On the Street

Deer collisions

Vehicle collisions with deer were responsible for three deaths and 322 injured people in 2002, according to the Missouri State Highway Patrol. Based on those numbers, a person was killed or injured in a traffic crash involving a deer every 1.1 days in Missouri. During 2002, 23.6 percent of the traffic crashes involving deer occurred in urban areas. Being aware of seasonal behavioral changes of deer can help motorists avoid accidents. Fall is the mating season for deer, and with the pressures of hunting and crop harvesting during the same season, motorists are likely to see an increase of deer on the roadways. The highway patrol cautions that swerving to avoid a deer can cause a more serious accident involving oncoming traffic than colliding with the deer.

United Way update

As of the Oct. 23 reporting breakfast for the 2003-04 financial campaign for the United Way, the agency reported that it has raised $2,515,554 (70 percent) of its $3,307,863 goal. United Way raises funds and distributes them to 27 health and human services agencies in the Ozarks. The campaign runs through Nov. 6.

Red Cross heads west

The Greater Ozarks Chapter of the American Red Cross is dispatching trained volunteers to the California wildfires. In response to calls for volunteers, which started coming locally Oct. 27, the Ozarks Chapter is sending one volunteer, but the state recruiter anticipates more requests as needs are assessed. More than 25,000 people have fled their homes to safety, and Red Cross is working to meet their needs. Red Cross also is operating 28 evacuation centers, as well as shelters, and providing food.

German celebration

The German-Austrian-Swiss Heritage Society of the Ozarks will meet at 1:30 p.m. Nov. 8 in the old German Evangelical and Reformed St. Peters Church (United Church of Christ), located at Pine Street and Highway 14 in Billings, which is one of the original German communities in southwest Missouri. The program will include the presentation of traditional year-end German customs using drama, song, narrative and food.

Slice of Nice

Dubinick & Meek Chiropractic at 1347 S. Glenstone is hosting a food harvest to benefit Ozarks families. On Nov. 17, existing patients who bring in five or more nonperishable food items will receive a free chiropractic adjustment. A chili lunch for donations also will be held Nov. 17. During the week of Nov. 18-21, all new patients who donate food items will receive a complimentary consultation exam, X-rays if needed and a report of findings. Appointments can be made by calling 417-887-9493. All proceeds will go to the Kitchen Clinic for the preparation of a Thanksgiving meal for families in need.