Yearly Archives: 2017

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9 11, 2017

From Ancient Seeds to Modern Harvests

2023-12-10T19:24:29-06:00November 9th, 2017|Chief's Blog|

Agriculture is one of humanity’s oldest and most transformative activities, evolving from rudimentary practices of ancient civilizations to the sophisticated, technology-driven operations of today. This journey reflects human innovation, adaptation to changing environments, and the ever-growing need to feed a burgeoning population.

The Dawn of Agriculture: The Neolithic Revolution The agricultural revolution, often referred to as the Neolithic Revolution, marked a significant turning point in human history. Around 10,000 BC, humans began to domesticate plants and animals, transitioning from nomadic hunter-gatherers to settled farmers. This shift allowed for the development of stable communities, leading to the rise of civilizations. Early agriculture relied on simple tools for planting and harvesting, and the first crops included wheat, barley, and legumes, now a days, other tools and products like CIR harvester parts get used.

Ancient Agricultural Practices Ancient civilizations, like the Egyptians and Mesopotamians, made significant advancements in agriculture. They developed irrigation systems to water crops and implemented crop rotation and plowing to enhance soil fertility. Harvesting techniques were rudimentary, involving manual labor with basic tools like sickles and scythes.

The Middle Ages and Agricultural Expansion During the Middle Ages, agriculture continued to evolve. The heavy plow was introduced in Europe, enabling the cultivation of the tougher soils of northern Europe. The three-field system, where one-third of the land was left fallow each year, improved soil fertility and crop yields. Harvesting remained a labor-intensive process, relying heavily on human and animal labor.

The Agricultural Revolution of the 18th Century The 18th century witnessed a dramatic transformation in agricultural practices, known as the Agricultural Revolution. This period saw the introduction of crop rotation without fallow periods, selective breeding of livestock, and the use of manure for soil fertility. The seed drill, invented by Jethro Tull, revolutionized planting, making it more efficient and leading to higher yields. Harvesting techniques also began to evolve, although they were still predominantly manual.

The Industrial Revolution and Mechanized Farming The Industrial Revolution brought about significant changes in agriculture with the introduction of mechanized tools. The invention of the reaper by Cyrus McCormick in the 1830s significantly sped up the harvesting process, reducing the need for manual labor and increasing efficiency.

The 20th Century: The Era of Modern Agriculture The 20th century saw rapid advancements in agricultural technology. The development of tractors and combine harvesters revolutionized planting and harvesting, making them faster and more efficient. Chemical fertilizers and pesticides were introduced, leading to increased crop yields but also raising environmental concerns.

The Current State: Sustainable Practices and Technological Innovations Today, agriculture is at a crossroads between maintaining high productivity and ensuring environmental sustainability. Precision farming, using GPS and data analytics, allows for more efficient use of resources. Modern harvesting techniques now include automated harvesters and drones, which not only increase efficiency but also reduce waste. There is also a growing emphasis on organic farming and sustainable practices to mitigate the impact of agriculture on the environment.

The development of agriculture is a testament to human ingenuity and adaptability. From the first planted seeds in ancient times to the high-tech harvests of today, agriculture has continually evolved to meet the challenges of its time. The future of agriculture promises further innovations, balancing the need to feed a growing global population with the imperative to preserve our planet for future generations. This journey through the ages highlights the importance of harvesting, not just as a means to gather crops, but as a driving force for technological and societal advancement.

30 03, 2017

Arnold Police Department Enhances Services

2017-10-09T13:03:11-05:00March 30th, 2017|Latest News|

Arnold Police DepartmentViolent crime has not come to Arnold in a major way, but it is increasing in larger cities across the United States, including homicides. Arnold has a violent crime rate that statistically is 73% lower than Missouri’s average and 64% lower than the national average. To maintain this excellent rate, the Arnold Police Department is expanding training for its 49 officers and increasing firearms practice for every officer while boosting patrols in residential and retail areas.

According to Police Chief Robert Shockey, Jr., a 29-year veteran of the Department, “We do not anticipate a major boost in violent crime in Arnold in 2017, but the Arnold Police Department is working hard to minimize any criminal activity – from assault and robbery, to theft at homes and businesses, to illegal narcotics activity, school lockdown situations, and potential terrorist acts. Crime is constantly changing, and our Department is changing to help keep crime under control, no matter what the incident.”

This was clearly indicated on November 4, 2016 when two Arnold Police Officers were ambushed by an Arnold resident who shot and wounded both officers in the face and upper body with a 12-gauge shotgun. The shooter was quickly apprehended and charged with eight felony counts. Officers Jason Gorenstein and John Palme both later recovered.

According to Chief Shockey, “That incident was a terrible reminder that police work can be a deadly job. We’ve had no incidents like that since 1976 when one of our officers was shot and killed while investigating a forced break-in.”

More Proactive

“Our Police Department is becoming more proactive and less reactive. Our public safety priorities are resident safety, safety in schools, crimes against businesses, and potential terrorist acts,” he asserts. Thus the Department is making procedural modifications in several areas.

First, in January the Department implemented a new patrol schedule by enhancing its current 12-hour shifts. Some patrol shifts now overlap to address what Chief Shockey calls “prime time for crime – 10 am to about 2 am.”

