CARTHAGE, Mo. —
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.
The tree has been there many years; no one knows how long. This year the tree bloomed spectacularly. Sadly, the blooms last barely a week. While it is in bloom, the fragrance of the blooms is very noticeable and pleasant.
Yellowwood trees are fairly rare even in the wild. Its native range is in Virginia and North Carolina, and other states like Tennessee and Kentucky. They also are found along the Missouri-Arkansas border, and some grow in Indiana, Illinois and Iowa, but in the northern areas, they may bloom only every three to five years.
Jasper County is lucky to have this rare and attractive tree. Jon Skinner, an urban forester with the Missouri Department of Conservation, said that for a brief time, the tree growing on the courthouse lawn held the title of largest yellowwood in the state. The designation has since been given to a tree in Kansas City.
The yellowwood tree is slow-growing. Generally, they do not bloom the first 10 years. Its bark is smooth and pale gray. The heartwood of the tree is a deep yellow and is used to make a dye. As summer progresses, the leaves mature from a lighter to a darker green, and by fall they have turned a brilliant yellow.
The one at the courthouse has developed an interesting, multiple-forked trunk, just as many of them do. The delicate, white flowers grow along stems that can be as short as 4 inches and as long as 16 inches, and they hang pendulum-style.
In full bloom, it’s quite a sight to see. Skinner said this tree would make an attractive specimen for homeowners if they have the patience to grow or even find them. Yellowwoods are on the endangered list in some states; in Missouri their status is considered “vulnerable.”
The smell of spring definitely is in the air around the county’s yellowwood tree. I’m just sorry I didn’t write about it last week, when it was showing off its full-blown blossoms and scent. Still, if you check it out soon, you may find that the fragrance lingers on.
‘Othello’
Raw emotion and human values provide the drama in a play to be presented the coming two weekends at Stone’s Throw Dinner Theatre.
William Shakespeare’s “Othello has been adapted and is directed by Paxton Williams, a playwright, actor and nonprofit executive most recognized for his portrayal of George Washington Carver, and for his work in previous Stone’s Throw productions such as “Twelve Angry Men,” “To Kill a Mockingbird” and “Driving Miss Daisy.”
Williams said this adaptation pays tribute to other Shakespeare works, such as “Hamlet” and “Julius Caesar,” and was inspired by a performance of “King Lear” that he saw performed at Stratford-upon-Avon.
Major roles are carried by Roland Geddie, Tom Brown, Bill Welsh, Raven Micale, Lucretia Baker and Carole Lenger. Making their debuts at Stone’s Throw will be Betsy Burueda, Karen Lasater and Katelyn Lasater.
If you are a lover of Shakespeare’s timeless plays, you will enjoy this production. If you have not been introduced to his work, you may become a fan.
Performances are slated for Thursday through Saturday, and for May 21-23. Tickets are $22 for adults, $19 for seniors over 55, and $10 for youths under 17. Children under 5 are admitted free. For further details and reservations, people may call 417-358-9665 or 417-358-7268.
Carthage, Jasper County
Jo Ellis: County home to rare yellowwood tree
- 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
-
Bridge Collapse Survivor: 'Rough Day'
Jersey Shore Open for Business
Raw: Memorial Day Flags Placed at Arlington
New Wheelchair Lift Promises More Access
First Person: Mom Discusses Famous Tornado Photo
Raw Video: Washington State Bridge Collapse
Boy Scouts Approve Plan to Accept Gay Boys
Officials: Truck Hit Bridge Before Collapse
Sheriff: No Sign Killing of 2 Kids Was Planned
Obama Defends Drone Strikes, With Limits
Raw: Jurors Deadlock on Jodi Arias Penalty
Boy Scouts Decision "First Step" Say Activists
Raw: Utah Teen Arrested in Death of His Brothers
Closer Look at Okla. School Where Children Died
Two Suspects in Murder Known to London Police
"Be Ready": NOAA Warns of Busy Hurricane Season
SeaWorld: Penguins Are Coolest Thing in Florida
