Scroll Down for Sports, Weather and Obituaries! For State-Wide News, go to the MissouriNet! To read previous editions of Your World Today please visit our Archives Page.

The National Forest Service will conduct prescribed burns in Salem and Potosi Districts from the end of February through March.  In the Salem District, the major prescribed burns will be near Lost Lake and at Marcoot near the tower. In the Potosi District, the major prescribed burns will be in the Delbridge area and at Council Bluff. Smaller prescribed burns may also be held at locations to be determined. The purpose of these burns is to re-establish fire’s natural role in the forest ecosystem, improve forest health and wildlife habitat, and reduce the threat of catastrophic wildfires. Many conditions must be met before a prescribed fire can be ignited.  The day chosen must be a combination of correct humidity, wind speed and direction; temperature, fuel moisture, and atmospheric conditions.  Factoring all these requirements limits the number of days in which a prescribed fire can take place. Trained and experienced crews direct and conduct each prescribed burn. For the next several years, there will be an increase in fuels on the forest floor as a result of the January 2009 ice storm and May 2009 windstorm.  Persons with smoke sensitivities may contact the nearest ranger district and ask to be notified of upcoming burns. The number to the Salem Ranger Station is 729-6656.

The Salem R-80 Board of Education Superintendent Search Committee will conduct a meeting tonight at the district administrative offices boardroom beginning at 7:00 pm. After approval of the agenda, the Board will move into Executive Session for the purpose of discussing personnel.

The Meramec Regional Planning Commission, in cooperation with the Meramec Community Enhancement Corporation and the Phelps County PHA Family Self-Sufficiency Program, will host a workshop on credit and budgeting in Phelps County. It will be held on February 18^th, from 2-4 p.m. at Meramec Regional Planning Commission located at #4 Industrial Drive in St. James. The workshop, entitled “To Your Credit,” will cover how your credit history will affect your credit future. The workshop will be offered at no cost and registration is not required. Persons needing more information may call (573) 265-2993 or 265-4200.

The Public Water Supply District #1 of Dent County will conduct their monthly meeting on Tuesday, February 16^th at 7:00 p.m. at the Salem Community Center located at 606 North McGrath Lane in Salem. After approval of minutes, agenda, and disbursements, they will have a general discussion and report on new business. They may then vote to go into closed session. The meeting of the Public Water Supply District #1 of Dent County is open to the public.

The Kid Connection, which is a child fair and developmental screening, will be held at the Oak Grove Baptist Church on Friday, March 5^th. The developmental screening, including height, weight and vision, will be held from children age birth to five-years old. There will be many free items and giveaways at many of the booths. The Kid Connection is FREE to children living in the Salem and Dent County School Districts. To make an appointment, call 729-2578.

A popular hair stylist who worked in fashionable salon in St. James was shot late Thursday night at her residence just south of Rolla died just before reaching a hospital in Springfield. The victim, 40-year old Tracy Weber, a Phelps county resident who lived on Phelps County Road 5010, was air-evacuated from the scene by helicopter and died en route. The alleged shooter, Weber’s live-in boyfriend Brent C. Schwertz, was taken into custody at the scene and booked into the Phelps County Jail. Even though Schwertz was arrested, specific charges levied against him were not released by the Phelps County Sheriff’s Department. Departmental personnel said no information would be released because of the ongoing investigation.

Sports [TOP]