Blunt Announces $6 million for Hazardous Materials Preparedness in Missouri.


Jefferson City, Missouri - The U.S. Justice Department is providing $6 million to the Missouri State Emergency Management Agency (SEMA) for the purchase of emergency responder equipment, decontamination facilities and to conduct exercises simulating the use of a weapon of mass destruction in Missouri, according to Congressman Roy Blunt. State officials say the funds will allow creation of a third Southwest Missouri hazardous material (HazMat) team in Branson. The funding is based on threat and vulnerability profiles provided by state officials about needed equipment, technology, training, and administration for first-responders in the case of a terrorist attack.

"Not since the 'duck-and-cover' civil defense drills in the 1950's have we seen such an emphasis on preparedness for attack by weapons of mass destruction. The federal role in preparedness is clear. We cannot leave the response to a major terrorist attack in Missouri, or any state, to chance," Blunt said. "Our first goal is to prevent such attacks and make America more secure. However, America is a target-rich nation and we must better understand the best means of responding to acts of terrorism, like 9-11 and Oklahoma City."

"We need to embrace the terrible lessons we learned at on September 11," Blunt explained.

"Our first responders, firefighters, police and medical technicians-must have the best equipment, technology, tactics, training and communications gear available to save lives, provide aid, restore vital services and keep the public informed in the aftermath of an attack using weapons of mass destruction."

More than $5.56 million of the grant will be used by the State of Missouri to buy equipment for first responders to implement more of the statewide domestic preparedness strategic plan. SEMA Operation Chief Jim Wakeman said previously received funds for Homeland Security have established 14 HazMat teams in Missouri, including one in Springfield with detection gear and decontamination equipment to handle 1,200 people per hour. A similarly equipped HazMat team will be trained and equipped in Joplin. Wakeman said the new federal money will allow a third Southwest Missouri HazMat team in Branson, along with three more teams around the state, bringing the state total to 18. The decontamination equipment will be used to deal with chemical and biological emergencies. The state will also use $270,000 to conduct and evaluate weapons of mass destruction exercises that simulate response to such an event.

Since September 11, the Congress has appropriated more than $37 billion for improved homeland security to increase border surveillance, heighten airport security, providing new equipment and training for first-responders, enhance emergency preparedness, increased investigation of terrorist threats and military action abroad.

I’m thinkin’ they oughta put no passing lanes in the grocery stores.

Right turn only at the intersection of isles might be helpful also. After a complete stop of course.

I don’t think they need speed limits, but possibly some 15 minute parkin’ zones. If ya can’t find what your lookin’ for in 15 minutes, ya gotta push your cart around the block and try again.

Of course a main part of the problem with negotiatin’ through the stores is the fact that things aren’t ever in the same spot for more than a week or two. Folks aimlessly wanderin’ through the store lookin’ for that bottle of salad dressin’ they got here last month. Bound to be some collisions from people rubberneckin’ as they pass the isles. Now there’s a reality tv show.

This is some fact, but mostly,

Just Jake Talkin’.

by

McCune- Brooks Hospital

YOUR AMERICA

By Amy Anderson

The "Little House" Celebrated

For millions of children and adults alike, the name Laura Ingalls Wilder means peaceful days on the prairie and lessons learned at the feet of Ma and Pa. Her books, in particular "The Little House on the Prairie," brought to life what seemed to be a simpler time, and the TV show of that same name warmed our hearts and made stars of Michael Landon, who played Pa, and Melissa Gilbert, who played little Laura.

The beauty of Wilder’s writing is that she lived it. It is her story, written from the heart with a simple message. That message is still relevant today. In her words, "It is still best to be honest and truthful; to make the most of what we have; to be happy with the simple pleasures; and to be cheerful and have courage when things go wrong." To celebrate her life and books, which touched so many, you can visit the house where she wrote them all, in Mansfield, Mo.

Rocky Ridge Farm was built by Laura and her husband, Almanzo Wilder, in 1913. It was here that she chronicled her adventures growing up in Pepin, Wisc., in "Little House in the Big Woods," and later in Independence, Kan., in "Little House on the Prairie." You can explore the farmhouse and its cottage — a gift from her daughter — known as the Rock House. These buildings have been preserved so that Wilder’s fans may have a glimpse into her life.

You will also find the Laura Ingalls Wilder Museum, which contains exhibits and artifacts from the pioneering period of the books, from the 1870s to 1890s. The museum also includes exhibits from the life of Laura’s daughter, Rose Wilder Lane, a celebrated journalist and writer. You may also visit the graves of Laura, Almanzo and Rose in the Mansfield Cemetery.

For a special treat, visit Mansfield during the Laura Ingalls Wilder Festival, to be held Sept. 21. There will be family activities, contests and food and games, plus an outdoor pageant by the Ozark Mountain Players in City Park.

For more information, contact the museum at (877) 924-7126 or log on to www.lauraingallswilderhome.com.