Of watermeal and men!

Forsyth MO - If any area residents have gone down to the Empire Park recently, you might have noticed that the two small inlets have a problem. That problem is an infestation of watermeal. Watermeal holds the distinction of being the world's smallest flowering plant, while at the same time being a very annoying weed. And, getting rid of it can be a big challenge, often requiring the pond to be drained or dredged in order to remove it. At this Park, it easy to see that something's not right!

I spoke with a representative of Liberty Utilities (the owner of the park) and was informed that efforts were underway to get rid of it via a bipartisan effort by the Missouri Department of Conservation. They have been using a chemical that will take two years to be effective. I hope to report back now and then to illustrate any progress made or not made.

Another topic we discussed was to install benches along the 1000 foot walking path. This to allow individuals with reduced walking abilities to enjoy it while having the ability to sit and rest. I did a short video on this topic just recently. Remember a lot of time and money goes into the maintenance of a place where one can enjoy boating, picnicking, fishing, walking and the great outdoors!

Watermeal (Wolffia spp.) are holds the unique position as the world’s smallest flowering plant, but it’s also one of the world’s most annoying pond weeds

Read more at Gardening Know How: Controlling Watermeal Weeds: Tips For Managing Watermeal In Ponds https://www.gardeningknowhow.com/ornamental/water-plants/watermeal/managing-watermeal-in-ponds.htm

Hot Dog and Chips at the Frosted Mug!

Forsyth MO - There are many different ways to serve the common hot dog. And while my favorite is the Chicago Dog, this offering by John's Frosted Mug comes in a close second!

At $4.99, plus tax, the Mug Hot Dog w chips is a pretty neat meal-a-deal. The bun is soft and tasty while the all beef dog is the real deal. For those with an interest, the image below is of a Chicago Dog!

Forsyth City Council acts...pointlessly

Forsyth Mo. - The Forsyth Missouri City Council decided on 7/22 to require face masks be worn at all times when out and about. No end date was set for this ordinance, either! Why? I have no clue other than the blatant exercise of political power or perhaps the spreading of fear. Whatever the reason, the net effect will be likely aid to further kill off local businesses while having little, to no effect, on saving lives. As of July 23, Taney County Missouri (where the town of Forsyth resides), had a total of only three deaths since the start of January! This out of a population of 56K plus.

Update: July 23, 2020 - Apparently the City decided to have metal signs printed up and then distributed them to area businesses. You be the judge as to the meaning. Me? I'm lost.

The sign, while well intentioned, was not issued by the City of Forsyth!

Disc Golf tournament comes to Forsyth!

Forsyth MO - July the 11th in Liberty Utilities Park near the town of Forsyth MO. witnessed a disk golf tournament the drew a surprising large number of contestants. 

I went down to the park to get a little bit of exercise and was thus surprised to see groups of 'golfers' roaming all over the 18 hole course that required sturdy legs as the competitors had to walk over five miles to finish the course. Only one golf cart was in evidence, so most competitors had to grind it out on their own two legs!

The sponsor of the event, I believe, was Innova who has affiliates that make disc related equipment.

This growing world wide sport looks to be a ton of fun while also giving all who compete a great workout.

License tag waiting at the DMV!

Forsyth MO. - Among the various forms of fallout delivered by the Coronavirus has be the partial or even complete breakdown of various government offices. Take the local DMV for example.

On a hot and moist 88 degree day, I had finally assembled all the paperwork needed to get my license tags renewed. This included an inspection, copies of my personal property taxes and proof of insurance. That done, I headed over to the DMV office on Main Street only to discover a rather long line of people being forced to sit or stand out in the heat. When I approached them I asked how long the wait was. No one had any idea, but those at the head of the line told me they had been standing there for over 15 minutes!

I had two problems with that scenario; 1) a recent back injury had made it difficult to stand and 2) sitting on the pavement was not an option as I would have a difficult time standing back up!

A call to the State office left me in a waiting line die to the 'virus'. A call to the local police left me with leaving a message. Lastly, due to the nature of my plates, I did not have an option to renew online. And, with the virus expected to come back in the fall, I was thinking that I would have to take my chances once the tags had expired.

Update: The very next day, I bit the bullet and got over to the office at 8:15 AM. My thinking was by arriving 15 minutes early, I'd get in quickly. No such luck. There was already 8 people inside the office with a line forming outside!  I got into line as #3 and by 8:30 AM, there were about 12 individuals standing around waiting..... After 30 minutes, I got into the office and so was at about the number 7 position. There were three people working, but it was a slow slog. The total time I spent waiting for get my plates and tags was about one hour!

Local Taney County gas prices rise, but will be lower than normal.

Chart runs from mid Jan 2019 to Mid June 2020
Conoco, Forsyth MO.

Taney County MO - Every summer, regional refineries change over from so-called winter blends of gasoline to the summer mixtures. This often accompanied with high prices that reflect the cost of the change over. Not so for the summer of 2020, as the Covid-19 virus has greatly impacted travel!

The above chart was compiled by the author and reflects dates and the cost of regular gas per gallon  at the White Oak Conoco station on Highway 160 in Forsyth Mo.

Arvest Bank location to become office and event space!

Forsyth MO. - I talked briefly with the owners who acquired the Arvest Bank building and who have work crews there now transforming the former bank into office and event space. I was informed that information concerning the structure would be made available as early as the 12th of June (Friday) and that I might be able to get inside for pictures. So, an update is coming...

Update: I stopped at this site on Tuesday, June 16 and was told it would be another two weeks before the office spaces would be 'presentable'.