JEFFERSON CITY – Under Missouri’s Graduated Driver License Law, seat belt use is required for young drivers.  It is a primary offense. Unfortunately 34 percent of Missouri teens don’t buckle up. To lower that percentage, law enforcement will be out in full force March 15-31 to crack down on unbelted drivers and save lives.
One in four Missouri traffic crashes involves a young driver. Between 2010 and 2012, 243 teens (15-19) were killed in traffic crashes. Of those killed, 78 percent were unbuckled.
“Many drivers take the attitude that ‘it will never happen to me,’ especially teens, but fatal crashes happen every day to all types of people,” said Leanna Depue, chair of the executive committee of the Missouri Coalition for Roadway Safety.  “Law enforcement will ticket teens who aren’t buckled up.”
Missouri will also continue to educate teens on the importance of buckling up through statewide seat belt programs, such Battle of the Belt and Team Spirit.
 “The best way to reach teens is through their peers,” said Depue. “We’re asking teens to help save the lives of their friends by reminding them to buckle up every time they get in a car.”
For more information visit saveMOlives.com, or find us on Facebook and Twitter at Save MO Lives.  Buckle up and ARRIVE ALIVE.

JEFFERSON CITY, Mo. – A service member of 25 years, Command Sgt. Maj. Will Pierce achieved his ‘greatest honor’ recently when Missouri’s adjutant general appointed him as the state command sergeant major of the Missouri National Guard.

As the Missouri Army National Guard’s top enlisted Soldier, the position is crucial to organization’s success, said Maj. Gen. Steve Danner, the adjutant general.

“As we know in our history, when Baron von Steuben was with George Washington in Valley Forge and wrote the first manual arms for the United States Army, he’s the first one to establish the NCO academy – the chief caretaker of troops and trainer, ” Danner said. “The torch has been passed to our new state command sergeant major, and I look forward to working with Command Sgt. Maj. Pierce directly.”

Pierce succeeded retiring Command Sgt. Maj. James Schulte, who served in the position since October 2009, during a change of responsibility ceremony on Saturday at the Ike Skelton Training Site. Family members and friends were in attendance to mark the transition, which included a ceremonial passing of a non-commissioned officer’s sword.

Pierce, who lives in Camdenton, Mo. with his family, was previously the state logistics sergeant major. He said he would focus on maintaining a culture of “disciplined, well-trained individuals with integrity to lead the Missouri Guard in the future.”

“The true test for success is, ‘Would I trust men and women in company, battalion, and brigade leadership positions to take my own son into combat?’ ” he said.

He asks the question hypothetically, but his son Will J. Pierce, a 15-year-old freshman at Camdenton High School, plans to join the Missouri Guard when he is of age.

“It’s an honor to have my dad go that far,” said Will about his father’s appointment as the top noncommissioned officer in the Missouri Guard.

Pierce’s wife, Kim, said her husband is well-prepared for the new position.

“The past 25 years have been preparation for this,” Kim said. “He’s always done a great job. I watched him go from a young E-3, all the way to sergeant major, and now state sergeant major.”

His daughter, Kara Pierce said she is proud of her father.

“I always knew he had the potential, but seeing it fall into place is incredible,” Kara said “He’s worked really hard and he deserves it.”

Will Pierce joined the Army in October 1987 as a supply specialist. Upon completion of his enlistment, he was recruited into Company F, 735th Support Battalion in Springfield where he eventually became an Active Guard Reserve unit supply sergeant. He later became a combat medic and was selected to be the unit readiness noncommissioned officer in 1996.

In 2003, Pierce deployed to Fort Riley where he served as the first sergeant for Headquarters Support Company, 205th Medical Battalion in support of Noble Eagle. He deployed again in 2005, this time to Iraq as the command sergeant major for the 110th Combat Engineer Battalion. His third deployment was in 2007 when he returned to Iraq with the 35th Engineer Brigade.

Kara Pierce said that all the struggles of having a parent in the military were worth it.

“He’s been gone off and on,” she said. “It was always hard, but I always knew he was doing it for a noble reason. He was out protecting us and protecting the country, serving everybody before himself.”

For more information about the Missouri National Guard, please visit www.moguard.com and our social media sites: www.facebook.com/Missouri.National.Guard; www.twitter.com/Missouri_NG; www.youtube.com/MoNationalGuard; www.myspace.com/missouri_ng; www.flickr.com/photos/missouriguard; www.moguard.com/blog; www.pinterest.com/monationalguard/

JEFFERSON CITY, Mo. – The Missouri National Guard honored Command Sgt. Maj. James Schulte during a retirement ceremony on Saturday at the Ike Skelton Training Site.

