Mid America Live

Reduced travel advisory issued in Missouri ahead of winter storm

JEFFERSON CITY – The Missouri Department of Transportation said motorists should avoid travel if possible in Missouri late Wednesday night and Thursday due to incoming accumulating snow and bitterly cold temperatures.

Travel on Missouri’s roads should be restricted to necessary trips only especially Thursday morning. Morning rush hour commutes will be impacted by the winter weather across most of Missouri.

“MoDOT crews will be out early tonight preparing before the storm moves in from northwest Missouri to southeast Missouri, but lower temperatures in the teens will make the chemicals not as effective,” said MoDOT State Maintenance Engineer Becky Allmeroth. “The heaviest band of snowfall is expected to hit during the peak of Thursday morning rush hour, and we advise motorists to postpone travel during that time.”

If a section of highway is shut down for extended periods, MoDOT said drivers should heed the warnings on the digital signs and exit the highway at the next available exit. To check road conditions including winter weather conditions and traffic speeds, please check MoDOT’s Traveler Information Map at http://traveler.modot.org/map/.

MoDOT said if you have to travel, to use proper winter safety precautions and make sure you have a full tank of gas, extra blankets and gloves and provisions like water and snacks. Please wear your seat belt and don’t drive distracted. If you encounter car troubles or are involved in a crash, please remain in your vehicle.

Justin Osburn book available on Amazon.com

Businessman, writer and entrepreneur Justin Osburn in his own words:

I am excited to announce my first book has been published. You can currently get it on Amazon in paper back or on Kindle at this link: https://www.amazon.com/How-Share-Christ

Talking about the Christian faith can be intimidating. Many of us never really took a class on how to share our faith or how to defend it against skeptics. In this book, I quickly outline the frame of an effective conversation about Christ. After reading it and completing the fun and easy exercises, you will find a new motivation to bring up the subject next time opportunity avails. Order today and start your New Year off strengthened to speak of your faith in Christ with confidence.

Something new in Rich Hill...

Those of us behind the scenes at Mid America Live rarely miss a meal (which you can tell by looking)

Consequently, we didn't miss the opening of a new restaurant in Rich Hill at 14th and Olive streets. The Boat House is now open, serving up local favorites of friend chicken, catfish and more.

For hours and to check out the menu call 417-395-2626.

Amaryllis: A Cure for the Winter Blahs

Cold, dreary winter days can lead to a serious case of the winter “blahs”, especially for avid gardeners. There are few better ways to cure the blahs then to have a plant burst into colorful bloom in your home, when the weather outdoors is gloomy. Enter the amaryllis. Its huge blooms are spectacular and come in many colors including bright, cheerful red. In addition to being very colorful, it has the added attraction of being relatively easy to re-bloom and can continue to give pleasure to its caretaker for many years. December is a good month to start amaryllis for mid-winter bloom.

The plant commonly sold as amaryllis actually is misnamed and is a member of the genus Hippeastrum, not Amaryllis. Hippeastrum is native to the tropical Americas whereas the true Amaryllis is native to Africa. Both are members of the Amaryllidaceae family. “Hippeastrum” comes from the Greek word meaning “horseman’s star”; a name most likely selected for this plant because of the resemblance of its flowers to a medieval weapon used by horseman. For simplicity’s sake we will continue to refer to the plant as amaryllis in this article.

Most of the amaryllis sold today are hybrids developed by the Dutch and selected for their huge, showy flowers and forcing ease. It is not unusual for a vigorous bulb to produce up to six flowers per scape (flower stalk). Since amaryllis is native to the subtropical and tropical Americas, their tender nature forces us to treat them as greenhouse or house plants here in the Midwest. These traits cause amryllis to maintain a small but constant share of the potted plant market, especially around the holidays.

Amaryllis production for the hobbyist is relatively straight-forward. During the fall and early winter, bulbs are readily available from yard and garden stores as well as other retail outlets. Choose healthy bulbs that have their original roots intact. Bulbs with all roots removed to the bulb plate will display inferior performance during their first year of growth, even though they may bloom. Bulbs should be planted in a well-drained, highly organic potting mix that retains adequate moisture. A mixture of sphagnum peat, vermiculite and perlite works well. Maintaining this medium in a slightly acidic state is desirable.

Containers for amaryllis production should be at least two inches wider than the diameter of the bulb. Keep the growing medium uniformly moist but do not allow water to stand for extended periods of time, except for severely root-bound plants. Amaryllis should be fed using a complete, water-soluble fertilizer after flower emergence. Follow recommendations on the label for rates.

The bulb one purchases will already have a primordial scape formed. Exposure to proper temperatures will cause this scape to elongate, mature and flower. Since amaryllis is tropical by nature, plants respond well to warm temperatures (both day and night). A minimum of 70 degrees F. during the day and 60 degrees at night is ideal during the growth cycle of the plants. Temperatures lower than 50 degrees can be injurious and should be avoided. Amaryllis requires, on the average, from six to eight weeks from the beginning of forcing to the production of flowers.

Re-blooming amaryllis is relatively easy, but the plant must be allowed to manufacture and store food in its bulb in preparation for the process. This is accomplished by exposing the plant to light as bright as possible during the growth period that occurs after flowering has ended. Adequate water and fertilizer are essential for maximum food production during this period. Moving the plant out-of-doors after the danger of cool temperatures has passed will facilitate growth and improve subsequent blooming.

In September, the plant should be brought in from outside at which time watering should be discontinued. This will induce dormancy, which should be maintained for several months. During its dormant phase, an amaryllis should be kept on the cool side and should not receive water. The leaves will wither and dry during this phase and may be removed.

The growth cycle (along with blooming) can be repeated by forcing the plant out of dormancy by watering and subjecting it to warm temperatures as described above. Repotting may be necessary if the bulb has outgrown its original container.

Amaryllis bulbs make practical gifts and are readily available at this time of the year. Their huge blooms represent a fitting reward for plant lovers of all ages. Additionally, amaryllis offers an excellent, “hands-on” learning experience for youngsters.

Doug Scotten is the new Ag Business Specialist in Bates County

University of Missouri Extension in Bates County welcomes

Doug Scotten as the new Ag Business Specialist. The position is responsible for planning, implementing, and evaluating agricultural business educational programs in the support of crop and forage production, livestock production, and overall agriculture production. Scotten will focus on programs related to farm leases, tax management, basic estate planning, crops and livestock marketing, and other emerging issues faced by producers and land owners in the area. Scotten will be based in the Bates County office and will also serve Vernon, St. Clair, Cedar, and Barton counties.

Scotten has been with University of Missouri Extension for two years as the Family Financial Education Specialist in Vernon County. Scotten holds a degree in agricultural business from Missouri State University and has previous agricultural sales experience. He and his wife Shelly, along with their two boys, operate a small farm near Appleton City, Missouri. Scotten can be reached at the Bates County Extension office at (660) 679-4167.

Missouri 7 Highway in Cass County Shutdown due to semi truck wreck

The Missouri State Highway Patrol in Cass County is on scene of a semi truck rollover accident in the Northbound Lanes of Missouri 7 Highway at Freedom Road at this time.

The driver of the truck is said to have minor injuries and the semi was loaded with pet food. Traffic is being diverted at 7 Highway and Kauffman Road to go around this accident.

A tow company is on scene attempting to get this semi truck back upright at this time.

Mid America Live News will update when further information is made available to us from the Missouri State Highway Patrol.

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