Marshall Democrat-News: : Sweet Springs

Sweet Springs

Jens W. Payne (10/28/09)
Jens W. Payne, 91, of Sweet Springs, formerly of Marshall, died Sunday, Oct. 25, 2009, at Fitzgibbon Hospital in Marshall. Graveside services will be held at 10 a.m. Friday, Oct. 30, 2009, at Ridge Park Cemetery in Marshall, with William W. Harlow officiating. Friends may sign the online register book at www.campbell-lewis.com...

MoDOT announces reopening of Route 127 in Saline County (10/14/09)
MoDOT has announced plans to open to traffic the Route 127 bridge over the Blackwater River in Saline County on Friday afternoon, Oct. 16. The bridge is located at the south edge of Sweet Springs. The bridge, chosen as a candidate for the Safe & Sound Bridge Program, was closed July 13 to replace the deteriorated bridge deck. The program will replace or repair 802 bridges by October 2014. Seventy-five bridges in north central Missouri are included in the program...

Sweet Springs council paves the way for mayor salary hike (10/13/09)
Sweet Springs Mayor Ray Kinney got no argument from the Board of Aldermen Tuesday, Oct. 13, when he suggested the mayor get a 50 percent salary increase. The raise is not necessary for him. If approved, it won't go into effect until the next term begins, and he said he has not decided whether he will run for re-election...

Unoccupied home, garage destroyed by fire in rural Sweet Springs (10/06/09)
Sweet Springs firefighters and a Saline County sheriff's deputy responded late Monday afternoon, Oct. 5, to a report of a house fire at 270th Trail and Garland Avenue in rural Sweet Springs, according to a sheriff's department report. They arrived at 5:06 p.m. and found a house and garage engulfed in flames. The house had already collapsed and the detached garage collapsed soon after firefighters arrived, the deputy said...

St. Joseph man hurt in 1-vehicle crash in Saline County (09/18/09)
A St. Joseph truck driver suffered moderate injuries Thursday evening, Sept. 17, in a one-vehicle crash near Sweet Springs, according to a Missouri State Highway Patrol report. Michael L. Hacker, 47, was taken by ambulance to Fitzgibbon Hospital in Marshall, troopers said...

Sweet Springs aldermen discuss storm water drainage problems (09/15/09)
Drainage issues, budgetary changes and wheelchair ramps were discussed during the Sweet Springs Board of Aldermen meeting Monday, Sept. 14. Aldermen approved adjustments to the budget. City Clerk Ronda Nienhueser said she had not changed the budget for the swimming pool fund because she knew money was still scheduled to go in and out of that fund...

Violet Jean Hicks (09/01/09)
Violet Jean Hicks, 78, of Sweet Springs, died Saturday, Aug. 29, 2009, at Boone Hospital Center in Columbia. Funeral services will be held at 11 a.m. Thursday, Sept. 3, 2009, at First Baptist Church in Sweet Springs. Visitation will be from 6 to 7:30 p.m. Wednesday at Campbell-Lewis Funeral Home in Sweet Springs. Burial will be in Fairview Cemetery. Memorials may be made to American Cancer Society and an online guest book is available at www.campbell-lewis.com...

County commission clears the way for ARRA bond money (08/26/09)
Saline County Commissioners signed a resolution to designate all of Saline County as a recovery zone during their meeting Wednesday, Aug. 26. "Recovery Zone Bonds are to be issued with respect to or to finance certain expenditures located in or attributable to an area ... (that) has a significant level of ... poverty, unemployment, home foreclosures, or general distress," reads the resolution, number 2009-2...

3 charged with passing bad checks (08/24/09)
Three area men, each charged with passing bad checks, will be arraigned at 9 a.m. Wednesday, Sept. 23, in Associate Division 6courtroom in the Saline County Courthouse before Judge James T. "Tut" Bellamy. Nelson R. Gabriel, 41, of Marshall, has been charged with class C felony passing a bad check of $500 or more...

Henry E. Haesemeyer (08/24/09)
Henry E. Haesemeyer, 93, of Sweet Springs, died Sunday, Aug. 23, 2009, at Sweet Springs Villa in Sweet Springs. Graveside services will be held at 11 a.m. Wednesday, Aug. 26, 2009, at Fairview Cemetery in Sweet Springs. Rev. Daniel Wing will officiate. Funeral arrangements are under the direction of Sweeney-Reser-Wills Funeral Home in Marshall...

Sweet Springs aldermen discuss pool budget, create ordinances (08/13/09)
The meeting of the Sweet Springs Board of Aldermen opened Monday, Aug. 10, with Mayor Ray Kinney alerting aldermen to each of the five expense categories in which the city's swimming pool is over budget. These categories included salaries, advertising, drug testing and supplies and maintenance. Kinney reminded board members that the board's next meeting will include a budget adjustment...

Sweet Springs aldermen wrestle with funding requests (08/13/09)
Requests for funds were discussed by Sweet Springs aldermen at their meeting Monday, Aug. 10. The board heard a request from Sweet Springs Revitalization Inc. for "bed tax" funds. The funds requested were for a "bounce house" for children, souvenir T-shirts and mugs, radio and newspaper advertisements and a banner and fliers to further advertise the event. ...

Sweet Springs Board of Education approves sale of interest-bearing bonds (08/11/09)
Larry Hart, president and CEO of St. Louis-based L.J. Hart & Company, was present at the Sweet Springs Board of Education meeting Monday evening, Aug. 10, to discuss the sale of interest-bearing bonds related to the proposed additions to Sweet Springs' school building that currently serves fifth- through 12th-graders...

Sweet Springs woman suffers minor injury in collision Thursday (08/06/09)
A Sweet Springs woman suffered minor injuries in a two-vehicle crash in Lafayette County Thursday afternoon, Aug. 6, according to a Missouri State Highway Patrol report. April L. Guffin, 41, told troopers she would seek treatment on her own, according to the report...

Arrest warrants issued in burglary spree (07/31/09)
Arrest warrants have been issued in Saline County for two area teens who have been charged with class C felony receiving stolen property of more than $500, according to court documents released by the Saline County prosecuting attorney's office...

Sweet Springs school district receives $2.2 million interest-free bonds (07/23/09)
Sweet Springs Board of Education members heard some good news regarding the R-VII district's fiscal ability to build the proposed addition to Sweet Springs High School. Superintendent Boyd Jones reported that the district will receive $2.2 million in interest-free federal bonds to help pay for that addition, which is expected to cost $3.6 million. He stated he does not have all the details on the matter, but those details will be available Thursday, August 13...

Johnny Lee Williams (07/20/09)
Johnny Lee Williams, 63, of Sweet Springs, died Friday, July 17, 2009, at Sweet Springs Villa. Funeral services will be held at 11 a.m. Tuesday, July 21, 2009, at William Wood Funeral Home in Boonville, with Rev. Mel Eaton officiating. "Amazing Grace" and "The Old Country Church" will be performed by Steve and Debra Kruger. ...

2 from Sweet Springs injured in motorcycle crash (07/19/09)
Two Sweet Springs residents and two Houstonia residents suffered moderate injuries in a motorcycle crash involving a deer Saturday afternoon, July 18, according to a Missouri State Highway Patrol report. The accident occurred about 3:15 p.m. on U.S. Highway 50 in Morgan County near the west end of the Lamine River bridge, troopers said...

Brandon Scott Charles (07/17/09)
Brandon Scott "Brutus" Charles, 29, of Sweet Springs, died Thursday, July 16, 2009, at his home. Funeral services will be held at 10 a.m. Monday, July 20, 2009, at Campbell-Lewis Chapel in Sweet Springs, with William W. Harlow officiating. Burial will be in Fairview Cemetery. Visitation will be from 2 to 4 p.m. Sunday at the funeral home. Memorials may be made to Shriner's Hospital for Children. Friends may sign an online guest book at www.campbell-lewis.com...

Sweet Springs aldermen approve requests for use of 'bed tax' funds (07/13/09)
The aldermen of Sweet Springs approved two requests for funds from the tourism tax -- or so-called "bed tax" -- fund during their regular meeting Monday evening, July 13. One request came from the Sweet Springs Chamber of Commerce with plans to use the funds to purchase a sound system for use at community events, such as the upcoming Street Fair...

Vollmer's probation revoked, sentence reduced (07/08/09)
(CORRECTION: The correct charge in this case is class A misdemeanor; the story has been changed to reflect that fact.) At a probation violation hearing Wednesday, July 8, Judge James T. "Tut" Bellamy sentenced Michael F. Vollmer, 32, of Sweet Springs, formerly of Marshall, to serve the previously suspended 180-day sentence for class A misdemeanor domestic assault to which Vollmer pleaded guilty in December 2008...

Clifford G. Schroeder (07/08/09)
Clifford G. Schroeder, 92, of rural Sweet Springs, died Tuesday, July 7, 2009, at his home. Funeral services will be held at 10 a.m. Saturday, July 11, 2009, at Holy Cross Lutheran Church in Emma. Visitation will be held from 6:30 to 8 p.m. Friday at Campbell-Lewis Funeral Home in Sweet Springs. Burial will be in Trinity Lutheran Cemetery in Alma. Memorials may be made to family choice. Friends may sign the online register book at www.campbell-lewis.com...

Selma Steinkuehler (07/06/09)
Selma Steinkuehler, 104, of Sweet Springs, died Saturday, July 4, 2009, at Sweet Springs Villa Nursing Home. Funeral services will be held at 10:30 a.m. Thursday, July 9, 2009, at St. John United Church of Christ in Emma, with Pastor Tim Biesemeyer officiating. ...

Wyoming man hurt in Saline County crash Thursday (07/04/09)
A Hillsdale, Wyo., man suffered minor injuries Thursday morning, July 2, in a one-vehicle crash on Interstate 70, according to a Missouri State Highway Patrol report. David L. Villmer, 17, was hurt when the 1998 Dodge Dakota he was driving eastbound on I-70 left the roadway, went through the median, became airborne at the Blackwater River bridge and came to rest upright, troopers said...

Sweet Springs Board of Aldermen estimate for fire department building grant (06/23/09)
The Sweet Springs Board of Aldermen discussed a grant for a fire department building at a special meeting Monday afternoon, June 22. The board heard of a proposal from Robert Rollings Architects LLC regarding the fire department building. The company offered to perform a cost estimate of the building's construction for purposes of a grant application, according to unofficial minutes. The

Irvin Luther Robb (06/23/09)
Irvin Luther Robb, 89, of Houstonia, passed away Sunday, June 21, 2009, at Golden Oaks Nursing Home in Marshall. Funeral services will be held at 1:30 p.m. Thursday, June 25, 2009, at Range Line Presbyterian Church in Houstonia. Burial will be in Memorial Park Cemetery in Sedalia. ...

Mary J. Bailey (06/15/09)
Mary J. Bailey, 70, of Sweet Springs, formerly of Marshall, died Tuesday, June 9, 2009, at Sweet Springs Villa. Funeral services will be held at 10 a.m. Tuesday, June 16, 2009, at Campbell-Lewis Chapel in Marshall, with William W. Harlow officiating. Burial will be in Oak Hill Cemetery in Carrollton. Friends may sign the online register book at www.campbell-lewis.com...

Sweet Springs receiving fewer responses to income survey than needed (06/11/09)
Stephanie Ross of Midwest Assistance Program Inc. was present at the Monday, June 8, meeting of the Sweet Springs Board of Aldermen where she discussed the responses to the income survey that the city has received. The income survey responses will be used to qualify for grants from the U.S. Department of Agriculture and Community Development Block Grant program...

