Longtime Radio Personality Marv Luten interviews guests, shares community updates, National and Local sports and more.
The Marv in the Morning Podcast is a production of O’Quinn Media. For information on being a guest or sponsor, email tracy@oquinnmarketing.com or marvinthemorning53@gmail.com
— Automated Transcript —
**The Marv in the Morning Podcast**
Welcome to another episode on the Fort Lost in the Woods podcast site brought to you by Bales Construction, The Bank of Crocker, Paul’s Furniture, Shelter Insurance Agent Dave Hall of Richland, Saint Robert Auto Supply, Seger Toyota, the Pulaski County Health Center, STR Glass of Saint Robert, VFW Post 3168 of Lake Way, and TK’s Pizza.
Well, we’re going to start with the happenings in the Mideast and beyond, but not get into a whole lot of these specifics. For those, you’ll need to turn on the news or get the info online and not on social media because it’s blowing up with all the a’s and nays of the US and Israel’s attack on Iran.
It was not long ago when President Donald Trump was campaigning for his second term, and even in his first term, campaigned as the president of peace. He spoke about, and I’m paraphrasing here, staying out of conflicts around the world and making America great again. Remember that?
Well, the public has found out what our President says one day is not necessarily what he’s going to do the next day. Now, I understand developments in other places sometimes dictates what a leader of a country needs to do. And Trump felt it necessary to push Iran’s button because the nuke negotiations were not going as fast or the President wanted them to go. So, the US and Israel’s military struck Iran, killed their supreme leader and several other high-level officials in the Iranian government.
The US is looking for a change in the leadership of Iran, and even the Democrats agree with Trump on that. About a month ago, the US captured the president of Venezuela and forced them into a different regime. He even got a Nobel Peace Prize as a gift from what could be the future president of Venezuela. She had won the prize but gifted it to Trump, which he accepted. He’s long for that peace prize and accepted it with gratitude, saying if anyone deserves a Nobel Peace Prize, it’s him because all the conflicts around the world he ended.
I’m not too sure about that, but what I think this latest attack on Iran, he probably shot any chance of getting a peace prize right in the butt. Only time will tell how this ends, but keep our military in your prayers because they’re the ones in harm’s way, not the politicians in DC making these decisions.
We’re into the third month of the year with the meteorological start of spring, even though on the calendar it does not arrive until the third week of the month. I mentioned, I think, in the last episode, one of the telltale signs of spring was the return of the Robins. I did see a couple of those birds in the yard this last weekend and also heard and saw more geese honking their way back north from their winter vacation in the warmer weather.
The afternoon highs this week have been nice for the most part, and we got some well-needed rainfall. That means it’s about time to get the lawnmowers ready, folks. It will take a few weeks, but the grass is already starting to turn that glorious color of green. Today on the podcast, we are taking you to the Pulaski County Health Department.
And find out about some of the things coming up here in Pulaski County that many can, but sometimes do not, take advantage of. And a lot of it is paid for by the government. So it’s free for the county residents. The administrator of the Health Center, Deborah Decker, joins us next.
Are you tired of all the games the other furniture stores play? At Paul’s Furniture, we’ve got the biggest name brands at the guaranteed lowest prices. You come in, you’re going to see that price on it. The next time you come in, it’s going to be the exact same price because we always have the best deals, the best prices, and the biggest name brands with free delivery. We’re going to do whatever it takes to earn your business at Paul’s Furniture. That’s what’s made us the number one furniture store in Pulaski and Phelps County for the last 30 years. If you’re tired of the games that others play, come see us at Paul’s Furniture.
