Century Farms in Southwest Missouri.

The search is on for Missouri farms that have been in the same family 100 years or more.

To qualify for Missouri Century Farm status, farms must have been owned by the same family for 100 consecutive years. Farms that have been in the same family since Dec. 31, 1910 are eligible to apply and be recognized this year.

The line of ownership from the original settler or buyer may be through children, grandchildren, siblings, and nephews or nieces, including through marriage or adoption.

The farm must be at least 40 acres of the original land acquisition and make a financial contribution to the overall farm income.

Applicants certified as owners of a 2010 Missouri Century Farm will be recognized by the University of Missouri Extension office in the county where the farm is located.

Since Missouri began the program in 1976, more than 7,000 century farms have been recognized.

Ever’ time the discussion of incentives for new developments comes up, I have to bring up the idea of providin’ established neighborhoods with similar incentives. This springs from a phone call I got several years ago when the idea of the City payin’ for curb and gutters for new developments was bein’ discussed. The caller wondered why, after livin’ in the City for many years, payin’ taxes, that his street couldn’t also have curb and gutters.

I understand the reasonin’ behind promotin’ new neighborhoods. I’m not sayin’ it should be an either or situation. I’m sayin’ there is also a value in promotin’ the upgradin’ of those neighborhoods with no curb and gutters. It also makes sense in the efforts to control the existin’ storm water runoff problems. Bring on the new, but also take care of what’s already here.

This is some fact, but mostly,

Just Jake Talkin’

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THIS IS A HAMMER

By Samantha Mazzotta

Thermostat Wars

Q: My parents often complain that their house is too cold, and often when I go to see them I notice that the thermostat -- one of the round "dial" types -- is set to a different temperature each time. How can I lock in the temperature so they’re comfortable? -- Rick W.

A: The older dial- or lever-type, low-voltage thermostat is pretty easy to check. Simply turn off power to the thermostat at the circuit panel (or turn off power to the entire house) and pop the front cover off.

Inspect the wire connection terminals around the base of the thermostat. They should be securely coiled around the terminal screws and free of dust.

While the power is off, check the connections on the transformer that powers the thermostat. What is that? It’s a small, square unit located near the heating system, sometimes within a furnace access panel. Make sure the power is off before opening the cover -- this is the unit that makes sure high-voltage current does not reach your low-voltage thermostat. Once open, make sure the wires are coiled securely around the transformer’s terminal screws.

Clean the thermostat: Make sure the power is off and move the dial to its lowest temperature setting. Use a small, soft brush (even a watercolor or makeup brush) to clear away dust. Then move the dial to its highest temperature setting and brush the newly revealed parts. Return the dial to its normal setting and replace the cover. Turn the power back on.

If your parents still can’t get a comfortable temperature setting, have a professional check the entire heating system for problems. I’d also recommend installing a low-voltage electronic thermostat, which can be programmed to more than one setting depending on the season or time of day.