CNSTC: October 11, 2023

On the hunt

Waterfowl hunters can look to the Missouri Department of Conservation for help on finding the right dog to be the perfect hunting buddy

By Brett Auten

Have you ever wanted a four-legged hunting buddy to help up your game? But where does one start? Without familial connections, learning the ins and outs on the who, what, when, and where when it comes to selecting a hunting dog, the options are few.

The experts at the Missouri Department of Conservation are launching its inaugural, Choosing Your First Hunting Dog program, held Saturday, Oct. 14, at the August A. Busch Shooting Range and Outdoor Education Center.

This free class will cover selecting the ideal dog as a friend and hunting partner. It is open to ages nine and up and will run from 1 – 3 p.m. The Busch Shooting Range is located at 3550 Route D, approximately five miles west of Highway 94.

Waterfowl hunting aided by the one-ofa-kind abilities of a dog can add a lot to the enjoyment to the hunt. A canine’s keen sense of smell and unique talents for tracking down prey will also help reduce the chance of losing a wounded bird. For anyone thinking of getting their first canine hunting partner, the class will explore the responsibilities of having a hunting dog,

how to pick out the right dog and what goes into training. The event will include a live demonstration as well.

“Dog owners understand that the dogs are part of the family, but if you are a waterfowl hunter the dog is much more than just a family member, he becomes your hunting buddy,” Bryant Hertel, Missouri Department of Conservation Outdoor Center Manager, said. “They are great pets, but they have a lot of responsibility. You not only need to have them trained but you need to keep them trained. Obedience is See

Weather

i3 Broadband celebrates grand opening with ribbon cutting. Pg. 3

Photo courtesy the Missouri Department of Conservation The Missouri Department of Conservation will host a special free program, Choosing Your First Hunting Dog, Saturday, Oct. 14 from 1-3 p.m. at the August. A. Busch Shooting Range and Outdoor Education Center in Defiance. The free program is open to ages nine and up.

‘ HUNT’ from cover

a big one. Some say they can’t be inside the house. Others say they make good pets. I say, just learn the basics on what’s all involved.”

Hertel did have a piece of advice for the newbie.

“Learn how to hunt first,” he said. “It’s not required, but don’t get the dog first. Don’t do it backwards.”

And like an athlete, the key to any noteworthy hunting canine is desire.

“Some have the drive in them, but you really don’t know when they’re pups,” Hertel said. “I have had dogs who some said didn’t even know their names turn into really good hunters.”

Dogs have been hunting partners for some 20,000 years, long before humans embraced agriculture. In fact, dogs were likely the very first animals that humans ever domesticated. According to the American Kennel Club, today there are 30 officially recognized sporting dog breeds. Dogs from other breeds can also be trained as helpful hunting companions.

Choosing Your First Hunting Dog is a free class; however, advanced online registration is required at mdc.mo.gov.

Conservation Corner:

By Dan Zarlenga

October is the essence of autumn. It also embodies the spirit of Halloween. And for many of us, there’s nothing more iconic to Halloween than the Jack-o’-lantern. But did you know there’s also a Jack-o’- lantern mushroom in Missouri? While pumpkins are edible, in the spirit of a spooky holiday, the mushroom Jack-o’-lantern is poisonous.

The Jack-o’-lantern mushroom surely looks the part. It is bright orange to yellowish orange, with a convex cap that becomes flat to funnel shaped with a center that’s sunken in. The smooth skin is similar to that of a pumpkin. Its narrow gills are sharp-edged and descend from the stalk, which is curved . . . not unlike the stalk of a pumpkin.

In addition to trying to trick us into thinking they’re pumpkins, it’s said that these mushrooms can pull off another Halloween trick; they can glow in the dark, just like a Jack-o’-lantern! The bioluminescent gills of fresh specimens sometimes give off an eerie, faint greenish glow at night.

You can find Jack-o’-lantern mushrooms growing in large clusters at the base of trees, on stumps, or on buried wood from July and throughout October all over Missouri. Eating a Jack-o’-lantern mushroom would most definitely not be a treat, however. Though they are not typically deadly to healthy adults,

A mushroom that’s a trick, not a treat

Halloween season evolved from an old Irish and Scottish tradition. In the United Kingdom however, people carved their lanterns out of turnips and rutabagas.

Submitted photo

a mild to severe upset stomach lasting for several days would be the result of making these mushrooms a Halloween snack.