Sweet Springs school board discusses health insurance, math team results, summer school at May 14 meeting (05/28/09)
The Sweet Springs Board of Education discussed employee health insurance options at its meeting Thursday evening, May 14. One plan is a "typical PPO" with copays and deductibles, said Superintendent Boyd Jones. Employees who choose this plan will pay $25.88 out of pocket each month for the coverage...

Sweet Springs to purchase fire truck (05/21/09)
The Sweet Springs Board of Aldermen discussed the purchase of a fire truck during a special meeting Wednesday evening, May 20. According to the meeting's unofficial minutes, the board voted to purchase a 1995 Freightliner Fire Truck using funds loaned by Community Bank of Marshall...

Sweet Springs aldermen approve ordinances on possession of alcohol, child safety restraints (05/14/09)
At its meeting Tuesday evening, May 12, the Sweet Springs Board of Aldermen passed two ordinances, one regarding the possession of alcohol by minors and the other regarding the use of safety belts and child restraints. The board passed an ordinance prohibiting minors from possessing intoxicating alcohol within the city limits...

Graduation 2009: Sweet Springs eighth-graders 'promoted' (05/14/09)
The Sweet Springs Eighth Grade Promotion ceremony, held Monday evening, May 11, started with two students -- Spencer Thomas and Mikalah Vogelsmeier -- sharing some of the memories they have formed so far in the journey with their classmates. "Our class gets along extremely well," said Vogelsmeier after she finished reminiscing. "...We know that with this class, we'll have many more (fun memories) in the coming four years of high school."...

Sweet Springs resident charged with meth possession (05/12/09)
Nakia L. Tabor, 33, of Sweet Springs, was arrested and charged with class C felony possession of methamphetamine Thursday, May 7, by Sweet Springs police. According to the incident report, Tabor was stopped because the arresting officer knew Tabor's driver's license had been revoked and would not be reissued until 2013...

Graduation 2009: Sweet Springs High School graduates honored (05/11/09)
During the Sweet Springs High School graduation ceremony Friday evening, May 8, 34 seniors received their diplomas. Superintendent Boyd Jones welcomed attendees to the ceremony, telling them the purpose of the event was to celebrate a new beginning more than mourning an end...

John Paul Kelley (05/05/09)
John Paul Kelley, 74, of Sweet Springs, died Sunday, May 3, 2009, at his home. Funeral services will be held at 10:30 a.m. Friday, May 8, 2009, at First Baptist Church in Sweet Springs, with Rev. David Goode and Rev. Jim West officiating. Burial with military rites will be in Fairview Cemetery. ...

Lady 'Hounds win I-70 tourney debut (04/29/09)
CONCORDIA -- The Sweet Springs softball team jumped on top of Crest Ridge with six runs in the first two innings Tuesday and made it stand up for a 6-4 victory in the first round of the I-70 Conference Tournament at Concordia. Junior Kathleen Tyler singled in two runs and scored in the first inning and senior Sammi DeWeese followed junior Kristin Jones' RBI single with a two-run hit in the second for the fourth-seeded Lady Greyhounds...

Mary Catherine Mark (04/24/09)
Mary Catherine Mark, 77, of Sweet Springs, died Wednesday, April 22, 2009, at Sweet Springs Villa. Funeral services will be held at 2 p.m. Saturday, April 25, 2009, at First Baptist Church in Sweet Springs, with Rev. David Goode officiating. Visitation will be held from 6:30 to 8 p.m. Friday at Campbell-Lewis Funeral Home in Sweet Springs. Burial will be in Antioch Cemetery. Memorials may be made to First Baptist Church. Friends may sign the online register book at www.campbell-lewis.com...

Everett Lavern Sims (04/24/09)
Everett Lavern Sims, 74, of Sweet Springs, died Thursday, April 23, 2009, at I-70 Medical Center in Sweet Springs. Funeral services will be held at 1:30 p.m. Monday, April 27, 2009, at Mt. Zion Christian Church in Dunksburg, with Pastor Gene Smith officiating. Burial will be in Fairview Cemetery in Sweet Springs.

Pair of area FFA chapters take top honors (04/21/09)
Editor's note: Some information for this article was provided by a press release from the Missouri FFA convention. Two area FFA chapters earned top honors at the 81st Missouri State FFA convention held April 15-16 in Columbia. The Sweet Springs FFA chapter was once again named the number-one "Top Chapter" in the state of Missouri, while Marshall FFA was named the state's 13th top chapter, improving nine places from a year ago. ...

Hinck wins Missouri FFA Diversified Crop Production Placement Proficiency Award (04/18/09)
COLUMBIA, Mo., April 16, 2009 -- Travis Hinck of the Sweet Springs FFA Chapter, Sweet Springs was named the winner of the Diversified Crop Production Placement Proficiency Award at the 81st Missouri FFA Convention. Hinck, a graduate of Sweet Springs high school, and is the son of Greg and Donna Hinck. His FFA advisors are Brent Niemeyer and Kristen Fenner...

Sweet Springs FFA chapter places first in state (04/19/09)
COLUMBIA, Mo., April 16, 2009 -- Sweet Springs FFA placed first out of 317 chapters in the state, earning the Top Chapter Award at the 81st Missouri FFA convention, according to a news release from the state FFA organization. Only 10 percent of state chapters receive the Top Chapter Award each year...

Sweet Springs Board of Education reorganized (04/15/09)
The Sweet Springs Board of Education was reorganized at its meeting Wednesday evening, April 15. The board accepted the unofficial results of the election April 7. Board member John Dohrman left the board with kind words. Among other things, he thanked community members for their overwhelming support of the Kids First initiative, which passed with 76 percent of the vote.

Elbert Vogelsmeier (04/13/09)
Elbert Vogelsmeier, 94, of rural Sweet Springs, died Sunday, April 12, 2009, at Columbia Regional Hospital in Columbia. Funeral services will be held at 11 a.m. Wednesday, April 15, 2009, at Immanuel Lutheran Church in Sweet Springs, with Rev. Dan Wing officiating. ...

Linda Jean McAllister Lamb (03/24/09)
Linda Jean McAllister Lamb, 57, of Concordia, formerly of Sweet Springs, died Monday, March 23, 2009, at I-70 Medical Center in Sweet Springs. Funeral services will be held at 1:30 p.m. Thursday, March 26, 2009, at Campbell-Lewis Chapel in Sweet Springs. ...

Sweet Springs school board tweaks plans for high school building addition (03/18/09)
Changes to the plans for the high school's addition were made at the Sweet Springs Board of Education meeting Tuesday, March 17. The board voted to change the plans for the addition to the high school to add 10 feet to the width of the gym. This was done in order to increase seating in the gym, said Superintendent Boyd Jones, by an amount "equal to the current seating on either side." The cost for this addition is $92,810...

2 hurt in 2-vehicle crash on I-70 Sunday (03/08/09)
Two people were injured in a two-vehicle accident on Interstate 70 near Sweet Springs Sunday afternoon, March 8, according to a Missouri State Highway Patrol report. James L. Jaeger, 60, of St. Louis, suffered moderate injuries and was taken by ambulance to I-70 Medical Center in Sweet Springs, according to the report...

Harold J. Vogelsmeier (03/03/09)
Harold J. "Bud" Vogelsmeier, 89, of rural Sweet Springs, died Sunday, March 1, 2009, at I-70 Medical Center in Sweet Springs. Funeral services will be held at 11 a.m. Wednesday, March 4, 2009, at Immanuel Lutheran Church, with Rev. Dan Wing officiating. ...

Suzanne Garrison (03/02/09)
Suzanne "Suzy" Garrison, 51, of Warsaw, formerly of Sweet Springs, died Thursday, Feb. 26, 2009, at her home in Warsaw. Funeral services were held at 10:30 a.m. Monday, March 2, 2009, at Campbell-Lewis Chapel in Sweet Springs, with William W. Harlow officiating. Burial was in Payne Cemetery in rural Johnson County. Memorials may be made to the family to help defray funeral expenses. Friends may sign an online guestbook at www.campbell-lewis.com...

Iliff charged with assault after Feb. 10 incident (03/02/09)
Timothy L. Iliff, 46, of Sweet Springs, was taken into custody Wednesday, Feb. 25, in connection with an incident that took place Feb. 10 at a private residence in Sweet Springs. He is being held on a $5,000 cash-only bond. According to the incident report, Iliff assaulted Talmadge Ingalls, attacking him with a knife during an argument...

Paperwork for sale of I-70 Medical Center to HMC/CAH finalized (02/27/09)
The final "i" has been dotted, the final "t" crossed, and so the sale of I-70 Medical Center in Sweet Springs to HMC/CAH Consolidated of Kansas City is complete as of Friday, Feb. 27, according to a news release from the hospital. The sale was initiated in July 2008, when the hospital board of directors, in a split vote, opted to accept HMC's offer for the hospital...

Sweet Springs Progress: Changes afoot at I-70 Medical Center (02/20/09)
Events of the past year have given Sweet Springs opportunities to look forward. Here we offer an excerpt from one of the stories you'll find in the special insert in the Friday, Feb. 20, edition of The Marshall Democrat-News.

Sweet Springs school board reviews district performance report (02/19/09)
A number of visitors were present for the Sweet Springs R-VII School District Board of Education meeting Wednesday, Feb. 18. The board approved the school district's annual "report card," despite inaccuracies regarding the number of black students listed and even the name of the school district, which read "Sweet Springs R-V," rather than "R-VII."...

Sweet Springs aldermen praise police officer, vote to raise water rates (02/11/09)
Changing the water rate, appointing new members to the Park and Recreation Board and the commending a Sweet Springs police officer were among the actions taken by the Sweet Springs Board of Aldermen at its regular meeting Monday, Feb. 9. The board voted to change the water rate to $8.25 for the first 133 cubic feet of water and .062 cents per cubic foot of water after that. ...

Koster gives green light to I-70 Medical Center sale (02/03/09)
Missouri Attorney General Chris Koster approved the sale of the I-70 Medical Center in Sweet Springs to the for-profit company Hospital Management Consulting Monday, Feb. 2.

Attempted burglary reported by rural Sweet Springs resident (02/02/09)
A rural Sweet Springs woman reported an attempted burglary Saturday afternoon, Jan. 31, according to a Saline County Sheriff's Department report. The woman told deputies her daughter saw an older full-sized panel van approach the home. A man got out of the van and tried to open the front door. He then drove the van to the rear of the home and tried to enter through the back door, according to the report...

Newscope: Sweet Springs A+ Career Day to be held Wednesday, Feb. 4 (01/30/09)
Sweet Springs High School will hold an A+ Career Day Wednesday, Feb. 4, beginning at 8:15 a.m. High schoolers will listen to presentations by MVC students before breaking out into four sessions, each consisting of one representative of a career...

Sweet Springs police officer to receive commendation for actions during house fire (01/30/09)
Sweet Springs police officer Ben Burge was recently recommended by Sweet Springs Fire Chief Todd Anderson to receive a commendation for his acts on Dec. 29, 2008, in relation to a house fire. On the evening of Dec. 29, Burge, as he said he often does, tried to overhear the content of an emergency call...

Catherine Lange (01/19/09)
Catherine Lange, 77, of Sweet Springs, died Thursday, Jan. 15, 2009, at The Living Center in Marshall. Funeral services will be held at 10:30 a.m. Tuesday, Jan. 20, 2009, at Immanuel Lutheran Church in Sweet Springs.

Ada Maurine Parsons Tyler (01/14/09)
Ada Maurine Parsons Tyler, 80, of rural Sweet Springs, died Monday, Jan. 12, 2009, at Lutheran Good Shepherd Nursing Home in Concordia. Funeral services will be held Friday morning, Jan. 16, 2009, at 10:30 a.m. at Blackwater Chapel United Methodist Church, with Rev. ...

