POPLAR BLUFF, MO (KFVS) - Governor Jay Nixon celebrated the role of education in Missouri’s economic development, as he helped Three Rivers College and SRG Global kick off their new four-year, $800,000 job training agreement at SRG Global’s facility in Portageville on June 6.

“The best economic development tool that exists in our world is education,” said Nixon during his remarks. “Businesses will go where strong and trained workers are, and as long as we do that we will continue to move forward.”

Nixon also stressed the importance of education in remaining competitive in an increasingly globalized economy.

“We [have] to instill in every Missourian an understanding that we’re in a worldwide competition,” said Nixon. “We need to step up our game and be ready for that.”

(KFVS) - When temperatures and heat indices soar, pet owners are advised to take special precautions to keep pets safe. High temperatures can be deadly for pets left without a cool, shady place to rest and plenty of water.

The Humane Society of Missouri offers these tips:

MISSOURI (KFVS)- The Natural Resources Conservation Service's Conservation Stewardship Program will provide about $175 million in funding for up to 12.6 million additional acres enrollment this year.

Although applications are accepted all year, farmers, ranchers and forestland owners interested in CSP should submit applications by June 14 to their local NRCS office to ensure they are considered for this year's funding. The deadline was extended from May 31.

The voluntary program allows producers to go the extra mile in conserving natural resources while also maintaining or increasing the productivity of their operations.