3-25-15 Lamar Democrat (Progress)

2015 Progress Edition Inside!!!

Serving Lamar, Golden City, Lockwood, Jasper, Sheldon, Mindenmines and Liberal for 145 years. Incorporating The Daily Democrat, Golden City Herald & Lockwood Luminary.

WEDNESDAY, MARCH 25, 2015

6 SECTIONS, 40 PAGES

Marti promoted at Heritage State Bank

Due to decline in participation, Barton County Relay For Life will not take place A letter has been sent to members of the community stating that due to the decline in participation, Relay For Life will not take place in Barton County in 2015.

The American Cancer Society greatly appreciates those who have remained involved and passionate about Relay For Life and hope that they choose to continue to support The American Cancer Society.

There are other local opportunities available to participate in a Relay For Life event. If anyone is interested in participating as a survivor, caregiver or on a Relay team, there is one to be held in Lockwood on May 30, 4 p.m. to 12 midnight, at the Lockwood High School. For more information on this visit www.RelayForLife.org/ DadeCountyMO. There are also relays scheduled for Nevada and Carthage. For more information on these locations contact Ted Easley at 417-622-9828 or Ted.Easley@Cancer.org. There will also be a relay in Pittsburg, Kan. on May 2. The contact for here is Allison Daly at 620-215-3865 or Allison.

Daly@Cancer.org.

The American Cancer Society appreciates the participants, teams, survivors, caregivers and committee members who made Relay For Life in Barton County a success over the past several years.

The American Cancer Society will continue to serve cancer patients and their families through their programs and services. For assistance call 1-800-227-2345 or visit www.cancer.org.

Youth today have tremendous access to the media, which can affect their overall health, particularly as it relates to nutrition and physical activity. That's why Lamar, with help from Barton County 4-H and/ AOK Nathan's Place afterschool program, is taking steps to help youth better navigate today's media landscape and understand how media can influence their choices.

Allie Schiltz, Jackie Neher, Allison Hawes, Nathaniel Hawes, Kelsie Morgan, Jenna Baslee, Tony Morgan, Elise James and Matthew Morgan, as MediaSmart Youth® Teen Leaders by the Eunice Kennedy Shriver National Institute of Child Health and Human Development (NICHD), help lead community health education efforts.

Barton County 4-H Teen Leaders have partnered with the AOK Nathans Place afterschool program, meeting every Thursday for a 10 week program using the NICHD's free curriculum Media-Smart Youth: Eat, Think and Be Active!® to teach

INDEX

SECTION A Correspondents......................... 2 Friends & Family....................... 3 Friends & Family....................... 4 School.......................................... 5 Sports.......................................... 6 SECTION B Records....................................... 2 Records/Legals........................... 3 Legals........................................... 4 Legals/Classifieds....................... 5 Area News.................................. 6

_______________________

2015 PROGRESS EDITION

SECTION C: Community....1-6 SECTION D: Economics......1-6 SECTION E: Government....1-8 SECTION F: Health...............1-8

For more information about the Media-Smart Youth® program at Barton County 4-H contact Elaine Davis at 417682-3579 or davisjer@missouri. edu.

The NICHD is part of the National Institutes of Health, the biomedical research arm of the federal government within the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services. The NICHD conducts and supports research and programs on topics related to the health and well-being of children, adults and families.

For more information about the NICHD's Media-Smart Youth® program, visit http://www. nichd.nih.gov/msy/.

JASPER-Jasper Fire and Rescue was dispatched with the Avilla Fire Department at 7:07 p.m. on Monday, March 16, as an automatic aid to a structure fire at 510 E. Maiden Lane. The call came in as a garage with gas cans and fireworks stored inside, as well as a vehicle on fire.

Upon arrival personnel found a detached garage completely engulfed and a SUV on fire. The electric line to the house had also burnt and was arching.

The garage and most of its contests were a to-

By RICHARD COOPER Democrat staff writer

see SYSTEM, page 3A

young people ages 11- 13 about media, nutrition and physical activity. As part of the program youth will analyze media messages, discover healthy snacks and get moving during action breaks. They will also create media products of their own, to encourage their peers to eat healthy and get active, too.

The NICHD developed Media-Smart Youth® in response to studies showing a growing number of young people getting little physical activity and not enough needed daily nutrients. These factors contribute to rising rates of overweight and obesity. According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, about one in three children and adolescents in the U.S. is overweight or obese.

Kyla Marti was recently promoted to assistant vice president at Heritage State Bank in Lamar. Marti has more than 17 years of experience in the banking industry, having worked at Mercantile Bank/Firstar for three years prior to working at Heritage, where she has been employed for 14 ½ years.

Kyla is married to Tristan Marti and has two sons, Kale and Kase.

Her responsibilities at the bank include deposit services, retail management and ACH coordinator.

Jasper Fire and Rescue helps extinguish fire

Final meeting on GIS system set for March 26 LAMAR-After opening bids on a Geographical Information System (GIS) on March 9, the Barton County Commission met with city and county representatives a week later to set a date for an equipment demonstration by one of the bidders.

The bidder who has agreed to come to Lamar is Intrinsicorp of Kirbyville. Intrinsicorp is one of the five in-state bidders and is located in Taney County near Branson. Its bid was just over $50,000, but the commission is unsure if all of the services in aerial mapping offered by the company are needed.

Left, Barton County 4-H Teen Leaders empower youth to make healthy choices through the federal Media-Smart Youth® program. Jackie Neher, 4-H Teen Leader and Thomas Pomerleau, AOK staff, encourage the youth to try new food options.

Right, Allie Schiltz and Jackie Neher lead the AOK youth in a create game of hula hoop.

Fun and laughter are the keys to increasing exercise at least in this game.

Oval, AOK students created Media Smart message boards, encouraging their peers to eat healthy and increase physical activity.

tal loss and the rear of the vehicle was damaged. The owner did have a motorcycle that he saved prior to calling 911. A large tree also caught fire in the front of the house.

The fire was caused by a cigarette in some dry grass and leaves.

Also responding were the Jasper County Sheriff 's Office, Medic 95 and Empire Electric.

The next day, March 17, at 12:37 p.m., the tree that was on fire inside was being removed when a hollow limb broke off, taking down the power lines and causing an electric hazard.

Personnel assisted with cooling the tree so that it could be removed.

A structure fire that occurred at 7:07 p.m. on Monday, March 16, at 510 E. Maiden Lane in Jasper, was extinguished with the help of Jasper Fire and Rescue.

Bothersome speed limit on West 1st Street to be raised

By RICHARD COOPER Democrat staff writer

LAMAR-A speed limit on West 1st Street that has nettled many people for years is finally going to be raised. A citizen complaint, in person. from Jerry Cloyed seemed to sway the city council into acting. Cloyed was recently ticketed for driving 41 mph in that lengthy 30 mph zone. He described the 30 mph limit as “clearly unreasonable.” The council agreed, and the time to act was at hand. City Attorney Steven Kaderly was not present for the meeting, but he will be instructed to prepare an ordinance for introduction at the next council meeting, April 20, that will raise the speed limit from 30 mph to 40 mph from the outer road eastward to the residences on 1st Street.

Three dilapidated house trailers with addresses of 1301A, 1303, and 1303A on Hagny have been ordered demolished and removed. A hearing on their final disposal was held at the

council meeting of March 16. With a look to the future, the The owner of all three is listed as council approved an ordinance Feltenberger Enterprises. They that will allow homeowners to must be demolished and re- generate some of their own elecmoved within 120 days. Build- tricity by installing solar panels. ing Inspector Greg Coats indi- Should they generate more than cated he has received numerous they can consume, the city must complaints about structures at give credit for the overage pro701 Gulf and 604 Poplar, and duced. the city will soon begin condemnation proceedings on them.

Lamar Democrat/ Approval Richard Cooper was given Tom Shields took to Truman his campaign for Area Transmayor of Lamar to portation the Lamar Senior Service DiCenter, March 19. rector Ron Here, he visited Hager to with Jack Thrasher make his and daughter Linda annual apEwers. Also present plication the same day at the for federal center was Jaimie assistance Shaver, candidate for to keep the the Lamar R-I Board taxi service of Education. operating.

City Administrator Lynn Calton told the council that one engine at the city’s generator plant at the Prairie View landfill is not operating due to a bearing problem. The engine went down in December, but repair is almost see SPEED, page 4A

Candidates visit senior center

2A • Wednesday, March 25, 2015

CORRESPONDENTS Coonfoot & Vicinity

By LOUISE OTT Peeking out the door this early Monday morning I see our dear Lord is blessing us with cloudy skies and wind. I sure will be glad when we can see some sunshine.

Gary and Judy Nelson, Michael Nelson and Ella Mae Turpen all enjoy dinner at a restaurant on Sunday.

Arbry Winans, Ray and Tristan, Ray and Nicole Winans and Elvin Winans Jr. and Durella were visitors of Marie Winans.

John Enlow was a visitor of Louise Ott on Saturday.

Regina, Genesis and Faithllyn Shanks and Tyler, Grayson and Emma Everitt were visitors of Louise Ott on Wednesday afternoon.

Sharon Lund visited Louise Ott on Monday morning and then they both visited George Straw.

Kenneth Dee and Esther Archer, Sarcoxie route, and Louise Ott, Jasper route, were dinner guests of George Straw on Sunday.

Bea Roncovitts and Mildred Link were visitors of Louise Ott on Wednesday.

Jane Moss bakes angel food cake and always brings Louise Ott some and they sure are good.

Congratulations to Bradley Moll and Donya Aubrey, who were married Saturday, March 7, 4 p.m., at the Good Shepherd Lutheran Church in Carthage.

Sheldon

By DARLENE SHERIDAN

Thursday, March 12, a few Sheldon alumni from the classes of 1966 to 1969 met at the Donaldson Building in Sheldon

for some visiting and to remember old times. The next gathering is scheduled for May 22, at noon, and everyone is welcome to join in the fun.

Sheldon is continuing to work on the Community Development Block Grant that will assist property owners with the cost of removing old buildings from Main Street and around town.

Several retired teachers met Friday, March 13, with the Vernon County Retired Educators in Nevada. Special guests were State Representative Patricia Pike and State Senator Ed Emery. Several area superintendents were also in attendance.

Delores Honey visited with me on Saturday afternoon and we enjoyed a drive to Lamar and Golden City. The weather was great.

The students and teachers enjoyed a four day weekend and will have another long weekend in April.

The baseball/softball season is getting started, while the elementary basketball teams are still playing games.

The Sheldon R-8 School was represented at the Joplin Globe Spelling Bee last week.

Al and Dorothy Mundy spent Sunday at Sunrise Beach, where Al participated in the horseshoe pitching event.

The Sheldon Community Betterment group is hosting a, “Meet the Candidate, Monday evening at 7 p.m., at the Donaldson Building. All candidates for mayor and city council have been invited to respond to questions.

The public is encouraged to attend and hear the candidates’ views. The election will be held April 7.

We were sorry to hear that Amy Brzuchowski underwent surgery Tuesday. Best wishes are extended for a quick recovery.

www.lamardemocrat.com

For-getme-nots

By GAIL LEAMING I heard the most beautiful song the other night that was written by a sergeant in the Marines, who was in Iraq with his platoon when they were surrounded and no aid was coming. They were fighting all day and were running out of ammunition. The enemy was so close they could hear them laughing and waiting them out. The sergeant told the men there was only one thing to do and that was to pray. Just when they were about to be overrun, a very thick fog rolled in from out of nowhere. Off in the distance the men could see someone (they swear it was Christ) and he was waving an American flag.

Then a path was opened and the men walked out just 15 feet from the enemy without being seen.

All the men have said that they would never forget the figure or the waving of the stars and stripes or the miracle that happened on that mountain top that day. When the singer finished there was complete silence. I wish more could have heard it and I had the words of that song.

For my 53rd anniversary, my friends were just great at remembering and not wanting me to be alone.

Jean and Larry Ehrsam have spent so many anniversaries with us over the years that I know it was hard on them too. They took me to supper at Bamboo Gardens. I wonder if they remember that when we moved back from California in the 60's ,that they called and wanted to go to Springfield and take us to a chinese place for cashew chicken. The first ever invented in the USA. Ron didn’t want to go because of all the places in Chi-

CLUB NOTES LAMAR COUNTRY CLUB LADIES ASSOCIATION

Gloria Kurtz was the hostess on Tuesday, March 17, for Bridge. The first place winner was Imogene Williams, with Rosalee Potter placing second.

The hostess for March 24 is scheduled to be Rosalee Potter. Sondra Riegel will be the hostess on Tuesday, March 31.

Walk around the world with water walkers The Lamar Aquatic Water Park began a water walkers club in November of 2014, called the Walk Around the World Water Walkers. So far, 49 individuals have participated at some level of involvement. Approximately half of the individuals are new walkers, or ones that have returned to the water after a long absence.

A list of destinations are posted on the wall and individuals participating in the club choose a destination and start walking.

For every mile walked, or for every destination reached, the walker receives a milestone, which is a charm or bead designated just for that designation.

This past fall credit for two miles was given if walkers wanted to walk to the football stadium and back. Of course they didn't walk on the street; they walked the equivalent distance in the water. Once completed, the walker received a bead shaped like a football for his/her keepsake pin.

Walkers can accumulate milestones for tracking miles in ones, fives or tens, or for a destination on the list.

Thus far the club has logged a total of 351 miles combined.

In honor of St. Patrick's Day, walkers can walk the distance from Cork, Ireland to Blarney Castle in March, for a distance of about two miles, earning them a green shamrock bead for their keepsake.

There are 10 different destinations to choose from at any given time and destinations change periodically to keep it interesting. The newest walk is called the New York City Bridges Tour, walking the distance across 10 of the bridges that link New York City.

One walker completed the distance equivalent to swimming the English Channel at Dover.

To join the club simply show up and walk.

The benefits of walking against the pressure of water are extraordinary.

It strengthens bones, joints and muscles, increases endurance and provides a good workout. In addition, doing this activity with others keeps it interesting. Conversations develop into friendships and as Mike Withers, pool manager put it, “The conversation is often as therapeutic as the walking”.

There is a special star for anyone bringing in a new walker and first

natown in San Francisco that had ducks hanging in the windows and the flies all over them that he had seen. It took a lot of coaxing from Larry to convince him that this was the place to go eat. Needless to say, he ate a lot over the years after that.

While we were there Elaine Eldred was at Bamboo that night too, with her immediate family, celebrating her 98th birthday. They were to have all her grands and greats on Sunday at Lockwood for another celebration. As there were over 90 in that group, it couldn’t be done that night. What a wonderful legacy she has. Carol McVey and Carl Sheets took me to Granny Shaffers at noon on the 17th for lunch. As I had started out at 6:30 that morning to get to Nevada for an eye appointment, my day was pretty full and not much time for being sad. Kamala and Russ tried all day to reach me, but I was out of area with my phone most of the time. What a wonderful life to have so many care about me. Or at least keep tabs on me.

Dorothy Miller did get hold of me about 10 that morning, while I was waiting for my eyes to unblur before I started driving again, so we had a good visit. I went to Lockwood on Saturday night for the fish and bids, which is always good entertainment and good food. My great nephew, Kolton Kleeman, won a bid on a baby calf which he is pretty proud of. Sunday, Kamala and I went to Stone’s Throw for dinner and the show.

Stopped by Lowes to pick out some things for the house. Waiting now for more carpenters, but at least I now have a front door.

The neighborhood is all praying for Janis Marten, who is in Cox at Springfield fighting a flu or something like that.

She has finally gotten the breathing tube out, but

Barton County Residents: 1 Year (Includes Online)..................................................$40.00 Barton County Residents with Senior Discount: 1 Year (Includes Online)...........$36.00

Postal Customer: Seventy-five Cents (tax included) Serving Lamar, Golden City, Lockwood, Jasper, Sheldon, Mindenmines and Liberal for 144 years.

Incorporating the Golden City Herald and Lockwood Luminary

(USPS 142680) Volume 114, Issue 12

Published Weekly on Wednesday.

DEADLINE FOR PLACING ADVERTISING: MONDAY 10 A.M. Lewis County Press, LLC DBA Lamar Democrat P.O. Box 12 • 100 East 11th Street, Lamar, Missouri 64759 Phone: 417-682-5529 • Fax: 417-682-5595 info@lamardemocrat.com • www.lamardemocrat.com

still has the feeding tube in. No visitors as her immune system is at zero. So glad to see Cletus O. up and out of the hospital and out taking pictures again.

I had been watching the paper to see his name on the photos and had wondered what had happened.

Kamala is finishing up her year at Neosho and while there is painting a mural at Dices. I also hear that two of my nephews have joined the service. I wish them many prayers.

Maxine's Musings

By MAXINE MORIN Easter is just around the corner. Like, what corner?

It is funny how some of us use words and phrases that we grew up hearing. I feel that many actions and dialects used by families originated from nationality, religion and family conversations, to name only a few. Families did not have the transportation to travel far from the area where they lived.

Therefore, they were usually a close knit group with the exception of the feuding Hatfield and McCoy families, which lasted for several generations.

These are the families that come to mind; there surely were others. The same customs and talk were used for generations, as many persons never left the area to hear other customs and conversations.

The kids did the same as Ma and Pa, the only way they knew. When one thinks about it, customs and conversations are still different in various locations in the United States and elsewhere. No matter where you live or how you talk, let us remember that Christ died on the cross for our sins. Have a happy Easter.

I have misplaced my

notes again. Seems as if that is getting to be a habit. I have been told that happens as one begins to get older. I do not really mind getting older, but do not like the ones that follow me around like “Ole Arthur”, “Creaky Knees”, “Painlee Back” and “Stiffini Neck”. But then I remember the reason for Easter and am happy that I can enjoy relatives and friends.

The robin redbreasts are still around in my yard.

I enjoy watching them, along with other birds.

Across the road from my front door is an open area with large trees. These are home to several squirrels.

It is amazing to watch them scamper around, digging up nuts. I guess it is nuts, as there are several oak trees there. I often wondered just how the squirrels could know just where to dig; they must have a form of radar or a fantastic sense of smell. I love to see them playing around the trees. Those little squirrels can vanish up a tree before you know what's going on, or make a double quick u-turn and scamper in the other direction, with those furry tails bobbing in the breeze.

Let us pray for the military troops that will not be home for Easter. Until next time...

timers get in free when they come as someone's guest. Special recognition goes out to Pat Botdorf of Lockwood, who has brought the most guests/ new walkers with her than any other walker; six at last count.

The pool is open Monday through Thursday and there are walking times posted throughout the day. To get more information check them out online at www.cityoflamar.org or call the pool at 417-682-5383.

A schedule can also be mailed or sent by email.

Pool rates are very affordable at $3 per hour and individual passes are available for the indoor pool.

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Lamar Democrat, Lamar, MO

Out of County Residents: 1 Year (Includes Online)..................................................$65.00 Online Only: 1 Year........................................................................................................$15.00

Editor - Melody Metzger Sales - Melissa Little Sports Writer - Chris Morrow Ad Design/Composition - Heather Gerths Staff Writer - Richard Cooper Correspondents - Darlene Sheridan, Gail Leaming,

Louise Ott and Maxine Morin Dade County Reporter - Carolyn Head Publisher - Lewis County Press LLC

OFFICIAL PUBLICATION OF BARTON COUNTY TITLE of this newspaper transfers to the reader when each issue of the newspaper leaves the newspaper office at 100 East 11th Street, Lamar. ERRORS should be reported immediately as the LAMAR DEMOCRAT can be responsible for only the first incorrect insertion in advertisements. The DEMOCRAT cannot be liable for errors in advertisement to a greater extent than the cost of space occupied by the item in the advertisement. PUBLISHER’S LIABILITY FOR ERROR: The publisher shall not be liable for slight changes or typographical errors that do not lessen the value of the advertisement. The publisher’s liability for the other errors or omissions in connection with an advertisement is strictly limited to publication of the advertisement in any subsequent issue or refund of any monies paid for the advertisement. INDEMNIFICATION: The advertiser and/or advertising agency agrees to defend and indemnify the publisher against any and all liability, loss or expense arising from claims of libel, unfair competition, unfair trade practices, infringement of trademarks, copyrights, trade names, patents or propietary rights or violation of rights of privacy, resulting from the publication of the advertiser’s advertisement. POSTMASTER: Send address changes to LAMAR DEMOCRAT, P.O. Box 12, Lamar, Missouri 64759.

Lamar Democrat, Lamar, MO

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New resources are available for area seniors

The need for educated professionals able to cater to the unique health, social and financial needs of seniors grows as the Baby Boomers reach retirement age and improvements in healthcare allow people to live longer. Certified Senior Advisors have received a unique education and training that compliments their professional skills to better serve the growing senior demographic.

Barton County area seniors now have a new resource to assist them in the aging process. Greg Clements, CSA, director of operations for ComForcare Senior Services, recently completed a comprehen-

sive course through the Society of Certified Senior Advisors® (SCSA) and has earned the certification of Certified Senior Advisor (CSA)®. The CSA designation, in conjunction with 15 years of experience in home health and long term care, means that seniors and their families now have another resource they can rely on to assist with their long term care needs.

Clements said, “Over the past 15 years I have learned that seniors are often frustrated or unprepared for the many decisions and choices that need to be made as they age through retirement years. It has been my priv-

ilege to work for ComForcare Senior Services, as their dedication to senior needs fits well with my desire to assist in the senior market as a Certified Senior Advisor”.

Clements went on to say, “There is an explosive growth in the senior population. People are living longer, which means the need for skilled professionals able to serve the senior population is also growing. This demographic shift requires an educated response from professionals who work with seniors and a greater ability to address the challenges and opportunities seniors face. Through my studies as a life insurance

homes for people in need.

As they strive to be the hands and feet of Jesus through provisions that God blessed them with to administer hope and encouragement to those who encounter needs, they will continuously look for opportunities in God's timing to bless the community with needs that arise.

All homeowners work hand-in-hand with volunteers, whenever feasible, to help make the

home safe, sound and accessible for its residents.

The Lamar HOPE Project will endeavor, together with their partners, to provide materials and recruit laborers to accomplish the project that is undertaken.

Projects are selected by a Project Team and are based on applicant need,

3A

FRIENDS & FAMILY

agent and then as a CSA, I have gained knowledge of the many programs and resources available to seniors.”

As a Certified Senior Advisor, Clements has received the education and training to better serve senior clients. Clements is required to participate in continuing education to ensure he is well educated on the changes and updates that affect the health and long term care industry. For more information about ComForcare or the CSA certification contact Clements, CSA at 417-295-3100, or to verify he is a member in good standing go to www.csa. us/CSAVerifier.

Lamar HOPE Project to aid homeowners The Lamar HOPE Project, a Christ-centered ministry that uses volunteers to repair the homes of those in need, is presently accepting applications. Lamar HOPE (Helping Others Promoting Encouragement) is under the auspices of Lamar Area Christian Ministries, a 501(c)3 nonprofit organization, that seeks to promote partnerships with churches, community groups and individuals to rehabilitate

Wednesday, March 25, 2015 •

available resources to purchase materials and volunteers willing to help, including the one(s) receiving the help.

The criteria to be eligible for the project are that the home must be located within the borders of the 64759 zip code, the home must have legitimate physical needs that

Hearod is AOK Camper of the Month

Jaxon Hearod is the Camper of the Month for March at AOK After School.

Jaxon is in Mrs. Kaderly's fourth grade class. His favorite activity at AOK is playing dodgeball and his favorite dinner at camp is pizza. After graduation Jaxon would like to become a fighter in the UFC. AOK staff appreciates Jaxon for his willingness to do the correct thing and his respectful polite behavior. Congratulations, Jaxon!

cannot be met by the residents and the home must be owned by the residents (no rental properties).

Applications are available at most area churches, as well as Lamar Bank & Trust Company.

Once an application has been received, the Lamar HOPE Project will notify the owner by mail; how-

ever, this does not mean that they are approved.

The homeowner will be contacted by phone to schedule a home visit before final approval.

Those interested should pick up an application to be submitted to them at Lamar HOPE Project, P.O. Box 32, Lamar, MO 64759.

Two compete at SE Kansas Open Martial Arts Tournament The Southeast Kansas Open Martial Arts Tournament was held March 7.

Two students from Lamar Tae Kwon Do attended, with Ethan Pettengill, left, placing first in board breaking, third in forms, third in sparring and fifth in weapons forms and Don Burchardt, right, taking first in sparring and fourth in forms.

System, continued from page 1A Presiding Commissioner Mike Davis said the only way that all of the questions that need to be answered can be accomplished is if a company representative is present.

Consequently, one or more representatives of Intrinsicorp will be in Lamar, March 26 at 10 a.m. in Thiebaud Auditorium to give a demonstration and answer all questions.

The meeting is expected to require between an hour-and-a-half to two hours. Representatives from all entities of government in the county have been invited to attend. It is felt County Assessor Ivan Frieden will have the greatest need for the mapping system, but its use will likely be wide spread.

Davis had earlier stated that he hoped a decision on the overall best bid could be reached by the first of April.

4A • Wednesday, March 25, 2015

FRIENDS & FAMILY

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Lamar Democrat, Lamar, MO

METZGER’S MUTTERINGS

By MELODY METZGER Lamar Democrat Driving home the other day I noticed that the beautiful yellow daffodils are beginning to show their heads. To me, that is also a huge indication that spring is just around the corner, along with warmer weather.

At least I can hope! My mom loved daffodils (or as some say jonquils – I know they are two different flowers, but never really understand which one was what). I think the ones that grew by the side of her house, in the backyard and out by her ga-

rage were daffodils, and I do know for a fact that she enjoyed them. They grew in abundance and she would always have at least a dozen vases full of them all over the house.

When we still owned the house I would go by and cut some to take out to her grave, but since it is no longer in our possession, I haven't had the nerve to ask anyone if I can take them from their yard.

Along with springtime comes Easter, which is one of my favorite times of the year. The resurrection of our savior is definitely something to

Letter to editor

Dear Editor: I'm writing this letter just to tell people how important it is to get out and vote in April's election. You see, the hospital we all love and depend on needs your help. We need people to get out and vote yes on Proposition 1.

When you go to Barton

County Memorial Hospital, you are not just a number. You're a person who is treated with the most wonderful care that can possibly be given.

If we loose our hospital and a loved one gets hurt or gets really ill, you will have to drive to another hospital out of town. It

be celebrated. I enjoy the colors, the egg hunts, the fellowship and memories that surround this glorious season. I especially love seeing the children at church when they dress in their Easter finery. I know that this is not as common as it used to be, but there are still enough that do it, and it really brightens my day.

My mom always loved Easter and as teens, every year we would load up about three or four car fulls of kids to go to the Easter sunrise service.

Upon our return to the house, mom would make breakfast for everyone, as well as an Easter dinner later in the day. She hid Easter eggs for us, probably up to the time we left home, and it was inevitable that a year later we would find an old egg still nestled in its hiding place. This was, of course, before plastic Easter eggs, when we'd hide the old

might be too late for your loved one.

So, people in Barton County please get out and vote yes on Proposition 1 to save Barton County Memorial Hospital.

Peggy Phipps Lamar

style wrapped hard shell marshmallow eggs. Still love the taste of those things!

Every Easter the drug store where my stepdad was manager would sell bunnies, as well as ducks and chickens dyed in various colors. I remember one year brother Martin and myself got a boy and a girl duck (or at least we thought it was a boy and a girl?) and we named them Henry and Henrietta.

Very original. I worked at the same drug store as a youth, assembling Easter baskets for when they used to only be sold that way. I like it much better now that you can build your own basket and have enjoyed doing just that for Kobyn and Landon. Figure Cooper is still too young! I love going to various stores in the area to find “goodies” for their baskets. In fact, I think I enjoy building them as much as they enjoy receiving them!

In John 11:25-26 Jesus said to Martha, “I am the resurrection and the life.

Whoever believes in me, though he die, yet shall he live, and everyone who lives and believes in me shall never die. Do you believe this?”

My prayer is that everyone worship our savior this Easter Sunday by finding a church service to attend. There is a listing of various churches in

Hughes earns top honor for customer service

MADISON, Wisc.-Eric Hughes, an American Family Insurance agent in Lamar, has been recognized for providing outstanding customer experience under the American Star Excellence in Customer Experience Certification Program.

“At American Family the customer is at the center of all we do and these agents

have proven they are committed to consistently providing the best experience,” said Bill Westrate, American Family Insurance’s chief operating officer. “The agents who earn the American Star Excellence in Customer Experience Certification are those who have been given the highest marks from their customers for

outstanding service.”

The service excellence distinction was determined through an evaluation process conducted under guidelines established through the American Star Excellence in Customer Experience Certification Program.

The process consists of a customer satisfaction survey which measures cus-

Speed, continued from page 1A complete, and is should be returned to service in less than a week.

City Clerk Traci Cox informed the council that she has received a check from the Missouri Department of Transportation (MoDOT) for just over $170,000 as reimbursement for the city’s role in building the 1st Street overpass. Most of the reimbursement was to cover the cost of relocating utility lines.

The council approved a temporary liquor license for the Lamar Country

Club, who will cater the annual Barton County Chamber of Commerce banquet and awards ceremony. The event will run from 6 p.m. to 11 p.m., April17, in Memorial Hall.

The mayor read two letters he has received. One was from a citizen, who commended city workers on removing unsightly debris, especially citing the role of the building inspector. The other was from Randy Vilela of Pittsburg, Kansas, whose company demolished and removed the Gilkey build-

ing, leaving a well manicured vacant lot on the corner of 10th and Broadway. Although likely to become a downtown mini park at first, long range plans continue for turning the space into a 42-unit senior living facility with construction financed by tax credits through the Missouri Housing Development Commission.

An application for funds failed in 2014, but another application is planned for later in 2015.

tomers’ overall experience with their current American Family agent.

Hughes has been an agent for American Family since December 2009.

His office is located at 407 W 12th St, Lamar, MO 64759.

each edition of the Democrat and many have their own websites. If anyone doesn't have a church home and would like to

attend a service, the First Baptist Church of Lamar holds theirs at 10:15 a.m.

I'll look forward to seeing you there...

Lamar Tiger JV basketball team goes 21-1 on season

The Lamar Tiger Junior Varsity Basketball team finished off a great season with 21 victories and only one loss. They started off the season with a first place in the Seneca JV Tourney and reeled off many more victories in between. Their only loss of the season came at the Eldorado JV Tournament, where they lost to Ft. Scott and got second place. They were short staffed for that tournament, but finished strong.

The Tigers crushed their competition and went undefeated in Big 8 play. Highlights include victories over Class 4 Carl Junction and Mac County and Class 3 Mt. Vernon, Colgan St. Mary's, Frontenac and Aurora. The team averaged 57 points per game, while only allowing 37 points per game.

There were many JV Tigers that helped the varsity squad finish an impressive 18-9 season. The varsity basketball team is losing eight seniors to graduation and will look to this JV team for another exciting year of Lamar Tiger basketball.