Maurine Tyler (01/13/09)
Maurine Tyler, 80, of rural Sweet Springs, died Monday, Jan. 12, 2009, at The Lutheran Nursing Home in Concordia. Funeral arrangements are pending at Campbell-Lewis Funeral Home in Sweet Springs.

Charles Edward Jackson Jr. (12/29/08)
Charles Edward Jackson Jr., 60, of Liberty, passed away Thursday, Dec. 25, 2008, at his home. Memorial services will be held at 4 p.m. Tuesday, Dec. 30, 2008, at Church-Archer-Pasley Funeral Home. Visitation will precede the services from 3 to 4 p.m. ...

Danny E. Widder (12/22/08)
Danny E. Widder, 70, of Sweet Springs, and long-time resident of Ulysses, Kan., died Saturday, Dec. 20, 2008, in Round Rock, Texas. A memorial service will be held at 10:00 a.m. Saturday, Dec. 27, 2008, at Campbell-Lewis Chapel in Sweet Springs. Pastor Jack Thomas will officiate. Burial will be at a later date. In lieu of flowers, memorials may be made to The Sweet Springs Historical Society c/o Campbell Lewis Funeral Home, 226 S. Odell, Marshall, MO 65340...

Sweet Springs bands and choirs give audience 'A Night of Carols' (12/18/08)

Sweet Springs celebrates the holidays with 'Santa Saturday' (12/09/08)
Sweet Springs saw a lot of Christmastime activities during "Santa Saturday," Dec. 6, part of the town's "Winter Weekend." Children and their parents were able to have "Breakfast with Santa" for the tenth consecutive year at the Lions Club thanks to the Sweet Springs Optimist Club, where they could eat pancakes and sausage and drink either milk or orange juice before the children sat on Santa's lap...

'Hounds debut with two wins (12/05/08)
SWEET SPRINGS -- The Sweet Springs boys' basketball team run-and-gunned its way past visiting Malta Bend, 94-25, to begin the season Thursday, while the Lady Greyhounds used their more methodical approach to dominate their Saline County rival, 58-8...

Sweet Springs student wins anti-dumping poster contest (12/02/08)
Bailey Coyer, student at Sweet Springs Elementary, received the most votes for her entry in the 2009 Saline County Illegal Dumping Awareness Poster Contest, beating 12 other entries for placement on a local highway billboard and the cover of the calendar featuring entries from the contest...

Paula M. (Sidwell) Forsyth (12/01/08)
Paula M. (Sidwell) Forsyth, 76, of Wichita, Kan., formerly of Sweet Springs, died Friday, Nov. 28, 2008, in Wichita. Graveside funeral services will be held Saturday, Dec. 6, 2008, at 2 p.m. at Fairview Cemetery in Sweet Springs. Visitation will be held Thursday, Dec. 4, 2008, from 5:30 p.m. to 7:30 p.m. at Cochran Mortuary in Wichita. Burial will be in Fairview Cemetery in Sweet Springs. Online condolences cam be left at www.cochranmortuary.com...

Sweet Springs man hurt in 1-vehicle accident (11/29/08)
An 18-year-old Sweet Springs man received minor injuries Friday afternoon, Nov. 28, in a one-vehicle accident, according to a Missouri State Highway Patrol report. Lucas T. Hall was taken by a family member to I-70 Medical Center in Sweet Springs, troopers said...

Sweet Springs woman suffers minor injuries in 2-vehicle crash (11/27/08)
Robin DeWeese, 39, of Sweet Springs, received minor injuries about 4 p.m. Wednesday, Nov. 26, when the 1999 Chrysler she was a passenger in was struck by a 2000 Ford F150, according to a Missouri State Highway Patrol report. The accident occurred in Pettis County near the intersection of Highway 127 and Salt Fork Road...

Norman Eugene Rayl (11/21/08)
Norman Eugene "Gene" Rayl, 74-year-old resident of Sportsman Shores (Langley), Okla., died early Wednesday, Nov. 19, 2008, in Langley. The funeral service will be held Saturday, Nov. 22, 2008, at 2 p.m. at Campbell-Lewis Funeral Home in Sweet Springs, with William W. ...

Sheriff's deputies investigate burglary at Sweet Springs quarry (11/18/08)
Saline County sheriff's deputies are investigating a second business burglary near Sweet Springs several days after a contractor reported a break-in and theft from a construction site near there. The second burglary occurred at Lafarge Quarry between 4 p.m. Friday, Nov. 14, and 6:30 a.m. Monday, Nov. 17, according to the report, and between the loss of a equipment and damage to facilities, the cost is estimated by company officials to exceed $50,000, deputies said...

Sweet Springs school board to seek voter approval for building expansion bond (11/14/08)
The primary issues discussed at the Sweet Springs R-VII School District Board of Education meeting were the placement of a bond issue for construction of a new pre-kindergarten through fourth-grade school on April's ballot and the score of the district's annual performance report...

Contractor reports vehicles, tools stolen from construction site (11/14/08)
The Saline County Sheriff's Department is investigating the theft from a construction site new Sweet Springs of two vehicles and a number of tools. A report made Friday, Nov. 14, by representatives of Premier Contractors Inc. noted that two skid-loaders and the tools were taken from a site a quarter of a mile south of Interstate 70 on County Road 329...

Sweet Springs man charged with stalking (11/12/08)
Raymond S. Nold, 41, of Sweet Springs, was arrested Monday, Nov. 10, and charged with the class A misdemeanors of stalking and harassment. According to a report from Saline County Sheriff's Department, Nold was taken into custody after a former girlfriend reported several instances in which Nold allegedly threatened or confronted her, her son and another acquaintance, including dozens of phone calls...

Traffic ordinance dominates meeting of Sweet Springs council (11/11/08)
During the Sweet Springs Board of Aldermen meeting Monday, Nov. 10, the board discussed the implementation of a new Model Traffic Ordinance, the purchase of a fire truck and the ongoing issue of water loss due to old water meters misreading the amount brought in...

Chance Carl Koch (10/20/08)
Chance Carl Koch, stillborn son of Christopher and Chenoa Koch of Sweet Springs, died Thursday, Oct. 16, 2008, at St. Luke Hospital in Kansas City. Funeral services will be held at 10:30 a.m. Tuesday, Oct. 21, 2008, at Immanuel Lutheran Church in Sweet Springs, with Rev. ...

Katherine Juanita Welch (10/21/08)
Juanita Welch, 73, of Sweet Springs, died Saturday, Oct. 18, 2008, at University Hospital and Clinics in Columbia. Funeral services are pending at Campbell-Lewis Funeral Home in Sweet Springs.

Littering ordinance, water meter upgrades dominate Sweet Springs council meeting (10/15/08)
During the Sweet Springs Board of Aldermen's meeting Tuesday evening, Oct. 14, much time was spent discussing a proposed littering ordinance and the need to replace or repair water meters inaccurately measuring the water used. The littering ordinance was brought to the board's attention for a number of reasons, including the fact that there had been no such ordinance and a problem the city had been having with citizens allowing their grass clippings to make their way into the city's sewer system.. ...

Saline County artist retrieved from obscurity by historian (10/09/08)
A wedding gift, given to a young couple in 1955, led a retired college professor to uncover perhaps one of Missouri -- and Saline County's -- great artists from the 19th century. However, the artist, William B. Cox, had been all but forgotten in art history...

Sweet Springs plans first Octoberfest for Saturday, Oct. 4 (09/30/08)
The first Sweet Springs Octoberfest is slated for Saturday, Oct. 4, downtown on Miller Street, according to a news release. Events will get underway at 10 a.m. and will continue through the evening hours with dinner and music. Crafters and venders will be set up ready to go by 10 a.m. There will be a variety of crafters, including pottery, ceramics, wickless candles, jewelry, artists and more...

Sweet Springs man hurt in 1-vehicle accident early Sept. 25 (09/26/08)
A Sweet Springs man received moderate injuries and was taken to Fitzgibbon Hospital as a result of an accident on Thursday morning, Sept. 25, according to a report by the Missouri State Highway Patrol. The collision occurred at around 5:40 a.m. on Route EE north of County Road 314 when Shannon L. Rader, 25, traveled off the right side of the roadway and overturned after striking a culvert, according to the report by Sgt. Woody Hicks...

Sweet Springs woman hurt in 1-car wreck (09/13/08)

Closing delayed, but HMC officials think hospital sale will be approved (09/09/08)
The ball remains in the state attorney general's office regarding the sale of non-profit I-70 Medical Center to for-profit HMC/CAH and as of Friday, Sept. 5, an AG spokesman would only say that the agreement is still being reviewed. At the Sweet Springs Board of Aldermen meeting Monday, Sept. ...

KC man sentenced to federal prison term for robbing Sweet Springs bank (09/07/08)
A Kansas City man convicted of robbing two banks in April, including First Community Bank of Sweet Springs, was sentenced Friday, Sept. 5, to seven years in federal prison, according to a news release from John F. Wood, United States Attorney for the Western District of Missouri...

Fern Adelle Vaught (08/29/08)
Fern Adelle Vaught, 83, of Sweet Springs, died Thursday, Aug. 28, 2008, at Golden Living Center in Odessa. Graveside services will be held at 2:30 p.m. Wednesday, Sept. 3, 2008, at Fairview Cemetery in Sweet Springs, with William W. Harlow officiating. ...

Prep Grid Preview � Week 1: 'Hounds face daunting task versus No. 1 Orrick (08/28/08)
SWEET SPRINGS -- Despite a new offensive backfield, Sweet Springs head coach Tim Smith is full of confidence about the season ahead. Whether that optimism will survive the opener remains to be seen, since the Greyhounds' task is formidable: taking on defending Class 1 state champion Orrick on the road. Coming off another I-70 Conference title run, the Bearcats -- despite the loss of all-state running back Taylor Eubank -- enter the season ranked No. 1 in the Associated Press poll...

Chester Griffitt (08/28/08)
Chester Griffitt, 92, of rural Sweet Springs, died Thursday, Aug. 28, 2008, at Fitzgibbon Hospital in Marshall. Funeral services will be held at 2 p.m. Saturday, Aug. 30, 2008, at Campbell-Lewis Chapel in Marshall, with William W. Harlow officiating. ...

Sweet Springs school board gets good news on tax impact of new law (08/26/08)
The Sweet Springs School Board dealt with mostly routine business in a short meeting held at the elementary school on August 21. The longest discussion centered around the tax rate hearing and what the recently passed Senate Bill 711 actually meant...

Support for I-70 Medical Center strong, but opinions divided about proposed sale (08/22/08)
The clear consensus at a three-hour public hearing in Sweet Springs Thursday, Aug. 21, was that members of the community strongly support the I-70 Medical Center and want to see it succeed. Past that, opinions diverge about how best to achieve that goal...

Virginia Wackerman (08/21/08)
Virginia Wackerman, 79, of Sweet Springs, died Tuesday, Aug. 19, 2008, at University Hospital & Clinics in Columbia. Memorial services will be held at 2 p.m. Saturday, Aug. 23, 2008, at Campbell-Lewis Chapel in Sweet Springs, with William W. Harlow officiating. ...

Public hearing on Sweet Springs hospital sale set for Thursday (08/16/08)
Missouri Attorney General Jay Nixon announced Friday, Aug. 15, that a public hearing will be held at 5:30 p.m. Thursday, Aug. 21, at Sweet Springs elementary school on the subject of the impending sale of the I-70 Medical Center. Missouri law gives the attorney general 20 days to evaluate the proposed agreement between non-profit I-70 Medical Center and for-profit Hospital Management Consulting before the deal can be finalized, according to a news release from Nixon's office...

