can also enter for a chance to win a game package of two free tickets and a parking pass to Kansas City’s December 31, 2023, game against the Cincinnati Bengals. The game package is valued at $870. To help avoid wait times, appointments are strongly encouraged. Donors can schedule an appointment at or by calling 417-227-5006.