11-2023 Beachcomber

Lake Thunderhead Beachcomber

Volume 32 Issue 10 December, 2023

Winterfest Set

For December 2nd

USDI’s entry, “Happy Who-lidays” took first place in the Winterfest parade.

Winterfest, a Putnam County tradition around the historic Unionville square, has something for everyone. The very popular event kicks off at 3 p.m. on Saturday, December 2, with a car show on the east side of the square and a Cutest Baby contest in the Bixler building.

The lighted parade rolls from the Unionville City Park at 5:15 and will travel to First Interstate Bank, turn east on highway 136, go around the square and exit between Farmers Bank and Putnam County State Bank. The parade will proceed to the Putnam County Care Center and disband back at the park. The Putnam County Band will lead the parade, and Santa and Mrs. Claus will hitch a ride in a horse-drawn wagon. Anyone is welcome to enter

the parade!

After the parade, there will be visits with Santa and Mrs. Claus in the library, the living window contest in various windows around the square, and several games for young and old. Music will be performed in both the museum and the Bixler and People’s Choice ballots will be collected for the planter and window contests. The Putnam County Museum will hold a memorial ceremony to honor those lost this past year.

The theme this year is Vintage Christmas and all entries are encouraged to follow the theme. Several vendors will be set up to sell interesting items. The PC Café and others will offer meals and refreshments.

Candy and Craft Sale Will Be Held December Eighth and Ninth

The Friends of the Putnam County Library is holding a Candy and Craft Sale December 8 and 9 in the foyer of the library. Hours will be 9-5 on Friday and 9 until noon Saturday. Several ladies from the lake and

other community members will be providing their very best holiday treats and handmade items.

The annual event raises funds that are disbursed for programming or equipment for the library. The Putnam

News You Can Use

November Book Club is scheduled for TUESDAY, November 28 at 2;00 p.m. Teresa Baker is hosting and the book we will discuss is “The Pecan Man” by Cassie Dandridge Selleck.

December Book Club is scheduled for Thursday, December 14 at 2:00 p.m. Laura Craft will be hosting, and the book is The Santa Suit by Mary Kay Andrews.

Widows by the Water will meet on Tuesday, November 21 at 5:00 p.m. at the Marina Restaurant.

Quilt Club is scheduled for December 4-7 at the Lake Office basement.

MDC reports 90,334 deer harvested during firearms opening weekend

Top harvest counties were Franklin, Texas, and Howell.

Annie Ramsey, 11, of Salisbury, harvested this buck while hunting on private land in Chariton County on Sunday of opening weekend. She was among the hunters in Missouri who harvested 90,334 deer during opening weekend of the November portion of firearms deer season Nov. 11 and 12. Photo credit: Mark Ramsey.

and type of deer, visit the MDC website at extra.mdc.mo.gov/widgets/ harvest_table/.

For harvest summaries from past years, visit mdc.mo.gov/huntingtrapping/species/deer/ deer-reports/deer-harvest-summaries.

“With the cool mornings and comfortable afternoons, it would have been hard to ask for more pleasant conditions to be deer hunting this past weekend,” said MDC Cervid Program Supervisor Jason Isabelle.

County Library is a wonderful facility and the employees are very helpful in obtaining books for the Lake Edition Book Club selections.

The Friends of the Putnam County Library is a 501c(3) nonprofit organization.

JEFFERSON CITY, Mo. – Preliminary data from the Missouri Department of Conservation (MDC) shows deer hunters in Missouri harvested 90,334 deer during opening weekend of the November portion of firearms deer season Nov. 11 and 12. Of the 90,334 deer harvested, 53,159 were antlered bucks, 7,163 were button bucks, and 30,012 were does.

Top harvest counties

for opening weekend were Franklin with 2,114 deer harvested, Texas with 1,825, and Howell with 1,726.

According to MDC, this year’s opening weekend harvest was similar to the previous five-year average. Last year, hunters checked 93,355 deer during opening weekend of the November portion of firearms deer season.

For current, ongoing preliminary harvest totals by season, county,

The November portion of firearms deer season runs through Nov. 21 followed by the CWD portion Nov. 22-26 in open counties. Archery deer hunting resumes Nov. 22 through Jan. 15, 2024. The late youth portion runs Nov. 2426. The late antlerless portion of firearms deer season runs Dec. 2-10 in open counties and the alternative methods portion will occur Dec. 23 through Jan. 2, 2024.

Get more information on Missouri deer hunting from MDC’s 2023 Fall Deer and Turkey Hunting Regulations and Information booklet, available where hunting permits are sold and online at mdc.mo.gov/ hunting-trapping/species/deer.

Give nature-themed holiday gifts from MDC Visit MDC nature centers and the MDC online Nature Shop for nature-related holiday gifts.

JEFFERSON CITY, Mo. -- Have nature lovers on your holiday gift list? The Missouri Department of Conservation’s (MDC) online Nature Shop makes holiday shopping a breeze for anyone interested in nature-themed gifts. Offerings include the everpopular Natural Events Calendar, plus a variety

of books and more for all ages.

Holiday shoppers can also skip retail stores and visit one of the MDC nature centers around the state in Kirkwood, Cape Girardeau, Springfield, Kansas City, Blue Springs, and Jefferson City for an array of reasonably priced, nature-themed holiday

gifts. Find MDC nature centers at mdc.mo.gov/ discover-nature/places/ nature-centers.

MDC holiday gift offerings include:

2024 Natural Events Calendar ($9) -- This annual favorite has

amazing images of native animals, plants, and places, along with phases of the moon, holidays and days of recognition, daily notes about natural events, and more.

Coneflower Nature Journal ($8) – It includes Nature-Themed Gifts… Cont.

Very Easy Turkey Gravy

Time: 35 minutes

Yield: 4 servings

While delicious and the star of the show, the turkey can be the most strenuous part of your holiday fall feast. With that in mind, you have to choose sides that are easy-peasy to keep you calm and collected. Very Easy Turkey Gravy doesn’t want you to stress before the big meal, and with how simple it is to make; you won’t have to! This savory, salty, one-pan gravy has the perfect consistency. The smooth, yummy goodness is ready to be poured over your creamy potatoes, juicy turkey, or honestly, your entire plate, to make every single bite that much better! Don’t stress and enjoy every minute! Very Easy Turkey Gravy has got you covered!