Schulte, who served in a wide variety of positions including drill sergeant and state command sergeant major during his 43-year career, was a model leader and trusted advisor, said Maj. Gen. Steve Danner, the adjutant general.

“You’ve got to have someone that you feel comfortable with and that you feel gives you the best advice,” Danner said. “And that’s what Command Sgt. Maj. Schulte has done these last years, not only professionally but as a friend.

“When I needed somebody to talk to, or discuss some tough decisions with, I always knew I could turn to my senior enlisted advisor and we could sit down over a cup of coffee and really talk about what we had to do, why we had to it, and why it was best for the Guard as a whole. That’s been a comfort to me and I really appreciated that.”

Several groups, including command sergeants major from neighboring states, honored Schulte’s distinguished career.

“Jim was always the voice of reason,” said Command Sgt. Maj. Richard J. Burch, a former command sergeant major of the Army National Guard. “Trust me, when we got in a room full of state command sergeants major, there was plenty of bias, there was plenty of attitude in the room. But you could always count on Jim to be the calming voice in the crowd – the voice of reason – to ground everybody to reality.”

During his retirement speech, Schulte talked about the return of the Citizen-Soldier to a place of prominence and respect in the public eye..

“We all know where we were Sept. 11, 2001,” Schulte said. “It’s a day none of us will ever forget. It’s a day that changed us, changed our country.”

Schulte praised the service and commitment of those who wear the uniform today.

“A basic commitment is six years,” Schulte said. “Everybody here today has volunteered or re-enlisted knowing they were going to get the call and that they were going to serve their country overseas. And we’re still at over 100 percent strength. I couldn’t be more proud of this organization and all of you in it.”

Schulte honored fallen Missouri Guardsmen – Sgt. 1st Class Michael T. Fuga and Sgt. Denis D. Kisseloff – saying they embodied greatness for volunteering to serve in a time of war.

He also talked about Spc. Junior Bombard and Sgt. Tim Bridges who rescued a 93-year-old woman whose car was swept up in flood waters during the 2011 southeast Missouri floods.

“Without a moment’s hesitation, two of our Soldiers stopped their Humvee, ran the wench cable out, and waded out into that current and rescued her,” he said. “They never thought twice about the risk.”

He talked about Spc. Dennis Osborn, an off-duty Missouri Guardsman who, during the Joplin tornado, helped people get to the safest places in a Home Depot before he lost his life.

“Warriors don’t go where they’re needed because they hate what’s in front of them,” Schulte said. “We go because we love what’s behind us more, because this country is worth it.”

Schulte, of St. Louis, assumed duties as the state command sergeant major – the top enlisted position in the Missouri Army National Guard – on Oct. 15, 2009. During a change of responsibility ceremony earlier Saturday, Command Sgt. Maj. Will Pierce officially succeeded Schulte as the Missouri Guard’s next command sergeant major.

“It has been my honor to serve all of the Soldiers in Missouri. I want to thank them and thank Maj. Gen. Danner for giving me this opportunity,” Schulte said. “Sgt. Maj. Pierce is an excellent choice and will provide the leadership needed as the organization continues to move forward.”

Schulte enlisted in March 1970. He completed basic training and infantry training before being assigned to drill sergeant duties in the U.S. Army Reserve. His assignments in the Missouri National Guard have included training and operations at battalion, brigade and state headquarters levels as well as battalion command sergeant major. He has served two combat tours in Afghanistan, first as an embedded trainer to the Afghan National Army and on the advance team for the first Agribusiness Development Team.

Schulte has two children and resides with his wife, Janelle, at the Sand Spring Ranch in Callaway County.

For more information about the Missouri National Guard, please call 1-800-GoGuard or visit www.moguard.com.

Join us for the Lake of the Ozarks Pub Crawl, the State of Missouri's Largest Pub Crawl this Saturday February 16th  2013.

The Lake West Chamber will have a booth at the Overland Park Boat Show representing your chamber to potential visitors and bringing attention to the Westside of the Lake. If you are in the area stop by and say hello. The Overland Park Boat Show is January 24-27.