I-70 Medical Center sold to HMC/CAH (08/01/08)

Sold? I-70 Medical Center board member says hospital sold; CEO says it's premature to comment (07/28/08)
I-70 Medical Center, a private, non-profit hospital located in Sweet Springs, may be up for sale. According to an article in the Sweet Springs Herald last week, six of 11 members of the hospital board voted to sell the center to a private company in early July...

Sweet Springs aldermen consider guest tax, address changes (07/18/08)
The Sweet Springs Board of Aldermen discussed a guest tax ordinance and considered address changes recommended by the Saline County 911 Commission at their regular meeting Monday, July 14. The proposed guest tax would cost Sweet Springs visitors 5 percent of their room rate...

Virgil Nolting (07/14/08)
Virgil Nolting, 85, of rural Houstonia, died Friday, July 11, 2008, at I-70 Medical Center in Sweet Springs. Funeral services will be held at 10:30 a.m. Tuesday, July 15, 2008, at Immanuel Lutheran Church in Sweet Springs, with Rev. Dan Wing officiating. ...

Sweet Springs school board votes to allow students a choice between band and chorus (07/11/08)
A group of parents questioned the Sweet Springs School Board of Education on Wednesday, July 9, about a policy requiring all 5th and 6th grade students in the district to take band. The matter seems to be resolved, however, as school superintendent Boyd Jones said in a later interview that the board voted in executive session to allow the 5th and 6th graders the choice beginning this year to take either band or vocal music...

MSDC to help Sweet Springs develop community plan (07/09/08)
The Marshall Saline Development Corporation discussed the possibly of creating a community plan for Sweet Springs at their Tuesday, July 8, meeting. "We have joined with a number of our community and regional partners to develop a community plan for Sweet Springs," said Executive Director Roy Hunter. "The first step in this effort will consist of an open meeting in Sweet Springs."...

Tracy Ekstrand (07/08/08)
Tracy Ekstrand, 57, of rural Clinton, died Monday, July 7, 2008, at his home. Funeral services will be held at 10 a.m. Thursday, July 10, 2008, at Reser Funeral Home in Warsaw, with Rev. Gene Ekstrand officiating. Burial will be in Shawnee Cemetery, Warsaw. The family will receive friends from 6 to 8:30 p.m. Wednesday evening at the funeral home. Memorials may be made to Benton County Cancer Fund in care of Reser Funeral Home. Condolences may be left online at ...

Mary Frances Milburn (06/20/08)
Mary Frances Wortheam Milburn, 59, of Sweet Springs, died Monday, June 16, 2008 at her home. Funeral services will be held at 11 a.m. Friday, June 20, 2008, at Walker-Nadler-Fuller Funeral Home in Lexington. Burial will be held in Lexington Memory Gardens. Visitation will be from 10 to 11 a.m. Friday, prior to the service. Memorials may be made to the family...

Controversy returns: Sweet Springs council disagrees over board appointment (06/17/08)
The Sweet Springs Board of Aldermen has had fewer contentious moments recently, but controversy returned at its meeting Monday, June 9. When Alderwoman Billie Clevenger recommended former mayor Roxanne Hinton for appointment to the recreation board, Alderwoman Vivian Wiley and Alderman Jim Lindemann began what proved to be a night of arguments...

Sewer rate increase approved for Sweet Springs (06/11/08)
The Sweet Springs Board of Aldermen met Monday, June 9, and approved a sewer-rate increase. The current sewer service rate is $2.55 for 0 to 133 cubic feet of water and $0.0125 for each cubic foot of water used thereafter. At the last meeting of the board, there were three rates proposed. Alderwoman Billie Clevenger was not present to propose her own rate...

Newscope/School boards to hold regular meetings this week (06/09/08)
The Sweet Springs Board of Education is scheduled to meet Thursday, June 12, at 7 p.m. The Malta Bend Board of Education meets Thursday, June 12, at 7 p.m.

KC man injured in I-70 accident following pursuit (06/07/08)
A Kansas City man suffered moderate injuries Friday afternoon, June 6, when he lost control of his car after hitting "stop sticks" placed in his path by Missouri State Highway Patrol troopers. Tracy J. Black, 40, was being pursued by troopers on eastbound Interstate 70 when he struck the "stop sticks" about 5:20 p.m. at the 71.8 mile-marker, according to a highway patrol report...

Saline County BBQ 2008/Meet the 2008 Saline County Fair Junior Queen candidates (06/03/08)
Editor's note: Saline County Fair Queens will be crowned at the Saline County BBQ Saturday, June 7. Profiles of the senior queen candidates will appear in the Wednesday, June 4, edition of The Marshall Democrat-News. Alyssa Chastine...

GPS leads woman astray near Sweet Springs, cell phone helps her get back on track (05/22/08)
Three Saline County Sheriff's deputies and one Sweet Springs fireman spent over an hour Wednesday, May 21, trying to locate a woman in rural Saline County whose Garmin GPS took her astray. Sheriff's department received a call at 11:26 a.m. from a woman who said she was on County Road 330 near Bridge Street in Sweet Springs. She was stuck in a ditch and couldn't get out, according to the incident log...

Summer with no swimming pool?/Sweet Springs pool board says more lifeguards needed in order to open city pool (05/14/08)
The Sweet Springs pool might not be opening on schedule this year unless more lifeguards are hired. Members of the Board of Aldermen heard concerns at their regular meeting Monday, May 12, from the pool board about the possibility of not being able to open the pool this summer...

Sweet Springs school board approves bus purchase (05/12/08)
The Sweet Springs Board of Education met Thursday, May 8, to approve purchasing a new bus and replacing carpet in the high school. Superintendent Boyd Jones said the district has purchased large buses the last two years. "If we buy this one, we can hold off one year before buying another," Jones said...

Graduation ceremonies at area schools (05/09/08)
High school graduations: Sweet Springs High School graduation ceremony will be held Friday, May 9, at 7:30 p.m. at the school. Slater High School graduation ceremony will be held Saturday, May 10, at 6:30 p.m. in the gymnasium. Marshall High School graduation ceremony will be held Sunday, May 18, at 2 p.m. in the sports complex...

Health insurance tops Sweet Springs school board agenda (05/09/08)
Sweet Springs Board of Education discussed health insurance policy options at its regular meeting Thursday, May 8. Superintendent Boyd Jones said for the first time in recent memory the district has a competitive bid from someone other than Forrest T. Jones...

Sweet Springs FFA students bid farewell to long-time advisor (05/06/08)
Although he wanted the focus to stay on the students, the large crowd at the Sweet Springs FFA Banquet on Wednesday, April 30, made sure that longtime advisor Dan Hill knew he was appreciated. Hill is retiring this year, after 30 years of serving as the agriculture teacher and FFA advisor at the high school. The Sweet Springs FFA chapter was named the number one chapter in the state of Missouri at the Missouri FFA Convention held April 17-18 in Columbia...

Giant mushrooms (05/06/08)

Rural fire districts redraw boundaries to prepare for enhanced 911 (05/02/08)
With the upcoming countywide 911 coming online, Saline County rural fire districts have met and changed their boundaries in order to encompass areas that were once not covered by any fire department. "Everybody's area has changed somewhat with the exception of Glasgow, Malta Bend and Waverly. Theirs didn't change," said John Rieves, captain of Marshall's Fire Department...

9-1-1 Commission chooses site near Marshall airport for proposed central dispatch center (05/03/08)
Pamela Teague, new director of the 9-1-1 dispatch center for Saline County, released minutes of Monday's closed session of the commission late Wednesday, April 30, announcing the commission's decision to build the center on a tract of land adjacent to the new Shirley Martin Community Center/Nicholas-Beazley Aviation Museum, near the Marshall Municipal Airport.

Enhanced 9-1-1 center site chosen, location not yet released (04/30/08)
Saline County 9-1-1 Commission President John Fletcher said Wednesday, April 30, that the commission has selected a site for the 9-1-1 dispatch center, but would not confirm the location of the site, pending a news release later in the day. The decision was made at a closed-door meeting of the commission Monday, April 28...

Sweet Springs aldermen approve street projects (04/28/08)
The Sweet Springs Board of Alderman selected the street overlay projects for this year's budget at its meeting Monday, April 14. Hank Taber, superintendent of public works, presented the board with a list of potential streets to include in the 2008 overlay project. The list has more than a mile of city streets that need repair...

Bonner Springs teen killed in collision on I-70 April 27 (04/28/08)
A Bonner Springs, Kan., teen was killed early Sunday, April 27, and six people were injured in a two-car accident on Interstate 70 west of Sweet Springs, according to Missouri State Highway Patrol. Joshua K. Gaffney, 14, was pronounced dead at the scene by Saline County Coroner Willie Harlow. Next of kin have been notified, according to the report...

Sweet Springs FFA Chapter earns top honors at state convention (04/18/08)
Two area FFA chapters received Gold Chapter Awards on the first day of the 80th Missouri FFA Convention, while four local students took first place proficiency awards for the state. The Sweet Springs FFA chapter was named first out of the state's 311 chapters, while Marshall's chapter was named 22nd...

Suspect in Sweet Springs bank robbery arrested (04/17/08)
Saline County Sheriff Wally George announced early Thursday, April 17, that according to Missouri State Highway Patrol officials, a suspect in the bank robbery April 8 in Sweet Springs was arrested April 16 by Independence police. The suspect escaped after the robbery with an undisclosed amount of money. Sweet Springs police, sheriff's deputies, MSHP troopers and FBI agents have been investigating the case...

Dohrman turns over reins of Sweet Springs school board after long tenure as president (04/17/08)
President John Dohrman stepped down after about 11 consecutive years of holding the office at the Sweet Springs Board of Education meeting Thursday, April 10, after one returning and two new members were accepted to the board. The board certified the results from the Tuesday, April 8, election giving Robert Fuehring, Troy Schroeder and Brian Vogelsmeier the three open spots on the board...

New mayor takes office in Sweet Springs April 15 (04/15/08)
The Sweet Springs Board of Aldermen met Monday, April 14, to swear in newly elected officials and new Mayor Raymond Kinney had to break a tie vote right off the bat. City Clerk Ronda Nienhueser swore in Kinney to the position of mayor and James Lindemann and Billie Clevenger to positions of aldermen...

FBI seeks leads in Sweet Springs bank robbery/First Community Bank announces reopening; praises employees' responses during incident (04/10/08)
Area law enforcement officers, the Missouri State Highway Patrol and the FBI are still looking for a suspect in the robbery Tuesday, April 8, of First Community Bank in Sweet Springs. Meanwhile, the bank announced it was open for business as usual Wednesday...

April election/Courthouse renovation tax gets nod from voters (04/09/08)
Editor's note: All vote totals below are unofficial preliminary tallies as of 9 a.m. Wednesday, April 9. The 1/4-cent sales tax to finance a major renovation of the Saline County Courthouse won handily in the local election Tuesday, April 8...

2 Sweet Spring teens killed, 2 hurt in collision late Monday, April 7 (04/08/08)
A two-vehicle accident near Sweet Springs left two Sweet Springs teenagers dead Monday, April 7. The Missouri State Highway Patrol responded to the accident at about 10:19 p.m. Monday on the South Outer Road, 1 1/2 miles west of Missouri Highway 127...

Suspect still at large Tuesday after mid-morning bank robbery in Sweet Springs (04/08/08)
Law enforcement officials in Saline County were searching the southwest part of the county Tuesday morning, April 8, after a report of a bank robbery at the First Community Bank of Sweet Springs. Sheriff Wally George said the call came in at 10:28 a.m. that a white male, about 5-foot, 8-inches tall and about 220 pounds, approached a teller and passed a note demanding money "or he would shoot."...

