By Derek Spellman
dspellman@joplinglobe.com
Bacteria levels in parts of Spring River and Lost Creek are high enough that the Eastern Shawnee Tribe is urging swimmers to stay out of those waters.
Parts of Center and Turkey creeks also have showed elevated bacteria levels in Jasper County.
Samples drawn from the two waterways in northeastern Ottawa County, Okla., showed excess levels of the E. coli bacteria and prompted a swimming advisory until further tests show the levels have declined, according to a release issued Thursday by the tribe.
The state has set a standard of 235 colonies per 100 milliliters of water. Samples taken earlier this week from Lost Creek near the Oklahoma-Missouri state line showed 2,419 colonies, while samples from Spring River at the Highway 10 bridge in Ottawa County had 866 colonies.
Elevated E. coli levels typically are found after heavy rains. High levels of the bacteria indicate the presence of pathogenic microorganisms that increase the risk for illness. Symptoms of such illness include nausea, vomiting, stomach ache, diarrhea, headache and fever. Minor swimming illnesses include ear, eye, nose and throat infections.
The Eastern Shawnee Tribe conducts biweekly tests of the waters for E. coli.
The Jasper County Health Department also conducts regular tests of local waterways, largely consisting of points on Center Creek, Spring River and Turkey Creek.
Samples drawn this week from 21 sites on six waterways in the county showed that 11 of those sites had colonies in excess of the 235-colony threshold, according to the Health Department.
Two points on Turkey Creek — specifically at Lone Elm and Fox Bluff — showed more than 2,400 colonies each, while another at Kenser Road had more than 1,553 colonies. A site on Spring River near County Road 270 showed more than 435 colonies, while four points along Center Creek showed bacteria levels as low as 238.2 and as high as 1,046.2.
Dry Fork at County Road 100 had 1,413.6 colonies, while Jones Creek at County Road 130 had a reading of 331.4 colonies, North Fork at County Road 210 showed 410.6 colonies.
Potential sources of E. coli include septic systems, agriculture and wild animal waste, said Tony Moehr, director of the Jasper County Health Department.
The department does not post swimming advisories at the sites after the high readings, Moehr said, because the levels fluctuate so much.
This week’s samples, for example, were gathered after rainfall. Last week, by comparison, none of the 21 sites exceeded 235. The highest reading then was 193.5 colonies at the Jones Creek site.
“They are just so dynamic,” Moehr said of the stream bacteria levels, noting they fluctuate particularly during the rainy months.
He did say the department posts its stream test results on its Web site. The department also urges people to use caution whenever they go into a natural stream, saying there is never a guarantee of water quality when it comes to bacteria in a natural waterway.
Moehr also reminded people to be aware that heavy rainfall usually leads to an increase in bacteria in streams, and that people with open cuts or sores should refrain from swimming in natural streams or waterways.
The Newton County Health Department used to regularly test a number of waterways in the county. Director Bob Kulp said the department had to discontinue that monitoring for budget reasons last year. Staff used to gather samples from about 40 sites throughout the county.
“Our budget is so tight,” Kulp said, particularly in light of the national economy.
He did say he hoped a monitoring program could be reinstituted in the future via the local watershed organizations, such as the Lower Shoal Creek Watershed Committee, which could be eligible for grant funding.
News you can use
If you do go into water with high bacteria levels, don’t get any of the water in your mouth. Swimmers should shower and wash their hands afterward, especially before eating, keep food away from the water, and clean any toys or other items brought into the water, according to the Eastern Shawnee Tribe.
Carthage, Jasper County
Tribe urges swimmers to stay clear of Lost Creek, Spring River for now
- Carthage, Jasper County
-
-
Carthage attorney, reformer of revenue department, dies
James R. Spradling, a Carthage attorney who was noted for his reform of the Missouri Department of Revenue in the 1970s, died at 5:50 a.m. Monday at McCune-Brooks Regional Hospital.
-
Steadley trust planning session attracts 40-plus Carthage leaders
Carthage officials and representatives of organizations in the community gathered Friday to start a process aimed at identifying future needs that can be addressed by funding from the Steadley Memorial Trust. Discussions were led by Ralph Ochsner, a Kansas City-based consultant hired by Steadley directors to oversee the effort.
-
Bondswoman charged with false imprisonment
A bail bondswoman from Carthage is facing a charge of false imprisonment for allegedly attempting to put a man in jail without a judge’s order, then taking him home and handcuffing him to the banister of a staircase until a friend of the man paid her his bond money.
-
Man’s last statement to be given to defendant
A judge ruled Monday that the Jasper County prosecutor must provide attorneys for Darren J. Winans with a videotaped statement co-defendant Matthew D. Laurin made about the Sheldon murders shortly before killing himself.
-
Carthage proposes 1.6-cent rise in city property tax
A drop in the assessed value of Carthage real estate will translate to an increase of about 1.6 cents in the city’s proposed property tax rate.
-
Open house to celebrate projects at courthouse
Projects completed last year at the Jasper County Courthouse will be celebrated in ceremonies Thursday in the courthouse lobby.
County officials will join representatives of local chambers of commerce and others for a ribbon-cutting and open house to mark the opening of a Route 66 display in the lobby and a new “peace star” atop the building. -
State budget cuts reduce county funds
County officials are bracing for more state budget cuts to translate into a loss of county revenues.
In an effort to balance Missouri’s budget, the state earlier this year cut the amount it reimburses county assessors for work to determine property values. The budget approved by lawmakers for fiscal 2011 calls for cutting the amount the state reimburses counties to house prisoners bound for state lockup. -
Jo Ellis: County home to rare yellowwood tree
In late spring, drifts as white as snow fill the gutters and curbs on the east side of the Jasper County Courthouse. It isn’t snow, of course; it’s the fallen petals of the yellowwood tree that grows squarely in front of the door to the Jasper County Extension office.
-
Jasper County Commission gets building project update
Plans to close out one building project and start another were reviewed by the Jasper County Commission last week.
Darieus Adams, Western District associate commissioner, met Thursday with officials of the firm who designed a $292,400 project to upgrade the lighting and make other changes to make four county-owned buildings more energy efficient. -
Two men running for associate judge in 39th Circuit take case to court
Two men running for associate judge in Missouri’s 39th Circuit began battling it out in a Jasper County courtroom this week.
Jasper County Circuit Judge Gayle Crane heard arguments Wednesday concerning the disclosure of documents sought by Robert “Bobby” George, Aurora, the current Lawrence County prosecutor. - More Carthage, Jasper County Headlines
-
Ohio Woman Accuses 3 of Holding Her Captive
Hunt for Ex-Teamster Boss Hoffa's Remains Ends
Aug. Trial Set for Ohio Man in Triple Kidnapping
Car Crash in NYC's East Village Injures 8
Obama Renews Call for Nuclear Reductions
Raw: Car Jumps Curb in NYC, Injures 8
Unusual Heat Wave Bakes Alaska
Raw: German President Welcomes President Obama
Raw: Arizona Wildfire Scorches 8 Square Miles
Raw: Huge Fire Near Yosemite National Park
Kid Couture: Spending Big Bucks on Babies
