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Volume 104 • Number 4 • Tuesday, January 7, 2014 • PO Box 188 • 111 E. Jenkins • Maryville, MO • 75¢
Canadian cold grips Maryville By TONY BROWN News editor
OK, so people in northwest Missouri are no strangers to cold, hard winters. But this is getting ridiculous. Like most of the rest of the state, Nodaway County got locked in a deep freeze over the weekend as a “polar vortex” swirling down from Canada sent temperatures plunging well below zero. On the bright side, the worst is probably over, at least for a while, and highs today should reach into the 20s and remain in double digits — barely — through the night. But look for continued very cold weather through Wednesday before the return of “seasonable” temperatures with highs in 30s on Thursday, a trend that should continue through the weekend. So what has been the cause of all this misery — weather cold enough to shut down schools, break pipes and freeze milk kept in the trunk on the relatively short drive home See ARCTIC COLD, Page 3
TONY BROWN/DAILY FORUM
Battling winter’s grasp
Smoke billows from the stacks of the Northwest Missouri State University boiler plant as an 18-wheeler dumps a load of woodchips in an adjoining loading zone. The school burns the chips, along with other alternative fuels, in order to create thermal energy used to heat campus buildings. Northwest was dialing up its thermostats today as staff came back to work following the Christmas break. Students return for the start of the spring semester on Monday.
Layer up! Dress right to fight cold By STEVE HARTMAN Staff Writer
When outdoor temperatures and wind chill readings start dipping into single digits — and especially negative single digits — the best advice is to stay inside and make hot chocolate. Unfortunately, most folks still have to venture out to work, to school or to the grocery store even on the chillest of chill days. So when you do have to endure extreme cold, even for a short time, keep in mind that the right clothing can make all the difference in terms of comfort, and even health and safety. First of all, winter gear experts say, dress in layers. This gives you the flex-
Baby, it’s cold
PHIL COBB/DAILY FORUM
Northwest Missouri is no stranger to cold weather, but what Monday morning brought to the region was something that hasn’t been seen for quite some time. The low Monday morning, according to AccuWeather, reached minus-15 degrees. This photo was taken at 8:30 a.m. The high later reached minus-one degree.
Limited aid for less fortunate in cold weather By TONY BROWN News editor
Most Nodaway Countians appeared to take this week’s record cold in stride. No serious weather-related medical emergencies or fatalities were reported. But that’s not to say everyone was immune from the misery and fear that often accompany severe weather. Inevitably, many low-income families can only turn See LIMITED AID, Page 3
ibility to add or remove clothing as temperature levels vary through the day. It also allows for the existence of air pockets between layers that add insulation and preserve body heat. In general, layers of clothing serve three main functions: wicking, insulation and weather protection. The layer worn next to the skin is considered the wicking layer, and often consists of some type of long underwear. The most effective wicking garments are frequently made of synthetic (usually polyester) fiber designed to “wick” moisture away from the body so that skin stays dry. Next comes the middle, or insulating, layer. For this layer, use sweaters, sweatshirts, vests and pullovers and
other bulky garments that trap air between the fibers. Wool is perhaps the most popular and effective insulating fabric, though polyester fleece can also a good choice. Finally, the protection layer, generally a shell-type coat and pants, serves to directly protect against wind and snow. This layer should be water repellent and capable of blocking the wind while at the same time providing enough ventilation to let perspiration evaporate. Most genuine winter shells and pants are made of tightly woven fabrics teamed with a coating or laminate that is both waterproof and breathable. Look for functional hoods, cuffs, See LAYER UP, Page 3
Rep. Mike Thomson
Transportation funding key for Missouri’s public schools By STEVE HARTMAN Staff writer
Public school funding is expected once again to be a priority issue during the upcoming 2014 session of the Missouri General Assembly, which begins Jan. 8 in Jefferson City. Moving Missouri’s legislatively set public school foundation formula closer to full funding remains a goal for many lawmakers, including 1st District state Rep. Mike Thomson, whose constituency includes Nodaway County.
OFFICE NUMBER
660-562-2424
“Gov. Nixon has stated that he would like the foundation formula fully funded by the time he leaves office,” said Thomson, a Republican about to begin his final session in the House under Missouri’s term limits law. “While I don’t anticipate the full $200-plus million necessary to fully fund the foundation formula this year, we received $66 million in additional formula funding last year, and I believe a larger amount could be allocated this year,” Thomson said Monday.
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One item Thomson said he has discussed with Democratic Gov. Jay Nixon is the need allocate more money for the public school transportation fund. “Most of the schools in northwest Missouri, especially the smaller ones, are classified hold-harmless,” Thomson said. “These schools lost funding when cuts were made, but they don’t recover those funds or receive an increase in funds when funding for the foundation formula increases.” “One of the most direct
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Rep. Mike Thomson
ways to help these schools is by increasing the funding for public school transportation. When I arrived
See SCHOOLS, Page 3
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Today High: 28° Low: 10°