Ingredients

5 tablespoons unsalted butter

5 tablespoons all-purpose flour, plus more as needed

5 cups giblet stock, low-sodium turkey

stock, or low-sodium chicken stock, plus more as needed gravy browning sauce, optional, to taste kosher salt, to taste ground black pepper, to taste

Directions

Step 1 -In a skillet over medium-low heat, add the butter and cook, constantly stirring, until melted and beginning to foam, about 5-7 minutes.

Step 2 -Sprinkle the flour into the melted butter and stir until smooth and well blended, about 5 minutes.

Step 3 -Cook the flour mixture, while stirring, for about 2-3 minutes to form a roux. Be careful not to burn the roux.

Step 4 -Gradually stir the stock into the flour mixture/roux, stirring until well blended.

Step 5 -Cook the broth mixture, stirring constantly, until the gravy begins to bubble and thicken.

Step 6 -If the gravy is too thin, in a small

ROLL - OFFS

Commercial & Residential

15

Austin Peters ~ 641-856-9988 aprolloffs1@gmail.com

Dennis’

We

bowl, combine a few tablespoons of the flour with the same amount of cold water and stir until a smooth paste has formed. Very slowly stir the flour mixture into the boiling gravy until it reaches your preferred thickness. If the gravy is too thick, thin with more broth or water.

Step 7 -Add the browning sauce, a little at a time, until a rich brown color is achieved.

Step 8 -Taste the gravy and season with the salt and the pepper.

Step 9 -Pour the gravy through a fine-mesh sieve into a gravy boat.

Step 10 -Serve.

Crack Tot Breakfast Bake

Time: 1 hour

Yield: 8 servings

It’s gonna be a good morning, there’s no question! Crack Tot Breakfast Bake always makes us so, so excited to get out of bed and get our day started off with a bang! Or shall we say, tang? This bountiful bake brings tangy flavors thanks to your favorite ranch seasoning layered over some crispy tater tots, crunchy bacon, puffy eggs, and the meltiest cheese you’ve ever tasted. Imagine all of that for breakfast next to a steaming hot cup of coffee! That’s something we could get used to every morning. Start

your days off with Crack Tot Breakfast Bake and you’ll never look back!

Ingredients

2 pounds bacon

1 (30-32-ounce) bag

frozen tater tots

2 cups cheddar cheese, shredded 8 eggs

1 (1-ounce) package

ranch seasoning mix

2 cups milk

Directions

Step 1 -Preheat the oven to 350 degrees F.

Step 2 -Lightly coat a 9x13-inch baking dish with cooking spray.

Step 3 -In a large skillet, cook the bacon until it is crispy.

Step 4 -Transfer the bacon to a paper-towel-

lined plate to cool, then chop it into small pieces.

Step 5 -In a large bowl, add the tater tots, the cooked bacon, and the cheese and toss to combine.

Step 6 -Pour the tater tot mixture into the prepared baking dish.

Step 7 -In another bowl, add the eggs, the ranch mix, and the milk and whisk together.

Step 8 -Pour the egg mixture over the tater tot mixture.

Step 9 -Bake the tater tot bake until the eggs are set, about 50 minutes-1 hour.

Step 10 -Serve.

Get A New View On “A Christmas Carol”

Charles Dickens, a very great novelist, had a special gift for revealing important truths in delightful ways through unforgettable characters.

To mark this holiday season, Hillsdale College is releasing a new online course on what is perhaps Dickens’ most beloved novel: A Christmas Carol.

The course is taught by the ex-

55’

cellent Dwight Lindley, an English professor here at Hillsdale who loves both reading Dickens and teaching Dickens.

In this six-lecture course, Dwight will help you understand more fully the causes of Ebenezer Scrooge’s conversion in the novel and what the story teaches us about leading a happy and complete life.

Heating

You can use the secure link below to begin experiencing the wisdom and fun of A Christmas Carol today.

https://online.hillsdale.edu/ prereg/christmas-carol

Let your family and friends know of this free online course as well. We hope it will add meaning and joy to your Christmas celebrations.

CRZ HVAC

Mary

Bison, bingo, birds and a Boone ChristmasMissouri State Parks has it all this December Winter is on its way, but there is still a lot to do in Missouri’s state parks and historic sites.

Saturday, Dec. 2: Guided Bison Saunter at Prairie State Park

Winter is coming and the bison are prepared for its biting wind and cold temperatures. Participants will brave the conditions to see the park’s resident bison in their natural habitat. Participants should be

prepared for a 2-mile hike over uneven terrain and are encouraged to bring water and snacks, dress for the weather and wear sturdy shoes. Binoculars are useful in looking at the bison and other wildlife that might be in the area. Registration is required and the event is limited to 25 participants per saunter. To reg-

ister, call 417-843-6711. Participants should meet at the Regal Tallgrass Prairie Nature Center at 128 NW 150th Lane in Mindenmines.

Wednesdays, Dec. 6, 13, 20, 27: Community Fly Tying Demonstration at Bennett Spring State Park

Join park volunteers Danny Goldsmith and Donald Ohler at 9 a.m. at the Bennett Spring Church of God annex building for a community fly tying demonstration. This program will provide instruction on

Bison, Bingo & Birds…

cont. to page 11

25052 Magnolia Road $650,000 - Listing Agent: Shelly Seaton

This picturesque home offers a blend of modern comfort and natural beauty, making it a dream destination for those seeking tranquility and year-round enjoyment. This property features 3 bedrooms, 2 bathrooms, and sits on nearly an acre (.99 acres), offering plenty of room for relaxation, recreation, and entertaining.

