Boonville

What the Michelin star is to food in the dining world, the Wine Spectator Restaurant Award is to wine, and three local restaurants can now claim to be winners of this coveted award: Boonville’s Disco Ranch, Mendocino’s Ravens at the Stanford Inn and Fort Bragg’s HarborView Bistro & Bar.

Wine Spectator, the world’s most prestigious wine magazine, has been recognizing restaurant wine lists with the Restaurant Award for decades. There are three tiers for the award: the Award of Excellence, Best of Award of Excellence, and the highest tier – the Grand Award. This year, 3,505 restaurants around the world were given awards. Our local winners were given the Award of Excellence, which Wine Spectator describes as “wine lists, which should offer at least 90 selections, feature a well-chosen assortment of quality producers, along with a thematic match to the menu in both price and style. Whether compact or extensive, focused or diverse, these lists deliver sufficient choice to satisfy discerning wine lovers.”

“It’s an honor to be awarded for four years in a row,” says Wendy Lamer, owner of Disco Ranch, a specialty food market, wine shop and tapas bar located along Highway 128 in Boonville. Lamer has been selling wine for over 40 years, including in Georgia and Arizona before settling in Anderson Valley. Disco Ranch offers on average 275 selections of wine, including wines produced around the corner at local wineries and international selections. 

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Of the total wine selection at Disco Ranch, one-third of the wines domestic and 80% are small production wineries. When tourists visit, Lamer serves as a concierge, helping wine country visitors discover local wines and guiding guests to the best wineries based on their palates. On the flipside, Lamer wants her fellow Anderson Valley neighbors to support local brands, while also finding reasonably priced French rosé for daily sipping and Spanish cavas to celebrate. She acknowledges Wine Spectator as being a premier publication for wine education and reviews for wine lovers around the world. As a result, “the recognition of Wine Spectator gives great street credits,” she says. 

Lamer is correct in that assessment – Wine Spectator has been doling out wine “street cred” since the awards started in 1981. Foodies and wine enthusiasts seek out Restaurant Award winners using the magazine’s website to research destination restaurants internationally  or cafes and bars in their neighborhoods that offer diverse wine lists to accommodate all types of palates and price points. 

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The Ravens restaurant dining room. (Courtesy photo)

Jeff Stanford, founder-owner of Stanford Inn by the Sea in Mendocino, also recognizes the prestige the award brings to restaurants. His restaurant, the Ravens, has been awarded a Restaurant Award annually since 2009. The Ravens is a vegan restaurant that has served locally sourced, plant-based cuisine to hungry travelers for decades. 

The Ravens wine list, which is curated by wine consultant Brendan McGuigan, comprises primarily organic and low intervention wines from Mendocino County, including a large selection of vegan wines. Winemakers may use animal-based ingredients (i.e., gelatin, egg whites, casein) to help with the filtering process. As a result, establishments like the Ravens amplify vegan wines and bring more awareness to the use of animal products in winemaking, something likely noted by Wine Spectator reviewers. “Winning this award validates that the Ravens is for everyone,” says Stanford, acknowledging the inclusivity of his establishment for those seeking to explore a plant-based lifestyle. 

Harboview Bistro & Bar. (Courtesy photo)

McGuigan also curated the wine list at the HarborView Bistro & Bar at Noyo Harbor. The establishment, located in the Noyo River Inn, is a second year Restaurant Award winner. “For us, [the award] is really about showcasing our commitment to creating an accessible, dynamic [wine] list,” says McGuigan, “both to serve our community and to give our guests the best experience we can.” 

HarborView offers river views paired with a small, eclectic wine list averaging 80 selections nightly. As an establishment that attracts both locals and tourists alike, McGuigan created an accessible list that impressed Wine Spectator reviewers. “If you want an everyday sipper, we want you to have a few options,” he says, “and if you’re looking to celebrate a special occasion, we want you to have some good value options that make the splurge not wasteful.” Guests can enjoy wines from Mendocino, Sonoma and Napa counties or explore international wines from Spain and Greece. “A little bit of something for everyone,” says McGuigan. 

The entire list of Wine Spectator Restaurant Award winners here.

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Note: Sarah Stierch covers food, beverage, culture, weather and breaking news for The Mendocino Voice. Contact Stierch at [email protected]. The Voice maintains editorial control.

Originally Appeared Here

Excerpts from stories published in the Aug. 18-20, 1898 editions of The Princeton Daily Clarion:

MR. MONEY CELEBRATES

Thomas Money and Kate Splitorph were married by ‘Squire Sprowl yesterday afternoon. The groom’s father, the notorious Bill Money, proceeded to celebrate the event by getting his kite out with a long string.

While he was in Schultz’ saloon the barkeeper tried to put him out and called on a man named Purvis to assist. Bill didn’t want to come but Purvis let him out just in time to run into Officer Dan Haley’s arms. The two were having a wrestling match which attracted a crowed. The officer arrested both parties on the charge of intoxication and locked them up. Money slept off his jag in the lockup last night but Purvis was released.