When you’ve been in business since 1939, and when you do the math, that’s 85 years, you’re doing something right. Bales Construction in Waynesville has been doing things right for a long time, and that continues today. Bales Construction has rapidly grown from being Pulaski and neighboring county’s top residential builder to one of Missouri’s largest commercial general contractors. Today, they specialize in construction of educational and healthcare facilities, but their excellence in building does not stop there, completing an extensive number of projects such as banking, retail, industrial, civil, multi-family, food service, hospitality, transportation, and municipal projects. Their offices in Waynesville and Springfield, Missouri, allows Bales Construction to cover a large portion of Central and Southwest Missouri. Explore their website and see what Bales can build for you.
Hold up. This is good. If you haven’t been to Seger Toyota of Saint Robert, you’re missing out. This is the place where buying a Toyota actually feels good. Great selection, friendly faces, and zero, I said zero awkward pressure. It’s why drivers keep voting us Pulaski County’s number one dealership four years in a row. So, whether you’re ready to buy today or just ready to smile, come by Seger Toyota of Saint Robert, doing it the right way, the Seger way for over 56 years. Come see what all the talk’s about. Seger Toyota of Saint Robert, the fun starts here next to Walmart and at Seger Toyota.net.
**Pulaski County Health Department**
Today on the podcast, we are going back to the Pulaski County Health Center, and we have the administrator of the Health Center with us, Debra Decker. Again, thanks for joining us again on the podcast.
Debra: I’m always happy to join you.
Marv: It’s always fun when we get together because we talk about so many things that the Health Department has for this county, and some of it is not taken advantage of hardly at all. And we’re going to, we’re going to get into that. But before we get into that, I want to ask you, of course, about the current status of COVID, um, and the flu season. How has the flu season been here in Pulaski County?
Debra: It’s extremely heavy this year. Um, they’ve been seeing a lot of confirmed flu rates. And, uh, I know doctor’s offices are inundated. My daughter’s been sick this week, tried to go to the doctor, and they were so full that if you were under 18, they weren’t taking you in the walk-in clinic. So, it’s, um, it’s, we’ve seen not only influenza, um, there’s been some COVID, it’s not been as heavy as influenza. I think it’s B is the one that’s the highest this year. Um, but several other viruses that’s not influenza or COVID, so it’s, there’s a lot going around this, this, uh, winter.
Marv: So, we can’t put COVID on the back shelf yet.
Debra: No, it’s still here. Um, but it’s seemed a little bit more mild. Influenza has been a lot stronger, symptoms a lot worse this year. So, it’s, it’s still around, it’s probably not going anywhere, and it’s going to continue to mutate like influenza does. Um, influenza actually is a coronavirus as well. Um, they’re just different types. And so, I’m sure it’s going to continue to mutate and it’ll be around, um, but luckily it’s getting weaker.
Marv: And, of course, you expect it, um, the flu bug.
Debra: Yes.
Marv: You expect that every year.
Debra: Every year.
Marv: Every year, which is why we tell people, I don’t care what RFK Jr. up there in Washington, D.C. says, get your shots.
Debra: Yes.
Marv: Because that will, and I mean, I had mine this year, and that’s wood we’re knocking on, baby. Um, I’ve, I’ve, I’ve dodged that bullet. I’ve had a couple of colds, but I think everybody gets a cold in the winter.
Debra: They do.
Marv: And that’s something. Everybody says, oh man, you’re going to get, you’re going to get a cold, you’re going to get flu if you go outside with a wet head after you get out of the shower and it’s cold outside. That’s bunk.
Debra: It is.
Marv: Everything is a, it’s a virus. It’s a virus. And you can’t get a cold by going outside with a wet head in cold weather.
Debra: Right. You, you’ll come in contact with that virus somewhere and and pick it up. So.
Marv: You might get frozen hair.
Debra: Right. You could get frostbite. There’s other things that come with along with cold. But, yeah, you’re going to come in contact with a virus for those cold and and flus that are going around.
Marv: So, is the flu season on the downfall right now, you think, or?
Debra: Actually, this time of year is when flu season is always at its worst.
Marv: Really?