Gorgeous bamboo hardwood and stunning concrete floors seamlessly flow throughout the 2800 square feet of living space. The master shower is a sanctuary in itself, featuring a walk-in design, double shower heads, and a soothing rain sprinkler shower head for an indulgent spa-like experience. A dual-purpose tankless hot water heater efficiently provides heating and domestic water supply, reducing energy consumption and costs. Enjoy the peace of mind of new installations in 2023, including a grinder pump and an outside A/C unit. Embrace the luxury of heated floors in both the basement and garage, allowing you to stay cozy and comfortable in every season. This property boasts a common dock and day parking facilities, ensuring effortless access to the lake for fishing, boating, and water activities. A concrete driveway and Diamond Kote siding not only adds durability to your property but also makes maintenance a breeze, along with a sprinkler system for

32254 Mallard Drive $239,000 Listing Agent: Shelly Seaton

Nestled within the serene beauty of Lake Thunderhead this exceptional lakefront lot at 32254 Mallard Drive presents a rare opportunity to create your dream home in an idyllic setting. This private oasis offers not only a prime location but also a thoughtfully prepared canvas for your vision. This lot is primed and ready for your architectural masterpiece. The convenience factor is undeniable, as critical utilities have already been thoughtfully installed. Imagine the ease of planning your build with gravity flow sewer, water, and electric connections readily available, allowing you to seamlessly bring your construction plans to life. Beyond the practical features, this property also boasts a few indulgent extras that truly set it apart. A private dock beckons you to embrace the tranquil waters of Lake Thunderhead at your leisure, whether you’re a fan of boating, fishing, or simply basking in the soothing ambiance of the water. Additionally, a shed provides a space for storage or creative pursuits, adding functionality to the property.

22005

The lot comes complete with all the essential amenities, including electricity, water, and a shared grinder pump, ensuring a hassle-free and comfortable living experience. No need to worry about setting up utilities; everything is ready to go from day one. As an added bonus, a 2015 Keystone Cougar 32’ camper is included with the lot. This camper is thoughtfully designed with three slide-outs, providing ample space for relaxation and entertainment. Inside, you’ll find a cozy queen bed, a convenient sofa pull-out couch, and a charming fireplace. The table and four chairs will be reinstalled before closing, currently serving as space for a pack n’ play. Outside, the lot features a relatively flat terrain, making it easy to navigate. A well-maintained shed equipped with electricity offers additional storage space, perfect for stowing away lake gear

Make Your Home New Again: Seven Backyard Improvements That Make a Difference

ALEXANDRIA, Va.

– The housing market always has its ups and downs, and home renovations appear to be hitting some record highs in the last few years. With more people staying home to work, relax and play, many homeowners have chosen to renovate rather than move to a new home to obtain their dream house and have it work better for their family. But what about extending those enhancements outside, into the family backyard?

According to a recent poll commissioned by the TurfMutt Foundation and conducted online by The Harris Poll, more than three-quarters of Americans who have a yard (76 percent) say the family yard space is one of the most important parts of their home. When it comes to design, it makes sense family backyards are being taken as seriously as the interior of the home.

“Backyard improvements can impact your home’s value should you decide to sell someday, but we think it’s also important to make changes that enhance your experience and enjoyment of your yard today,” says Kris Kiser, President & CEO of the TurfMutt Foundation, which encourages people to care for and utilize the green space around them, including our own backyards and community parks.

He adds, “Mulligan the TurfMutt and I are loving our newly renovated backyard as we’ve brought some of our indoor living, outdoors. It feels like we’ve added onto the house by just utilizing the outdoor space more effectively.”

Maybe you’ve already completed the improvement projects inside your home such as adding a fresh coat of paint, putting in new flooring, or updating appliances and furniture. But how are home improvements taken to the backyard so the “outdoor living room” works better for your family and at the same time makes your home feel new?

Here are seven sug-

gestions from the TurfMutt Foundation for turning home renovations “inside out”:

• Replace flooring inside = cleaning up the yard and improving its turfgrass.

Grass is the canvas for your outdoor living room. Improve existing turfgrass by overseeding or aerating, or start fresh with new sod. Clean out flower beds and remove debris from all parts of your yard, and then build the other elements from there. Remember, outdoor power equipment like a lawn mower, hedge trimmer, or leaf blower can help make even big jobs easier.

• Repaint inside = planting flowers to attract and support backyard wildlife.

A fresh coat of paint can transform a room, just like planting flowers outside does for a yard. Choose native plants that have evolved to thrive in your microclimate (they are better for the ecosystem and require less input from you). Selecting native perennials over annuals means only having to plant once to enjoy their beauty for years to come. Plus, pollinators and other backyard wildlife will thank you as these types of plants are

natural habitat and food for them.

• Replace household appliances = freshening up your cache of outdoor power equipment. Getting the right equipment for your lawn size and type customizes the experience of caring for your yard. Good news is there are lots of options available for all needs and tastes. Robotic mowers that act like a Roomba for the lawn and battery-powered leaf blowers that are lightweight, powerful, and portable are good choices. For larger lawns, zero-turn mowers and even a UTV might be helpful.

• Swap out furniture inside = creating highvalue spaces outside. Spending time outside is all about connection with nature and others. Really think about what you need for your lifestyle, and buy outdoor furniture accordingly to create spaces that support your family’s lifestyle. Things like a picnic table for backyard study sessions, an outdoor sectional for connecting with others, a hammock for swinging away stress, or even an outdoor office to strike a better work life balance are all ways you can create high-value outdoor spaces.

• Kitchen renovation = adding an outdoor kitchen. The sky is the limit when adding an outdoor kitchen. You can certainly create full setup complete with a sink, refrigerator, and builtin grill and cooktop. Or keep it simple with a beverage cart or cooler and spend a little more on a quality grill to cook meals on.

• Add on to your home = creating a true outdoor living room. Go all out and add a deck, hardscaped area or screened in porch if you have the time and budget, or simply make the most of the yard you have. Create a soccer or croquet field on a grassy flat area. Add a fire pit and use string lights in trees to enhance enjoyment in the wintertime. For warm summer days, a pergola covered in colorful vines that attract butterflies might be just the ticket.

• Add a game room inside = creating activity zones outside. Make your backyard the neighborhood gathering hot spot by creating activity zones that are fun for the whole family. Cornhole, soccer, bocce ball, and a giant checkers board game can help parents more easily manage their kids’ screen time. A patio or deck is a great setting for family game nights. Or go all out and add a swimming pool to lock in your backyard as the place-to-be for your kids

and their friends. Involve your family in the planning and keep in mind that shrubs and hedges are a great way to distinguish the different activity zones you create in your yard.

For more information, sign up for Mutt Mail, a monthly e-newsletter with backyarding tips and all the news from the TurfMutt Foundation here.

To learn more about creating a dream yard, visit TurfMutt.com. Look for Mulligan the TurfMutt on the CBS Lucky Dog television show.

About TurfMutt

TurfMutt was created by the Outdoor Power Equipment Institute’s (OPEI) TurfMutt Foundation and has reached more than 70 million children, educators and families since 2009. Through education partners such as Weekly Reader, Discovery Edu-

cation and Scholastic, TurfMutt has taught students and teachers how to “save the planet, one yard at a time.”