'Friends of Sweet Springs FFA' hopes to send member to leadership conference (04/08/08)
The newly "officially" formed Friends of the Sweet Springs FFA is looking for those interested in joining their organization and also looking for two Sweet Springs FFA members interested in attending the Washington Leadership Conference. "We want to help keep the FFA strong in Sweet Springs," said DeEtta Murphy, secretary of the newly-formed group. Among the group's other goals are to "connect the Sweet Springs chapter's historic past, to the present, while helping build for the future."...

April election/Sweet Springs school board candidates make their cases (04/07/08)
Editor's note: The candidates running for Sweet Springs Board of Education were all asked the same questions. Why are you running? What qualifies you for this position? What are two or three issues, problems or goals you think should be top priority in the coming year, if elected to the school board?...

Sweet Springs firefighter charged with felony in alleged theft case (04/04/08)
Sweet Springs Volunteer Fireman Ryan A. Hall was arrested March 8 after allegedly using a credit card belonging to Sweet Springs Fire Department to purchase gasoline for his personal vehicle. On March 8, Officer Melvin Taber filed a probable cause statement that stated he believed Hall committed one or more offenses on or around Oct. 30, 2007, to March 8, 2008, at Break Time in Sweet Springs...

Sweet Springs council approves $2.29 million budget (03/27/08)
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...

Sweet Springs youngster hurt in gun accident March 18 (03/19/08)
A Sweet Springs 6-year-old was injured by the recoil of a shotgun on Tuesday, March 18, and taken to I-70 Medical Center for evaluation, according to the Saline County Sheriff's Department. The juvenile sustained a superficial wound near his right shoulder, deputies said...

Sweet Springs school board approves 2008-09 calendar, class schedule change (03/19/08)
The Sweet Springs Board of Education met Thursday, March 13, to approve the proposed 2008-2009 school calendar and a proposal generated by the teacher committee changing class scheduling. The proposed calendar year for Sweet Springs school district has school beginning Thursday, Aug. 14, and ending Friday, May 15. This calendar features make-up days reordered to allow spring break to remain more intact. It also includes an early out on the last day before Christmas vacation...

Disagreement over information distribution marks Sweet Springs school board meeting (03/18/08)
Voices rose on a couple of matters at the Sweet Springs Board of Education meeting Thursday, March 13. Board member Cindi Sims asked the board to discuss distribution of board packets for closed session material. Sims apparently asked for materials prior to the Thursday meeting to prepare herself for the decision to be made that night and was denied until further investigation on if there was a policy or motion made by a board in the past on distribution of this material and also to get all board members input.. ...

Sweet Springs council considers use-or-lose policy on insurance (03/17/08)

Saline County Republicans select delegates for district and state conventions (03/17/08)
Richard Clemens, chairman of the Saline County Republican Committee, announced the results of the party's caucus, held Saturday, March 15, in the Club House on the Marshall square. Selected to serve as delegates to the district convention in Sedalia April 19 are Lester Bailey, Gordon Buckner, Clemens, Ken Hughson, Ron Murphy, G. Edward Richards, Melvin Smith and Bill Stouffer...

9-1-1 commission selects director, reviews proposed sites (03/14/08)
The Saline County 9-1-1 Commission has hired a director for the centralized emergency dispatch center and released a list of proposed sites for the facility at its meeting Thursday, March 13, in Miami. The commission announced Friday, March 14, that it has selected Pamela Teague, who has experience implementing 9-1-1 services in Benton County and is currently operations manager and training coordinator of the Barry County enhanced 9-1-1 organization in Cassville...

Newscope/Marshall, Sweet Springs to host Easter Egg hunts (03/12/08)
Indian Foothills Park will host two Easter Egg Hunts this year. The first on Friday, March 14, at 8 p.m. is a "Flashlight Egg Hunt." It will be for 11 to 14 year olds and will take place down in the Lyon's Bowl. Pre-registration is suggested. The second hunt is the Saturday, March 15, at 10 a.m. and children participating will meet at the tennis courts. Special characters will be there to greet children and parents can take pictures...

Lindemann appointed to complete Bernard's term on Sweet Springs board (03/07/08)
In the big-shoes-to-fill department, the man of the hour Thursday, March 6, in Sweet Springs was Jim Lindemann. The former Sweet Springs alderman, who had filed to run for a seat on the board in the April election, found himself appointed to the post early after Alderman Derl Bernard's death Feb. 28 left the board with just enough members to make its quorum...

Lady Orioles defend district title (03/03/08)
CONCORDIA -- A year ahead, a year away. That's how Sweet Springs head girls' basketball coach Boyd Jones sees his sophomore-laden team. The Lady Greyhounds' 17 wins -- tying the school record set by the fine Shelley Rennison-led 2004 squad -- and first-ever appearance in a district championship game foretold good things to come, maybe sooner rather than later...

Sweet Springs loses long-time community leader Derl Bernard (02/29/08)
The community of Sweet Springs will be different from now on. For the first time in nearly 50 years, Derl Bernard will no longer be in or around the offices of local government. Bernard died Thursday, Feb. 28, after a lengthy illness that increasingly kept him from participating fully in the work of the Board of Aldermen...

Sweet Springs school board hears school achievement reports Feb. 18 (02/22/08)
The Sweet Springs Board of Education met Monday, Feb. 18, to hear several reports on school achievements. Janell Castle, A+ program coordinator, told the board that the school had its designation review Jan. 16. "It went very well," she said. The recommendation based off the review will be presented to the Missouri State Board of Education in April...

Costs cited as Sweet Springs school board opts to charge admission for baseball, softball games (02/19/08)
The Sweet Springs Board of Education met Monday, Feb. 18, to approve an admission fee to softball and baseball games. Superintendent Boyd Jones said, "We have spoken previously about charging admission to the baseball and softball games." Several I-70 schools are already charging admission...

Florissant man hurt in 1-car wreck on I-70 Feb. 5 (02/06/08)
Christopher R. Fromme, 29, of Florissant, sustained moderate injuries in a rollover crash Tuesday, Feb. 5, on Interstate 70, two miles west of Missouri Highway 127. According to a Missouri State Highway Patrol report, Fromme was injured when he lost control of the 2005 Chevrolet he was driving westbound on I-70...

Sweet Springs aldermen approve fire department repair costs (02/04/08)
The Sweet Springs Board of Aldermen approved two requests during recent meetings by the city's fire department for equipment replacement and maintenance. At its Jan. 22 meeting, the board approved the expenditure of $1,600 for equipment that was damaged while battling a truck fire on Interstate 70 recently...

Lady 'Hounds fall at Sacred Heart (01/31/08)
SEDALIA -- Sacred Heart broke open a tight game with a 17-4 run during the third quarter Wednesday to take a 49-29 non-conference victory over the Sweet Springs girls' basketball team. The Lady Greyhounds hung around for a half, getting three buckets -- including a three-pointer -- from junior Stephanie Krause. ...

Hoops games rescheduled (01/30/08)
Tuesday's snowstorm caused the postponement of several Saline Area high school basketball games. The Marshall boys' NCMC contest at Moberly has been rescheduled for Feb. 7, although the Lady Owls' home tilt against Chillicothe -- which was snowed out on its original Dec. 8 date -- has been canceled...

Sweet Springs aldermen low on options for budgeting lawsuit settlement costs (01/29/08)
The Sweet Springs Board of Aldermen is leaving no stone unturned as it seeks a way to pay a $25,000 lawsuit settlement out of the current fiscal year budget -- but so far none of the stones has yielded the required amount. Mayor Roxanne Hinton raised the issue at the board's Jan. 22 meeting, noting that the settlement has been paid, but the budget now needs to be adjusted to account for it...

Sweet Springs man injured in 1-car accident Jan. 27 (01/28/08)
Edwin D. Nelson, 41, of Sweet Springs suffered moderate injuries early Sunday morning, Jan. 27, in a one-car accident on South Outer Road, about 0.10 miles west of the North Outer Road overpass, according to the Missouri State Highway Patrol. Nelson was eastbound on South Outer Road of Interstate 70 when he lost control of his 2000 Chevrolet and traveled off the left side of the road, according to the report...

Sweet Springs Aldermen approve water rate hike (01/28/08)
Water rates in Sweet Springs were nudged up Tuesday, Jan. 22, when the Board of Aldermen approved an ordinance setting the new rate at $8 for the first 133 cubic feet and 6 cents for each cubic foot thereafter. The previous rate per cubic foot was 5.7 cents...

Newscope/Sweet Springs council to meet Jan. 28 (01/25/08)
The Sweet Springs Board of Aldermen has scheduled a special closed meeting for 4 p.m. Monday, Jan. 28. The only item on the agenda indicates the board plans to go into closed session to discuss personnel matters.

Sweet Springs mayor decides not to seek re-election in April (01/23/08)
While observers of state politics were busy reacting to the surprise announcement that Gov. Matt Blunt will not seek a second term in office, another political leader closer to home made the same decision known. Sweet Springs Mayor Roxanne Hinton did not file for re-election by the 5 p.m. ...

Filing period ends; Ballots set for April election (01/23/08)
The April ballot for local government offices has taken its final shape after the filing period for most boards and councils ended Tuesday, Jan. 22. For Marshall City Council seats -- one in each ward --incumbents have filed to be on the ballot: Sheila Cook, Ward 1; Vince Lutterbie, Ward 2; Dan Brandt, Ward 3; and Ron Duvall, Ward 4...

Newscope/Sweet Springs aldermen to meet Jan. 22 (01/21/08)
The Sweet Springs Board of Aldermen will convene Tuesday, Jan. 22, at 7 p.m. to hold a meeting that was postponed from Monday, Jan. 14, when the board did not get a quorum of members present. On the agenda will be budget adjustments, an ordinance setting water rates, an ordinance on display of city stickers and an ordinance to put a telecommunications business license on the ballot...

Local government offices for April ballot begin to fill out (01/18/08)
The April ballot for local government offices is beginning to fill out as more people have thrown their hats in the ring. For Marshall City Council seats -- one in each ward -- incumbents have filed to be on the ballot: Sheila Cook, Ward 1; Vince Lutterbie, Ward 2; Dan Brandt, Ward 3; and Ron Duvall, Ward 4...

Robert Gene Venable (01/14/08)
Robert Gene Venable, 74, of rural Sweet Springs, died Saturday, Jan. 12, 2008, at Big Bend Retreat in Slater. Funeral services will be held at 11 a.m. Tuesday, Jan. 15, 2008, at Campbell-Lewis Chapel in Marshall, with William W. Harlow officiating. Visitation will be held from 10 to 11 a.m. Tuesday at the funeral home. Burial will be in Ridge Park Cemetery in Marshall. Memorials may be made to Big Bend Retreat. Online condolences may be sent to www.campbell-lewis.com...

Sweet Springs BOE hires auditor, hears about award (01/11/08)
The Sweet Springs Board of Education met Monday, Jan. 7, to hire next school year's auditor. The board approved hiring auditor Randall Fiene. He has been the district auditor for a number of years. "I can't remember a time when someone else has done it," said Superintendent Boyd Jones. "I am aware of no reason to end that relationship."...

Newscope/Sweet Springs FCCLA hosts Chili and Soup Dinner (01/11/08)
Sweet Springs High School's Family, Career and Community Leaders of America (FCCLA) will host its annual Chili and Soup Dinner on Sunday, Jan. 13, from 11 a.m. to 1 p.m. in the high school commons area. Freewill donations will be accepted. The group will be serving chili, soup, drink and desserts...