Like trick-or-treaters, Jack-o’-lanterns can masquerade as something else they aren’t too. People often confuse them with the edible and delicious chanterelle mushroom, because Jack-o’-lanterns have a very similar color and shape. Always positively identify any mushroom you intend to eat before doing so!

As if being poisonous wasn’t scary enough, these Jack-o’-lantern mushrooms also feed on dead hardwood trees. They decompose the fallen logs, branches, and underground roots of oaks and other trees. In this way, the mushrooms actually do perform a vital function. They help clean the forest and recycle nutrients back into the soil. So, while bad to eat, they are good for the forest environment.

Historically, some might be surprised to know that carving Jack-o’-lanterns for the

In the early colonial days, immigrants from Europe brought the practice to North America. It was then that they began carving the native pumpkins commonly found here instead. The larger pumpkin was much easier to work with than the tiny turnip and afforded a lot more creativity.

The name Jack-o’- lantern associated with pumpkin carving emerged in the U.S. around the mid-1800s. And the rest is Halloween history. For a Halloween trick this month, why not take a hike through the woods, and try to spot the Jack-o’- lantern mushroom lurking on a forest floor. You’ll know it’s doing the vital job of recycling while masquerading as a pumpkin. Just don’t try to make a “treat” out of it. Save that for your Halloween candy.

Dan Zarlenga is the Missouri Department of Conservation’s Media Specialist for the St. Louis Region, where he’s served since 2008. He likes to dabble in nature photography, hiking, exploring Missouri and its night skies, and occasionally backpacking and kayaking.

Photos courtesy the Missouri Department of Conservation

According to the Missouri Department of Conservation, whether a terrier, gun dog, hound, or retriever, finding the right canine friend for hunting can truly be the start of a beautiful relationship, both in the field and at home.

Martin & Raab Agency celebrates grand opening with ribbon cutting

The Martin & Raab Agency is celebrating their grand opening in Weldon Spring. To commemorate the opening, they held a ribbon-cutting ceremony with the Cottleville Weldon Spring Chamber on Sept. 21.

Members of the Cottleville Weldon-Spring Chamber and other community leaders were in attendance.

“We are extremely excited to be here for Cottleville and Weldon

City of St. Charles to cease operations of water well

The Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) directed the city St. Charles to cease operations for City Well 4 on Sept. 20. City Well 4 provides drinking water for the city and recently tested positive for vinyl chloride from Ameren’s sub-

station after the barrier constructed by Ameren failed to contain the contamination on their site.

The city has one well left to produce water after this shutdown.

To date, six of the seven wells in the city’s wellfield have tested pos-

itive for contamination from the EPA-managed superfund site. The city has asked the EPA to immediately provide the city with a plan to restart wells safely to restore the water system capacity of six million gallons per day.

i3 Broadband celebrates grand opening with ribbon cutting

Spring. And to be a positive influence and helpful in the community,” said agency owner Andrew Martin.

The Martin & Raab agency is a full-service insurance office for commercial, personal, life, and financial plan-

ning. They are veteran owned and operated. For more information on the Martin & Raab Agency, follow them at https:// agents.farmers.com/ mo/weldon-spring/andrew-martin.

i3 Broadband celebrated their grand opening in St. Peters. To commemorate the opening, they held a ribbon-cutting ceremony with the Cottleville Weldon Spring Chamber on Sept. 14.

Members of the Cottleville Weldon-Spring Chamber and other community leaders were in attendance.

i3 Broadband is a leading fiber-tothe-home (FTTH) operator in the Midwest. Based in Peoria, Illinois with regional offices in Central Illinois, Missouri and Rhode Island, i3 provides gigabit-speed broadband, television, and voice services to residential and

commercial customers throughout their service areas. i3 Broadband is committed to providing the best customer experience possible through local operations, exceptional staff, and community involvement. For more information, visit www.i3broadband. com or call 309-689-0711.

i3 participates in the FCC’s Affordable Connectivity Program, providing a $30 credit for internet services to qualified ACP participants. For more information on the ACP program, visit fcc.gov/acp.

Submitted photo

Submitted photo

St. Charles City-County Library announces Get Connected @ Home

Local residents who do not have access to home internet are invited to participate in the St. Charles City-County Library’s newest service, Get Connected @ Home. Residents can go to any branch in the district and apply for a free internet connection device, provided by the Federal Communication Commission’s Emergency Connectivity Fund.

