Stories from Friday, January 20, 2006

A Saline County grand jury has heard evidence in the shooting death of Kendall L. Jones, but charges are not anticipated. Don Stouffer, Saline County prosecuting attorney, said that following the review the grand jury made two findings. First, the jury concluded that the shooting, which occurred the opening day of deer season on Nov. 12, 2005, was accidental...

State Sen. John Loudon of the St. Louis area brought his campaign for state auditor to Saline County Thursday night. He spoke before the Saline County Pachyderm Club at Bloomfield's Family Restaurant in Marshall. Loudon said he would bring a different approach to the office than current auditor Claire McCaskill, who is running for U.S. Senate. Loudon is a Republican and McCaskill is a Democrat...

The Slater Board of Education is looking to learn about what district patrons want for the future concerning local school facilities. Superintendent Paul Vaillancourt said that toward the end of Tuesday's regular school board meeting the board established a committee that will be charged with seeking public input on long-range plans for the Slater school buildings and grounds...

With hundreds of bills passing through the state and federal legislatures each year, and the interpretation of other laws being changed by the courts, it can be hard for law enforcement officers to keep track of all the changes. "The law changes so much, and these officers are out there expected to make snap decisions, sometimes in life or death situations," said Don Stouffer, Saline County prosecuting attorney. "The way they've always done things may not be allowed anymore."...

Three candidates will be vying for two seats on the Slater Board of Education in April. Incumbent Rick Hays filed before Tuesday's deadline, along with challengers Richard Johnson and Rebecca Uhlich. Incumbent Nancy Haynes did not file to seek re-election...

Three of four Sweet Springs city positions will be contested in the April 4 election but two incumbents are assured of retaining their seats on the Sweet Springs school board. Only incumbents John Dohrman, current school board president, and Rodney Heaper filed for two positions on the Board of Education prior to 5 p.m. Tuesday. Both terms are for three years...

Although I'm a bit late, it's time to hoist a glass in admiration for Benjamin Franklin, who's 300th birthday was celebrated Tuesday, Jan. 17. Although Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, is most identified with Franklin, Old Ben was actually born in Boston, Massachusetts on Jan. 17, 1706. He would die in Philadelphia on April 17, 1790, at the age of 84...

Earl W. "Dick" Kammeyer, 91, of Marshall, died Friday, Jan. 20, 2006, at Fitzgibbon Hospital in Marshall. Funeral arrangements are pending at Campbell-Lewis Funeral Home in Marshall.

EXCELSIOR SPRINGS -- The Marshall wrestling team won most of its battles, but lost one of its wars, during a pair of dual matches Thursday at the Excelsior Springs Triangular. The Owls -- No. 7 in Class 2 in the latest MissouriWrestling.com rankings -- dropped a 39-28 contest to Kearney, ranked eighth in Class 3, before rebounding for a 54-21 romp over Excelsior Springs...

Senior Gary Morrow's 25 points and 11 rebounds led the Missouri Valley College men's basketball team to its fourth victory in a row Thursday, a 77-60 home decision over Heart of America Conference rival Culver-Stockton. Morrow's reliable hand, both in shooting and distributing, helped the Vikings overcome their poor work on the boards -- surrendering 25 offensive rebounds, eight in the first nine minutes as the Wildcats took a four-point lead on 18 second-chance points...

BOYS Non-conference Westran 57, at Community R-VI 51 Macon Tournament (Consolation Semifinal) Fayette 53, Marceline 44 (Semifinal) Putnam Co. 52, Brookfield 50 Wellington-Napoleon Tournament (Semifinals) Orrick 51, Concordia 42 Ind.-St. Mary's 60, Sherwood 57...