LOCAL AND PERSONAL

• Advertising car No. 1 of the Wallace circus department of publicity and promotion was in the city yesterday. A large force of bill posters covered the bill boards around town with flaming lithographs.

• A fellow remarked yesterday: “The south side of the square is the only side that’s up town these days.” So it seems.

• Messrs. Myers and Nichols, the Western Union manipulators, have erected a gymnasium on a small scale in the back of the Western Union office.

• The Ladies Auxiliary to the Brotherhood of Railway Trainmen gave a festival at the residence of Mr. and Mrs. Al. Fisher on south Main Street last evening and had a nice patronage in the sale of refreshments. The Princeton band gave a concert which was an enjoyable feature of the evening.

OWENSVILLE ITEMS

• The General Baptist Sunday School is to have a picnic tomorrow. Their designation is said to be the dredgeboat.

• James T. Williams has advertised for saloon license but he will meet the same fate as others have done in the past two years.

• Last knight while Willie Liester was filling and lighting the lamps in Oren Knowles’ restaurant the gasoline which had spilled on his hands became ignited and immediately both arms were ablaze like torches. Assistance was soon given to him and upon examination both hands were found to be badly burned.

• Flossie Williamson and Charley Eakes, two of our young Americans, stole a ride on the freight to Poseyville Monday and in the evening returned home. Charley got through all right but Flossie did not make a very successful mount at Poseyville and his bare feet beat cross ties for some distance and several toes were knocked out of joint. He is getting along nicely and will be ready for another ride in a few days.

PRINCETON HAS VISITORS

Messrs. J.M. Hudspeth and C.C. Ferguson, members of the Boonville city council, were in the city yesterday, the guests of the Princeton council. They came to inspect the new streets and look over the town. Mayor Gamble and a number of the councilmen gave the visitors a royal reception and showed them over town in carriages.

• Now that the war is over we should begin to give some attention to the big Gibson county fair. it is likely it would have been held this year as usual, war or no war, but it is certain now that the fair is to be the greatest attraction that it has ever been. It begins on the 5th of September and continues through the week.

MILL OF JUSTICE GRINDS

The grist mill of justice was working pretty steadily yesterday just for a change. There were several parties given unadulterated happiness in the shape of divorce packages and there was an important civil suit before the court.

The suit of Cornelius Wallace vs. J. S. Evans was before the court. Evans and Wallace were formerly in the hardware business at Oakland City. Wallace sold out his interest to Evans and he now thinks he was flimmed in the deal. He sues Evans for fraud. The prosecution was concluded, Judge Welborn not giving a decision.

HALEY GETS AN INVITATION

A farm wagon with two men hung up on Broadway near West street about midnight last night and the outfit stood at the side of the street some little time.

The men appeared to be fumbling around in the wagon and Officer Haley walked down to see what the trouble was. He found two men occupying the wagon to which was attached a pair of x-ray plugs.

Haley inquired: “Whatcher doing here?”

The men acted as if they were in a terrible hurry to get started on the road home and were so busy getting fixed that they did not heed the question. The officer told them to get a move on and as the wagon rolled down to the corner one of the men suddenly turned around and blurted out, “Go to ——, Dan Haley!” The officer made no reply and walked off meditating as to whether or not he should accept the invitation.

Originally Appeared Here

PETA is asking fans of the popular beer brand and its beloved mascots to think about the tail end of their relationship – literally.

Aug 15, 2023 3:32 pm EDT | Updated Aug 15, 2023 3:34 pm EDT

NEWARK, NJ — When many people think of Budweiser, they are likely conjuring up images of its iconic team of Clydesdales, which have been part of the Anheuser-Busch legacy for more than 80 years. But People for the Ethical Treatment of Animals (PETA) is asking fans of the ubiquitous beer brand and its beloved mascots to think about the tail end of their relationship – literally.

To mark the 90th anniversary of the Budweiser Clydesdales this year, PETA has launched a campaign against a controversial procedure that its members claim Anheuser-Busch is performing on the horses who serve as the face of Budweiser: tail docking.

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What is tail docking? According to the American Veterinary Medical Association (AVMA), the procedure involves amputating the distal part of the boney part of the tail – which PETA claims is being done either with a scalpel or with a tight band that stops the blood supply to the tail, causing it to die and fall off.

The AVMA elaborates on the procedure on its website:

“Docking traditionally has been performed to prevent the tail of the horse from interfering with harness and carriage equipment. Specifically, if a rein passes under the horse’s tail the horse may clamp its tail down and cause the driver to lose control of the horse. Docking may also be used to improve cleanliness of the tail and to make harnessing easier. However these justifications are not universally accepted … The Animal Welfare Council of Belgium conducted a review and concluded that tail docking was not necessary for draft horses; consequently it supported a national ban. Docking has also been described as cosmetic in the veterinary literature. Welfare concerns appear to relate less to the pain that might be caused by the procedure, and more to the surgery being unnecessary and reducing the tail to the extent that it cannot be used to fend off flies and biting insects. The intact tail is also useful to the horse for displays of mental and physiological states (e.g., estrus).”

