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Subscribers to THE HOME PRESS are the nicest people!

This week we salute James Pertl St. Charles, MO Serving Macon County Since 1876

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VOL. 136 No. 24

La Plata, Missouri 63549

Have A Safe Christmas Holiday!

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Letters To Santa Claus Santa Letters have been sent to the North Pole. To view the wish lists we forwarded to Santa...

SEE PAGES 4&5

December 21, 2011

Filing Opens - Tuesday, December 13, 2011 was the first day of filing for the April 2012 election. Above, Charles Thompson, incumbent, files for a second term as Mayor for the City of La Plata. He signed the filing form with City Clerk, Bobbi Jacques witnessing.

Free Christmas Meal

La Plata Nursing Home would like to give back to our community who gives so much of themselves to our home. If anyone in the community would like a free meal delivered to their home on Christmas

day, please call the nursing home at 332-4315 by Friday, December 23rd. The meal will include turkey, noodles, mashed potatoes, dressing, green bean or corn casserole, hot roll, cranberry sauce and red

velvet cake or bread pudding. We will begin delivering meals after church.

May you all experience the true spirit of Christmas this year.

Reminder: Home Press Closed Next Week!

The Home Press will be closed next week and will reopen January 2nd at 9:00.

Home Press drop papers can be picked up at Short Stop.

Are your stockings hung by the chimney with care?

Have your family members all finished their wish list for the holiday? Did they include no traffic crashes on their list? The Missouri State Highway Patrol wishes everyone a merry and safe Christmas.

One way for it to be merry is for everyone to arrive at their holiday celebrations safely.

Last year over the Christmas holiday, there were 1,264 traffic crashes during the counting period. In those crashes, four people were killed and another 388 were injured.

This year’s traffic crash counting period begins at 6 p.m. on Friday, December 23, and ends at 11:59 p.m. Monday, December 26, 2011. Please remember to wear your seat belt, pay attention to your driving, and please, don’t drink and drive.

Travelers are reminded that holiday drivers will affect traffic patterns. If you’re planning a trip during the holiday, please keep this in mind. Check the weather forecast and plan accordingly. The Road Condition Report number is 1-800-222-6400. If bad weather is expected, make sure your vehicle is winterized. Allow extra time

to reach your destination, and obey all traffic laws.

If faced with a traffic emergency, motorists can contact the Missouri State Highway Patrol at 1-800525-5555 or *55 on a cellular phone. This emergency number will ring into the nearest Highway Patrol headquarters. Motorists should use this number if they are in a traffic crash, witness a crash or crime, or pass a stranded motorist in need of assistance, etc.

“Last year, a Missouri family was affected by a traffic crash every 11.9 minutes,” said Colonel Ron Replogle. “The holidays should be a time of celebration, not sadness.

Please be a safe, courteous driver. Wear your seat belt, obey Missouri’s traffic laws, and if you include alcohol in your celebrations, please don’t drive.”

Merry Christmas Becky and Randy

3 Shopping Days ‘Til Christmas

LHS Christmas Royalty - The 2011 Christmas dance was held on Friday, December 16th, 2011 at the elementary gym. Christmas Royalty crowned were: King Matthew Safley and Queen Jennifer McIntyre.

Journey Lineman - On Friday, December 9, 2011 La Plata employee, Cory Cook completed his Journeyman testing and passed with flying colors in Columbia, Missouri. Cook has been a city employee for 5 years and is employed with the electrical department. La Plata now employs two Journey Lineman.

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THE HOME PRESS December 21, 2011

The

Home Press USPS-299800 Entered for transmission through the mail as periodical matter at the Post Office in La Plata, Missouri 63549 PO Box 57 La Plata, MO 63549 Tel. (660) 332-4431 Fax (660) 332-7561 or news@ maconhomepress.com

Oldest Newspaper In Macon County Since August 18, 1876

PRODUCTION STAFF: Editor/Publisher Rebecca Jeffcoat Staff -- Randy Bunch Sales - Kathy Liebhart Correspondents: Verna Buck Marsha Hammons Pam Burris Sharron Burns

Member of MPA

SUBSCRIPTION RATES: $35 per year in Macon County. $45 per year in adjoining counties. $50 Elsewhere In Missouri $60 Outside of Missouri $5 fee for "Snow Birds" $25 for pick-up subscriptions (sales tax is included in Missouri subscription rates) We reserve the right to reject any advertising or news material as we see fit.

When a voting precinct can be eliminated by arbitrary clerical decision, some questions come to mind of the affected voters. What are the criteria that establish a voter’s right to vote locally (zip code, city charter, community center, population of town and rural taxpayers and registered voter, or...)? Has a cost/ benefit analysis been done by more than one clerk?

Is it worth disenfranchising an unknown number of voters of the most basic American right by imposing unreasonable travel or absentee ballot requirements? Maybe the County clerk handled this matter clumsily (or arrogantly), and we know – “It’s Elmer – Who Cares!” An expla-

The Atlanta Hornets played the Green City Gophers last week.

The girls lost their contest with a score of 38-42.

Scoring for the Lady Hornets were: Samantha Reed 7, Ashton Ross 16, Shalyla Collier 2, Katy Baker 7, Amelia Smothers 3 and Maddie Cuppy 3. The girls are 0-6 overall and 0-2 in conference.

The boys luck wasn’t any better with the Gophers making more baskets and winning the game 82 to 46.

nation after-the-fact, while not much help, might shed light on this decision. A system which allows a clerk to make policy without oversight should be reexamined.

Extremely Concerned Citizens/Voters in the Elmer Area, Cindy Koonce, Nancy Haley, Melissa Howe, Calvin Allen, Crystal Allen, Maxine Johnson, Ronald Spencer, Sylvia Spencer, Michael Rhoads, Edith Fletcher, Alvina Howe, Debby Peavler, Baxter Haley, Robert Aldinger, Bob Aldinger, Beulah Aldinger, Robin Wehner, Kenny Baker, Ione Baker, Virgil Pippin and Colleen Pippin

Scoring for the Hornets were: Brady Bogeart 16, Dylan Hruska 4, Lance Weber 13 and Tagan Brookhart 13. The boys are 1-5 overall and 0-2 in conference.

MoDOT Gears Up For More Snow A winter system entered northwest Missouri recently, bringing with it the possibility for light snow in the upper half of the state through Friday morning. The Missouri Department of Transportation reminds drivers that even a small amount of snow can make highways slick.

“We encourage drivers to slow down and to steer and brake gently in snowy areas,” said Beth Wright, MoDOT State Maintenance Engineer.

“Be certain to allow plenty of distance between your vehicle and those ahead of you.”

MoDOT crews prepared for the storm on Thursday morning, checking supplies and

assigning crews to overnight plow duty. Teams will concentrate on the busiest highways first, spreading salt where needed – especially on bridge floors, hills and curves – to help with traction.

“We ask drivers to stay at least 100 feet behind snow plows that might be spreading salt,” said Wright. “For safety’s sake, also do not pass plows, even on a multilane road.”

MoDOT’s Traveler Information Map makes finding road condition information easy. Travelers can also call MoDOT’s customer service line anytime, toll-free at 1-888-ASK MODOT (888-275-6636).

these young ones are?