Members of the junior varsity team were Jack Brooks and Firuz Yogbekov, juniors; Luke Hardman, Matt Whyman, Anthony Wilkerson, Sam Timmons, Trey Mooney and Tanner Phipps, sophomores and Stuart McKarus, Garrett Morey, Michael Danner and Ian Moore, freshmen.

The players were coached by Brant Maxwell.

Lamar Democrat, Lamar, MO

www.lamardemocrat.com

Wednesday, March 25, 2015 •

5A

SCHOOL Southwest Missouri school districts partner with WGU Missouri

JOPLIN-Employees of 39 school districts in southwest Missouri will receive a five percent discount when advancing their higher education through WGU Missouri, as part of a new partnership agreement with the Southwest Center for Educational Excellence.

The agreement is one of several partnerships with school districts across Missouri that will allow about 40,000 school employees to pursue flexible, accredited bachelor’s and master’s degrees at a low cost. Also entering into agreements are Independence School District and the 61 member districts of St. Louis-area Education Plus.

The collaboration with SWC will allow more than 7,000 employees in the region to advance their professional expertise affordably while still meeting their work and family obligations. WGU Missouri offers flexible and supportive degree programs at tuition of only about $6,000 a year.

It was established in 2013 by the state in partnership with the national online, nonprofit Western Governors University, whose secondary

teacher-preparation program was named No. 1 in the nation last year by the National Council on Teacher Quality.

“Great educators are life-long learners,” said Dr. Jim Horton, executive director of SWC. “The partnership with WGU Missouri encourages educators from the area to continue the pursuit of knowledge and skills to improve their craft.”

“As a longtime educator in southwest Missouri, I’m delighted to partner with the Southwest Center for Educational Excellence, which continually improves educational quality in the region,” said WGU Missouri Chancellor Angie Besendorfer, who previously served as Joplin assistant superintendent. “This partnership will help many busy, dedicated employees to improve their educational expertise and advance in their career with a quality, affordable degree.”

WGU Missouri uses an innovative approach to learning called competency-based education, which allows adults to customize the schedule and pace of their college education, taking advantage of skills and knowl-

edge they’ve already acquired. Students move quickly through material they already know so they can focus on what they still need to learn.

Under the terms of the partnership, employees of SWC-member school districts can receive a five percent discount on tuition for up to four 6-month terms.

WGU Missouri offers 17 teaching certification programs and 14 postlicensure programs at the bachelor’s and master’s level. The new partnership agreement will help current teachers pursue graduate degrees and will help paraprofessionals become licensed teachers, without putting their busy lives on hold.

The state’s only fully online, competency-based university, WGU Missouri provides full-time faculty members who work one-on-one with students, offering guidance, support, and individualized instruction.

While WGU Missouri’s degree programs are rigorous, competency-based learning makes it possible for students to accelerate, saving both time and money. Tuition for WGU Missouri’s teacher education programs, which has not increased since 2008, is charged at a flat rate of $2,890 per six-month term. For more information about WGU Missouri’s teacher education programs, go to missouri. wgu.edu/swcenter.

Dr. Jim Horton, executive director of SWC, and Dr. Angie Besendorfer, chancellor of WGU Missouri, recently celebrated a partnership that will allow employees of 39 school districts in southwest Missouri to receive discounted tuition to WGU Missouri.

STAR Students of the week

STAR Students for the week of March 23 at Lamar East Primary are, third row, left to right, Joed Najarro, Mike White, Jaden Manley-Williams; second row, Michelle Bjorlokken, Chase Hammond, Zackary Davis; first row, Jace Jones, Isaiah Conterez, Jewelyanna McHenry. Not pictured is Brecken Ettleman.

6A • Wednesday, March 25, 2015

www.lamardemocrat.com

SPORTS The road to becoming BCSC

By ASHLEY AUGUSTA

"New beginnings always start with an ending", "the future is exciting", "don't be afraid of the unknown." I love motivational quotes, but they can never truly embody the feeling of moving away from the only life

you have every known, leaving your childhood friends, your parents and siblings and moving to a small town in Missouri on a dream and lots of prayers!!

My journey to this place started years ago.

Growing up I was the "fat friend", always struggling

Lamar fourth grade Tigers finish successful season

Pictured, left to right, are: front row, Joel Beshore, Jaxon Hearod and Ty Willhite; back row, Ryan Davis, Tyson Williams and Cameron Sturgell. The Tigers are coached by Matt Davis and Jimmy Hearod.

This season, the Lamar Tigers fourth grade basketball team learned about teamwork, perseverance and good sportsmanship, while compiling a 17-8 record. After losing their first four games the Tigers roared back to win first place in the Lamar Invitational and third place in the Nevada Invitational. The team also competed in the Sportspark League in Joplin, finishing with a 6-2

record during regular league play.

The Tigers then concluded their season by winning the Sportspark League year-end tournament on February 23. During the tournament the Tigers cruised to a 39-7 semifinal victory. In the championship game there were multiple lead changes in an exciting contest, until the Tigers pulled away to win 22-15.

with my weight and body image as a young girl and on into my early adulthood. I went through painful abusive relationships where I was told I was never good enough and that I was fat and no one else would ever want me, leading me to a very dark place as I entered my early 20s. I struggled with eating disorders, practically starving myself until I would binge eat and then feel the need to purge because of guilt and fear. I also worked out constantly any chance I could get. I got down to an unhealthy weight. My family and friends started noticing and asking questions, of course to which I denied and told them I was fine. But I wasn't fine, inside and out I was crying for help. I was afraid to look in the mirror because I thought I would see that fat young girl I used to be, the girl I despised and never wanted to see again. But when I looked in the mirror I saw a frightened young woman that needed help and needed to get healthy.

So I started a long journey of searching for the "right" way to get healthy.

I tried every fad diet, every pill, every workout video, every meal plan I could find, which sent me into a lot up and down weight gains and losses.

I struggled over the next few years, trying to find the person I could love.

It's truly been a long hard road to the person I've become. I found nutrition; a healthy way of viewing food and understanding how I could and should eat for my body and my way of life. I found cross training and fell in love with weight training and cardio, running and gymnastic movements! I started seeing changes in my body that made me

look fit and healthy and I had muscles!! I Finally, after all these years, I can look in the mirror and say, "I love who I am!! I am beautiful and I love my body!!" Oh how good that feels to love yourself for who you are!

I took nutrition classes, soaked up any knowledge I could find, received certifications and started coaching and I found another passion... helping people like me that may have struggled for years with weight and with loving that person they see in the mirror, finally getting to that point where they can say just that!

Soon my husband fell in love with the same things I had. He found a love for helping people and a passion for motivating people to be a better version of themselves, to increase the quality of their lives!

With lots of prayers we stepped out in faith and moved to Lamar and opened our own gym, Barton County Strength Club. With a small amount of equipment and a few members we embarked on an amazing journey. We are now

Lamar Democrat, Lamar, MO

close to 80 members and have been blessed with equipment and people who have helped us build

our gym home into a beautiful place, where we push ourselves, sweat together, achieve goals and grow with each other!

Our people are a family, a support system that will help you reach your goals and help you do things you never thought you would be able to do!

I am so blessed to be a part of each and every person's lives that walk

through the door of BCSC! This short version of my story and how my struggles and victories have led me here to you, I tell you for the reason that I hope it has touched someone or that someone can relate to where I have been. If so, then it was worth going through.

My passion and the reason BCSC exists is that my husband and I truly have a passion to help you where you are!! Right where you are now! Are you ready to change your life and love that person you see in the mirror? Then we are ready to help!!

I love you already.

"There are far better things ahead than any we leave behind" - C.S. Lewis

2015

Wednesday, March 25, 2015 •

SECTION B

LHS 4-H Youth EXCEL participate Are you exempt from the health in community exploration insurance penalty?

Lamar High School 4-H Youth EXCEL students were given the opportunity to participate in a community exploration on March 12, completing the 11th year, learning more about the community and possible career opportunities through various businesses, as well as city and county government offices. The students are a 4-H club that has been learning about leadership, choosing healthy lifestyles, community development, organization, work ethics, job placement and future careers through a partnership with the Lamar High School Facts Lead-

ership class, Making the right choice for oneself and a career begins with personal and community preparedness. Chelsie Griffin, Lamar High School Family and Consumer Science advisor; Debbie Little, EXCEL adult member and community volunteer and 4-H Youth Program Assistant Elaine Davis traveled with the students as they discovered more about themselves and the community.

The Youth EXCEL students began the morning with a tour of Barton County Memorial Hospital. The students were welcomed by Paul Stebbins of

First, the Barton County Ambulance District shared with students how equipment in the ambulance can be used in an emergency.

Second, Paul Stebbins shared various Barton County Memorial Hospital services that are offered to the community.

Third, Jack Purinton invited the youth to take a step back into the past with him and John Deere. The museum is very interesting and impressive.

BCMH ER and were given an overview of the hospital and its many contributions to the community. Barton County Memorial Hospital is a 25 bed Critical Access Hospital, offering a full range of inpatient and outpatient services. Students were able to tour the surgery areas, emergency room and physical therapy area. They continued to learn about radiology services, cardio pulmonary services and diabetes education, as well as social services that are available in both inpatient and on an outpatient basis. Health careers, as well as computer programming, housekeeping and maintenance areas outside the health field, are critical in making the hospital run smoothly. Students also learned about Med One Clinic and its recent expansion to meet community needs. The students found that BCMH is one of the largest employers of the community. Although it is a small hospital, it meets large needs to the Lamar and surrounding communities.

On the next stop students were greeting by Jack Purinton at Legacy Farm and Lawn. Jack shared the working of Legacy Farm and Lawn, where he has been employed since 1954.

Legacy Farm and Lawn carries a long legacy in Barton County, that has reached out to locations in Lockwood, Nevada and Joplin. The students received information on the business from various employees, citing how the fields of farmers and agriculture have changed. The students were in awe as Jack shared his museum of John Deere history. The variety of products that John Deere has produced and the many tractors that he has restored would have kept everyone looking all day. It was very interesting and impressive.

It was such a beautiful day the students enjoyed a short walk uptown, where Brad Williams, officer of Heritage State Bank, welcomed the students in to the banking facility. Brad shared the opportunities of banking with Heritage State Bank, who also has locations in Carthage, Nevada and El Dorado Springs, that serve the community. The next stop was with the Barton County Ambulance District.

The employees provided an emergency preparedness program. Students learned about what education is required to become an EMT and how their work is used on an emergency call.

The lunch stop was at Marsee EXPLORATION, page 6B

LHS Youth EXCEL class completes session

By CHRISTOPHER A RUNION, CPA As you’re probably well aware, the requirement under the Affordable Care Act (ACA) for individuals to obtain at least minimal health insurance coverage went into effect in January 2014. If you didn’t purchase a health insurance policy, you may have to pay a penalty with your 2014 federal income tax return.

But not everyone is required to pay the penalty. In fact, the list of exemptions is extensive. Here is a brief explanation of common exemptions. * Unaffordable coverage.

The minimum amount you would have paid for employer-provided coverage or a “bronze level” plan exceeds eight percent of your actual household income for the year.

* Short coverage gap. You didn’t have coverage for less than three consecutive months during the year. * Income below filing threshold. Your gross income or household income is less than the applicable minimum threshold for filing a tax return. * Citizens living abroad and certain noncitizens. This exempts certain U.S. citizens, including those who spent more than 330 days abroad during a 12-month period and qualified noncitizen residents. * Incarcerated individuals.

The requirement doesn’t apply to someone in a jail, prison or similar penal institution. * Unaffordable aggregate selfonly coverage. The aggregate cost of self-only employer-provided coverage for two or more family members exceeds eight percent of household income. * Coverage gap. If you had a gap in your coverage at the beginning of 2014 but enrolled in the marketplace before May 1, you’re exempt. * General hardship. Circumstances such as homelessness, eviction, foreclosure, domestic violence, death of a close family member or unpaid medical bills prevented you from obtaining coverage.

This list is not all-inclusive.

For other exemptions visit the healthcare section of irs.gov.

The information contained in this column is of a general nature and should not be acted upon in your specific situation without further details and/or professional assistance.

Fireplace & More Store holds grand opening

Melody Metzger/ Lamar Democrat The Fireplace & More Store by Schnelle Sheet Metal held its grand opening on Saturday, March 14, from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. Dustin Davenport, left, shows off one of the fireplaces that was on display to Jess Masterson. Also pictured is the outside of the building at 1105 Cherry in Lamar.

Joplin Museum to host train show and swap meet

Congratulations to the 2015 LHS Youth EXCEL class for completing 14 sessions of EXCEL - Experience In Community Enterprise and Leadership development program. “One's philosophy is not best expressed in words; It is expressed in the choices one makes... and the choices we make are ultimately our responsibility." - Eleanor Roosevelt. Students include Makalya Marshall, Melodie Berry, Karsen Hull, Bailey Starmer, Hannah Francis, Cassie Walters, Kelsie Lawrence, Nathan McConnell, Jeremy Marti and Johnny Brooks.

Also pictured are Debbie Little, EXCEL adult volunteer; Chelsie Williams, Facts advisor and Elaine Davis, 4-H Youth program assistant. Not pictured is JJ Towne.

The Joplin Museum Complex will host a train show on Saturday, March 28, 9 a.m. to 3 p.m., at the Joplin Museum Complex, located at 7th and Schifferdecker Streets in Schifferdecker Park, between the pool and golf course.

Included will be model, collectible and antique electric trains. Also included will be operating layouts, col-

lectible train memorabilia and over 60 tables of items for sale.

Admission is $3 for adults, with children under 12 admitted free.

All proceeds at the door go to benefit the Joplin Museum Complex. Door prizes will be awarded on the hour. For more information call Rick Gardner at 417-673-4888 or email rickgardner@sofnet.com.

Tenth annual 4-H summit engages teens in service, global education Pictured are, left to right, Isiah Chandler, Nathaniel Hawes, Tony Morgan, Clayton Winslow and Sam Annabiel.

COLUMBIA-Tony Morgan, Clayton Winslow and Nathaniel Hawes, 4-H members from Barton County and Sam Annabiel and Isaiah Chandler, 4-H members from Jasper County, were among 150 youth and adults participating in "Bring the World Home!"

- the 2015 Youth Civic Leaders Summit at Windermere Conference Center, near Camdenton, March 6-8. 4-H members were joined by teams from 32 other counties and groups representing Iowa and Illinois 4-H. Newton County 4-H teens served as youth hosts, working with event planners to raise global and cultural awareness through see SUMMIT, page 3B

2B • Wednesday, March 25, 2015

RECORDS

BRIEFS

All briefs are also posted on the calender at www.lamardemocrat.com.

TOM SHIELDS WILL HOST MEET THE CANDIDATE on Thursday, April 2, 1 p.m. to 3 p.m. and 6 p.m. to 8 p.m., at Thiebaud Auditorium in Lamar.

Shields is a candidate for mayor.

COMMUNITY BLOOD CENTER OF THE Ozarks will hold a blood drive on Monday, March 30, 1:30 p.m. to 5:30 p.m., at the Lamar First Christian Church Fellowship Hall. There will also be a free cholesterol screening.

THE MARY K. FINLEY LIBRARY WILL HOST a seed swap on Thursday, March 26, at 1 p.m. The Master Gardeners will attend and donate seeds to the public.

A FREE MOVIE MATINEE WILL BE HELD Monday, April 6, 1 p.m., at the Mary K. Finley Library in Lamar. Refreshments will be served. For movie title and more details call the library at 417-682-5355.

THE LAMAR LICENSE OFFICE WILL HOLD its Customer Appreciation Day on Wednesday, April 1, 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. Refreshments will be served. The office is located at 208 W. 12th St. THE BARTON COUNTY CHAMBER OF Commerce will sponsor a town hall meeting on Tuesday, March 31, 6:30 p.m., at Memorial Hall in Lamar. Discussions will include Barton County Memorial Hospital addressing Proposition I, as well as Tom Shields and Kent Harris’ campaigns for mayor.

THE LAMAR HIGH SCHOOL CLASS OF 1950 will hold its 65th reunion planning meeting on Friday, March 27, 7 p.m., at 709 Hagny, Lamar. For more information contact Helen Gardner at 417-682-5844.

U.S. REPRESENTATIVE VICKY HARTZLER will take a tour of Barton County Memorial Hospital on Monday, April 6, 8 a.m. to 8:30 a.m. She will also visit with the administration and staff. The public is invited to come and visit her while she is there.

THE RETIRED EDUCATORS OF BARTON County Area will meet Wednesday, April 1, at the Lamar First Christian Church. The guest speaker will be Jack Posten, MRTA state president. Breakfast will be at 8:30 a.m., with the business meeting to begin at 9 a.m.

Remember to bring items for Nathan’s Place.

EASTER SUNRISE SERVICE WILL BE HELD Sunday, April 5, 7 a.m., at the Barco Drive-In. Breakfast will follow at Grace Lutheran Church, where the divine service will be held at 10:30 a.m. The church is located at 208 Poplar St., Lamar. For information call 417-682-2257.

AN INFORMATIONAL MEETING ON PROPOSITION 1, to be presented by Barton County Memorial Hospital, will be held at the Kneeland Center, 209 South Main St., Liberal on Thursday, March 26, 6 p.m.

A BARTON COUNTY LIBRARY COMPUTER training class on Microsoft Word Basics will be held Friday, April 3, 5 p.m. to 7 p.m., and will cover creating and formatting a document. The class will be held at the Mary K. Finley Library in Lamar. To sign up stop by the library or call 417-682-5355.

LAMAR SADDLE CLUB WILL HOLD AN appreciation lunch of hotdogs and chips on Saturday, March 28, 12 p.m. to 5 p.m., at the saddle club grounds.

Bring your horse to ride. Everyone is welcome, with new memberships being accepted. A Coggins Clinic, costing $15, will be held from 2 p.m. to 4 p.m., with Cody Scheets Farrier Service available at a cost of $50 per horse. All are invited to come enjoy the day.

LOCKWOOD R-1 HIGH SCHOOL WILL PRESENT their spring musical, “Dorothy in Wonderland” on Saturday, March 28, 6 p.m., at the school gym.

Dinner will also be served. Tickets at the door are $12 for adults and $6 for children 12 and younger. Discount tickets are available in advance at the elementary school library, from LaNita Hackney, at the high school from Rebecca Jones and from the high school drama club and student council members.

ST. MARY’S CATHOLIC CHURCH WILL hold its annual fish fry on Friday, March 27, 5:30 p.m. until ?, at Lamar Memorial Hall. There will be fish, fried potatoes and onions, pinto beans, macaroni and cheese, coleslaw, hush puppies, cornbread, drink and dessert for $8 for adults, or $5 for children 12 and under.

Takeout orders are also available by calling by 4 p.m. on Friday, March 27, at 417-682-4959 or 417-6822007. Call in takeouts may be picked up at the north basement door starting at 5 p.m. and walk in takeout orders are available at the front door. Proceeds go to Lamar St. Mary’s Catholic Church’s summer camps for youth and SMYL (St. Mary’s Youth Lamar).

BARTON COUNTY EXTENSION IS TAKING applications for the Community Gardens, located on 20th Street, across from Lamar Plaza Apartments.

Three 5x10 foot and three 5x5 foot raised beds are available. Past participants with a positive record will be given priority. Participants are expected to care for their own beds. For information call Jill Scheidt at Barton County Extension, 417-682-3579.

MENU

BARTON COUNTY SENIOR CENTER LUNCH MENU: March 30 – April 3 MONDAYChicken gratin potatoes, buttered pot pie, Harvard beets, peas, wheat roll, banana, mashed potatoes, juice, coffee/tea/milk.

Mandarin oranges, cof- THURSDAY- Terriyaki fee/tea/milk. chicken, Asian rice, brocTUESDAY- Barbecue coli, egg roll, gelatin with brisket on bun, seasoned fruit, coffee/tea/milk. green beans, macaroni FRIDAYSpaghetti and cheese, tomato juice, with meatballs, Antigua brownie, coffee/tea/milk. vegetables, buttered corn, WEDNESDAY- Salis- garlic roll, grapes, coffee/ bury steak with gravy, au tea/milk.

“Nobody cares how much you know, until they know how much you care.”

www.lamardemocrat.com

Lamar Democrat, Lamar, MO

DEATHS & PAID MEMORIALS RON AMAN LAMAR-A graveside service was held at 3 p.m.

Thursday at Memory Gardens Cemetery for Ronald Lee Aman, 70, Lamar, who died Sunday, March 15, 2015, at Barton County Memorial Hospital.

Arrangements were under the direction of Daniel Funeral Home.

Online condolences may be left at www.danielfuneralhome.net.

Survivors include his companion of 34 years, Beverly Lara, of the home.

Mr. Aman was born Aug. 6, 1944, at Jersey City, NJ, to Leland Wesley and Ursula (Webels) Aman. He was a 1962 graduate of Lamar High School and went on to receive a degree in Water/ Waste Water Management, working in Nevada and Odessa, Mo. and Blytheville, Ark. He loved to camp and fish, especially at Roaring River State Park. He also enjoyed tying flies for his fishing adventures.

WILLIE ISON LAMAR-Graveside services were held at 11 a.m. Thursday at Iantha Cemetery for Willard Lee Ison, 63, Lamar, who died Monday, March 16, 2015, at Freeman Hospital West, Joplin.

Arrangements were under the direction of Daniel Funeral Home.

Memorial contributions may be made to American Heart Association or American Diabetes Association, in care of the funeral home.

The obituary may be viewed and condolences left at www.danielfuneralhome.net.

Survivors include his wife, Diann Ison, of the

home; two sons, David Ison and wife Chris, Yonkers, N.Y. and Dustin Gardner and wife Drenda, Carthage; a daughter, Shana Ison, Lamar; a sister, Teresa White and husband Dale, Frontenac, Kan.; seven grandchildren, Lexi, Courtney, Carter, Drayton and Kyler Ison and Delayna and Darrah Gardner, as well as several nieces and nephews.

He was preceded in death by his parents and a son, Landon Ison.

Mr. Ison was born July 26, 1951, to Willard E. and Lavona (Bishop) Ison. He was a 1969 graduate of Liberal High School. He was a farmer and had also worked for O’Sullivan Industries, Thorco Industries and as a part time carpenter. He was an avid deer and turkey hunter, with both a bow and gun, and was involved in garden tractor pulling with his brothers-in-law.

He married Diann (Stebler) Gardner on Aug. 14, 1990.

tions may be made to the Keeney family, in care of Mary Keeney.

Online condolences may be shared at www. danielfuneralhome.net.

Survivors include his wife of 61 years, Mary, of the home; two sons, Michael Keeney and wife Cory, Appleton, Wisc. and Keith Keeney, of the home; two daughters, Lorrie Shuey and husband Lee, Lamar and Jean Marie Yeager and husband Troy, Neosho; a sister, Mona Zempel, Olympia, Wash.; nine grandchildren, Kimberly, Phillip, Melisa, Michelle, Shawn, Justin, Jeffery, Troy II and Nicholas and nine great-grandchildren.

Mr. Keeney was born Jan. 21, 1932, at Weyauwega, Wisc., to Clyde and Frieda (Bauer) Keeney.

After graduating from Manawa High School he enlisted in the U.S. Army in 1951, earning the Korean Service Medal with three bronze campaign stars for his overseas service. While stationed at Camp Crowder he met his future wife, Mary Louise Hill and they were married Feb. 6, 1954, at Webb City. As a newly married couple they moved to Wisconsin to care for his mother. He worked for the Waupaca Highway Department for 20 years. They returned to Missouri, where he worked in the maintenance department of MSSU in Joplin becompleting his work DON KEENEY fore career with Compton Farms in Barton County.

LAMAR-A memorial An avid outdoorsman, he service with full military enjoyed hunting and fishhonors was held at 2 p.m. ing throughout his life.

Saturday at Daniel Funeral Home for Donald Eugene Keeney, 83, Lamar, who died Wednesday RUTH EARL evening, March 18, 2015, at his home. Burial was in GOLDEN CITY-SerOak Grove Cemetery in vices are pending with Oakton.

Konantz Warden Funeral Memorial contribu- Home in Lamar for Ruth

PROPERTY TRANSFERS General Warranty Deed, filed February 25, 2015.

Jeffrey M. Bates to David Houston Properties, LLC: Tract I: All of lots 4 and 5 in block 3 of Wyatt's Addition to the Town of Golden City, Barton County, Missouri. Also, all of lots 6 and 7 and the west half of lot 8 in block 3 of Wyatt's Addition to the Town of Golden City, Barton County, Missouri; also, a tract commencing 16 rods east and 30 feet north of the southwest corner of section 26, township 31, range 29 said point being at the southwest corner of lot 6 in block 3 of said Wyatt's Addition to the Town of Golden City, Missouri, and running thence north 115 feet, thence west 66 feet, thence south 115 feet, thence east 66 feet to the point of beginning, being a part of the southwest quarter of section

26, township 31, Barton County, Missouri. Tract 2: The east half of lot 8 and all of lots 9 and 8 in block 3, of Wyatt's Addition to Golden City, Barton County, Missouri. Tract 3: All of lot 10 and the north half of lot 11, block 9 of Wyatt's Second Addition to Golden City, Barton County, Missouri.

General Warranty Deed, filed February 25, 2015.

David J Robinson, Sr. and Susan Robinson to Roger Vansel and Christy Vansel: All of lot 20 in block 58 in the First Addition to the Original Town, now City of Mindenmines, Barton County, Missouri.

General Warranty Deed, filed February 26, 2015.

Linda Owen and Roy Lee Owen and Roger Hensley and Vicki Hensley and Susan Cheshire and Karen Taffner and Jerry Taffner and Pam Medlin and

Jesse Medlin to Clarence Bedford and Dorothy Bedford, and Carol Renea Lambeth as joint tenants: All of lot 7 in block 2 of Ihm's Addition to the City of Lamar, Barton County, Missouri.

Warranty Deed, filed February 27, 2015. John A. Rowell and Rabekah L. Rowell of Barton County, Missouri to Don Volkman and Linda L. Volkman of Barton County, Missouri: All of lots 10, 11 and 12 in block 5 of the Original Town of Golden City, in Barton County, Missouri.

General Warranty Deed, filed February 27, 2015.

David Byler, Jr. and Elsie D. Byler to Daniel Yoder: The north half of the south half of the southeast quarter of section 8, township 33, range 31, Barton County, Missouri.

Earl, 86, Golden City, who died Sunday, March 22, 2015.

CONNIE SHAVER LAMAR-A memorial service will be held at 7 p.m. Thursday at the Konantz Warden Funeral Home Chapel for Connie Mechele Shaver, 50, Lamar, who died Sunday, March 22, 2015, at her home.

Survivors include three daughters, Thomesa Thomas, Rheanna Allen and Lilly Allen; a brother and three sisters and two grandchildren, Kristiana Thomas and Allyson Scheetz.

She was preceded in death by her parents.

Mrs. Shaver was born in Greenfield, N.C., to Bill and Betty (Munson) Brookshire. She had resided in the Kansas City area for several years before moving to Lamar where she met and married Joe Shaver on March 25, 2009. She was a homemaker.

Lamar Democrat, Lamar, MO

www.lamardemocrat.com

Wednesday, March 25, 2015 •

3B

RECORDS/LEGALS Summit, continued from page 1B world-themed foods and group activities.

"Every year at this event I see young people becoming empowered and energized to take on the world, whether it is the fair, their town, county, region or across the globe," said Jeremy Elliott-Engel, University of Missouri Extension 4-H youth specialist who led the Newton County team.

"This year was no different. I saw youth find a passion, step up to leadership and see a vision for themselves. It was a gift to see that transformational moment," added ElliottEngel.

On Friday evening, summiteers participated in a dollar drive benefitting 4-H youth programs in Liberia and displayed posters about "teens as teachers" projects they completed during 2014.

Trent Ludwig, State 4-H Council president, kicked off the summit, encouraging teens to develop their skills as communicators and public speakers.

Brandon Lee White,

a motivational speaker from Let It Move, Inc., led interactive dances and stories highlighting qualities of true leaders.

Mark Goth, Monsanto Company representative, spoke on 4-H clubs offering youth their first leadership roles and how a simple "thank you" put him on a career track that has led around the world.

Jo Turner, whose career started as a 4-H member and later led to 4-H specialist, state director and National 4-H Council consultant, gave teams practical advice on how to reach out and connect with youth through Global 4-H Network programs in developing countries around the world.

On Saturday evening, summiteers experienced citizenship initiatives through a mock petition drive and learned about 4-H state, national and global trip opportunities.

Youth participants gained exposure through workshops on leadership, service-learning, secondand third-world living

LEGALS

conditions and state/national advocacy on issues.

Adult sessions focused on quality youth programs, youth-adult partnerships and global exchange opportunities. Summiteers also honed their teamwork through the EDGE challenge course, Bridal Cave tour, circle-theworld dancing and a team talent showcase emceed

by Mizzou 4-H collegiate members.

On Sunday, youth and adult teams planned 4-H service-learning projects with a local/global twist, which they will implement in 2015.

Sponsors of the 10th annual summit include Monsanto Company, Cenex Harvest States Foundation, The Missouri Bar and Missouri 4-H Foundation. Missouri 4-H's national partners include National 4-H Council and U.S. Department of Agriculture's National Institute of Food & Agriculture (NIFA).

Missouri 4-H is a community of over 260,000 youth ages five to 18 from rural farming communities, suburban schoolyards and urban neighborhoods. 4-H youth are learning leadership, citizenship and life skills, guided by over 10,000 caring adult volunteers statewide. University of Missouri Extension 4-H is the youth development program of the nation's Cooperative Extension system.

COURT MISC.

Midland Funding LLC V Kristina Roby, consent judgment.

Lloyd Holtzen V Lisa L Dahlquist, default judgment.

Metropolitan National Bank V Garry W VanGilder et al, default judgment.

Convergence Receivables LC Vs Shalanda Planchock, default judgment.

Michael Shon Anderson Vs Jeannie Mae Anderson, default judgment.

Tower Loan of Missouri LLC V Lorraine Meredith, default judgment.

Stephanie N Counts V Dalton C Freeze, consent judgment.

Need to Advertise?

CONTACT

Melissa Little

417-682-5529 ext. 62

melissa@lamardemocrat.com

3-25, 4-1-2tc see LEGALS, page 4B

4B • Wednesday, March 25, 2015

LEGALS

www.lamardemocrat.com

Lamar Democrat, Lamar, MO

Legals, continued from page 3B NO ELECTION REQUIRED as per RSMo. 115.124 If the number of candidat4es who have filed for a particular office is equal to the number of positions in that office to be filled by the election, no election shall be held for such office, and the candidates shall assume the responsibilities of their offices at the same time and in the same manner as if they had been elected. The following contains the names of the candidates that shall assume the responsibilities of office under this section.

