Throwback Thursday (09.12)

1969: Who Pays the Price for Soil Erosion

The rains have come and the rains have gone, and so has thousands of tons of good Clinton County soil. Some of the soil has eroded to other locations in the county. Other (soil) has left the county for good and is scattered from Clay County to the Gulf of Mexico. Regardless of the location, it usually is left in a most undesirable place. 

Soil erosion is one of the many hazards of farming. We don't question that erosion, as shown in picture 1, is costing the farmer. He pays a high price for this type of erosion in crop loss, soil nutrient loss, depletion of top soil and in machinery costs. 
It is not only the farmer that pays for erosion though. Every tax payer, and we hope that includes about everyone, shares in the cost in some way. One example of this is shown in the second photo. The cost of maintenance from this kind of erosion is staggering whether it is on the County, State, or National level. While driving over Clinton County after the Spring rains, some of you might have wondered: How many tax dollars  would it take to replace the culverts and bridges? How many tons of gravel to replace the gravel that had washed away and how many extra man and machine hours would be needed for putting up with this kind of erosion. 

It has been estimated that on the average, it would cost less than five cents per cubic yard to clean it out of the ditches, navigation channels, etc. Therefore, it seems logical we should be spending more tax money on erosion control rather than trying to learn to live with it. 

This is one of the best times of the year for applying practices to eliminate erosion. The soil and Water District of Clinton County has been working with several farmers the past month who are doing their share to cut down erosion. Those listed on the Honor Roll as conservation farmers this month are: Michael Quigley, Donald Kincaid, Lawrence Gibson, George Morse, Alton Pickett, Jack Clark, Tommy Thomas, Dannie Delaney, Bill Arnold, and Richard Barman. Let's have your name on the honor roll next month.

1989: Porter Wins Trophies

The Missouri Ruralist sponsored a new feature at the Missouri State Fair this year called "Best of the Best." It recognized the best restored antique tractors in Missouri. Trophies were awarded for the best restored on steel, best restored rubber, and the oldest tractor.
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Warren Porter, a member of the Lathrop Antique Car, Tractor and Engine Club won the trophy for the oldest tractor and the trophy for the best restored on steel with his Model D, 1919 Moline tractor.

Warren is pictured here with his trophies and tractor.

2009: East Buchanan Homecoming

EBHS seniors Jennifer McCoy and Tyler Parks were named the 2009 East Buchanan High School Homecoming Queen and King Friday evening.