Stump Your Friends

The picture of the baby the past few weeks was Zach Robinson. It was guessed after the third clue

by Tabitha Sawyer. She wins a $5.00 gift certificate at the Choo-Chew Cafe.

Thanks for playing and don’t forget to pick up your $5 certificate at the Choo Chew Cafe located in the La Plata Pharmacy.

We have provided Jamie with a list of winners.

1155 North Brown Street H La Plata, MO 63549

Great First Half Of Year What a great first half of the year here at La Plata R-II. Everything for the most part has gone extremely well. The students and our staff are excited for Christmas break as we have even managed to make it through the first half without one snow day.

The students of the month for the first semester were honored with a trip to Pizza Hut last week and all the students that scored proficient or advanced on the MAP and End of Course Exams were recognized at our December board meeting. We were once again accredited with Distinction last year which I want to point out again is a great honor and achievement. It is our 5th time to be honored. We have also been one of the few schools in the state of Missouri that has managed to stay out of what is known as school improvement. This happens when a school does not make their scores on AYP for two consecutive years. Realistically it is just a matter of time before all schools are in school improvement with the No Child Left Behind requirements but it is the goal of every district to avoid being targeted and obviously we are very proud of our students and teachers for avoiding this for so long.

Our Ag building is really coming along now as the concrete has been poured and the framework is taking shape. We should have a building any week now and the excitement of this program is growing. We have had numerous quality applications for our Ag teaching position.

The school district is buying a 4 door fuel efficient vehicle (Ford Fusion) for the staff to drive. We have numerous conferences and meetings that our staff need to attend. When you factor in our reimbursement rate of $.45 a mile and the fact that we drive nearly 15,000 miles a year we will save nearly $6,750 a year in reimbursement minus what we spend on the fuel.

The vehicle we are looking to purchase will get close to 35 miles to the gallon. Plus, we qualify for a government discount of nearly $6,500 for a total cost of $16,521.41. The vehicle will basically pay for itself in just a few years depending on the price of gas.

Basketball is in full swing and our teams are doing great. Pink out night for Breast Cancer awareness was a huge success. Remember to put on your calendars that the boys are going to play in the MFA Shootout again this year at the Mizzou Arena on January 29th at 1:20. Tickets are $5.00 if you purchase them here at school or from one of the boys. They will be $10.00 if you wait to buy them there. Your ticket will get you into all 7 games. I want to recognize Mr. Manners and Mrs. Fanning as the Christmas concerts were also a success.

I want to wish everyone a safe and happy Christmas and holiday season.

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THE HOME PRESS December 21, 2011

Made In The USA Nutrition Site Menu “Made in USA” are three words you won’t see very often on items sold by major retailers. It’s so true of consumer goods that a store in upstate New York is making a name for itself by selling only items made in the United States.

The Made in America store has been so popular that buses on the way to Niagara Falls are stopping at Elma, N.Y., so tourists can visit. The owner proudly tells shoppers that he has carefully researched everything he sells and all items are 100 percent made-in-America products.

The fact of the matter is if you want to buy products made in this country you don’t have to drive to New York. Your best bet is to shop at a supermarket or farmers’ market.

According to a report by the Federal Reserve Bank of San Francisco, Americans spend 91 percent of their food dollars on food produced here. The report doesn’t itemize, but it’s a good bet that coffee, tea, tropical fruit and seafood account for a large measure of imported food.

If you shop at one of the major discount retailers for consumer goods, the numbers tell a much different story. Nearly 36 percent of personal expenditures for clothing and shoes are for products labeled “Made in China.”

American-made clothing and shoes account for just 25 percent of all purchases.

A separate report by the Toy Industry Association found that 90 percent of children’s toys are made in China.

On a recent trip to a major discount retailer, we

found clothing made in China, Vietnam, Malaysia, Indonesia, Bangladesh and a country we weren’t familiar with at all—Lesotho.

It turns out that Lesotho is an impoverished African nation where several major clothing companies have set up assembly operations because labor is so cheap.

Globalization and technology have caused the loss of many factory jobs in the United States.

Things we used to buy that were made with American hands are now made by foreign hands or aren’t made with human hands at all, but robots. Some call this progress, others call it unfair and few think it will change.

As Americans we sometimes take food for granted. We’ve never had a major food shortage, and we can choose from an infinite variety of safe, affordable food. But, it is not just that we take food for granted. It’s that we take American food for granted.

We may accept buying a pair of jeans stitched in Lesotho, but would we feel the same about purchasing food from there? It’s doubtful we would. The locavores who insist on locally produced food would have an even bigger problem accepting it.

At a time when so many consumer goods are imported and some Americans are even leaving the country to save money on dental work, surgery or prescription drugs, we need to be thankful for American agriculture and support the efforts of farmers and ranchers.

Photo’s Wanted for Stump Your Friends Contest Submit your photos for guessing! Correct Guess Wins A $5.00 Gift Certificate From La Plata Pharmacy

Whitney Agency, Inc.

December 26th - December 30th, 2011 (660) 665-9163 Monday, December 26th Thursday, December 29th Closed For Holiday!

Chili with cheese slice, Merry Christmas hominy, celery and carTuesday, December 27th rot sticks, crackers, appleChicken wings, scalloped sauce and milk. potatoes, beets, bread and Friday, December 30th butter, pears and milk.

Pork roast mashed potaWednesday, December 28th toes with gravy, cooked Tenderloin on bun, French cabbage, bread and butter, fries, cream corn, banana fruit cocktail and milk. split salad and milk.

La Plata Bulldogs traveled to Brashear last week winning the contest over the Tigers 86 to 55.

Scoring for the ‘dawgs were: Seth Brown 6, Andrew Perry 9, Taylor Herron 11, Tanner Riggins 10, Hunter Howe 5, Jake Waddle 6, Peyton Swift 10, Weston Smith 22 and Matt Safley 2.

Willard Clark Cole, age 84 of Sparta, Missouri went to be with his Lord and Savior on Saturday, December 17, 2011.

Willard was born on March 8, 1927 in Macon County, Missouri and was the son of Fred and Verna Cole. May 5, 1944, he married Neva Hasher who survives.

Also surviving are, son Randall Cole and wife Belinda of Sparta, Missouri; daughter Barbara Rohr and husband Kerwin of Sedalia, Missouri; son-in-law Ralph Baarslag of Tacoma, Washington; daughter-in-law Anita Cobb of Seneca, Missouri; Grand-children Tamara Fulk, husband Scott and children of Cedar Rapid, Iowa, Mike Rohr and wife Angie of St. Louis, Missouri, Jessica Stewart and husband Troy of Sarcoxie, Missouri, Russell Cole, wife Erin and children of Joplin, Missouri Rebecca Scalf, husband Daniel and children, of Seneca, Missouri, Michelle Blakely and husband Michael of Carthage, Missouri, Andrew Cole of Ozark, Missouri, Kelsey Cole of Sedalia, Missouri, Jennifer Barnes and daughter of Ozark, Missouri, Richard

Barnes wife Jessica and son of Sparta, Missouri, and Stephanie Barnes of Sparta, Missouri.

He was preceded in death by his parents Fred and Verna Cole, son Russell Cole and daughter Carolyn Baarslag, and one sister Irene Davis.

Willard was a farmer most of his life. He took great pride in raising Angus cattle and had a historic herd. He was a member to the American Angus Association.

