Stories from Thursday, October 30, 2008

Every eighth-grade class in Bueker Middle School took a trip to the 1,000-acre Van Meter State Park Wednesday, Oct. 29, where they learned about the American Indian tribes that lived nearby during the time of Lewis and Clark's expedition to the west...

The presidential election is just five or six days away, so I can't really make any comments on the election itself. I would, however, like to call the Christians who still care about our nation to do something many may not have done in quite some time...

The 911 Commission voted Thursday, Oct. 30, to award the contract for the construction of the new 911 Dispatch Center to RL Phillips Construction Inc. of Raytown. The contract was given with a not-to-exceed amount of $2.142 million, just under the company's original bid of $2,267,000...

LONE JACK -- After only a one-year absence on the heels of three straight appearances in the MSHSAA Class 1 Championships, the Santa Fe volleyball team is back in the playoffs. The sixth-ranked Lady Chiefs swept through both of their opponents Wednesday in the Class 1, District 13 Tournament at Lone Jack, defeating I-70 Conference rival Concordia, 25-20, 25-10, in the semifinal round and the host Lady Mules, 25-18, 25-17 in the finals...

Synopsis: This is nothing more than a "bragging rights" contest between I-70 Conference neighbors, neither team still in contention for a playoff spot. The Saints have gone from an 0-10 season to two wins this year with a club boasting only two seniors. Santa Fe (2-7, 1-5 I-70, 0-2 District 10) is hoping to end the season on a positive note and avoid the league cellar...

EXCELSIOR SPRINGS -- There will be no three-peat for the Marshall girls' volleyball team. The two-time defending Class 3, District 15 Tournament champion didn't make it past the semifinal round Wednesday, host Excelsior Springs beating the Lady Owls, 27-25, 25-22, despite being down 10-0 to start the first game...

In the Board of Public Works meeting Wednesday, Oct. 29, Administrative Services Director Ken Gieringer said rates for water, sewer and electricity would have to be raised in the near future. "I'm not making any recommendations now," he clarified. Gieringer reported that the electric department lost $1.5 million last year, $1 million this year and is predicted to lose $2 million next year, if rates remain unchanged...

"I have to change green beans into candy corn?" asked Children's Services Coordinator Bobby Mackey. "Yes," said the Princess (also known as Library Director Amy Crump). Mackey found herself in a confounding predicament during a performance Tuesday night, Oct. 28, at the Marshall Public Library after Trick or Treating on the Square...

Support the troops -- a care package donation drive will be held Sunday, Nov. 2, and Saturday, Nov. 8, from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. for Marshall native James E. Hopkins' unit from Ft. Riley, Kan., currently in Iraq. A list of needed items will be provided, as well as a snack and drink for those who donate. Lists will be available at both entrances of Wal-Mart in Marshall...

Dee Yoh of Marshall will offer a presentation Saturday, Nov. 1, "Get Off My Last Nerve! ... How to Deal with People Who Trigger You" from 10:30 to 11:30 a.m. at First United Methodist Church, 225 E. Arrow in Marshall. Yoh, a professional trainer and speaker said, "If you've ever said something like, 'He makes me so mad!' or 'She drives me crazy!' or 'I can't take it anymore!' then this is the presentation for you."...

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Things didn't go quite as planned Thursday, Oct. 30, in Judge Marco Roldan's Division 16 courtroom in Jackson County, in what had been expected to be a plea bargain in the murder case of Steve A. Ford. Ford was found shot to death in his Marshall home Oct. 14, 2006...

Rose Marie Brown DeWitt, 53, of Ferrelview, died Tuesday, Oct. 28, 2008, at Medical Lodge Post Acute Care Center in Kansas City, Kan. Funeral services will be held at 11 a.m. Saturday, Nov. 1, 2008, at Campbell-Lewis Chapel in Marshall, with Rev. Dale Bean officiating.

Violet Marie Bloss, 78, of Richmond, died Tuesday, Oct. 28, 2008, at her home in Richmond. Funeral services will be held Saturday, Nov. 1, 2008, at 2 p.m. at Thurman Funeral Home in Richmond. Visitation will be Saturday, Nov. 1, from 1 to 2 p.m. at Thurman Funeral Home. ...

Gladys Marie Brucks, 81, of Gilliam, passed away Tuesday, Oct. 28, 2008, at St. Joseph Hospital in Kansas City. A funeral mass will be held at 10 a.m. Friday, Oct. 31, 2008, at St. Mary's Catholic Church in Glasgow, with Fr. Mike Penn officiating. Visitation will be from 6 to 8 p.m. Thursday, Oct. 30, with a prayer service at 7:30 p.m. at Friemonth-Freese Funeral Home in Glasgow. Burial will be in All Saints Cemetery. Memorials are suggested to St. Mary's School or Glasgow Senior Center...