TurfMutt has been an education resource at the U.S. Department of Education’s Green Ribbon Schools, the U.S. Department of Energy, the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency, Green Apple, the Center for Green Schools, the Outdoors Alliance for Kids, the National Energy Education Development (NEED) project, Climate Change Live, Petfinder and the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service. In 2017, the TurfMutt animated video series won the coveted Cynopsis Kids Imagination Award for Best Interstitial Series. TurfMutt’s personal, home habitat was featured in the 2017-2020 Wildlife Habitat Council calendars. More information at www.TurfMutt.com.

Higgledy-Piggledy

Pigs will be pigs, but a porcine party that lasted some two weeks in Sterling, CT had a neighborhood at a loss recently. It was a “boar war,” if there ever was one, that destroyed lawns and gardens. As many as

22 black Mulefoot pigs were making their way into neighborhood properties on a daily basis. One neighbor, Michael Grenier, claims that the daily porker parties caused some $23,000 in property damages.

Dinesh D’Souza’s new movie is called Police State; It’s a warning that we’d ‘better not get out of line’

by John Grimaldi WASHINGTON

DC, Nov 17 -- Is our country turning into a “police state?” That’s the question posed by political commentator, author and filmmaker Dinesh D’Souza in a recent interview with Rebecca Weber, CEO of the Association of Mature American Citizens and host of AMAC’s Better For America podcast. Police State is also the title of D’Souza’s newest film.

As he described it, “this is a startling, in some ways a frightening film, but it’s a film that I think issues a necessary warning before our liberties are lost altogether.”

As he described it, a police state is about “mass surveillance of citizens... systematic censorship... indoctrina-

tion and propaganda in the schools and in the media... criminalization of political differences... the undermining of religious liberty. Many, if not most of those things are now present in the United States to one degree or another.”

To be sure, he noted, the U.S. is not yet “a full-fledged police state.

If we were, I couldn’t make a film called Police State. I would be already locked up. In fact, I doubt we could be having this conversation.” But, D’Souza says “we are moving in that direction. What worries me is that we have seen such an escalation in just the past two years ... And so, the job of the film is to strip away the veil, look behind the facade, show what’s really going on,

the naked brutality, the vicious abuses of power. One of the mysteries I try to unravel in the film is how do you get decent people to do indecent things.” One way to do it is to employ what he calls the “techniques of dehumanization.”

For example, he said “Hillary Clinton talks about supporters of the MAGA movement as cult members, and they need to be deprogrammed. So you can see the same kind of rhetoric. It’s a rhetoric of dehumanization. And we know from police states that dehumanization comes first, the incarceration comes next. And in some cases, the extermination comes after that ... If you look at censorship, for example, academia is involved, the media, nonprofit groups,

the government, and digital platforms. So look at what kind of an octopus we have here stretching across both the public and private sector.”

D’Souza suggested that the origins of the police state go back to 9/11 and the powers of surveillance given to the government at that time.

“It was a bipartisan project, and I’m sorry to say I was included in the sense that I was one of those people who thought, well, we probably do need to give the government these enhanced powers because there are foreign terrorists who are trying to kill us. In

fairness, none of us suspected that these exact same powers could then be turned against American citizens, can be used against political opponents. So I think the real villain who started this was Obama. It started under Obama. But the police state tactics under Obama were modest. They were just the beginnings of things. And things have really escalated in the last two years under Biden. We see naked police state tactics used across the board. And in many cases, they don’t even try to conceal it. It’s almost like they want you to know that

they’re doing it to terrify people into thinking, ‘Hey, I better not get out of line because I could be next’.”

###

The 2.4 million member Association of Mature American Citizens [AMAC] www.amac.us is a vibrant, vital senior advocacy organization that takes its marching orders from its members. AMAC Action is a non-profit, non-partisan organization representing the membership in our nation’s capital and in local Congressional Districts throughout the country.

Missouri State Highway Patrol members named State Team Members of the Month for November

JEFFERSON CITY

low Springs.

“When two campers were holding on for their lives, Sgt. Johnson and Cpl. Roberts acted bravely in darkness and very dangerous swift-water conditions,” Department of Public Safety Direc-

– Missouri State Highway Patrol Sgt. Adam R. Johnson and Cpl. Johnathan R. Roberts have been named Missouri State Team Members of the Month for their lifesaving water rescue of two campers. Johnson and Roberts serve in Highway Patrol Troop G, headquartered in Wil-

tor Sandy Karsten said. “They worked as a team and went above and beyond the call of duty risking their own safety to bring these flood victims to safety. Adam Johnson and Johnathan Roberts represent the

Highway Patrol Rescue…

Cont. to page 10

The Average Missourian is ‘Intellectually Curious’, According to a Study of Personality Traits.

Study maps out each state’s personality profiles, based on their video game preferences.

Missourians are drawn to games that challenge players to think deeply and explore complex themes.

Interactive map showing gaming personalities in each state.

Video gaming is more than just a multi-billion dollar industry; it’s a reflection of our diverse personalities, desires, and aspirations. From action-packed titles like “Call of Duty” to brainteasing puzzles like “Portal”, from captivating adventures in “The Elder Scrolls: Skyrim” to thrilling sports simulations in “FIFA” – there’s a gaming experience designed for every mindset.

Guide Strats, a digital strategy guide library for all types of video games, conducted a study to understand the gaming preferences of Americans and link them to distinct personality profiles. By surveying 3,000 respondents about their favorite game genres, Guide Strats was able to map out people’s varied personality traits based on their video game preference. And the survey revealed some very interesting results!

Missourians are intellectually curious… Missourians (and residents from 31 other states) were overwhelmingly identified as ‘intellectually curious’ by the team at Guide Strats, based on their gaming preferences. These are defined as games that challenge players to think deeply, explore complex themes, or learn new concepts. Many of these games can be described as “thought-provoking”. Examples of these games include:

The Witness - A firstperson puzzle exploration game designed by Jonathan Blow. The game is full of intricate puzzles and is deeply philosophical in its themes.

Portal & Portal 2These are puzzle-platformers that challenge players with unique

physics-based puzzles while also delving into themes of consciousness and identity.

Antichamber - A mind-bending puzzle game that plays with players’ expectations and challenges them to think outside the box.