“As each year passes, we’re less and less connected to the world around us without internet connectivity. As informational and educational resources switch to a digital realm people can be left behind without access,” said Jason Kuhl, St. Charles City-County Library District CEO. “We’re happy to have secured this grant to equal the playing field for all of our residents.”

The service, funded by a $682,000 Emergency Con-

nectivity Fund grant and partnered with T-Mobile, allows residents to check out one of 700 5G plug-in Wi-Fi Gateways or one of 300 5G portable hotspots. Checkout of these devices began Sept. 14 with a due date of June 30, 2024. There is no cost to check out one of these devices, but charges may apply if the device is returned damaged or late.

The 5G plug-in Wi-Fi Gateways can connect up to 30 devices and just need an electrical outlet to plug into. The gateways and hotspots are portable and work wherever coverage is available. Applications must be filled out in person by those 18 years of age or older. Interested residents will need to bring a current library card in good standing or a photo ID with proof of current address.

Habitat for Humanity of St. Charles County hosts Frame the Future Gala

Habitat for Humanity of St. Charles County is building on its countywide holiday tradition with the 26th annual Frame the Future Gala on Nov. 18, at 6 p.m., at Ameristar Casino Resort Spa St. Charles in St. Charles.

The Frame the Future Gala invites participation from individuals, businesses and organizations that wish to play a critical role in the nonprofit organization’s continuing efforts to create quality, affordable homes in which families partner, build and buy. The evening’s theme of “Building Tomorrow” offers the following highlights:

• Scott Connell, KSDK-TV chief meteorologist, will serve as the evening’s master of ceremonies. Connell has worked at the award-winning TV station since 1991, with many St. Louisans waking up to his weather forecasts on “Today in St. Louis.” Since 2017, he has been a familiar presence on “5 On Your Side” on weekend evenings and various newscasts throughout the week.

• Vickie Calmese created Healthlarious – a motivational platform in which she encourages others to “Laugh a lot. Live Better.” A registered nurse with over 40 years of experience in the health care industry, Calmese uniquely taps into her health care and life experiences to offer a creative, inspirational perspective that reflects her passion for and commitment to improving overall health through knowledge, nutrition and humor.

• Festive live and silent auctions include high-quality travel experiences; appealing dining options; a personalized wine and beer tasting package; sports packages; themed gift baskets; and more.

• The annual holiday tree auction. Artificial holiday trees, wreaths and tree toppers – professionally decorated by local artists, interior design and decor experts – will be on display and available to the highest bidder. Winners of a holiday tree may schedule its delivery to a resi-

dence or place of business. Delivery is provided at no charge by the Habitat St. Charles County staff.

• Sponsorships for a wide array of options make a tangible, lasting difference in the lives of those in desperate need of a home. The names of sponsor companies, organizations or individuals are prominently featured in the evening’s program and presentation.

Visit www.hfhgala.org to purchase a ticket or table, become a sponsor, decorate a holiday tree or wreath or donate a basket for auction. RSVP by Oct. 31. For more information, call 636-978-5712 extension 123.

All proceeds from the Frame the Future Gala directly benefit Habitat for Humanity of St. Charles County to continue its mission to bring people together to increase the number of families it serves in St. Charles County to build hope, homes and communities.

“Our Habitat St. Charles County families go through our rigorous process to qualify for and pay an affordable mortgage on a safe, healthy home that we build or improve,” said Michelle Woods, executive director, Habitat for Humanity of St. Charles County. “Attendees and donors that support the ‘Frame the Future Gala’ have the opportunity to make a transformative impact on the lives of local families.”

Photo courtesy Habitat for Humanity of St. Charles County Frame the Future tree and wreath auction for Habitat for Humanity of St. Charles County.

ONGOING EVENTS

Oct. 14: Rummage and bake sale

Grace United Church of Christ has a fall rummage and bake sale at 8326 Mexico Road in O’Fallon in Grace’s lower level from 8 a.m. until noon. Shop the “treasures” for a freewill offering. Baked goods will be available for purchase.

Oct. 19-21: Quilt show

The Crossroads Arts Council proudly invites all lovers of art, creativity, and history, to its upcoming quilt show, “Pieces of the Heart” at Wentzville Community Club, Home of the Sunday Flea Market, at 500 West Main in Wentzville, Thursday and Friday, 9-7 p.m., Saturday, 9 a.m.-noon. General admission is $5, free with quilt entry. To enter a quilt visit https://www.crossroadsartscouncil.org/. Quilts offered in several different categories will be available for your viewing pleasure. There will be a boutique with handmade finished items that make great gifts.

