We operate in a community with some number of Latinos (3.39% of the population from the 2000 census), some of whom have little or no English skills. Spanish proficiency can therefore be a highly useful skill in emergency or disaster response. Spanish For First Responders is a handy resource with vocabulary (such as anatomy terms), phrase lists (consent, mentation, examination), and scenarios for first aid/medical response.

Since the scandal developed over the Department of Revenue's scanning and apparent sharing of identity documents on CCW application and renewal (KY3 video), many people have expressed concern, especially after the state Highway Patrol verified that CCW data has in fact been shared despite clear privacy protections in the law.

What are the first steps in starting a Sheriff's Auxiliary? How do you build the core staff? How do you establish qualifications? How do your initial officers qualify to participate when the training program doesn't exist yet? How do you determine what the responsibilities of the Auxiliary are and should be? This article is a start on answering those questions for folks in other counties interested in starting their own programs.

This article will summarize Missouri Firearms laws and is intended as a companion to our 90-minute talk (60 minutes plus questions). The talk is intended as an introduction for the average citizen and will be first given at the former Church-On-The-Loop (West side of what is now the the MARC) in Mount Vernon on Thursday 14 March 2012 at 19:00 (7pm). This article will contain the talk outline, some citations of law, and links to other resources. What is Open vs. Concealed carry? What are the rules for firearms in vehicles? What are Missouri's self-defense laws? Do I need a CCW?

There has been a lot of discussion locally about the increase in Missouri livestock theft, including recent community meetings hosted by the Cattlemen's Association. Fortunately, actual instances of thefts within Lawrence County are so far very low, but illegal activity in surrounding counties is legitimate cause for concern. Organized rustling ruins livelihoods. Insurance is expensive. The practice must be stopped.