Local News – Thursday, October 5th, 2023
In observance of Earth Science Week starting Sunday, October 8th through the 14th, the Missouri Geological Survey is partnering with the Ozark Natural and Cultural Resource Center in Salem. As part of the center’s month-long exhibit on mining and geology, select items from MGS’s Ed Clark Museum of Missouri Geology in Rolla will be on display. Beginning during Earth Science Week, 50 free educational toolkits, donated by the American Geosciences Institute, will be available for educators at the center. Each toolkit includes maps, posters, lesson plans and booklets on Earth Science issues for K-12 students. Missouri State Geologist and MGS Director Carey Bridges said that mastering a knowledge of Earth Science issues and sharing what we learn is foundational to the mission of the Missouri Geological Survey and that during Earth Science Week, he encourages students, teachers and everyone else to visit the Ozark Natural and Cultural Resource Center to learn more about Missouri’s amazing geology and the importance of its mining industry. He says the Earth Science toolkits are a wonderful resource for educators and include enough materials for learning beyond just a single week. Several special events are planned for the center’s geology exhibit. They include this Saturday morning at 10:00 when there will be a presentation by Donna Arthur, Missouri S&T student recruitment specialist for the Mines and Metallurgy Academy. Bob Hemmann, an exploration geologist with the Doe Run Company, will present a lecture on mining Saturday morning, October 14th, at 10:00. That program will be followed by a presentation on maple syrup in Missouri that evening at 6:00. Ozark Natural and Cultural Resource Center exhibits coordinator Liz Condray expressed appreciation to the Missouri Geological Survey for helping make this exhibit possible and the Center is excited to bring these educational opportunities to the region. They look forward to new ways to connect people to Earth Science topics. Condray went on to say the Center welcomes visitors and field trips if any schools would like to attend.
The Ozark National Scenic Riverways invites you to take the Current River Challenge as it passes through three amazing parks including Ozark National Scenic Riverways, Echo Bluff State Park, and Current River State Park! This activity includes three components, each measuring four miles in length. You can do the whole challenge or just a portion of it. The first segment begins at 9:00 this Saturday morning, at the Carr’s Canoe Rental Store for a four-mile guided hike from Round Spring to Echo Bluff State Park. Hikers should park in the overflow parking behind Carr’s Store. The second four-mile hike begins at Echo Bluff State Park at 11:00 that morning and ends at Current River State Park. Finally, after reaching Current River State Park, the last four-mile stretch is a float back to Round Spring that begins at 1:30 that afternoon. For visitors who only want to do part of the challenge, shuttles will be available for transport. Anyone wishing to attend the float should bring their own vessel or reserve one from a concessionaire. Hikers are encouraged to bring their lunch if participating in all three segments. Anyone completing the full challenge will receive a special award decal. All hiking activities are free to the public, and no registration is required. Always plan accordingly when hiking or participating in any outdoor recreational activity. Hikers should take weather conditions into consideration and be prepared during all seasons. Drinking water, rain gear, map, snacks, flashlight, sturdy hiking shoes, clothing appropriate for the weather and terrain, and emergency campfire supplies are recommended. For general information on each of these hikes and to get information on other upcoming fall hikes by visiting nps.gov/ozar or call (573) 226-3945.
An accident happened Wednesday morning just after 7:30 in Texas County on Highway 32 about two miles east of Licking. According to the highway patrol report, a 2011 Ford Taurus, driven eastbound by 36-year-old Laura Hughes of Licking, attempted to pass a 1990 Ford pickup being driven by 38-year-old James Bradshaw, also of Licking, as the Ford pickup was making a left turn. Hughes suffered minor injuries and was taken by ambulance to Texas County Memorial Hospital. Both vehicles sustained extensive damage with the Taurus being removed by Jays Towing and the Ford truck being removed from the roadway by a private party. The report went on to state that both drivers were wearing seat restraints. The highway patrol was assisted at the scene by the Licking Fire Department.
This Saturday during the City Wide Yard Sale, the Bonebrake Center of Nature and History will be holding a native plant sale starting at 8:00 in the morning and lasting until 1:00 in the afternoon. All the proceeds raised will benefit the Bonebrake Center. The Bonebrake Center is located at the intersection of East Rolla Road and North Hickory Street.
A Car Cruise-In will be held this Friday from 3:00 to 7:00 at the Searcy Building Parking Lot across from the Dorman L. Steelman Lodge. Dash Plaques will be awarded to the first 50 registered cars and trucks. Trophies will be awarded for Montauk Park Choice, which will be chosen by Park Staff, and for the Longest Distance Driven. Outside lighting will be provided for the viewing of all the classic vehicles. For more information, contact Carl Smith, the Cruise Coordinator, of Current River Cruisers Car Club at (573) 729-7883. All proceeds raised will benefit the American Heart Association. This is a free event, however the minimum suggested donation is $10.00.
The Missouri State Highway Patrol would like to remind the public that driver examination stations throughout the state will be closed on Monday, October 9th, in observance of Columbus Day. Normal operations will then resume on Tuesday, October 10th.