Stories from Thursday, March 26, 2009

Sitting in my office on one stormy morning, I took note of the dark clouds which had carried heavy rains, strong winds, and generally stormy weather through our area. At the west edge of the clouds, the overcast was clearing and sunny blue skies were visible. It brought a familiar song to mind...

Interesting news and features published in our print edition and e-edition March 26 On page 2: A story about a new girls ranch at Butterfield Youth Services. The employee of the month at Marshall Habilitation Center. On page 3: Reports from Kiwanis Club, DAR and Marshall Circle meetings...

Daffodils and runners both braved a cold wind Saturday, March 21, at Indian Foothills Park for the second annual Wellness Run sponsored by Marshall Public Schools. Video clips of the race and runners' comments can be seen here. The daffodil declined comment. (Eric Crump/Democrat-News)...

At the Saline County Commission meeting Thursday, March 26, Southern District Commissioner Richard "Dick" Hassler reported on a workforce development meeting he attended in Sedalia. From Feb. 5 to March 16, the region lost 343 jobs, including 20 at Slater's GE plant, Hassler said...

On Saturday, March 28, The Lighthouse Shelter will host a Crock-Pot cook-off at Martin Community Center from 4 to 8 p.m. The Shelter has seen a $20,000 budget cut this year, which is "really going to strap us for some of the service we provide," Executive Director Debbie Wallace said. "We're trying to be creative with some of our fundraising."...

As previously reported in The Marshall Democrat-News, several Saline County traditions will be disrupted this summer because of renovations on the county courthouse. After some investigation, it seems that all the activities are still happening, just with a few differences in location...

Editor's note: No obituaries were submitted for publication Thursday, March 26.

The Marshall High School Band received a "II" rating at large ensemble festival in Boonville on Monday, March 23. The band, directed by Brandon McDannald, performed "Punta Larga" by Ernest O. Caneva and "Havendance" by David Holsinger for ratings from judges...

"Wonderful," "exciting," "well rehearsed," "I was moved to tears." These were some of the comments used by judges to describe the performances of the Marshall High School Choirs at the Missouri State High School Activities Association State Choral Festival held Thursday, March 19, in Boonville, according to a news release from Ron Sayer, MHS vocal music director...

Fitzgibbon Hospital will host Health Fair 2009 on Saturday, March 28, from 7 to 11 a.m. in the Marshall High School Commons. The event will include free screenings for blood pressure, glaucoma, hearing, colo-rectal problems and more. Those wishing to have any blood tests during the health fair should remember not to eat for 12 hours prior to testing...

ST. JOSEPH -- A group of Marshall volleyball players took first place among four teams in the Missouri Western State University Tournament, held March 14 at St. Joseph. Club M, coached by Missouri Valley College sophomore Paula Tieman of Santa Fe, is comprised of nine Lady Owls: juniors Siara Campbell, Kim Deutsch, Kate Hartley, Whitney Kelly, Aubrie Plummer, Jordan Reith and Morgan Ryther and sophomores Becca Keller and Susan Skogsberg...

Marshall swimmers weren't long cast adrift by the decision of the Salt Fork YMCA to drop sponsorship of the competitive program. Instead, the Heart of America Swim Club was formed, under the guidance of former Manta Rays coach Mike Ballard, and completed the short-course season this month at the Missouri Valley divisional meets...

Mexico had too much firepower for the host Marshall baseball team during Wednesday's season opener, claiming a 10-1 NCMC victory. Junior Grant Jones smashed a two-run homer in the third inning and junior Dennis Hobbs added a three-run shot in the sixth for the Bulldogs, whose pitchers allowed only two hits -- both of them singles...

The Marshall Wrestling Club will send a baker's dozen to the state tournament after they qualified at the Missouri USA Wrestling district meet March 14 in Lee's Summit. Two Marshall grapplers brought home gold medals: Aaron Chastine in the 8-and-under 115-pound weight class and Austin Stickels in the 14-and-under 150-pound division...

Work to resurface 10 miles of Highway 41 from Highway 240 to Route TT in Saline County is scheduled to begin on Monday, March 30, according to a news release from the Missouri Department of Transportation. Chester Bross Construction will begin by removing the asphalt surface from two bridge decks located within the project to allow bridge crews to make needed repairs. Those repairs should be completed in approximately two weeks...

Area prep scores for Wednesday, March 25