30-year career nears end for Sweet Springs ag teacher (01/07/08)
Sweet Springs' vocational agriculture teacher and FFA advisor Dan Hill is now beginning his last semester. He plans to retire this year after 30 years at the school district. "It's time to let somebody else have all the fun," laughed Hill, who was named the outstanding agriculture instructor in Missouri in July 2007 by the Missouri Vocational Agriculture Teacher's Association...

The life of a teacher: Dan Hill recounts career roots (01/07/08)
It's no secret that many students -- and former students -- of Sweet Springs High School have credited Dan Hill, FFA advisor and agriculture teacher, with helping them be successful in the school's FFA program and in life. Now in his 30th and last year teaching at the high school, Hill, who was Missouri's vocational teacher of the year in 2007, credits his high school agriculture instructor, Tony Asburry, for his desire to become a teacher...

Newscope/Sweet Springs school board to meet Jan. 7 (01/04/08)
Sweet Springs Board of Education will meet at 7 p.m. Monday, Jan. 7, at Sweet Springs Elementary School, 105 Main St. Agenda items include the December financial report, School Board Recognition Week, the February board meeting and the 2007-08 audit. The board will also meet in closed session to discuss personnel and student issues...

Sweet Springs aldermen approve grant application, discuss tax collection change (12/28/07)
Sweet Springs Aldermen met in regular session Monday, Dec. 10, to address a lengthy agenda, including an application for a planning grant from Rural Development. The $9,000 grant would help the city address ways to improve the city lagoon. Approval to pursue it was unanimous...

Newscope/Sweet Springs man charged with bribery (12/27/07)
A Sweet Springs resident, already under scrutiny for allegedly driving while intoxicated, driving while his license was suspended and with two warrants outstanding from earlier incidents, added another charge to the list Friday, Dec. 21, when he tried to bribe the arresting officer...

Sweet Springs school board approves several contracts (12/14/07)
The Sweet Springs Board of Education met Monday, Dec. 10, to approve contracts with MUSIC, Interstate Studio and Walsworth publishing. Sweet Springs school district's property insurance rates are due on Dec. 31 each year and cover a full calendar year...

Sweet Springs man dies in fire late Nov. 30 (12/01/07)
A 69-year-old Sweet Springs man died in a blaze at his home on Rose Street late Friday, Nov.30, according to Fire Chief Todd Anderson.

Kansas City woman seriously hurt in accident on I-70 at Sweet Springs Nov. 30 (12/01/07)
A Kansas City woman was seriously injured in a one-car accident on Interstate 70 Friday, Nov. 30, according to a Missouri State Highway Patrol report. Joan K. Kohler, 76, was transported by air ambulance to St. Luke's Hospital in Kansas City, troopers said...

Sweet Springs board sets election filing dates in shortened meeting (11/30/07)
The tone for the meeting of the Sweet Springs Board of Aldermen was set early when Alderman Lewis Bybee made a motion to shorten the agenda considerably in consideration for two members who are in poor health. Hinton objected, noting that the business of the city has to be addressed in spite of health issues on the board...

Sweet Springs Aldermen join Verizon settlement (11/27/07)
The Sweet Springs Board of Aldermen held a special meeting on Friday, Nov. 16, in the board room of I-70 Medical Center to help accommodate an alderman who was in the hospital. The board approved joining the Verizon Wireless class action settlement, in which both Marshall and Slater have already agreed to participate...

Sweet Springs man killed by trooper Nov. 24 (11/26/07)
A Sweet Springs man died Saturday, Nov. 24, in a residence north of Houstonia, when his allegedly violent and uncooperative behavior brought the Missouri State Highway Patrol's Special Weapons and Tactics team (SWAT) to his doorstep. Dennis R. Mullins, 27, of Sweet Springs, was shot by a member of the team after two gunshots were heard coming from upstairs in the home. Mullins later died at Fitzgibbon Hospital in Marshall...

Official: No reports of MRSA at Sweet Springs schools (11/26/07)
Sweet Springs School District Superintendent Boyd Jones reported there have been no cases of MRSA (methicillin-resistant staphylococcus aureus) in the Sweet Springs school district so far. Jones assured the board that they are taking every precaution available...

Newscope/Sweet Springs Board of Education agrees to football co-op with Malta Bend school (11/26/07)
Malta Bend students will have their first opportunity to play football after the Sweet Springs Board of Education unanimously agreed to allow the school to co-op with them in football. The board met on Tuesday, Nov. 20, at noon to discuss the proposition with five of seven members present...

Newscope/Sheriff's deputies investigate a variety of incidents (11/19/07)
Saline County Sheriff's Deputies were busy with a variety of incidents over the weekend, beginning with an arson investigation Saturday morning, Nov. 17, around 7 a.m. at the southeast corner of County Road 401 where it intersects tracks of the Union Pacific Railroad near Grand Pass...

Malta Bend students may get chance to play league football if boards reach agreement (11/15/07)
Malta Bend has never had a football program, but not for lack of interest, according to school officials. That may soon change if a proposed partnership with Sweet Springs school district comes to pass. The Sweet Springs Board of Education discussed at its Nov. 6 meeting the possibility of forming a partnership with Malta Bend that would allow students from the smaller school to play on Sweet Springs' team...

9-1-1 Commission moves toward filling director position, key to progress (11/09/07)
The Saline County Enhanced 9-1-1 board got a lot of work done at its meeting Thursday, Nov. 8, in Sweet Springs. The board approved publication of ads for the position of director, placing the salary in the range of $40,000 to $60,000, depending on education, overall qualifications and experience. A benefit package will be negotiable...

MoDOT plans repair work on I-70 (11/07/07)
The Missouri Department of Transportation announced Oct. 30 that asphalt repair operations will begin on I-70 in Saline County on Tuesday, Nov. 13, at 7 a.m. and will be completed on Wednesday, Nov. 14, at 5 p.m. The first project will begin at the junction of I-70 and Route EE east of Sweet Springs and will continue east to end at the junction of I-70 and Route YY west of Marshall Junction...

Sweet Springs man arrested for alleged drug possession (11/06/07)
A routine traffic stop for an expired license plate resulted in the arrest of a Sweet Springs man on Monday, Nov. 5, at his residence. Further investigation turned up an active arrest warrant for a non-moving traffic violation in Pettis County and a suspended driver's license...

Judge dismisses 2 suits against Sweet Springs Alderman Oct. 31 (11/01/07)
Two order of protection suits against Sweet Springs Alderman Lewis Bybee have been dismissed, according to court officials. The suits, one filed by Sweet Springs Mayor Roxanne Hinton, and one by Alderman Billie Clevenger, were prompted by a heated exchange during the Sept. 12 Board of Aldermen meeting...

Sheriff seeks tattooed suspect in 2 recent vehicle thefts (10/25/07)
Saline County Sheriff's Department officers are looking for a Boonville man in connection with the theft of two vehicles, one a classic 1964 Ford Impala SS owned by Stanley Horman of Sweet Springs, on Tuesday, Oct. 23. The man is described as a white male, 6 feet tall and 165 pounds, with brown eyes and brown hair, a goatee and heavily-tattoed arms. He was last seen in the vicinity of Sharon township...

Sweet Springs man dies in auto-repair accident at his home Saturday, Oct. 20 (10/22/07)
Sweet Springs resident Gabriel R. Navarro, 47, died Saturday afternoon, Oct. 20, at his home, as a result of injuries sustained while he was attempting to repair a 1992 Ford minivan. Saline County Sheriff’s Department officers were called to the scene at 204 E. Marshall in Sweet Springs about 4:30 p.m. Saturday by Kathy Navarro, wife of the victim, who said she had been away from home earlier and returned to find her husband under the van...

Orville A. Hinck (10/19/07)
Orville A. Hinck, 78, of Sweet Springs, died Wednesday, Oct. 17, 2007, at Boone Hospital Center in Columbia. Funeral services will be held at 10:30 a.m. Saturday, October 20, 2007, at Immanuel Lutheran Church in Sweet Springs, with Rev. Dan Wing officiating. ...

Sweet Springs school board adjusts pay policy to account for tax law change (10/17/07)
The Sweet Springs Board of Education met on Thursday, Oct. 11, to adopt an amendment to policy that would keep the district and teachers from being penalized because of a change in the federal tax code. The tax law change says that any employees who work only part of the year -- not just educators -- and who have a choice on how they are paid may be subject to an additional 20 percent tax if they opt to spread out their compensation over 12 months...

Newscope/Friday, October 12 (10/12/07)
Order of protection hearing continued in Sweet Springs aldermen case Sweet Springs Alderman Lewis Bybee's day in court was postponed for another 20 days when Judge Randall Shackelford granted a continuance requested by Sweet Springs Mayor Roxanne Hinton at a hearing on Thursday, Oct. 11, at the courthouse in Marshall...

Sweet Springs aldermen continue to deal with tensions (10/11/07)
The Sweet Springs Board of Aldermen conducted its business without incident Tuesday, Oct. 9, after an argument during its previous meeting resulted in an assault complaint by two members against a third. But tension remained evident among members of the board as it discussed several difficult issues, including one motion referring to the assault complaint...

Newscope/Thursday, October 11 (10/11/07)
Sheriff's department investigates report of loose dogs causing problems near Sweet Springs On Monday, Oct. 8, Saline County Sheriff's Department officers were asked to investigate reports of dogs running loose and invading neighbors' properties at a rural Sweet Springs location...

Legal fees may force Sweet Springs to cut back city staff (10/10/07)
Sweet Springs city officials may have to make staffing cutbacks to compensate for expected budget shortfalls primarily caused by unexpected attorney fees. Mayor Roxanne Hinton offered the Board of Aldermen a proposal during its regular meeting Tuesday, Oct. 9, for reducing staff enough to free up $30,730...

Newscope/Wednesday, October 3 (10/03/07)
Marshall woman suffers minor injuries in 1-vehicle accident No one was seriously injured and vehicle damage was minor in an accident at 11:40 p.m. Oct. 2, on Missouri Highway 240 at Route O, according to a report filed by the Missouri State Highway Patrol...

Conflict at Sweet Springs board meeting results in assault complaint filed against alderman (10/01/07)
According to a report from the Saline County Sheriff's Department, a complaint of 3rd degree assault has been filed against Lewis Bybee, Sweet Springs, as a result of his actions at a Sweet Springs City Council meeting on Sept. 12. The complaint was lodged against Bybee by Sweet Springs Mayor Roxanne Hinton, after what she said was "threatening" behavior directed at her and at Alderman Billie Clevenger over a discussion about an issue before the council regarding the city swimming pool...

Sweet Springs Board of Education sets senior trip, graduation dates (09/21/07)
Sweet Springs Board of Education met on Thursday, Sept. 13, and set the senior trip and graduation dates. The Class of 2008's senior trip dates are from Friday, May 2, to Wednesday, May 7, 2008. They will graduate on Friday, May 9. The board also heard an update on the Washington, D. C., trip that will include grades eight, nine and 10...

Columbia man suffers minor injury in accident on I-70 (09/17/07)
A 30-year-old Columbia man was taken to I-70 Medical Center in Sweet Springs Sunday, Sept. 16, after an accident involving three vehicles at the 67 mile marker on Interstate 70. Aaron C. Cook suffered minor injuries in the accident, according to a Missouri State Highway Patrol report...

Columbia man suffers minor injury in accident on I-70 Sept. 16 (09/16/07)
A 30-year-old Columbia man was taken to I-70 Medical in Sweet Springs Sunday, Sept. 16, after an accident involving three vehicles at the 67 mile marker on Interstate 70. Aaron C. Cook suffered minor injuries in the accident, according to a Missouri State Highway Patrol report...