Residents from 10 states are adrenaline junkies…

People from ten states (including Arizonans, Delawareans, Idahoans, Kansans, Granite Staters, New Jerseyans, North Carolinians, Rhode Islanders, Tennesseans and Vermonters) were defined as those seeking adrenaline thrills, as they chose games characterized as adrenaline themed for their video game preferences. Games that evoke a sense of adrenaline usually offer intense, fast-paced, and thrilling

• SeamleSS Gutter in 25 ColorS

• leaf Guard • downSpout

•tilinG & trenChinG •Stump GrindinG

• tree trimminG • tree removal

Free estimates ~ Call: isaaC troyer wk: 641-856-7455 hm: 641-856-2056

experiences. They often challenge the player’s reflexes, decision-making speed, or strategic prowess. These include:

F-Zero GX - A highspeed futuristic racing

game known for its intense velocity and challenging tracks.

Apex Legends - A battle royale game that drops players into fast-

Video Game Preferences…

Back In The Day… Taking A Chronological Look At Missouri History

by Ross Malone

December 1, 1938 – The St. Louis Gunners professional football team introduced a new concept for professional games – cheerleaders.

December 2, 1913 – St. Louis Mayor Kiel signed an ordinance establishing a zoo in St. Louis in Forest Park. The idea was almost killed because of a lawnmowing dispute.

December 3, 1925 – Birthday of Ferlin Husky, the country singer who was born in Cantwell, MO but lived or went to school in Desloge, Flat River, Irondale, St. Louis, Springfield, Leadwood, and Vienna, MO.

December 4, 1903 – A thief threw a stone through the bedroom window of a banker in Nevada, MO. When the banker ran out to try and catch the theif, the hooligan ran inside and took all of the banker’s trousers.

December 5, 1901 – Innovator with animated cartoons, theme parks, and more, Walt Disney from Marceline, and Kansas City, was born on this day. As a boy, he delivered newspapers for the Kansas City Star and later got a job working inside and writing for the paper. He was soon fired for his complete lack of creativity. A few years later Disney bought the Kansas City Star!

December 6, 1925 – In St. Joseph, the MillerChevrolet Company was advertising Chevrolet touring cars “equipped with winter enclosure and heater.”

December 7, 1941 – Samuel Fuqua from Laddonia was the Damage Control Officer aboard the USS Arizona when Pearl Harbor was attacked. As the highest-ranking officer still alive, he took command and his actions saved the lives of many sailors. He was awarded the Medal of Honor

December 8, 1881 – A railroad bridge across the Missouri at St. Charles collapsed for the third time! Thirty-one freight cars plunged into the river. It was also proving to be a hazard for steamboats.

December 9, 1920 – the smallest school in the state was reported to be on Rush Island in Jefferson County. Miss Elizabeth Curtis taught all five students who came from two families.

December 10, 1972 – Jimmy Hart of the St. Louis Cardinals threw a pass from his own one yard line to Ahmad Rashad who was tackled on the one yard line.

A 98 yard play with no score!

December 11, 2022 – Folks in a quiet neighborhood in High Ridge were surprised to see a kangaroo hopping down the road and then into the woods. He was quickly caught and returned home to his exotic petting zoo at the edge of town.

December 12, 1839 – The Missouri and Iowa Militias were squared off for battle in The Honey War when a last-minute truce averted bloodshed.

December 13, 1925 – Birthday of singer-dancerfunnyman, Dick Van Dyke from West Plains, MO.

December 14, 1896 – Birthday of St. Louis Oil executive and aviation enthusiast, James Doolittle. This aircraft racer was chosen to lead the first bombing raid on Tokyo in World War II. In Phelps County, the town of Doolittle is named for him.

December 15, 1921 – Bates County Court reported paying bounty on 800 hawk and owl heads at 50 cents each. They also paid 3 dollars each for wolf pup scalps, and 10 dollars each for full-grown wolf scalps.

December 16, 1907 – A special election was held in Phelps County to decide whether the owners of sheep and goats should be punished for letting their animals to run at large. Two earlier elections had failed to decide the issue.

December 17, 2018 – After being convicted of killing hundreds of deer illegally, a hunter from Barton County was sentenced to watch Disney’s Bambi movie repeatedly during his year-long prison.

December 18, 1901 – Hoping to clean up the city before the World’s Fair, a public meeting was held to set up a controlled district for “women of ill repute.”

December 19, 1933 – The Globe Democrat ran a story about a home in St. Louis County that had the first whole-house air conditioning in the area.

December 20, 1904 – For the very first time, an automobile was stolen in St. Louis. Police were looking for the machine with the license number 49.

December 21, 2013 – Michael Hopkins, the astronaut from Richland, MO, took a 5½ hour space walk to repair the life-support system on the Space Station.

December 22, 1904 – For the first time in Kansas City an automobile was stolen. The “controller” had been removed so the thieves couldn’t steer and soon had to abandon the machine.

December 23, 1898 – Nearly every student at the

• Sewer, Water, & Electric Installation & Repair

• Grinder Pump Installation & Repairs

• Rotor Rooter

• Water Heaters

• Hydrant & Cattle Tank Installation & Repairs

• New Construction/Remodel Plumbing

• Trenching & Excavating

Call:

Dylan ~ 660-341-1305 or Bryce ~ 660-988-0622

University of Missouri signed a petition supporting the building of a dormitory for the young ladies.

December 24, 1954 – Self-described space traveler from Mountain View, Buck Nelson, said he met his distant cousin from Venus who happened to be named Bucky.

December 25, 1971 – At old Municipal Stadium, the KC Chiefs played the Miami Dolphins in the longest game in NFL history. With overtime, the playoff game lasted for 82 minutes and 40 seconds.

December 26, 1932 – Professional hockey was played on natural ice at the St. Louis Arena. The facility’s investors couldn’t afford the electricity to make the ice so they opened the doors and let Mother Nature do the job.

December 27, 1926 – Charles Lindbergh was turned down by his boss, William B. Robertson, for help in financing his Trans-Atlantic flight. He already had $1,000 from Albert Bond Lambert. The Post-Dispatch also said no, but other business leaders would eventually say yes.

December 28, 1941 – The Maryville Fire Chief put out a call for auxiliary firemen “to prepare for the day when bombs and artillery fire fall on our towns, cities, and countryside.”