In addition, the Department’s Business Resource Program, in which patrol officers visit retail businesses to consult with managers, in-house security officials, loss prevention employees and to talk with customers, has been expanded from two to four armed police officers. “Our data shows that crime at retail locations in Arnold and in other cities has been on the increase – ranging from ‘smash and grab’ of small items, theft of larger items, and in-store shoplifting,” says Chief Shockey. “Interstate highway access to the City of Arnold via nearby exits and on-ramps contributes to retail-related crime because it gives lawbreakers who live outside our city easy-on easy-off ways to reach stores and then try to quickly escape,” he says. “We expect that doubling the size of our Business Resource program and expanding surveillance will reduce this type of criminal activity in 2017 and beyond.”

In late 2016 two new highly-trained police dogs joined the Department’s award-winning K-9 Unit to replace two older dogs. They apprehend fleeing criminals, sniff out illegal drugs, detect hidden explosives, track lost children, and find senior citizens who’ve wandered away from home. “Instead of risking officer safety in some situations, we can turn the dogs on criminals – once they see a canine running after them, nine times out of ten the criminal gives up on the spot,” says Lieutenant Brian Carroll, K-9 Unit Supervisor.

Enhanced Response Training

Traditionally, Arnold police officers have participated in daytime and nighttime firearm training and target practice sessions four times a year to refresh their shooting skills.

In 2017, the Arnold Police Department is introducing what Chief Shockey describes as “more realistic training” specifically designed to address crisis situations at schools, theaters, retail stores, businesses, and terrorist events. “Our police officers will be introduced to a new type of proactive armed response training for these potential scenarios, and related safety precautions, which reflect what many police departments are dealing with in America today,” Chief Shockey says.

“In Arnold we do not have the high levels of violent crime, armed robberies, and homicides like they do in St. Louis and Chicago. It’s our job to make sure that those trends don’t take hold here. In 2016, we experienced a few – very few – homicides in our city. They were domestic-related crimes and were solved quickly by our Department,” Chief Shockey continues. “Those few incidents were not gang or narcotics related homicides.”

Because Arnold also is home to a National Geospatial-Intelligence Agency (NGA) facility, which captures and delivers geospatial intelligence to policymakers, military operations, intelligence professionals and first responders, the Department is aware of the potential threat of terrorist acts due to the Agency’s presence in the City.

“NGA has its own internal police department and we have worked with them,” Chief Shockey says. “After the September 11 World Trade Center disaster we developed an anti-terrorism plan – I can’t reveal any details except that we update our anti-terrorism plans every two years, and that our officers are well-trained. We live in a very different world today than when I entered law enforcement,” says Chief Shockey, who is a Past President of the Missouri Police Chiefs Association.

“Fighting crime is a never-ending battle for law enforcement agencies, so small cities like Arnold need to be just as vigilant as larger cities with our policies, procedures, methods, and equipment updates. For example, Arnold police officers have been equipped with body cameras for three years. These video cameras help our officers stay out of trouble. If we receive a complaint from a suspect who has been arrested, 99 percent of the time the video will prove that our officers were in the right.”

“We do sometimes make mistakes. But we quickly address them and learn from them – that’s part of becoming a better Police Department.”

Jeff Dunlap is a writer in St. Louis who can be reached via email at jmdpr2@gmail.com

3 02, 2017

Mayor’s Appreciation Award Presented to Arnold Police Officers

2017-10-09T13:03:11-05:00February 3rd, 2017|Latest News|

Arnold PD Officers Appreciation AwardCongratulations to the following officers who received the Mayor’s Appreciation Award at the Arnold City Council Meeting: John Palme, Jason Gorenstein, Michael Mantler, Douglas Bequette. Huge thanks to the entire Arnold Police Department for their service to our community every day. You are an incredible group of people who go above and beyond every day.

Thanks to Chief Shockey for his leadership to all of the men and women under his supervision!

12 01, 2017

Fundraisers Support Officer Ryan O’Connor

2018-02-07T15:14:45-06:00January 12th, 2017|Latest News|

Officer Ryan O'ConnorYou can show your support for Arnold Police Department Officer Ryan O’Connor and his family in the following ways.

“ARNOLD STRONG” T-Shirts

Supporters can order Arnold Strong t-shirts with 100% of all profits donated to the Arnold Police Department for the O’Connor family.

Order ARNOLD STRONG T-Shirt

GOFUNDME Donation

Supporters also can make an online GoFundMe donation for Officer O’Connor and his family.

IN-PERSON Donation

Supporters can make an “in-person” donation to Fortune Bank, located at 3494 Jeffco Blvd, Arnold, MO 63010. Please make donations to: Fortune Bank FBO Ryan O’Connor. Call Fortune Bank at 636-464-9003 with questions.

BACKSTOPPERS Donation

Supporters can make a donation through the Backstoppers organization in the name of Officer O’Connor.

The above indicated ways to donate are the only methods currently approved by Officer O’Connor’s family and the Arnold Police Department.

THANK YOU from the Arnold Police Department for your support of Officer O’Connor and his family!

For ongoing updates and more information regarding Officer O’Connor’s progress, please “like” and visit the Arnold Police Department Facebook page.