He loved to hunt and was an avid hunter bagging a number of trophy animals. He loved to travel taking many trips with tour groups and to the Northwest to visit family. Willard loved his family and will be greatly missed.

Funeral Services will be Thursday, December 22, 2011 at 11:00 a. m. at Travis Funeral Chapel, La Plata, Missouri, with Pastor John Gorham officiating. Burial will be in the La Plata Cemetery in La Plata, Missouri.

Visitation will be Wednesday, December 21, 2011 from 5:00-7:00 p.m.

In lieu of flowers the family requests donations to the Alzheimer’s Association or Hospice.

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Santa Letters from Mrs. Whitacre’s 4th Grade Class La Plata Elementary Dear Santa, How are you and Mrs. Clause? What is it like giving people presents? How are your reindeer? Are you cold on your sleigh going to each house? How can you go to each house in one night? I hope you have a good night, Santa!

What I want for Christmas is alot of presents. What I want for Christmas is a cat!

Another is Orbies Spa and glowing Orbies. I also want a new drum. I also want Guitar Hero on drums. Have a good night, Santa.

Your Friend, Raegan St. Clair Dear Santa, I have been really waiting for Christmas. How are you and Miss. Claus? How are the reindeer? Are the elves busy? How cold has it been this Christmas? I just wanted to make sure everybody is ok.

Santa I have been really good this year. I would really like a Kindle for Christmas. I would also like a dog. I would love a smartboard. Could you also get me the game What’s Gnu? This is what I want for Christmas.

Your Friend, Sheridyn Bealmer Dear Santa, How are you doing? How are your Elves? How are your reindeer? How is your sleigh?

I hope you, the elves and the reindeer are all ok.

I want a laptop and a laptop case with peace sings on it. I also want Orbies smoothing spa the regular Orbies. I also want clothes for me.

Your Friend, Emily Johnson Dear Santa, How are you? I want alot of things. If you do get me the Hawaiian American Girl doll you will need to get it before December 1st, because December 1st the doll will be gone. I want a makeup and hair stylist kit and tip book plus the modles. I also want a new nintindo game. And I want the movie Gromieo and Juliet and some really good smelling germex littles for my holder.

Your Friend Addison Belfield

THE HOME PRESS December 21, 2011

Dear Santa, How is everything up North?

I would like a few pieces of a wild west outfit. I would like a horse too. I wish I could have a truck. How are your raindeer doing? How cold is it up there?

From Josh Perry Oh! November the 7th, 2011 was my birthday!

Dear Santa, How is the North Pole?

How is Mrs. Clause? How are the elves doing? How are the elves doing on the presents?

I hope you have a Merry Christmas.

What I want for Christmas is the new Justin Bieber CD about Christmas. I also want Hot Sox. I also want a thing from a magazine that projects stars on the ceiling. I also want my mom off duty. The last thing I want is for everybody to have a good Christmas.

Your Friend, Lilly Cox Dear Santa, I would really like it if you got me Red Dead Redemtion Special Edition, Dead Island, Uncharted 3, a buck knife, a controller charger, new MP3 head phones, MW3, and Jack and Jill the movie.

I hope you, your elves, Mrs. Clause, and the reindeer are doing very good. Merry Christmas Santa.

Your Friend Ben Cook Dear Santa, Can I have some Nerf guns and WWE rumbles? Can I have a TV for my room? And at the North Pole how is everybody? I hope I can get this stuff because I’ve been good.

Your Friend Justin Wood Dear Santa, How are you? What do you like about being Santa? What is the best present you have given?

I have been a good girl. I want 2 big things for Christmas. I want a new phone.

Best of all I want JB tickets.

I want a new phone because my last one didn’t work. I want JB tickets because I want to see him live for the first time ever. See You on Christmas.

Your Friend, Karisa Thompson

Dear Santa, I want to know how everything is up in the North Pole?

Can you tell Mrs. Claus hi for me? Also can you tell me how she is? How are the reindeer?

Are they excited? Are the elves working hard? Are they excited? That is all I need to know.

These are all the things I want for Christmas. I want a laptop, two Moxie Girls RidDear Santa, ing Club dolls, a Justin Bieber Can you get me these CD that has the songs “Under things for Christmas? I want the Mistletoe” and “Santa is a laptop, a new dog, a new Coming to Town”, two Justin TV and a big chapter book. Bieber tickets, a new bike, the And thanks for everything barn and horses that go with last year, like the breakable the Moxie Girls, and finally, dolls the Breaking Dawn movie.

Your Friend, Sincerly, Mckayla Walker Victoria Bode Dear Santa, Hi Santa, how are you? I’m doing good. I have been waiting for this day. And I would love presents out there but I got a little list. Here it goes.

I want a video game, legos, chess, phone, TV, and a pack of sweetarts.

Your Biggest Fan, Tel Wheeler

Dear Santa, Santa Claus I do not need any presents. My family is enough. Besides toys are made in China. They break really easy..

Your Writer, Jacob Fouch

Dear Santa Claus, How are the reindeer? Are you busy making toys for girls and boys? How are you doing at the North Pole? How are the elves doing? How is Mrs. Claus.

These are the things I want

for Christmas: Moxi Girls Riding Dolls and the horses and the barn that goes with it and an IPod. I also wnat the movie Breaking Dawn and I also want Orbies.

Your friend, Chloe Ebeling Dear Santa, How are you and Mrs. Claus doing? Oh and I can’nt forget the elves? Here’s what I want for Christmas Santa.

One thing I want is a good pair of boots and a new laptop to my self. Please let it snow on Christmas eve so I can bury myself. I would be such a happy little boy if I get some things on my list.

Your Friend Cody Pinson Santa Letters from Mrs. Arbuckle’s 2nd Grade Class La Plata Elementary Dear Santa, I want a Baby Alive. I want a Pillow pet. I want a huggable friend. I want a long sleeved shirt. I want a Barbie.

I want a new dog. I want a new Strawberry Short Cake Cover. I want a flat screen TV. I want a Justin Bieber doll.

Your friend, Ciera Dear Santa, Hi this is Pieper! I want a Baby Alive and a tent. I want a Pee Wee pet and a pogo bogo. I want a platinum screen TV. I want a pillow pet and a poster of Justin Bieber.

I love him so much.

Your friend, Pieper Dear Santa Clause, I wish for a D.S.I. and a whole bunch of PJs and clothes. I want a bunch of Barbie’s. I want a lot of D.S.I. games and I don’t really care what I get.

Your friend, Jenna Dear Santa, For Christmas I want a Nintendo DS, hot wheels, a new bike, and a Lightning McQueen game and toys for Christmas. I also want a Razor E-spark Electric Scooter.

I would like a Pee Wee Cardinals pillow pet.

Your greatest friend, Logan Dear Santa, I want an X-box 360 for Christmas and some games for my X-box 360, PlayStation and Wii. I want some toys and a new game for my Nintendo DS XL. Your best friend, Austin Dear Santa, I want a Happy Napper and a pillow pet and Cookie my playful pet.

Your friend, Hannah Dear Santa, What are you going to bring me this year? I hope you bring me a giraffe because I love animals. I also want a pet T- Rex, bat, horse, and a rabbit.

Your very best friend, Heidi Dear Santa, I want an X-box game and a PSP game and a Zhu Zhu pet and a basketball and a toy.