Oct. 20: Informational seminar

Free human trafficking program “Seeds of Hope,” a program about the realities of human trafficking and what you can help to do about it, will be presented from 10 a.m. to noon at the Spencer Rd. Branch Library in St. Peters. Refreshments will be served. Event is free, but register at: “Eventbrite.com, Seeds of Hope, St. Peters, MO.”

Oct. 21: Trivia night

The Collector Car Trivia Night, hosted by the Archway Oldsmobile Club, will be held at the American Legion 312 at 2500 Raymond Drive in St. Charles. Trivia begins at 7 p.m. and ends at 11 p.m. Price is $160 per table of eight or $20 per person. For more information or to reserve your table, please call 314825-2980, or email olsonrsa@gmail.com. Make checks payable to the Archway Olds Club, 350 Ashfari Drive, Florissant, MO 63034.

Oct. 28: Blood drive

The Saint Charles Daughters of the American Revolution and VFW Post 2866 is hosting a blood drive from 9 a.m. to 1 p.m. at VFW Post 2866, located at 66 VFW Lane in St. Charles.

Oct 29: Quilt bingo

Quilt bingo takes place at the VFW Auxiliary Post 2866 at 66 VFW Lane (and South

Hwy 94) in St. Charles. Doors open at 11 a.m. and bingo begins at 1 p.m. Plated lunch is available. For more information contact Earline at 636697-8157.

ONGOING EVENTS

Mondays: Optimist Club meetings

The Wentzville/Lake St. Louis Optimist Club meets on the second and fourth Monday of each month at 6:30 p.m. at the Wentzville IHOP, 10 Layla Lane, Wentzville, MO.. For more information contact Ed Jurotich at 314-560-1868.

Mondays: Alcoholics Anonymous

If you want to drink, that’s your business. If you want to stop, we can help. Call Alcoholics Anonymous at 636970-0013.

Mondays: Take off Pounds Sensibly TOPS meet every Monday at Holy Cross Lutheran Church at 8945 Veterans Memorial Hwy in O’Fallon. Meetings at 9:30 a.m. with weigh in beginning at 8:30 a.m. For more information please call Leogene Weber. 636-399-3124.

Mondays: NAMI St. Louis Connection Recovery Support Group

If you have mental health concerns and need support, please come on Mondays at 6:30 p.m. at Friedens United Church of Christ at 1703 Old Highway 94 South in St. Charles.

Mondays: Parent support group

Because I Love You, (BILY), Gateway parent support group meets every Monday at 7:30 p.m. at First United Methodist Church at 801 First Capitol Dr. in St. Charles. For information and directions, please contact the helpline at 314-993-7550 or email gateway_parent_help@yahoo. com. BILY is a program of self-help for parents of troubled children (all ages). We are not professionals, but parents helping each other. The meetings are free to attend.

Mondays: Kiwanis Club meeting

Cottleville-Weldon Spring Kiwanis Club meets the first Monday of the month at noon at Bandana’s at 3446 Pheasant Meadows Dr. in O’Fallon. Contact Mary Vaughan at 314-581-0497 or Karen Grant at 773-914-4900 for more information.

Mondays: Seasoned eye carvers meeting Meetings are held from 9 to 11 a.m. at the St. Charles Senior Citizens Center at 1455 Fairgrounds (near the Bass Pro Shop). Visitors are always welcome. For more information visit http://www. stcharlesareawoodcarvers. com/ or contact Charles Sapp at cwsapp@charter.net.

Mondays: St. Peters Rotary Club Noon at St. Peters City Hall, One St. Peters Centre Blvd. www.stpetersrotary.org.

Mondays, Wednesdays and Fridays: Fitness First Exercise Class 9:30-10:30 a.m., American Legion Hall, 504 Luetkenhaus Blvd., Wentzville. 314-3696521.

Mondays: Choral Arts Singers practice Choral Arts Singers practice on Mondays, from 7-9 p.m. at Connection ChristianChurch, 1332 Feise Road in Dardenne Prairie. New singers (high school and older) are welcome. Auditions are not required. See www.concertarts.org.

