Many emergency response organizations are tracking the H7N9 avian influenza outbreak in China in case the virus spreads outside Asia. This article summarizes the situation, announces a webinar scheduled for 2 May 2013 and a community preparedness exercise being scheduled by the Disaster Resistant Communities Group for September.

The Sheriff's Auxilary will be providing a tutorial session at the upcoming USAPrepares expo in Lebannon, Missouri  (6-7 April) on how to start a county Sheriff's auxiliary. This will be a nuts and bolts presentation on the type of paperwork needed, staffing requirements, how long you can expect it to take, how to write the mission statement and so forth, with access to additional resources.

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.