Missouri Governor Mike Parson has proclaimed September 5th - 11th, 2021, as Suicide Prevention Week.
"I am taking a pro-active approach to suicide prevention by learning risk factors and warning signs so we can all work to reduce suicide attempts and deaths," stated Parson.
More than 1,100 Missourians die by suicide each year. That is an average of person every seven hours.
Since 2009 suicide rates have increased by 27% with Missouri ranked 16th highest in the nation.
If you know of someone that is immediate crisis contact the National Suicide Prevention Lifeline at 1-800-273-TALK (8255).
Missouri has designated the twenty-second day of each month as "Buddy Check 22 Day" to promote education and awareness of the problems of suicide fcing military personnel.
The United States Department of Labor notes that Labor Day is a celebration of American workers that dates back to the 19th century (1800s). The day is meant to commemorate the contributions workers in the United States have made to the nation, helping to make it one of the strongest and most prosperous countries in the world.
Who came up with the idea of Labor Day?
Despite the fact that municipal legislation surrounding Labor Day was initially introduced in the 1880s, debate remains as to just who should be credited with proposing a day to honor American workers. Some records suggest that Peter J. McGuire, who served as general secretary of the Brotherhood of Carpenters and Joiners and co-founded the American Federation of Labor, deserves the credit for Labor Day.
However, the Department of Labor notes that many people believe a machinist named Matthew Maguire (no relation to Peter) was the first to propose a holiday honoring workers in 1882. At that time Maguire was serving as secretary of New York’s Central Labor Union, which later adopted a Labor Day proposal and appointed a committee to plan a demonstration and picnic.
The first Labor Day was ultimately celebrated in New York City on Tuesday, September 5, 1882, in accordance with the plans made by the Central Labor Union, which strongly suggests that Maguire does, in fact, deserve the credit for coming up with the holiday.
Why celebrate Labor Day?
Labor Day is worth celebrating because, without the contributions of millions of workers every year, the United States would not be the success story it is and has been for more than 200 years. In addition to the United States, many countries across the globe, including Canada and Australia, have their own versions of Labor Day.
Labor Day weekend might now be seen as the unofficial end of summer. But this Labor Day weekend, celebrants and workers should remember that Labor Day also should be a time to reflect on the value of hard work.
Southbound U.S. Route 60 will be reduced to one lane at the One Mile Road exit in Dexter, Missouri as Missouri Department of Transportation crews perform signage repairs.
This section of roadway is located from the North Outer Road to Hickory Hills Road in Dexter, Missouri.
Weather permitting, work will take place Tuesday, Sept. 7 and Wednesday, Sept. 8 from 7 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. daily.
The work zone will be marked with signs. Motorists are urged to use extreme caution while traveling near the area.
For additional information, contact MoDOT’s Customer Service Center toll-free at 1-888-ASK-MODOT
Stoddard County Health Center Director, Ben Godwin, has confirmed 68 new cases of COVID-19 since the last update on Monday, August 30, 2021.
He additionally confirmed three COVID-19 related deaths in Stoddard County.
The county now has 222 active cases and 85 COVID-19 related deaths.
Stoddard County has seen 4367 total confirmed case of COVID-19 since the start of the pandemic.
Broken down by age group the confirmed cases since the start of the pandemic are:
0 to 19 - 654
20 to 29 - 648
30 to 39 - 598
40 to 49 - 662
50 to 59 - 567
60 to 69 - 560
70 to 79 - 403
80-plus - 285
Broken down by gender the county has confirmed 1,943 cases in males and 2,424 cases in females.
As of Thursday, September 2nd Bell City Schools have decided to go to virtual learning for a couple of weeks and have cancelled all fall sports until September 13th.
Roadways are getting busier this time of year; don't drive distracted
As parents rejoice and students lament, schools are returning to session across the Show-Me State. Drivers are reminded to slow down and pay attention as more children will be on or near roadways, walking and bicycling to school or waiting for the bus.
In 2019, 19,243 crashes in Missouri involved a distracted driver. These crashes resulted in 79 deaths and 7,634 more people injured, according to Missouri State Highway Patrol statistics.
But it's not just on the roadway drivers need to be cautious. Hurriedly backing out of the driveway without paying attention could lead to serious injury for a child running to catch the bus. Please slow down, use caution and be alert to changing surroundings.
Part of those changing surroundings is the influx of school busses on the road. Remember, it's state law for vehicles in both lanes to stop when a bus has its red warning lights flashing and stop sign extended. Even in situations when opposing traffic is not required to stop, drivers still need to be alert to unexpected obstacles.
Those busses, parents driving kids to school and teachers commuting means roads will be busier than they have been the past few months. Never use your cellphone when driving. And set a good example for your young passengers by making sure everyone in the vehicle is bucked in.