The procedure is banned in 10 states and several countries around the world.

PETA has launched a boycott campaign against Anheuser-Busch, demanding that the company stop docking the tails of its horses. It can be seen online here.

As part of the ongoing campaign, PETA has paid to erect a billboard at 350 Route 1 and 9 South, just across from the Anheuser-Busch brewery in Newark. It reads: “Hey Bud, Whassup With Amputating Horses’ Tails – Budweiser, End Tail Docking Now!”

“Budweiser must be a few cans short of a six-pack if it thinks people will look the other way while it disfigures horses to sell beer,” PETA senior vice president Kathy Guillermo said.

“Until the King of Tears stops this cruel practice, PETA is calling on everyone to break with Bud,” Guillermo added.

Patch reached out to Anheuser-Busch seeking comment about PETA’s boycott. We will update this article with any reply we receive.

Anheuser-Busch has previously responded to PETA’s claims by saying the health of its Clydesdales was a “top priority,” Newsweek reported.

“Combined with our highly trained staff of professional caretakers, we partner with an equine medical expert to ensure out animals receive the highest level and quality of care,” a company spokesperson told the St. Louis Post-Dispatch.

Here’s what the company has to say about its iconic Clydesdales on its website:

“From the Prohibition era to Super Bowl commercials, there is perhaps nothing more iconic in Budweiser’s storied history than its team of Clydesdale horses. More than just a mascot, the Clydesdales have been an integral part of Anheuser-Busch for more than 80 years … Today, the Budweiser Clydesdales continue to be an enduring symbol of the brewer’s heritage, tradition and commitment to quality, making hundreds of appearances across the country each year.”

The Budweiser Clydesdales reside at the Anheuser-Busch breweries in St. Louis for public viewing. Visitors can also see the Clydesdales up-close at Warm Springs Ranch in Boonville, Missouri, the company says.

Send local news tips and correction requests to eric.kiefer@patch.com. Learn more about advertising on Patch here. Find out how to post announcements or events to your local Patch site. Don’t forget to visit the Patch Newark Facebook page.

Originally Appeared Here

Central Methodist University has welcomed several new members of the faculty ahead of the start of classes on August 21, all eager to get started connecting with students. Multiple new professors are returning to campus after having been students or teachers at Central before.

This year’s additions to the faculty include Erika Gotfredson, Cody Smothers, Karl Wehmhoener ’07, Madison Bishop, Tara Brackman ‘98, Sonya Fuemmeler ’93, and Dawn Sublette.

As an assistant professor of English, Erika Gotfredson will teach literature, film, first-year composition, and advanced writing courses. She says she has always loved reading and remains fascinated by how stories can help people make sense of the world and interact with those around them. She is also “thrilled” to be back in the classroom after taking time away from teaching to finish her dissertation.

“I love teaching, and I’m excited to be teaching a wide range of classes for the English department this semester,” said Gotfredson. “I’m most looking forward to getting to know my students and supporting them in their personal and academic growth.”

Cody Smothers will also be joining the English department and is set to teach composition courses. He first became interested in teaching as a master’s student and hopes to at some point serve on committees to help improve student access to writing and learning resources.

“I enjoy brainstorming with students and seeing their writing and projects take shape and seeing the journey they take to get to that finished product,” he said. “I look forward to meeting and getting to know my students and their writing and research interests, especially as it relates to their backgrounds, hobbies, and pursuits.”

A 2007 graduate of Central, Karl Wehmhoener will be returning to his alma mater to fill a multi-faceted role as a professor of communications. He will be teaching classes in public speaking, audio production, and online journalism and says he’s looking forward to beginning this new stage in his life and career.

Wehmhoener credits a former political science professor for his interest in communications, as he learned, “if you don’t know what is going on in the world, you don’t know how it will affect you.”

CMU’s new assistant professor of business and accounting, Madison Bishop, is familiar with the University’s classwork from a student’s perspective, having taken dual credit in high school and online courses in college. Bishop will be teaching classes on business, computer applications, and management and says she is excited to get involved on the campus in other ways in the future.

“I’m looking forward to interacting with students from different backgrounds and learning from their points of view,” she said.

Returning to Central after two years away is Tara Brackman, who resumes her role as a physical education professor. A 1998 graduate, she taught at her alma mater from 2011 to 2021 before leaving to serve as director of the Boonville Alternative Program, while also teaching P.E. and health and coaching multiple sports.

“I am looking forward to getting to know the college students and developing a good rapport with them again at this level,” said Brackman.