I love you Santa.

Your friend, Peyton

Dear Santa, Santa I want a Razor Espark Electric Scooter.

Your friend, Matthew Dear Santa, I want a Zebra pillow pet.

My pillow pet is in Macon at Wal-Mart. I want an X-box 360.

Your best friend, Brooklynn Dear Santa, I want a pillow pet, baby doll, brush, cubs, comb, and money.

Your friend, Angel Dear Santa, I want a Razor E-spark Electric Scooter. I want a Loops game. I want the new bat cave. I want some Lego Star Wars. I would like some PlayStation games.

Your friend, Ryan Dear Santa, I want a doll of Justin Bieber. I want a DVD of Dogs vs. Cats. I want a Pee Wee pet. I want a toy cat. I want a My Little Pony.

Your friend, Tara Santa Letters from Mrs. Wood’s Kindergarten Class La Plata Elementary Dear Santa, I want a hunting set and a John Deere tent and a farm set. I want rotten teeth so I can play bank robbers! I want two toy ghost so I can play with my cousin and a calf and a tennis ball and a Wii for myself because my sister has one and I don’t. I want a 4-wheeler, Billy the exterminator, a coon trap, and the Home Alone 2 movie. I hope you make it with your reindeer. Thank you for my toys. I will leave you milk and cookies.

Tucker Beautte Dear Santa, I would like monster high.

I want a toy monkey and a new coloring book. I want a new toothbrush and a candy cane. Thank you Santa!

Paige Carvajal Dear Santa, I want a baby doll, a Barbie, and a Nintendo DS. I want a Nintendo DS Rapunzel game. I want training wheel bike. I will leave you milk and cookies!

Rachel Case Dear Santa, I want a Barbie, monster high, and zombie brain. I want gluey Louie and I want a pet bird and a chick. I also want a goldfish and a cat. I want a globe and some vampire teeth. I need a little thing to trace my name and a pencil. Santa I think you are handsome!

Karson Cook Dear Santa, I need a new bike and a new coat. I want new clothes and a play phone and new shoes. I would like to have new baby dolls. Thank you for my presents.

Kady Couch Dear Santa, I want a green teddy bear and BIG bottle of Cherry Pepsi and Barbie doll with curly hair. I want a Munster

High doll named blue lagoon.

She is a fish. I want real live baby kitty and I want another BIG can of Cherry Coke. I want an easy bake oven. I am done now. I love you Santa!

Claire Coy

Dear Santa, How are you? Miley wants a stuffed reindeer. I would like a play pizza pan. And I think that’s all I want.

Your Friend, Abby Morse

Dear Santa, I want a Barbie computer and a big red bouncy ball. I want some dress up shoes. I love you, Santa!

Brooke Crawford

Dear Santa, I love you for all you’ve given us. I miss you and I always want to see you. I want a toy fire truck and a fire man that comes with it.

I am Brandon Lewis CalDear Santa, lahan and that’s my name. I I want a trampoline and always know how to say my a new Barbie. I want a big prayers. present that is a big swimLove, Brandon Callahan ming pool. I want a new piano and I want a giant TV Dear Santa, and little TV for mommy and I want a four-wheeler for daddies bedroom. I want a Christmas. I want a pet hernew toy room and I want a mit crab. I want a pet duck. playground. I will leave you Thank you for all these animilk and cookies. mals. My name is Gage.

Piper Halstead Love, Gage Kitts Dear Santa, I would like some new toys. I will leave you milk and cookies.

Austin Heath

Dear Santa, I want a desk. I will give you some cookies and milk.

You are the best Santa in the whole wide world. Please bring a four-wheeler for my Dear Santa, sister.

I want a dirt bike and a Your friend, play station game. I want a Addy Thomas Wii game. I want a dirt bike My sister’s name is Khloe. the most.

Brayden Lewis Dear Santa, Dear Santa, I want a new real teacher’s I want a transformer hel- desk and I like you Santa met and a new TV. I want a and I also want a new book new dinosaur and that’s all. I and I want a princess robot. will leave you milk and cook- I want a new princess Baries. bie and I want a laptop and Noah Mitchell I want a new white board. I don’t think it will fit in your Dear Santa, bag. And I want like a little I want optimus prime and night lamp. And I want new a black buzz light year. I need markers. And I also want a a new dinosaur. I will leave star that has a radio so it can you milk and cookies. talk. Santa, I can’t stop caring Teagan Powell about you. I like you.

Love, Dear Santa, Amarra Nelson I want Play Station 2 games. I want the ninja tur- Dear Santa, tles and shooting 2. I love I want a Thomas the Train you, Santa. I will leave you set and a big school so I can go milk and cookies. to school every day and a big Keyton Sizemore Cars Lego thing that shoots Lightning McQueen out, and Dear Santa, I want one of those toys from I want a truck and a Toys R Us that shoots little 4-wheeler and a dirt bike. I round bullets with holes in want glasses and a pen. I will them and a new Leap Frog leave you cookies. with Lightning McQueen Andy Spencer and Wally and a Halloween game. My dad won’t have the Dear Santa, tree set up so bring it to my I want buzz light year cousin Kelly’s, actually just toy and I want a kitty cat. I bring it to my dad’s anyway, want a toy optimus prime and I want pretty diamonds. and megatron. I want a toy I also want a game where you bumble bee car. I want the are the controller and you movie Cars 2. I also want a dance and a thing where you toy named Star Scream. push a button and talk into it Jerimiha Stewart and push another button and it records what you said and a Dear Santa, Sponge Bob game and that’s I want a princess scooter all. My name is Kruze. and teddy bear. I want prinYour Friend, cess dollies and a Barbie Kruze Beeson house. That’s all!

Maggie Weaver Dear Santa, I would like a bicycle and Dear Santa, a Lego toy set and a remote I want a Barbie case and control dinosaur. some Barbie clothes. I want a Your Friend, Christmas book. I want some Noah Graham coloring books. I want some blue paper and markers. I Dear Santa, want a stamp pad and some I want a new bike and stamps. I want some new more train tracks and playbaby dolls and baby clothes. doh. I want more trains too.

I want some real baby bottles How are you? for my babies. I want a real Love, baby car seat. Thank you for Jace Lene my gifts, Santa. I will give you milk and cookies. I will Dear Santa, leave the reindeer carrots.

Thank you for the things Kierstin Wood that you gave me last year.

I’m going to leave food out Santa Letters from for you and hot chocolate Mrs. Hunt’s out.

Kindergarten Class Your friend, La Plata Elementary Maddie Bane

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Dear Santa, Lightyear.

My name is Elaine, and Love, I would like you to get me Haiden Powell a Teddy Bear and an ABC board, and I would like a toy Dear Santa, horse and a Christmas tree Good Morning! I want for Christmas, and I like you, some Legos. and I will leave cookies for Love, you.

Conner Folsom Your Friend, Elaine Larson Santa Letters from Mrs. Curtis’ Dear Santa, 2nd Grade Class I want an umbrella and a La Plata Elementary movie and a Christmas tree and a Teddy Bear. Merry Dear Santa, Christmas Santa!