December 29, 1914 – The University of Missouri identified issues of the day as: Independence of the Philippines, the Minimum Wage System, Women’s Suffrage, Recall Procedure for Judges, Arbitration of Labor Disputes, the Literacy Test for Immigrants and Compulsory Old Age Insurance (Social Security).

December 30, 1882 – A fireworks factory exploded on the grounds of Sportsman’s Park in St. Louis. Neighbors and fans had complained for years that it wasn’t good to have an explosives factory next to a stadium.

December 31, 1945 – The rationing of tires for cars and trucks ended. Sugar was the only commodity still being rationed.

January 1, 2000 – Everyone breathed a sigh of relief as the Y2K computer crashes failed to happen.

January 2, 1908 – About 70 young people gathered in Gainesville to listen to a phonograph and to sing along.

For information about Ross Malone’s Missouri Books, visit www.RossMalone.com .

19th Annual NCMC Foundation sponsored High School Holiday Hoops tips-off December 16th

The 2023 edition of Holiday Hoops will tip off at the Ketcham Community Center on the North Central Missouri College campus in Trenton, with a total of 78 teams representing 45 Missouri high schools and Waukee Northwest in Iowa.

Games will begin on Saturday, December 16th, and wrap up on Friday, December 29th. The 9-day event will include some first-time schools to the NCMC campus during the holiday break, “We are excited to have new schools joining us for the 2023 Holiday Hoops,” commented committee member Mitch Dougan. “Having good matchups is something we pride ourselves on, and the addition of these new schools helps ensure good match-ups. We thank the schools for getting their contracts in early and being great to work with.”

For the first time in Holiday Hoops history, Crest Ridge, Harrisonville, and Kipp KC Legacy will take to the NCMC court in December. In addition, games will once again be live-streamed at www.piratesdigitalmedia.com. “Live streaming all games brings the Holiday Hoops experience to those who are unable to make it to campus, and we are excited to have Pirates Digital Media back,” shares committee member Nate

Gamet. “Viewers will notice a new gym floor to go along with the new bleachers and paint that was added a couple years ago.”

Holiday Hoops continues to be one of the state’s largest high school holiday basketball events, with all games played on the NCMC campus in Trenton. Volunteers assist the 15-member committee in managing the event, which will host 48 varsity basketball games. The mission of this event is to expand exposure of North Central Missouri College, its campus, and facilities by offering a quality, competitive basketball environment where students and teams can showcase their skills during winter break. Further, The NCMC Foundation and Holiday Hoops Committee hopes the event encourages student athletes to consider furthering their educational and athletic goals beyond high school.

A commemorative program highlighting all participating teams and area supporters will be

A Friendly Reminder

Please be sure to let the Unionville Republican know of any address change you have. We want you all to receive your Beachcomber. Also, please let us know if you are new to the lake or if you have sold your property at the lake.

Unionvillerepublican@mac.com or 660-947-2222

Thank you, The Unionville Republican

Tri State Lake Property Management

Peace of Mind Property Management

•Landscaping

•Boat Maintenance

•Construction

•Monthly

available for purchase, as well as t-shirts. Each participating student athlete receives a complimentary t-shirt. Raffle ticket proceeds will benefit one Holiday Hoops participant with a scholarship to attend NCMC next fall. Daily admission is $5 for adults and $3 for students and senior citizens (age 65 and older).

Holiday Hoops committee members include Allen Berry, Chad Boyd, John Cowling, Mitch Dougan, Alicia Endicott, Jeremy Esry, Nathan Gamet, Kanna Helton, Mitch Holder, Joel Hultman, Lucas Lewis, Wade Peters, Daniel Savage, Brian Upton, and Tom Witten.

Updates can be found at https://www.ncmissouri.edu/foundation/ holiday-hoops/, on Facebook, Twitter, and Instagram - NCMCHolidayHoops.

#foundation/holidayhoops/

~~

“The thing that is really hard, and really amazing, is giving up on being perfect and beginning the work of becoming yourself.”

-- Anna Quindlen

Nature-Themed Gifts… Cont.

from page 1

state’s natural heritage. The new edition features updated maps, text, references, and scientific names.

tstatelakepm@gmail.com

Give nature-themed gifts from MDC this holiday season, such as the 2024 Natural Events Calendar. Visit MDC nature centers and the MDC online Nature Shop for holiday gifts. of the upper Mississippi River from Hannibal to St. Louis and an expanded section on the Big River.

Amphibians and Reptiles of Missouri, Third Edition ($29) – This classic book has been updated and expanded to a 522-page illustrated guide that provides descriptions, distribution, habitats, habits, breeding, and other information on nearly 130 species of native salamanders, toads, frogs, turtles, lizards, and snakes.

simple tips to get started drawing or writing about nature. It is spiral bound with plenty of blank pages.

Cooking Wild in Missouri ($16) – This favorite cookbook features more than 100 recipes for native game, fish, fruits, nuts, and mushrooms.

Strange but True ($8.95) -- This fun offering was adapted from the pages of MDC’s Xplor magazine and features 350 weird and wild facts and illustrations about creatures that inhabit Missouri.

A Paddlers Guide to Missouri ($9) – This newly revised edition makes a great gift for canoeists, kayakers, and floaters with color photos, maps, and descriptions of 54 rivers and streams. The 102-page, spiral-bound guide includes trip planning tips, equipment recommendations, paddling pointers, and more. New to the 2023 edition are maps

Owl & Nuthatches Notecard Sets ($8) –This is great for gift giving. Each set includes 12 cards of either a barred owl or brown-headed pair of nuthatch birds.

Missouri’s Wild Mushrooms ($26) – This book is a great guide for hunting, identifying, and cooking the state’s most common mushrooms.

Discover Missouri Natural Areas, Second Edition ($19.95) – This handy reference helps nature lovers experience 50 great examples of our

Buy these and other items at MDC nature centers, through the MDC online Nature Shop at mdcnatureshop. com or by calling 877521-8632. Order early. Applicable tax, shipping, and handling costs will apply.

Give the gift of hunting and fishing permits for hunters and anglers on your list. Buy permits from vendors around the state, online at mdc. mo.gov/buypermits or through the MDC free mobile apps, Mo Hunting and Mo Fishing, available for download through Google Play for Android devices or the App Store for Apple devices.