Mondays, Wednesdays and Fridays: Fitness First Exercise Class 9:30-10:30 a.m., American Legion Hall, 504 Luetkenhaus Blvd., Wentzville. 314-3696521.

Mondays: St. Charles County Council of the Blind meetings Business meetings are held on the first Monday of each month unless otherwise specified. Currently, during the COVID pandemic, meetings are held via conference call, starting at 6:45 pm. For more information, contact Beverly Kaskadden at 636-561-6947.

Mondays: American Legion Post 388 Meets Meets the fourth Monday of the month at 6:30 p.m. at American Legion Hall, 607 Westridge Dr., O’Fallon, 636219-0553.

Mondays: Measurement Mondays: 10 a.m. - 12 noon at the ST. Charles Health Deparment in the Upper Level Conference room. Measurement Mondays is a family-friendly breastfeeding support group. We are open to all moms and moms-to-be who are breastfeeding or interested in breastfeeding. The group is supported by the St Charles

County WIC program so there will be information about the program available at each meeting. Each meeting will be a little different than the last. There will be baby weigh-ins, introductions, games, interactive education, group conversation, and even snacks.

Mondays and Wednesdays: Tai Chi for arthritis class

Every Monday and Wednesday a Tai Chi for arthritis class, sponsored by the city of St. Charles Parks and Recreation, takes place from 9:1510 a.m. at Webster Park across from the Family Arena. This is a class that is taught nationally to manage arthritis and to prevent falls. For more information call 636-949-3372.

Tuesdays: Toastmasters Meeting

7 p.m. at the Midwest Bank Centre Board Room at 2299 Technology Blvd., O’Fallon, MO 63368. Info: 636-3792505.

Tuesdays: Cribbage Club Meets every Tuesday, 12:30 – 3:30 p.m. at The Falls Golf Course Clubhouse. Relaxed, friendly play and is open to all. Call 314-954-3364 for info.

Tuesdays: Women’s AA weekly meeting

Candlelighters Women in Recovery meets every Tuesday at 7 p.m. at Dardenne Prairie Presbyterian Church (enter at Adam Lamb pre-School, turn left) at 7400 South Outer 364 at the corner with Bryan Road.

Tuesdays: Seniors luncheon

On the third Tuesday every month a luncheon for seniors takes place from 11 a.m. – 2 p.m. at Transfiguration Episcopal Church at 1860 Lake St. Louis Blvd. For more information call 636-561-8951. Free bingo and cards are available.

Tuesdays: Optimist Club meeting

The St. Charles Optimist Club meets Tuesdays at noon at Pio’s Restaurant. For more information contact Jack Ross at 314-287-0569 or jackross@att.net.

Tuesdays: Cribbage

Looking for an evening out? Come and play cribbage Tuesdays at 6 p.m. at Rookies at 15358 Veterans Memorial Pkwy in Wentzville. Win prizes and awards with semiannual tournaments. ACC sanctioned. For more information contact Dee at 636233-8032.

Sudoku and CW answers for this week, Oct. 11

SUDOKU answers from page F-1

Tuesdays: Diabetes support group

A diabetes support group meets on the fourth Tuesday of each month except November and December from 6:307:30 p.m. at 400 Medical Plaza, Suite 102 in Lake St. Louis. A new speaker each month. Questions? Call Amanda Meyer at 636-625-5447.

Tuesdays: NAMI St. Louis Connection Recovery Support Group

If you have mental health concerns and need support, please come on the third Tuesday of each month at 7 p.m. at Grace United Church of Christ at 8326 Mexico Rd. in St. Peters.

Tuesdays: Kiwanis Club of St. Charles

12:05 p.m. at Ginghams Homestyle Restaurant, 1566 Country Clcub Plaza Drive, in St. Charles. Kiwanis is a global organization of volunteers dedicated to improving the world one child and one community at a time. The group is looking for new members who want to better our community and help its youth. If you are interested in making a positive impact in St. Charles for generations to come, please come for lunch. For more information call 636-206-2483. You can also visit http://stcharleskiwanis. com

CROSSWORD answers from page F-4

Sudoku and CW answers for Oct. 4 issue

SUDOKU answers from page F-1

CROSSWORD answers from page F-4

Ambush 2 will make its inaugural season in 2024

The St. Louis Ambush play professional indoor soccer in the Major Arena Soccer League (MASL) and play their home games at the Family Arena in St. Charles.