Hello Santa! May I please Your friend, have a scrap book, DSi games, Bethanie Tippett and a notebook just for me, chapter books, toy box, iPod, Dear Santa, sleeping bag, clothes and a How are you doing? I cellphone. want a mote control dinoMerry Christmas, saur, a DS, a xbox 360, and Brooklyn then I want a new Superman toy. I want a new night suit Dear Santa, and a ninja suit and then a Can you get me an iPod mote control dragon and and I want it big please. Oh, that’s all. say hi to your elves for me.

Your Friend, You are the greatest of all!

Baylin Roberts Love, Alice Dear Santa, I want a Christmas pres- Dear Santa, ent and clothes. I want a I hope you had a great year.

Christmas tree. I can have a I want a chess case, an iPod, a real laptop and play doh stuff, new bike, a four wheeler, and learning cards, books and Nintendo DS with games. that’s all.

Love, Love, Drew Gracie Williams Dear Santa, Dear Santa, How are the reindeer doI want my own doll, ing? I hope you had a great clothes, a dress, and doll year. What I want for Christclothes. Thank you if you give mas is a ping pong table, a me all that. trampoline, MP4 player, an Your friend, android phone, iPad, and an Alice Darland across bow with deer targets.

Love, Dear Santa, Tanner I want a bed and I want a bike, and I want a table, that’s Dear Santa, it.

How are you and the elves Love, doing? I want a 410 rifle, a Landen Knight ping pong table, and a real dirt bike for Christmas.

Dear Santa, Merry Christmas, I love you. I want to give Ty you cookies and chocolate milk, and candy. I want a Dear Santa, I hope you have a Merry water gun and a dumpster truck, a pumpkin, and a new Christmas. I would like an hot wheels, and I want some Xbox 360, a laptop computer, new toy monster trucks. an iPod, and a dirt bike and a And I want one more thing, four wheeler.

Love, I want new blocks. I want Neil new books and I want a new nerf gun and I want a new toy bow and arrow with three Dear Santa, How did the reindeer like new arrows.

Love, the carrots I gave them last Harley Carmack year? I would like a Barbie car, a controller for my Xbox 360, batteries for my phone, Dear Santa, I would like a black Buzz a bike, a makeup set, and an

iPod Touch.

Merry Christmas, Diamond Dear Santa, I love the reindeer, elves, and you Santa. Santa all I want for Christmas is an Easy Bake Oven and a Barbie doll with curly long hair and she is pretty and young. A big can of Pepsi, a Zombie laboratory that has Zombie barf, a bug that you can eat, an iPod cover with stripes, and a Xbox360 please.

Love, Olivia Dear Santa, Can I have a Ratchet and Clank game for my Xbox, some Barbie dolls, a toy horse, a Zoo Zoo Pet, a toy dog and a toy cat? I would also like a new writing journal, coloring book, silly bands, a barn for my horses, and a DS, a Wii, an iPod Touch, and a laptop computer. I hope you have a Merry Christmas and a Happy New Year.

Love, Kassie Dear Santa, I don’t want much, I have all that I need and that is my family. I would like to have a cellphone, an Xbox, a bown-arrow, an iPad, or a microphone stand. I hope the toy factory is working well for you.

Merry Christmas, Tierney Dear Santa, Can I have a Wii for Christmas? If I don’t get a Wii I would like a Monster truck or a remote controlled truck.

Merry Christmas, Jonathon Dear Santa, How are the reindeer? I want a dart gun, a Halo set, a Battlefield III game, and a four wheeler.

Merry Christmas, Tytian Santa Letters from Mrs. Howe’ 3rd Grade Class La Plata Elementary Dear Santa, I have been a very good boy. This year I have done my chores and studied for tests.

I would like a remote tractor. I would also llike a John Deere gift card. I think I need

THE HOME PRESS December 21, 2011

some new work boots. I will like what ever else you would like to bring me for Christmas.

I will leave you cookies and milk, and carrots for your reindeer.

Love, Andrew Fleak

Dear Santa, I have worked hard, And I would like a computer with a lot of games with a battery that won’t die. Please and thank you!

Sincerely, Ben Larson

Dear Santa, I have been a good girl! I have worked hard and been very honest and nice to people. I would like a Nintendo DSI with a fox racing cover and case. The colors I want will be pink green and orange. I will leave milk cookied and oats for the randeers.

Love, Nikiah Smith

Dear Santa, I have been a good boy! My mom would like a spoiler for her car. My sister would like some clothes. My dad would like a job that pays good and is not far away. I want some cool DS games. Some more markers. Karmyn wants Dear Santa, I have been a good boy! I some baby toys.

Love, have worked hard and been Bret Jennings honest and respectful. I would like a DSi for Christmas this year year and a game Dear Santa, I have been a good boy! for it and an new wii game.

I have worked hard, I have And a dog.

Love, been nice to my sisters. I was Caden Breuklander wondering if you could get me a dog, some baseballs, jeans, water guns, socks, NinDear Santa, I have been a good girl! I tendo, a backpack, shaving cream, basketball, football, been a hard working sister.

I would like a Tori doll, and Wii games. I’ll leave some a fluffy pillow for my bed, cookies and carrots.

Love, amd a fake puppy dog, and Coleman Harden I will give you cookies and milk, and for the reindeer, and I hope the North Pole is Dear Santa, I have been a very good very well, and Merry Christboy I have been nice, and mas Santa Claus.

Love, I want a DS and a log truck Laney Jackson and a dirtbike and a bike and a farm set and toy tractor and PS2 games and games for my Dear Santa, I have been a very good DS, and a Ipod and backaroo boy! I have worked hard. I boots. Thank you very much.

Love, would like an ipod touch, I Khayne Hall would like a NCAA basketbal and football 2 all for PS2 for Dear Santa, my brother.

I’ve been a good kid. I Love, Gage McHenry would like a zoobles set. My little sister would like two baby dolls and a drawing Dear Santa, I would like a new pair of toy. I would also like a Wii. I fuzzy socks for Christmas. I want a Wii because my nana would also like a Nintendo has one. It is really fun. I will DS. My brothers would like put some cookies out for you. a big box of Legos. I want a I will leave carrots out for pair of shoes and a flashlight. the reindeer. Have a Merry Christmas.

Please get me all I want.

Thanks alot, Love, Nicole Mansfield Laken Folsom

Dear Santa, I have been a very good girl! I have worked very hard.

I would like a DS games. I would take care of them very good. I will charge it everyday. Think you!

Love, Trista Smith Dear Santa, I have been a very good girl. If you can please get me an Apple ipad, I would also really like to get my sister a big lap top, and bobit XT. I hope you get all the little children’s presints.

Love, Seraiden O’Haver Dear Santa, I have been a very good girl! I have worked hard in class. The only thing I want is cowgirl boots. I want them to be round toe or square toe. I also want them to be pink or blue!

Thank you for all your hard work.

Love, Madisyn Tuggle Dear Santa, What I would like for Christmas is a Nintendo DSi and a four wheeler or three wheeler but I would really like a is a dog or cat.

Sicerely, Adeen Brylee Robinson Dear Santa, I have been a very god boy!

I have worked very hard and been honest and respectful.

I would like an Nintendo DS with an Xbox 360 kenect with a few games.

Love, Brendon Lene

Dear Santa, I have been a very good girl! I would like a DS cookie Mama game and I would like a pare of boots to and some cats.

