Resources to Help Those Facing Flooding Concerns

As the flood waters recede, lots of folks are going to find water damage in places they may not have seen it before. The following resources can help with recovery efforts.

Resources for Your Flooded Home
http://extension.missouri.edu/p/MP904

Mold control
http://extension.missouri.edu/webster/mold-control.aspx

MU Extension flood resources
http://extension.missouri.edu/main/DisplayCategory.aspx?C=259

Contact me if you have any questions.

Bob Schultheis
Natural Resource Engineering Specialist / CPD
University of Missouri Extension Center - Webster County
800 S. Marshall St., Marshfield, MO 65706
Phone:  417-859-2044
E-mail: schultheisr@missouri.edu
Web: extension.missouri.edu/webster

Is that a sinkhole in my back yard?

Q: Over time, I have noticed an area of my backyard that keeps getting lower. I'm concerned about sinkholes in our area because of the number of caves we have in this area. There is a large sinkhole in a nearby field even. Who do I contact for help in determining if there is a sinkhole forming in my back yard. -- M.B., Republic, Mo.

Answered by Bob Schultheis, natural resource engineering specialist with University of Missouri Extension. Schultheis is headquartered in Webster County and can be reached by telephone at (417) 859-2044 or by email at schultheisr@missouri.edu.

In Greene County, these questions can be referred to the Resource Management Department at http://www.greenecountymo.org/resource_management/staff.php, which maintains a GIS record of all known sinkhole locations.

As a second contact, or in counties other than Greene, landowners can contact the MoDNR's Geological Survey Program at Rolla, MO at http://dnr.mo.gov/geology/geosrv/envgeo/sinkholes.htm or call 573-368-2100. They are good about timely follow-up to concerned landowners.

It is also possible to do some research on your own using the GeoStrat program at http://dnr.mo.gov/geology/geosrv/

Duckweed and Lagoons: Your Questions Answered

Contact: Bob Schultheis, natural resource engineering specialist
Headquartered in Webster County
Tel: (417) 859-2044
E-mail: schultheisr@missouri.edu

Q: In May, our family moved into a rural home with a lagoon septic system.  In the short time the house was empty, the duckweed completely covered the lagoon.  Can you tell me what steps I can take to bring the duckweed back under control?

A: First, confirm if the plants are filamentous algae (http://mdc.mo.gov/discover-nature/field-guide/filamentous-green-algae-moss-pond-scum) or duckweed and watermeal (http://mdc.mo.gov/discover-nature/field-guide/duckweeds-watermeal). If it’s the former, the lagoon is operating normally. If it’s the latter, then it needs to be removed for the lagoon to operate properly.

Duckweed and watermeal are difficult to control. The Missouri Department of Conservation aquaguide at http://mdc.mo.gov/sites/default/files/resources/2010/05/4889_2842.pdf gives instructions for chemical control of the plants. Reward (active ingredient is diquat) is most often suggested because it is least expensive. But we are seeing limited success with it on watermeal. The products below are more expensive, but provide better control. Usually more than one application is needed. Unlike ponds, it’s best to treat the whole water surface to kill the plants. Adding a septic tank ahead of the lagoon (if it doesn’t already have one) will lessen the nutrient load on the lagoon and lengthen the time before the duckweed might reappear.

Herbicide product labels and example prices

Sonar RTU: http://www.sepro.com/documents/SonarRTU_Label.pdf and https://www.lakelawnandpond.com/SonarRTU.aspx?ItemGroupID=51 and http://www.amazon.com/Sonar-RTU-Sepro-Herbicide-quart/dp/B00QXNS55K/ref=sr_1_5?ie=UTF8&qid=1432761369&sr=8-5&keywords=sonar+herbicide

Sonar A.S.: http://www.sepro.com/documents/sonaras_label.pdf and http://www.amazon.com/Sonar-AS-Aquatic-Herbicide-Pint/dp/B00HND1QXC/ref=sr_1_2?ie=UTF8&qid=1432761369&sr=8-2&keywords=sonar+herbicide

You can also skim the duckweed from the surface and compost it or feed it to livestock, but you have to be sure to remove it all (don’t leave any on the lagoon bank where it can wash back in) or it will usually repopulate the lagoon within a month.

Our lagoon guide at http://extension.missouri.edu/p/WQ402 gives more management tips.

None of these are restricted-use herbicides, so no license is required to purchase them.

For a typical 1,400 sq.ft. lagoon with a 3 ft. water depth and using Sonar RTU, you would need [1,400 sq.ft./(43,560 sq.ft. per acre x 0.5) x (3 ft. x 0.33 avg. depth) x 64 oz. per  half acre] = 4 oz. of chemical for the first application, and 2 oz. each for application #2 and #3.

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Introducing Maggie Black: New Office Manager for Greene County Extension

Contact: David Burton, civic communication specialist
Tel: (417) 881-8909
E-mail: burtond@missouri.edu

SPRINGFIELD, Mo. -- This profile of an office manager for a county extension office is part of an on-going series designed to inform area media and the public about extension staff in southwest Missouri.

Name/title: Maggie Black, office manager

Headquartered: Headquartered in Greene County

Education Background: Maggie is a proud graduate of Willard High School in Willard, Mo. After graduation, she attended Draughon Business College for Medical Office Management, and recently attended Ozark Technical Community College and graduated as a Hearing Instrument Specialist.

Relevant experience:  Maggie has 30 years of experience in medical and dental office management as well as owning her own personal assisting business. “I have always strived to be a professional and positive representation of the group or individual I work for and will be for the Greene County Extension,” said Maggie.

Job Responsibilities: Maggie’s primary responsibility is to be a good first impression of Greene County Extension when the community comes to the office or calls. “After all, you never get a second chance to make a first impression,” said Maggie. She is also a support member to all the staff as well as doing the financials, preparing soil samples, and general office duties to make the office flow smoothly and efficiently.

Why did you want to work with Greene County Extension? “The Greene County Extension office is such an important part of our community. The resources it offers is vital to our area, and I am proud to be a part of the team,” said Maggie.

What are some goals you have for the coming year? “I am looking forward to being a participant in the Great Game of Business.  I am also spreading the word about what Extension does and how it can be of help to everyone. There is a lot to learn so I am jumping in feet first and absorbing as much as possible. I want to be an asset to Extension and the communities it serves,” said Maggie.

Where are we most likely to see you in your spare time? “I am usually in a canoe on the river or in my flower and vegetable gardens. I have two grandsons who are the joy of my life with whom I spend as much free time as possible. They love the beautiful Botanical Gardens, so we use all it has to offer including the fabulous butterfly house and very kid-friendly park. I am also an amateur artist,” said Maggie.  

Contact Information: Maggie Black can be reached at the Greene County Extension Center by telephone at 417-881-8909 or via e-mail blackmag@missouri.edu.