Bronaugh R-7 School District Board Member Ryan Linn Jill Walrod

Barton County Health Department Board Members Darrell Kentner Mike Harvey Rick Fast Barton County Hospital Board Member Mike Vaughan Consolidated Public Water Supply District No. 1 Barton, Dade, Cedar and Jasper Counties Board of Directors Sub-District 1 Rick Fast Sub-District 5 Gary Earl Liberal R-2 School District Board Member Brian K. King John Simpson

Barton City Township Trustee-Treasurer Paul Crabtree Clerk Andy Wolf Central Township Trustee-Treasurer Brent Hanshaw Board Member Russ Massa Jerry Weber Clerk Jerry A. Davis City Township Trustee-Treasurer Bonda Rawlings Board Member Wayne Poe Gene Davis Clerk Cheryl M. Flores

Doylesport Township Trustee-Treasurer Frank Shutters Board Member Skip Felkner Kevin Duncan Clerk Tina Felkner

Leroy Township Trustee-Treasurer Karen Hardy Board Member Chris Ward Brian Bowman Clerk Greg Hardy

Newport Township Trustee-Treasurer Lola Wilhelm Board Member Charles L. Madison Dale Hessefort Clerk Patty Kremp

Richland Township Trustee-Treasurer Ken Brous Board Member Walter Howrey Gary Fast Clerk Dale Huber

Golden City Township Trustee-Treasurer Liz Hand Board Member Frank Leivan Gene Harris Clerk Kathryn Boehne

Milford Township Trustee-Treasurer Teresa Winchell Board Member Henry Taffner Alvin Collins Clerk Dawn Julian

Northfork Township Trustee-Treasurer Jason Morgan Board Member Darrel Ball Carl Berryhill Clerk Gail Miller

Southwest Township Trustee-Treasurer Gary Smith Board Member Howard Overman Paul Helms Clerk Sondra Smith

Lamar Township Trustee-Treasurer Ed Patterson Board Member Wally Norton Mike Divine Clerk Marilyn Roth

Nashville Township Trustee-Treasurer Rodney Overman Board Member Dale Robertson Mark Peterson Clerk Rose Ann Overman

Ozark Township Trustee-Treasurer Kevin Henegar Board Member John Shomin Jim McClendon Clerk Brad Williams

Union Township Treasurer Trustee Judy Ayers Board Member Rodney Ayers Ron Wood Clerk Terisa Ayers

DONE BY ORDER OF THE COUNTY CLERK OF BARTON COUNTY THIS 12TH DAY OF MARCH, 2015.

(SEAL) KRISTINA CROCKETT, COUNTY CLERK

IN THE CIRCUIT COURT OF BARTON COUNTY, MISSOURI PROBATE DIVISION In the Estate of SHARON GARFIELD, Deceased.

Estate No. 14B4-PR00014 NOTICE OF FILING OF FINAL SETTLEMENT AND PETITION FOR DISTRIBUTION TO ALL PERSONS INTERESTED IN THE ESTATE OF SHARON GARFIELD, Deceased: You are hereby notified that the undersigned Personal Representative will file a Final Settlement and Petition for determination of the persons who are the successors in interest to the personal and real property of the Decedent and of the extent and character of their interest therein and for distribution of such property, in the Probate Division of the Circuit Court of Barton County, Missouri, on April 7, 2015, or as may be continued by the Court, and that any objections or exceptions to such Final Settlement or Petition or any item thereof must be in writing and filed within twenty days after the filing of such Final Settlement. s-GEORGE D. NICHOLS, Attorney 206 West 10th Street Lamar, MO 64759 (417) 682-6003

georgednichols@att.net s-MARK GARFIELD, Personal Representative 3-4,11,18,25-4tc IN THE CIRCUIT COURT OF BARTON COUNTY, MISSOURI PROBATE DIVISION In the Estate of CHARLES E. CURLESS, Deceased.

Estate No. 15B4-PR00003 AMENDED NOTICE OF LETTERS GRANTED To all persons interested in the Estate of CHARLES E. CURLESS: On December 24, 2014, the Last Will of Decedent having been admitted to probate, CHARLES D. CURLESS was appointed Personal Representative of the Estate of CHARLES E. CURLESS, Deceased, by the Probate Division of Barton County, Missouri. The business address of the Personal Representative is 10 Northridge Drive, Lamar, MO 64759 and the Personal Representative's attorney is GEORGE D. NICHOLS, 206 West 10th Street, Lamar, MO 64759.

All creditors of the decedent are notified to file

3-25-1tc claims in court within six months from the date of first publication of this notice or if a copy of this notice was mailed to, or served upon, such creditor by the personal representative, then within two months from the date it was mailed or served, whichever is later, or be forever barred to the fullest extent permissible by law. Such six-month period and such two-month period do not extend the limitation period that would bar claims one year after the decedent's death, as provided in section 473.444, RSMo, or any other applicable limitation periods. Nothing in section 473.033, RSMo, shall be construed to bar any action against a decedent's liability insurance carrier through a defendant ad litem pursuant to section 537.021, RSMo. Date of decedent's death was February 14, 2014.

Date of first publication is March 4, 2015. s-James V. Nichols, Judge 3-4,11,18,25-4tc In Re: Justin V. Sprouls, a single person TRUSTEE’S SALE – Under the terms of the Deed of Trust executed by Justin

V. Sprouls, a single person dated 11/05/2004, and recorded on 11/08/2004 Document 2004-2437 in the office of the Recorder of Deeds for Barton County, MISSOURI, the undersigned Successor Trustee, will on 04/06/2015 at 2:30 PM at the West Front Door of the Barton County Courthouse, 1007 Broadway, Lamar, Mo. 64759 , sell at public venue to the highest bidder for cash subject to the terms announced at the sale, the realty described in said deed of trust, to wit: ALL OF 70 FEET OFF AND ACROSS THE WEST END OF LOTS FOUR (4) AND FIVE (5), IN BLOCK FIVE (5), OF FIRST ADDITION TO LAMAR, BARTON COUNTY, MISSOURI, TOGETHER WITH THE EAST HALF OF VACATED 14 FOOT ALLEY LYING WEST AND ADJACENT TO SAID LOTS 4 AND 5.

MORE ACCURATELY DESCRIBED AS: ALL OF 70 FEET OF AND ACROSS THE WEST END OF LOTS FOUR (4) AND FIVE (5), IN BLOCK FIVE (5),

OF FIRST ADDITION TO LAMAR, BARTON COUNTY, MISSOURI, TOGETHER WITH THE EAST HALF OF VACATED 14 FOOT ALLEY LYING WEST AND ADJACENT TO SAID LOTS 4 AND 5; SUBJECT TO AN EASEMENT DATED AUGUST 29, 1956, IN BOOK 270 PAGE 288..

Substitute Trustee Corporation SUCCESSOR TRUSTEE www.substitutetrusteecorp.com Published in the Lamar Democrat File #: SPRJUNOR First publication date 03/11/2015 3-11,18,25,4-1-4tc

distributees for the decedent under Section 473.097, RSMo, with the probate division of the circuit court of Barton County, Missouri.

All creditors of the decedent, who died February 5, 2015, are notified that Section 473.444 sets a limitation period that would

see LEGALS, page 5B

NOTICE TO CREDITORS STATE OF MISSOURI COUNTY OF BARTON IN THE CIRCUIT COURT OF BARTON COUNTY, MISSOURI In the Estate of: RUTH TYLER, Deceased, Estate No. 15B4-PR00015.

To all persons interested in the estate of RUTH TYLER, Decedent: On the 13th day of March, 2015, a small estate affidavit was filed by the

Connee Forrester realty, llC 816 W. 12th, Westview Center Lamar, Missouri 64759 417-682-6543 • www.realtor.com CHARMING THREE Bdrm, 2 ba. Hardwoods in most rooms. KIT appliances stay.

XL Utility rm. 2c attd garage, fenced back yard. Landscaped corner lot, north Lamar location.

TUCKED AWAY ON ACRE IN TOWN: Spacious 3-4 Bedroom, 2 bath, Lamar Lake area.

Brick and vinyl exterior. A number of recent upgrades including thermal windows, newer roof.

CH/A. 3 car attached carport. 1.4 acre +/-, landscaping, fruit trees, and excellent garden spot.

LAND AUCTION

480± Acres • Morton County, Kansas THREE TRACTS!

Tuesday, March 31, at 10:00 AM

4-H Building, Stanton County Fair Grounds Johnson City, Kansas

• Income producing property, enrolled in CRP through 2020 • Located three miles east of Richfield • Tract 3 offers hunting potential For additional information, contact:

Cole Owens, AFM/Agent Garden City, Kansas

(620) 276-4424 or (620) 521-1450 Auctioneer: Monty Meusch

COwens@FarmersNational.com www.FarmersNational.com/ColeOwens

www.FarmersNational.com

Real Estate Sales • Auctions • Farm and Ranch Management • Appraisal • Insurance • Consultation Oil and Gas Management • Forest Resource Management National Hunting Leases • Lake Management • FNC Ag Stock

E I E I O: Not a farm perhaps, but three rural acres on blacktop with some larger trees and 44' x 100" barn. Located near Iantha. Liberal school district. Endless possibilities. Owner encourages offers.

STRIKING INSIDE AND OUT: Open floor plan in 3 Bedroom, 2 bath Lamar Lake area. Crown molding, tile, plantation blinds, walk-in master closet, hi-eff Lennox CH, central vac, and THE porch. Covered patio. 2.5 car garage adjacent. Outstanding home for gathering family and friends.

COUNTRY LIVING CLOSE TO TOWN: 4 Bdrm Tri-level, 2.5 bath on 1.18 acres. Spectacular open Kitchen-Living Room-Dining Room combination with streaming natural light. Two car attd garage plus 24' x 30' detd shop. Rural water.

Floor plan would accommodate in-law suite.

GOOD LOCATION INCLUDED: Two Bedroom, 1 spacious bath. Hi-Eff CH,CA. Updated Kitchen includes appliances. 18́ x 23́ deck overlooks large, shady fenced, yard.

1.5 car attached garage. Storage building with concrete floor.

COUNTRY CLOSE TO TOWN: Wonderful treed back yard included with this 2 Bdrm, 2 bath home on 1 acre close to Lamar. Spacious Kitchen, dining room and living room with fireplace. Plenty of hardwood floors. Breezeway to 2c garage, workshop and storm shelter.

RURAL LISTINGS NEEDED

ACREAGES - LARGE OR SMALL - WITH OR WITHOUT HOUSES

Lamar Democrat, Lamar, MO

www.lamardemocrat.com

Wednesday, March 25, 2015 •

5B

LEGALS/CLASSIFIEDS Legals, continued from page 4B bar claims one year after the death of the decedent.

A creditor may request that this estate be opened for administration.

Receipt of this notice should not be construed by the recipient to indicate that the recipient may possibly have a beneficial interest in the estate. The nature and extent of any person’s interest, if any, may possibly be determined from the affidavit on this estate filed in the probate division of the circuit court of Barton County, Missouri.

Date of first publication is March 18, 2015. s-JAMES NICHOLS

Judge of Probate Division 3-18,25-2tc

IN THE CIRCUIT COURT OF BARTON COUNTY, MISSOURI PROBATE DIVISION AT LAMAR IN THE ESTATE OF: THOMAS WILSON MARTIN, Deceased.

ESTATE NO 14B4PR00054 AMENDED NOTICE OF LETTERS GRANTED To all persons interested in the Estate of Thomas Wilson Martin decedent: On the 12th day of November, 2014, Teresa

CLASSIFIEDS Special Notices

Alcoholics Anonymous meets every Sunday, 5 p.m., in the basement of Lamar Memorial Hall, 1104 Broadway. All meetings are nonsmoking.

Narcotics Anonymous Meetings - Wednesdays, 7:30 p.m., 1104 Broadway, Memorial Hall Basement.

Moore, Barton County Public Administrator was appointed Personal Representative of the Estate of Thomas Wilson Martin, decedent, by the Probate Division of Circuit Court of Barton County, Missouri. The business address of the Personal Representative is Teresa Moore, Barton County Public Administrator, Barton County Courthouse, Lamar, Missouri and the attorney is Richard M. Scott of 100 W. 10th, Lamar, MO 64759.

All creditors of the decedent are notified to file claims in Court within six months from the date of first publication of this notice or if a copy of this notice was mailed to, or served upon,

ly Insured. Cell: 417214-0256 or Home: 417682-2909 After 7 Please.

Looking To Have Your If no answer please leave House Cleaned? Call me message. Chris O'Neal Owner/Operator 1103 at 620-875-6043.

E 18th St., Lamar, MO Garden Tilling – let me 64759. prepare your garden.

Contact Lauren Dun- Employment ford, 417-214-5775.

Services Offered

Lawn Mowing Season Is Approaching: Please call O'Neal Cutting Edge Lawn Care for All Your Lawn Care Needs: Free Estimates: Affordable Prices: Ful-

Drivers, 65,000+, CDLA, $2500 sign on, Bonus Pay out in 4mo. 1 month exp., Same Day Pay! Free Health Ins, No CDL? We have Free training! www.trailiner.com 800-

such creditor by the personal representative, then within two months from the date it was mailed or served, whichever is later, or be forever barred to the fullest extent permissible by law.

Such six-month period and such two-month period do not extend the limitation period that would bar claims one year after the decedent’s death, as provided in Section 473.444, RSMo, or any other applicable limitation periods. Nothing in section 473.033 RSMo, shall be construed to bar any action against a decedent’s liability insurance carrier through a defendant ad litem pursuant to Section 537.021, RSMo. Receipt of this notice by mail should not be construed

by the recipient to indicate Date of decedent’s death that the recipient necessarily was October 4, 2013. has a beneficial interest in the Date of first publication is estate. The nature and extent March 25, 2015. of any person’s interest, s-Janet B. Maupin if any, can be determined Clerk of the Probate from the files and records Division of this estate in the Probate Of the Circuit Court of Division of the Circuit Court Barton County, Missouri of Barton County, Missouri.

3-25,4-1,8,15-4tc

769-3993.

er Benefits. Dry Van and Flatbed Divisions.

Drivers, Solo, 3 or 6 day You Choose. Refreshruns, $44 cents per mi, ers Welcome. 800-234Free Health Ins. Same 5710.

Day Pay. 800-769-3993 for Details, on line app Overnight Floor www.trailiner.com.

Cleaner needed, 10 p.m. to 6 a.m., 3 nights/24 Drivers: CDL-A. PTT hour week. Must be reHiring OTR Earn .40 sponsible, have transcpm base then bonus! portation and pass backHard running Solos/ ground check. Contact Teams. FT/PT available. Chris at 417-766-4490.

866-312-7919.

Drivers: Company: Drivers: Great Home Great Weekly Pay! Paid Time. Excellent Pay Health Insurance, VaPackage & Paid Driv- cation/Holidays! OwnerOps: $1.03 All miles plus 100% FS. Paid tolls, scales & more @ Standard Transportation Gets you home weekly: 1-888-992-4038 x 133.

Drivers: $70,000 to 80,000 per yr., Exp drivers, Free health insurance, 2500 sign on bonus (pays out in 4 mons) Home weekly, Same day pay 2016 Freightliner Cascadia, APU, invertors. Automatic and Standard Transmission. www/trailiner.com or 800-769-3993.

Miscellaneous For Sale

Husky Mower 42” 18 HP B&S Twin, new belts upper and lower, new

battery, new coil. Nice, $650. Excellent all over.

417-214-1829.

Avon April Specials: Enchanted Frozen Disney items. Earrings 3 sets only $7.99; Jewelry box $12.99; Projection watch, $9.99; Elsa, Olaf and Anna Cuddle Pillows only $24.99 each.

To order call Donita McCulloch, 682-6578 or 825-5333.

"Publisher's notice: All real estate advertised herein is subject to the Federal Fair Housing Act, which makes it illegal to advertise any preference, limitation, or discrimination because of race, color, religion, sex, handicap, familial status, or national origin, or intention to make any such preference limitation, or discrimination. We will not knowingly accept any advertising for real estate, which is in violation of the law. All persons are hereby informed that all dwellings advertised are available on an equal opportunity basis".

ry cutter. Donald Moss, 417-682-3895.

Mobile Homes for Rent

Are You Ready To Move? We have 2 bedroom trailers and houses ready to rent. Two rental references a must.

682-2636.

Apartments for Rent

Vacancy - Scottsdale Apartments - Senior Citizens Housing. Call 682-3589. Mo. TDD 1-800-735-2966. Equal Opportunity Housing. Handicapped units available. Located at 17th and Lexington.

1 Bedroom Apartment nicely furnished or unfurnished. Pool, rec room and laundry. Free cable/HBO, water and trash. Short leases available. $200 security deposit. No pets! In Nevada. Starting at $365.

417-667-2633.

Sheldon Apartments Nice 1 bedroom apartments, furnished or unFarm Equipment furnished. All utilities paid. Starting at $370 per month. Call 4171981 John Deere 650, 667-2633.

900 hrs., with 4' rota-

6B • Wednesday, March 25, 2015

AREA NEWS

Exploration, continued from page 1B ketside. Students enjoyed original recipes of owner Janet Dermott. Janet shared with the group how she began her small business and how it has grown in the community.

Janet provides original and nutritional meals and partners with various entrepreneurs in town to sell their handmade products.

The students also heard from Ron Hager, Lamar Community Betterment president, sharing how Community Betterment is the key to the success of several project in Lamar.

High on the list was the Plaza Theatre and the Barco Drive-in, which all the students frequent them.

He also answered question about other projects and encouraged them to be more active in community efforts.

Moving along on the Lamar square, the youth's next stop was Lamar City Hall where City Administrator Lynn Calton shared

the various works of the city departments. Calton provided information on the Lamar Airport and the city generator project located at the Prairie View Landfill. He continued with the distribution of electricity and water to city customers and the processing of the water treatment plant. Clos-

www.lamardemocrat.com

ing with updates that will benefit the community in the future, Hagar, chief of police, reported on the police force and careers in this department. Chief Hagar emphasized the fact that Lamar is a safe place to live, work and play. Sandy, the animal control officer, provided the students with information on the animal shelter, partners with animals rescue units and the

new dog park.

The final stop in the day was with Lamar Bank and Trust Company. Kent Morey, LBT banking officer, provided a tour of the bank. Students learned the financial basics of opening a checking account and using internet banking. LBT is a hometown bank founded in 1925 and is very supportive of programs in schools and community organi-

Lamar Democrat, Lamar, MO

zations. Then in a closing session with Morey, he took questions from students on various aspects of the bank and on the services offered at the bank.

The 2015 EXCEL class are an excellent group of youth learning more about how each opportunity can help them move toward the future. The 4-H Youth EXCEL class is comprised of 11 stu-

dents who are a 4-H club in the Lamar High School that has formed a partnership with the FACTS program. This program is funded by University of Missouri Extension, City of Lamar, Barton County 4-H and other community supporters. A special thank you to all those that helped the students experience the many facades of community development throughout the tour.

Wednesday, March 25, 2015 •

SECTION C

Mary K. Finley Library undergoes renovation in 2014 added internally for patron's and staff safety. MKF has digital signage that rotates a weather map and programs offered at the library. Adult reading programs and movies are well attended. Children eagerly attend story time and their Summer Reading Program. They also offer children's computers in all three branches.

In 2014 the library system, including the branches in Golden City and Liberal, added 511 new patrons. Currently, the system has 7,111 people who actively use the library.

Computers will be updated to Windows 10 in 2015 and computer classes will be held again. They would also like to offer small classes of yoga, art and quilting, to the community, to be held in their community room. Of course this would depend if community volunteers could be found to lead. Teens may also be offered Minecraft on the laptops.

The people are the ones who make or break a community and most are supportive of and have a positive attitude about the library and its services. The library must keep up with technology if they intend to continue serving the people of Lamar, Liberal, Golden City and surrounding areas. Many people in Barton County attend the free programs, check out books and use the library's services. The library has proven to be an integral part of the commuBy AMANDA MARTIN nity it serves.

If anyone is Starting with a vision bloomed The Tulip Garden, a proposed battered interested in women’s shelter of Barton County. With a passion for helping people I alcommunicatways knew what my purpose would be and on November 12, 2014, The Tulip ing with the Garden was officially formed. That day I was meeting with the Ministerial library regardAlliance of Barton County and I had received a message from Stacey Lindsay ing what can from KOAM channel 7 news. She wanted to do an on air interview with me be done with and I was in complete shock. My dreams were coming true. the money alI’ve never been so humbled in my entire life and from that day on The Tulip lotted, they Garden was on the news, in the newspaper and had a fundraiser to “Shop can visit them with a Purpose”. I started a Facebook page and I do video updates to inform on facebook or the public of my ongoing process. Those video updates reach over 1,000 peoat www.bclib. ple each video. I am finally getting the word out about domestic violence and info. what affect it has on people.

Starting at My community is very important to me as I have two children who are the front desk, growing up here in Barton County. Some may know the bad things that can the first peohappen in our town, or any community for that matter, but others may ultiple one meets mately have blinders. as they walk The Tulip Garden is a member of the Barton County Chamber of Cominto the buildmerce, Barton County Community Betterment and I personally am now a ing at Lamar board member for the Emergency Food and Shelter National Board Program will be Cheryl where I represent the homeless. I believe it is my purpose to help heal our Potter, who is people so they can become functioning members of society in our commuvery willing nity. to help you do In 2015 I foresee a physical shelter for The Tulip Garden, in a growing comresearch on munity where we can all bloom on purpose.

The Barton County Library is the guardian of books, DVDs, magazines and computers, copy machines and printers, provided to the people of Barton County mostly through their property tax payment. The Mary K. Finley Library is located at 300 W. 10th St., in Lamar. There are also branches in Golden City and Liberal.

The City Library was started in 1932 by a few community conscious ladies, who donated their own books. They soon went door-to-door, asking the people of Lamar to donate. The first library occupied a small room in Memorial Hall.

Improvements in 2014 included the refurbishing of the interior of the Mary K. Finley Library in Lamar. The building was 25 years old and needed updating.

What once was one grey color is now a multi-colored relaxing place to browse for your favorite book. Walls were built, the center section removed and shelves fanned out to reveal an open atmosphere. Computers have their own area, with assistance being just a few steps away.

Patrons with their own e-reader can now check out e-books from the catalog. E-readers are also available for check out.

Some bring their own computers to use the improved wireless connection. Most people find the new patron computers useful, which now are run by fiber fast internet. Also purchased through a grant are 25 children's tablets, which can be played in the library or checked out. The library purchased a new catalog system and new security was

The Tulip Garden

any topic and order any book desired through an interlibrary loan; Kristy Heckman, whose knowledge and creative design is nothing short of awesome; Rick Sealey, who has a whit that will be sure to put a smile on ones face, as he will be glad to relate historical facts to spike your interest in doing a little research and Bekah Eubanks, who will see tasks through to the end with a sparkle in her eyes. She is also busy scanning agreement forms into the system.

Carol Darrow, the children's coordinator, has a special way with children and adults, too.

Her story time is a joy for the kids and mothers. Her Summer Reading Program is not to be compared, with unique guests and activities astounding all.

Carol is such an asset to the staff with her calm, humorous demeanor.

Lister Potter is a wonderful page who puts the books on the shelves in order very quickly and leads the teen group after school. New activities for 2015 are constantly being created.

Aimee Brunner, who is the heart of the system, will be celebrating 25 years with the library.

Her duties include keeping the public supplied with new best sellers and cataloging for easy look up. If anything needs to be done, Aimee focuses her attention to it, while cracking a joke or two.

Trent Roby is the IT person.

He is most responsible for the

tech equipment, upgrades, maintenance and anything electronic. His name is called often and he is very amiable about helping patrons with computer questions.

Connie King, manager and Pam Myers take great care of the Happy and Mary Curless Library in Liberal. Their fun, pleasing personalities will make all who enter feel welcome. Liberal patrons do not take their library for granted. Their support and patronage assure their library will survive any hardship that may come its way.

Carol Pyle, manager and Phyllis Hagerman will greet you at the Hylton Library in Golden City. Carol has been at the library for 29 years. These two are working hard to make sure adults and children in the area will have what they need to satisfy any questions. Their displays of interesting books have patrons checking out books by the arms full.

Julie Potter, director, is the one who pays the bills, agrees most of the time with new ideas, sends out state reports, tries to keep up with new library ideas, works financials and tries to stay in budget. She is also the one who sends out overdue notices. Someone has to make sure the books are returned to the public, who purchased them for all to read.

Please, if you have long overdue items, return them to your library!

Lamar Greenhouse & Florist is one of Barton County's longest running businesses

The Lamar Greenhouse & Florist is located at 103 E. 9th St. and is proud to be one of the longest running businesses in Barton County, dating back to the 1800's. Lamar Greenhouse & Florist continues to update the inside and outside of the gift shop and greenhouses. They offer gift ideas, home décor, fresh flowers, sympathy items, vegetables, bedding plants, bulk seed, perennials and shrubs.

2014 started off strong for the greenhouse, with nice spring gardening weather; however, July through Decem-

ber was slower than normal.

The greenhouse is excited for 2015 as they think it will be a great year, with several new plants being introduced.

Lamar Greenhouse & Florist plans to continue with small changes and improvements to the gift shop, quonset and shade cloth areas. Most of the five employees of the greenhouse were born and reared in Lamar, or the surrounding area, so they are familiar with most of the people. Each one has a unique talent that helps shape the company.

Rolling Thunder raises MS awareness

Rolling Thunder MS is a non-profit organization that participates in fundraising for MS National. This past year they held an MS Poker Walk and two poker runs. Both of these events were successful, as the group enjoyed meeting with new and old friends.

The group hopes to increase the awareness of MS by holding fundraising events in the community. This year the MS Poker Walk is scheduled for April 25, the Truman Days Bike Show on May 9, a Poker Run on August 15 and the Fallfest Bike Show scheduled for Octo-

ber 10. Be sure to watch for signs and fliers advertising these upcoming events.

A lot of community support was shown to the group in 2014 and they look forward to hometown community support in 2015. One hundred percent of the donations go to MS National.

This organization is made up of volunteers and the group would not be able to function without them. They hope to see you all at the upcoming events in 2015.

For more information visit their site on facebook at facebook.com/RollingThunderMS.

2C • Wednesday, March 25, 2015

COMMUNITY Going, going, gone!

What an exciting year they experienced at First Christian Church of Lamar! 2014’s theme was, “I GO”; they were Intentional, Generous and Opportunistic to share Christ and grow in Christ everywhere they went!

FCC’s annual events were held like the Wild Game Feed, Marriage Retreat, Parenting Classes, Financial Peace University, Day of Service and the Fall Festival, but each event was propelled with this theme: Is it Intentional for Christ? Is it Generous for Christ? And is it Opportunistic for Christ?

Shelby VanKirk really answered the “I GO” theme by committing to and going to foreign lands to be the hands and feet of Jesus. Shelby is getting close to departing to Nairobi, Kenya, Africa.

FCC is so proud of this incredible woman!

One of the highlights of the year was being and doing “The church in the park” – being the church, while doing one worship service in the park at the end of June. It was the first time in many years that there was one large service instead of the normal two services held at the church building.

Children’s Ministry 2014 was a year of growth for the Children’s ministry at FCC. They have seen both numerical and spiritual growth in Wednesday night programs. Wednesday nights are geared toward outreach, with sup-

per at 6 p.m. and classes from 6:45 p.m. to 7:45 p.m.. Children age four through grade six have been studying character traits in relation to God’s word. One other area of growth has been through the fifth and sixth grade Bible Study that is led each week during the school year. The kids are picked up from school and enjoy many different team games, as well as a study through scripture. It is encouraging to see the relationships built during these weekly meetings.

2014 saw many church and community activities geared toward children and their families. The year began with Christ in Youth “Superstart.”

Superstart is a weekend getaway in Tulsa, Okla. geared specifically toward preteens. The church was able to take a van full of fourth and fifth graders to worship with thousands of other kids their age.

Camp Cyokamo is always an enjoyable part of the summer at FCC. They begin with “Day Camp,” where they take kindergartners and first graders for a single day to experience what camp is all about. They then have a camp for second and third graders, as well as one for fourth though sixth grade. This is a great opportunity for the students to connect with each other and either begin, or deepen their relationship with Christ.

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Vacation Bible School was a big success this year. Under the leadership of Tammy Wilson, FCC saw many students join them each night as they all became part of the International Spy Academy. Each night they learned a little more about who God is and what that means for one's life.

Fall of 2014 would not have been complete without the Fall Festival. The festival was held on the parking lot of FCC this year. It allowed for many different activities, including bounce houses, nerf darts, corn pit and tons of glow bracelets!

The attendance of this event also saw a large spike, with hundreds of people enjoying the festivities.

2015 is going to be a year of many changes in children’s ministry as FCC looks to see where God leads and how they can most effectively reach those around them.

It is going to be an amazing year for God’s work at First Christian!

Adult Ministry A large part of a growing church involves community. Christians are called to live in community with each other. Living life together is why small groups are so vital to the health of a church.

AOK continues to empower young people About Our Kids (AOK) has empowered young people to make healthy life choices since 1999. AOK is headquartered in the Wolf Center at 801 E. 12th St., in Lamar. Their phone number is 417-681-0559.

AOK also operates Nathan's Place at 1005 Gulf in Lamar and their corporate office is at 208 W. 10th St., in Lamar. The phone number for Nathan's Place is 417-681-0982 and the corporate office is 417682-6002. Their website is www.aokyouth.org.

As youth development programming continues at AOK, Executive Director Jerod Morey and the board of directors continue working hard to create and maintain community and youth relationships, as well as sustain the programming and youth development services offered. Other staff members are Betty Beerly, financial manager; Zachary Morey, after school and summer camp director; Thomas Pomerleau, Nathan's Place youth development specialist; Elisha Morey, after school youth development and nutrition specialist; Cameron Moore, Nathan's Place youth development specialist and Mandy Sturgell, Nathan's Place and after school youth development specialist. This makes for a total of seven employees; two full time and five part time.

Nathan's Place offers a safe hangout for young people in grades 6-12 on weekdays, from 3 p.m. to 6 p.m. (when school is in session) and from 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. during the summer. All services are free of charge and in-

clude wireless internet access, state-of-the-art fitness equipment, nutrition education, sport and recreation tournaments, an indoor basketball court, a major sound system, pool tables, foosball, video game access, service learning opportunities, laundry and shower facilities and much more. In addition, Nathan's Place serves a healthy meal, Monday through Friday, at 5 p.m., free of charge, to whomever shows up to join the regular 30-35 hungry youth.

The Wolf Building is the base of operations for youth development for grades K-5, after school from 2:50 p.m. to 5:30 p.m. and during the summer from 6 a.m. to 6 p.m.

Programming includes nutritious snacks and meals, physical education and recreation opportunities, nutrition instruction, character education and development, sensory integration skills and activities and much more.

All AOK activities are supervised by professional, certified staff. Current after school fees are $7 (3 p.m. to 5:30 p.m.), $10 when school is released early and $12 for a full day.

Summer camp fees will be $12 for a full day or $7 for half a day. More information for AOK programming can be found at their website.