Love, Avery Slaughter

Dear Santa, I have been a very good girl! For Christmas I would like an Ipod and a dog, brown or white. I would like some bootes, brown or black. That is all. Thank you!

Love, Shaelyn Weber

Dear Santa, I have been a good girl and for Christmas I want a real live hampster and a camera and clothes and a Nintendo ds but most of all I want my family to be happy.

Sincerly, Jade Allen

Dear Santa, I have been a very good boy! I have worked hard and been honest and respectful.

I would like a Lego set a DS and three games, three Wii games and nightstand. And I will leave you cookies and carrots for the reindeer. Have a safe trip.

Love, Cameron Benson

Dear Santa, I have been a good girlt his year. And I would like a pink round sled. Oh, I would like Dear Santa, I have been a very good an American Girl Doll.

Love, girl. And I hope you the Shayna Jacobs raindeers and the elves have a very good Christmas. And I want a pink papazion very Dear Santa, I have been a good girl and very bad. But I relly want the worked very hard. Please new twlite poster.

Love, bring me Mario cart for my Kennedy Garnett ds. And a new peace sign hat.

I will not forget cookies and carrots and milk. Hope all Dear Santa, I have been a very good goes well.

Love, boy! I’ve been working in Chloe Craig class very hard. I would like a Apple Ipod for Christmas this year. I will take good Dear Santa, I have been a good girl. I care of it. I will share with have got good grades. I want my brother and sister and an AR15. I would like a trac- I will charge it and I will let tor. I want a tron video game. my mom and dad look at it.

Also bring dad some sweets. Please and Thank you! I will Santa will you please get my have cookies and milk for sister that doll that she want- you and I will have corn for ed. Please make mom like her them and have a good and bike. I would also like a ramp safe trip here and back adn hope you give it to me. for my bike. Thank you!

Love, Love, Kolbee Cook Riley Case Dear Santa, I have been a very good girl. I need a cleaning cloth for my glasses. I need mittens. Please and thank you.

Love, Sylvia Darland

Merry Christmas!!

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THE HOME PRESS December 21, 2011

The Farmer’s Tale Twenty three people went Christmas caroling on December 14 from Atlanta Christian Church.

Afterwards they met at the church for soup, sandwiches, and snacks. Hostesses were Dawn Moore and Shara Thrasher. Later ten women met for the monthly Women’s council meeting.

A discussion was held about our Christmas project, helping a local family. It was announced that Christmas in the park will be held on December 17. Our church is to help furnish pies for the meal. January 8 was set as the date to take down Christmas decorations at the church. Daily needs

items will be collected in January for Julie Kay and Daniel Howe family, who lost their home in a fire recently. The group decided to sponsor a child at the Saint Anne Orphanage in Romania.Prayer requwests were given and Dolores Harpster led the closing prayer.

Larry Fletcher visited Basil Hammons Wednesday night.

Elva Thorne of Independence had lunch with Basil and Marsha Hammons Friday.

Julie Kay and Sheridan Howe and Dolores Harpster were Sunday lunch guests of Basil and Marsha Hammons.

Dean and Pam Burris visited in the home of Roger, Betty and Matt Tipton of Macon on Saturday morning. Mike, Melanie, Mady and Maddox Tipton of Trenton were home to attend the Tipton family Christmas dinner that day at Tommy and Karen Baker of Macon.

Shawn Burris of Moberly was an overnight guest of his parents, Dean and Pam Burris on Saturday.

Shawn was up hunting for the weekend.

Elmer Baptist Church had 21 present for Sunday school on December 18 and 28 present for the Christmas program. The skit was “The Angel Is the Reason for the Season No It’s Not”. Madison Peavler was Scarlet; Molly Waddle was Nicole; Tucker Waddle was Eugene; Donald Crosby was the Inn Keep-

er; Megan Peavler was Mary; Keaton Hatcher was Jospeh and Brody Hatcher was a shepherd. Madison Peavler played “Jingle Bells’ on the piano for special music. Fourteen stayed for the Christmas dinner. There will be no Sunday morning services on Christmas Day or New Year Day but there will be prayer meeting and discipleship training on December 21 and 28 at 6:30 p.m. No Wednesday night service on January 3, 2012.

Beulah Aldinger was a caller in the Burris home on Sunday afternoon.

We would like to welcome the newest member of the community, Ayden Matthew Doss, son of Mandy and Aaron Doss, grandson of David and Wanda St. Clair, born December 12.

Christmas is not just for those in the city where stores are abundant and bright lights shine pretty. Dwellers in big towns would no doubt be shocked to find out that farmers keep Santa Claus stocked. Now don’t get me wrong, the elf makes the toys and delivers them worldwide to good girls and boys, but animals get hungry working hour by hour and reindeer don’t run on nuclear power. St. Nick, he would tire without milk and a snack, but the reindeer must haul that fat elf and his pack, so Santa must feed them to finish his task – the farmer will tell all who take time to ask.

‘Twas the night before Christmas, and all ‘cross the farm the cattle were mooing as if in alarm. I sprang from my bed and put on my wrap, but neglected to button my long-handles flap. That wakes you up fast on a cold winter’s night, so I went back inside and fastened it right. I picked up my flashlight and rifle, what’s more, and fully awake again stepped out the door. Visions of wrong-doers ran through my mind, rustlers or poachers I expected to find. The cattle were herding ‘ore the hill that cold night, so I followed their lead toward a very strange light. When you follow a cow, as all farmers know, you don’t look ahead but directly below. Old habits like that are not easy to break, but I gazed straight ahead since much more was at stake. To the top of the hill the cattle I followed, to the source of the light by the hay in the hollow. A whiskered fat man was reharnessing his team - they had stolen my hay, or so it would seem. I angered not much for the cost of the hay, but who wants to toss bales on Christmas day? “Hold it right there,” I yelled at the elf. “You really should be quite ashamed of yourself. I planted and harvested a good fescue crop, and you pause here as if it’s a roadside rest stop.” Looking my way, he laughed with a roar. He regained his composure, then ho-hoed some more.

My rifle and threats had caused him no fear, and why do I feel such a draft from the rear? Looking behind me expecting a trap, I saw nothing more than my unbuttoned flap. Ho, ho, ho, he laughed with delight. I guess he was laughing at the ridiculous sight. Of this farmer in long johns with flashlight and rifle, ranting and raving while exposed just a trifle. Embarrassed and angered, I was prepared to do battle - I pushed my way through that big herd of cattle. His laughter continued as we met eye-to-eye, and I was finding it hard to be mad at the guy. We ha-ha’d and ho-ho’d for an hour together at my careless exposure, to be sure for the weather, but even the best of good times must soon halt, so I bade him good-bye and said “Leave without fault.” For the use of my pasture and consumption of hay, he kindly and generously offered to pay, but I wouldn’t hear of it - it gave me a lift to think that just once he was given a gift. He picked up the reins and got on his way. The reindeer took off with that magical sleigh. I made my way back to my home and my bed, and laughed to myself at the last words he said, As he steered north by the stars without aid of a map, “Merry Christmas to you - and button your flap.”

I know that my story has taken a while, but the time was well spent if it brought you a smile.

Merry Christmas from farmers who plow up the furrow, and Denny Banister reporting for the Missouri Farm Bureau.

