Stories from Thursday, March 27, 2008

Lights flashing and flags flying. That's how Saline County officials plan to welcome a group of decorated Iraq and Afghanistan veterans who are touring the country when they stop in Marshall Thursday, March 27. Sheriff Wally George said he will send a squad car to Kansas City to meet the group representing Vets for Freedom, a non-partisan, non-profit group...

Saline County InterAgency Council held their monthly meeting Tuesday, March 25, to hear updates from each entity within the council. Saline County InterAgency Council Chairman Kathy Walker, and chairman for the family support division, said they had to do some reappointing of positions, as two council office holders have been transferred to other areas within the state. ...

Saline County Inter-Agency Council held an open house Tuesday, March 25, to award Ron Duvall with the honor of "Volunteer of the Year." Chairman of Saline County InterAgency Council Kathy Walker, and chairman for the family support division, said the award winner was chosen by a committee...

The Sweet Springs Board of Alderman held a public hearing Wednesday, March 26, to answer residents questions about the 2008-2009 city budget and then approved the $2.29 million budget. "I am glad you're getting the budget done," said Raymond Kinney, who is running unopposed for Sweet Springs mayor in April...

ALMA -- Having met in the MSHSAA Class 1 quarterfinals two of the previous three years, it appeared the Santa Fe and Archie baseball teams were starting to form a long-distance rivalry. While the programs' first two meetings were close, each winning once, Wednesday's clash at Alma showed a decided swing in the balance of power -- which now lies entirely with the Chiefs, who banged out 20 hits during an 18-0, five-inning drubbing...

Ding, dong, the streak is dead. The Marshall girls' soccer team ended a string of 46 matches and two complete seasons without a victory Wednesday with a 2-0 non-conference decision over visiting St. Paul. "At times it was a long road for us over the past few years," remarked MHS head coach Josh Posegate. "I credit the girls for sticking it out through many tough times."...

The Missouri Valley College softball team enjoyed its first home game of the season Wednesday, winning its Heart of America Conference opener over Graceland, 8-7, before rain washed out the second game of the scheduled twinbill. The Lady Vikings gradually built a substantial lead, but had to cling to it at the end while yielding six runs in the top of the seventh inning...

It was Tom Butterfield's compassion, persistence and vision that got Butterfield Youth Services started, but to a great degree, the management skills John Carton brought to the team helped build the stable institution that could sustain Butterfield's mission...

Missouri National Guard officials are inviting the public and families of guard soldiers to honor the approximately 90 citizen-soldiers from the 1128th Force Provider Company Saturday, April 5, at 2 p.m. as they depart the Marshall armory for further mobilization training at Camp Atterbury, Ind. in preparation for their deployment to Kosovo...

Clara Margaret Weaver Dennis, 72, of East Peoria, Ill., died Thursday, Jan. 17, 2008, at her residence. A memorial Mass will be held at 10 a.m. Saturday, March 29, 2008, at St. Peter's Catholic Church in Marshall. Fr. Kevin Gormley will officiate. Internment will be held in Sunset Memorial Gardens...

John L. Gallagher, 50, of Stover, formerly of Slater, died Friday, March 21, 2008, at Lake Regional Hospital in Osage Beach. Cremation. Memorial services will be Tuesday, April 1, 2008, at 1 p.m. at Weiker Funeral Home in Slater. Rev. Penny Smith will officiate. Inurnment will be held at a later date...

Alice Fern Ownby, 80, of Marshall, died Wednesday, March 26, 2008, at Fitzgibbon Hospital in Marshall. Funeral services will be held at 11 a.m. Monday, March 31, 2008, at Campbell-Lewis Chapel in Marshall, with Rev. Jerry Scott officiating. Visitation will be held from 1:30 to 3 p.m. Sunday at the funeral home. Burial will be in Ridge Park Cemetery in Marshall. Memorials may be made to family choice. Friends may sign the online guest book at www.campbell-lewis.com...

Cynthia Ann Samson Rhoads, 60, of Boonville, died Wednesday, March 26, 2008, at her home. Funeral services will be held at 10 a.m. Saturday, March 29, 2008, at St. Joseph Catholic Church in Pilot Grove, with Fr. Bob Duesdieker officiating. Burial will be in St. ...

Fitzgibbon Hospital's annual health fair is slated for Saturday, March 29, in the Marshall High School Commons. The event will run from 7 to 11 a.m., with free screenings available for blood pressure, glaucoma, hearing, colo-rectal problems, and more...

The Marshall Community Teachers Association is sponsoring a candidates forum Monday, March 31, at 7 p.m. in the Marshall High School Little Theater. Incumbents Jay Barton, Mark Gooden and Anita Wright will face challengers Thomas Bell, Roger Blakely and Sherrie Stouffer on the April 8 ballot...

As I write this there is a warm spring rain falling outside my window. Yes. That's what I said. A warm spring rain. Like many of you, all I can say is "It's about time" and "Amen!" Didn't it seem like the winter was extremely long, wet and cold this year?...