Complete information is available here http://dor.mo.gov/business/sales/taxholiday/school/
Friday, July 20, 2012
Back to school sales tax holiday...
Preserve Home Canned Salsa Safely
From Tammy Roberts, Nutrition and Health Education Specialist
It’s salsa time and many people are spending long hours in the kitchen skinning tomatoes and chopping peppers and onions all so they can enjoy garden-fresh salsa in the middle of winter. It is important to know the rules for keeping your home-canned salsa safe.
“Always use tested recipes when making home-canned salsa” said Tammy Roberts from University of Missouri Extension. “A tested recipe assures there is enough acidity for safe processing in a boiling water bath.”
You can find tested recipes at the National Center for Home Food Preservation website at www.nchfp.uga.edu. University of Missouri Extension’s guide sheet Tantalizing Tomatoes has a recipe for salsa. It can be found at www.extension.missouri.edu/publications. If you are using a family recipe that has not been tested, the recommendation for safe preservation is freezing.
When using a tested recipe, there are some things you can change and some things you cannot change.
Never change the amount of acid in a salsa recipe. Acid in salsas helps to preserve them. It usually comes in the form of lemon juice, lime juice or vinegar. Use only vinegar that has 5% acidity and only bottled lemon or lime juice. The acidity in fresh-squeezed lemon or lime juice varies so you can’t trust that the end product would have the needed amount of acidity for safety. It is OK to substitute an equal amount of bottled lemon juice for vinegar in salsa recipes but not OK to substitute vinegar for lemon juice. Substituting vinegar for lemon juice results in less acid and is potentially unsafe.
It is OK to substitute one type of pepper for another in a salsa recipe but not OK to increase the number of pounds or cups of peppers in the recipe. It is the same with onions. You can substitute red, yellow or white onions for each other but not increase the amount. Increasing the amount of peppers or onions can impact the acidity of the end product making it potentially unsafe.
Canned salsas should not be thickened with flour or cornstarch before canning. “Thickening makes is harder for the contents to reach the right temperature during processing and impacts safety” said Roberts. She recommends you thicken the salsa when you open the jar. Or, just pour off some of the liquid when you serve it.
Salsa can be a wonderful part of meals and snacks. Just be sure to follow safe guidelines for making a preserving salsa so you can safely enjoy yours throughout the year.
It’s salsa time and many people are spending long hours in the kitchen skinning tomatoes and chopping peppers and onions all so they can enjoy garden-fresh salsa in the middle of winter. It is important to know the rules for keeping your home-canned salsa safe.
“Always use tested recipes when making home-canned salsa” said Tammy Roberts from University of Missouri Extension. “A tested recipe assures there is enough acidity for safe processing in a boiling water bath.”
You can find tested recipes at the National Center for Home Food Preservation website at www.nchfp.uga.edu. University of Missouri Extension’s guide sheet Tantalizing Tomatoes has a recipe for salsa. It can be found at www.extension.missouri.edu/publications. If you are using a family recipe that has not been tested, the recommendation for safe preservation is freezing.
When using a tested recipe, there are some things you can change and some things you cannot change.
Never change the amount of acid in a salsa recipe. Acid in salsas helps to preserve them. It usually comes in the form of lemon juice, lime juice or vinegar. Use only vinegar that has 5% acidity and only bottled lemon or lime juice. The acidity in fresh-squeezed lemon or lime juice varies so you can’t trust that the end product would have the needed amount of acidity for safety. It is OK to substitute an equal amount of bottled lemon juice for vinegar in salsa recipes but not OK to substitute vinegar for lemon juice. Substituting vinegar for lemon juice results in less acid and is potentially unsafe.
It is OK to substitute one type of pepper for another in a salsa recipe but not OK to increase the number of pounds or cups of peppers in the recipe. It is the same with onions. You can substitute red, yellow or white onions for each other but not increase the amount. Increasing the amount of peppers or onions can impact the acidity of the end product making it potentially unsafe.
Canned salsas should not be thickened with flour or cornstarch before canning. “Thickening makes is harder for the contents to reach the right temperature during processing and impacts safety” said Roberts. She recommends you thicken the salsa when you open the jar. Or, just pour off some of the liquid when you serve it.
Salsa can be a wonderful part of meals and snacks. Just be sure to follow safe guidelines for making a preserving salsa so you can safely enjoy yours throughout the year.
Thursday, July 19, 2012
Temps close to 110 this coming weekend...