Merry Christmas from

4-H Club Rings And Rings

from

The Oklahoma Indians 4-H Club members have been active with one of their service projects for the 4-H year. The members gave of their time to stop and help the Salvation Army at C&R Market for two Friday nights.

Helping to ring bells were Cordel Bane, MaKenzie Beautte, Ben Larson, Elizabeth Lar-

son, Justin Grove, Laryn Pinkston, Madison Taylor, Molly West, Eva Buck, Matthew Lewis, Skylar Rhodes, Trista Smith, Tanner Smith, Sarah Larson, Kirk Larson and helpers, Elivia Larson and Elaine Larson.

The group collected over $120 to help the Salvation Army.

Notice Of Sealed Bids City of La Plata Properties

The City of La Plata will be selling the following properties by sealed by only.

Lot South of La Plata Post Office All of lots 9 and 10 of Block 4 of original town of La Plata, Missouri; except the east 40 feet of Lots 9 an 10.

Lot size 80’x120’. Beginning at the Southwest Corner of Lot 10, Block 4 of original town of La Plata, thence north 80’, thence east 120’, thence south 80’, thence west 120’ to point of beginning.

Old Fire Station All of Lots 8 and the west 20’ of Lot 13 all in Block 1 of Williamson Second Addition in the City of La Plata. Beginning at the southwest corner of Lot 8, thence north 160’, thence east 80’, thence south 46’, thence west 20, thence south 114’, thence west 60’ to point of beginning.

Sealed bids must be delivered to the La Plata City Clerk by 4:00 p.m. on Tuesday, January 10, 2012. Bids may be dropped off at or mailed to: “Sealed Bids” La Plata City Clerk 101 S. Gex Street La Plata, Missouri 63549

Page 7

THE HOME PRESS December 21, 2011

US DOT Prohibits Interstate Commercial Truck & Bus Drivers From Using Mobile Devices While Driving IN THE CIRCUIT COURT OF MACON COUNTY, MISSOURI PROBATE DIVISION

NOTICE OF TRUSTEE’S SALE

For default in the payment of debt secured by a deed of trust executed by Yvette M. CalIn Re: The Estate of

Delbert K. May, lison and Todd W. Callison Deceased , dated April 11, 2005, and

Estate No. 11MA-PR00076 recorded on April 18, 2005, Document No. 20050853, in NOTICE OF LETTERS OF Book No. 855, at Page 321 TESTAMENTARY in the Office of the Recorder GRANTED of Deeds, Macon County, (Supervised Administration) Missouri, the undersigned To All Persons Interested In Successor Trustee will on The Estate of Delbert K. May, January 11, 2012, at 1:30 Decedent.

PM, at the South Front Door On November 29, 2011, the of the Macon County CourtLast Will of the decedent having been admitted to probate, house, Macon, Missouri, sell Lois Holman was appointed at public vendue to the highest personal representative of the bidder for cash: estate of Delbert K. May, decedent, by the Probate Division of the Circuit Court of Macon County, Missouri.

The names, business addresses, and phone numbers of the personal representative is: Lois Holman, 904 W. Bourke Street, Macon, Missouri 63552; (660) 395-2552.

The Personal Representative attorney's name, business address and phone number is: Paul Parkinson, 218 N. Rollins, Suite 103, P.O. Box 596, Macon, Missouri 63552; (660) 385-5216.

All creditors of said decedent are notified to file claims in court within six (6) months from the date of the 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 (2) 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 (6) month period and such two (2) month period do not extend the limitation period that would bar claims one (1) 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: November 13, 2011.

Date of first publication: December 7, 2011. /s/ Ann Henry Probate Clerk

FOR RENT: 10’x10’, 10’x5’, 5’x5’ and 10’x20’. La Plata Storage. Call 332-7630 or 332-7599.

Lots 1, 2, and 3 in Block 5, in BABCOCK’S SECOND ADDITION to the town of Atlanta, Macon County, Missouri , commonly known as 117 E. Goodding Street, Atlanta, MO, 63530 subject to all prior easements, restrictions, reservations, covenants and encumbrances now of record, if any, to satisfy the debt and costs.

James D. Smiser, Successor Trustee First Publication: December 14, 2011. For more information, visit www.southlaw.com <http://www.Southlaw.com> NOTICE Pursuant to the Fair Debt Collection Practices Act, 15 U.S.C. §1692c(b), no information concerning the collection of this debt may be given without the prior consent of the consumer given directly to the debt collector or the express permission of a court of competent jurisdiction. The debt collector is attempting to collect a debt and any information obtained will be used for that purpose (Casefile No. 96051 / Invoice No. 96051548680).

Dates of publication are DeDates of publication are De- cember 14, 21, 28, 2011 and cember 7, 14, 21 and 28, 2011. January 4, 2012.

NOTICE OF ELECTION Public Water Supply District No. 1 of Macon County, Missouri gives notice of an election for the position of Director for Sub District #1 and Sub District #4 to be held on April 5, 2012.

The terms of Charles Wilson Jr. and Rusty Timbrook will expire in 2012. Candidates may file for the position with the Clerk of the District at the District’s office located at 28890 Highway 63, Macon, Missouri. The office is one and one-tenth-mile north of the Junction of U.S. Highways 36 & 63 on the East Side of Highway 63, Macon, Missouri. The first day for filing is December 13, 2011 at 8:00 a.m. and the deadline for filing is January 17, 2012 at 5:00 p.m.

Qualifications for directors are as stated in Missouri Revised Statutes 247.060. Candidates for director shall be a vote of the District, shall reside in the Sub-District, have resided within the Water District one whole year immediately prior to his election or if not a voter resident of said district, shall have received service from the district at his or her primary place of residence one whole year immediately prior to his or her election, be at least 25 years of age, and shall not be delinquent in payment of their taxes at the time of their election.

EQUALHOUSING OPPORTUNITY

found FOUND: Small dog, white with black spots and brown face. Found south of Brashear on December 11th. Call (660) 281-2241.

Colonel Ron Replogle, superintendent of the Missouri State Highway Patrol, would like to inform the public of a new U.S. Department of Transportation rule affecting interstate commercial truck and bus drivers. Effective November 23, 2011, the USDOT announced a final rule specifically prohibiting interstate commercial truck and bus drivers from conducting voice communication using a handheld mobile communicating device while driving their vehicles. The joint rule from the Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration and the Pipeline and Hazardous Materials Safety Administration is the latest rule by the USDOT to address distracted driving.

The definition of a mobile communication device includes cell phones and “push to talk” phones.

The rule does NOT include CB radios. A mobile communication device that is not hands-free may be used in emergencies or to contact law enforcement to report crashes, intoxicated drivers, etc. The The Kirksville new rule also places some restrictions on handsfree mobile communication devices. Hands-free devices must be able to be dialed by pressing a single 2011 button. Reaching

for a mobile communication device in an unsafe manner (i.e., reaching for the mobile device on the passenger seat, under the driver’s seat, in a sleeper birth, or any area outside the driver’s reach) is prohibited.

The new rule affects all commercial motor vehicles operated in interstate commerce with a gross vehicle weight rating of 10,001 pounds or more, a vehicle operated solely in intrastate commerce with a gross vehicle weight rating of 26,001 pounds or more, or a vehicle transporting any amount of hazardous materials requiring a placard. The new rule includes all contracted school bus operations and shuttle buses. All intrastate carriers who are exempted currently from the federal regulations by the state of Missouri will not be af-

fected by the new rule. The final rule can be found on the Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration website at www.fmcsa.dot. gov.