Another Central alumna returning to her alma mater is Sonya Fuemmeler, who steps into the position of director of the Master in Educational Administration Program. The 1993 graduate will be teaching an undergraduate course in psychology of the exceptional child and a graduate course for directed clinical experience.

Fuemmeler, who just completed a 30-year career in public education, says she first became interested in being an educator while in junior high and had many teachers who inspired her to chase her dreams of educating others. Now, she’s excited to get to spread that inspiration to the next generation of teachers and administrators.

“I am most looking forward to sharing what I have learned throughout my career to help grow new teachers and principals and helping them on their journey to lead our future,” she said.

Rounding out the incoming faculty is Dawn Sublette, who will be teaching in the occupational therapy assistant (OTA) program. As an OT herself for more than 30 years, Sublette is excited to help build a foundation for future healthcare providers, especially those who will be working in rural areas.

“After meeting with many current educators that have been at CMU for many years, I am excited to learn from them and become part of the learning community so I can continue to grow personally and professionally,” said Sublette.

Originally Appeared Here

THROWBACK NIGHT SET FOR AUG. 26

Sporting Kansas City will continue the club’s 2023 MLS regular season campaign on Saturday, Aug. 26, when the San Jose Earthquakes visit Children’s Mercy Park on Throwback Night. The highly anticipated occasion will see Sporting celebrate the 10-year anniversary of its 2013 MLS Cup season, headlined by the halftime recognition of several fan favorites including Matt Besler, Benny Feilhaber, Chance Myers, Paulo Nagamura, Jimmy Nielsen, Ike Opara, Seth Sinovic and other members of the championship team. Tickets for the 7:30 p.m. CT matchup are available at SeatGeek.com While supplies last.

SEASON TICKET DEPOSITS FOR SALE

Sporting Kansas City season ticket deposits are on sale now for the 2024 MLS season. Exclusive Season Ticket Member benefits include a free subscription to MLS Season Pass on Apple TV, complimentary away match tickets, access to VIP events and presales and more. For additional information and to place a season ticket deposit, click here.

SKC II HOSTS MINNESOTA ON SATURDAY

Hot off a 6-1 home win over Portland Timbers 2 on Sunday, Sporting Kansas City II will return to Rock Chalk Park on Saturday for a 7 p.m. CT showdown against Minnesota United 2 in Lawrence, Kansas. Tickets for the match are available at SeatGeek.com as head coach Benny Feilhaber’s men continue their Western Conference playoff race.

SIGN UP FOR SPORTING SLAM PICKLEBALL TOURNAMENT

Registration is now open for Sporting Slam, Sporting Kansas City’s inaugural pickleball tournament on Thursday, Aug. 31. All proceeds from the event will go to The Victory Project, Sporting’s philanthropic foundation that helps children overcome all of life’s challenges. Sporting Slam will take place at Chicken N Pickle South (5901 W 135th St., Overland Park, KS 66223) and sign-up is limited to 24 teams (players must be at least 18 years old). For more information about the tournament, including prizes for winners, visit SportingKC.com/sporting-slam.

ACADEMY PRESEASON CONTINUES

Five Sporting Kansas City Academy teams at the U-13 through U-19 levels will continue their preseason preparations this week ahead of the 2023-24 MLS NEXT campaign. On Saturday, the U-15s and U-17s will host the Seattle Sounders at 9 a.m. and 11 a.m. CT, respectively, while the U-13s and U-14s will host Lou Fusz at 1 p.m. and 3 p.m. CT. All four matches will take place at Swope Soccer Village in Kansas City, Missouri. The U-19s, meanwhile, will travel to meet St. Louis City SC at 11 a.m. CT Sunday at Missouri Soccer Park in Boonville, Missouri. Follow @SKCAcademy on Twitter and visit SportingKCAcademy.com for Academy news and updates throughout the year.

SPORTING REC LEAGUE REGISTRATION OPEN

Registration remains open at two locations for the Sporting Rec League fall season, which welcomes youth players from pre-K to second grade:  Compass Minerals Sporting Fields in Kansas City, Kansas (1500 N 90th St.) and Garmin Olathe Soccer Complex in Olathe, Kansas (10541 S Warwick St.). For more information and to sign up a player, visit skcrecsoccer.com.

Lastly, supporters can visit MLSstore.com until 10:59 p.m. CT tonight for 20% off all online orders by using the offer code ’20MLS’ at checkout.

For news, videos, photos and instant updates from the club, follow Sporting Kansas City on Twitter, Instagram and Facebook and download the official Sporting KC app.

Originally Appeared Here

MODOT is asking for your input in the proposed upgrades and changes for Interstate 70 from Kansas City to St. Louis, including the intersection of Kingdom City and HWY 54 heading towards the Lake Area.

Officials will be holding a series of public information meetings where residents can attend and get more information on the plans to improve I-70.

In the meetings MODOT hopes to get feedback on planned projects and be able to answer any questions related to staging, timelines and construction delays.

The closest meetings to the Lake area are Wednesday September 6th in Columbia and Thursday September 7th in Boonville.