While brief showers this morning were very welcomed, we're back in the frying pan. A heat advisory remains in effect until further notice.
Tonight
Partly cloudy. Low of 73F. Winds from the NW at 5 to 10 mph shifting to the East after midnight.
Tonight
Partly cloudy. Low of 73F. Winds from the NW at 5 to 10 mph shifting to the East after midnight.
As a reminder, the city of Butler, Adrian and Appleton City remain under a burn ban until further notice. Linn County Kansas is also under a burn ban.
Residents of Archie are advised to conserve water usage as much as possible, as a low river level is making it difficult for the water plant to keep up with demand.
 |
| Indian Rain Dance, anyone? |
Upgrades urgently needed for Butler Fire Station
An open letter from Butler Fire Chief Jim Henry
In 1990, the Butler City Council purchased a new 1991 pumper for the Butler Fire Department. When this unit was purchased, the Public Safety Committee of the City Council saw the need for periodic upgrades of fire equipment. The thought at that time was to purchase a new pumper every 10 years, thus with each purchase replacing a unit that was 30 years old.
In 2000, we considered replacing a1973 pumper unit, but there was not sufficient funding in the General Fund.
In 2007, the citizens of Butler passed a measure to increase the local sales tax 1/8th of 1% for five years for the purchase and upgrade of equipment for the Fire Department. At the time, this tax was estimated to generate approximately $75,000.00 per year. The tax will expire this year.
This money was used to purchase a new pumper unit for the department to replace a 1973 unit, and refurbish a 1990 pumper.
The fire department still has the need for equipment replacement on a continuing basis. We are operating a 1981 and a 1988 tanker units, which were both constructed in-house. These units do not meet the National Fire Protection standards for motorized fire apparatus.
We are also utilizing a 1988 rescue truck, which needs to be replaced.
In addition to our rolling stock, upgrades need to be continually made to other firefighting equipment.
Our self-contained breathing apparatus was purchased under a federal grant. We purchased new units and spare bottles. We have to have our air bottles hydrostatically tested every 3 years, and after 15 years of the date of manufacture, these bottles will not be able to be retested per federal guidelines.
In addition, our protective clothing utilized by our personnel is approximately 11 years old. The life expectancy is approximately 10 years at best. The current sets need to be replaced with new sets that meet the National Fire Protection Association standards. Each set of protective clothing costs approximately $1,400.00.
Fire hose, nozzles, and related equipment needs to be replaced periodically, and with technology advancing, new types of equipment needs to be purchased.
Federal grants for purchase of new equipment and periodic replacement is becoming less and less each year, and is very competitive. Chances of receiving one of these grants is slim at best.
The money in the City of Butler General Fund is not sufficient to cover the expenditures for the needed equipment replacement of the Fire Department on a continuing basis.
We will be asking the voters for a 1/8 of 1% sales tax in the primary election on August 7, 2012. This tax will not have a sunset, which means that in the future, there should be sufficient monies available for the needs of the fire department for equipment replacement. An item costing $10.00 would increase 1¢, an item costing $50.00 would increase 6¢, and an item costing $100.00 would increase 12¢. This tax has been in existence for the last 5 years, so essentially it is a continuation of an existing tax.
This money cannot be used for any purpose other than the Fire Department. It will not be used to fund the day-to-day operations of the department.
With this money available, equipment will be able to be replaced on a regular schedule without having to worry about where the money is coming from. We will be able to plan for long-range goals for the future of the department.
The Fire Department employs two full time personnel on a 40 hr. per week schedule, including a Fire Chief and Deputy Chief.
The Fire Chief also serves as the Emergency Management Director for the City.
Duties of these personnel include maintenance of the equipment, conducting rental inspections, conducting fire inspections, inspections of all new construction within the city, and various public relations activities.
All other personnel on the department are paid per call, and are only paid if they respond to an incident. These personnel are dedicated to the safety of the residents in the city, and have put in many hours of their own time attending training to improve their capabilities.
The ISO rating for the City of Butler is a Class 5. The ISO rating reflects on the cost of insurance within the area protected by the department. This rating is done approximately every 10 years. We are constantly striving to improve this rating.
The members of your Butler Fire Department are asking for your vote for the 1/8 of 1% sales tax for fire protection on August 7, 2012.
In 1990, the Butler City Council purchased a new 1991 pumper for the Butler Fire Department. When this unit was purchased, the Public Safety Committee of the City Council saw the need for periodic upgrades of fire equipment. The thought at that time was to purchase a new pumper every 10 years, thus with each purchase replacing a unit that was 30 years old.