A heady delight

It’s a fact: you can get quite a headache if you drink too much wine. But balancing a bunch of wine glasses on your head can land you a page in the Guinness Book of World Records. In fact, Aristotelis Valaoritis, a native Cypriot, earned the coveted title recently when he managed to bal-

ance 319 wine glasses on his head while walking and dancing. It’s a talent that, over the years, has earned him the title of “glass dancer.” As he puts it, “I enjoy doing it. I see the spectators’ faces full of tension and agony like they’re watching a movie.”

“You’re never too old, too wacky, too wild to pick up a book and read to a child.”

-- Dr. Seuss

Highway Patrol Rescue…

Cont. from page 5

very best of the Missouri State Highway 0Patrol and the Department of Public Safety.”

At about 1 a.m. on May 14, 2023, the North Fork River had rapidly expanded to four times its normal size because of flash flooding in Douglas County. Johnson and Roberts were dispatched to the Hales Crossing area, where several people had already been rescued by other responders.

Johnson and Roberts launched an inflatable boat and first found and rescued a woman hanging onto a submerged tree, with Roberts maneuvering the boat and Johnson pulling her out of the swiftly moving water and into the boat. As they ferried her to shore they heard a man screaming for help. Using their spotlights, they located the man on top of a log in the middle of the river. They told him to hang on and took the first victim, who was suffering from hypothermia, to other responders on shore.

They then attempted to rescue the man from the west but were stymied by trees and large

debris flows. They then attempted an approach from the east, which had less debris but many standing trees and more rapidly moving swift water, requiring them to pull the small boat between trees by hand at times.

They reached the victim, put him in a life vest and pulled him into the boat. He was suffering from hypothermia, with weakness in his limbs and difficulty speaking. Johnson and Roberts got him safely to shore. Both victims were transported to a hospital for treatment.

Johnson and Roberts were eligible for consideration as State Team Members of the Month for November because of their selection as Missouri Department of Public Safety Sworn Team Members of the Month in October. Johnson has been a member of the Patrol for 14 years. Roberts has been a member of the Patrol for 16 years. The Highway Patrol is a division of the Department of Public Safety. There are more than 50,000 Missouri state government team members across the state.

Fishy fish

What’s that in the waters of Pawleys Island, South Carolina? Even the experts at the Marine Resources Research Institute in Charleston don’t have an answer.

They admitted that they are “stumped.” But the news anchors at a local TV station appear to have determined it is a “sea slug” of sorts.

Video Game Preferences…

Cont. from page 6

paced and intense combat scenarios where the last team standing wins.

Call of Duty: Warzone

- Another popular battle royale game with highstakes gunfights.

Californians, Georgians and Texans Are the Most Competitive.

Residents of three states, including California, Georgia and Texas were identified as the most competitive, based on their gaming preferences. Games that cater to the “Competitive Spirit” often revolve around player-vs-player (PvP) interactions where skill, strategy, teamwork, and sometimes a bit of luck determine the outcome. These games often have ranked modes, tournaments, and esports scenes. These include:

League of LegendsOne of the most popular MOBAs (Multiplayer Online Battle Arena) with a massive competitive scene and world championships.

Counter-Strike: Global Offensive (CS:GO)

- A first-person shooter with a rich history of competitive play, where teams of terrorists and counter-terrorists fight to, respectively, perpetrate and prevent terrorism.

Dota 2 - Another MOBA with a vast competitive scene, known for hosting “The International”, one of the largest esports tournaments in terms of prize pool.

New Yorkers and

North Dakotans Yearn for Social Connections…

New Yorkers and North Dakotans displayed a leaning towards games fostering social ties. These games emphasize group activities, community-building, and collective experiences. These games often provide platforms for players to build communities, foster friendships, and engage in shared experiences. Some stand out titles are:

Among Us - A social deduction game where players communicate to figure out who among them is an imposter.

VRChat - A virtual reality-based game where players can chat, interact, and participate in a variety of experiences together.

Minecraft - While it can be played solo, many players join servers and communities where they collaborate on massive projects, participate in mini-games, or simply hang out.

The Most Chilled…

Just three states, including Alaska, South Dakota and Wyoming favor relaxation type games. Games in the “relaxation” category are often designed to be calming, therapeutic, and allow players to unwind. Examples of these games include:

Animal Crossing: New Horizons - A life simulation game where players can build and customize their own island paradise, interact with cute animal villagers, and indulge in peaceful activities like fishing, bug catching, and fossil hunting.

Stardew Valley - A farming simulation game where players can cultivate crops, raise animals, mine for resources, and

build relationships with townspeople.

Journey - An evocative adventure game where players traverse beautiful landscapes, accompanied by a hauntingly beautiful soundtrack.

Guide Strats has created an interactive map to show gaming personalities in each state:

https://guidestrats. com/usa-states-gamingdna/ (click on ‘embed’ to host on your site).

“It’s fascinating how our choice in games can be such a candid reflection of our personalities. There are so many games out there that have the power to resonate, inspire, and connect” says Candace Healy of GuideStrats.com.

A daring deer

A leaping deer can be a sight to behold. But sometimes it can be a disaster in the making. It happened recently in New Jersey when a stag attempted to jump its way across a road. It soared with ease over a parked car but landed on a 2007 Chevy Silverado

truck on the other side of the road. It turns out the owner of the truck was in the process of selling it. He completed the sale but had to drop his price by $1,000 to cover the damage. As for the deer, it continued its crossing with ease.

Bison, Bingo & Birds… cont. from page 3

tying a basic fishing fly and will give participants an opportunity to visit, share stories and see the art of fly tying. The demonstration is presented by the Friends of Bennett Spring State Park and is open to all ages. The church annex building is located directly across for the park office, behind the park restaurant at 26332 Highway 64A outside of Lebanon.

Friday, Dec. 8: Birds of a Feather at Prairie State Park

What do birds do when the winter chill sets in and food is scarce? How do they survive the cold? Come learn about Missouri birds in winter and make a pinecone feeder to take home. Class is designed for children ages 5 and older, and is limited to 35 participants. Complete registration before Dec. 1 by calling 417-843-6711. The class runs from 10 a.m. to noon at 128 NW 150th Lane in Mindenmines.