Debra: Oddly enough. They start flu vaccines typically August, September, October time frame is heavy, but this is the worst time of flu season every year. So, um, that’s why often times people are high risk and especially the elderly population, they will do a second vaccine, um, just to boost it up. But a lot of times it’s not uncommon for February to be the biggest flu month.
Marv: I’ve had, um, a cold this year. My wife has, and it seems like this whatever bug, uh, the cough just hangs on and hangs on like maybe two weeks after your cold symptoms are gone, you’re still coughing and gagging.
Debra: Yeah, I’ve known several people. We’ve had a couple of people at the office that have had the same issue. They feel better, but the cough won’t leave. And so, there is something one of the bugs going around is doing that.
Marv: And, of course, there’s the measles.
Debra: Yes.
Marv: How bad are we with the measles here in Pulaski County?
Debra: Um, we have not had any that I’m aware of. I know there’s kind of been some exposures on occasion, um, just with travel. But we, we are not seeing seeing much right now. We’re watching it. Um, but, you know, a lot of those, they flare up because as people are going more into the anti-vax, um, and are not vaccinating, we do lose some of that immunity. And so, things that were eradicated are coming back. Um, we’re seeing mumps that are showing up on the East Coast. Um, so that’s, that’s a little bit scary as well. But that vaccine is together, the, it’s the MMR, which covers measles, mumps, and rubella. And so, we’re starting to see where people aren’t vaccinating, we’re starting to see some of those diseases come back.
Marv: I noticed in the national news, um, Missouri was always one of the states that was colored red, uh, for measles outbreaks early on in the season. But we’ve not, well again, knock on wood, dodged the bullet here in Pulaski County.
Debra: So far, um, we’ve had, I know there was an outbreak, I don’t remember when it was. It’s, I think within maybe the past five years. Time flies.
Marv: Quickly.
Debra: Um, but I, I do remember there was one in Missouri, um, that originated from the University of Missouri’s campus, which is not uncommon on college campuses for outbreaks. Um, and so there was one then, but we haven’t seen anything like that.
Marv: School closures this year, have we had many school closures because of the flu?
Debra: Dixon’s the only one I’m aware of that had to close some last week. They had too many, uh, staff members and students out sick. So they closed, uh, for a few days.
Marv: So, not too bad, and now the weather hopefully is starting to change a little bit. Uh, how cold did you get at your house? Uh, what was the coldest day you had at your house this past winter?
Debra: Um, I think I tried to stay inside that day.
Marv: Well, it was pretty cold. Did your vehicles even start?
Debra: They did. One of my daughters didn’t, though. Her one of hers died when she was snowed in. But, um, I, I don’t like cold weather. So, I, if I can stay home at all, I, I do. Um.
Marv: It was a,
Debra: But I, I wear ski pants when I go out when it’s really cold.
Marv: Well, when we had that 20 below, we hit 20 below at our house, and I got up at 3:00 in the morning, and I went out. I mean, I just woke up and I said, you know, I’m not sure any of my vehicles are going to start. So, I went out there at 3:00 in the morning and I fired them up, and again, they started, and we got through it, and I had the tractors all wrapped up, so we got, we got, we dodged that bullet, and then, of course, uh, we’ve got a little bit more cold weather here. But I think, I think spring is banging on the door.
Debra: I think so. And the biggest struggle with us, I think when it’s really cold is we have giant dogs that like to be outside. And when we coop them up inside, they get really bored and, and then they drive us crazy. So, we, we are happy that when they get to go play in the yard, they are happy too.
Marv: You get that, too, huh? Yes. Ours go nuts. But again, we’ve got one that’ll just stay outside. He don’t care how cold it is.
Debra: No. We have a Pyrenees mix and so she would stay out all the time. But our Cane Corso, he, he doesn’t do cold weather.
Marv: Mine don’t like the wind. They don’t mind the cold weather, but they cannot stand the wind.
Debra: No. Mine don’t like rain either. They’ll, they’ll hold it a long time to not have to go out in the rain.