 

Full details:

The Missouri Department of Transportation is inviting the public to preliminary information meetings to learn more about MoDOT’s Statewide Improve I-70 Program. Missouri’s FY2024 budget from the General Assembly signed into law by Governor Parson provides $2.8 billion in General Revenue for the costs to build a third lane of Interstate 70 across the state. The program will plan, design, construct, reconstruct, rehabilitate, and add three lanes in each direction on approximately 200 miles of I-70, from Blue Springs to Wentzville.

The public is invited to attend the informational meetings to learn about the proposed plan and next steps for I-70. Please note these are open house style meetings, and no formal presentations will be made. The public can attend the meetings anytime during the advertised hours, and the information will be the same at each location.

MoDOT is currently in the planning stage of the Improve I-70 Program. MoDOT engineers will share preliminary information about the goals for improving I-70, possible construction schedules for the 200 miles, and next steps. MoDOT is interested in gathering feedback from the public regarding I-70’s current condition, construction staging, and other general comments they may have. Public input is important ahead of the design phase of the work.

For those who are unable to attend a meeting in person, an online comment form is available at www.modot.org/public-involvement. The comment period online will be open from Monday, Aug. 28, through Friday, Sept. 22, 2023. The open house meeting dates, times and locations are as follows:

• Monday, Aug. 28, 2023, 4 p.m. to 6 p.m. – Wentzville City Hall Board of Alderman Meeting Room located at 1001 Schroeder Creek Boulevard, Wentzville, MO.
• Tuesday, Aug. 29, 2023, 4 p.m. to 6 p.m. – Warren County Administration Building located at 101 Mockingbird Lane, Warrenton, MO.
• Wednesday, Aug. 30, 4 p.m. to 6 p.m. – Concordia Community Center located at 802 S. Gordon Street, Concordia, MO.
• Thursday, Aug. 31, 5 p.m. to 7 p.m., Jonesburg Elementary School Gym located 106 Smith Rd., Jonesburg, MO.
• Tuesday, Sept. 5, 4 p.m. to 6 p.m. – Jackson County Fire Protection District Education Center located at 4715 W U.S. 40 Highway, Blue Springs, MO.
• Wednesday, Sept. 6, 5 p.m. to 7 p.m. – Battle High School Auxiliary Gym, located at 7575 St. Charles, Rd., Columbia, MO.
• Thursday, Sept. 7, 5 p.m. to 7 p.m. – Hannah Cole Primary School Gym, located at 1700 W. Ashley Rd., Boonville, MO.

Access for people with disabilities is available. People with disabilities who require special services at the public meeting should notify Improve I-70 Communications Coordinator, Lairyn McGregor, by Monday, Aug. 21, at 816-607-2152, so arrangements for those services can be made. For more information, call MoDOT at 888-ASK-MODOT (275-6636) or visit www.modot.org. To receive the latest statewide news and text alerts, signup for e-updates.

#ImproveI70

Follow MoDOT: Facebook | X (Twitter) | Instagram | YouTube

Originally Appeared Here

Two new art shows open in downtown Springfield on Aug. 4, featuring fiber art and photography, and you can see them both during First Friday Art Walk.

There are 13 venues open for Art Walk, a monthly effort in which galleries and businesses line up arts-related events across downtown. Everyone is encouraged to walk around the neighborhood and pop into galleries in what organizers call a “self-guided tour.”

Venues are open for variable hours between 5 and 10 p.m.

Fiber, photography take center stage at SRAC, Fresh Gallery

The Springfield Regional Arts Council presents “With Every Fiber” at the Creamery Arts Center (411 N. Sherman Parkway). This show is dedicated to fiber arts, fashion, illustration of costume design, costume and wearable art. The opening reception, which includes complimentary refreshments, is from 5-7 p.m.

Artists include Lisa Eggleston and The Daffodil Dye Company. Eggleston is a natural dyer and quilter, using cotton that is hand-dyed with plant matter like pomegranate peels, madder root, black walnut, hibiscus and avocado skin.

The Springfield Regional Art’s Council show “With Every Fiber” features artists like Lisa Eggleston and The Daffodil Dye Company. (Photo: Springfield Regional Arts Council on Facebook)

Fresh Gallery (401 N. Boonville), meanwhile, debuts its 2023 Fresh Gallery Photography Show during Art Walk. It features some of the best local and regional photographers. You can enjoy the artist reception and award ceremony from 6-9 p.m. If you can’t make it to First Friday Art Walk, you’ll have more chances to see the show. It will be open through Aug. 31.

Hotel Vandivort, Obelisk Home present solo shows

Deana Markus is the featured artist at Hotel Vandivort (305 E. Walnut St.). This self-taught artist has been seriously creating art since 2011. She uses colored pencils, oils, acrylics, watercolors, ink, charcoal and pastels in her work, which will be on display in the hotel’s lobby.

