Day: March 15, 2021

Springtime in Missouri means ever-changing weather. In the last month, Missourians have seen thunderstorms as well as clear days in the 70s. When it’s warm out, spring is a great time to enjoy Missouri’s many lakes and rivers. But, remember that thunderstorms develop quickly this time of year.

When a thunderstorm looms on the horizon, it’s time to get ashore. Lightning, torrential rain, and rough waters can turn a pleasurable outing into a life-threatening situation in moments. An unaware boater or fisherman can be taken by surprise, and not realize the danger a thunderstorm brings. Severe conditions can quickly overwhelm smaller craft, resulting in swamping, capsizing, collisions, falls overboard, and other dangerous occurrences. Some thunderstorms can create microbursts–intense downdrafts over an area a half-mile to 2.5 miles wide─capable of producing wind gusts from 60 mph to more than 100 mph. Microbursts can capsize a small boat or blow a passenger overboard.

Before leaving the marina or launch ramp, boaters should check their local weather stations for storm warnings and other weather alerts. Understand that knowing there’s a “chance of a thunderstorm” won’t necessarily tell a boater when one is headed his or her way.

Weather fronts typically move in from the west/southwest, so scan the horizon in that direction periodically for lightning flashes and other signs. Recognizing that a “lowering ceiling” — flat clouds getting lower and thicker — indicates an approaching storm front. To determine the distance of an approaching storm, count the number of seconds between the flash of lighting and the sound of thunder then divide the number of seconds by five. This will give you a rough idea of the distance in miles. If you notice signs of an approaching storm, immediately head for the nearest boat ramp or dock. These fast-developing thunderstorms are usually short in duration. Never try to outrun the storm in open water.

If you do get caught on the water during a thunderstorm, make sure everyone in the boat is wearing a properly secured life jacket. Have your passengers sit low and in the center of the boat. Then, head for bank of the river or shore of the lake. Make sure all doors, windows, and hatches are closed to reduce the risk of swamping and to keep the bilge free of water. If there is lightning, disconnect all electrical equipment. If you are in a small boat, which could easily capsize or swamp, or if the conditions get too bad, head to shore immediately, beach your boat, and seek shelter.

Weather can be both friend and foe to fishermen and recreational boaters. Staying alert to weather changes and taking appropriate action when necessary goes a long way toward safeguarding both lives and property.

Remember: Make sure everyone on board is wearing a U.S. Coast Guard-approved life jacket every time you are on the water.

If you experience an emergency or see another boater in danger, dial *55 on your cell phone to reach the nearest troop headquarters. The Missouri State Highway Patrol will respond. We’re here to help.

Darryl B. Heckadon (DOB 5/2/1992) registered as a sex offender today in Bates County. On 5/11/2015 Heckadon was convicted of 2 counts of Statutory Sodomy and 1 county of Endangering the welfare of a child. He is residing at 6239 NW County Road 4002 in Butler, MO. Heckadon is classified as a Tier 3 Sex Offender.

Are you an older adult who longs to connect with relatives or friends who live far away? Does Zoom technology still seem foreign to you?

 Care Connection’s Warsaw Senior Center staff can remove the mystery from the concept of a virtual computer visit with family and friends.

The center is still closed to indoor dining and activities; however, we are offering a space and video-equipped computer to older adults who want to try out virtual visits for socializing, joining a remote class or activity, or seeing family members without leaving the community.

Care Connection is offering dozens of online sessions ranging from education on Medicare to Bingo. The same space is available for older adults to use for telehealth appointments with physicians in other communities.

The service will be offered from 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. Monday through Friday at the center, 17571 N. Dam Access Road.

Staff members will be available to help you sign in and learn how to use the technology.

Benton County is one of three counties where Care Connection is piloting the program.

If you are interested in using the computer space, you may call Margie Hetherington at 660-438-3300 to make an appointment. The use of the space is being offered free of charge to people 60 and older; contributions are always accepted.

Care Connection for Aging Services is a nonprofit area agency on aging serving 13 West Central Missouri counties, including Benton through 22 locations, including the Warsaw Senior Center.  The mission is to provide opportunities for positive aging experiences. To learn more, call 1-800-748-7826.