Marv: Mine, mine will come in and, okay, get the towels out because the dogs are soaked and wet. All right, let’s, uh, get to some of the stuff that’s, uh, coming up with the Pulaski County Health Center. I guess first off, you have a wellness conference coming up.
Debra: We do. Our third annual wellness conference is May 1st. Uh, we use the facility at Waypoint United Methodist Church in Waynesville. It’s, um, the church on the hill, uh, on T Highway. And they have a great facility that they allow us to use at no cost. Um, and so, it’s set up. We do have more breakout sessions this year. We have a keynote speaker coming in from Texas. He is a transformational specialist. He is a track coach, an author, and an exercise psychologist. And so, looking forward to seeing him. His book is called No More Sugarcoating: Finding Happiness in a Crowded World. And so, that’s kind of what he’s going to talk about this year. And, um, Security Bank has been our book sponsor, and so every attendee will get a free copy of his book and we’ll get to meet with him after to get it signed if they would like to do so. Um, we’ve got breakout sessions, um, that will include Cooper Crash Out as one of the topics. Um, we have progress over perfection, uh, prevention over prescriptions. Um, and then some of our, um, main speakers in the main part of the conference, um, we have Mike Dunbar actually coming in and talk about financial wellness and its effect on your mental health. Um, we have a cardiologist coming in to talk about sleep deprivation, the silent killer. And then we have another session, um, by Melissa, um, that’s turning grumbling into gratitude. So, we have a lot of topics, um, that cover, you know, nutrition, fitness, mental health, uh, financial well-being, and how that affects your, your health as well. So, um, a really wide gamut of things. We have several vendors that are coming. We’re still taking vendor sign-ups, still looking for additional sponsors to help, um, cover the cost of the event. And, um, registration just opened up yesterday. So, be watching for those links for registration. It’s $25 a person, that also covers your lunch.
Marv: And this guest speaker being a track coach,
Debra: Yes.
Marv: that will fit right into Melissa Sharp’s, uh, alley because she is your administrative assistant and she is, um,
Debra: That’s, that’s how we found, I think she’s ran with him before and she’s been on his podcast. Um, he does have his own podcast as well. And, um, so she’s like, you know, hey, I think let’s check in and see what his, his pricing is. It fit within our budget. And, um, so he’s coming to, uh, speak with us. So, and I’ve listened to some of his stuff on his podcast and it’s pretty interesting. So, looking forward to hearing from him.
Marv: Okay, let’s roll right into, uh, one of the events that probably Melissa is in charge of, and that is racing for daylight.
Debra: It is. It’s, uh, next weekend. Um, I, I always hate when she advertises this because it reminds me that the time is changing to the way I don’t like it because I lose an hour’s sleep. Um, but the racing for daylight, um, is next Saturday. It starts March 7th at 6:00 p.m. They meet at Tiger Typhoon. And they run for 12 hours. And so, um, it ends at 6:00 a.m. on Sunday, May 8th. And I think they normally, um, for those that like to stick around, I think they kind of do some type of a, a worship service or devotional, um, because most people if, if they do go to church on Sunday, they’re probably going to be tired after running 12 hours. So, that’s usually an option for runners if, if they want to stay for that. Um, but it’s, um, we take donations during that and we take gently used clothes and shoes for the fostering together closet, um, for the foster kids, or people can donate to the one sole purpose, which that’s where we help buy tennis shoes for kids in our county.
Marv: Do you know what the, uh, course route is?
Debra: Uh, I do not. It typically runs, I think, sidewalks in Saint Robert, but I, that course, that’s a Melissa question. And I don’t run for 12 hours at a time, so I’m going to be asleep for most of that.
Marv: Do you, do you run at all?