In 2014 AOK sustained their after school and summer camp programming to more than 250 individual youth; raised over $80,000 within the local community; distributed and fed 20,000 plus pounds of food to youth at

Nathan's Place and the Wolf Building; provided abstinence education to the Lamar R-1 and Jasper R-5 school districts and collaborated with the Lamar Career and Technical Center.

AOK is truly making a difference in the lives of the youth in Barton County. Their services go beyond babysitting, adding youth development components to empower youth every day to make healthy decisions.

Reaching and teaching young people benefits the entire community. The future is About Our Kids. To volunteer, make a donation and get involved, please contact 417-682-6002 or visit their website at www. aokyouth.org.

FCC has nine adult small groups, in addition to Sunday school that meets each week. These groups exist to help each other grow spiritually through encouragement and accountability. 2014 was a year of growth with the addition of two new small groups at First Christian.

Another area that they are excited about in Adult Ministry is the addition of a new resource. Right Now Media is a resource including thousands of Bible studies, teachings and even children’s programming, that is now being offered completely free to church family.

This is something that has been utilized in small groups and in individual families, to help learn from scripture through the use of video. FCC's prayer is that this can be not only useful, but lifechanging, for families.

Youth Ministry It has been another Christ-led year at FCC for the Jr. and Sr. High youth. FCC has had many opportunities to enjoy one-another, encourage one-another and grow with one-another as they continue to live and be connected to Christ’s body, the church.

Each week FCC continues to meet not only on Sunday mornings

Lamar Democrat, Lamar, MO

for Sunday School, but also on Sunday nights and Wednesday nights.

The Sunday night activity is called SNL (Sunday Night Life). FCC has the privilege during this time to not only visit and get to know many families in the church, but also enjoy games at the park and activities all over Barton County. New this year on Wednesday night, they have separate classes for the high school and middle school. With both Bible studies designed to meet the needs and direction of the youth in their specific age, FCC prays they can help the youth see God’s purpose, design and direction in their life more clearly.

Along with the normal weekly meetings, this past year FCC continued to do many local events. The YAC’s (Youth After Church) on Sunday nights have included roller-skating, flashlight tag, scavenger hunts, Amazing Races, minigolf, bowling and many more activities. TNF (Thursday Night Fellowship) and the Super Bowl are a few times they let a football game be the “excuse” to come together. Along with trips to Ozark Christian College and Stockton Lake, they like to stay active doing things close to home.

Whether it is close to home or far from home, FCC's big annual events are some of the real highlights of the year. Tulsa normally is the first destination of the year with Jr. High Believe. They follow that up during Spring Break with a mission trip. Last year it was Voice of the Martyrs in Bartlesville, Okla. This year it will be North City Church of Christ in St. Louis. As the summer gets here the traveling gets exciting. Camp Cyokomo has a week for both middle school and high school. Follow that with Summer Impact for Middle School. Last year FCC was able to do some local service projects and this year they are looking to take Summer Impact on the road! As the summer ends the high school gets to travel to Colorado for Youthquake. Last year, 35 youth and adults were challenged with the beautiful, “wet” and cold mountains. All are excited to see what this year has in store.

It’s hard to list all that God has let happen and all that they pray will happen at FCC. They want to invite you, if you don’t have a church home, to come and join them yourself as together they see what God is doing at FCC.

Barton County Seventh-day Adventist have met in Lamar since 1975 Local Barton County Seventh-day Adventist families began meeting together in Lamar in 1975. As the number of members grew, they realized the need for a permanent home. After a few months of prayer and evangelistic meetings around Lamar, including some at the Travelers Hotel, the search for a church home ended. First with sharing and then in the summer of 1979 with the purchase of the historic stately church at the northwest corner of 8th and Broadway in Lamar.

Sabbath school starts at 9:30 a.m. and church at 11 a.m. each Saturday morning with prayers, hymns, Bible study and messages

of inspiration for all. Sabbath afternoons are highlighted two or three times a month, with a fellowship meal, followed by joining all the special people at Truman Healthcare, Bristol Manor and Maple Senior Living in conversations, hymns and prayers and then more songs with the children.

Plans during this past year, as well as for the coming year, are local and world mission projects.

These include Bible study booths at local fairs, individual Bible studies with people around the county and Bible studies by mail in the county, as well as in the country. Members helping to collect food items for Good Samaritan has been a local

project for several years.

Another mission project includes helping to prepare Camp Heritage at the lake for upcoming summer camps for children and families. Projects for families, young and old alike, are always on the “to-do” list when special needs arise.

Planned for this coming year are a musical message by a special group as they share the Word of God, continued afternoons with older people, Bible study and prayers for all.

Are all welcomed.

Come and join in prayer and praise at the Lamar Seventh-day Adventist Church, 713 Broadway, in Lamar. The Lord loves us all.

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Wednesday, March 25, 2015 •

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COMMUNITY

Historical Society preserves history for future generations The Barton County Historical Society is in the business of preserving the county's history.

Organized in 1968 and becoming a non-profit organization in 1971,

the membership-owned entity has continued to maintain its status by a host of dedicated volunteers. Located in the basement of the courthouse, a museum full of donated

artifacts awaits those interested in catching a glimpse into the county's past. Photos of historic homes, the people who made this area their home and the results of their lives show in the displays that grace its walls.

The society researches requests for family information, as well as gathering enough material to present quarterly programs The force that keeps the Barton County Historical Society on various running are, front row, left to right, Sharon Nelson, Carol topics for Calton, Billy Strong; middle row, Beth Brisbin, Michael Short, the public, Patty McKay, Willis Strong; back row, Pauletta Orahood, whether it be Richard Walker and Joe Davis.

people, places or things.

The upcoming April 12 presentation will reflect on the recently demolished Gilkey buildings on the northeast corner of the Lamar square and the many businesses and owners that occupied them since their foundation in the late 1880's. Several books of previous programs have been printed in book form and are available for sale at the museum office.

A Barton County family history book is a project in the process of being published. The book is the first of this nature and will include submitted family histories of Barton County people. It will also include many photos and information about the county. Books are still available to purchase.

One way to support

the Barton County Historical Society in their efforts to preserve its history for future generations is to become a yearly member for $10.

A lifetime membership

is available for $100. The museum is open 1 p.m. to 4 p.m. every weekday afternoon (except holidays) and welcomes guests for a free tour. Call 682-4141 for questions.

Don't be surprised if you see pixie dust twinkling around Brenda Miller. Miller, who works for Family Fun Travels, joins an elite group of travel industry professionals who have attained a special knowledge of the Disneyland Resort, Walt Disney World Resort, Disney Cruise Line, Adventures

by Disney and Aulani, a Disney Resort & Spa. As a graduate of the College of Disney Knowledge, Miller became part of this elite group.

Anyone who plans to visit any of the Disney destinations will benefit from Miller's added expertise. “The College of Disney Knowledge has taught me how to add more value to each Disney itinerary so that I can help make every client's magical dreams come true,” said Miller.

She continues, “2014 was my second year with Family Fun Travels. I've had a great time helping people plan their vacations. Disney makes sure all of their agents have the latest information on specials and any changes going on within their parks or cruise line.”

Family Fun Travels expanded over the past year and they are now able to book these vacations: Universal Studios, Sea

World/Discovery Cove, Sandals and Beaches Resorts, Legoland, Busch Gardens, as well as the following cruise lines:

Miller has busy year with Family Fun Travels

Royal Caribbean, Princess, Carnival, Norwegian, Celebrity and Holland America, in addition to your magical Disney vacations.

“I help my clients book as much or as little as they want to, up to and including the resort/cruise, dining, tickets and flights.

Every client is different and every vacation is different. I will listen to their needs and wishes and help each family fit a vacation to their budget and dreams,” states Miller. “I am also excited to begin booking clients to the new destinations available to our agency,” she added.

Miller can be reached at 417-214-0198 or brendamiller7227@yahoo.com to begin planning your magical vacation. For more information regarding Family Fun Travels visit their website at www. familyfuntravels.com.

4C • Wednesday, March 25, 2015

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COMMUNITY Barton County Master Gardeners The Master Gardener depth training to individ- who volunteer their time program provides in- uals throughout Missouri and apply what they have learned about gardening to help others in their communities.

To become trained as a Master Gardener, an individual attends a 30-hour core-training course.

Then the trainee participates in 30 hours of volunteer service in approved University of Missouri Extension activities in the community.

Since the University of Missouri can no longer afford to have a full-time coordinator of Master Gardeners, they asked Missouri Master Gardeners to form an organization to direct activities under the university’s leadership. Therefore, Missouri Master Gardeners Organization, Inc. (MOMGA) was formed. As members of this organization they have a plant sale license, have limited insurance coverage for volunteers and have free advertisement for sales in the quarterly mailings. The classes for new Master Gardeners will still be under the auspices of the university, with university specialists conducting all classes.

Photos courtesy of Diana Hopkins The mission statement reTop, the Master Gardeners hold a plant sale mains the same; Helping every year. This year the sale will be held May 2. Others Learn to Grow.

Middle, the Master Gardeners work the grounds At the January meeting Barton County Master around the Barton County Senior Center.

Bottom, the Master Gardeners work on the Gardeners select chairdemonstration garden, adding new mulch and men for predetermined projects. All Master Gargravel.

10th Street Community Farmers' Market has a banner year The year 2014 was a great productive year for local gardens and for growing produce. The Tenth Street Community Farmers' Market demonstrated that theme with an abundance of outstanding produce throughout the growing season, starting in mid May and lasting until the final weekend in October. Both vendors and consumers made the 2014 a year to remember with quality, variety and quantity.

2015 marks the seventh year for the Tenth Street Community Farmers' Market. Plans are being implemented to make 2015 an even better year than 2014. New hoop houses are going up in the area and should make 2015 another good year for produce vendors.

Hoop houses are utilized to extend the growing season and provide a better growing climate. Drop down curtains are being installed at the Moore Pavilion to expand the season too. Consumers will have even more produce variety from which to select and comfort from wind and chilly temperatures.

The 2014 market opened March 20 with mild tem-

peratures, spring greens and beautiful healthy bedding plants. Mid summer produce included some of the sweetest sweet corn at that perfect stage for eating. The last market in October saw apples and green beans, as well as a bumper crop of pumpkins of all sizes, color and description.

One very positive addition to the 2014 market was the wide variety of baked products available.

Besides loaf breads, fruit pies, rolls and cakes, the market widened to cupcakes, candies and specialty cookies. Fresh cut flowers, homemade handicrafts, soaps, lotions, pet treats and custom made jewelry supplied that extra treat for stopping and shopping at the market on Wednesday afternoons and Saturday mornings.

A third Earth Day celebration took place on April 24, with Lamar and the surrounding community chipping in to make a fun day of entertainment and education for all ages. Kid's Corner activities were held every two weeks, from June through August. “Cooking for a Cause” served breakfast and lunch on Saturdays and raised funds for local

organizations.

Contests, like the Salsa Contest, showcased the best of Barton County and were enjoyed by vendors and patrons. Home gardeners displayed daffodils, irises, daylilies and dahlias.

Earth Day 2015 is scheduled for Saturday, April 25, 8 a.m. to 2 p.m. A talent show with prizes will be the entertainment for the day. Crafters and artisans are welcome. Booth space may be reserved in advance.

The market is looking forward to seeing its many friends in 2015 and making new friends and great memories.

deners are expected to show up for work duty when the chairman calls for a work time. Maintaining the gardens is a taxing, never-ending chore. It is performed with great pride and care to keep all gardens looking tip-top. Always, as all gardeners and farmers recognize, Mother Nature hands down some trying challenges to overcome.

Often, after working for several hours in the gardens, they will have a relaxing potluck supper and discuss their next work project. These suppers prove that not only are they good at gardening, but are also awesome cooks!

One of the biggest projects the group undertakes is the annual plant sale in the spring. This has become a very popular activity in the community.

It takes a lot of time, effort and planning in advance to hold. The gardeners begin several weeks in advance, digging, sorting, potting and labeling all their favorite perennials, grasses, ground covers, annuals, shrubs and trees. Also they will offer all kinds of vegetables as seedlings. All will have the name and guidelines for planting and maintaining each plant. The

Lamar Democrat, Lamar, MO

funds raised will be used in the upkeep of the gardens. Mulching is one of biggest expenses, as well as replacement of unusual plants and shrubs. This past year a weekly fall plant sale was held at the 10th Street Farmers Market. Different cultivars of day lilies and irises were offered. This too was successful and will be continued with more offerings this coming season.

The Spring Plant sale for 2015 is Saturday, May 2, from 8 a.m. until they are sold out. It will be held at the Moore Pavilion. The date for the fall sale will be announced later.

The Demonstration Garden in the Lamar City Park is one of the most popular spots in the park. It is used as a teaching tool, a place to sit and have lunch or just enjoy the beautiful colors and textures in the garden. It provides a continuous color with its many verities of irises, day lilies, hostas, small shrubs and ground covers. Some beds change yearly, so there are new cultivars of older plants or new plants that have been developed. Other projects include the pots on the square, Moore Pavilion and The Wolf Center that houses the University of Missouri Extension office.

The Master Gardeners do not just dig in the dirt. They attend many workshops on such topics as planting butterfly gardens, propagating African Violets, caring for houseplants during the winter, planning and planting a fall garden and transplanting/propagating herbs for wintering over in the house. Lendi Davis gave a class on propagating new varieties of hybrid day lilies, as well as a tour of her new hybrid day lilies that she had developed. Several members attended the State Master Gardener Convention in St. Louis.

There they took advanced classes and toured many demonstration gardens.

The Barton County Master Gardeners are always happy to help anyone with advice. They have a wealth of resources from which to pull answers to most questions.

Anyone interested in taking a class to become a Master Gardener can call the University Extension office at 417-682-3579 for information.

A good rule to follow when gardening is to “Remember, the earth was not given to you by your parents, but on loan to you by your children”. Anonymous

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Barton County 4-H Teen Leaders present “From the Farm to You" Monsanto to purchase the needed classroom supplies and the local library helped with obtaining the books and games.

The 4-H Teen Leaders brought an exciting four week program that highlighted reading time with excellent books inMichaela Winslow introduced the students to her horse cluding The that is just one of her 4-H projects. She likes to ride in various Curious horse shows. Taking care of a horse or any animal requires a Garden, lot of responsibility, with daily feeding chores.

Down On the Funny Lamar, is it urban or ties about farm life, mak- Farm, The Rusty Trusty rural? Lamar, for many ing healthy food choices Tractor, Big Red Barn and people, is designated an and gardening.

Mrs. Washy Wash's Farm. agricultural community. The 4-H Teen Leaders Each session included The census information scheduled a planning ses- games, songs, coloring, shares the population of sion with Head Start staff worksheets and hands on Lamar is 4,514 (97 per- that resulted in four ses- activities of planting letcent urban and three per- sions of classroom time, tuce gardens and seeds of cent rural). Where does one day a week. Each green beans and corn. At our food come from? Did session would involve the close of each session you know that many chil- both classrooms in read- the Teen Leaders spent dren do not know where ing, hands on activities, some time reviewing the their food comes from? games, songs and learn- basket of various fruits 4-H gives youth the op- ing about healthy choices. and vegetables that they portunity to gain leader- The 4-H Teen Leaders brought to the classroom. ship, citizenship and life club planned for home Students learned about skills through fun and school students to cover eggplant, squash, bainnovative hands on ac- the morning session and nanas, watermelon, cantivities. The goal of this the afternoon session taloupe, asparagus, letproject was to provide would begin after school, tuce, tomatoes, oranges, mentoring skills through with other 4-H teens tak- apples, kiwi, zucchini, cupositive learning experi- ing turns with the pro- cumbers and much more. ences, from rural teens to grams.

The introduction of urban children, on where Creative ideas began to healthy food choices their food really comes take shape as the Head came from Miss Margafrom.

Start staff worked with ret, the school cook, who The Lamar Head Start 4-H Teen Leaders in se- prepared the items for has enrolled 30 students lecting reading books, their lunch or snack durranging in age from puppets, games and ad- ing their time at school. It three to five years. 4-H ditional resources that was reported asparagus, Teen Leaders met with would be age appropriate cucumber, kiwi and waLamar Head Start staff for the students. A small termelon were favorites. and learned the students greenhouse was also se- Many students tried new would be having a gar- lected for the school, to foods and enjoyed daily dening project. This was be used to grow plants. favorites. Feedback from the perfect opportunity The 4-H Teen Leaders students was very posito share hands on activi- used grant funds from tive.

“From the Farm to You” ended with a field trip to learn even more about where their food comes from. The Winslow family, a 4-H family from rural Lamar, hosted students and parents at their farm.

The children fed bottle calves, gathered eggs, saw rabbits, ducks, fed the chickens, milked goats and identified with horses and other farm animals. Bringing the youth and parents together on a field day was a very positive experience. Parents don't always get to spend time with children and experience the excitement of a new adventure. The field day identified with the lessons they had been learning through the entire program.

Barton County 4-H Teen Leaders built lasting partnerships from the community to make this program successful.

A special thank you to Lamar Head Start staff, Monsanto, the Mary K Finley Library, University of Missouri Extension, Barton County 4-H and the many parents and volunteers that encourage leadership.

The 4-H teens met their goal by the use of positive life skills of planning, organization and decision making. 4-H teens gained citizenship and leadership opportunities that make them youth leaders, today and tomorrow. 4-H is not your ordinary club.

It's an exciting experience in learning by doing! Barton 4-H Teen Leaders Nate Cable, Alison Hawes, Nathaniel Hawes, Kenna Roland, Jenna Baslee, Kelsie Morgan and Dacy Crockett did an outstanding job working with the program.

Flores serves as National 4-H Ambassador

Lynzee Flores of Lamar was joined by Rachel Lucy from New York, Allie Lansman from Iowa and Sean Russell from Florida. These 4-H youth are Senior Ambassadors for the National 4-H Center in Chevy Chase, Md. The team, joined by adults from all over the nation, has built a partnership to address Healthy Living Lifestyles, which includes childhood obesity. The most current project is the Riding It Forward kickoff event, where 4-H is partnering with the Biggest Loser to help with childhood obesity awareness. Joe Ostaszewski, winner of season 14, is bicycling cross country to help promote

this campaign. The team identified as the "change agents" for 4-H were on hand to join in on Joe's journey by sending him off at the end of July. Joe will cycle approximately 3,000 miles across America to raise awareness for healthy living and empower young people with the tools they need to become change agents in tackling childhood obesity. The Wear Your Soul Project and National 4-H Council are inviting you to match Joe's 3,000 miles across America with a commitment to bike, run or walk your own miles and commit to healthier living. Check out about Joe's journey at www.4h. org.

Lynzee, third from left, is a former member of Barton County 4-H Teen Leaders. She now attends Pittsburg State University. Her dedication to the 4-H Youth Development program has created positive change in youth on the county, state and national level.

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COMMUNITY

Barton County 4-H Youth Development celebrates 80 years Ten 4-H clubs in Barton County offer educational experiences that teach essential life skills, including leadership, horsemanship, shooting sports and community service to 172 4-H members. Through the guidance of 47 parents and certified adult volunteers, members gain knowledge and skills during monthly meetings, project work and special club activities. 4-H members enroll in over 50 wide ranging project areas including robotics, photography, archery, sewing woodworking and livestock.

4-H Personal Development offers youth the opportunity to learn and experience personal growth through interactive activities, real life experiences and communication groups. 4-H events included the Barton County Teen Leaders hosting the fourth annual Clover Kids day camp at the Wolf Center, Barton County Livestock Judging Day, Barton County Achievement Day and Regional Achievement Day. The “4-H Learning

by Doing” process offers youth the ability to learn and use practical life skills as they to grow through personal development.

4-H Project Excellence is rewarded during the annual 4-H Recognition Banquet, with the presentation of 4-H member awards from Missouri 4-H Project Report forms. 4-H county, state, regional and national levels of excellence were reached by 4-H youth from Barton County.

4-H clubs met their goal of achievement through project exhibition. The 2014 exhibition of 4-H project work included exhibits to the Missouri State Fair, Ozark Empire

Fair and Lamar Fair.

4-H Leadership and Community Service life skills engage 4-H members with the community by building relationships with both youth and adults to form diverse partnerships. The Barton County 4-H MOHOCOLA “Missouri 4-H Community Leader” core team completed a five year community project centered on poverty. Team involvement included food drives, community gardens built in two locations, helping with cooking matter classes and promoting the “Invest an Acre” project. All grant funds acquired by this program have been returned directly into the community that benefit locally. The MOHOCOLA Leadership team received first place in category 5 (populations under 10,000) at the Missouri Community Betterment Conference.

Special Interests Groups and Projects build 4-H youth partnerships with Lamar High School F.C.C.L.A. The funding for this club was provided by the City of Lamar.

These short term educational experiences were presented to youth who received the opportunity to experience life skills, learning in nontraditional 4-H club settings.

“These special interest groups were organized at Lamar Head Start, Lamar East Elementary and Lamar High School students participated in several small term projects that included the WET project, hatching chicks in the classroom, building personal leadership skills, youth entrepreneurship, leadership for life, communication toolkits and independent study.

Lynzee has served with this team since 2011, traveling to the National 4-H Center, attending a series of youth summits that address healthy lifestyle and children's obesity. The first Health Rocks! Youth Ambassador Summit was part of NIDA's fourth annual National Drug Facts Week, bringing together youth and adult leaders from several states and industry leaders to National 4-H Council in partnership with the National Institute on Drug Abuse (NIDA), to discuss solutions to fight substance use and abuse in their communities.

The National Youth Summit Series on Healthy Living was the

second of four summits in the National Youth Summit Series. Hundreds of students from across the country gathered to learn and share the importance of healthy living in their communities and lives. With the help of the 4-H Healthy Living curriculum, tools and programs, attending youth were treated to hands-on learning in key topics including nutrition, social issues and safe driving.

Youth participated in various workshops and town hall sessions throughout the four-day program, learning from health experts in the field and making life-long connections with youth from other states.

Camp Smokey fills with Barton County 4-H members The Wild Wild West 2014 4-H Camp was held at Camp Smokey in Roaring River State Park Cassville. The cabins were filled with 42 of the "Most Wanted" 4-H members from Barton County. Campers enjoyed fun filled days of fishing, hiking, swimming, leather craftwork, Dutch oven cooking, games, a canteen, songs, skits, community service projects and much much more. Exciting moments in camp were stream walking, exploring the western heritage and Pony Express, a campfire each night and western dancing.

A day in the west be-

gan when; campers and staff arose at 6 a.m., ready for fishing or hiking. The dinner bell rang at 8 a.m. for breakfast time, consisting of eggs, hash browns, bacon, muffins, milk and more. With KP done, everyone then gathered at the chimney for the flag raising and beginning daily activities. Each group moved off to crafts, games, foods and exploration. Learning how to make a leather pouch, lariat a steer, making sure their food doesn't spoil while on the trail, identify edible plants and would you believe you have to fill water see SMOKEY, page 6C

6C • Wednesday, March 25, 2015

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COMMUNITY

Lamar Democrat, Lamar, MO

4-H Teen Leaders present WET project Barton

County

4-H Teen Leaders presented the WET project at the Lamar East Primary School to fourth and fifth grade summer school science classes.

Water Quality - Ask the Bugs! This workshop included a bio assessment of a stream by sampling macro invertebrates (represented by ordinary materials). Students' objectives were to define the name of macro inKelsie Morgan works with her group on the vertebrates, describe the macro invertebrates simulation kit, where they diversity of the macro invertebrates and then anareceived potential water quality.

lyze the by learning the process for which macro invertebrate are assessed, results were recorded and Pollution Tolerance indexes were determined.

Students identified snails, mayflies, minnows and various macro invertebrates.

Project WET's mission is to reach children, parents, teachers and community members of the world with water education that promotes awareness of water and empow-

barrels to have enough water to cross the desert for your family and horses, were just a few of the workshops. Then it was time to check your saddle bags for a snack and canteen. Lunch included a variety of western meals, but the BBQ beef was one of the best.

Afternoons were spent at the watering hole, with

the time in between was fun!! For some it was their first time, for others it's a yearly event. 4-H camp tradition is best led in song, “Make new friends, keep the old, one is silver and the other gold. The circle's round, it has no end, that's how long I want to be your friend”. Happy trails to everyone.

Smokey, continued from page 5C

lots of swimming, fun and exercise. Hiking the trail back to camp had everyone ready for a chuck wagon barbecue.

Evening activities gave campers an opportunity to meet John Wayne, the Lone Ranger and Tonto, explore the west by Pony Express and dance to the music of the trail.

Campers met at the

chimney for a campfire at 10 p.m., ending the day with sharing announcements and lots of songs.

Everyone then heads to the bunk house, with lights out at 11 p.m.

It's such a privilege to join such an awesome group of young people on a 4-H adventure. The days were warm, the nights were cool and all

East Primary students assess the bugs they found in Wheeler Park pond. ers community action meets the requirements to solve complex water for MAPP testing for fifth issues. This program grade students.

Two teen campers share the catch of the morning.

Meet the Most Wanted 4-H Wranglers, Ropers, Scouts and Rustlers from Barton County. Pictured are front row, Aidan Reed, Braxtyn Muncy, Kaden Johnson, Cole Dille; second row, Caden Moreno, Caden Winslow, Connor Shoff, Cole Yount, Braiden Barley, Noah Endicott, Lauren Dalby, Mason Brown, Crystal Kahl, Reese Higgins, Mycah Reed; third row, Connor Trout, Trey Bright, Ethan Reed, Caleb Winslow, Payden Nolting, Matthew Morgan, Brandon Overman, Kade Trout, Chad Yount, Erin Kremp, Michaela Winslow; back row, counselors Caitlin Moreno, Cade Moreno and Carson Endicott.

The Most Wanted 4-H Hearts, Spades, Diamonds and Clubs from Barton County were teens Trent Morgan, Caitlin Moreno, Tony Morgan, Kelsie Morgan, Clayton Winslow, Keaton Stream walking was a favorite as campers Trout, Carson Endicott and Cade searched for what keeps our water quality good.

Moreno.

Wednesday, March 25, 2015 •

SECTION D

Lamar Bank & Trust Company experiences steady growth Lamar Bank & Trust Company is proud to serve Lamar, Barton County and the surrounding area and will celebrate its 90th anniversary in 2015. The past year was filled with great community events and bank sponsored trips. The LBT travel club visited Nashville, Tenn. and Memphis, Tenn. and two full buses of Tiger fans went to St. Louis to see the Lamar Tiger football team win a fourth state championship. Lamar Bank & Trust Company is more than a bank. It is a community minded business providing financial expertise, local donations and employees that live and volunteer in Barton County.

Now is a great time to consider banking with Lamar Bank & Trust Company. LBT is the only locally owned and operated full-service financial institution dedicated to Barton County. Founded in 1925, Lamar Bank & Trust Company exists to serve the citizens of Lamar and the surrounding area. LBT offers a full line of personal and business accounts, including online banking, cash management and a full range of loan products. In 2014, LBT experienced steady growth and remained financially strong as the national economy continues to show signs of improvement with reduced unemployment and improved housing

Front row seated from left are Debbie Harris, Chelsea Dighero, Robin Turner, Kay Timmons, Maureen Moyer and Kent Morey. Second row standing from left are Becky Blackford, Dawn Heath, Ciara Shoff, Linda Johanson, Lori Forkner, Ann Powell, Connie White, Penny Robertson, Lindsay Todd and Terri Duncan. Back row standing from left are Stacy Bilyeu, Kevin Little, John Bary, Ethan Lawrence, Tom Main, Jenna Yost, Jill Fast, Marianne Page, Heather Costley, Angela Moore and Pat O’Neal. Not pictured are Deana Cook and Kristin Bishop. markets.

Patrick O’Neal was named president and CEO in January.

Under the bank’s succession plan O’Neal took over for Tom Main, who will continue with the bank as vice chairman. Pat follows in the footsteps of his father Jim O’Neal, who was president from 1996-2003. Pat’s family has a long history with the bank, including his grandfather Don O’Neal, who was part of the founding members in 1925.

New in 2015 will be LBT mobile deposit capture. Deposit checks anywhere, anytime into your bank account. This is a fast and secure solution to make deposits without going to the bank. Mobile Banking, introduced in 2012, continues to be a popular product. “Go Mobile” creates another way for LBT accountholders to do their personal banking. Apps are available for Android and iPhone users, with access also available from a mobile brows-

matured as we celebrate our seventh year in operation as ‘The Original Cash and Carry Coin Auction in Southwest Missouri.’ We consistently attract high quality and high volume consignments from throughout the region from as far away as Utah and Texas,” Sorrick added.

2014 saw the addition of the Mid-Missouri Collectors Show to the calendar of events.

“We added a high quality coin and hobby show to the regional calendar with the creation of the Mid-Missouri Collectors Show, an annual hobby show presented at the Lake of the Ozarks each March. This innovation allows us to extend our brand into the middle of the state, resulting in more demand for our appraisal, purchasing and auction services.

Our 2015 Mid-Missouri Collectors Show held on March 21 and 22, cemented that foothold. We have conducted the Joplin, Missouri Route 66 Collectors Show for five years now, as well. Hosting regularly occurring hobby shows and

coin auctions differentiates In God We Trust LLC from most of our competitors in this region,” Sorrick stated.

What’s new in 2015 is what’s old! The Harry S Truman Presidential dollar has been released by the U.S. Mint and In God We Trust LLC is a distributor of that product. “During the next couple of months we will be doing several promotions centering on that new product that is very familiar to people in Lamar, the birthplace of Harry S Truman.

We will make this brand new coin available to folks on both a retail and wholesale level. We hope to present several opportunities for people to see the coin and have an opportunity to acquire one for their collections,” Sorrick noted.

The 2015 Harry S Truman Presidential dollar is also available at the In God We Trust LLC store at 609 Main, Mindenmines by calling 620-423-6600 or emailing ddsorrick@yahoo. com for an appointment.

As Dave says, “By appointment only, but always at your service.”

In God We Trust LLC continues expansion

MINDENMINES-“Two words have dominated our business planning for 2014 and 2015. Those two words are ‘innovate’ and ‘differentiate.’

All of our growth efforts have centered on those two concepts,” explained Dave Sorrick, co-owner of In God We Trust LLC. In God We Trust LLC is a full-service coin, currency and precious metals business located in the former location of the Bank of Minden in Mindenmines.

We made a few innovations in 2014 to improve our service delivery, increase the volume of our business and to expand the geographical reach of In God We Trust LLC. One of those was the elimination of a buyers’ fee at the monthly Second Tuesday Coin and Currency auctions conducted at the Border Town Auction House, 611 Main, Mindenmines.

“The elimination of the $3 fee for a buyers’ card was made possible by an increase in the volume of auction items sold at our monthly event. We have

er. Pay bills and manage your account safely and securely from anywhere. Live life and do your banking on the go!

The LBT website, www.LBT. com, provides users with online banking, promotion information, new account options and a large selection of calculators. LBT’s Facebook page offers current information, pictures and contests on the social network site.

