Population Is Coming To Stay.

Hispanics are increasingly moving to rural areas like southwest Missouri with the intent to stay, according to Dr. Martha Wilkerson, professor of Sociology and Anthropology at Southwest Missouri State University in Springfield, Mo.

Hispanics in the United States, the majority of which are from Mexico, have traditionally lived in urban areas. In fact, nationwide, only nine percent of Hispanics live in rural areas. However, that trend is changing, especially in southwest Missouri.

"There has been an explosion in the growth of rural America and much of that is being driven by minorities, like Hispanics, moving into rural areas," said Wilkerson.

Wilkerson points out that the Hispanic population in southwest Missouri is relatively young and mostly of child-rearing age. At the same time, 43 percent of them have less than a high school education.

"I am not suggesting the growth of a Hispanic population in southwest Missouri is a bad change, but it is a dramatic change that is impacting the social structure of this area. People and agencies need to be aware of the change so they can respond appropriately," said Wilkerson.

The impact of this growth is being seen in schools, around the community and in the workplace. As a result, is important for organizations and institutions to double and triple their efforts to help Hispanics fold into the American culture.

According to Wilkerson, that is a much better approach than simply hoping they will leave or pretending they are not here.

"In the rural areas of southwest Missouri, Hispanics are coming to stay. They are purchasing homes, buying cars, paying taxes and establishing themselves and their families in the community," said Wilkerson. "No doubt, they are here to stay."

The population of Hispanics living in Missouri increased from 61,702 in 1990 to 118,592 in 2000 - an increase of 92 percent. In southwest Missouri, the Hispanic population actually increased by over 1,000 percent in some counties.

According to Daryl Hobbs, professor emeritus or rural sociology, Office of Social and Economic Data Analysis, University of Missouri Outreach and Extension, all Missouri counties now have at least some Hispanic population

"Although Hispanics only account for 2.2 percent of Missouri’s population, 79 of Missouri’s 115 counties had a 2000 Hispanic population of at least 100," said Hobbs. "The uniform distribution of the Missouri Hispanic population is much greater than either African American or Asian."

It is also important to note that the Hispanic population is not a racial group. It is counted by the Census as an ethnic group. As a result, more than half the Missouri 2000 Hispanic population reported themselves as white.

The third largest urban concentration of Hispanics is found in Greene County, which had a population of 1,775 in 1990 but 4,434 in 2000, an increase of 150 percent.

"Some of the most dramatic Hispanic population growth occurred in a number of rural counties, especially those in southwest and northwest Missouri," said Hobbs.

The most significant increases from 1990 to 2000 occurred in McDonald County (from 121 to 2,030 - an increase of 1,577 percent); Barry County (from 152 to 1,713 - an increase of 1,027 percent); Jasper County (from 797 to 3,615 - an increase of 353 percent); and Lawrence County (from 211 to 1,195 - an increase of 466 percent).

"Those counties have all attracted Hispanic workers as a result of major meat processing plants located in the county. Hispanic workers have migrated to those counties to take employment in the processing plants," Hobbs said.

An exception was Taney County in which the Hispanic population increased from 194 in 1990 to 962 in 2000, a 396 percent change.

The attraction in Taney County has been the tremendous employment growth associated with the entertainment industry.

Maple Leaf Wine Tasting & Silent Auction Benefit.

By Lee Sours, artCentral

On Sunday, October 12 from 2-5pm, artCentral will be holding a wine tasting and silent auction benefit.

We have received several donations already for the auction. Some of the items up for auction include original artwork, an antique 1917 persimmon and hickory golf club, stained glass, pottery, and service certificates.

We will be awarding door prizes every half hour. There will be a selection of wines to sample as well as Robin’s delicious hors d’oeuvres.

We are getting all spruced up. Thanks to Mike for the cheery yellow chrysanthemums. With community support, this should be a real success and an enjoyable afternoon. The proceeds will allow us to continue showcasing our area artists and offering classes such as the artCamp for kids and our annual stonecarving workshop.

To attend you will need to RSVP with your ticket payment. If you haven’t gotten an invitation, give us a call and we will be glad to send one.

HOURS: Tue. – Fri. 11 - 5

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

Had a friend when he first got married and he always told folks that they furnished their home in "Early Garage Sale."

I don’t know if you could call garage sales an industry, but it is certainly contributes to the gross national produce in a substantial way. I’m guessin’ most of the income/loss produced doesn’t make it on the government charts though.

I’d be interested to see the amount of gasoline that is consumed nationally each weekend on "garage sailin’" (I’ve always assumed that’s the way it would be spelled, but can’t get a definitive answer from anyone.)

All in all, scootin’ around to various parts of the community on a Saturday mornin’ is fairly economical entertainment, and ya just might find that real treasure.

This is some fact, but mostly,

Just Jake Talkin’.

by

Oak Street health & herb

Natural Nutrition

By Mari An Willis

As you may have seen on t.v. a recent study found that Vit. E & beta carotene did not decrease the risk of dying from advanced Cardiovascular diseaseCVD). Since we are logically thinking Missourians, we know there are two sides to each story. According to Jeffrey Blumber, PhD of Tufts University described these conclusions as "unwarranted and very surprising".

One major limitation of the study is the fact that the antioxidants were given to subjects with serious risk factors including heavy smoking, low activity and advanced heart disease without taking into consideration any environmental or dietary history for many patients.

"Cardiovascular disease is very complex and many dietary, environmental, genetic and physiological factors are involved," says Phillip W. Harvey, Phd and chief science officer of the NNFA. He continues "it is unreasonable to expect naturally occurring substances like Vit E and beta carotene to have any effect against CVD at such advanced stages. Antioxidants have been shown to be more effective in inhibiting early vs. late stages of the disease. The authors themselves clearly point out that the timing of antioxidant treatment is important..."