Debra: I used to. I used to. Um, but I, it was more for, um, just recreation and it was just kind of my cardio and stress relief, and then I was diagnosed with rheumatoid arthritis and my feet and ankles don’t allow me to run very far anymore. So, I do when I can, but I, um, I did do the Frog Hill, a couple, yeah, two years ago. So, I did do the 5K with, with my youngest daughter. She wanted to do it. And so, that was, that was rough because I had not, um, been working out or preparing myself. So, I, I, I on occasion I’ll do a 5K, but I have no interest in any distance further than that.
Marv: Well, if I’m going to run, I want to run from one place and get to another. I don’t want to run and come right back to where I started from because why am I doing this? Because I know why I’m doing this. It’s for your health. And, um, kind of like you, um, my legs just and my back will not allow me. If I can get done with, um, a day of cutting wood and splitting wood, I’m a happy camper.
Debra: That’s a lot of physical activity though, so that’s.
Marv: Yeah, that’s, that is a lot of physical activity, so I’ll take that over the running. We’re going to take a break and we’re going to come back and if you are a woman here in Pulaski County and even some surrounding counties, because I’m sure you don’t kick people out from other counties. Um, there is a Show Me Healthy Women’s Conference coming up. It’s absolutely free. And if you don’t take advantage of it, you’re missing out. And we’re going to talk to Deborah about that when we come back.
**Shelter Insurance**
Pick up truck, sports car, motorcycle, minivan. Townhouse, two-story, farmhouse, fixer-upper. What you drive and where you live is different for everyone. So, it’s important to have insurance that fits your needs and is just right for you. At Shelter Insurance, we understand that, which is why our agents help you design a comprehensive auto, home, and life insurance plan. Insurance that fits just right. For a free insurance review, auto, home, life, farm, or business insurance, see me, Dave Hall, your Shelter Insurance agent in Richland.
**STR Glass**
In these days of texting and emails, words, phrases, and names are shortened to letters. It doesn’t change anything, it just makes things easier. That’s the case of STR Glass, a Saint Robert establishment since the 60s. Still the same great service when it comes to auto glass, windows, shower doors, and anything to do with glass. And when it comes to fixing chips in your windshield to prevent cracking, there’s none better. They’re still in the same location on VFW Memorial Drive and still have the same phone number, 336-4122. They’ve just shortened their name from Saint Robert Glass to STR Glass, but will never shorten their services to you, the customer.
**TK’s Pizza**
Remember when pizza night meant piling into the car and heading to your favorite local spot, everyone enjoying great food and spending time together? Well, at TK’s Pizza, we’re happy to say that tradition is still alive and well. Family-owned and proudly serving the Pulaski County area for 47 years, TK’s still makes every pie the old-fashioned way. Fresh hand-tossed dough, hearty toppings, and plenty of love. Call 573-336-FAST, order online at 336fast.com, or just come on in to 743 Missouri Avenue in Saint Robert, the same little spot we’ve been throwing dough for decades. TK’s Pizza, where neighbors become regulars and every slice feels like home. Taste the TK’s tradition today.
**Pulaski County Health Department Continued**
Back with Deborah Decker, administrator of the Pulaski County Health Center. Uh, before we get into this show me health, how is the new digs doing down there? I mean, this is what, your second year now?
Debra: It is. Uh, we love our location. The office has been great, our space is great. Our patients and clients that come in, um, have complimented and love the space. And it’s, it the location’s been great. I think it, we’re a lot busier than we ever were. Um, it’s just, it’s right off the interstate, it’s close to a lot of the other social service programs. And so, it’s, it’s been a great benefit, um, for people that have transportation issues. Um, they can kind of come and hit the locations they need during the day, um, and there’s public transportation that they can use to get there.
