One Year After Mendon Crash Focus on 47 Passive Crossings on the Three Passenger Rail Lines In MO

JEFFERSON CITY

– Today, the Missouri Department of Transportation unveiled an independent report with recommendations to address passive rail crossings in Missouri, specifically on the three rail lines that carry passenger rail. Following the June 27, 2022, tragic Amtrak crash near Mendon, Mo., that took the lives of four people, Missouri has responded with the new FY2024 budget signed by Gov. Mike Parson providing an historic $50 million General Revenue investment. The data-driven report outlines the plan to work with the railroads and the communities who own the local roads at the 47 remaining passive public rail crossings in Missouri.

“Railroads in Missouri serve as a vital component sustaining and growing the economy in Missouri, but there are more than 1,400 locations in Missouri where roads cross these tracks without warning lights and gates,” said MoDOT Director Patrick McKenna. “This new historic level of General Revenue approved by the Governor and General Assembly provides an opportunity to focus

on the highest priority needs on the three railroad lines that carry passenger rail.”

The three passenger rail routes operated by Amtrak through Missouri are the Southwest Chief on BNSF line and Missouri River Runner and Texas Eagle on the UP lines. The study recommends various improvements to enhance safety, reduce exposure and eliminate grade crossing conflict points. Recommendations vary for each location, in terms of complexity and cost, ranging from advanced warning enhancements, crossing realignment, approach grade improvements, flashing lights and gates upgrades, closures, new roadway connections, and ADA sidewalk enhancements.

“These changes are critical to address safety along these passenger rail lines in Missouri,” said Director McKenna. “We look forward to working with the railroads and the communities who own these local roads to work through and finalize plans and agreements to make these safety improvements.”

In addition to the focus on the 47 passenger rail crossings, funding

Joe’sBitsand Pieces will be available to local communities to apply for additional advanced signage on roads as drivers approach a railroad crossing. These crossings could already have lights and gates, but additional advance warnings signs can further alert drivers to the situation ahead.

The next MoDOT study will focus on four railroad corridors across the state that carry freight only. MoDOT will also be working with railroads on a potential grants to address passive crossings on these other lines through Missouri.

Full details and the crossing-specific recommendations, advance signing program and other future studies are available online at https://www.modot.org/ missouri-railroad-safety-crossing-plan .

The announcement was attended by National Transportation Safety Board Chair Jennifer Homendy and Federal Railroad Administrator Amit Bose, who pledged their support to work with Missouri on these important safety enhancements.

State Fairs

Joe Koenen, AgriBusiness Specialist (Mo Extension Ret.)

The Missouri and Iowa State Fairs run from August 10 to 20. You can go online to either site to get detailed concert and other information. I know over my career many folks in north Missouri have different thoughts on which one is better. Personally, Iowa is more compact but also more people while Missouri is not as cramped but more walking involved and our kids show in Missouri. Iowa has bigger concert names but you pay more too.

Get Involved

Missouri has more public boards than any other state which means getting involved is extremely important for all of us. Some boards (city council, county commission, etc.) put their minutes in the paper but many do not. These boards are doing the public’s business and you are the public. You can get involved several ways. (1) Attend a board meeting

“I’ve made peace with the fact that the things that I thought were weaknesses or flaws were just me. I like them.”

-- Sandra Bullock that you are especially interested in. Be respectful but the open portion of meetings are open to anyone. Closed portions are very limited and specific. Some meetings are fairly simple while others face challenging topics. (2) If there is a place at the meeting for comments, speak up if you have something to say. Be polite and be as brief as possible. Many boards require you to get on their agenda ahead of time. Timing vary by boards. (3) All of our boards need good leaders so if you have an interest in serving, check the requirements and signup. Many boards have trouble getting folks to serve so do not lay back and just criticize. (4) If

elected or appointed to a board, be active. That means attending meetings, giving your opinions, ask your constituents (friends, neighbors) what they think. It is all of our duties to make Missouri better.

REMINDERS

The “Market on the Square” continues every Saturday morning on the west side of the Unionville square. There are lots of vegetables, fruits, baked goods and many other products so take advantage whether here in Unionville or other locations.

The Putnam County Fair webpage is updated with the fair book, schedule and ticket information online at https://www.putnamcountyfairunionvillemo. com/. Tickets are on sale now and cheaper until September 1.