Marshall man sentenced for robbing bank in May (09/14/07)
A 35-year-old Marshall man has been sentenced to more than three years in prison for robbing Community Bank of Marshall's Sweet Springs branch in May. The U.S. Attorney's office announced Wednesday, Sept. 12, that Jeffrey Lee Wright was sentenced to 41 months without parole in federal prison for robbing the bank...

Sweet Springs aldermen adopt ordinance limiting the number of dogs residents can keep/Board also reduces the speed limit on 2 city streets (09/12/07)
The Sweet Springs Board of Aldermen was able to find a compromise on a controversial ordinance limiting the number of dogs residents can keep. The board voted three to one to approve an ordinance allowing a maximum of six dogs over the age of six months to be kept in any residence within the city limits...

Sweet Springs finances get good marks overall from auditor; city still faces challenges with debt in water and sewer funds (09/11/07)
The city of Sweet Springs received good marks from its independent auditor at the Board of Aldermen meeting Monday, Sept. 11. The board also set the city's tax levy for the coming year. The audit report was presented by Allen Schelp, a certified public accountant with the office of Randall C. Fiene. He said the auditors were able to give the city an unqualified or "clean" opinion on the city's finances, but he offered a note of caution about the city's debt load...

Sweet Springs Board of Education votes to shift levy funds (08/30/07)
The Sweet Springs Board of Education met on Thursday, Aug. 23, to not raise the tax rate but to place 50 cents of the $3.35 tax levy in the capital improvement fund instead of a general fund. "The levy has nothing to do with generating income," said Superintendent Boyd Jones. "This (movement of money) will not hinder any other part of the school's function."...

Sweet Springs man hurt in 1-car accident Sunday, Aug. 26 (08/29/07)
According to the Missouri State Highway Patrol accident reports, a Sweet Springs man received minor injuries in a one-car accident in Johnson County. On Sunday, Aug. 26, a 1989 Ford was being driven northbound on NE 1051 at NE 1200 by John Crank, 53, when he approached the T- intersection. The vehicle slid through the intersection and struck a grass embankment, the report said...

Sweet Springs aldermen vote to replace police patrol car (08/28/07)
To repair or replace, that is the question. The Sweet Springs Board of Aldermen faced a dilemma many car-owners eventually face, whether to put money into repairing a well-used vehicle or put the money toward replacing it. After some discussion at a special meeting Friday, Aug. 24, the board decided a police patrol car with transmission and rear end problems was not worth the more than $4,100 the repairs were expected to cost...

Sweet Springs school board approves bid to replace leaky roof (08/27/07)
Sweet Springs School Board awarded Meyer Roofing Inc. (MRI) of Springfield, Ill., the bid to replace the 35-year-old leaky roof above the gym and older portion of the building at the Marshall Street campus, on Thursday, Aug. 23. Superintendent Boyd Jones told the board that everyone he called to find out information on MRI gave them "gleeming" recommendations. He called schools on the list given by the company and schools not on the list...

Mo. PSC holds public hearing on KCP&L rate increase request (08/21/07)
Kansas City Power and Light Company's (KCP&L) request to increase its rates was the purpose of a public hearing in Marshall and Carrollton on Monday, Aug. 20. The company serves 271,000 consumers in Western Missouri and made its initial request in February to the Missouri Public Service Commission (PSC)...

Newscope/Tuesday, August 21 (08/21/07)
Marshall police arrest pair on drug charges Marshall police arrested Jonni K. Sutton, 27, of Marshall and Jesse D. Brock, 26, of rural Sweet Springs, on charges of drug possession Monday, Aug. 20, at Sherry Estates Apartments at 800 S. Miami...

Sweet Springs aldermen continue to work on legislation to regulate dogs in the city (08/16/07)
Before the Sweet Springs Board of Aldermen approved an ordinance regulating vicious dogs at its June 11 meeting, a provision was taken out for later consideration regarding the number of dogs that could be kept in the city. At the board's meeting Monday, Aug. 13, that provision was revisited, but several citizens spoke against it and the proposal to limit to three the number of dogs any individual can keep was tabled...

Cooling centers in Saline County posted (08/10/07)
The Saline County Health Department announced Friday, Aug. 10, that county residents can seek shelter from the heat in the following "cooling centers:" In Marshall: The Marshall Senior Center, 72 W. Morgan, (660) 886-9888, 7 a.m. to 4 p.m.; The Marshall Public Library, 214 N. ...

2 hurt in 2 one-car accidents in Saline County Friday, Aug. 3 (08/06/07)
Two separate one-car accidents left a Sedalia woman with moderate injuries and a Sweet Springs woman with minor injuries on Friday, Aug. 3. According to the Missouri State Highway Patrol accident reports, Lori Maddex, 40, of Sedalia was driving a 1998 Pontiac southbound on U.S. 65 just south of Route UU when the vehicle traveled off the right edge of the roadway...

Two break-ins reported, one involving knife attack/Blackburn man apprehended by deputies on burglary charge, held in lieu of $50,000 cash bond (07/30/07)
The Saline County Sheriff's Department responded to two incidents of burglary over the weekend, one involving an assault with a knife that resulted in injuries to the alleged assailant and to one victim. On Saturday, July 28, the department was contacted by Sweet Springs Police Department in regard to a knife attack at a rural residence in Sweet Springs...

3 weekend accidents result in 6 injuries (07/30/07)
According to Missouri State Highway Patrol accident reports, three weekend accidents left five people with minor injuries and one with moderate injuries. On Friday, July 27, a 2007 Chevrolet driven by Thomas Rufus, 60, of Homeland, Calif., was totaled on County Road 328...

Sweet Springs officials learn of $20,000 sales tax error (07/17/07)
It's Christmas in July for some lucky Missouri city, but at the holiday comes at the expense of Sweet Springs. Sweet Springs officials were notified within the past week that an apparent sales tax filing error by an area company resulted in an overpayment to the city last year of more than $20,000, money that should have gone to another Missouri city...

Sweet Springs school board nominated for state honor (07/13/07)
The Sweet Springs School Board handled mostly routine business during the regularly scheduled meeting on Thursday, July 12. Superintendent Boyd Jones told the board that they have again been nominated as outstanding school board by the Missouri State Teachers Association. Last year they were named in the top 15 of boards from across the state...

High tide in Sweet Springs (07/02/07)

Independence Day 2007 (07/02/07)
Arrow Rock: On July 4, movie memories from "Tom and Huck" filmed in Arrow Rock in 1972 will be held at 10 a.m. at the Christian Church on Main St. Old fashioned games such as hoops, sack races, jump rope, croquet and tug-o-war will be played at 11 a.m. A parade down Main St. will begin at 1 p.m. The Arrow Rock Lyceum Theater will show "The Adventures of Tom Sawyer" at 2 p.m. A picnic buffet will be held at "Becky Thatcher's home" on Main St. at 5:30 p.m...

Newcope/Monday, June 2 (07/02/07)
Litter pick-up event rescheduled for July 7 After rain Saturday, June 30, caused the postponement of the scheduled "Take Pride in Marshall" litter pick-up, organizer David Kemm announced that the event would take place Saturday, July 7. Volunteers should meet at the City Office Building, 214 N. Lafayette in Marshall, by 9:30 a.m...

Food, fireworks and music featured in area festivities (06/28/07)
Arrow Rock: On July 4, movie memories from "Tom and Huck" filmed in Arrow Rock in 1972 will be held at 10 a.m. at the Christian Church on Main St. Old fashioned games such as hoops, sack races, jump rope, croquet and tug-o-war will be played at 11 a.m. A parade down Main St. will begin at 1 p.m. The Arrow Rock Lyceum Theater will show "The Adventures of Tom Sawyer" at 2 p.m. A picnic buffet will be held at "Becky Thatcher's home" on Main St. at 5:30 p.m...

Sweet Springs school board keeps cafeteria prices stable, approves list of class trip destination possibilities (06/15/07)
The Sweet Springs Board of Education met on Tuesday, June 12, to discuss cafeteria prices, senior trip destinations and staff appointments. Superintendent Boyd Jones said he researched the cafeteria prices of several comparative area schools and there is a "wide variance from one school to the next."...

Several blood drives planned this summer/Area residents have opportunities to be philanthropists without writing a check (06/14/07)
In the next two months, Saline County residents have three opportunities to donate blood through the Community Blood Center. And if Carrollton isn't too far to go, there is a fourth opportunity to donate between now and August 16. GE Energy of Slater is sponsoring a blood drive in the break room of GE Energy at 342 W. ...

Sweets Springs council approves bid to fix library roof, sets water rate (06/13/07)
The chronically leaky roof over the Sweet Springs Library will get a new coating that city officials hope will finally stop the drips. The Sweet Springs Board of Aldermen approved a bid at its meeting Monday, June 11, by Brady Construction to apply a coat of elastic sealant to the roof of the library at a cost of $11,569...

Sweet Springs aldermen approve vicious dog law (06/12/07)
Regulating vicious dogs proved to be non-controversial, but regulating nuisance dogs may be trickier, judging by discussions at the Sweet Springs Board of Aldermen meeting Monday, June 11. The board approved a new ordinance regulating vicious dogs, a measure that has been under consideration for several months...

Sweets Springs council approves vicious dog ordinance, water rate hike, library roof repair (06/11/07)
The Sweet Springs Board of Aldermen approved a new ordinance regulating vicious dogs that has been under consideration for several months. The new law was proposed in response to reports of dogs attacking people, according to the preamble to the ordinance...

Newscope/Friday, June 8 (06/08/07)
Sweet Springs Board of Education to meet June 12 The Sweet Springs R-VII Board of Education will meet on Tuesday, June 12, at 8 p.m. in the elementary school to approve several appointments and hire part-time custodians and summer part-time maintenance workers...

Commission hears update on land issue (06/06/07)
The Saline County Commissioners met on Tuesday, June 5, to hear about land abandoned by the county in Sweet Springs area and back taxes for a property in Miami. Edward McInteer, representing William and Margie Treece, and also sitting in on the meeting for the attorney who represents Don Johnson and Harry Johnson, gave the commission an update on a lawsuit about a piece of property of less than an acre, located near Sweet Springs...

Saline County BBQ marks half-century of food, fun/Weather holds as past co-chairmen honored, fair queens selected (06/04/07)
Editor's note: For more photos from the Saline County BBQ, see page 2 in today's paper and visit http://www.marshallnews.com/gallery/2007salinecobbq. History was a main focus at the 50th anniversary Saline County BBQ Saturday, June 3. Although a few sprinkles fell late in the afternoon, the 2007 edition of the Saline County BBQ continued one of its traditions: No one got very wet...

2 hurt in 2-car accident on I-70 June 2 (06/04/07)
A Marshall woman and a Malta Bend man were injured Saturday, June 2, in a two-car accident on Interstate 70, according to a Missouri State Highway Patrol accident report. The accident occurred about 11:48 p.m., patrol officials said, one mile west of county road 211...

18 compete for Junior Saline County Fair Queen title (06/01/07)
Molly E. Deibel Molly Elizabeth Deibel, 15, the daughter of Katy Meyer and Corey Deibel of Waverly, is sponsored by Work-to-Win. She will be a sophomore at Santa Fe High School in the fall. She is on the A Honor roll, is a State FFA record book winner, 2006 Cover Miss Queen, a member of the 2005 district Softball Summer League Championship team, has won numerous medals in track, and is a District band contest winner for her drum solo...

Sweet Springs man cited in 3-vehicle accident on I-70 (05/24/07)
According to a Missouri State Highway Patrol accident report, two were injured in a three-vehicle accident Wednesday, May 23, about 2:35 p.m. on eastbound Interstate 70 at the 23.2 mile marker. A Sweet Springs man was cited by troopers, according to the report...