“I find it thrilling to create paintings of beautiful objects and the natural world that reach out and touch my soul,” Markus said in a press release. “I began by using colored pencil and enjoy that medium immensely. As I began to develop my personal style I found I needed additional medium to express what my spirit wants to share.”

Artist Deana Markus is the featured artist at Hotel Vandivort during August’s First Friday Art Walk. (Photo: First Friday Art Walk)

Kurt Caddy also uses several mediums in his art. His show “(see) to (SEE)” is on display at Obelsik Home (214 W. Phelps St., Suite 101). There you’ll find paintings, raku-fired pottery, kintsugi bowls and live-edge furniture.

“(Caddy) employs the use of rich color and deep texture to create works of art that draw the viewer into a deeper aesthetic experience brimming with beauty, wonder, and, on occasion, mystery,” a press release reads.

Artist Kirk Caddy’s show “(see) to (SEE)” will be on display at Obelisk Home during August’s First Friday Art Walk. (Photo: First Friday Art Walk)

Enjoy live music at Formed: An Artist Collective, the Downtown Church

The August featured artist at Formed: An Artist Collective (210 E. Walnut St.) is Alicia Mau. You can enjoy her work — and refreshments — while listening to music from Tony Menown from 6-9 p.m. Mau is a Springfield-based mixed media artist inspired by nature and the human form, with a desire to work as eco-friendly as possible.

“If she’s not in a river or flea market searching for her next piece to create something new, she’s painting live at weddings, events and shows,” a press release said.

Alicia Mau is the featured artist at Formed: An Artist Collective at August’s First Friday Art Walk. (Photo: First Friday Art Walk)

There will also be live music at the Downtown Church (413 E. Walnut St.), which is making its return to First Friday Art Walk. The Springfield Community Jazz Ensemble will entertain the crowds while they enjoy popcorn, lemonade and kids’ activities from 6-8 p.m.

Other venues for August’s First Friday Art Walk are:

For more information, visit the official First Friday Art Walk website, or find them on Facebook.

Jeff Kessinger

Jeff Kessinger is the Reader Engagement Editor for the Springfield Daily Citizen, and the voice of its daily newsletter SGF A.M. He covered sports in southwest Missouri for the better part of 20 years, from young athletes to the pros. The Springfield native and Missouri State University alumnus is thrilled to be doing journalism in the Queen City, helping connect the community with important information. He and wife Jamie daily try to keep a tent on the circus that is a blended family of five kids and three cats. More by Jeff Kessinger

Originally Appeared Here

This extended dry period that we are experiencing has led to slow pasture growth and reportedly low hay yields. Due to this, producers are starting to seek out alternative feed options for their cattle. A group of regional and state specialists at the University of Missouri Extension would like producers to consider these five general options moving forward:

Stretch feed supplies.

You can do this through a mix of both grazing management and reducing hay waste. The design of your hay feeders will play a critical role in reducing hay losses during feeding. Cone-shaped feeders with sheeting around the bottom are shown to provide the largest reduction in hay waste. You should also consider limiting the amount of time that livestock have access to the hay—this reduces hay demand. You could also provide supplements that help make up for necessary nutrient needs based on forage test results.

Find alternative feeds.

The University of Missouri Extension specialists are urging producers to look in the varieties of grain and grain by-product feeds. Using that in combination with limited access to hay can help provide the proper nutrition while also stretching your forage supplies. Crop residues or a failed corn crop provide additional forage options.

Check toxicity of alternative feedstuffs.

Testing your forage is extremely important because drought-stressed summer annual crops can develop a nitrate toxicity issue. Your test results will not only show you the nitrate levels, but will help you determine alternative feeding options. Be cautious when purchasing hay because it may not be high quality and may contain toxic plants such as poison hemlock, hemp dogbane, milkweeds or perilla mint.

Prepare for the fall.

Whether we are prepared for it or not, fall is right around the corner. Now is the time to start preparing to apply nitrogen in August to promote fall tall fescue growth—that is if we ever make it out of our current drought conditions. Give those pastures rest to allow fall growth to accumulate.

If conditions warrant a complete renovation, weed control and winter annual smother crops can be planted.

Cull herd.

This is not an option that many like to consider, but it sometimes is a necessary one. It is recommended that you have a plan in place on how you want to reduce the number of livestock that you have to feed. You want to start with the obvious culls—open, old, ornery, those calving out of sequence, etc. Pay attention to how the body conditions of your cows look, and make sure to wean calves as soon as that body condition starts to decline. Weaning a calf can reduce dry matter intake requirements by 6 to 7 pounds per cow per day. Consider tax and other financial conditions with this option.

These are not the only options that you have a producer. However, whatever option that you do go with will require some management necessities to work through. Survival strategies will be based on an individual operation’s resources, finances, and production system and goals. But we are in abnormal times and maintaining current management techniques may not be warranted.

Reminder: Drought management meetings are scheduled for July 24 in Boonville, and July 27 in Windsor.