THOUGHT: “Perfection is not attainable. But if we chase perfection, we can catch excellence”!

Phil’s Alignment

Service

West Jct. 136

McCormack’s 660-947-3117 Best in Quality & Service Propane Cylinders Refilled

“Specializing in 2 & 4 wheel alignments” Check us out for your brakes, struts, shocks, chassis work, 2 & 4 wheel drive, 4x4 truck repair Stop in or Call Phil or Todd 660-947-2365 2712 Garfield St, Unionville, Mo Serving Putnam County Since 1974

Vernon Graphic Solutions

(formerly known as Dun-lap Mfg)

Position Available ~ Office Assistant

in Unionville, MO is seeking

The Family of Doris Webber would like to invite all friends and family for a 90th Birthday Celebration.

August 12th from 3:00-6:00 pm at Broadlawn Baptist Church, 419 S. 19th St, Unionville. Light Refreshments, No Gifts Please, Your presence is all we ask!

Assistant. This is a full-time position working Monday- Friday 7am - 3:30pm. This person must be very detail oriented, strong communication and possess extensive data entry skills. Candidate must be able to multi-task, have superb computer skills and good math skills. This position will include assisting in order auditing, order entry, and customer service as well as other office related duties. Previous office experience is preferred. Pre-employment drug screen and background check required.

Please send resume to: sarahb@vernongraphicsolutions.com or mail to:

Sarah Bradshaw at 2921 Industrial Dr. Unionville, MO 63565.

Credit Card Proposal Inflicts Devastating Harm on Consumers, Main Street America

Every day in this country, Americans use credit cards to make payments on everything from groceries to utility bills to back-to-school shopping. Consumers choose credit cards because they are fast, safe and reliable. But some Washington lawmakers are pushing a bill that allows for unnecessary government interference in credit card payment networks, resulting in devastating consequences for Missouri consumers and our local Main Street banks and credit unions.

Some members of Congress support more government interference in our financial system through legislation known as the Credit Card Competition Act. The proposal’s title is deceptive — the bill gives enormous power to government bureaucrats by putting the Federal Reserve Board in charge of America’s credit card system and places a federal mandate on card networks and routing. The bill’s supporters claim it will address the minimal fees that come with credit card transactions. In reality, this legislation props up highly profitable big box retailers while harming Missouri families and financial institutions in our communities.

The fine print shows this legislation requires banks and credit unions to pay for the enormous cost of rewiring how credit cards are processed under the guise of increased competition. But the market is already competitive. There are currently thousands of credit card issuers, many of which are small banks and credit unions. The increased costs stemming from this bill will make it more difficult for them to compete, and some will be driven out of offering credit cards completely. Supporters claim the exemption for small banks and credit unions will protect them, but that is not true. Those staying in the market will be forced to limit or even eliminate popular products like rewards and cashback programs because, as merchants have admitted, banks and credit unions pay for those programs. How would you feel if the government suddenly invalidated your credit card’s rewards points? Missourians have come to rely on those programs to not only save money but as a critical financial tool in times of economic uncertainty.

At the end of the day, this bill means consumers have fewer choices, their access to credit is decreased, and local banks and credit unions are harmed by even more government intervention.

Who benefits from this heavy-handed government action? The country’s biggest box stores and online retailers. These giant companies are posting record sales, and this legislation will further boost their bottom line. Because of their sheer volume of card transactions, they have the most to gain from supporting a government price fixing scheme to lower the fees they pay. Simply put, this bill is yet another example of Washington picking winners and losers. Giant retailers pocket the savings while consumers suffer.

Missourians and our elected officials have made it clear we want less government interference in our lives and more financial autonomy. This bill does just the opposite. Sens. Josh Hawley and Eric Schmitt should vocally oppose this proposal. Missourians and our Main Streets are counting on them.

Hospital Board

Continued from page 1 made a motion to approve the check register/ financial reports. Trustee Williams seconded the motion. Motion carried.

Department Reports and Med Staff Report: There are currently 2 patients in the hospital. We have hired a new RN.

Unfinished Business: None. New Business: Trustee Williams made a motion to approve Tonia Nerini and Dr. Valencia’s Med Staff re-appointments. Trustee Summers seconded the motion. Motion carried.