Marv: Yeah, I mean, it’s right behind the Bank of Crocker in Waynesville, right next to Price Cutters. You can’t miss it. Big old sign up there. Um, gonna have an open house again this year or is that, um,
Debra: Kind of in the works or down the road? We, we don’t have anything planned currently. Um, we may again to try to highlight our conference center. Uh, we do have a conference center that we rent out, um, that’s, that’s pretty inexpensive. And that was, um, kind of the goal is to have a place for education and trainings for people. We’ve had trouble finding spaces before that were affordable. If you’re a non-profit, um, or government entity, the budget’s usually pretty strict. And so, we try to have an affordable space for some, uh, smaller events and trainings and things like that. So, it stays pretty busy. We have a lot of people that, um, just have their regular monthly meetings there. We use it for staff meetings and board meetings. We’ve had, um, a photography group rented it out and did a three-day conference. So, um, it’s a really great space, um, if anybody’s interested in that. But we, we may do something to highlight that at some point.
Marv: How many people does that conference room hold?
Debra: Um, the max capacity is 164, I believe.
Marv: Okay, that’s, that’s a bunch of people. Do you have enough, you have hardly enough room to park 164 people on the parking lot?
Debra: No. Luckily there’s, there’s neighboring parking lots that we could always use if we, we had a, a big event.
Marv: Okay, show me healthy women’s conference. When is that coming up?
Debra: So, Show Me Healthy Women is actually a program that we have and it, it’s ongoing. Um, we have a nurse practitioner that comes in every Friday morning, um, to see patients and is available for them. Um, and basically to be eligible for Show Me Healthy Women, it’s income based, you have to be at or below the 250% of poverty level, um, 21 to 64 years old. Um, you can be older if you don’t have Medicare part B, um, and then have no insurance. Um, connected to that is our Wise Women program. If you’re typically, and it’s, it’s age based, but if you’re qualified for one, typically you are the other. And that one does, um, your annual wellness draws. So, that’s going to check, um, a lot of your, you know, your blood counts, it’s going to look at your lipid panels, things like that, um, to just kind of do an overall general checkup. And so, you know, if you meet the criteria, it is totally free. If you have issues with gas money to get there, a lot of times we can do some gas vouchers, um, or transportation vouchers to help you get to your appointment. Um, but yeah, they can just call and make an appointment anytime or just call to see if, if they’re eligible. Um, but it’s, it’s been a very underutilized program, um, and it’s, it’s really a gym of a program, um, because it’s free and prevention is worth its weight in gold. Um, there’s been several women come through and, um, they’ve, they’ve had what they’ve found cancerous cells and, and they’ve had, um, if you find that in early stages, your, your outcome is much, much better. And often times you end up in remission. So, um, and if you’re eligible for the program, there are additional programs you would automatically fall into with the state that helps with further diagnostic and treatment and things like that. So, um, it’s really a worthwhile program, um, for women that don’t have the insurance coverage to go to the doctor to get their wellness visits taken care of.
Marv: Okay, now you do the screening down there, but you don’t do any, then it’s referred to.
Debra: Yeah, for outside diagnostic stuff. So, they’ll, they’ll do all everything, um, there. But if they need a mammogram, ultrasounds, anything like that, we refer out and the program does pay for that as well.
Marv: Again, folks, it’s absolutely free and, um, women of Pulaski and surrounding counties, utilize this program.
Debra: And it is a statewide program. And so, um, we offer the program and you will find on occasion, um, a lot of the Health Departments offer it, but you may find some of the federally qualified health centers, um, may offer that as well.
Marv: Anything you can get free from the government.
Debra: Right.
Marv: You know, take it because if you don’t take it, they will. Yeah.
Marv: Oh, let’s see.
Debra: Yeah, we have the funds and so we definitely want to use them, um, because it’s, it’s, it’s for cancer prevention and, um, most of us have known someone with cancer and seen them suffer. So, if, uh, you know, if you can come to this free program and get your screening and try to prevent that early or catch it early, all the better.
Marv: And I want to also go back to, um, prevention because you actually have blood work that they can draw down there at the Health Center.
