Latest news with #ShowMeState
Yahoo
15-05-2025
- Politics
- Yahoo
Missouri voters may decide on abortion law in 2026 referendum
MISSOURI — Missouri voters may be asked to decide the fate of abortion in the 'Show Me State' for a second time. Using a series of procedural moves to end the discussion, the state Senate advanced a measure to put the question back in front of voters. Last fall, Missouri voters approved codifying abortion in the state's constitution. Missouri's Republican super majority has proposed modifying state law to only allow abortion in certain medical emergencies or in cases of rape or incest. This new measure would also ban gender transition surgeries, hormone treatments, and puberty blockers for minors, which are banned under current state law. This measure has already cleared the Missouri House. The new referendum would go before voters in November of 2026 unless Governor Mike Kehoe calls a special election sooner than that. Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed.
Yahoo
06-05-2025
- Health
- Yahoo
How to spot venomous snakes in Missouri: Safety tips for summer
MISSOURI – With spring is full swing and summer not too far away, those that frequent the outdoors are bound to see more snakes slithering in the Show-Me State. Snakes come out to play during the spring rains, more daylight and warmer temperatures. For those of us who plan to hike, bike, camp, or just explore outside, especially in tall grass or wooded areas, be prepared to encounter different species of serpents that call our region home. It's important to learn how to identify Missouri's venomous versus non-venomous snakes. The best advice from outdoor experts and conservationists, no matter the species, is to leave them alone to protect your health and theirs. According to the Missouri Department of Conservation (MDC), Missouri is home to nearly 50 species and subspecies of snakes. Only six of them are venomous. In the video above, Ozarks First's Bailey Strohl breaks down the three main venomous species we see in the Ozarks, as well as how to determine if it's non-venomous or venomous, and what to do if you encounter one. The following information comes from the Missouri Department of Conservation and the MU Extension. Eastern Copperhead This is Missouri's most common venomous snake, according to MDC. Their colors vary from gray-brown to pink-tan and have hour-glass shaped bands of darker colors. The belly will typically be a mix of dusty gray, tan, and black. Copperheads will vibrate their tales when alarmed. Their venom, though, is considered mild when compared to others. Still, if you are bitten, seek medical treatment. Northern Cottonmouth The northern cottonmouth is also known to locals as the water moccasin. MDC says it gets its name from the white-colored lining of its mouth. It opens its mouth wide when alarmed, and can deliver a fatal bite. Cottonmouths change from looking similar to a copperhead when young, to a more dark brown or black color as they age. It is a semi-aquatic snake and can often be seen in or around water. Timber Rattlesnake According to MDC, the Timer Rattlesnake is Missouri's largest venomous snake, ranging from 36 to 60 inches long. It will bite if harassed, dealing a dangerous bite. Anyone bit should seek medical attention immediately. Their bodies are typically tan in color with a mix of dark and rust-colored marking from the head and down its back. The tail has a large rattle at the end. Non-venomous vs. Venomous Eyes – The pupils of a venomous snake's eyes are vertical slits. The pupils of nonvenomous snakes' eyes are round. If you need to get a closer look at they eye, still make sure to stay a safe distance away. According to the MU Extension, snakes cannot strike farther than 1/3 of the length of their body. Pit – This is where pit viper's get their name. Venomous snakes have this sensory area on each side of their head. The pit looks similar to a nostril and is located in between the eye and the nostril. Scales – When you turn a snake on their belly, you will see one of two different tail patterns that can determine if the snake is venomous or non-venomous. The underside of venomous snakes will have a single row of scales. Non-venomous snakes, on the other hand, will have two scale rows. Watch where you step Snakes thrive in areas that are well-covered and where food is good supply. When out hiking or exploring, be sure to keep an eye on the ground and be watching for something slithering. According to MDC, snakes prefer out-of-the-way places where they can hide and stalk prey. Around your home, you can often find snakes living or lingering near: Firewood stacked directly on the ground Gardens and flower beds with heavy mulch Untrimmed shrubs and shrubs growing next to a foundation; Unmowed and unkempt lawns Pond and stream banks with debris and trash Cluttered basements and attics with a rodent, bird or bat problem MDC recommends in the event of a snakebite, seek medical attention immediately. If you cannot positively identify the offending species as non-venomous, call 911. Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed. For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to KOLR -
Yahoo
01-05-2025
- Yahoo
What's in a name? For these 7 Missouri towns, inclusion on 'bizarre' list
What's in a name? If you live in or around certain Missouri communities, perhaps a laugh, an eye roll or a long story. On a recent refresh of its state-by-state features, World Atlas tallied up "7 Bizarrely Named Towns" in the Show Me State, the "quirky communities (that) also prove that Missouri's first settlers may have had a slightly mischievous sense of humor." For the residents of these towns, and/or long-term Missourians, the article might elicit little surprise. But it's worth digging into these names a little further along with World Atlas. County: Camden Population: Around 120 What's behind the name: The moniker "supposedly derives from the excitement felt by its discoverers after looking so hard for the waters' source," World Atlas notes. County: Pemiscot Population: Around 350 What's behind the name: The "subject of much local debate," the name is sometimes assigned to a local turtle. But "the more likely explanation is that it's a misspelling of the family name" Coutre that belonged to a group of French Canadian settlers, the article explains. World Atlas continues: "Whatever the case, the name itself certainly draws attention for a slang term that we won't get into here (you can always look it up!), with day trippers visiting to grab a selfie standing next to the town sign." County: Polk Population: Around 900 What's behind the name: The community was "named in honor of an early settler named James Human in the mid-19th century," World Atlas tells readers. County: Johnson Population: Around 2,800 What's behind a name: "Knob Noster owes its title to two local topographical features," World Atlas explains: "prominent 'knobs' (or hills) in the otherwise flat surroundings" and the "Noster" part of the name is translated from the Latin for "our," meaning "our hills." More: 2 mid-Missouri communities make list of Missouri's 'friendliest little towns' County: Texas Population: Around 2,900 What's behind the name: "Despite what you might be thinking, Licking owes its unusual name to a natural salt lick in the area where wildlife once gathered," World Atlas notes. County: Cass Population: About 4,600 What's behind the name: According to World Atlas, in the late 1860s, a list of potential town names was rejected, one-by-one, for their use elsewhere; "in exasperation, the local postmaster reportedly said he didn't care what they called it, so long as it was something 'peculiar.' " County: Henry Population: Around 80 What's behind the name: The postmaster strikes again: "Legend has it that it a local postmaster, frustrated after being charged an extra 50 cents for a watermelon, called the shopkeeper a 'tightwad,' " the article notes. Read more on these town names at Aarik Danielsen is the features and culture editor for the Tribune. Contact him at adanielsen@ He's on Twitter/X @aarikdanielsen. This article originally appeared on Columbia Daily Tribune: World Atlas chooses 7 most 'bizarrely named' Missouri towns
