West Nile Confirmed in Horse.

The Jasper County Health Department was notified this week of a positive West Nile Virus test in a horse in the 64801 area code. The positive test confirms the Department’s assumption that WNV is active in the Jasper County area. In 2003 approximately 34 counties in Missouri had WNV activity in mosquito, bird, horse or human cases.

Local health officials continue to stress that while a positive test for WNV in the horse has been confirmed, residents should not be overly concerned about the risk of illness. According to the Center for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) and the Missouri Department of Health and Senior Services it is important to remember that very few persons are actual at risk for contracting the virus. Transmission of WNV occurs when people become infected by the bite of a mosquito infected with WNV. In areas where the virus is circulating, the chances you will become severely ill from any one mosquito bite are extremely small. Less than 1% of persons infected with WNV will develop severe illness.

Wine Tasting Event Planned for this Fall.

By Lee Sours, artCentral

A wine tasting event is being planned as artCentral’s part of the Maple Leaf Festival. This will also serve as a fundraiser to help keep artCentral going for another year. There will be a fine selection of wines and Robin’s famous homemade hors d’oeuvres. There will also be a silent auction which will include artwork from our member artists and donations of goods or services from our local businesses we hope.

As a non-profit organization, we have tried to keep fund raisers to a minimum in the past but cuts in funding and increases in expenses of everyday operations make it necessary for us to boost our treasury. We thought a wine tasting event along with the auction would be a wonderful way to incorporate community spirit and promote the arts too.

The Thomas DeCleene pastel exhibit ends today. ArtCentral will be closed during the week of Labor Day. Then we will be installing a new exhibit featuring the works of Mary Ellen Pitts and Julie Mayser, two highly respected members of the Ozark Pastel Society. The opening reception will be held Friday, Sept. 12, from 6-8pm.

The Midwest Gathering of the Artists will be held Sept. 5-6 at the Fairview Christian Community Center. ArtCentral has a supply of flyers and information about this art show and sale if you are interested.

HOURS: Tue. – Fri. 11 - 5

Sunday 12 -5 Closed Mon. and Sat. 1110 E 13th 358-4404 ozarkartistscolony.com

Accordin’ to discussion at the Council meetin’ Tuesday evenin’, we’ve had our first reported fender bender out at the roundabout. Indications are that one of the participants was talkin’ on a cell phone and didn’t notice the other vehicle. Always watch out for that other guy.

The interior of the rab, as I call it (Round-A-Bout), is grass for the time bein’ and bein’ cut by the Parks Department. Since no water has yet to be hooked up, the Fire Department is usin’ it’s $180,000 sprinkler system (Tanker Truck) to keep the vegetation alive. A quick dump of 750 gallons seems to be adequate.

It appears that folks are takin’ to the new intersection pretty well. Lots a cars, seldom havin’ to wait for any noticeable time. Let’s be careful out there.

This is some fact, but mostly,

Just Jake Talkin’.

by

Oak Street health & herb

Natural Nutrition

By Mari An Willis

This hot weather brought out a large number of wasps in my yard. One flew up my sleeve and stung me a total of eight times before I had to shock the neighbors by running around and ripping off my blouse to rid myself of that wasp!! He caused me great pain. First aid was crushing some plantain leaves and rubbing the green mixture over the stings. Took away the sting, but did not take away the ache! Later for the ache, I soaked a rag in active cider vinegar and wrapped my stings. If you are not the type to crush leaves, Dr. Christopher has a sting and bite formula for the first aid kit. I swear by it.

New Grandbaby, Emily, is nearing 6 mos. and trying all kinds of things. Just remembered the other day to remind her Mama that babies enjoy a little active apple cider vinegar in their summer cool off baths. If you have just mowed or even just gotten extra hot from carrying in the groceries, a soak in a vinegar bath can do wonders to keep you cooled down and change the acid ph of the sweaty skin to a nice alkaline state. Seems to cool way down in the skin, not just the surface.

Just a quick reminder that our children may suffer stress from re-entering their school regimen. A good protein breakfast and some B-vitamins (according to Dr. Michael Murray, ND) may help you children through this year. In France, passionflower has been used to calm hyper-active children*. In my opinion, our teachers have one of the hardest jobs there is. I teach adults and sometimes that tests my patience, but having over 20 kids for whom you are responsible would be overwhelming. Here’s to a happy and healthy new school year.