Yes, we did -- if this graphic  is any example of the structure selected. Straw or hay construction is not a new concept. In this country, it was an idea born of necessity. People were moving to the midwest to settle in the plains -- settle meaning they needed appurtenances to the homestead to provide shelter from the elements. In the plains, there wasn't adequate timber to build wood structures. In some midwest areas the black soil and clay soil made blocks of sod or dug out of a hillside as a manmade cave. In the sandy soils of Nebraska, these options were difficult to use. But, innovation came with another innovation for the agricultural settlers of the plains. That wonderful tool was the stationary baler. (photo of stationary baler)  Today, balers are pulled behind tractors with t... 05/05/2007

In the spring of 2006, hard work on the part of the members of the Top of The Ozarks Resource Conservation and Development Council came to fruition. A project was launched in partnership with HUD and Missouri State University Extension to promote affordable housing utilizing a presently unused resource -- straw from fescue.   The plan was to inform residents of two counties in Missouri, Ozark County and Douglas County about the benefits of strawbale construction. Each house would be built by the homeowner, utilizing their own labor, donated and hired labor, under the council of a specialist hired by Top of the Ozarks. The specialist would provide the information to potential participants, guide them through the maze of forms for the EPA and HUD, inform about the building codes required ... 05/01/2007

Ava Missouri High School Students are State Champions in 2007 Battle of the Belt -- Seat Belt Safety The students are actively participating in a lobby campaign to have Missouri adopt a primary seat belt law and to have it named Jake's Law in memory of an Ava student who died in a car crash this year, even though he wore his seat belt. Students and faculty will travel to Jefferson City on Feb. 13 to lobby legislators after having a press conference where they will all be wearing their Jake's Law bright blue T-shirts.Ava Schools dubbed their efforts Project Life Guard. 21 school days saw a volunteer from the Ava community man a LIFE GUARD STAND and observe when students left the school parking lot. Those who weren't wearing their seat belts received a big WHISTLE to stop and re-do. Those... 02/09/2007