Lamar Bank & Trust Company is proud to support the local schools Tiger Pride Visa check debit cards and Tiger Pride checks are popular products designed to show community pride and benefit Lamar schools. The bank donates $5 to Lamar schools for every card purchased. 2014 graduates of Barton County schools received $50 when opening a checking account and all Lamar eighth grade graduates were offered $20 to open a Savings 101 account.

Lamar Bank & Trust Company offers a full range of loan products, from all types of personal loans, auto loans, farm loans and mortgage products.

A first-time homebuyer program is available. A new home purchase, new home construction, or home improvement loans are available with variable and fixed rate options. The bank received a $15,000 Rural Homeownership Fund grant to assist new homeowners in 2015.

LBT provided several activities for families in 2014. Customer Appreciation Day in September was well attended, with t-shirt donations benefitting the TATS program. Over $1,500 was given to TATS. Kids love to save at LBT as part of the Sammy the Saver Kids Club. Activities include a special summer kids day at the bank, pictures with Santa Claus and a swim party in August at the Lamar Aquatic Park. Addi-

tionally, the bank participated in National Teach Children to Save programming with Lamar East Primary. Kids and adults can use the lobby coin machine to save time when depositing coins.

LBT employs 26 full-time employees and four part-time employees. Employees are active in all areas of the community and serve on various boards and civic organizations including LIFE Foundation, Metro Club and many others.

LBT is a proud supporter of the Lamar Free Fair 4-H Livestock sale, Lamar Parks & Recreation Summer ball, the Backpack Snack Attack food outreach program and is a gold member of the Barton County Chamber of Commerce. Additionally, employees of LBT created “Casual for a Cause” where employees pay to wear blue jeans on Fridays. These funds benefit special needs in the community. The bank recently made a $5,000 donation to About Our Kids and strongly supports the AOK mission to assist children in the community.

The LBT Travel Club is planning great trips for 2015. A March trip will include the New Dinner Theater in Overland Park, Kan. This year the week-long trip will be to New Orleans in May. The final trip will be in November to Branson, to see the show “SIX”.

The board of directors and employees would like to express their deepest appreciation for people who do business at Lamar Bank & Trust Company.

The staff of LBT invites those needing a bank to consider the many options available at LBT. LBT is dedicated to the future growth and support of the local economy. By building relationships and staying abreast of technology, LBT is proud to offer “A Better Way to Bank.”

Member FDIC. Equal Housing Lender.

Edward Jones: Investors' patience is often rewarded

For investors, 2014 was a good year: Markets were calm, and U.S. stock and bond returns were above average. Now, in early 2015,the Dow Jones Industrial Average hovers near 17,800, a gain of more than 170 percent in about six years.

And in 2014, U.S. stocks rose nearly 14 percent. Please remember, past performance does not guarantee future results.

"Of course, we're certainly not predicting these same types of returns over the next few years," said Pat Barr. "And already in 2015 we've seen market volatility, some of which is due to the steep decline in oil prices. But at Edward Jones we stress the importance of staying invested in all types of markets - good, bad or in-between. We believe that investors should buy quality investments, hold them for the long term and make adjust-

ments, as needed, in response to changes in their lives."

"Big news events happen every year, and 2014 was no exception, with the eurozone economic struggles, the Ukrainian conflict, the Ebola outbreak, the crash of oil prices and countless other national and international headlines. Obviously, some events may discourage investors. However, we encourage our clients to look past the headlines and keep their focus on their long-term objectives."

The firm takes its own advice and consistently focuses on its long-term goals to grow to serve clients and help branch teams build successful businesses.

Many share Barr's enthusiasm for Edward Jones, as reflected by the number of see REWARDED, page 3D

2D • Wednesday, March 25, 2015

www.lamardemocrat.com

ECONOMICS

Lamar Democrat, Lamar, MO

Funeral pre-arranging: A work in progress

The State of Missouri and the funeral industry in Missouri is continuing to wrestle with the fallout of the National Pre-arranged Services (NPS) collapse and debacle in 2008. This is not the only scandal to surface over the last half a century of the practice of preneed sales. It is simply the largest. Both funeral homes in Lamar have suffered from well intended, but ultimately costly approaches to preneed sales and questionable uses of the funds that came from the sale of preneed contracts.

The Lohmeyer Konantz firm in the 70’s and 80’s was selling preneed at a pretty good pace, using in house sales personnel. Problems came to light when the firm was sold around 1988 and an audit showed that funds were missing and at least some of the funds were borrowed by the Lohmeyer family members as evidenced by IOU’s in the files. Of course a lawsuit ensued. The conglomerate that owned it through the 90’s took the sales effort to a whole new level and in a much more sophisticated way turned the preneed contract funds into a very profitable revenue stream.

The problem was, they didn’t set any of the interest growth back to offset future inflation. They did this legally, even if the ethics were questionable.

This ended badly as well, when a series of investment setbacks affected the ability of the corporation to service the liability of the old preneed contracts without the growth (which they had

squandered). The owners had amassed a great deal of personal wealth, which they protected by letting the corporation sink into bankruptcy.

Lohmeyer Konantz was just one of a couple hundred funeral homes affected by this debacle. Many of those that were as small as Lohmeyers simply went out of existence, because no one could see a future in taking on that kind of liability with such a small volume of funerals.

The other funeral home in town was a victim of the NPS debacle, having agreed to be a contract provider of services for a third party seller. In both cases the local consumers have not had to bear the brunt of these events. In the case of Lohmeyers, the current Konantz Warden funeral home has made up the short fall and honored the contracts just as they were written. In the case of the NPS’s debacle,

affecting funeral homes and consumers in 19 different states, the state of Missouri ‘s Insurance Guaranty Fund, NOLAG, has provided a bail out of the funds paid by the consumer, but the Daniel Funeral Home has had to absorb the difference between the contracted amount and their current prices if the contract had a guaranteed price. In both cases, had there not been some sort of assumption of liability or government bailout combined with additional “bail-in” by the funeral homes, the consumer would have lost their funds and their contracted services without recourse and neither funeral establishment would likely exist today.

This begs the question; how safe is it today to prepay for funeral arrangement contracts? What are the risks? Who can inform the consumer? The Internet is a good place to start.

An Internet search will find tons of funeral planning websites, most of which are sponsored by the death care industry. If you want to start with advice from sources independent of the death care industry, I would suggest the following websites: The Federal Trade Commission: http:// www.consumer.ftc.gov/ articles/0305-planningyour-own-funeral Funeral Consumers Alliance: http://www. funerals.org/frequentlyasked-questions/45-fourstep-funeralplanning LiveStrong Foundation: http://www.livestrong. org/Get-Help/LearnAbout-Cancer/CancerSupportTopics/Practical-Effectsof-Cancer/Funeral-andMemorial-Service-Preplanning My advice to anyone

wanting to pre-plan and pre-fund a funeral is to do the homework. Educate yourself and then compare the plans and prices offered by more than one establishment. Ask the hard “what if ” questions. Most importantly, discuss your preferences with those family members that are most likely to assume the responsibility of your funeral. Involve them with the planning process and anticipate that your preferences could change over time. I can definitely recommend pre-planning,

but the methods of prepaying need to be looked at with a a dose of healthy skepticism, given the history and current status of the laws and the track record of the financing methods in the funeral industry.

The progress, or maybe I should say, the evolution of the practice of funeral pre-need contracting and funding, is definitely a work in progress. There are currently several legal cases that need watching and the laws are still being revised in an effort to protect the consumer. There are also ongoing lobbying efforts on the part of the funeral industry and the insurance industry, among others who are looking to protect their interests in this lucrative death care business.

It’s ironic that being prepared in order to not be vulnerable at a time when decisions are harder to make has resulted in a vulnerability of the funds and contracts set up to avoid vulnerability. The bottom line is, buyer beware. Know who you are dealing with and what kind of instruments and methods they are using to safeguard your pre-payment funds.

Be very suspicious of internet, mail solicitations and so called surveys by third party sellers. Talk with the provider of the services (your local funeral director) that you are contracting and paying for, because your interests are more closely aligned with theirs than any one else.

He always buys roses for his wife’s birthday

takes his son and

grandson fishing participates in

the Veteran’s CONTACT

Melissa Little

417-682-5529 ext. 62

melissa@lamardemocrat.com

P.O. Box 12 100 East 11th Street Lamar, Missouri 64759 Phone: 417-682-5529 Fax: 417-682-5595 info@lamardemocrat.com www.lamardemocrat.com

Day parade

votes in his local electric cooperative election Co-ops are different. You are in control of who runs your local electric cooperative. Because not only are you our member, you are also our owner. Every year you have the chance to vote for who will represent your cooperative on the board of directors. Your voice matters to us.

Lamar Democrat, Lamar, MO

www.lamardemocrat.com

Wednesday, March 25, 2015 •

3D

ECONOMICS

Exciting changes occur at Bull Insurance Agency The sibling duo of Kevin Bull and Andrea Hollstein have witnessed a host of exciting changes in the past year. These changes have allowed their offices to provide their clients with more product offerings, resulting in better coverage at a lower price!

With National Healthcare still evolving, Andrea has continued to keep abreast of all new rules and regulations that are now part of the health insurance process. She is a brokerage for health insurance, offering coverage for not just one, but a host of companies that serve the area. Due to popular demand, Andrea attained her license to assist clients in Kansas.

In 2014, Andrea also received her securities license. Not only does this give her the ability to offer even more life insurance products, such as variable life insurance, but she is also able to offer an extensive and attractive portfolio of in-

vestment plans.

Kevin’s office has also seen exciting and innovative changes in the past year. Through strategic partnerships he formed in the past year, he now has the ability to sell property and casualty products through 10 of the top 25 companies in the United States. Some of these companies include Allstate, GuideOne, Safeco, Allied/Nationwide, Travelers, Hartford and many more. Regarding his company access, Kevin states, “We can now quote business on our comparative raters in a matter of minutes. For instance, I can quote your home and auto with 11 companies at once. Shopping for your insurance has never been easier”.

With the company expansion, Bull Insurance Agency now is a direct writer of farm insurance with five companies, including Nationwide Agribusiness, the number one insurer of farm and ranches in the country.

Kevin is now a certified farm agent through Nationwide.

Bull Insurance Agency has also developed an interactive website that can be found at www. bullinJill Coble, David Howard, Kevin Bull, Andrea Hollstein and Julia Parrish. suranceagency. com. From here you can information and even personnel changes to the and is excited to learn quote your insurance, have your auto identifica- office. In mid January, about the business and make change requests tion cards with you at all David Howard joined the help clients with their and learn about products times. agency as a producer. Da- needs. that are available. They The primary agents have vid is licensed in property Bull Insurance Agency have also developed a free a strong support group and casualty, as well as invites you to come in mobile app that is state of headed up by Jill Coble, a life and health insurance. and discuss your insurthe art. Not only can you licensed agent. She brings Julia Parrish joined the ance needs with them toalso request quotes, make years of experience to the agency as a customer day. You can rest assured change requests and have office team and creates a service representative in that they will help you all the office contacts at positive customer service February this year. She is find the right program your fingertips, but you experience. excited about her new ca- for you at a competitive can also store your policy 2015 has also brought reer in the insurance field price.

Daniel Funeral Home, serving Barton County since 1930 While Daniel Funeral Home has been serving Barton County since 1930, most current residents will relate to the consistent integrity and reliability of Paul and Pat Williamson, Katie Rhinehart, Dale and Judy Daniel and now, Rod and Jo Jurgens. When the Daniels retired in 2006, Rod and Jo purchased the funeral home, continuing their high standard of service, genuine caring and community involvement.

Working with Rod and Jo are Roger and Cathe-

rine Hibdon, who moved here from Carthage in 2009. Making their home in the loft apartment of the funeral home, Roger and Catherine have enjoyed the opportunity to meet many new friends and become active members of the community.

Roger is a licensed funeral director, embalmer and pre-arrangement counselor and Catherine helps as an administrative assistant in the office.

They would love for you to come by to visit them and meet Willow, their well-trained, friendly and

loving Havanese therapy dog. In addition to being available for comfort and encouragement to families and friends at the funeral home, Catherine and Willow regularly visit the staff and patients at Barton County Memorial Hospital.

After-care is an important aspect of their ongoing concern for grieving families and Daniel Funeral Home is pleased to partner with Hospice Compassus to present another four-week grief support session this spring, beginning Monday, April 27, 6 p.m. to 7:30 p.m.

Those at Daniel Funeral Home feel it is such a privilege to serve this community of friends and neighbors and they have a deep appreciation for the values and love of citizens who make Barton County a wonderful place to call home!

Rewarded, continued from page 1D accolades the firm consistently receives.

Edward Jones ranked No. 4 on Fortune magazine's "100 Best Companies to Work For" 2014 list. This is the firm's 15th year on the prestigious list. Edward Jones also ranked No. 2 for large-sized companies.

The firm's 15 Fortune rankings also include top 10 finishes for 11 years, consecutive No. 1 rankings in 2002 and 2003 and consecutive No. 2 rankings in 2009 and 2010.

"The fact that we've been on the list for 15 years speaks to the consistency of our business model and our commitment to working with individual investors," said Edward Jone's Managing Partner Jim Weddle.

"From the first day as a new associate at our firm, it is clear that all efforts center around providing the quality service and financial solutions for our clients," said Barr. "Helping people retire with dignity, send children and grandchildren to

college, and leave legacies for heirs, is noble work.

With the market volatility over the past few years, the effort of our financial advisors is more important than ever."

Serving individual investors through a onebranch team network enables Edward Jones financial advisors to deliver personal service in convenient office locations.

"The Edward Jones business model allows me to get to know my clients, educate them about appropriate investments and then make recommendations based on their individual needs," Barr says. "Clients appreciate this level of personal service and having an office in the community in which they live makes it convenient to do business with us."

"With the experience of nearly 90 years in the financial services industry, Edward Jones relies on tried-and-true principles and a long-term view for investing," says Barr. "We work one-on-one with clients to help them understand that short-term events should not derail their strategy for achiev-

ing their long-term financial goals."

Pat Barr's office is located at 1032 Broadway, Lamar. His phone number is 417-682-6545 or 800682-6545.

Edward Jones, a Fortune 500 company, provides financial services for individual investors in the United States and, through its affiliate, in Canada. Every aspect of the firm's business, from the types of investment options offered to the location of branch offices, is designed to cater to individual investors in the communities in which they live and work. The firm's 14,000-plus financial advisors work directly with nearly seven million clients. Edward Jones, which ranked No. 4 on Fortune magazine's 100 Best Companies to Work For in 2014, is headquartered in St. Louis. Fortune and Time Inc. are not affiliated with and do not endorse products or services of Edward Jones. The Edward Jones website is located at www. edwardjones.com, and its recruiting website is www. careers.edwardjones.com.

Member SIPC.

4D • Wednesday, March 25, 2015

www.lamardemocrat.com

ECONOMICS

Lamar Democrat, Lamar, MO

Barton County Farm Bureau Town & Country Tire is committed to serving the area Insurance offers multiline coverage Barton County Farm Bureau Insurance is located at 103 W. 11th St., in Lamar. Their phone number is 417-682-2106.

Barton County Farm Bureau Insurance is a multiline insurance company offering all lines of personal insurance and many types of commercial coverage as well.

Whether you need automobile insurance, homeowners, boat, motorcycle, life or annuities, Barton County Farm Bureau has a plan that will fit your needs and budget.

Farm Bureau Insurance was originally created to fill a need, to provide insurance coverages to farmers and other rural residents of Missouri.

Many large insurers traditionally underserved these individuals because they lived far from larger cities and towns. The membership and leaders of Missouri Farm Bureau recognized the opportunity that they could create companies that would provide insurance cover-

age to benefit this important group of people.

They are owned by the Missouri Farm Bureau Federation, the largest general farm organization in Missouri. It was organized in Saline County in 1915 and is currently celebrating its 100th year! Missouri Farm Bureau serves its members through its varied affiliates: Farm Bureau Town and Country Insurance Company of Missouri, Farm Bureau New Horizons Company of Missouri, Farm Bureau Life Insurance Company of Missouri, Missouri Farm Bureau Insurance Brokerage, Inc., and Missouri Farm Bureau Services, Inc. They provide sales and services through more than 140 local service centers across Missouri.

Their dedicated agents, claims staff and employees are ready to assist with your insurance needs.

Barton County had a great year in 2014, by making their member-

ship quota. Barton County Farm Bureau also feels that the rural market is a great place to do business. Good attitudes and friendly, neighbor helping neighbor, churches and a closeness of knowing friends and neighbors all contribute to an overall strong sense of community. It is a great place to live, work and raise kids.

Barton County Farm Bureau Insurance currently employs two, Rocky McCulloch, agent, and Amy Crockett, secretary.

Johnson Consignment Auction began selling items in 1948 Johnson Consignment Auction, located at the corner of Hwy. 160 and Jefferson St., in Lamar, has been selling items at weekly auction since 1948. They have been under the same management and auctioneer, Walter Johnson, for 67 years, running longer than any other in Missouri.

They are constantly trying to get new customers, buyers and sellers and plan to work harder in doing so this year, with

more advertising. 2014 year. They project about was a good year at the the same for 2015. start, but slowed down The area isn't doing as towards the end of the good as it has in the past and the owners feel there is a real need for this kind of business.

They are available to sell surplus items for customers, small or large and provide a building to sell the items regardless of the weather. They also have the ability to conduct entire sales.

For more information call 417-6825847.

"...for 67 years,

running longer

than any other in Missouri."

Town & Country Tire, located at 108 E. 7th St., in Lockwood, opened its doors on July 1, 1999, by the husband and wife team of Kevin and Penny White. They currently employ five and their phone number is 417-232-4266.

They offer tire repair and sales, mobile service, light automotive work and alignments.

This past year was a good year despite the lack of employees by the company, causing them to limit expansion as they can't grow or add services if there is no one to work. They

currently have ideas for additional services, but have to wait and see how the workforce plays out.

In today's computerized automotive world, they plan to update their alignment setup to accommodate the newest vehicle models.

Town & Country Tire appreciates Lockwood for the small town that it is, with its ability to cover most of everyones needs.

They feel it is a great town with great people and that the faith of the community is a great factor as God's love keeps everyone working together.

The Whites, as well

as their children who worked for them until graduating college and continue to help, work together with their employees, helping each other.

Ongoing training and improvement is Town & Country's goal. Their team works hard and tries to have a good time, as well. They are active in supporting the Lockwood Chamber of Commerce, Dade County Relay for Life and the American Legion and American Legion Auxiliary.

Come visit Town & Country Tire, a business that is committed to their small town.

Roger Blaser Insurance, LLC marks fifth year as an Independent Agency On August 4, 2014, Roger Blaser Insurance, LLC marked its five year anniversary as an Independent Agency.

This year has brought many changes and learning experiences, with new insurance carriers being added.

They now have the opportunity to offer their customers more choices when considering their insurance needs. The agency provides coverage which ranges from Medicare supplements, personal and group health insurance, life insurance, personal and business auto, home and farm, workers compensation and business owner policies. All of these companies have been researched by the Allegiance group and have been found to be top rated, as well as financially stable.

Roger has been involved in the insurance business for over 30 years. The agency is staffed by Ann Blaser,

Roger's wife and Cheryl Givens. Ann has over 20 years of insurance experience and is also a real estate broker and has an adjoining office which houses Blaser Realty.

Roger and Ann have a son, Max, who graduated from law school in May 2011 from the University of Tulsa, Okla. He now resides in Springfield with his wife, Tara Blaser, and their daughter, Brecklynn.

Cheryl has been with the agency for a little over three years and is an insurance agent, as well as their secretary. She has three children who attend the Lamar Schools and are active in several local organizations including the Lamar Tiger Football Program, Lamar Tiger Pride Marching Band and the First Christian Church Children and Youth activities. Combined, the Blaser family has over 50 years of experience in the insurance business.

The last year has been very hard on the economy in the Lamar area. Fami-

lies are struggling under the financial stress of these current economic times. With 2015 upon us, those at Roger Blaser Insurance pride themselves on customer service.

Heading into the New Year, their main concern is to insure their customers have the right insurance coverage at a price they can afford. As an Independent Agent, they can assure their customers of prompt, personalized service and attention from someone they know and trust.

Whether you own a home, business or farm, having the right coverage will insure the protection you need at the time you need it. Roger Blaser Insurance, LLC wants their customers to feel secure in their coverage choices and confident in the agency that represents them. Please stop by their office at 201 W. 10th St., in Lamar, or call them today at 417-682-5267 for a no cost, no obligation personal insurance review.

She has been a great addition, helping to make printing look fantastic.

Ask for Miranda if you want your printing project, wedding, anniversary or graduation invitation or to transform a t-shirt design from dull to outstanding. Christina Chartier – Vinyl Graphics and Embroidery joined Morrison Printing in 2014 and has been a great addition to help expand the vinyl graphics and start the new embroidery business. Talk to Christina if you are needing to dress up your car, truck motorcycle or tractor,

as well as most types of business signage for vehicles, windows or buildings, or embroidery on shirts, pants, socks, jackets, caps, bags, backpacks, uniforms, blankets, pillow cases, towels, robes,

scarves, stocking caps, aprons and more. Morrison Printing also receives exceptional help and support from their family.

Check out their web page or Facebook to view samples.

Kodak Kiosk and embroidery are new to Morrison Printing in 2014 Morrison Printing offers all types of printing, black and white and color copies, wide format prints, posters and banners, rubber stamps, photo gifts of all types, a Kodak Kiosk, vinyl graphics for vehicles, windows and interior wall graphics, embroidery and tshirt printing. They are located at 110 E. 10th St., in Lamar and their phone is 417-682-5065. Their website is www.morrisonprintinglamar.com and their e-mail address is morrisonprinting@yahoo.com. They can also be found on Facebook.

Morrison Printing began in November of 1989 and just celebrated its 25th year. They were located in the now torn down Gilkey Building, next to the body shop, for 15 years and have occupied a space in the old MFA building for the past 10 years.

New in 2014 were a Kodak Kiosk and embroi-

dery, as well as expanded vinyl graphics. The Kodak Kiosk allows anyone to come in and have prints made from their camera or cell phone. They can also scan prints to make new prints. Digital video snapshot can make a photo from a paused video.

Kodak prints are waterproof.

A Happy 15 needle embroidery machine was purchased new this year.

Continuing Embroidery Impressions great legacy of exceptional embroidery and t-shirt printing, all designs from the past are ready for use at Morrison Printing. They can update a logo or design for a nominal fee. They can also make vehicles look even better with vinyl graphics, personal graphics or business advertising. Morrisons offers window or signage for businesses and work or a design for home interior in any color.

Morrison Printing ex-

perienced a good year in 2014 and look forward to an even better one in 2015. They enjoy being in business in this area, believing that the people in Lamar care about each other and show that by supporting local businesses.

Darren Morrison is the owner of Morrison Printing. He is a graduate of Lamar High School and Pittsburg State University, and was previously employed at Golden Business Forms. Miranda Bronson is the graphic designer and joined Morrison Printing in 2014.

Lamar Democrat, Lamar, MO

www.lamardemocrat.com

Barton County Chamber's mission is to promote progress in the county Barton County Chamber of Commerce is observing its 21st year of serving the needs of local businesses and community. Their office is located at 102 W. 10th St., in Lamar, and they can be reached at 417-682-3595.

They currently employ three, Astra Ferris, executive director; DeAnna Ross, executive assistant and Amy Willhite, special events coordinator.

The chamber is a member based organization whose mission is to promote progress in Barton County through business and community development.

In 2014 the chamber was proud to release Barton County's first ever Community Guide,

which features information that is useful to residents, tourists and those people and businesses thinking of moving to Barton County. The chamber also narrowed down their 4th Thursdays on the Square to two events (in May and September), to eliminate those events during peak summer heat and conflicts with summer sporting events. This allowed for a bigger budget on both events, giving the chamber the ability to bring in even better entertainment. Speaking of events, in 2014 they hired a new events coordinator, Amy Willhite, who has helped them reach out and become more involved in both

Liberal and Golden City, namely their active involvement with the 2014 Golden Harvest Days celebration.

2015 looks to be an exciting year at the chamber as the Liberal Community Sign (their second Community Pride project) becomes a reality!

Additionally, they will be rolling out a brand new website, which will feature new exciting tools for members to use, in a much easier to understand format. In July, they'll be rolling out a new summer event to replace the annual golf scramble. Be sure to follow them on Facebook and to subscribe to the weekly eNewsletter for more details as the date

draws closer.

The chamber will also be partnering with the Rolling Thunder MS Bike Show for the popular Wyatt Earp FallFest in early October. This will be in addition to the Old Geezers Car Show and other great live entertainment that has come to be expected at the FallFest.

Pictured are, front, Astra Ferris, left, and Amy Willhite, with DeAnna Ross up the tree!

Wednesday, March 25, 2015 •

5D

ECONOMICS

6D • Wednesday, March 25, 2015

www.lamardemocrat.com

Lamar Democrat, Lamar, MO

Wednesday, March 25, 2015 •

SECTION E

Lamar Fire Department sees number of alarms spike in 2014

By BILL RAWLINGS Chief Lamar Fire Department

The Lamar Fire Department saw the number of alarms it responded to in 2014 nearly double the number it had in 2013.

The number of man-hours also doubled over the same period, putting additional emphasis on trainers/drivers/ engineers. In 2014, we responded to 74 city calls, and 66 rural and mutual aid calls. Based on our year-end report, we logged over 1,300 man-hours on fire calls, plus many more hours on training, pumper and hose testing, and other fire related activities to maintain a readiness to meet the fire protection needs of the area.

The Lamar Fire Department is currently staffed with three fulltime firemen/drivers/engineers, 24 paid-per-call firefighters, and one volunteer firefighter.

As a result of a review of our department in 2013 by the Insurance Service Organization, our ISO rating was reduced to a Class 5 as of September 1, 2014.

We are proud to have this new rating for the benefit of our residents and commercial properties.

Training and drills include operations for structure fires, motor vehicle fires and accidents, and natural vegetation fires. We also pressure test all threeinch hose, and the four pumpers are tested each year during our drills.

We visited several commercial properties, churches, and schools during the year demonstrating our equipment and stressing safety practices to prevent fires.

At the present, our three main pumpers are model years 2009, 2002, and 1997, all Freightliner models, with 1,500 gallons-perminute pumps and 1,000 gallon water tanks. Each carries 1,800 feet of three-inch hose, four 60-minute self contained breathing apparatus with four spare bottles, and various other equipment. We also have a 1986 reserve pumper and a 1938 truck for use in parades.

Additional equipment includes a 2000 Freightliner tank-

Above, the Lamar fire station with the trucks atthe-ready.

The three full-time drivers/ engineers of the Lamar Fire Department. Each works a 24-hour shift and is off for 48 hours. Left to right, Dayne Shoff, Scott Potter, and Ken Reinert, Sr. er with 2,600 gallon tank, two brush trucks, and a rescue van that carries our thermal imaging camera, extra self-contained breathing apparatus and bottles, testing equipment, blowers, and miscellaneous equipment. We also have a 4 x 4 Gator with a water tank and pump for use in off-road incidents.

We continue to offer our rural membership, and we appreciate the support these members have given us. If you live in our service area and are not a mem-

ber, please call 417-682-5512 with any questions about service. Non-members are billed at much higher rates. Please remember that based on our ISO Class 5 rating, and if you live within five miles of our station in Lamar, most insurance companies will provide coverage at a reduced rate.

The Lamar Fire Department has good working relations with other area fire departments, and we appreciate the valuable assistance we get from them. Other

agencies that we work closely with include the Lamar Police Department, Barton County Ambulance, Barton County Sheriff, and the Missouri State Highway Patrol.

As we look forward to 2016, we plan to keep our equipment updated and fully maintained, and continue to conduct a vigorous training program so that we can safely respond to citizens’ needs with a department that operates at maximum efficiency.

Achieving personal and departmental goals drive the Lamar Police Department on a daily basis

The Lamar Police Department. Left to right, Chief Ronald E. Hager, Sgt. Steven Shaw, Ptl. Josh Wentler, Cpl. Oliver Cornell, Detective Robert Lawrence, Jr., Ptl. Zac Costley, Ptl. Joe Housel, Lt. John Davis, Ptl. Katie Thomas, Ptl. Rawn Toler, ACO Sandy Alexander, and Reserve Chief Greg Evans.

Each member of the Lamar Police Department is encouraged by Chief Ron Hager to set personal goals in his/her work as a law enforcement officer. The combined personal goals ultimately make up the goals of the department, and in so many cases they become one and the same. Here are just a few of them that become an integral part of the police department’s service to the community. Strive to maintain professionalism when dealing with the community. Change the city for the better. Promote better relations with the police and citizens. Become an even more professional police department than what we are.

One of the department’s programs that ranks very high in establishing a good relationship with the public is the school resource officer, which establishes a positive and trusting relationship at an early age.

Cpl. Oliver Cornell serves as resource officer this year, covering all three campuses. Chief Hager says this is stretching him rather thin, but it seems to be working quite well.

A part of building a relationship with students is the

D.A.R.E. (Drug Abuse Resis- offered to anyone who wishes event. It stresses unique knowltance Education) program, to enroll, and it is also a May edge about motorcycles, and which is taught to fifth grade students over a period of 10 weeks. The D.A.R.E. graduation is held in mid-January and is attended by enthusiastic students and supportive parents.

Bicycle Safety Day is held in May near the end of the school year. A course is laid out for Barton County CDC con- (1) New business attraction, (2) kids to ride, which contains tinues to promote new busi- Current business retention and stop signs, and helps all of ness attraction and current expansion support, (3) Expand them to understand the rules business retention and ex- existing area entrepreneurship of the road. pansion and innovation.

Another May activity is “Fish The Barton County Comwith a Cop,” which is targeted munity Development Cortoward sixth graders, and takes poration, reorganized in the class for a day’s fishing at 2009, is a 501(c)4 organizathe pond in Wheeler Park. The tion whose mission stateMissouri Department of Conment is, “To advance the servation stimulates the success economic well being of the of the event by stocking bluegill citizens of Barton County, and catfish in the pond shortly Missouri by encouraging the before it takes place. Half the expansion and attraction of class fishes in the morning, businesses and industry into and the other half fishes in the Barton County, and to proafternoon. Officers are on hand mote economic development to untangle lines, remove fish, in Barton County through and bait hooks. A prize is given education, communication, for the biggest fish landed in information gathering, and each group. Prizes are donated community cooperation.” by local businesses. It’s a fun They have three primary foJohn Adams time and a builder of positive cus points in achieving their relationships. mission statement through- John Adams was hired in A motorcycle safety class is out Barton County which are August, 2012 as the executive

see POLICE, page 5E

Community Development Corporation (CDC) director of the Barton County Community Development Corporation, and became very busy with eight projects starting in August, 2012 through December, 2012 totaling nine for 2012. In 2013, the CDC had nine new potential attraction projects, and in 2014, that rose to 22 projects. Already in 2015, they are looking at five new projects and expect the remainder of this year to be very busy. All of these projects were focused on potential manufacturing, food processing, call centers and retail distribution and agriculture.