Eggs & Issues (3 Chamber collaborative event) sponsored  this quarter by Camdenton Chamber: Thursday, January 31 at Lake Valley Country Club. Breakfast at 7 a.m. Please open this flyer for details and registration form. 573-346-2227

OSAGE BEACH, Mo. — The Women of the Evangelical Church of America organization at Kent Memorial Lutheran Churchin Sunrise Beach recently donated $2,579 to Lake Regional Hospital Auxiliary. The funds were raised through proceeds from the organization’s annual cookie sale and donations from Thrivent Financial for Lutherans. The sale raised $1,830, and Thrivent Financial added $749. The money will go to the Ethel Rayburn Nursing and Health Care Scholarship Fund, which awards scholarships to students pursuing nursing or health care careers.

 “The Ethel Rayburn scholarship fund provides area health care students financial support to continue their education,” said Terri Hall, Lake Regional Health System Fund Development director. “We are grateful for the Kent Memorial WELCA’s continued support of Lake Regional Auxiliary.”

In the past 10 years, Kent Memorial’s WELCA organization has raised more than $10,000 for the Auxiliary. In addition, the organization makes stuffed animals, turbans, hats and booties, which are given to patients and children visiting the hospital.

To learn more about the Ethel Rayburn Scholarship Fund or to make a tax-deductible donation, contact Hall at Lake Regional Fund Development at 573-348-8153. To learn more about volunteering with Lake Regional Hospital Auxiliary, visit lakeregional.com/Volunteer.

PHOTO CAPTION: Front row: Linda Williams, WELCA vice president; Mary Schnoring, Lake Regional Hospital Auxiliary member; Eldeen Hanke, WELCA president; Joyce Wanamaker, cookie sale coordinator. Back row: Charlie Franke, Lake Regional Auxiliary member; Frank Medved, Lake Regional Auxiliary member; Herb Parsons, Lake Regional Auxiliary member; and Terri Hall, Lake Regional Fund Development director.

First, we, at the Osage Beach Police Department and Ambulance Service want to wish everyone a safe and Happy 2013.

As we have done for over 30 years, we will be offering rides for those who have made too many toasts to the New Year.  We would like you to remember, however that the rides will be to your home and within the city limits of Osage Beach, not be from party to party.

You will also have to produce identification and may be subject to search, for safety reasons and as a matter of department policy.

These rides will be based on availability and are not meant to take the place of any sober driver programs or taxicabs.

OSAGE BEACH, Mo. — Lake Regional Health System has announced it will sponsor programming in 2013 to encourage area employers to adopt Malcolm Baldrige National Quality Award criteria as a business model.

The community program, known as a Baldrige Performance Excellence Group, is chartered by the Excellence in Missouri Foundation.

“Adopting the Baldrige business model helps employers engage their workforce,” said Raina Knox, president of the EIMF, which administers the Missouri Quality Award for leadership and organizational performance. “The result is higher performance, increased profitability and greater value for all stakeholders, including the community.”

Lake Regional Health System, a two-time winner of the Missouri Quality Award, will host the quarterly BPEG meetings and sponsor all organizations participating in the initial charter. BPEG focus areas include business, education, health care, nonprofits and local government.

“The Baldrige program teaches organizations to assess and apply quality management techniques,” said Michael E. Henze, chief executive officer of Lake Regional Health System. “It has helped Lake Regional improve processes and customer service, build teams and increase innovation. I encourage area employers to join us in this effort to create a Baldrige community of excellence.”

The quarterly BPEG meetings are designed to facilitate learning from other members and feature speakers from the EIMF, as well as Missouri Quality Award and Baldrige National Quality Award winners.

The next BPEG meeting is 7:30 a.m. Wednesday, Jan. 16, in Lake Regional Hospital’s third floor conference rooms. To participate, contact Jan Dungan, Lake Regional’s senior vice president of Clinical Services, at 573-348-8328.

JEFFERSON CITY – In consultation with the Missouri State Highway Patrol, the Missouri Department of Transportation determined Interstate 29 from its junction with I-229 (mile marker 56) in St. Joseph, Mo., to the Iowa State Line must close immediately until further notice. Drivers on I-29 should exit the highway at the next exit where they can find shelter. Continued travel in the area is dangerous.
        MoDOT also states that travel in the Northwest Missouri and Kansas City areas is not advised due to severe conditions from this season’s first major winter storm. Because of continuing heavy snowfall in the area, motorists are urged not to travel unless absolutely necessary.
        MoDOT crews are out in full force plowing snow off of major highways. Regardless, MoDOT says the winter weather makes travel hazardous and urges motorists stay put until the snow stops and roads are clear.
        Drivers can find current road conditions by visiting MoDOT’s Traveler Information Map at www.modot.org or by calling toll-free, 1-888-ASK MODOT (888-275-6636). The map is updated continuously when bad weather hits, and the toll free line is answered 24-hours a day.