The St. Louis Ambush 2, members of the Major Are-

Sports you see with Gary B . . .

na Soccer League 2 (M2), have announced their inaugural season schedule.

The Ambush 2 is the development team of the St. Louis Ambush. The Ambush play in the Major Arena Soccer League (MASL), while the Ambush 2 will compete in M2, the second tier of the MASL. The Ambush 2 will play in the M2 Northern Division.

Ambush 2 will play a 12-game schedule commencing on Dec. 9. They will play three home games at The Family Arena in St. Charles. Those dates are Feb. 10 and 25 and March 17. The home games will be double-headers wherein fans will be able to attend a regular Ambush game and Ambush 2 game for one ticket price.

*More opportunity for soccer players

Lindenwood football team holds Tech scoreless

Lindenwood University’s football squad won its third game out of six attempts by defeating Tennessee Tech by a score of 23-0 on Saturday afternoon from Hunter Stadium in St. Charles. The shutout was the first by the team since 2005.

Spencer Redd took the opening kickoff 99-yards to the end zone to give Lindenwood a quick 7-0 lead. The defense followed up with a quick stop. On the next Lindenwood offensive possession, the Lions had to settle for three as Logan Seibert drilled a 49-yard field goal to extend the lead to 10-0. The Lions would lead by that score heading into the second quarter.

The game turned into a defensive battle as Lindenwood’s defense held Tennessee Tech to just 94 total yards in the opening half. Kobe McClendon and the defensive line was a big part of that as the unit combined for six sacks on the day, three by McClendon. Lindenwood added another field goal late in the second quarter after forcing a turnover on special teams. Seibert was good from 23-yards to give the Lions a 13-0 lead at halftime.

Both defenses continued stout play into the second half, trading three and outs throughout the third quarter. Once again, the Lindenwood defense came up with

a key fourth down stop late in the frame. On the first play of the ensuing drive, Carter Davis found Redd streaking down the sideline for a 52-yard score, giving Lindenwood a 20-0 lead after three.

Lindenwood settled for another field goal to open the fourth quarter as Seibert was good from 41-yards. The Lions continued to be stingy defensively as they looked to hold onto the shutout throughout the quarter. They did just that, earning the first shutout in 18-years.

Game Leaders:

• Kobe McClendon (7 tackles, 3 sacks, 4 TFL, 1 FF, 1 FR, 1 QBH)

• Spencer Redd (99 yard KOR TD, 1 catch 52 yards, TD)

• Taylen Blaylock (4 tackles, 1 TFL, 1 INT)

“This week was all about how we were going to respond to two tough losses,” said head coach Jed Stugart. “Basically, ride it out or fight it out. Today they took a step to fighting it out but that’s just one week. Our confidence has been shaken on ‘D’ and today, that makes that shut out more special for those guys. They battled back. The schedule doesn’t get an easier and now we talk about sustaining. Great team win led by great special team play all around today.”

*Super accomplishment

Gary Baute, a St. Louis native, may be educated in business but he lives and breathes sports. As a fan or an athlete, Gary is all sports all the time. He hosted a radio sports program on KFNS, emceed the River City Rascals’ inaugural sea son, among many other activities. I am currently host ing a Health show on 97.1 FM, ‘Prime Time Health’ www.PrimeTimeSTL.com.

It broadcasts Saturday nights at 8 and Sunday mornings at 9.

RECIPE : Cool off with a sweet, frozen treat

Whenthe sun is shining and you need to beat the heat, cool down with a little shade and a nutty, frozen treat. This kid-favorite is a childhood classic you can customize with favorite toppings, too. Made with the protein power of peanuts, these Peanut Butter Ice Cream Sandwiches are easy to prepare on hot days that call for a cold dessert. Just bake chocolate chip cookies, spread them with peanut butter, add a scoop of ice cream and roll in chopped peanuts, chocolate chips or toasted coconut for a sweet bite of perfection. With approximately 4,000 active peanut farmers, it’s likely your peanuts – often referred to as “nutrition in a nutshell” – came from Georgia, which produces 52% of the country’s supply.

Peanut Butter Ice Cream

Sandwiches

Movie:

By Steve Bryan

Born and raised in South St. Louis, Steve Bryan is now based in Anaheim, California, and has been allowed access to movie and television sets to see actors and directors at work. Though his writing has taken him far from St. Louis, Steve is, at heart, still the same wide-eyed kid who spent countless hours watching classic movies at neighborhood theaters.

