| Soil and Water Commission to meet
The Missouri Soil and Water Districts Commission, along with the Missouri Association of Soil and Water Conservation Districts, will hold a joint meeting at 10 a.m., Monday, Nov. 26, to hear reports on district assistance, the cost-share program and other business. The meeting will take place during the Soil and Water Districts Annual Training Conference in Salon A, Tan-Tar-A Resort, Osage Beach.The joint meeting will be followed by a regular business meeting beginning at 1 p.m. in Salon A. The commission will also hear reports as well as reviews, requests and an appeal.People requiring special services or accommodations to attend the meeting can make arrangements by calling 1-800-361-4827 or (573) 751-4932. Hearing-impaired people can contact the program through Relay Missouri at 1-800-735-2966.
Hangin' with Henrietta
My mother was Italian — a Catholic — and my father was a German-Jew," explains Henrietta, her blue eyes wide under two pencil-thin brows. "Back in those days, when I was a kid, people didn't believe in mixed marriage. So when I came along and I was a gay boy, my grandmother said, 'See what happens when you mix blood.'" Henrietta is a mix, all right — 60-plus years old, full of sass and class, and topped by a five-inch quaffed bleach-blond wig, which is not quite a beehive but can easily be mistaken for one, complete with bangs and an elaborate Flock of Seagulls-esque flip that frames the right side of her blushed cheek. She offers a man-handful of stories à la South Beach, aged for about 50 years and served straight up. "I haven't been out of drag since 1958. In '58 I changed and that was it." Henrietta sits comfortably in a black fur-lined blouse and matching slacks at the tiki-theme Bungalow Bar at Twist (1057 Washington Ave., Miami Beach).
Czech Vice Premier Jiri Cunek steps down
Prague - Czech Deputy Prime Minister Jiri Cunek resigned from his government posts Wednesday as he had promised last week. Cunek said on November 1 that he would resign as vice premier and minister for regional development because the chief state attorney wants to reopen an investigation into allegations that he had accepted a bribe of 500,000 koruny (26,965 dollars) in 2002. He however remains the leader of the junior ruling Christian Democrats and a senator. Cunek's year-long career in national politics has been marred by scandals. His fall was also sparked by a Czech Television report, according to which Cunek deposited 3.5 million koruny in three banks in 1998, at a time when his family was receiving various welfare benefits. Cunek, who built his political career on fighting welfare system abuse, did not break the law by drawing the benefits, but his financial dealings have been seen by fellow politicians and commentators as unethical and unjustifiable.
Area volunteers are crucial during holiday season
Lorinda Neerhof had a lot to do to transform the Aurora Medical Center gift shop into a winter wonderland. The gift store's open house on Nov. 20 was the first time customers saw the Christmas stock and the store decked out for the holidays. Neerhof, who has been volunteering for the gift shop for three years, said she especially loves volunteering over the holiday season. "It's just so festive and happy and cheery," she said. "It's a good time of year." But it is not a good time for all. There are many needs in Oshkosh with companies leaving the city and increasing poverty rates. However, people like Neerhof are finding ways to make it a happier holiday for all, said Vicki Drabandt, program director of the Volunteer Center of East Central Wisconsin's Oshkosh office.
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