Buckle Up – ARRIVE ALIVE!

DeAnne Rickabaugh, M.B.A.  MoDOT Community Relations Coordinator  (573) 751-9257v

Mariners Pier 31 along with the generous donations from Scotts Concrete and many more contributors have sponsored over 10 years of these events. Through the donations received, free meals and rooms are provided to as many as possible. We are seeking donations to help with this cause and to help promote our thanks to the armed services. There is a limit on the amount of participants, the boat cruise is a number of 145-150; the meal is up to 200 active service members. Link here for all the details and how you can make a reservation for someone you may know who is serving in the military.

NEW Sportsmen & Recreation Expo Coming Soon to Lake of the Ozarks

Lake Ozark, Mo. (February 16-17, 2013) – Lake Area Chamber of Commerce will host the first Lake of the Ozarks Sportsmen & Recreation Expo at the Lodge of Four Seasons exhibition hall, featuring outdoor and leisure-related exhibits.  
The two-day Expo created by the Lake Area Chamber of Commerce will feature displays and seminars on camping, fishing, landscaping, gardening, kayaking, boating and much more.  Hours are 9 a.m. – 5 p.m. Saturday and 10 a.m. – 3 p.m. Sunday.  
“We are excited to be bringing a new expo to the Lake Area and are looking forward to all the exhibits being presented,” stated Wendy White, Director of the Lake Area Chamber of Commerce.  “One of the exhibits we are excited to see is the Missouri Department of Conservation’s fishing and hunting simulator.  We believe this will be a big attraction for the young at heart.”  
If you are interested in having your business featured at the expo, contact the Lake Area Chamber of Commerce for the Early Bird Discount, before December 15th.    
More detailed information and a schedule of events can be found at www.lakeareachamber.com or by calling (573) 964-1008.  
The Lake Area Chamber of Commerce is a nonprofit, membership-based organization with more than 550 members ranging from home-based businesses to large corporations.  The Chamber proactively serves as a business advocate to strengthen the business climate in the Lake Area.  To learn more about or join the Chamber, please contact (573) 964-1008 or visit www.lakeareachamber.com.

"Larry's on the Lake will be open this Friday and Saturday at noon. Larry's on the Lake, Pier 31 Road or 31 MM, 573-873-5227.  Tell Them you saw them on LAKE TV.

Lake Regional Health System is accepting applications for the 2012 Winter Nursing Camp, scheduled 8:30 a.m. to 3 p.m. Dec. 27-28, at Lake Regional Hospital in Osage Beach. The camp is designed for high school students and adults who are interested in pursuing nursing careers. Throughout the two-day camp, participants will gain an understanding of nursing fundamentals as they visit nursing units, job shadow experienced nurses, learn about state-of-the-art equipment used daily by nurses and interact with staff. Students will be encouraged to ask questions and learn new critical thinking skills.  Students also will gain hands-on nursing experience in the interactive and challenging skills lab. Using the training equipment, they will learn the proper technique for inserting intravenous catheters, performing head-to-toe patient assessments, checking blood pressures and more.  The camp is free, but class size is limited. To download and print an application and additional information, visit lakeregional.com/events and click on Winter Nursing Camp. Applications must be postmarked or hand delivered to Beth Pettitt, R.N., BSN, BSBA, at Lake Regional Hospital by Monday, Nov. 26. For more information, contact Pettitt at 573-348-8060 or This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.

Eldon Christmas Festival & Parade

Phone: 573/392-3752 Start off the Holiday season with a festival, parade, crafts and food to celebrate "A Time For Giving"

Location: Festival at the Community Center; Parade starts at Hight School
Time: Parade on Saturday at 2 PM
Cost: Free admission, bring can goods for special drawings
Other Dates: November 16th to November 17th

Festival of Trees & Wreaths-Camden County Museum

Phone: 573/346-7191 Donated decorated trees and Wreaths on display throughout the museum for silent auction. www.camdencountymuseum.com

Location: Camden County Museum, Linn Creek, MO
Time: 9 AM-4 PM
Cost: Free Admission
Other Dates: November 12th to December 17th