Debra: Yes. We have a special contract with Labcorp and so we get special pricing and so we’ve saved people hundreds of dollars. We just need an order from your physician and you can schedule appointment to come in. And we do like it scheduled because often times there’s special instructions where they have to be fasting or or certain things, um, and some, some blood work you can drink coffee and some you can’t. Um, so it’s always good to call and and talk to, um, our phlebotomy tech. Um, but yeah, we, we save people tons of money. So, you’re, you’re looking at minimal fees for that. Um, if you have an HSA account, so people that have high deductible insurance plans, um, need to pay for their blood work out of pocket, that’s a great way to save some money off your HSA is come in, get you cheaper blood work done. That’s your spending off of that, that, uh, HSA card. Um, you know, or if you’re still, you know, paying cash, it’s really, really inexpensive.
Marv: But you do need a referral from the doctor.
Debra: Yes, we would just need a, a doctor’s order. So, they can either, um, fax it to us or people can bring it in person. Um, but yeah, we just need an order from their doctor because we don’t have a doctor on staff.
Marv: So, you have a busy, uh, year coming up, I guess.
Debra: We do. There’s, uh, there’s just we’re always, always doing things. Events, prevention. Melissa always has some kind of fitness program going on. Um, we have a podiatrist actually that comes in on Fridays and, uh, she’s there every Friday morning and her, her schedule’s getting pretty booked. Um, so we, we may have to extend, extend her days out. But, um, yeah, WIC is going strong. They’re seeing, seeing lots of people. Nurses are staying busy with health screenings, testing, blood draws, things like that. So.
Marv: WIC is a busy program down there, isn’t it?
Debra: It’s a really busy program and we have a great staff. Um, they’ve been there a long time, they know the program inside and out. Um, they’re really fast. So, you can get, you know, we’re one of the fastest offices that, that we’re aware of, um, just because we have a good flow down and they’ve done it so long. So, they get people in and out as fast as they can, um, and get them taken care of.
Marv: Okay, give me your hours down there and, of course, your phone number also.
Debra: Yeah, um, we’re there Monday through Thursday, 7:00 to 4:30. And then Fridays it’s 8:00 to 4:00. Uh, phone number is 573-774-3820.
Marv: Debra Decker, thank you so very much.
Debra: Thank you, Marv.
Marv: Debra Decker, the administrator for the Pulaski County Health Center, our guest on our podcast and we’ll be right back.
**WIC**
WIC is here to help your growing family thrive. WIC is a supplemental nutrition program providing healthy foods, free nutrition education, and community referrals. If you are pregnant or have a child under the age of five, you or your child may be eligible for WIC. With a card to use at the store and more fruit and vegetable dollars, it’s a great time to be on WIC. Call the Pulaski County Health Center at 573-774-3115 to learn more. That’s 573-774-3115. This institution is an equal opportunity provider.
**The Bank of Crocker**
Since 1911, The Bank of Crocker has served the greater Pulaski County area. This year marks their 115th year. How do you last that long? Well, by giving their customers cutting edge banking services with a hometown flair. You can do your banking from anywhere in the world with their convenient online banking. At the big banks, you’re just another number. At The Bank of Crocker, they know your name, maybe some of your family, and might even know the name of the dog sitting next to you in the drive-in facility. It’s called the personal touch, which is why they’re celebrating their 115th year as your hometown bank. And there’s four locations for your convenience in Crocker, Richland, Waynesville, and Saint Robert. The Bank of Crocker, remember, FDIC and equal housing lender.
**National Sports**
Well, let’s move on to some sports. Congrats to the Dixon Bulldogs, the Lady Bulldogs, and Iberia Lady Rangers. The three Frisco leaguers all won their district titles and got the chance to move into the next round. The sectionals, a round of 16 were played earlier this week. The Dixon Lady Bulldogs won their Class three, District 8 title at Steelville with a 55-46 win over Fatima, while the Dixon boys also topped Fatima at Lakeway. This one a lot closer, 67-66, and Dixon had to come from behind to pull it off. Iberia’s Lady Rangers beat Crocker 63-49 at Richland to move on. Again, all played their sectional round this past week and we’ll get an update next time as we had to record this week’s episode a little earlier than normal because of some technical and vehicle problems at the farm that yours truly needed to take care of.
