On the Street

The Missouri Department of Agriculture warns motorists to use caution when refueling this winter. The potential for electricity-related incidents at gas pumps increases during cold and dry weather conditions, the department says. Gasoline vapors can ignite after an individual re-enters the vehicle during fueling, slides across the seat and returns to the nozzle. The static might discharge at the fill point, causing a flash fire. According to the Petroleum Equipment Institute (PEI), 161 cases of static electricity fires have occurred in the U.S. to date. The department offers these tips: do not re-enter the vehicle; turn off the engine during refueling; never light a cigarette at the pump; and never let a child pump gas. In the unlikely event a static fire occurs, leave the nozzle in the fill pipe and back away from the vehicle.

Smoke-free profits

The first Missouri city to pass a smoke-free restaurant ordinance is reporting increased restaurant sales in the first full year the law was enforced. Maryville’s sales for eating and drinking establishments grew 11.4 percent from June 2003 to June 2004, more than double the sales of eating and drinking establishments statewide, which reported 5.3 percent growth the same period. The Missouri Department of Health and Senior Services report, released Dec. 23, attributed some of the growth to improvement in the city’s general economy. Springfield passed a similar smoke-free ordinance in July 2003 and Greene County health officials have reported similar sales increases in Springfield (9.32 percent) for the first three months the ordinance was in effect, compared to the same time the prior year. Some restaurant owners refuted the results.

Nengajoo wishes

Kickapoo High School Japanese language students are sending traditional Japanese New Year’s cards to students in Springfield’s sister city of Isesaki, Japan. Called nengajoo, the post cards are hand-made or can be purchased at post offices in Japan and are sent to thank someone for kindness or to extend best wishes for the new year. The cards usually have a picture of an animal that represents the new year; 2005 is the year of the rooster. Japanese language teacher Carrol Lund’s students have sent their nengajoo creations to students at Isesaki Municipal High School and are looking forward to their sister city students sending nengajoo to them after the winter break.

Slice of Nice

The Nixa Community Foundation is accepting nominations for Nixa Citizen of the Year. The award will be presented at the foundation’s fifth annual banquet on Feb. 15, along with presentations of more than $40,000 in grants and other community recognition awards including Chamber Member of the Year, Firefighter of the Year, Police Officer of the Year, Teacher & Staff of the Year. For more information, call (417) 725-1545.

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