This active involvement illustrates that Barton County CDC is now effectively recognized in the site selection-economic arena with their improved “brand site awareness” at the local resee DEVELOPMENT, page 6E

2E • Wednesday, March 25, 2015

GOVERNMENT

www.lamardemocrat.com

Lamar Democrat, Lamar, MO

Barton County FSA office hires new program technician If you visit the Barton County Farm Service Office, you will see an unfamiliar face sitting behind one of the desks. Paul King began his career with the Barton County Farm Service Agency on February 9, 2015. Paul is no stranger to USDA, as he was working as a temporary employee in the Clinton office prior to

coming to Lamar. Prior to his employment in Clinton, Paul was a wildlife specialist with the Cass County Soil and Water Conservation District for five years, with his primary duty of developing Conservation Reserve Program technical plans for the Natural Resource Conservation Service.

Paul grew up on a dairy,

row-crop farm, that has been in his family for many generations, near Garden City. He graduated from Sherwood High School, Creighton, in 2000 and from the Brunswick School of Auctioneering in 2004. Paul is a single parent, with two boys, Hayden age nine and John age seven. In his spare time Paul en-

joys fishing, farming and spending quality time with his two sons. Paul has completed his move to Lamar from Garden City and looks forward to meeting new people and becoming an active member of the community.

The next time you visit the office please introduce yourself and help us welcome Paul to Lamar.

City council parts with long time occupant on square, moves toward automatic electric metering

Seated from left are councilman Judd Chesnut, councilman Max Simmons, mayor Keith Divine, city attorney Steven Kaderly, and city clerk Traci Cox. Standing from left are councilman Bill Talbott, councilman Steve Gilkey, councilman Tom Shields, councilman Joey Bronson, councilman Harold VanDeMark, chief of police and assistant city administrator Ron Hager, and city administrator Lynn Calton.

It stood majestically on the northeast corner of the Lamar square for approximately 130 years and had housed a myriad of businesses during its lifetime. However, during the last few years, it was on life support, propped up by five huge braces on the south side to prevent it from collapsing onto 10th Street. By the end of 2014, the Gilkey building was only a memory. Then, in a few more weeks into 2015, its floor and underpinning were removed, and the soil beneath it would be ready for conversion to a small downtown park. At least that was a temporary plan until new construction could fill the vacant space.

Dealing with the Gilkey building was one of the most visible problems the Lamar City Council faced in 2014. Its final solution carried into 2015.

Another was placing additional restrictions on

mobile homes coming into the city. An ordinance approved on January 20, 2014 specified they could only be moved into designated trailer parks. It was another effort to improve the appearance of the city.

Another part of this effort was removal of nuisance structures. Always difficult to enforce, some progress was made. In the case of existing mobile homes, they would be allowed to stay under the familiar “grandfather” clause.

Another city improvement project was the 11th Street “streetscape,” linking together the Harry Truman birthplace and the Lamar square with trees, sidewalks, antique street lamps, and benches.

The application for funding the project through the Missouri Department of Transportation failed in 2014, but is likely to be sought again in 2015.

A small but noticeable

contribution that improves the city’s appearance is a well kept cemetery on the city’s east side.

Simply known as East Cemetery, it is the oldest cemetery in the city, dating back to the Civil War. As responsibility for its upkeep faded into the dim past, the city assumed that role and keeps it mowed and trimmed around the graves in the summer months.

The city of Lamar was recognized as a Purple Heart City at the council meeting of September 22, 2014. Mayor Keith Divine read the proclamation and a plaque was presented by Paul E. Weeks, commander of Chapter 621 of the Order of the Purple Heart headquartered in Springfield.

The council was forced to bite the bullet in the September, 2014 meeting by raising water and sewer rates. This was necessary to stop an annual loss

of over $55,500 in water billings. Rates increased by 10 percent with the November, 2014 billings, and an additional 10 percent will become effective in November, 2015. The monthly sewer charge became 120 percent of the monthly water bill.

The First Street overpass was a project to allow improved contact with that part of the city lying west of Interstate 49.

Work proceeded through late summer into autumn, and by November it was open to traffic. The only problem with the new addition to Lamar traffic flow seemed to be a complaint that additional guard rails should be added to the overpass’s approaches.

The city audit by Decker and DeGood CPAs of Springfield revealed the city’s need for a bid policy and a procurement policy.

It had neither. In reality, it had both but there was

nothing in writing. The city had been following state guidelines for years, but Marshall Decker told the council at its December, 2014 meeting that wasn’t good enough. It should be in writing. That translated into a lengthy work session on January 12, 2015 that produced both. Surrounding cities were contacted to provide a pattern to follow.

The new written policies will be put into ordinance form for discussion and ultimate approval at future council meetings. A fraud policy was also adopted at the January work session.

As the year ended, the city was moving toward converting the metering system of the electric department to a wireless one utilizing solid state meters. A study of figures had shown the city was losing about $10,000 per month because of under reporting of electricity

consumed by the current system. After three information sessions with Phil Carroll of Finley Engineering, the council voted on February 16 to proceed with the installation of wireless automatic meters. The project should begin in the early part of April.

The city found itself facing an ambivalent situation during 2014 when the youth assistance program, About Our Kids (AOK), found itself running short on funds as the federal grants that had kept it operating were discontinued in budgetary cutbacks. The council obviously was in favor of honoring a request from AOK for financial assistance, but was advised by legal counsel that contributing money to a private organization simply cannot be done. AOK has continued to operate through donations and fundraising activities.

Sufficient water is key to maintaining vibrant city park The focus for parks in 2014 was water. Water is necessary for green growing things to continue green and growing. Keeping new trees alive and well takes lots of water. Park Board Chairman Chris Elswick and Board Member DeWayne Kirkpatrick formed their own bucket brigade with over 60 watering buckets to keep new trees planted in 2013 hydrated. Trees need watered for several years after initial planting to ensure they take hold and thrive.

These two intrepid public servants spent an entire day at least once a week all summer to carry the water

to where it was needed.

Along the theme of water where it’s needed, an irrigation system was put in at the City Park in the entry circle to help give trees better access to water. There is no reason to plant them if young trees are allowed to die due to lack of water. With this in mind, the City Water Department was called on to add underground irrigation to the entry circle, which is the part of the park everyone sees upon entering, where Relay for Life is held each fall, and where many beautiful trees and shrubs stand.

Another irrigation system went in at Wheeler Park along the Memorial Avenue of Trees to water

Photos courtesy of Diana Hopkins Tthe Master Gardeners work on the demonstration garden, located in the Lamar City Park, adding new mulch and gravel.

the 40 maple trees planted along Memorial Avenue to honor loved ones. The project was accomplished in partnership with Parks and Recreation staff, City

Water Department staff, and the park board. None of these persons is afraid to get his/her hands dirty, see PARK, page 7E

Lamar Democrat, Lamar, MO

www.lamardemocrat.com

Wednesday, March 25, 2015 •

3E

GOVERNMENT

Truman Area Transportation Service (T.A.T.S.)

Truman Birthplace continues to draw visitors from faraway places

By BETH BAZAL Historic site specialist LAMAR-The Harry S Truman Birthplace is located at 1009 Truman Street in Lamar. The historic site first opened to the public in 1959. It was donated to the state of Missouri from the United Auto Workers. President Truman attended the dedication and signed the guest register as “retired farmer.” The historic site is part of the Missouri State Park system and provides guided tours of the historic home between the hours of 10 a.m. through 4 p.m., Wednesday through Saturday. The site is open on Sunday from noon until 4 p.m. The home shows generations of today how people lived during the 1800s in southwest Missouri. It has neither electricity nor indoor plumbing.

The birthplace held

two special events during 2014, including Truman Days in May and a Christmas Open House in December. The Truman Day event included historical events from World War II. A Truman impersonator was part of the day’s activities, and provided a reenactment of the 1944 acceptance speech for vice-president of the United States. Staff provided activities that were common place for children in the 1940s.

The day ended with cake to celebrate Mr. Truman’s 130th birthday, and music was provided by a barber shop quartet. The 2014 Christmas open house provided visitors with a step back into 1880 Christmas traditions. The day included a tour of the home decorated for the 1880s, and several individuals made historic ornaments.

The birthplace staff provided several educational

programs throughout the year. These programs included Truman Trunk, Osage Indians, Bison, Famous Missourians, African American history, the Civil War, and Westward Expansion. Schools from Lamar, Liberal, Miller, Bronaugh, and Sheldon visited the historic home.

The staff provided offsite programs for Mount Vernon, Stedlely Elementary in Carthage, Miller, Sheldon, Lamar, and Liberal.

The staff assisted with several other local and state events during 2014.

These included Wyatt Earp Day in Lamar, Nathan Boone Homestead Days in Ash Grove, History Day in Nevada, Prairie Jubilee in Liberal, and the Ozark Empire Fair in Springfield. The historic site was visited by persons coming from far flung parts of the world, Germany, England, Sweden see BIRTHPLACE, page 7E

Proof of residency can use a number of documents New driver’s license equipment has been received, and licenses are now mailed to customers instead of received in the license office. Proof of residency must accompany any renewal or new document. The renewal card, utility bill, vehicle registration or other appropriate document may be used. A call to the bureau office will gain more information. If a post office box is used for a mailing address, a street address must be proven.

All holders of CDL’s must present their medical card at a local license office and certify whether they are exempt or required to have a medical

card. If a medical card is needed, it must be presented, and the doctor’s information from the card is entered into the computer. Failure to do this will result in the license being downgraded.

Personal property taxes are now online and can be looked up if a customer neglects to present a receipt when applying for new plates or a renewal.

Some people are under the mistaken impression that sales taxes can be paid without presenting the title to the license office. If a vehicle is purchased from a dealership, the title will usually be mailed to the owner within two weeks.

The staff of the Lamar

License Office values their customers and will help in any way to resolve issues which may arise with titles, plates, and driver’s licenses. A customer appreciation day is held annually on the first Wednesday of April. This year, it will be April 1.

Joyce Moser has been the agent of the Lamar License Office for the last nine and one-half years.

The Lamar License Office is open Monday through Friday from 8:30 a.m. to 5 p.m., and on the last Saturday of the month from 9 a.m. to noon. Call with any questions to 417682-3555, or e-mail them at lamarlicenseoffice@ gmail.com.

Don Keithly-driver, Mary Fowler-driver, Ron Hager-T.A.T.S. director, Pam Moore-driver, Charlette Griffitt-driver/secretary, Ginnie Keattsdirector of services. Not pictured, Gary Salisbury-driver and Gary Bybee-driver.

T.A.T.S., one of the most heavily used services offered by city of Lamar w/pic in this folder and cutline Providing public transportation benefits the community as a whole. Mobility allows individuals to remain independent in their own homes and supports the local economy in several areas. The Truman Area Transportation Service (T.A.T.S.), which was founded in 1994, allows access to jobs, education, and nutrition.

Citizens may also use the taxi service to visit friends and take care of social services matters.

An especially valuable part of the service is being able to have medical needs attended to.

In 2014, ridership exceeded all years past by operating at or near full capacity with 26,350 rides. Consistently, the service has provided an average of 2,195 rides per month. The average was 105 rides each day. This translates into a new ride every six minutes. During 2014, T.A.T.S. logged 54,000 miles or 215 miles per day, which clearly proves the citizens of

Lamar have a continuing need for public transit.

Due to economic hardships in the last few years, we continue to see an increase in the number or riders who need rides to work because of not being able to maintain their own vehicle.

The service provides rides to anyone who needs one for an affordable price. The two groups in Lamar who need public transit the most are senior citizens and handicapped individuals. Senior citizens over 60 and the physically disabled needing wheel chairs or mobility devices may ride on a donation basis. If they cannot afford to contribute, they are allowed to ride at no charge. Disabled citizens, who provide proof of their disability through the Social Security Administration paperwork or a statement signed by their physician, may ride at a reduced cost of 50 cents. Regular fare rides for citizens under 60, who are not disabled, are charged $2 per one way trip.

All rides are subsidized by federal, state, and local funds. Each year, T.A.T.S. is faced with the reality that state and fed-

eral cutbacks are being made, and funding is not assured of being there in the future. Grants require an investment from the community. In order to help raise the matching funds, T.A.T.S. employees can be seen around town several times a year cooking or selling something at various events.

Director of Services, Ron Hager, has become known for his ability to cook delicious food, and receives requests to cook at special events in order to raise funds for T.A.T.S. Contributions are always welcome. They would love to have support from everyone in the community to keep this vital services available to everyone in need. One never knows when they may be the one needing that ride.

Anyone wishing to ride may call T.A.T.S. at 417-682-5542, Monday through Friday between the hours of 6:30 a.m. and 5 p.m. The area served by T.A.T.S. is within a three mile radius of the city of Lamar. Medical trips for the elderly and disabled who have no other means of transportation are provided throughout Barton County. A 24-hour notice is required for these medical trips.

Lamar Heights continues surplus budget with cautious support of CDC LAMAR HEIGHTSThe city of Lamar Heights entered 2015 with a surplus budget and continued support of the Community Development Corporation (CDC). As in 2014, $5,000 was allocated for CDC use, but it was limited to the purchase of “hard assets,” such as office furniture and equipment, and each purchase required advance approval by the city’s board of aldermen. In 2014, only $760 of the allocation was actually spent, well un-

der the $2,000 which had been approved. Continued financial support of the CDC has been strongly supported by Alderman Debbie Little, who is also a member of the board of directors of the CDC. Early in 2014, the board won the gratitude of AOK (About Our Kids) by donating an unused computer for their use.

The equipment had been purchased for keeping the city’s records, but Secretary/Clerk Vicki Pugh said she preferred using her own computer for that purpose. AOK took

possession of the gift on January 16, 2014.

An issue will be on the April 7 ballot that will remove the responsibility of submitting a ballot to Lamar Heights voters if only one person has filed for each office to be filled.

This has been allowed by a change in Missouri election laws. It will save money for Lamar Heights, and if approved, will apply to all future elections.

The next meeting of the board of aldermen will be at 5:45 p.m., April 9, in the offices of Vicki Pugh, CPA.

4E • Wednesday, March 25, 2015

CITY OF LAMAR

www.lamardemocrat.com

Lamar Democrat, Lamar, MO

Lamar Democrat, Lamar, MO

www.lamardemocrat.com

Wednesday, March 25, 2015 •

5E

GOVERNMENT

CITY OF LAMAR EMPLOYEES

ADMINISTRATION Traci Cox-city clerk, Lynn Calton-city administrator, Coby Fullerton-deputy city clerk. Not pictured, Ron Hager-assistant city administrator.

PARKS & RECREATION Front row, Marsha Doyle, Parks and Recreation Director. Back row, Mike Withers, Nick Fanning, Spencer Lybeck, Amanda Rector.

STREET DEPARTMENT Front row, Seth Lintner, Louis Sinnett. Back row, Greg Strong, Keenan Begley, Louis Howell, Norman Schipull-foreman. Not pictured, Terry Roby.

UTILITY OFFICE Paige Graves, Deana Baker, Lisa Buzzard, Sandra Phipps.

WATER DISTRIBUTION Brian Miller, Zach Fanning, Ted Nance, Lee Miller, Cory Harrison, Norman Schipull-foreman.

SANITATION DEPARTMENT Jason Bronson, Tommy Forst-foreman, Josh Workman.

MAINTENANCE & BUILDING DEPARTMENT Steve Moore, maintenance, Greg Coats, building inspector.

ELECTRIC DEPARTMENT Judd Davis, Jim Martin-foreman, Kevin Lee, Brett Davis, James Carothers, Mick Fast.

WATER PLANT Josh Mundy, Rick Hornbeck-foreman, Davis Strickland.

Police, continued from page 1E

stresses safety skills in their operation. It also offers tips about motorcycle maintenance.

Probably the largest single event interacting with the public is the annual Shop With a Cop event that occurs just before Christmas at the Lamar Walmart. This is preceded by a huge fundraising effort that brings in between $11,000 and $13,000 that comes from businesses, individuals (hundreds of them), fraternal organizations, churches, and anonymous givers. The 2014 Shop With a Cop included 104 kids from needy families, ages 5 through 12, coming from Lamar, Liberal, Golden City, Lockwood, and Jasper.

Each youngster is given a $100 gift card, paired with an officer, and given about an hour-and-a-half to spend it on themselves.

However, it has been discovered that some kids make purchases for Mom and Dad in addition to themselves.

A training day generally occurs in October in which every member of the police department goes through exercises likely to be encountered in day to day police work.

However, other situations in which force is required are also part of the training as is simulated building searches.

One officer was sent to a special class for training on the handling of an active shooter inside a school building. He, in turn, instructs teachers and school staff on handling such a situation.

Lamar has a well equipped police department. In fact, prior to disturbances in Ferguson, Missouri, which prompted a decision to equip their police officers with body cameras, Lamar’s department was already using them. Chief Hager says the cameras have been a great tool for the officers. The cam-

eras help collect evidence against people who commit crimes and help keep officers honest.

A brief review of statistics will show what Lamar police officers are confronted with on a daily basis. In 2014, 49 burglaries were reported.

That was up from 24 in 2013. Vandalism cases were down considerably to 31; 51 were reported in 2013. D.W.I. arrests were up slightly to 26, compared to 19 in 2013.

Domestic disturbances showed little change; 227 in 2014 compared to 232 in 2013. Auto theft was reported 10 times, not many, but still an increase from six in 2013.

One figure that is often overlooked by the public reflects police officers dedication to service.

That is citizen assistance, which includes everything from helping someone who has fallen to assisting an individual who has locked himself out of his house. In 2014, there were 4,720 citizen assists, nearly 1,000 more than in 2013. It was also marked the largest number of assists in the history of the department.

Animal control is also a function of the Lamar Police Department. Live animals picked up came to 226 dogs and 150 cats in 2014. However, 111 dogs were returned to their owners, while only 16 cats were claimed.

There were 60 dogs adopted out, but only 21 cats found new homes.

In more exotic animals, 11 opossums were picked up, two live armadillos, and four racoons.

In his annual report to the mayor and city council, Chief Hager said, “As you can see, we are not working ourselves out of a job. The work just keeps coming, and we are giving it our best effort to keep up with things. We had a lot of success in 2014, and I hope 2015 is no different.”

6E • Wednesday, March 25, 2015

www.lamardemocrat.com

GOVERNMENT

Lamar Democrat, Lamar, MO

It was the year of new bridges in Barton County the emergency director no longer worked for the ambulance district. For the time being, the emergency management office would remain in the ambulance building. However, in June, the emergency management office in the ambulance building was vacated, and a new office in the courthouse basement was opened. The old men’s restroom fixtures were removed along with a Barton County officials standing from left are Teresa Moore, public administrator; Kathleen Dimond, recorder of deeds; Barba Parrish, wall to make collector-treasurer; Ivan Frieden, assessor; and Kristina Crockett, county clerk. Seated from left are Jeff Tucker, District 2 commissioner; room for a new emergenMike Davis, presiding commissioner; and Dennis Wilson, District 1 commissioner. cy manageBy Judy I. Fast county property and con- was selected as the best Southeast 115th Lane and delays due to inclement ment director’s office. The Barton County fiscated firearms. A date bid at $101,663 to replace Northwest 30th Road. weather, Burke, never- new office was equipped of March 29, 2014 was set, the faulty system.

Delays on construction theless, completed the with a generator for Commission Secretary and the auction was held Great River Engineer- were experienced on 90-foot span in late Feb- emergency use, which Starting out the 2014 at the Road and Bridge ing was progressing on Northwest 30th Road due ruary, 2015. The commis- was purchased for $2,231. year, the Barton Coun- maintenance barn. the Bridge Replacement to an eagle nest high in a sion inspected the com- In June, bids were ty Commission met During the month of Off Road System (BRO) tree on the right-of-way. pleted bridge on March 9, opened on installation with the Barton County March, 911 calls were project on Northwest That project will not be 2015, and accepted it into of new sidewalks on the Chamber of Commerce routed through New- 100th Road. Bid opening undertaken until 2015. the county’s inventory of west side of the courtto come together and ton County due to the was held on May 14 for Another BRO project bridges. house. Sprouls Conmerge their websites. A malfunctioning of the replacement of the bridge, with Anderson Engi- In April, 2014, the com- struction submitted the contract was signed, and enhanced 911 system of and C and C Bridge was neering started shaping mission met with the Bar- winning bid for $8,500. the two websites merged, Barton County. Plans awarded the winning bid up on Southwest 90th ton County Ambulance Donald Noll was hired to adding more information were laid to acquire a new for $276,852. Engineers Road over Duval Creek. Board with questions repair nine windows in available to county resi- system for the jail. Bid for Horner-Shifron met In August, Burke Bridge on concerns of whether the courthouse that did dents. opening was June 2 for with the commission on received the winning bid Emergency Management not seal properly when Plans were started to installing a new system. two more BRO projects for $327,430 for the proj- would remain in the am- see BRIDGES, page 7E have a surplus auction of A&W Communications in the county located on ect. Fighting numerous bulance building since

Development, continued from page 1E gional, state, national and international levels. All of this CDC high profile involvement does take substantial time, personnel activity and involvement with many site selector and consultant groups.

As a non-profit business, Barton County CDC understands and appreciates the importance of the moral support and generous financial contributions from their Barton County stakeholders.

Their gifts allow Adams to undertake the many potential new business attraction projects and related industry activities.

They support their efforts in current area retention and expansion, and encouraging any potential entrepreneurs to fulfill their dreams throughout this year.

Adams and the CDC board are uniting with area leaders in establishing Barton County, Missouri as a Missouri Work Ready Community that is working to transform its economy by developing a work force that will enable existing businesses to expand, and that will attract new industry to the community.

Adams became involved with the 10th Street Farmers' Market organization in 2013, and worked with them to receive a $20,000 USDA grant, which will allow several improvements to their operations. You will see many of these take form at the Moore Pavilion during the 2015 season.

Adams became involved with the AEP/Affordable Equity Partners in the “Barton Square Residences” for a grant with Missouri Housing Development Council.

It was unfortunately not awarded in December, 2014 due to 122 projects statewide being submitted, but funds available for only 22 awards. An application has been resubmitted for 2015 and it is hoped that the grant will be awarded this year.

Adams was in contact with Access Family Care, which is a health care op-

eration that helps fill the income/insurance gaps for individuals for major medical and dental care.

This company is looking to receive an award by May 1, 2015. If awarded, the operation will begin sometime in 2015. This bears careful attention in the future.

Remember, in any community, it takes a total team effort to “go over the goal line and score.”

Please continue as one of CDC's team. If you are not on board, then they welcome you to become part of it.

Some of our past and current Team Members and Capital Contributors/Stakeholders are city of Lamar, Barton County Commission, Barton County Electric Cooperative, Barton Mutual Group, city of Lamar Heights, city of Liberal, Lamar Bank and Trust, Heritage State Bank, Barton County Memorial Hospital, Thorco Industries, Red Neck Blinds, Versacourt International, Walmart and numerous professional groups, private businesses and private individuals.

CDC has always strived to have a consistent image.

That consists of showing a unified message; allowing transparency of actions; stimulating a broad involvement of county government councils and boards; encouraging various county business leaders to become more supportive; maintaining a strong state, regional and national business awareness; and always to make sure project involvement activity is both consistently positive in their use of any social media and advertising.

They will focus and direct an assortment of various economic development methods as they get involved with site selectors and consultant agencies on the federal, state and regional economic level during their business and industry projects. In addition, they will continually work closely with other important target audiences such

as city councils, county commission, other elected officials. trade associations, state economic development departments, private businesses and private individuals in the county community.

There are several county and community groups that I have agreed to personally provide them with regular reports and updates, keeping them informed on various economic projects and the progress made.

Media support will be used to effectively communicate project progress when appropriate, using radio, television, newspaper articles and letters with clearly stated opinions. Some of the countywide events Adams will be attending are industries, county fairs, festivals, farmer’s market, business expos, business tours, school career tech center events and area farming operations.

The CDC has an active and informational website, www.bartoncountycdc.org, which is used by many of the target audiences interested in placing a new business, a relocation, or adding a distribution center. They are now in the process of reviewing and improving on several aspects of the site, without interrupting its actual function.

Special projects Missouri State Certified Site – The CDC is still looking at the economic cost and time needed to accomplish this certification. However, if Barton County’s site is certified, then they would appear at the top of the list for every site selector, consultant and company official looking to put in a new business or industry in Missouri. This would be an immense help in getting more economic projects for Barton County.

FTZ (Foreign Trade Zone) - is a catalyst for economic growth in the 23 approved counties in Missouri, of which Barton County is one. This is an approved federal economic incentive program to enhance the capability of local companies to compete successfully in international trade, through importing and exporting goods and services. This would be very helpful, as part of the attraction to any business/ industry that imports significant amounts of material and/or components. They have expectations that at some point, Barton County will have a business or industrial park area that will qualify at the necessary import dollar level needed for a FTZ qualification.

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ment Partners The CDC has over the past three years become involved with several partner groups which give us national, state and regional presence, which is beneficial and necessary in their “unique branding” process. They are: --MOPAR (Missouri Partners) - Barton County is involved with this professional active group, which is financed from the Missouri Department of Economic Development, which acts as the marketing arm and handles many of the front line inquiries from international and national site selectors and consultants, who then will contact Adams directly with pertinent information. That allows the CDC to submit a site proposal from Barton County when appropriate.

--Joplin Regional Partnership Initiative - This group has a specific focus on marketing with specific site selectors, consultants and company officials who are looking at the southwest Missouri region. Again, once the

specific information as to site requirements is gathered, then Adams will submit a site proposal for Barton County when appropriate.

--MEDC - The MEDC is the administrative and lobbying group focused on impressing Missouri state representatives and senators, along with the governor, with the overall need for economic development financial support.

Adams is on the MEDC Council Board of Directors and serves as director for district six.

--SEDC - The SEDC is the oldest and largest economic development group, representing 17 southeast states, of which Missouri is a part. Adams was elected in late 2013 as the assistant director for the state of Missouri and currently serves on the SEDC Board of Directors.

Adams has his office at 102 West 10th Street, Lamar, located in the upstairs area of the Barton County Chamber of Commerce office. His office telephone number is 417-681-2500 and website is www.bartoncountycdc.org.

Lamar Democrat, Lamar, MO

www.lamardemocrat.com

Soil and Water District employee recognized with state award Barton County Soil and Water Conservation District employee Karen Cleveland was presented with the individual State Technician II Award at the 66th Annual MASWCD Training Conference in Osage Beech. This award is presented to an employee for excellence in conservation knowledge, superior people skills and exceptional work ethic in the work place. She additionally received the Area 6 Outstanding Job Performance Award from the Missouri Soil and Water District Employee’s Association.

In recent months the Natural Resources Conservation Service agency has undergone some operational changes which re-aligned the NRCS staff throughout the state. In

this realignment, Barton County received a new NRCS employee, Alan Hayes of Bates County.

Alan will be serving as the district conservationist of Bates, Vernon, Barton and Jasper counties.

His responsibilities will include the coordination of activities and administrative duties of the four county Field Office Service Area.

With an exceptionally good summer, fall and winter for construction, the Barton County SWCD had a banner year in assisting local farmers with the installation of erosion control practices.

In 2014 nearly $500,000 in cost share funds was made available to landowners to construct grassed waterways, terraces or removal of wa-

Birthplace, continued from page 3E Israel, New Zealand, Russia, Canada, Singapore, China, Brazil, France, the Netherlands, Italy, Bhutan, and Austria.

The Truman Birthplace has two full-time employees, Beth Bazal, Park/Historic Site Specialist (commonly known as administrator) and Ron Jefferies, park maintenance worker.

The birthplace had four seasonal workers during 2014, Louise Caruthers, Hannah Oeltjen, Joann Dykes, and Laron Abernathy. Daryl Johanson started as a seasonal worker in January, 2015.

The Truman Birthplace had two State Park Youth Corps employees during the summer of 2014. The Youth Corps is a program to get young adults into the work force. The two

summer employees provided guided tours, assisted in educational programs, and maintained the historic grounds.

During 2014, the site upgraded its cash register to a computer program system. New floor runners were added to the home, the north side of the home was painted, and the two houses south of the office were removed. With the removal of the two houses, we are closer to our Conceptual Development Plan, which includes building the Franklin School for a visitor center and building a replica of the mule barn Harry Truman’s father owned and operated while living in Lamar.

During 2015, the Harry S Truman Birthplace will hold two special events.

terway berms. The Barton County SWCD has had excellent landowner participation, with nearly 220 practices being completed. Barton County farmers have been diligent in their efforts to protect the resources of their farming operations.

Understandably, farmers recognize the value that natural resources have on their livelihood. They are committed to controlling soil erosion, improving soil productivity and protecting water quality on their farms.

District leadership is provided by an elected board of supervisors.

The current members of the board include Leon Phipps, chairman; Mark Peterson, vice chairman; Elmer Fast, treasurer; Jill Scheidt, secretary and

Truman Days will be held, May 9. This year, we will focus on Captain Harry Truman and World War I history. This event will be in conjunction with the Barton County Chamber of Commerce and the Missouri Military Association of America.

We will have World War I reenactors, a Truman impersonator, information on Captain Truman, cake to celebrate the 33rd president’s 131st birthday, and numerous activities for kids. On December 5, 2015, the site will host our annual Christmas Open House. The open house will include Christmas crafts from the Victorian era. For more information about any of these events, please contact the Truman site office at (417) 682-2279.

Joe Pace, member. The Barton County SWCD employs three full time positions; Ben Reed, District Manager; Ed Weaver, District Technician II; and Karen Cleveland, District Technician II. In addition to the district staff, the Natural Resources Conservation Service provides District Conservationist Alan Hayes, Resource Conservationist Mark Clements and Soil Conservation Technician Brian Williams, to provide service to area farmers.

The SWCD, NRCS and FSA staff will be hosting the annual Customer Appreciation Day scheduled for May 20. All farmers are invited to stop by for a free lunch and to discuss any USDA or District Conservation Programs.

Wednesday, March 25, 2015 •

GOVERNMENT

Barton County Soil and Water Conservation District employee, Karen Cleveland, received the Outstanding State Technician II Award at the State MASWCD Training Conference in Osage Beach.

Park, continued from page 2E

and it worked in a great partnership for our parks.

Moving soil and runoff water through the park is Honey Creek.

That restoration project is ongoing with Marlin Nissley and helpers continuing to rebuild the stone walls, literally, from the ground up.

The City Street Department along with the Parks and Recreation staff add their support for excavation and supply, but Mr. Nissley is the artisan putting the giant jigsaw back together. Also, south of the driving bridge over the creek, a concrete bottom was put in the creek bed to combat erosion.

Three aging giants, trees by the creek that were encroaching on its walls, had to be removed to prevent future problems. Though everyone loved these giants

and hated to see either one taken down, sometimes it is unavoidable.