Also this week, both Waynesville teams are in their Class six districts with the boys at Marquette, the gals at Republic. More on how they fared also coming up next time. And the big news in national sports comes from NASCAR. For the first time in the 77-year history of NASCAR, the same driver has won the first three races of the season, giving his co-owner his third three-peat. Tyler Reddick won the Daytona 500, followed that with a win at the Atlanta Motor Speedway the following week, and then this past Sunday in Austin, Texas, the number 45 Toyota got the checkered flag as Reddick won the first three races of the NASCAR season, giving co-owner Michael Jordan his third win in as many tries in 2026 on the racetrack. Jordan, the NBA legend, had a pair of three-peats while with the Chicago Bulls from the 91 to 98 years as a player. Jordan and Denny Hamlin are the owners of the 2311 team. Jordan said, I put up the money and Denny puts the teams together. Quite an accomplishment.
Back to wrap it up after this.
**VFW Post 3168**
Meet you at the V is a popular saying in our neck of the woods, and for a good reason. VFW Post 3168 at Exit 150 off I-44 is a popular place, especially on Friday and Saturday night because it’s steak night from 4:00 to 9:00, where folks come from miles around to get some of the best steaks at a price that makes even the most thrifty smile. With several cuts of juicy steaks cooked the way you like, complimented by salad, baked potato, and a veggie. Their canteen is open Monday through Thursday from 3:00 to midnight, and Friday from 3:00 to 1:00, and they open at noon on Saturday and Sundays. Their kitchen is open from 5:00 to 9:00, Mondays through Thursdays with daily specials. And did I mention steak nights Fridays and Saturdays? And there’s karaoke Tuesdays through Saturdays from 8:00 to close. Plenty of TVs to catch up on all the big games and a huge meeting room for rent for your special occasions. Queen of Hearts runs every Tuesday, and check out their website for bingo nights. And every second Saturday of the month, from 12:00 noon to 3:00 p.m., they host a veteran service officer event. Lakeway VFW Post 3168, Exit 150 off I-44. See why more people are heading to the V every day.
**NAPA Parts Store**
Your NAPA Auto Parts store, Saint Robert Auto Supply, has everything you need for your vehicle and more, when you need it. NAPA brand oil and antifreeze. Windshield wipers and vehicle accessories. Plus tools and equipment for all your projects. From car covers and flashlights to car wash, air fresheners, sunshades, and glass and tire cleaner, you’ll find it all at your NAPA Auto Parts store, Saint Robert Auto Supply, just off Missouri Avenue. And get the good stuff seven days a week.
**Outro**
Well, that’s this week’s episode. Thanks to my producer Tracy for putting it together, to my sponsors, who without their help, we would not be headed toward our 100th episode, and I can’t thank them enough. Bales Construction, The Bank of Crocker, Paul’s Furniture, Shelter Insurance Agent Dave Hollon of Richland, Saint Robert Auto Supply, Seger Toyota, the Pulaski County Health Center, STR Glass of Saint Robert, VFW Post 3168 of Lake Way, and TK’s Pizza.
A big thanks to you, my podcast faithful, those who have been with me and those just coming aboard. If you’re enjoying the Marv in the Morning podcast, we invite you to leave a review on whatever app you’re listening on. We would also love for you to share the episode with family and friends on your social media accounts. Be sure to follow our podcasts on Facebook, on the Marv in the Morning Podcast page. And you’re also invited to join us on Facebook in the Fort Not Lost in the Woods Podcast group. This podcast is a production of O Quinn Media. Join me next time when we visit with some long-time coaches at the Frisco League level who are finally calling it a career. At least that’s what they tell me. Until then, enjoy the weather as we warm up and get some well-needed rainfall.
Later.