In 2000, we considered replacing a1973 pumper unit, but there was not sufficient funding in the General Fund.
In 2007, the citizens of Butler passed a measure to increase the local sales tax 1/8th of 1% for five years for the purchase and upgrade of equipment for the Fire Department. At the time, this tax was estimated to generate approximately $75,000.00 per year. The tax will expire this year.
This money was used to purchase a new pumper unit for the department to replace a 1973 unit, and refurbish a 1990 pumper.
The fire department still has the need for equipment replacement on a continuing basis. We are operating a 1981 and a 1988 tanker units, which were both constructed in-house. These units do not meet the National Fire Protection standards for motorized fire apparatus.
We are also utilizing a 1988 rescue truck, which needs to be replaced.
In addition to our rolling stock, upgrades need to be continually made to other firefighting equipment.
Our self-contained breathing apparatus was purchased under a federal grant. We purchased new units and spare bottles. We have to have our air bottles hydrostatically tested every 3 years, and after 15 years of the date of manufacture, these bottles will not be able to be retested per federal guidelines.
In addition, our protective clothing utilized by our personnel is approximately 11 years old. The life expectancy is approximately 10 years at best. The current sets need to be replaced with new sets that meet the National Fire Protection Association standards. Each set of protective clothing costs approximately $1,400.00.
Fire hose, nozzles, and related equipment needs to be replaced periodically, and with technology advancing, new types of equipment needs to be purchased.
Federal grants for purchase of new equipment and periodic replacement is becoming less and less each year, and is very competitive. Chances of receiving one of these grants is slim at best.
The money in the City of Butler General Fund is not sufficient to cover the expenditures for the needed equipment replacement of the Fire Department on a continuing basis.
We will be asking the voters for a 1/8 of 1% sales tax in the primary election on August 7, 2012. This tax will not have a sunset, which means that in the future, there should be sufficient monies available for the needs of the fire department for equipment replacement. An item costing $10.00 would increase 1¢, an item costing $50.00 would increase 6¢, and an item costing $100.00 would increase 12¢. This tax has been in existence for the last 5 years, so essentially it is a continuation of an existing tax.
This money cannot be used for any purpose other than the Fire Department. It will not be used to fund the day-to-day operations of the department.
With this money available, equipment will be able to be replaced on a regular schedule without having to worry about where the money is coming from. We will be able to plan for long-range goals for the future of the department.
The Fire Department employs two full time personnel on a 40 hr. per week schedule, including a Fire Chief and Deputy Chief.
The Fire Chief also serves as the Emergency Management Director for the City.
Duties of these personnel include maintenance of the equipment, conducting rental inspections, conducting fire inspections, inspections of all new construction within the city, and various public relations activities.
All other personnel on the department are paid per call, and are only paid if they respond to an incident. These personnel are dedicated to the safety of the residents in the city, and have put in many hours of their own time attending training to improve their capabilities.
The ISO rating for the City of Butler is a Class 5. The ISO rating reflects on the cost of insurance within the area protected by the department. This rating is done approximately every 10 years. We are constantly striving to improve this rating.
The members of your Butler Fire Department are asking for your vote for the 1/8 of 1% sales tax for fire protection on August 7, 2012.
Power outage west of Adrian
Due to a downed power line, a rural area west of Adrian is without power. Repairs are expected to take up to a couple of hours.
-FM 92 the Bullet
-FM 92 the Bullet
Overnight accident still being cleaned up
Both driver Michael A. Godfrey of Gladstone Mo. and passenger Tracy M. Rouse of Harrisonville escaped with minor injuries but cleanup of the scene was still in progress at 7:30 this morning.
The trailer appeared to be carrying grocery type cargo and will need to be completely unloaded before it can be set upright and towed from the scene.
Wednesday, July 18, 2012
City Council considers level pay for sewer rates
The hot and dry summer has the attention of the Butler City Council, and they are considering a "leveling" process for summer sewer rates. Residents would still pay for the water they use, but the sewer usage would be based on winter months, and paid over a year's period. It's a bit like some folks have the gas company figure that usage, so that they have a 12-month average, instead of very high gas bills for part of the year, and very low costs the other months. It's very helpful for folks on a budget, because they have a rough idea of the monthly charge. The Council will be studying this further.