Ingredients:

24 fresh baked chocolate chip cookies (about 3 inches in diameter), cooled

1 1/2 cups creamy or crunchy peanut butter

1 1/2 quarts vanilla ice cream, slightly softened

chopped peanuts, for topping (optional) mini chocolate chips, for topping (optional) toasted coconut, for topping (optional)

Recipe courtesy of Peanut Butter Lovers and the Georgia Peanut Commission Yield: 12

DIRECTIONS:

On 12 cookies, top sides down, spread layer of peanut butter. Add one scoop of ice cream to each. Create sandwiches by topping with remaining cookies.

n 1983, DIC Entertainment released

“Inspector Gadget,” an animated series about a cyborg detective named Gadget (originally voiced by Don Adams). The Inspector was physically powerful, but the real brains behind his success were his niece Penny and her dog Brain. The two of them were the ones who thwarted Dr. Claw (Tony Martin) and M.A.D., his evil organization. In 1999, the live-action feature film “Inspector Gadget” arrived in theaters. Matthew Broderick played John Brown, a resident of Riverton, Ohio who worked as a security guard. After being blown up in his car, Brown became the first recruit for the “Gadget Program.” In 2003, French Stewart played the cyborg character in a sequel that was released direct-to-video.

Other animated films have been made into live-action feature films. In 1966, Boris Karloff narrated “How the Grinch Stole Christmas,” a CBS animated special featuring the work of Theodor Seuss Geisel.

In Ron Howard’s 2000 film version of Geisel’s work, Jim Carrey played the title role, but he reportedly was ready to quit due to the make-up and prosthetics used to turn him into the Grinch. To help the actor, a CIA specialist was brought to the set to teach Carrey methods to deal with physical and mental stress. According to “Box Office Mojo,” more

Roll edges of ice cream in chopped peanuts, mini chocolate chips or toasted coconut, if desired. Place on baking sheet in freezer and freeze until firm. Serve slightly frozen.

The 1994 theatrical release of “The Flintstones” cast John Goodman and Rick Moranis as Fred and Barney. In April 2000, “Viva Rock Vegas” arrived in theaters with Mark Addy and Stephen Baldwin taking over for Goodman and Moranis.

than 48.1 million tickets for “Grinch” were sold in North America.

In 1960, “The Flintstones,” an animated sitcom, premiered on ABC in Prime Time and ran for six seasons. Anyone who watched Jackie Gleason’s performance as Ralph Kramden on “The Honeymooners” will see the connection to “The Flintstones.” Although Ralph lived in a tenement with his wife Alice (Audrey Meadows), Fred and his family resided in the Stone Age town of Bedrock. Their families went to prehistoric drive-in’s and mingled with saber-tooth cats and woolly mammoths.

In the 1930s, Popeye the Sailor made his first appearance in an animated short film. Popeye (voice of Billy Costello) and Bluto (voice of William Pennell) routinely fought over Olive Oil (voice of Bonnie Poe). Their boisterous animated adventures continued for decades and, in 1980, “Popeye,” a musical comedy directed by Robert Altman, arrived in theaters with the talented Robin Williams playing the lead role. After arriving in the coastal town of Sweethaven, the sailor began looking for Poopdeck Pappy (Ray Walston), his missing father. After its release, film critics had harsh words about the film, which won the “Stinkers Bad Movie Award” for “Worst Picture.”

This list would not be complete without a nod to “Barbie,” the 2023 fantasy adventure film directed by Greta Gerwig and co-written with Noah Baumbach. Even though it’s not technically animated, Margot Robbie starred as Barbie, a resident of Barbieland where the Barbies have interesting jobs and the Ken dolls usually hang out at the beach. During the film, Barbie even met Ruth Handler, the woman who invented the Barbie doll.

Fill in the blank squares in the grid, making sure that every row, column and 3-by-3 box includes all the digits 1 through 9.

‘The Flinstones’ photo courtesy Universal Pictures

Yeggs

John Hanna

CROSSWORD: CHEMISTRY 101

Moore on Life

Hopping on an airplane isn’t as easy as it once was. Back in the day an announcement would come over the intercom such as: “All those who want to board get ready, get set… GO!”

The fittest and ablest would trample over the fattest and slowest to get the best seats and overhead space. Those who didn’t move quickly enough were assigned to the area down below reserved for cattle.

