Saturday, May 17, 2025

Click it or ticket campaign begins May 24

 JEFFERSON CITY – Longer days and warmer weather mean summer fun is almost here. As you gear up for a weekend excursion, or maybe even a road trip with family and friends, make sure everyone in the vehicle is buckled up for every trip.

The Missouri Coalition for Roadway Safety is joining with state and local law enforcement May 24 – June 6 in the national “Click It or Ticket” enforcement campaign to highlight the importance of buckling up. Along with wearing a seat belt, they want to remind motorists to slow down, put the phone down and never drive impaired.

“The simplest action that can save lives on Missouri roadways is an increase in seat belt use,” said Jon Nelson, chair to the executive committee. “If we all made it a point to buckle up every time we get in a vehicle, an estimated 240 lives could be saved each year in our state. There are simply too many risks to not do so. We never know when we might encounter another driver who is traveling too fast, distracted, or impaired.”

For 2020, preliminary data indicates 428 individuals killed in Missouri traffic crashes were not wearing their seat belt. It is the highest number of unbuckled fatalities in Missouri during the last 5 years and an 18% increase from the year before. Seat belt use in Missouri has consistently risen over the last two decades, but in 2020, that momentum was stopped.

“Last year was challenging in many ways, and that was certainly true on our roadways,” said Nelson. “We’re hopeful this campaign will remind all Missourians there are simple things we can all do to save lives. Seat belt use is at the top of the list.”

Missouri’s new strategic highway safety plan, Show-Me Zero, Driving Missouri Toward Safer Roads, identifies four key focus areas to help reduce traffic deaths, including the importance of seat belts, car seats, and motorcycle helmets. Other focus areas in the plan include distracted driving, speeding and impaired driving. For more information on the Show-Me Zero plan, and to check out the Coalition’s new video promoting the plan, visit www.savemolives.com.

City of Archie announces new addition to City Hall

 


The City of Archie is excited to announce a new addition to City Hall to better serve YOU!

When you stop by City Hall, you’ll now see a brand new service window immediately to your right as you enter through the front doors. This window has been installed to make turning in payments and conducting other city business quicker and more convenient.
We’re always looking for ways to improve your experience, and this is just one more step toward making City Hall more accessible and user-friendly for our residents.

Congrats Rich Hill Class of '25

 


Archie schools name Staff Members of the Year

 


Congratulations to our Staff Members of the Year!

We’re proud to recognize the outstanding achievements of our team:
Donna Pierce – Support Staff of the Year and Opaa Cafeteria Manager of the Year
Mindy Wilkins – Middle School/High School Teacher of the Year
Deborah Alford – 2024–2025 Elementary Teacher of the Year
Thank you to the parents, students, and staff who took the time to submit nominations.

Sherwood schools to honor retirees

 


Add These 10 Foods to Your Diet to Lower Blood Pressure

What you eat may affect blood pressure, so add more of these foods to your plate.

High blood pressure, or hypertension, is a common health concern that increases your risk of serious health issues like heart disease, stroke and kidney damage. It affects millions of people worldwide, and while genetics and age can play a role, lifestyle factors such as diet can have a major impact on your risk of developing this condition.

The good news is that making simple changes to what you eat can help you better manage blood pressure and protect your heart. Some foods contain key nutrients like potassium, magnesium and fiber that help regulate blood pressure, while others support better circulation and reduce inflammation. By following low sodium dietary guidelines when selecting the foods you eat, you can take a natural approach to keeping your numbers in check. And the best part? These foods are not only nutritious, but delicious.

Here are 10 powerhouse foods that may help lower blood pressure and keep your heart strong:

  1. Bananas – High sodium intake can raise blood pressure, but eating potassium-rich foods like bananas helps balance sodium levels in the body, improving blood pressure and supporting heart health. A medium-sized banana has 400-450mg of potassium.
  2. Avocados – While most people know that bananas are high in potassium, you may not realize that avocados are just as much of a potassium powerhouse! Half of a medium avocado has 485mg of potassium along with 5 grams of fiber and a nice dose of heart-healthy fat.
  3. Berries – Blueberries, strawberries and raspberries contain flavonoids, which have been linked to lower blood pressure levels. These compounds help improve blood vessel function and reduce the risk of hypertension over time.
  4. Oats – Rich in beta-glucan, a type of fiber that helps reduce cholesterol and improve heart health, this whole grain is a great way to start your day and may also contribute to lower blood pressure over time.
  5. Spinach – This leafy green is rich in nitrates, which help relax blood vessels and improve blood flow. It’s also a good source of magnesium and potassium, both of which contribute to lower blood pressure.
  6. Lentils – Providing fiber, potassium and magnesium, this plant-based protein supports healthy blood vessel function while also helping to lower sodium levels.
  7. Beets – Naturally high in nitrates, this root vegetable helps dilate blood vessels and improve circulation. Drinking beet juice or adding roasted beets to your meals may lead to improvements in blood pressure.
  8. Garlic – Regularly eating garlic has been shown to have a positive effect on blood pressure. It contains allicin, a natural compound that helps relax blood vessels and improve blood flow.
  9. Salmon – Loaded with omega-3 fatty acids, this fatty fish has been shown to lower blood pressure, reduce inflammation, improve circulation and improve heart health.
  10. Dark chocolate – With at least 70% cocoa, this treat is rich in flavonoids that support blood vessel relaxation and improve circulation. Eating small amounts in moderation may help reduce blood pressure.

Including these foods in your diet can be a natural way to support healthy blood pressure. So can reducing the amount of salt you eat and incorporating more heart-healthy foods into your diet. But keep in mind that while diet plays an important role, maintaining an overall healthy lifestyle that includes staying active, reducing stress, not smoking and getting enough sleep, is the key to keeping your heart in tip-top shape.

Showing a lot of Blackhawk Pride...


Congratulations to the Elementary May Blackhawk Pride Award winners! From Mrs. Lewis, Elementary Counselor: "These students were recognized by their teachers for being exceptionally respectful, responsible and safe. Way to go, Blackhawks!!"

Partial road closure coming north of Drexel

Beginning Monday May19, Holmes Rd (D Hwy) will be closed between E. 319th & E. 323rd over Coldwater Creek for bridge reconstruction.

This work is expected to last until approximately August 24.
For those who travel Holmes Rd will be detoured around the closure utilizing Routes A, W, and O.
More information is available @ MoDOT.org

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