Replacement trees will need to be planted this spring.

Twenty trees were planted at the city lake to enhance the beauty of the property and to offer shade. Christmas trees were collected at the lake and bound together and dropped at various locations to create small fish habitat. Trees by the water, and in the water, that seems to follow our water theme.

Finally, our Parks and Recreation caps are off to the City Maintenance Department, which renovated and restored aging and damaged support posts under three of the picnic shelters in the park. In what must have been a monumental juggling act, old posts were pulled out and new ones put in, all while keeping the roofs in place.

Bridges, continued from page 6E closed. Benches in the Circuit Courtroom were refinished at a gradual pace with completion expected in the spring of 2015.

In July, the commission signed a resolution proclaiming Barton County as a Purple Heart County, honoring the service and sacrifice of the nation’s men and women in uniform, who were wounded or killed in service for the protection of our freedoms.

The Road and Bridge Crew, consisting of crew leader Buddy Kelsey, equipment maintenance operator Tom England, and operator/laborer Randy Morey, completed the following projects during 2014: five mis-

7E

cellaneous projects, 16 brush/ditching projects, three washouts, 12 steel culvert replacements, four concrete culvert replacements, 10 culvert repairs, one project of adding a low water crossing, four precast culverts made in shop, and two bridge repair projects, Also, during 2014, 240 track hoe hours were recorded, 50 dozer hours, and 30 back hoe hours.

During times of inclement weather, the crew poured concrete precast culverts in the maintenance barn to be used in bridge projects. All maintenance on the crew’s fleet of vehicles is done in-house.

Other county employees are Bill Taylor, brush

Soon to be completed will be a lighting project on the senior ball field, also known as Shoff Field. The light poles holding up the field lights are decaying, so the City Electric Department is in the process of replacing them with new poles.

This should improve both lighting and safety. The cables supplying power will be buried instead of being strung overhead.

This will be a major improvement to one of the centerpieces of the park.

Look for your park board to hold tree adoptions again this year at Truman Day, Fall Fest, and Earth Day. Trees from the Missouri Department of Conservation’s nursery are purchased, potted, and cared for. The strength of the forest is diversity, whether an urban forest, such as a city or park, or natural forests, which cover much of Missouri.

Some of these potted trees are held to plant in the parks to add diversity to the public spaces in the city.

Others are adopted out for a small donation to take up residence in a yard like yours.

Remember, since we are back to trees, water them weekly for the first two years.

Now, we have come full circle with the water theme.

Have a great 2015, and a year with adequate rains.

cutting; Robert Lehman, courthouse grounds; Denise Thompson, courthouse maintenance; deputy assessor, Jeanie Gastel; secretary Robin Brous; appraisal, Harold Schmoranz; deputy county clerk, Nikki Brand; voter clerk, Holly Hutchins; county commission secretary, Judy Fast; deputy recorders of deeds, Jody Trenary and Lisa Cunningham; deputy collector/treasurer, Brittanica Born; additional office help, Dean Sullivan and Joy Armstrong; secretaries to prosecuting attorney, Linda Hagins and Margaret Phipps; deputy public administrator, Chrystal Thomas and internet technician, Dave Stout.

8E • Wednesday, March 25, 2015

LBT

www.lamardemocrat.com

Lamar Democrat, Lamar, MO

Wednesday, March 25, 2015 •

SECTION F

BCSC betters quality of life through health and fitness The Barton County Strength Club (BCSC) started six months ago when Jeremy and Ashley Augusta moved from Tennessee to Lamar. They decided they wanted to find a community they could become involved in, help change for the better and make an impact on.

The Augustas started with an empty building and two pieces of cardboard to workout on and has since grown far beyond what they expected.

2014 was their first year and they started only in September, but in six months they went beyond their one year goal and are continuing to make in impact in improving the quality of life for many people through health and nutrition.

In 2015 they are going to be having many changes. The building they are currently in is expanding to double in size, so that they can have enough room to accommodate all the wonderful people applying for membership. BCSC has expanded to include a brand new coffee shop called The Grind, owned by Raymond and Lexi Varner, that will not only accommodate members, but the entire town as a whole through healthy and nutritious food and beverages. They will also offer traditional coffee shop expectations. Along with that, BCSC has also started the "Community Pizza Party", where every last Sunday of the month they will be feeding anyone who wants to come eat pizza and have fun.

While there are some amazing resources for people already available in this area, BCSC is simply adding one more for children or adults who may want something to eat after church.

This summer they are hosting a very large fitness event that is already expected to bring hundreds of people to Lamar. This event will feature not only area athletes and athletes from CrossFit Barton County Strength Club's meager beginnings in 2014.... gyms across the county, but professional athletes as well. They will be competing for prizes during the weekend, which will also be full of vendors and educational seminars to further an individual's knowledge of health and nutrition. Lastly, they are installing a track behind the building so members can have the opportunity to run while avoiding the wear and tear on joints from running on traditional paved surfaces. BCSC is able to do all this, while still being inexpensive, because they are showered with blessings.

Lamar has been an amazing city to be a part of, according to the Augustas. The community has been so helpful, caring and accepting, that it has gone well beyond what they had expected. Jeremy said, “I can not be thankful enough for the people we have got to meet in Lamar. To all the wonderful people, the businesses, the chamber, the Lamar Democrat, the teachers, nurses and everyone else, ...to becoming stronger than ever in 2015. thank you for being so amazing.

BCMH Medical One Clinics provide family practice and specialty services

Medical One Clinic, owned by Barton County Memorial Hospital, provides quality family practice and a wide range of specialty care close to home. All of their providers are in one convenient location attached to the hospital. You may be surprised at all the services that are provided locally.

Joseph Wilson, D.O., Board Certified Family Practice Physician, has been in Lamar for the past 20 plus years.

He joined the BCMH clinics in January 2011. He offers primary care to all ages, well child exams, women’s health, sports physicals, initial Medicare physicals, diabetes care/education, geriatrics and routine or chronic care.

John Alden, D.O., has practiced in Lamar for 11 years. He was previously in Lamar and Lockwood for four years and Mexico, Mo. for several years.

He also offers primary care to all ages, well child exams, women’s health, sports physicals, initial Medicare physicals, diabetes care/ education, geriatrics and routine or chronic care. Dr. Alden is accepting new patients.

Thomas Hopkins, M.D., Board Certified Family Practice Physician, practicing in Lamar since 2007, provides a full range of primary care services. These services include, but are not limited to medical conditions of both acute and chronic illness, in-office procedures, well child exams, sports physicals, diabetes care/education, smoking cessation and geriatrics. Dr. Hopkins is currently accepting new patients.

Trina Larery, Family Nurse Practitioner, has been with BCMH since 2008. She provides a full range of primary care services to all ages. Services include well child exams, women’s health, sport and DOT physicals and routine or chronic care. Trina is currently accepting new patients.

On staff the clinics have two gynecologists, Dr. Brett Boice and Dr. Michelle Boice. They offer routine wellwoman exams, colposcopies, a wide spectrum of birth control including oral, injection and IUDs, hormone re-

Where is everybody?

By MARLYS BUCKNER, Director of Nursing

“Write something about progress in the Nursing Department”, they said. First I pictured all the specialized equipment we work with, those often mysterious computerized carts that are wheeled into patient rooms to record, analyze and diagnose.

But progress isn’t only about technology. Sometimes progress means being able to hold onto those things that have proven reliable, effective and appreciated in the past. Such is the human aspect of nursing care: the personal touch.

Have you ever spent time in a hospital bed and wondered, or even asked aloud “Where is everybody?” At Barton County Memorial Hospital we do our very best to make that question unnecessary. A few years ago we began what we call “hourly rounding”. This means that at least every hour during the day and every two hours during the night, a nurse or nurse’s aide will check on you. Of course if you need something between those visits, we strive to answer call lights quickly.

When your call light is turned on, it first is answered via speaker by a unit secretary. She asks what you need and depending on the request, she notifies the appropriate caregiver’s phone, either your RN or LPN or your Nurse’s Aide. You may see your nurse talking on a phone. This internal notification system allows the nurses to get your request quickly and take care of your needs efficiently.

At BCMH we are fortunate to have a dedicated team of nurses who all share the common goal of giving excellent patient care. Several of our team are cross trained to work in the ER and the Moni-

placement therapy and tubal ligation. A number of gynecological surgeries are routinely performed. Dr. Brett Boice and Dr. Michelle Boice are both accepting new patients.

Med One offers an amazing staff of doctors to serve their patients.

Left, the great staff at Med One is able to help you with all your needs.

Justin Ogden, M.D., Orthopedic Surgeon, performs a wide range of orthopedic surgical procedures and has experience with sports injuries. He is skilled in hip and knee replacements, arthroscopic procedures, carpal tunnel release, rotator cuff repair, fracture care and injection therapy for arthritis. Dr. Ogden is accepting new patients.

The clinic also has specialists who hold clinics at Medical One on a weekly to monthly basis. Other specialties available at the Med One Clinic include general surgery, cardiology, rheumatology, endocrinology, neurology, otolaryngology and pulmonology. Barton County Memorial Hospital endeavors to provide needed specialty care close to home, so one does not have to travel to meet their health care needs.

Dr. John Cox is a cardiologist who comes every Tuesday. He provides a wide range of cardiology services. Services include diagnosis and treatment for diseases of the heart and blood vessels, heart attacks, heart failure and serious heart rhythm disturbances.

Dr. Christopher Andrew is a neurologist who schedules

tored Care Unit, as well as on the medical-surgical floor. We have a house supervisor staffed 24/7 to assist in any situations that may arise.

We also strive to take care of the patient’s family through communication and education. We have no strict visiting hours. If a family or patient requests that someone stay with them or visit them in our spacious private rooms, we are happy to accommodate them.

Staffing with technically qualified, caring people is a high priority at BCMH. Our success is reflected in our independently rated patient satisfaction scores. They are among the best in the state of Missouri. This is something in which we take pride.

Our ratings inspire us to continue working toward maintaining a high level of confidence among our patients and their families and friends.

Another measure of our success is found in our low turnover rate for employees and a waiting list for new hires. Many of our staff have been with us for many years and share in our high expectations for patient care. As director of nursing and an employee of Barton County Memorial Hospital for almost 35 years, I feel a great deal of pride for our small county hospital. BCMH was established in 1945 and I cannot imagine the community without it.

“Where is everybody?” We are right here. We are minutes from where you live and work. We are doing everything we can to assure we will be here when you need us.

appointments every Wednesday. He offers services on a wide array of nervous system disorders including headaches, dementia, Alzheimer’s, diseases of the brain, spinal cord, nerves and muscles.

Dr. Daniel Barnes is an internal medicine physician who offers appointments every Wednesday. He provides endoscopy services which include EGD’s and Colonoscopies. Endoscopy is a nonsurgical procedure used to examine a person’s digestive tract.

Dr. Anthony Tay is a rheumatologist. He provides services on the first and third Thursday and the third Friday of every month. Dr. Tay provides a span of services related to rheumatoid arthritis, osteoarthritis, gout, lupus, pain, osteoporosis, fibromyalgia and tendonitis.

Dr. Xavier Jenkins is a general surgeon. He sees patients every Tuesday. Dr. Jenkins provides a wide variety of general surgery services and endoscopic services.

Dr. Edward Gwin is a pulmonologist. Appointments are scheduled for the second Monday of each month. Dr. Gwin provides a wide scope of pulmonary services and also specializes in sleep disorders.

Dr. Larry Kurt Midyett is a pediatric/adult Endocrinologist from St. Luke’s Health System in Kansas City.

Dr. Midyett also has a nurse practitioner, Jillian Richard, who accompanies him to see patients on a monthly basis. This dynamic team offers diabetes management and treatment including insulin pump therapy, auto immune disorders associated with diabetes, celiac disease, precocious puberty, thyroid disease, along with cystic fibrosis and related disorders. Dr. Midyett is accepting new patients.

Dr. Nathan Box provides otolaryngology services or in other words is an Ear, Nose and Throat physician and surgeon. Dr. Box has a monthly Friday clinic. He specializes in disorders of the head and neck, ranging from hearing loss to cancer.

BCMH strives to provide a continuum of care for their patients. The BCMH clinics continue to work toward the implementation of patient centered medical homes to align care in all the BCMH clinics. Providing care, with an emphasis on preventative medicine and pro-active health, is emphasized in the care they plan to deliver.

The importance of in-house housekeeping/laundry

At Barton County Memorial Hospital, the environmental staff are your friends and neighbors.

They live, shop, work and go to church in this community. The environmental staff does their work as if they were taking care of friends and family. Unlike some of the hospitals in the fourstate area, employees don’t work for a large hospital system whose office is a hundred miles away, dictating how to best manage a community hospital.

Laundry is not sent out to be cleaned by people who neither see nor care about the linens on the beds. Hospital staff cares about the job they do, because they are doing it for friends. From that warm wash cloth they deliver, to the patients in the morning, to the last floor cleaned at night, they are on the go, keeping the hospital environment clean.

The staff is committed to learning about the

most recent superbugs, Ebola virus, etc. so they will know exactly how to deal with the most recent threats to health in the environment. Keeping the hospital looking clean, but also free of catastrophic bacteria, is their daily goal.

Housekeeping does a lot more than just the obvious, by keeping things clean and germ free.

Maintaining the facility properly also eliminates hazards. The staff plays an important part in maintaining safety, which includes accident and fire prevention. Why should they keep these things inhouse, instead of hiring the work done by outside companies? Because they care!

2F • Wednesday, March 25, 2015

www.lamardemocrat.com

HEALTH

Lamar Democrat, Lamar, MO

OMA celebrates 10 years in business

“I can't believe it's already been 10 years,” says Dr. Erik Miller, when speaking about the time since he first went independent and opened the doors of Ozark Medical Associates, LLC in January 2005. He moved to Lamar in October of 1998 and initially shared office space with Dr. Sprenkle as a Freeman employee.

“So much has changed, both in medicine and personally, since I started in practice here, yet at the same time it seems like the blink of an eye,” said Miller. “I'm so glad we made the move here. Lamar has been a great place to raise our family and also to build a business.”

In 2014, OMA focused on education as Dr. Miller worked with several Physician Assistant (PA) students from Missouri State University in office throughout the year. Dr. Miller enjoys having students rotate through his office. “Having the students keeps me sharp and current. Plus, they are a great help with patient care,” said Miller. A full slate of PA student rotations are planned for 2015.

Dr. Miller branched out his practice in 2009 when he began seeing patients bimonthly at Nevada Urgent Care. He now sees patients almost every Friday morning. In 2014, this office changed their name to Family Medical Center (FMC). To make an appointment to see Dr. Miller at FMC, please call the Lamar office.

In addition to Dr. Miller, the OMA staff includes

Brenda Miller, office manager; Susan Von Canon, LPN; Opal Davis, billing coordinator; Marsha Miller, reception; Melanie Bogart, clinic tech; Sandy Rook, office tech and Angie Cook, med tech.

Dr. Erik Miller is an osteopathic physician. This philosophy of medicine takes a holistic approach to health and disease, with an emphasis on health promotion and disease prevention and a focus on primary care and a return to people oriented, rather than disease oriented, care.

He specializes in adult internal medicine and provides care for the entire family. In addition to his office practices, Dr. Miller performs EGD's, colonoscopies and stress tests at Barton County Memorial Hospital. He provides senior care at Truman Healthcare in Lamar.

“Starting my 11th year as an independent physician in my own office wouldn't be possible without my wonderful patients and dedicated staff,” states Miller.

He continues, “I've enjoyed practicing in Lamar these past 16 years. With the diverse population in Southwest Missouri, I get to see a variety of people everyday, which keeps my job interesting and keeps me on my toes. Lamar manages to keep its small town values, while providing many of the amenities of a larger town.”

At OMA, total body wellness is always in the forefront. OMA offers horizontal therapy from Hakomed. With this ther-

apy, mild electric impulses (via electrodes) are sent into the patient's body, at the pain site during the treatment, to influence the body's response to pain.

Any patient that experiences chronic pain and/or suffers from a circulatory disorder may benefit from treatment with horizontal therapy. Patients can expect to see four major benefits: 1) instant temporary pain relief 2) improve the condition 3) rehabilitate muscles 4) provide maintenance therapy.

The frequency and duration of the treatments depend on a number of factors, including the type of ailment, the severity of the ailment and the treatment site on the body. Generally, treatments take between 10 minutes and one hour per session.

Nutritional supplements play an integral role in enhancing peoples health. In 2014, Dr. Miller continued to build on the base that he started two years ago, to give his patients a sound foundation to a healthier lifestyle.

The nutritional products that Dr. Miller recommends are supported by solid science and commitment to high manufacturing standards. At OMA the goal is to implement preventative medicine, as well as restoration to good health.

OMA is located at 115 W. 12th St. in Lamar. The office is open from 7:30 a.m. until 12 noon and 1 p.m. to 4 p.m., Monday through Thursday. Every Friday morning Dr. Miller is an FMC, which is located at

111 N. Elm St. in Nevada.

Dr. Miller is accepting new patients.

To schedule an appointment with Dr. Miller, or to obtain information about horizontal therapy, please call the office at 417-682-6622.

Allied Mental Health Consultants, LLC provide quality behavioral health care Allied Mental Health Consultants, LLC (AMHC) has been providing quality behavioral health care since 1992.

Services are provided to children, adolescents and adults at five convenient locations throughout southwest Missouri.

Clinics are located at 1107 Broadway, Lamar, 417-682-5757; 148 S. Main St., Liberal, 417843-2130; 200 S. Alma, Nevada, 417-684-2644; 407 Main St., Golden City, 417-682-5757 and 1736 E. Sunshine St., Ste. 510, Springfield, 417682-5757. AMHC is excited about their newest location in Springfield and are pleased to offer services in the Springfield area.

Allied Mental Health Consultants employ a variety of clinical staff, including licensed psychologists, licensed clinical social workers and licensed professional counselors. Their

Moyer provides service to Lamar and Stockton Dr. Jeffery O. Moyer, D.M.D. and Lamar Family Dentistry and Stockton Dental Care are available to provide a full range of services from preventative care to cosmetic and restorative procedures like tooth whitening, veneers, crowns and orthodontic treatment for children and adults.

The Lamar office is located at 805 Broadway and they can be reached at 417-6825871. Their website is www. lamarsleepdentist.com.

The Stockton office is located at 201 W. Smith Drive

and their phone number is 417-276-5871.

Besides Dr. Moyer, there are two registered dental hygienists and four staff members providing general dentistry services.

Dr. Moyer is a graduate of Golden City High School, Missouri State University and Oral Roberts University School of Dentistry.

He purchased the dental practice of the late R.W. Dimond in 1983 and relocated to his present Lamar office in 1995. In July 0f 2012, he established a

satellite office in Stockton, where he provides services every Tuesday.

Upgrades were made this year with the purchase of a panoramic machine with digital x-ray capabilities, along with new intra-oral cameras and updated computer hardware for record keeping technology.

Dr. Moyer has once again renewed his certificate for Oral Conscious Sedation, in order to continue treating those apprehensive patients requiring extensive treatment, along with his

Vision Solutions specialize in the treatment of medical eye diseases. They are also available to reorder contacts or to update one's glasses. Vision Solutions is located at 808 Gulf St., in Lamar, and their phone number is 417-6823301. They currently employ 18.

The business was started in 1969 by Dr. Gerald Swearingen. He was joined by his daughter, Dr. Erica Burton in 1996 and Dr. Chad Moore joined the practice in 2013.

During this past year they have remodeled their Lamar location and have

recently added the optomap® retinal photography system.

The optomap® retinal exam provides a panoramic view of the back of a person's eye (the retina).

The view provided by the Optomap displays over 80 percent of the retina, providing early detection, which is vital. Traditional methods typically reveal only 10-15 percent of your retina at one time.

The retina is the only place in one's body where blood vessels can be seen directly. This means, in addition to eye conditions, signs of other diseases (for

example, stroke, heart disease, hypertension and diabetes) can be seen in the retina.

Vision Solutions has a new website coming and it can be viewed at www. myvisionsolutions.com.

A Frame Fashion Party is scheduled for Tuesday, April 28, 11 a.m. to 6 p.m.

Vision Solutions feels that southwest Missourians still support their local businesses and they deeply value their relationships with local medical providers. It is Vision Solution's mission to provide the best eye care services possible.

The Lamar office for Comforcare Home Care of Southwest Missouri is located at 113 W. 12th St. They also have an office at 1919 S. Garrison in Carthage. The Carthage number is 417-310-1280 and the Lamar office is 417-295-3100. Comforcare has a total of 29 employees, including Greg Clements, who is the director of operations at the Lamar office. Comforcare Home Care opened in Lamar in May of 2014. The Carthage office opened in September of 2011 and the franchise is locally owned and operated by Kelly Hook, RN, BSN, CSA. The Lamar office has enabled them to provide better service for the town, as well as parts

north.

This private duty home care service say 2014 was a year of building the base stronger as they expanded and trained new personnel.

Management and marketing have been expended, as well as nursing.

Comforcare is poised for growth. Their personnel are trained and they are now able to handle more cases with quality caregivers and infrastructure.

A greater emphasis on community services and education are planned for this year and they would like to expand their partnership with other agencies that work with seniors.

“Lamar is an amazing town to work in”, said Hook, “We love the com-

munity and the people.”

She went on to add that Lamar was very open to Comforcare and welcomed them with open arms.

Comforcare is truly proud of their exceptional team of caregivers and believe they are the reason for being awarded the 2015 Leader in Excellence award. Their caregivers are on the ground, providing services to seniors and give much of themselves daily.

Hook said, “I would have no problem having any one of them care for my own parent”.

Comforcare is excited about their progress and growth in Lamar this past year and looks forward to serving that continues through this year.

Vision Solutions specialize in treatment of medical eye diseases

Comforcare Home Care opens Lamar office in 2014

Pictured are, left to right, Sandy Rook, Susan Von Canon, Opal Davis, Angie Cook, Erik Miller, DO, Brenda Miller, Melanie Bogart and Marsha Miller.

training required in being current with CPR, ACLS and Airway Management and Sedation Monitoring.

Dr. Moyer is confident in his staff, who are also certified to monitor and assist with sedation patients.

staff provides a full range of therapy services and can assist clients with issues such as depression, anxiety, stress, divorce, anger management, alcohol/drug abuse, grief/loss, school difficulties, ADHD testing and self esteem.

They offer a variety of services to meet individual's needs including individual therapy, family therapy, group therapy, psychological evaluations, educational testing, adoption home studies and hospital and nursing home consultations. Their staff works in conjunction with physicians in the community, local schools and other agencies. Working together with other professionals improves treatment outcomes. Their goal is to improve the quality of life of clients in the area.

Services are tailored to meet the needs of businesses and industries, as well as individuals and families. Services include employee assistance pro-

grams, employee workshops/seminars and management training. AMHC has added clinical staff in the past year and plans to continue to add staff as the need for services increases. Many of the staff live in the local area and are involved in various community activities.

AMHC's quality staff includes Holly Chatain, Psy.D and Robert Doneski, Psy.D, licensed psychologists; Mandy Browning, LCSW, Buddy Gullett, LCSW, Nancy Donahoo, LCSW, Ali Humes, LCSW, licensed clinical social workers; Julie Bennett, LPC, licensed professional counselor and Allison Adams, PLPC, provisional licensed professional counselor, supervised by Julie Bennett, LPC and Gayla Swarens, office manger.

AMHC enjoys being a part of the Lamar community and looks forward to expanding relationships in the area and throughout southwest Missouri.

This year Dr. Moyer faces mixed emotions as he will be losing one of his hygienists to the mission field. Shelby VanKirk is in the process of making final preparations to depart for Kenya, where she has

been called for a period of one year to meet the dental needs of children with skills she has been refining while at the practice.

Give them a call for all of your dentistry needs.

Lamar Democrat, Lamar, MO

www.lamardemocrat.com

Wednesday, March 25, 2015 •

3F

HEALTH

Barton County Health Department concentrates on improving health Two of the main goals of public health are disease prevention and health improvement of the community. Immunizations for children and adults prevent many diseases and are a vital part of community health. By the time a child starts school there has been opportunity to be vaccinated for 14 different diseases. The United States is currently seeing a significant increase in measles cases, which emphasizes the need for vaccination. Barton County saw a whooping cough outbreak this past fall. The Barton County Health Department was responsible for case investigations and worked with various community entities to help contain the illness.

The health department offers numerous screening services, which include blood pressure readings, blood sugar screening, STD testing, HIV testing and lead testing. Lab blood draws are also offered by appointment for self pay clients not covered by Medicare or Medicaid.

Family planning services are provided without regard to financial guidelines. This service includes a physical exam and birth control supplies.

The health department offers the Show Me Healthy Women and Wise Woman programs, which are breast and cervical cancer screening and cardiovascular screening programs. These programs are offered by appointment to women ages 35-64 who meet financial guidelines.

Another service of BCHD is the Special Supplemental Nutrition program for Women, Infants and Children, commonly known as WIC. The pur-

pose of WIC is to improve healthcare access for low and moderate income women and children with, or at risk of developing, nutrition-related health problems.

WIC provides nutrition education and healthy foods enabling families to make lifelong healthy eating and lifestyle choices and habits. An important part of WIC services is the promotion, protection and support of breastfeeding. Breast milk is the perfect food for babies.

Tina Schnelle, the new WIC coordinator, recently completed a 45 hour “Lactation Counselor Training Course” presented by The Center for Breastfeeding.

This training is just one way of working to provide clients with optimal care. WIC serves pregnant women, post-partum and breastfeeding women, infants and children through their fifth birthday. To qualify for WIC, income guidelines set by the government must be met. Currently a family of three making $36,612/ year (or less) would qualify. A pregnant woman is counted as two family members.

Preparedness for public health emergencies is another vital service of Barton County Health Department. Significant training and preparation has been provided for staff to be ready to respond and serve the community in the event of an emergency.

The Environmental Public Health Specialist (EPHS) serves the public by actively inspecting restaurants, schools, grocery stores, convenience stores and temporary food vendors and provides food safety certification classes to anyone in the county working with food sold to the public. When a

food item is recalled, the EPHS notifies the affected merchants and ensures the product is removed from shelves.

The EPHS also inspects lodging facilities, childcare facilities and onsite waste- Barton County Health Department personnel. Front row (seated), left to right, water treat- Bev Thatch, Barb Wolf, Linda Talbott-administrator, Rhonda Overstreet, and Lynn ment systems. Fowler. Second row, Kelly White, Carol Davis, Glenda Epple, Gerri Douglas, Debbie This past Sheat, Lisa Chaney, Bonnie Brous, and Tina Schnelle. Third row, June Marrone, Jane year the Mayden, Michael McDowell, Shawn Watson, Lori Taffner, and Kristy Runion. Not health depart- pictured, Judy Gastel and Susie Sheplay. ment hired a part-time IT person to Private Pay services, for The nursing staff is purchase of computers take care of all the com- clients who qualify. These highly qualified, with over for nurses and therapists, programs provide home- 60 years combined home and contract Web-Based puter related issues.

Certified computer gen- making, personal cares health nursing experience. documentation, electronerated Missouri Birth and and authorized nursing One RN has a certification ic health records are now Death certificates may be services to the individuals. in home health nursing implemented. obtained at the health de- Barton County Health from the American Nurs- So, whether it is skilled partment. Identification Department Home Health es Association. The nurses nursing or rehabilitative is required for the person Agency is proud to em- are experienced and high- services from physical requesting the certificate. ploy one full-time physi- ly trained in the advanced therapy, occupational or Barton County Health cal therapist with more technology in home care. speech therapy (only by Department continues to than 20 years of home The home health aides doctor’s order), the staff be one of the few health health therapy experience have well over 10 years at BCHD Home Health departments in the state and one full-time physical each in home health ex- Agency is ready to assist to offer Home Health therapy assistant with over perience. They are trained patients in achieving the Services to the commu- five years home health ex- specifically to meet the highest goal of indepennity. Home care includes perience. Contract thera- needs of the home health dence possible to remain a range of medical, social, pist and assistants are and in-home services pa- at home. assistive and other servic- available to fill in when tient and are caring, com- Home….is where the es provided in an individ- needed. The therapy de- passionate and well-liked. story begins at Barton ual’s home, when a person partment is highly experi- BCHD Home Health County Health Departneeds follow-up care after enced and knowledgeable has experienced changes ment Home Health Agena hospital visit or requires in their field. this past year. With the cy. long term care.

These comprehensive services are provided by nurses, therapists and home health aides, under the direction of a physician’s order. The focus of Ted A Reavley DDS and scanner/copier and new a Smile), providing free these patient-centered management exams, cleanings, biteservices includes preven- Brian A Reavley DDS practice wing x-rays, sealants and tion, recuperation and/ were recently recognized software. or an alternative to high- in 417 Magazine's Top Continuing education fillings for 25 Lamar R-1 er-cost institutional care Dentists 2014, an honor includes “Oral Cancer”, School students. The docthat would otherwise be that is voted on by their by motivational speaker tors, as well as staff, also provided in a hospital or peers. The dental office Eva Grayzel, a nonsmok- participate with Lamar is located at 804 Gulf St., er and oral cancer survi- Middle School, Lamar nursing facility.

BCHD Home Health in Lamar and currently vor, who speaks on the Tigershark Swim Team, Agency also offers in- employees 11, includ- secret to bringing out the Lamar West Elementary home services through ing two new employees, best in people one works Read-In, Lamar Tiger the Title Programs and Lindsay Forst and Ma- with and the patients football, Christmas conrina Trostel. Dr. Ted and they serve, as well as oc- tributions to high school Dr. Brian Reavley provide clusion and TMJ (your students, 4-H, JCKW exams, cleanings, seal- bite). Grayzel teaches the Swim team, Plaza Theants, fillings, crown and pathology of hard and atre, DECA, Life Choices, bridge, dentures and par- soft lesions of the oral Lutheran Bible Translatial extractions, including cavity, forensic dental tors, M4M5K, American third molar extractions, conference-bite recog- Heart Association, Cysorthodontics (Six Month nition pre/postmortem, tic Fibrosis, KLOVE and Smiles and ClearCorrect) child abuse and the legal the First Baptist Church and orthotics for TMJ system and age determi- Youth. (bites) issues. The office nation postmortem.

Dr. Ted Reavley and Dr. has upgraded its com- Dr. Ted Reavley partici- Brian Reavley's goal, as puters and have a new pated in GKAS (Give Kids well as the goal of their team, is to be of service to people in the 4-State area. They are so thankful for the confidence and trust placed in their team of dental professionals, by their current and many new patients.

To make an appointment call Top, pictured are, left to right, Carol Reavley, DA, Devin their office Gariss, RDH, Becky Harshaw, RDH, Lindsay Forst, RDA, Linda at 417-682Bishop, DA and Wanda McCoy, DA. 3393.

Bottom, Dr. Ted Reavley and staff participated in Give Kids A Smile Day, held in February of 2015.