If you have questions on any of these options, please feel free to contact Gene Schmitz by email at schmitze@missouri.edu or by calling the Pettis County Extension Center (660) 827-0591

Originally Appeared Here

By Brandon Butler
DRIFTWOOD OUTDOORS

The long, hot stretch of summer we’re in now is a good time to explore creative outdoor pursuits. With most hunting seasons still on the horizon and warm-water fishing opportunities not at their peak, use these dog days to try something outside the box.

Bowfishing for invasive Asian Carp, gigging bullfrogs from farm ponds, or snorkeling with a speargun for rough fish. These are not the normal fishing or hunting activity, but they can be a lot of fun and rewarding. Night fishing is another option.

Don’t let the heat keep you out of the outdoors. There are plenty of ways to enjoy time fishing or hunting right now, you just might need to do it closer to dawn or dusk. Here are a few adventures to consider this time of year.

Bowfishing Asian Carp

The Illinois River bear Peoria put aerial bowfishing on the map. The vibration of a motor makes the invasive carp jump out of the water. While the fish are airborne, archers try to shoot them out of the sky. This is a fun and exciting way to shoot carp, but usually isn’t too effective at stacking up numbers. To really put a dent in the carp, bow fishers shoot cruising fish at night from boats with elevated platforms surrounded by spotlights aimed at the water. Bowfishing the Asian carp filled Illinois River and some of its tributaries, like the Fox River, should give bow fishers all the shots they desire. For a guided trip, check out www.peoriacarphunters.com.

Spear Fishing

Labeled spear fishing in the regulations book, this sport is a combination of hunting under water and fishing with a gun. It’s legal all year long in Kentucky for rough fish on lakes with a minimum of 1,000 surface acres. All fish species not listed as a sport fish in the regulations ae considered rough fish, like carp, gar and drum. The daily limit is 15 fish, of which only 5 can be catfish. To shoot fish in Kentucky, one must be completely submerged underwater. Divers are required to display a surface flag.

Gigging Bullfrogs

If you’ve never tried frog legs, don’t knock them until you do. A fresh set, fried or sauteed, is a wild game culinary treat. Nebraska’s statewide frog season opens Aug. 15. West of U.S. Hwy. 81, frog season is open all year. Frogs are found in most lakes, ponds, reservoirs, rivers and marshes where you find aquatic vegetation. You can take frogs with your bare hands, a fishing pole, a net or a hand line. You need a fishing license to take frogs. The daily bag limit for game frogs is 8 with a possession limit 16.

If you can’t wait for fall to start hunting again, there are opportunities out there open right now. Predator hunting, especially for coyotes, is a popular option. These next two are little known opportunities.

Wisconsin – Milwaukee County Rabbits

City rabbits dipped in buttermilk and coated in seasoning fry just as well as country rabbits. In Milwaukee County, where the rabbit population is robust, the season is open all year. The hope is hunters will help reduce the rabbit numbers. The Milwaukee area may not be the first place you think of for rabbit hunting, but those in the know have filled more than one game bag with urban cottontails. Rabbit hunters need a small game license. With very little public land in Milwaukee County, hunters will need to obtain private property permission. There is more open land in the southern portion of the county.

Kansas – Squirrels

Kansas doesn’t give their squirrels much of a break. The season is open from June through February. Taking a few summertime bushytails is a great way to scratch the hunting itch that always seems to intensify in August. According to KDWP statistics, the Glaciated Plains Region of the state in the northeast corner is the primary squirrel hunting zone in Kansas. Benedictine Bottoms WA near Atchison is a 2,112 acre wildlife area in the flood plain of the Missouri River that’s best known for waterfowl, but does have a healthy population of squirrels. The daily bag limit is 5 and the possession limit is 20.

See you down the trail…

Originally Appeared Here

The late great Warren Smith, who founded SNWMF in 1994, enjoying a moment with his wife Gretchen Franz at the intimate Village Stage at SNWMF. This year Franz has taken over the festival in honor of Warren, who spent the better part of his life bringing roots reggae music to the people. (Lee Abel photo)

By Kat Gleason

The widely revered Sierra Nevada World Music Festival returns to the Mendocino County Fairgrounds in Boonville next weekend, June 16-19.

It’s been five long years since the last SNWMF, first put on hold due to the illness and subsequent death of beloved founder Warren Smith, and thwn the pause continued during the CoVid years.

This will be the 26th rendition of SNWMF, which traditionally is a celebration of the founding artists of ska, rocksteady and reggae artists blended with an always unique sampling of world music artists, many of whom Warren Smith discovered on his own global explorations.

Anyone who has been to this festival will tell you that although patrons come for the music, it is the culture of community and the beauty of gathering under the banner of “One Love” that brings people to attend from near and far on an annual basis.

This event serves as a family reunion, an important time where like minded people can get together and share milestones. Not having it happen the past five years has been painful for many, making this year all the more sweet.