The state of Missouri adopts federal regulations such as this under RSMo. 307.400. The Missouri State Highway Patrol urges all drivers to pay attention when driving. If you need to make a phone call, please do so before you begin driving.

City of Atlanta NOTICE OF FILING DEADLINE Any individuals who qualify and wish to file for the MAGENTA YELLOW BLACK officesCYAN listed below, to be voted on April 3, 2012, election, may do so with the Atlanta City Clerk.

The following officers be elected: “A weekly publication providingwill shopping information for eight counties in Northeast Missouri”

FRE

PUBL

E

CRIER ICAT

ION

Contact the City Clerk, 239-4890 or go to Atlanta City Hall.

Filing opens on December 13, 2011 and closes on 17, 2012.

VOLUME 37: ISSUE 22 DECEMBER 21, 2011 • 110 E. January MCPHERSON STREET • P.O. BOX 809 • KIRKSVILLE, MO 63501 • 660-665-4663 FAX: 660-665-2608

TOPS MO #877 TOPS MO#877 La Plata met Tuesday, December 13th at 6:00 p.m. in the La Plata Christian Church fellowship hall with 7 members weighing in. Gail led the meeting.

We opened with our TOPS and KOPS pledges and the “TOPS Red Song” led by Karen C. Roll call was “whether we lost or gained weight.”

TOPS best loser was a tie with Ginger and Karen L. KOPS best loser was Barbara G. Gail received a Christmas card from our retiring Area Captain, Janet Trainor.

We opened our grab bag gifts. We didn’t switch or trade gifts. All were happy with what they received.

Ginger read a humorous TOPS letter to Santa Claus, written by Barb Y. about all the members, their good and bad habits and their wants and needs.

We enjoyed our Christmas meal prepared by C&R market.

Our weekly challenge is “If you bite it, write it and proportion it out.”

Anyone interested in visiting or joining TOPS is welcome. Please call Gail at 323-5244 fro more information.

It may be a winter wonderland outside, but our hearts are filled with warmth as we reminisce about the wonderful year we’ve had serving all of you.

Thank you for your patronage.

P.E. Jepson Lumber Co. “The Best For Less” Highway 63 South, Kirksville - 660-665-0313

Page 8

THE HOME PRESS December 21, 2011

Cell Phone Use Banned For Commercial Motor Vehicles

Beginning January 3, 2012, commercial motor vehicle drivers are banned from using hand-held mobile phones and pushto-talk cell phones while driving. The ban is being implemented by the Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration and the Pipeline and Hazardous Materials Safety Administration after research indicated drivers distracted by hand-held phones pose a safety risk to themselves and other motorists.

Specifically the rule prohibits drivers from reaching for, holding, or dialing a mobile phone while driving, and applies to commercial motor vehicle truck and bus drivers who operate in Missouri as well as interstate drivers.

School bus drivers and those driving vehicles designed to carry nine to 15 passengers are included.

The ban applies when the vehicle is in operation on the highway, when temporarily stopped on the highway for traffic, or when waiting at a stoplight, stop sign or other traffic control device.

Drivers can use a handheld cell phone only if the vehicle is stopped in an area safe for parking a commercial vehicle, or to communicate with law enforcement or other emergency services to report emergencies.

“It’s about safety,” said MoDOT Motor Carrier Services Director Jan Skouby. “Any steps that can be taken to reduce fatalities is something Mo-

DOT will support in any way we can.”

The new rule affects all commercial motor vehicles operated in interstate commerce with a gross vehicle weight rating of 10,001 pounds or more or a vehicle transporting any amount of hazardous materials requiring a placard.

Also affected are drivers of vehicles operated solely in intrastate commerce with a gross vehicle weight rating of 26,001 pounds or more or a vehicle with a gross vehicle weight rating of 10,001 pounds or more carrying any amount of hazardous materials.

The new rule includes all contracted school bus operations and shuttle buses.

Intrastate carriers who are currently exempted from the federal regulations by the state of Missouri will remain unaffected by the new rule.

The use of hands-free devices is allowed; however, drivers can only use hands-free phones and headsets if the phone is in their reach while being restrained by a seat belt in the driver’s seat. Dialing a hands-free phone while in motion is allowed only if it can be done by striking a single button.

The use of CB radios, other two-way radio communication or electronic devices are not included in the ban.

To review the full federal regulation, visit http://www.gpo.gov/fdsys/pkg/FR-2011-12-02/ html/2011-30749.htm

A Merry Christmas and a Happy New Year to you and yours from Hohendel Hill. Hope you get to spend time with your family and friends at this season. It has been cool and in the 20’s. Many residents I visit with have had upper respiratory problems and been sick. Not a lot of other activities.

Roger Jay Jarman and Jeremy Jarman visited Sunday with Roger and Mary Jarman.

Nikisha Couch and children, Lance, Brooklyn and Kady and Christy and Rob Bristow were Sunday evening supper guests of Connie and David Gunnels.

Sharron Burns visited Donna and Buddy Seibold Saturday morning. She learned that the Seibolds were celebrating their 65th Wedding Anniversary this week.

The La Plata Lions Club and the Oklahoma Indians 4-H Club sang at the La Plata Nursing Homje Friday.

Amy Burns visited her parents, Rich and Sharron Burns, Saturday and Sunday.

Connie Gunnels, Christy Bristow, Gail and Lynette Curtis and Sharron Burns attended the La Plata High School Christmas Concert Thursday evening in the La Plata High

School Gym. They enjoyed hearing Logan Curtis and Dillon Huddleston sing in the Junior High Choir.

Keith Pinson and Richard Snow were weekend visitors of Richard and Sharron Burns.

Saturday Brian Gray and children, Todd Gray and Roger Baczkala were weekend visitors of Donna and Jerry Gray.

The Oklahoma Indians 4-H Club celebrated their 60th birthday at their meeting Tuesday night.

Nancy and Gary Belfield recently visited Nancy’s sister and family, Susan and Hal Kruger in Cleveland, Ohio. They attended the ballet and a town hall meeting to see the perfromance of a satirical comedy group called “The Capitol Steps.”

Mike and Lana Daniels attended the wedding of Chris Daniels and Rachel Hutton Saturday at the Herman Hill Chapel in Herman, Missouri. Also attending the event were Roger Jay Jarman, Patrick and Alex Daniels, Judy Daniels and Laurie Daniels.

Season’s Greetings from all your

Macon County Officials

201 East Sanders

(660) 332-4411

Rick Tucker, Circuit Judge Rhilip Prewitt, Associat Circuit Judge Alan R. Wyatt, Presiding Commissioner Drew Belt, District I Commissioner Jon Dwiggins, District II Commissioner Shirley Sims, County Clerk Kimberly March, Circuit Clerk Sherry Muncy, Recorder of Deeds Alan Spencer, Assessor Josh Meisner, Prosecuting Attorney Krista Bruno, Treasurer Jeanette Ronchetto, Collector of Revenue Lois Noland, Public Administrator Robert Dawson, Sheriff Cindy Ayers, Chief Juvenile Officer Brian Hayes, Coroner