As you may know, properties around the county that become delinquent on their taxes, reach a point where the property is sold on the courthouse steps, to the highest bidders. This happens each August, and usually, several properties are on the list. Both the city and county are included in this action on first, second and third-year tax sales. The date and time for this year's tax sale will be posted later.
And speaking of taxes, the Finance Committee is working on the property tax levy. The county has to set an assessed valuation, which becomes a part of a formula that determines what the tax rate will be for the coming fiscal year. The committee will consider, and then recommend its findings to the Council, which then works with the County on the basis for the tax levy.
The Park and Recreation commission is studying the renting of space for advertising signs and/or banners on the outfield fences at the local ball fields. Any change would require the approval of an amendment to the zoning regulations, for this to be allowed. The Commission also decided that the extension of the Trail of Memories through the park will stay as originally proposed, next to High Street.
The Planning Commission is considering amendments to the zoning regulations that all home occupations when a Conditional Use Permit is approved by the Zoning Board of Adjustment. There'll be a public hearing August 7th for considering the proposed amendments.
The Airport Commission is looking into the condition underneath the runways, in conjunction with drainage and other problems. The City would pay ten percent of the study, which would run under five thousand dollars.
Testing at the Light Plant by Criswell Engineering, found that the batteries for backup power, needed to be replaced, along with a relay in the switchgear. That relay was replaced with on that was on hand at the Light Plant, and the bad one has been sent off for rebuilding or replacement. The batteries are necessary to provide backup power to operate the switchgear and the Caterpillar generators in the event of a loss of power from the KAMO interconnection. The old batteries will be sold for salvage value.
It's interesting to know that city employees help the City save on operating expenses wherever possible. As we've said at other times...the Feds need to take notice of how its cities operate.
Swimmers will be pleased to hear that the re-circulation pump for the Lazy River at the Aquatic Center will have been replaced by the time you hear this, so all is well in that area.
And we remind that the vote on the one-eighth cent sales tax for Fire Department equipment will be voted this August 7th. This will just be a continuation of the old tax.
The Butler City Council meets each first and third Tuesdays at City Hall at seven p.m. Visitors are welcome, but those wishing to bring up something to the Council must make an appointment beforehand. 679-4182.
As you may know, properties around the county that become delinquent on their taxes, reach a point where the property is sold on the courthouse steps, to the highest bidders. This happens each August, and usually, several properties are on the list. Both the city and county are included in this action on first, second and third-year tax sales. The date and time for this year's tax sale will be posted later.
And speaking of taxes, the Finance Committee is working on the property tax levy. The county has to set an assessed valuation, which becomes a part of a formula that determines what the tax rate will be for the coming fiscal year. The committee will consider, and then recommend its findings to the Council, which then works with the County on the basis for the tax levy.
The Park and Recreation commission is studying the renting of space for advertising signs and/or banners on the outfield fences at the local ball fields. Any change would require the approval of an amendment to the zoning regulations, for this to be allowed. The Commission also decided that the extension of the Trail of Memories through the park will stay as originally proposed, next to High Street.
The Planning Commission is considering amendments to the zoning regulations that all home occupations when a Conditional Use Permit is approved by the Zoning Board of Adjustment. There'll be a public hearing August 7th for considering the proposed amendments.
The Airport Commission is looking into the condition underneath the runways, in conjunction with drainage and other problems. The City would pay ten percent of the study, which would run under five thousand dollars.
Testing at the Light Plant by Criswell Engineering, found that the batteries for backup power, needed to be replaced, along with a relay in the switchgear. That relay was replaced with on that was on hand at the Light Plant, and the bad one has been sent off for rebuilding or replacement. The batteries are necessary to provide backup power to operate the switchgear and the Caterpillar generators in the event of a loss of power from the KAMO interconnection. The old batteries will be sold for salvage value.
It's interesting to know that city employees help the City save on operating expenses wherever possible. As we've said at other times...the Feds need to take notice of how its cities operate.
Swimmers will be pleased to hear that the re-circulation pump for the Lazy River at the Aquatic Center will have been replaced by the time you hear this, so all is well in that area.
And we remind that the vote on the one-eighth cent sales tax for Fire Department equipment will be voted this August 7th. This will just be a continuation of the old tax.
The Butler City Council meets each first and third Tuesdays at City Hall at seven p.m. Visitors are welcome, but those wishing to bring up something to the Council must make an appointment beforehand. 679-4182.
-story by FM 92 the Bullet
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