Festival producer Gretchen Franz has dedicated this year’s Festival reunion to her husband Warren Smith. “It’s bittersweet,” said Franz. “Bitter because he won’t be physically present…sweet because SNWMF 2023 is for Warren. I think it’s the best tribute that we could pay him. And he would love it!

“Warren conceived of SNWMF to showcase the many artists he knew in Jamaica whose music he believed we all needed to hear. He expanded that vision to music from across the globe.

“Warren presented conscious music with a message of unity. He believed music transcends boundaries and shows that our similarities are much greater than our differences…

“SNWMF has always been dedicated to ‘Nuturing a world family peacefully United in celebration of the universal spirit of music.’

“To me, Franz continued, “the gathering of our generational community is testament that Warren achieved his vision. And now, we need this more than ever.”

Franz described the beauty and magic of event at the Mendocino County Fairgrounds. “The natural beauty is just stunning! Nestled between the rolling hills of old growth, the Mendocino County Fairgrounds is just a beautiful spot to gather.

“That and the community that gathers makes it magical; the artists, radio, press, personnel and patrons, and the positive vibes they all bring…the international food, the arts and crafts…

“And the music is certainly part of the magic. This year alone Luciano, Burning Spear, Beres Hammond and Derrick Morgan are all performing, those are four Kings Of Reggae music.

“Malian Bassekou Kouyate & Ngoni Ba are not to be missed. They just performed at the London Philharmonic and prior to that at the Kennedy Center in DC.”

Other legends performing include Soul Syndicate, Johnny Clark, The Clarendonians and Norma Fraser. The younger generation is also represented with Protoje and the latest Reggae Grammy winning Kabaka Pyramid. The opportunity to see all of these acts in one venue is a rare opportunity in the world.

Grammy Nominated singer “Jah Messenger” Luciano, who is headlining Friday night, was recently named one of the top 200 singers ever by Rolling Stone Magazine. In a recent interview on KTKE radio Luciano said “I’ve been to all the festivals all over the place…in all my years, SNWMF is definitely one of the outstanding festivals. You see the camping, the merchandise, the food, it is a community in motion.”

When asked what drove him to creating music, Luciano said, “The people need the music, the energy…we believe that Love is the Universal Language, it has no boundary, no color. We believe in love for all people, one God, one Aim, one Destiny. We are all in this together…The music can heal the world.”

SNWMF is a family friendly event with dedicated family camping and a kids village that includes a bouncy house, kids games and workshops, and roving entertainment that will delight kids big and small.

Boonville received a friendly nickname of Boomville due to the famous late night Dancehall where music selectors and chanters join together to create a scene common in the streets of Jamaica.

This year the sound in the Dancehall will be run by Willits based Royal Sound and Lighting, a now large stalwart of festival sound founded by friends who have been attending, creating and playing music at NorCal Festivals for decades. For those who like to continue dancing past the sound curfew, the silent dance hall will continue until nearly dawn.

SNWMF is three day festival that offers on site camping, allowing people to fully immerse themselves into the experience for the entire weekend. For those who cannot commit to all three days, or who prefer to commute in, single day tickets are available both at local outlets including the  Mendocino County Fairgrounds office, Ukiah Natural Foods and Cloverdale Wellness and on the website http://www.SNWMF.com

Anderson Valley residents qualify for a locals discount on both weekend and single day passes. The discount applies to those with photo I’d for tickets purchase at the Fairgrounds office.

SNWMF is designed with two stages, the main one on the lawn with the bleachers and the more intimate Village stage in the Redwood Grove. In between the two stages there are multiple food booths featuring an array of international offerings. Vendors are sprinkled generously throughout the venue, offering a wide variety of clothing, handmade artifacts, jewelry, drums and plenty of other unique Global artifacts.

James Snidow, a DJ on KLLG 97.9 of Willits, had such an amazing time at SNWMF in 2009 that he ended up moving to Mendocino County.

“I moved up here from Southern California in 2010.  I fell in love with Mendocino when attending first SNWMF at Boonville in 2009 but my first SNWMF was in 1997. This is my 19th year of 26th years attending.

“As a radio Reggae DJ I know Reggae has the power to bring people together and this festival does just that,” said Snidow.

“We are celebrating Warren’s legacy and the musical gifts he brought us. Gretchen brought us light which had been dimmed by CoVid.  She gives us our favorite thing to rejoice again.   I’m most looking forward to seeing Johnny Clarke play, he’s an amazing performer.”

“SNWMF as a team really loves Boonville,” said Franz. “We believe in what we are doing…This is a labor of love of some incredibly dedicated, gifted and hardworking folks who after five years picked up the mantle in January to present SNWMF 2023.

“They have done an amazing job. I am so proud of Warren Smith for staying the course and remaining true to his values no matter how difficult the path. We hope you all come out to enjoy the weekend with us.”

 

 

Originally Appeared Here