Saturday, Dec. 9: Ozark Christmas Tradition at Nathan and Olive Boone Homestead State Historic Site

Travel back in time as you walk to the Boone home and see how they and other Greene County residents have celebrated Christmas since 1830. Drop in for a visit with St. Nicholas, smell the cooking of a holiday meal over an open fire, make a 19th-century door decoration, learn Christmas customs of the Missouri Ozarks and much more! After your visit at the Boone Homestead, make new holiday memories as historic downtown Ash Grove continues the celebration at 4 p.m. with the annual Christmas parade and downtown festivities. The day’s schedule is as follows:

10 a.m.- Christmas wreath laying at both historic

cemeteries.

10:15 a.m. to 2 p.m. – Living history displays and demonstrations along the path to the Boone home. Cider pressing.

Block-print Christmas cards.

U.S. Dragoons.

Nathan Boone Chapter of the War of 1812 Society. Christmas of the enslaved.

19th-century door swags. Fiber arts.

Ladderback chair caning.

10:15 a.m. – Christmas carols in the parlor of the Boone home.

10:30 a.m. – Ozark Christmas stories, folklore and superstitions, in the orchard.

11 a.m. – Christmas carols in the parlor of the Boone home.

11:30 a.m. – Ozark Christmas stories, folklore and superstitions, in the orchard.

Noon – Christmas carols in the parlor of the Boone home.

1 p.m. – “‘Twas the Night Before Christmas” and Christmas caroling in the parlor of the Boone home.

1:30 p.m. - Ozark Christmas stories, folklore and superstitions, in the orchard. Nathan and Olive Boone Homestead State Historic Site is located at 7850 N. State Highway V in Ash Grove.

Saturday, Dec. 30: Nature Bingo at Prairie State Park

Join Prairie State Park team members at 2 p.m. for an interactive board game focusing on Missouri’s natural elements and showcasing the state’s plants and wildlife. Instead of “bingo,” guests will spell out “nature,” with categories including birds, plants and fungi, mammals, reptiles and amphibians, fish and invertebrate animals. Instead of numbers and letters

Neighbors Helping Neighbors Food Drive

Now through the Month of November help us collect canned foods for the PC Food Pantry and support for the PC Buddy Pack Program.

Any Subscriptions that are renewed or any new subscriptions accompanied by 2 canned food items, the Unionville Republican will donate $5 for the Buddy Pack Program and the PC Ministerial Alliance Food Bank. You can also, “Round Up” your subscription amount by $3.50 and we will purchase the canned food items for you!

Drop off any donations to the Unionville Republican, 111 S. 16th St. Call:660-947-2222 with any questions!

Thank you for helping support our Community

called, a description of a fact about an animal, plant or fungus will be given and participants will have the opportunity to guess what is being described. When players get a column or row filled in, they win a prize! Prairie State Park is located at 128 NW 150th Lane in Mindenmines.

For detailed information on any of these activities, please visit mostateparks.com/events. For more information on state parks and historic sites, visit mostateparks.com. Missouri State Parks is a division of the Missouri Department of Natural Resources.

Gain Control

and Lose Weight: Simple Lifestyle Changes for Menopausal Women

NEW YORK, Nov.

17, 2023 — Women navigating uncomfortable menopause symptoms and searching for dietary adjustments to help curb unwanted weight gain, improve sleep and protect bone health will find actionable strategies and tips in Weight Loss Plan for Menopause: Use Your Diet to Get Through Menopause With a 7- Day Weight Loss Plan, from author Yara Green.

In this book, Green provides diet instructions, explanations and recipes designed specifically for women who are going through menopause to help them lose weight and improve symptoms.

“You don’t have to just accept what is happening as something you cannot do anything about,” Green writes in the book’s introduction. “You also do not need to turn to ineffective methods to help find relief from the symptoms. You can make the choice to implement changes that will help you gain control and allow you to feel at your best for years to come.”

Green shares information about how particular diets impact weight and menopause symptoms and includes a 7-day meal plan for whichever diet a reader chooses. In this book, readers will learn:

• How diet can help control weight during menopause

• How lifestyle affects mood, weight and wellbeing in this transitional period

• How to enjoy various delicious diets while maintaining the right nutrient balance and optimum blood sugar

• How to make yummy Mediterranean, lowcarb, vegan, vegetarian and DASH meals …and

more.

Green aims to help women better understand how different foods and food groups affect menopause, weight and other symptoms, and advises which foods to avoid to prevent bloating, fat deposits and discomfort.

“Throughout my years of training, I’ve educated and supported millions of women to improve their health and fitness,” Green said. “I have learned a lot about what makes women want to change their lives for the better, as I have gone through the process myself.”

A Goodreads reviewer had this to say: “Yara Green explains menopause in a conversational way, beginning with perimenopause, and taking the reader through menopause and the years afterward. … With all the tidbits about vitamins, exercise, and sleep, and the recipes that conform to heart-healthy diets, the wealth of knowledge imparted by the author to her readers is impressive.”

For more information, visit https://dawnpublishinghouse.com, https://www.facebook. com/dawnpublishinghouse and https:// www.instagram.com/ publishinghouse/?hl=en.

BN.com link: https:// www.barnesandnoble. com/w/weight-loss-planfor-menopause-yaragreen/1142641267?e an=9780645424577

Weight Loss Plan for Menopause: Use your diet to get through Menopause with a 7Day Weight Loss plan

Publisher: Dawn Publishing House

ISBN-13: 9780645655001

Available from BN.com and eBook sellers here: https://books2read.com/u/mBvBgD

Hotter than hot

Hot pepper fans have long declared that the Carolina Reaper is the world’s hottest pepper. But the creator of the Reaper, Ed Currie, has officially outdone himself. He recently intro-

duced a hotter than hot pepper -- Pepper X -- that both he, and the judges at the Guinness World Records, call the world’s hottest Chili pepper. Currie, the founder of Puckerbutt Pepper Company

and who calls himself a “pepperaholic,” says his creation is registered at a whopping 2.69 million Scoville Heat Units [SHU] – about a million SHUs hotter than the Reaper.

He Did It!!

For sure, members of the “Old Timers United” club are cheering for 92-year-old Alfredo Aliaga who recently completed a grueling 24-mile Grand Canyon

walkabout. It’s believed that he is the oldest challenger to attempt such an event and he did it in 21 hours. Alfredo cares not whether the judges at Guinness World Records declare him a champion,

he liked his “walk in the park” so much so that he’s planning to do it again next year. “You cannot say, ‘I am too old to do things.’ I am healthy and happy.”