CEO Report:

The following topics were discussed:

* Budget review by the board

* The hospital will pay $800,000 back to Medicare due to Outpatient revenue increases. * Starting Botox and Vitamin infusions in July

* Going to look into 401K plan information

* 2 patient rooms are left to paint; new bedding has been ordered for the rooms

With no further busi- ness to discuss, at 12:48 PM, Trustee Summers made the motion to adjourn followed by a second from Trustee Williams. Motion carried. The next regular meeting will be July 24th, 2023.

At 12:49 PM, Hospital Chairman Howard Luscan called the meeting back to order. Trustee Summers made the motion to open and Trustee Knight seconded the motion. Motion carried.

Debbie Douglas, HR Director, discussed with the board that the hospital is looking at options for outsourcing payroll.

With no further business to discuss, at 12:49 PM, Trustee Knight made the motion to adjourn followed by a second from Trustee Summers. Motion carried.

Gadberry Auto

Collision Repair & Spray-in Bedliner 660-947-3661

Zach Gadberry owner 608 S. 8th St. Unionville, MO gauto@nemr.net

Unionville Granite Works

Centerville Monument Company, who has owned Unionville Granite Works since 1995, will still be servicing the entire area with the same personal care to each family and providing the highest quality memorials and services that you have come to expect from Unionville Granite Works.

Our Centerville office is located at 1215 E. Maple St. in Centerville, right next to the Oakland Cemetery. Call Mason and Taren Whisler at 641-856-2565, or stop by our office Monday through Friday, 8:00-12:00; 1:00-4:00 for all your monument needs. We look forward to continuing the same great tradition that Unionville Granite Works has built over the years.

Philip

Lary

- Foot Specialist & Podiatrist

Nathan Kenyon, MDPain Management

Mohammad Jarbou, MD - Pulmonologist

Iqbal A. Khan, MD - Neurologist fic approaches. Never dash into the street after a friend or to retrieve something.

Riding a bicycle to school is a fun way to travel. If you’re riding your bike, be sure to wear a helmet and obey all traffic signs and signals. Ride as near to the right side of the roadway as is safe and use the proper hand signals when you plan to change directions, slow, or stop. Never carry passengers. Keep both hands on the handlebars except when signaling. It’s important to maintain your bicycle in good condition.

If you ride a school bus, check the weather and dress accordingly. Wait in line for the bus on the shoulder or sidewalk. Use the handrail when getting on or off the bus. Never try to retrieve items that fall under the bus and walk at least 10 feet in front of the bus when crossing the street. Sit quietly on the bus and keep the aisle clear. If anything goes wrong, stay calm and follow the instructions of the bus driver.

Most traffic crashes involving young drivers

(under the age of 21) occur between 3 p.m. and 4 p.m., when school typically lets out. Many of these drivers are young and inexperienced. Parents: It is important to encourage those young drivers to remember driving is a full-time job. Using a cell phone, texting, or adjusting the radio can be the distraction that leads to a traffic crash. It’s also against the law for this age group.

Parents

Parents are encouraged to talk to their children about riding a bus, walking, or driving to school in a safe manner. If they ride a bike, please make sure they wear a helmet and follow traffic laws.

Please talk to your children about the Courage2ReportMO program, which provides a safe and confidential way to report any concerns regarding their safety or the safety of others. These concerns may include: assault, bullying/repeated harassment, cyber bullying, fighting, guns, homicide, human trafficking, knife, planned school attack, imminent school shooting, school shooting threat, sexual offense, suicide-other person (3rd party), or a terrorism threat (extremism). Those reporting their concerns may remain anonymous. C2R provides a “sooner is safer” tool to report real time concerns 24 hours a day. There are several ways concerned persons may submit a C2R report: through an Apple or Google Play Courage2Report mobile app, by making an online report via http://www.mshp. dps.missouri.gov/MSHPWeb/Courage2ReportMO/index.html, by speaking confidentially to a trained professional at 866-748-7047, or by texting “C2R” to 738477.

C2R Missouri calls and tips (web, text, and mobile app) are answered 24 hours a day, 365 days a year by trained communications professionals. C2R Missouri requests a disposition report be returned on each tip report, notifying the Missouri State Highway Patrol of the outcome. For more information about C2R Missouri awareness and education resources, call the C2R Missouri Administrative Office at 866-362-6422.