But still, the system worked just fine. You were at least assured space on the flight. Nowadays, to be allowed on requires certain club status. I experienced this fact just recently. There I was sitting at my gate eating my $15 airport doughnut patiently waiting for my summons to board. Before long the voice on the intercom started to list off categories.

“Attention, we are about to begin our pre-boarding process. We welcome those who need a little extra time ahead of those smarty pants flyers who need no time. This includes those traveling with small children, also those with any disabilities to include newly replaced knees, hips, shoulders, spinal columns or any other body part replacement that can be verified with a complete TSA pat down. Also included are people with peanut allergies, lactose intolerant, those missing their pets – shout out to the cat people – and any suffering from a recent stinging paper cut.”

I didn’t qualify and stood idly by.

The next group was called: “We now want to welcome any active military, thank you for your service, as well as all platinum, gold, silver, zinc,

By Cindy Moore

aluminum, and polyester club members.”

Surely it was my turn next.

“Welcome First-Class passengers! We’ve missed you so much. Please come on board and enjoy a tasty ribeye dinner the captain has personally grilled for you in the cockpit.”

“The rest of you line up behind the blue line and don’t even think of crossing it or you’ll be taped to the wing of the plane during flight,” she growled. “That completes our boarding procedure. If your group has not been called, please make yourselves comfortable for the night on any of our benches that do not allow anyone to stretch out fully.”

I sat at the gate brooding while filling out the forms to become a polyester club member. Fortunately, I received a nasty papercut from the process. Looks like I’ll be boarding after all.

Cindy Moore is the mother of three superlative kids, servant of two self-indulgent felines and wife to one nifty husband. Her ficticious occupation? Archeological Humorist: someone who unearths absurdity and hilarity in strange and unusual places including public restrooms, the lint filter, and church meetings. Most recently, she excavated a find in her neighbor’s bird feeder.

The opinions expressed in this column are Cindy Moore’s alone and do not reflect the opinion of the owners or staff of Community News.

ACROSS

1. "Planted" customer

6. Pie and mode connection (2 words)

9. *Atomic ____ unit

13. Salk's conquest

14. Beesly of "The Office"

15. Secret storage

16. Crème de la crème

17. Flow alternative

18. a.k.a. vampire

19. *Any substance in chemistry

21. *Periodic table entry

23. Douse or soak

24. Pavarotti's song

25. Between Big and Wolf

28. Mattress description

30. *Positively charged particle

35. Elevator

manufacturing giant

37. Horsefly

39. Rabbit trap

40. Sure or uh-huh

41. Saintly rings

43. North Sea feeder

44. Flax flower genus

46. Shrivel, as in plant

47. Like undesirable row

48. Related on mother's side

50. Barbara of "I Dream of Jeannie"

52. Porky's home

53. Practice in the ring

55. Burmese neighbor

57. *Core of an atom

61. *C

64. Theater guide

65. Org. that gets parents involved in school

67. Sign up again

69. Supernatural being

70. Three, to Caesar

71. Grouchy Muppet

72. European sea eagles

73. News channel acronym

74. Liable to cry

DOWN

1. Health resort in BadenBaden, e.g.

2. River islet

3. Hip bones

4. To-do enumerations

5. Bingo and keno

6. Imitator

7. *Chemistry classroom

8. Fly in ____, or a reminder of the past

9. Hat-tipper's word

10. Highest point

11. Splints site

12. Assigned spot

15. Rids of obstuction

20. Period in history

22. Mouth piece

24. Designer's studio

25. *____-Mariotte Law

26. Dined at home

27. Late Princess of Wales

29. Defect

31. Two halves of two

32. Discussion intended to produce agreement

33. Galactic path

34. Demanding attention

36. Like a barred door

38. *Aurum, in English

42. Type of grave marker 45. It loves company?

49. PC "brain"

51. Limited in scope

54. Gelatin

56. Like one with high BMI

57. Artist's model, sometimes

58. Application utilizer

59. Keep it up?

60. TV classic "____

Make a Deal"

61. Jealous biblical brother

62. Fairy-tale opening

63. Less than average tide

66. *Sn, or stannum, on periodic table

68. Like dry humor

‘Yeggs’ is a comic series about Robert and Bill, two rabbits who have opened their own egg franchise in the Midwest (St. Louis area). We follow their day to day lives, watching as they go about the hectic task of preparing for their one big day every year. Along the way they have adventures filled with fun, comic doings and pathos.