Reavley named in 417 Magazine's Top Dentists 2014

29 NW 1st Lane | Lamar, MO 64759 417-681-5100 | www.bcmh.net Follow us on facebook!

6F • Wednesday, March 25, 2015

HEALTH

www.lamardemocrat.com

Lamar Democrat, Lamar, MO

Auxiliary plays active role

Have you met the new family at Barton County Memorial Hospital, sponsored by the hospital auxiliary? This, of course, is referring to the new family of CPR training mannequins purchased for the hospital by the auxiliary.

This family consists of an adult male and adult female, a youngster and an infant, so that training can be received for all situations. This is just one of the ways in which the auxiliary was able to support the hospital during 2014.

Other projects undertaken by this dedicated group are described below: With the Books R Fun fundraiser, part of the group's proceeds are given back to them in books.

They were able to donate books to the Med One

and the Golden City and Lockwood Clinics for their waiting rooms. They also donated to the pediatrics team and admissions at the hospital.

The auxiliary was glad to collect items needed by Good Samaritan for their annual Christmas project.

The group also provided gift baskets of products from the gift shop at the Lamar School Health Fair, Barton County Electric Health Fair and the Community Health Fair. They also provided a gift basket for the Easter basket fundraiser held at the hospital.

They purchased six 8-foot tables for use at the hospital as well.

All of the things they are able to purchase for the hospital would not be possible with the support that

they receive from the hospital employees and the community for their fundraisers. They try to keep a good variety of items in their gift shop, so please continue to come out and check with them when you need that special gift.

The hospital auxiliary is also trying a couple of new fundraisers this year that they hope will appeal to the community. The first of these will be "The Candy Man", coming to the hospital on March 23 and 24. The auxiliary has been told that one of his specialties are the coated nuts like one can buy at athletic events, etc. He will also have many other yummy things to entice all. The other new fun-

We care about our employees and our community!

By SHEILA HECKMASTER Human Resources Director

BCMH Auxiliary members strive to serve others, providing a wonderful service to the hospital. draiser is "Stuff Critter", sisting with a wheelchair, which is similar to "Build giving directions or helpa Bear". This will be com- ing in the gift shop, these ing in November. Watch for more information on this later.

Soon the volunteers of the Barton County Memorial Hospital Auxiliary will be dressed in new pink vests. Be assured that they are always willing to assist in individual's visits to the

By STEPHEN GILBERT hospital. Whether it be asDirector of Plant Operations

vide bi-weekly blood pressure checks at the senior center; physical therapy aquatics and assist in other areas of health and welfare for the community. BCMH even has a van that will pick up patients for their appointments, if they have no other means of arriving and/or leaving the hospital. BCMH, with assistance from other community entities, has provided Golden City, Liberal and Lamar with walking and biking trails, as well. The hospital's health fair/community support team assists businesses and entities with health fairs for their own employees, using their lab, cardiac rehab, radiology, diabetes education, social services and physical therapy departments and their expertise to further the wellness and good health goals that many Barton County constituents pursue. The active BCMH Pet Therapy team also donated to the development of the Trula Cain Memorial Dog

Park.

This is not just something that they do, it is their passion! The saying is, “Health is like money, we never have a true idea of its value until we lose it.”

Those who have health issues Leisa Blanchard takes a know absolutely blood pressure reading at the what that state- hospital's annual health fair. ment means, because they live it ev- best patient care experiery single day. BCMH is ence possible. The hospital dedicated to helping their knows how important it is patients learn about their to their patients, to have health conditions and as- the highest level of trust sisting them in every way and confidence in their possible to deal with those caregiver. They feel they owe it to the individual conditions.

How do BCMH employ- to exceed patient care exees fit into this picture? pectations in the hospital They are the cornerstone and community clinics. that the hospital builds BCMH is proud to employ their success upon. A hos- the people that serve the pital is only as good as the community’s health needs, people who work in it, while earning some of the and BCMH has the best! state’s top patient satisfacThey choose highly quali- tion scores. Thank you for fied individuals to pro- letting BCMH give you the vide individuals with the best care possible!

Barton County Memorial Hospital is dedicated to assessing community health needs and adopting strategies to meet those needs. This process gives the hospital a valuable opportunity to work together with community partners to identify strategies for improving health, quality of life and the community’s vitality. Historically, much of hospitals’ community benefit activities have been charity care and other forms of uncompensated care. BCMH has also made many endeavors to increase access in area communities, improve the environments and shape health knowledge by expanding programs and services.

The three Rural Health Clinics in Lamar, Golden City and Lockwood provide convenient locations for primary care medical services by the hospital's three primary care physicians and three nurse practitioners. They offer specialist services in cardiology, orthopedics, gynecology, rheumatology, neurology, endocrinology, general surgery, pulmonology and otolaryngology at the Med One Clinic in Lamar. Walk-in hours are available on Tuesday and Thursday mornings, from 7:30 a.m. to 9 a.m., to see the nurse practitioner at the Med One Clinic. After hour appointments for gynecology services are also available with Dr. Brett and Dr. Michelle Boice at the Med One Clinic.

Personalized services to assist in enrolling for insurance through the Affordable Care Act are available by appointment. Assistance is also available to qualifying emergency department, clinic and hospital patients for prescription assistance, Medicaid and/or disability enrollment, Legal Aid and other enrollment assistance that might be available if specific qualifications are met. Helping Hands is an application process offered to those who meet specific criteria and submit required documentation for payment assistance.

Palliative care is one of BCMH's newer services that has been welcomed and extolled by the families who have participated. Palliative care is appropriate for patients in all disease stages, including those undergoing treatment for curable illness and those living with chronic diseases, as well as patients who are nearing the end of life. It is not just for patients with a terminal illness. Palliative care is defined as “an approach that improves the quality of life for patients and their families facing the problems with life-threatening illness, through the prevention and relief of suffering by means of early identification and impeccable assessment and treatment of pain and other problems, physical, psychosocial and spiritual.”

Other valued services include transportation services provided by appointment by the hospital bus for appointments. A yearly community-wide health fair is held

and workplace health fairs are provided multiple times yearly. BCMH has been instrumental in assisting businesses with their wellness programs, as well as establishing a wellness program for their own employees. Over $62,000 of services were donated by BCMH last year for employee and community health fairs. Blood pressure checks are provided at the senior center on a monthly basis.

Patients can benefit by getting a variety of healthcare information provided at the facility. Education services provided daily at BCMH include patient education with each discharge, diabetes education, asthma education, medical conditioning and Medical Nutrition Therapy.

Through community partnerships, support groups are provided. A Caregiver Support Group meets the first Tuesday of each month at 6 p.m., at the hospital. The Diabetes Support Group meets monthly on the third Monday of each month at the ambulance district office at 4 p.m. Other types of education offered and available as requested include Chronic Disease Self-Management and Smoking Cessation.

BCMH is a resource for middle school and high school student job shadowing programs. Educational opportunities and clinical experiences are provided to nurs-

Barton County Memorial Hospital employs the word “care” into everything they do. It is in their vision, motto and mission statements. The hospital has high expectations of their staff in the delivery of quality healthcare to their patients and it stands out as a benchmark in how they regard their employees! BCMH is the second largest employer in Barton County after the Lamar school system and works hard to promote a healthy workplace, along with a healthy, vigorous community.

Hospital employees leave their walls to venture out into the surrounding areas, to promote asthma awareness, education and assistance; marketplace insurance assistance and enrollment; diabetes education and awareness; pro-

BCMH community benefits and events

volunteers are ready to make the trip to the hospital as easy as possible.

BCMH maintenance staff stays busy Barton County Memorial Hospital maintenance staff has begun to install LED lighting in the parking areas, outside wall lighting and high use indoor areas.

Some of the benefits of this type of lighting are very exciting for the future. Cost savings can be up to 75 percent in electricity use when used in metal halide street lights.

This offsets the additional cost of the LED lights and allows for a two to three year pay back on the initial investment.

Indoors the hospital is using LED bulbs in areas that are turned on and off regularly, as they are well suited to this use, unlike compact florescent bulbs that burn out quickly under these conditions. With a 10 year life expectancy, one can see why this new technology is exciting. An additional benefit is this type of bulb is completely recyclable and contains no mercury to go into the landfill at the end of its useful life. The best part of using LED bulbs is they do not attract bugs, like compact fluorescents or metal halide bulbs. This a great advantage in the hospital environment.

Gary Dykes is shown changing light bulbs in the hospital lobby. ing students, physical therapy students and respiratory therapy students. Future nurse practitioners and physician assistant students complete their practicums in the hospital and clinics.

Through grants and community partnerships, BCMH has been able to spearhead improvements at the Lamar City Park, Hazel’s Park in Golden City, tracks at both Liberal and Golden City schools, sidewalk completion at the hospital and build a new walking trail behind the First Baptist Church in Lamar, connecting neighborhoods to Wheeler Park. This project sought to increase opportunities for healthy living and activity in the county by targeting rural communities. The partners of the grant continue to maintain these improvements to the community.

To read more about BCMH and this project access Promising Strategies: Case Examples at http://cphss.wustl.edu/ Projects/Pages/HAC-Evaluation-Products.aspx.

You may access https://www.mffh.org/mm/files/ CALM_FULL%20FINAL%20REPORT%202014.pdf for grant information and outcomes that established the asthma education program. For any other questions you may have regarding programs or services at the hospital, please call 681-5100 and your call will be directed to the appropriate person.

Lamar Democrat, Lamar, MO

www.lamardemocrat.com

Wednesday, March 25, 2015 •

HEALTH

BCMH lab is part of MOLRN The Missouri State Public Health Laboratory provides emergency response and outreach to ensure rapid and effective laboratory services in response to public health threats and emergencies.

These include biological, chemical or radiological exposures and emerging infectious disease out-

breaks, whether natural or intentional in nature.

Some recent examples include information distributed on Influenza, Measles and Ebola, that you may recognize as having been reported in the news.

The Emergency Response, Outreach and Training team of the

Nutrition Services are vital at BCMH Nutrition Services at Barton County Memorial Hospital recognizes that good food is essential, not only for good health, but also as a source of pleasure, comfort and familiarity. Barton County Memorial Hospital allows patients to choose the foods they like, within their diet limitations, from menu selections. The foods allowed are determined by the diet that their doctor prescribes. The dietary staff strives to accommodate special requests as often as possible, to meet patient needs.

The clinical staff includes a registered dietitian, who works directly with patients and families to develop nutrition plans. The registered dietitian also

acts as a consultant to the medical staff, to provide specialized information on diets and formula preparations. General nutrition counseling and Medical Nutrition Therapy is available on an outpatient basis.

Keeping employees in mind, as well as patients, the hospital continues to expand their choices at meal times. Choices include salads, specialty soups and sandwiches, desserts and breakfast for employees and visitors. The hospital is extremely proud of the Nutrition Services staff, for their dedication and enthusiasm for quality service, food and patient care.

Pictured are, front row, left to right, Robin McCrery, Esther Cable, Kathy Blanchard, Brenda Baker, Mistina Wheeler; back row, Christy Butts, Krista White, Beverly Ford.

MSPHL develops and coordinates emergency response activities between various internal and external partners as they relate to public health.

Barton County Memorial Hospital (BCMH) Laboratory is a member of the Missouri Laboratory Response Network.

The BCMH lab provides local community support and works with the state on emerging laboratory situations.

The Missouri Laboratory Response Network (MOLRN) consists of governmental and private laboratories throughout the state, that work together to improve laboratory support both in routine and emergency situations. The MOLRN is a Missouri extension

of the national Laboratory Response Network (LRN) established by the Department of Health and Human Services (HHS) and the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), to improve public Pictured are part of the awesome laboratory staff health laboratory at BCMH, left to right, Nadia Saman, Julaine Seibert, infrastructure Kay Barone and Troy Likely. Not pictured are Brad and capabilities. Grybowski, Brandi Cole, Marsha Baker, Sarah Wilson, MOLRN mem- Julie Casey and Jane Mwangi. bers are provided with up to date information regarding test- include any laboratory Missouri laboratories ing procedures from the that can perform routine are at the front line for CDC and health alerts/ testing of human speci- detecting public health advisories from the Mis- mens for the presence threats caused by agents souri Department of of microbial agents, or of bioterrorism or newly Health and Senior Ser- refer samples that may emerging infectious disvices. contain microbial agents ease and create the backMember laboratories or biological toxins. All bone of the MOLRN.

The Radiology Department at Barton County Memorial Hospital has up-to-date equipment that can compete with larger hospitals, yet still maintains the friendly small town feel.

The hospital's GE computed tomography (CT) unit can scan an entire abdomen within just a few minutes to help aid in diagnosing any emergency. They can examine a brain in less than 60 seconds to check for any signs of a stroke, so the physician can immediately prescribe the appropriate treatment.

The department's highly trained technolo-

gists are able to scan for anything from a simple gallstone, to a blocked artery or vein and even the function of the heart with their GE Ultrasound machine. Ultrasound has been used to image the body for 50 years and has become a widely used diagnostic tool. It takes years of training to have the accuracy needed to produce the high quality images expected by hospital physicians.

The GE Digital mammography unit produces high quality mammograms with low doses of radiation. The hospital performs annual screen-

Radiology at BCMH equals that of larger hospitals while maintaining the small town feel

ing exams for check-ups or diagnostic exams if a problem arises. Through annual education, and by following strict federal and state guidelines, they are able to provide the patient with the most current studies possible.

The Radiology Department is happy to offer

Cardio Pulmonary dept. helps you breath easier It’s your choice

Members of the Cardio Pulmonary department are, front row, left to right, Nico Lindsteadt and Chad Moore; back row, left to right, Chelle Gardner, Catherine Evans and Nancy Boman.

Not pictured are Geoff Faubion, Susan Montanye and Rabekah Rowell.

The Cardio Pulmonary department at Barton County Memorial Hospital is here to help their patients breathe easy! The hospital staffs a licensed respiratory therapist 24 hours a day and seven days a week, to provide patients with all their respiratory therapy needs. The hospital is not only there to assist you in your hospital stay, but are also available along the patient's complete health care journey.

The Cardio Pulmonary department at BCMH offers many different inpatient and outpatient services. Some of the different services they provide include: Pulmonary Function Testing, Asthma Education, Holter and Event Monitoring, EKGs and qualification for Home Oxygen.

Their staff can also provide EEG testing, which is an electrical scan of the brain. They also are

7F

there to help more critical patients with the latest CPAP/BiPAP and ventilator support, in their time of need.

BCMH is proud to say they have a completely staffed Cardiac and Pulmonary Rehab. The therapists in these programs work closely with the patient's physician, to allow them to exercise while being monitored to regain strength and the knowledge for living a healthier lifestyle. Along with this program, the hospital also has a medical conditioning program that allows members of the community to come out and exercise in the fully equipped gym, while being monitored by a licensed therapist.

The BCMH Sleep Lab is available to help individuals return to a normal, productive lifestyle through diagnosis and treatment of sleep disorders. Approximately 35 million Americans suffer from sleep deprivation. This can lead to a reduced quality of life, fatigue during waking hours and cognitive impairment. They are dedicated to helping you get the sleep you need by providing evaluations, testing, diagnosis and treatment of all types of sleep disorders. The sleep center utilizes a sophisticated control area to monitor brain, heart, muscle and breathing activity, while the patient sleeps. Their dedicated team of specialists works with the patient and their physician to ensure a better night’s sleep.

The department's highly experienced staff also has provided diagnostic cardiac services at BCMH for over 20 years. Services include Echocardiograms performed on an up-to-date digital ultrasound machine and the full range of Cardiac Stress testing from Stress Echocardiograms to Nuclear Stress tests. When it comes to matters of the heart, trust your neighbors at Barton County Memorial Hospital.

Don’t drive out of town for any of these services. Let your friends and neighbors take care of you. The cardiopulmonary staff at BCMH wants you to know that the most important thing to them is providing excellent care.

MRI services three times a week. An MRI can detect torn ligaments and tendons in knees and shoulders. Other exams include detailed studies of the brain and spinal cord.

All of your imaging needs can be met close to home at BCMH.

It doesn’t matter where you went to the doctor, where you have been in the hospital or where you had a surgery, you can get your Inpatient and Outpatient Rehab needs met at Barton County Memorial Hospital. Barton County Memorial Hospital is able to provide Inpatient and Outpatient Pictured are, front row, left to right, Physical, OccupaMelanie Leibrand, Cheryl Millsap, tional and Speech Christi Norton, Kati Schlichting; middle Therapies.

Inpatient Physi- row, Keith Frieling, Jim Yockey, Megan cal Therapy consists Combs; back row, Brian Wright, Kim of assessing and Friend. improving basic functional activities in strength sues, general weakness/debility, and balance to maintain safety vestibular problems and many through getting in and out of other various issues.

Outpatient Occupational bed, getting in and out chairs, walking with an appropriate as- Therapy also consists of getting sistive device, going up and down people back to performing all of stairs and performing other basic his/her work, activities of daily living, recreational activities and functional activities.

Inpatient Occupational Ther- sports after injury, surgery and apy consists of improving func- illness. Occupational Therapy tional activities to be safe and/ works with orthopedic problems or independent in performing of the upper extremities, hand activities of daily living that in- problems, decreased abilities to clude feeding, grooming, getting get dressed, decreased ability to dressed, toileting, taking a show- perform kitchen duties and many er/bath and determining adap- other various issues that require tive equipment that a patient will use of fine motor activities. need for home.

Outpatient Speech Therapy Inpatient Speech Therapy con- consists of working on one’s sists of determining patients speech difficulties, swallowing swallowing abilities, working on issues, cognition issues, memory patients communication needs, deficits and communication difcognition and speech problems. ficulties. The issues that a Speech Outpatient Physical Therapy Therapist may work on may have consists of working on getting been acquired via neurological people back to performing all of problems or something that is his/her work, activities of daily congenital. living, recreational activities and If you require Inpatient or Outsports after injury, surgery and patient Physical Therapy, Occuillness. pational Therapy or Speech TherPhysical Therapy works with apy, Barton County Memorial orthopedic problems, balance is- Hospital would like the opportunity to meet your therapy expectations. Why drive 45 minutes one way for therapy, when all of your needs can be met locally? If you receive an order for any rehab services make sure you ask your doctor about coming to Barton County Memorial for your rehabilitation. Our highly trained and friendly staff is here to serve you.

8F • Wednesday, March 25, 2015

HEALTH

www.lamardemocrat.com

BCMH now offers palliative care Through a Health Resources and Services Administration (HRSA) grant, Barton County Memorial Hospital can now offer palliative care services to patient and families. Palliative care is specialized medical care for people with serious illnesses. It focuses on providing patients with relief

from the symptoms, pain and stress of a serious illness, whatever the diagnosis.

The goals is to improve quality of life for both the patient and the family.

BCMH teamed with Freeman Neosho to develop palliative programs in their respective communities. BCMH admin-

istration was intentional and thoughtful as they sought a nurse to receive the training in palliative care. Wendy Schiltz, RN was chosen to become the palliative nurse. Over the past two years Schiltz has received palliative instruction via lectures, webinars and “hands on” clinical instruction. Schiltz has also been able to attend seminars at the state and national level with her

palliative colleagues from Freeman Neosho and Freeman West.

Palliative care is often viewed as offering an extra layer of support to patients and families. In Schiltz, BCMH has a strong palliative provider bringing that layer of support in excellent form. Schiltz has developed strong clinical skills specific to palliative care. Schiltz states, “I am truly hon-

By BETH HARRIS, RN, BSN tion and emInfection Prevention and ployee training Employee Education almost immediately. Shortly In September 2014, I afterward, many stepped into the role of cases of PertusInfection Prevention and sis (Whooping Employee Education at Cough) came to Barton County Memo- Barton County, rial Hospital. Although I followed closely have been an employee at by Influenza A. Needless BCMH since 1999, this to say, my first few months new job was a little over- were definitely a learning whelming at first. The experience and infection week I began my new job prevention is a continually I attended a conference for evolving area of informafive days, to help familiar- tion, study and practice. ize me with infection preThe push for 2015 will vention and requirements be for Antimicrobial of hospitals by both the Stewardship, which will federal government and be a topic that will be of the State of Missouri. interest to me and everyThe week I returned, one in Barton County Ebola Hemorrhagic Vi- and the surrounding area. rus had made its way to Research and CDC recthe United States, requir- ommendations call for ing policy implementa- decreased antibiotic use

and education of healthcare workers and the public about the future of Multidrug Resistant Organisms, or MDRO’s, such as MRSA (Methicillin Resistant Staphylococcus Aureus), CRE (Carbipenem Resistant Enterococcus), VRE (Vancomycin Resistant Enterococcus) and Resistant Clostridium Difficile.

Already an increase in infections without an antibiotic to treat them, or only one or two antibiotics available for treatment, have been seen in Barton County.

This is not just a problem in highly populated areas, but also in rural areas like our own. The current wor-

ry from the CDC and other institutions is that we will have bacteria in the immediate future, that will be resistant to all antibiotics and we will have no way to treat these “bad bugs”. Over the next year please take the time to read signs and information available to patients and parents pertaining to MDRO’s and also for antibiotic use that will be posted in the hospital and in the community.

For more information access the CDC online and enter Antimicrobial Stewardship.

I believe the best thing we can do for our health is to educate ourselves and others in our community and that will continue to be my goal.

of many details; provides great support to the surgical team and is friendly and reassuring to Members of the surgical staff are, the paleft to right, Julie Means, Rebecca tients.

Moore, Karlee Garrett, Karen Friday, After the Pat Daniel and Teressa Melvin. patient arrives to the Around the world and Surgery Department, the here at Barton County nursing staff begins the Memorial Hospital, main- identification process by taining the safety of the checking the identification surgical patient has been band that is placed on the pushed to the forefront patient during admission. of the medical field. Very The patient is identified by specific standards and pro- their name and birthdate, cedures have been put into which is referenced back to place to maintain patient the admission bands. Ussafety. No one wants to be ing two identifiers of the the patient who has the patient is the safest ways wrong surgery performed, to identify the correct pabut unfortunately there tient. have been incidents of this During the pre-operative happening worldwide. preparations various nursFrom the time the patient ing staff members will first sees the surgeon to the come into the pre-operarecovery process, every- tive holding room to start thing is done to make this an IV, update a final media safe experience for the cation list and identify the patient. Once the surgeon procedure the patient is has decided that surgical scheduled for. The anesintervention is needed, a thetist will also visit with time is scheduled for the the patient in the pre-op procedure with the sur- area. gery department. ArrangeAfter the patient is ments for supplies or com- prepped, the surgeon will pany representatives that visit with the patient and may be needed for specific family and will confirm the procedures are completed. surgery, while often markThe receptionist takes care ing the surgical site or ex-

tremity with a special skin marker. Because the surgery department at BCMH is relatively small, it is not unusual for the same nurse to admit the patient and accompany them to the surgical suite.

While in the operating room suite the chart is again checked while the patient and procedure are both reconfirmed. The standardized procedure called the “Time Out” was developed by the World Health Organization to help eliminate mistakes in the operating rooms around the world. The “Time Out” is observed when everyone in the operating room participates in a list of questions, including the patient’s name and the procedure being performed, to make sure everything is correct. Although some may think this process is time consuming, it has proven to be worthwhile in maintaining the safety of the patient.

Correct positioning and padding of the extremities to avoid pressure points, along with keeping the patient warm during the surgery, is vital to keeping the patient safe. The Anesthesia Department is responsible for monitoring the vital signs and maintaining the respiratory status throughout the procedure.

All of this is maintained until the end of the proce-

dure, when the patient is stable and ready to be moved to the recovery room.

The nurse cares for the patient until they are awake in the recovery room. During this time vital signs are obtained and respiratory status monitored. The recovery room nurses care for the patient until they are stable and either ready for discharge to the medical floor or to secondary recovery.

Discharge instructions and contact information is given to the patient with the completion of recovery, if the patient is going home. Follow-up calls are often made to check on patients postoperatively.

Coordination of care and patient safety is BCMH's utmost priority. The employees in the surgical department work collaboratively to provide exceptional care.

Having the capacity to offer both inpatient surgical procedures enable them to provide access for rural residents, to not only critical surgical services that may be emergent, but also convenient surgical services that are elective, which reduces patient burdens associated with travel and follow-up care.

Lamar Democrat, Lamar, MO

ored and blessed to work with chronically ill patients and their families. I have a unique opportunity to spend quality time with some amazing individuals.

We at Barton County Memorial Hospital have a fan-

tastic staff. We strive daily to work together using a team approach to bring the best quality of life individually for each patient and family. We at BCMH truly have a 'little hospital' with a very big heart.”

Patient Portal launched

Infection Prevention and Employee education

Patient safety in the operating room

Lockwood Clinic – serving the community since 1998 The Lockwood Clinic is owned by Barton County Memorial Hospital in Lamar. The clinic was opened in October 1998 and approved as a rural health clinic in 2009. The clinic is conveniently located at 723 South Main Street in Lockwood, next door to the Lockwood Pharmacy.

The clinic staffs a fulltime nurse practitioner, Debbie Johnson, who is available on a daily basis, Monday through Thursday. Nurse practitioners (NPs) are trained through the nursing field. They are treating one’s illness as a part of their total well-being. NPs must have a minimum of a master’s degree in nursing. They are able to practice with autonomy by having the ability to treat patients on their own just as a physician would.

Dr. Thomas Hopkins, Board Certified Family Practice Physician, works collaboratively with Debbie Johnson, RN, FNP-C. Care is provided at the clinic by Dr. Hopkins for patients on alternate Wednesdays from 9 a.m. to

3 p.m. Dr. Hopkins, M.D. and Debbie Johnson, RN, FNP-C, have been serving the community at the Lockwood Clinic for seven years.

The collaborative agreement allows the nurse practitioner to diagnose, treat and manage a full range of acute illnesses, chronic diseases, infections and medical conditions. They also order further testing and evaluation, provide counseling and education on health and disease management and may perform minor in-office surgical procedures. Dr. Hopkins oversees the NPs practice and consults on difficult cases.

This relationship allows for those in rural communities to be able to access great care close to home, without having to travel.

The Lockwood Clinic also provides gynecology services. Dr. Michelle Boice specializes in gynecology and provides care to patients on the third Tuesday of each month.

Dr. Boice has been with the hospital for seven years.

Both Dr. Hopkins and Dr. Boice have privileges at Barton County Memorial Hospital in Lamar.

These providers offer a wide range of services including, but not limited to primary care to all ages, well child exams, women’s health, sports physicals, DOT physicals, initial Medicare physicals, diabetes care/education, smoking cessation, flu, pneumonia and shingles vaccinations, foot care, geriatrics and routine lab work. Lockwood Clinic offers a sliding fee scale discount program for those patients without insurance or who have a high deductible on their insurance plans. Call for more information about this program.

Office hours are 8:30 a.m. to 4:30 p.m., Monday through Thursday; closed daily 12 noon to 1 p.m. for lunch and closed on Fridays. Walk-ins are welcome and will be worked into the schedule as quickly as possible. Appointments are preferred. Call today at 417-232-5200.

Members of the Health Information Management Department team are, left to right, Heather Brown, Sandy Davey, Joanne Davey, Catherine Daniel, Taylor Brekke and Kelly Clements.

In November 2014, BCMH launched its Patient Portal, also known as YourCareCommunity or YCC. The Patient Portal allows patients to view their hospital records, such as blood pressure, lab tests and medicines. This can be done from almost any computer at any time of day. It is easy, private and convenient.

At this time all patients are asked if they would like to enroll in the Patient Portal at the time of registration. If so, it’s as easy as filling out a form. Once the HIM department processes the request, the patient will receive an email to confirm their identity and the assignment of a unique password. Click on the link provided and follow the directions.

The HIM staff also visits patients that have been admitted to the hospital. While the patient at BCMH, the staff will walk them through the process and help them navigate in the Patient Portal. This allows the patients to ask questions and feel more comfortable with this new technology.

If copies of medical records are needed, but the patient does not want to use the Patient Portal, they can always come in and fill out an Authorization for Release of Information form. The hospital can usually process the request within a few minutes. As a courtesy to their patients, the first 20 pages are free and anything over that is 55 cents per page.

For questions regarding the Patient Portal, or how to get copies of medical records, please call the HIM Department at 417-681-5152. As of March 2, their office hours have changed. The new office hours are 7:30 a.m. to 4 p.m., Monday through Friday.

Barton County Memorial Hospital employees in the Admissions Department are, left to right, Katie Lemmons, Linda Humes, Sharon Fields, Audi Davidson, Savannah Goebel and Carol Hawpe.

Barton County Memorial Hospital Patients Account Services employees are, front row, left to right, Katie Lemmons, Sherry Gastel, Amy Marrone and Nancy Eaton; back row, Gail Hamilton, Christine Griffitt, Patty Hininger and Sheri Righter.

Golden City Clinic brings healthcare close to home Golden City Clinic is located at 407 Main Street in Golden City and owned by Barton County Memorial Hospital. They are a certified Rural Health Clinic, serving patients of all ages. Office hours are 8:30 a.m. to 4:30 p.m., Tuesday through Friday.

They close daily from 12 noon to 1 p.m. for lunch and are closed on Mondays.

Rural Health Clinics (RHCs) were established to improve access to primary care services in underserved areas and address inadequate supplies of health care providers in rural areas.

RHCs use a team approach between physicians and nurse practitioners in providing outpatient primary care services and basic laboratory services. RHCs are required to be staffed by a mid-level provider such as a nurse practitioner.

Mandy Swink, FNP-C is the full time provider at Golden City Clinic.

Mandy joined the clinic in December of 2013. Her previous experience included family practice, obstetrics, medical/surgical nursing and psychiatry.

Mandy’s services include, but are not limited to well child checkups, eldercare, skin lesion removals, joint and muscle injections for pain, wound care, diabetes counseling, asthma control and athletic physicals, as well as treatment for acute illness and injuries.

Thomas Hopkins, M.D. is the collaborating physician. He is a Board Certified Family Practice physician. Dr. Hopkins sees patients at Golden City Clinic every other Wednesday. His services include evaluation and management of chronic disease, minor surgical procedures, preventative medicine as well as care for acute illness and injuries for patients of all ages. Dr. Hopkins has privileges at Barton County Memorial Hospital.

The clinic feels extremely fortunate to offer gynecological services at the clin-

ic. Michelle Boice, M.D., Gynecology sees patients on the first Tuesday of each month. Dr. Boice’s services include well woman exams, breast exams, pap smears, hormonal issues and contraceptive management.

Dr. Boice performs gynecological procedures and surgery at Barton County Memorial Hospital.

In an effort to provide essential medical care for all patients regardless of income, the clinic uses a sliding fee scale program.

This program provides discounts to patients based on family size and income and is very beneficial to patients without insurance coverage or high deductibles. You may contact the clinic for a sliding fee scale application.

The clinic is accepting new patients. Walk-ins are welcome and will be worked into the schedule as quickly as possible, appointments are preferred.

Call 417-537-4311 to schedule an appointment.

The clinic strives to provide “Quality Care-Close to Home”.