Sweet Springs aldermen hear concerns about planned residential care facility (05/23/07)
The Sweet Springs Board of Alderman met on Monday, May 14, to discuss citizen concerns and legalities regarding a proposed residential care facility for mentally handicapped individuals. Peggy Short approached the board to stress her concerns about a piece of property on South Elm Street and the intended use of the property...

3 injured in 2 Saline County traffic accidents May 16 (05/17/07)
Two Sweet Springs residents suffered moderate injuries in a one-vehicle accident on Route 127 and a Slater woman received minor injuries in an accident on Route 240. Both accidents occurred early Wednesday morning, May 16. Amber D. Gustafson, 29, of Sweet Springs was driving on Route 127 just north of County Road 422 at 12:22 a.m. when she apparently swerved to avoid striking a deer, according to a Missouri State Highway Patrol report...

Sweet Springs holds graduation ceremony for 30 seniors (05/15/07)
Thirty seniors at Sweet Springs marched in to the tune of "Fanfare and Processional" played by the Sweet Springs High School Band on Friday, May 11, and marched out as graduates to "Fanfare and Recessional." Superintendent Boyd Jones welcomed family members and guests to the night's event and said thank you for joining in to "celebrate the many accomplishments of the class of 2007."...

Man accused of robbing bank also suspected of Marshall thefts (05/11/07)
Local law enforcement officials contend that Jeffrey Lee Wright committed a number of thefts in Marshall prior to allegedly robbing the Community Bank of Marshall Sweet Springs branch Friday, May 4. John F. Wood, United States Attorney for the Western District of Missouri, announced Monday, May 7, that Wright was charged in federal court with robbing the Sweet Springs bank...

Sweet Springs school board approves 'priceless' trip to Washington, D.C. (05/11/07)
The Sweet Springs school board met on Thursday, May 10, to discuss personnel resignations and hiring, instructional television (ITV) classes, a trip to Washington, D.C., and next year's curriculum. Superintendent Boyd Jones gave the board an update on the last day of school. It has been moved from Wednesday, May 22, back to the original date of Wednesday, May 16, due to the "forgiveness of snow days" law recently signed by Gov. Matt Blunt...

Graduation 2007 (05/10/07)
Graduation ceremonies for area schools include the following commencement ceremonies: -- Bueker Middle School: 7 p.m. Friday, May 11, at Bueker Middle School; -- Sweet Springs High School: 7:30 p.m. Friday, May 11, in the high school gym; -- Slater High School: 6:30 p.m. Saturday, May 12, at the high school football field or in the high school gym in case of rain;...

Marshall man arrested for bank robbery (05/07/07)
A Marshall man was taken into custody by Missouri State Highway Patrol after allegedly robbing the Community Bank of Marshall in Sweet Springs Friday, May 6. Jeffrey Lee Wright, 35, of the 600 block of South Lafayette, was apprehended at a Kansas City casino about four hours after the robbery and was arrested without incident. He was subsequently turned over to FBI agents, according to FBI spokesman Jeff Lanza...

Area schools adjust scheduled last days after Blunt signs 'snow days' bill (05/07/07)
For students, parents and teachers wondering when exactly school would be out for the summer this year, the wait is over. Legislative wrangling over a proposed reprieve for schools that had missed many days due to severe ice storms this past winter provided some suspense over what is normally a routine matter...

Two from KC injured in I-70 accident May 6 (05/07/07)
According to a Missouri Highway Patrol accident report, two people were injured in a two-car accident on I-70 westbound, west of Davis Creek on Sunday, May 6, that ejected both driver and passenger from one of the vehicles. Laura E. Mountain, 28, of Lake Ozark, was driving a 2003 Pontiac Grand Prix westbound on I-70 when the vehicle traveled off the right side of the roadway, according to the report...

Stella M. Cordes (05/01/07)
Stella M. Cordes, 79, of Sweet Springs, died Monday, April 30, 2007, at Sweet Springs Villa. Funeral services will be held at 2 p.m. Friday, May 4, 2007, at Campbell-Lewis Chapel in Sweet Springs. Rev. Tommy Mapes will officiate. Friends may call after 4 p.m. ...

Sweet Springs aldermen discuss dog ordinance (04/16/07)
The Sweet Springs Board of Aldermen again discussed changes in the city's "vicious dog" ordinance during their regular meeting on Monday, April 9. The board looked at copies of the city's current ordinance and a copy of the city of Sedalia's dog ordinance. Board members noted that neither ordinance bans any specific breed of dog...

Voters choose school board reps (04/04/07)
Voters chose board of education members in several districts throughout Saline County in the April 3 municipal election. In Marshall, incumbents Cindy Brandt and Kathy Green were returned to their seats on the board for new three-year terms, according to unofficial results released Tuesday night by County Clerk Ken Bryant...

Sweet Springs aldermen accept resignation of dispatcher (04/03/07)
The Sweet Springs Board of Alderman met for a special meeting at city hall in Sweet Springs on March 30 to deal with personnel matters. Mayor Roxanne Hinton presented a letter of resignation from Tommi Guier who was working as a part-time dispatcher for the police department. The board voted to accept the resignation...

Municipal election: April 3, 2007/Four candidates seek positions on Sweet Springs Board of Education (03/23/07)
Editor's note: Four candidates are running for seats on the Sweet Springs Board of Educations. Candidates were asked the same questions for these profiles. Cindi Sims Cindi Sims was born and raised in Sweet Springs. She attended Holy Cross Lutheran School in Emma, and graduated from Sweet Springs R-7 before going on to the University of Missouri where she earned an agriculture degree...

Sweet Springs resident asks aldermen to pass dog ordinance (03/15/07)
The Sweet Springs Board of Aldermen heard about a vicious dog incident during their regular meeting on Monday, March 12. Sweet Springs resident Terry Saylor appeared before the board to request that the board look into adopting a vicious dog ordinance to ban certain breeds of dogs that are deemed vicious...

County approves license (03/13/07)
The Saline County Commission approved a liquor license for The Cheese Store in Sweet Springs during its regular meeting at the Saline County Courthouse on Tuesday, March 13. The commission also approved a request by the Saline County Recorder's office for the hiring of Sherry Bybee of Marshall as a part-time employee of the office...

Newscope/Tuesday, March 6 (03/06/07)
Forums scheduled about Community Cancer Center Capital Campaign in several communities in March Representatives of the Community Division of the Community Cancer Center Capital Campaign of Fitzgibbon Hospital in Marshall will be hosting a series of forums to share information about the campaign...

Newscope/Friday, March 2 (03/02/07)
Sweet Springs aldermen continue work on budget The Sweet Springs Board of Aldermen met in a special meeting on Tuesday, Feb. 27, to work on the budget for the April 1, 2007, to March 31, 2008 fiscal year, according to unofficial minutes. Adjustments to the budget were made in various areas including health insurance, which was adjusted according to the Missouri Local Government Employees Retirement Sysgtem...

FFA Week finery (02/28/07)

Sweet Springs resident injured in accident (02/28/07)
A Sweet Springs resident sustained minor injuries in a motor vehicle accident in Saline County early on Wednesday, Feb. 28. According to a highway patrol report, at about 3:45 a.m. a 2006 Chevrolet being driven by Bruce J. Hoyes, 27, of Sweet Springs, struck the trailer unit of a tractor-trailer being driven by Larry J. Gordon, 65, of Mexico. The accident occurred on U.S. 65 approximately one mile south of I-70, police said...

Newscope/Monday, Feb. 26 (02/26/07)
Sweet Springs aldermen discuss budget during special meeting The Sweet Springs Board of Aldermen met in special session Thursday, Feb. 22, to discuss the town's budget, acccording to unofficial minutes. Several small cuts were made to city hall utilities, supplies, seminar expenses, attorney fees, police supplies, fire payroll, police fuel and mowing-clean-up expenses, according to a copy of the unofficial minutes...

Sweet Springs aldermen adopt 1979 comprehensive zoning plan (02/15/07)
The Sweet Springs Board of Aldermen adopted a 1979 comprehensive zoning plan during its regular board meeting on Monday, Feb. 12. The board was notified that the original 1979 plan had never been adopted by the city, therefore making zoning invalid...

Two hurt in I-70 accident (02/14/07)
Two people sustained minor injuries in an accident involving two passenger cars and two tractor-trailers on Interstate 70 in Saline County on Tuesday, Feb. 13. The accident occurred at approximately 7:30 a.m. on eastbound I-70 about 1.25 miles east of Route YY, police said. ...

E 9-1-1 board told three companies have interest in submitting proposals (02/09/07)
The Saline County Enhanced 9-1-1 board discussed the response to the request for proposals (RFP) sent out to potential contractors, during its regular meeting in Sweet Springs on Thursday, Feb. 8. The RFPs are used to solicit bids from contractors who would carry out the implementation of enhanced 9-1-1 in Saline County...

Sweet Springs aldermen discuss budget, pay raise (02/06/07)
The Sweet Springs Board of Aldermen met to discuss the city budget during a special meeting on Thursday, Feb. 1. The board discussed a number of budget issues including a 50-cent per hour raise for city employees, the cost of a new tractor to use with a mower, the cost of fixing or replacing the oil distributor which is used for chip and sealing, repairs to a road grader, repairs to the storm drain, mosquito spraying and the city hall roof and phone systems...

Newscope/Monday, Jan. 29 (01/29/07)

Newscope/Wednesday, Jan. 3 (01/03/07)
Santa Fe Agri-Leaders to hold kick-off dinner Thursday, Jan. 11 The Santa Fe Agri-Leaders will hold their annual Winter Meetings Kick-Off Dinner on Thursday, Jan. 11, at 6:30 p.m. in the Santa Fe High School Commons in Alma. The keynote speaker will be Fred Ferrell, director of the Missouri Department of Agriculture...

2006 All-I-70 Conference Football (12/22/06)
Offense First Team QB Michael Waters Orrick Sr. 170 RB Kyle Nixdorf Wellington...

Truck Plaza destroyed by fire from dryer (12/21/06)
The Sweet Springs Truck Plaza at the junction of Route YY and Interstate 70 burned to the ground in a fire early on Thursday, Dec. 21. Employee Rachel Donnell of Sweet Springs said that the fire started because of a clothes dryer in the laundry room of the business at around 3:30 a.m...

Marshall man, others charged in state drug investigations (12/18/06)
The Missouri State Highway Patrol made a number of arrests on drug charges in the area during the past two weeks, including one Marshall man. Chadwick L. Walter, 37, of Marshall was arrested early Saturday, Dec. 9, after an MSHP trooper, with assistance from Saline County Sheriff's deputies, executed a search warrant at his residence...

County fares better than I-70 in big snow's aftermath (12/04/06)
Saline County apparently fared much better than other parts of the state in weathering the snowstorm that swept through Thursday night, Nov. 30. Nearly 400,000 were still without power in the St. Louis area Sunday, Dec. 3, according to The Associated Press...

Newscope/Friday, Dec. 1 (12/01/06)
Two injured in Nov. 30 accidents Two people were injured in an accident in Saline County on the morning of Thursday, Nov. 30, police said. Amanda A. Borgman, 20, of Slater was traveling on Highway 240 near County Road 138 at approximately 7:45 a.m. when she apparently fell asleep and drifted into the oncoming lane of traffic where her vehicle collided head-on with a 1993 Ford being drive by William A. Norris, 50, also of Slater, police said...

Newscope/Thursday, Nov. 30 (11/30/06)
New exhibit at Van Meter State Park A new exhibit titled "An Exhibition of the Original Osage Allottees" will be on display through February inside the new Missouri's American Indian Cultural Center at Van Meter State Park in Miami. The exhibit is being provided by the Osage Tribal Museum in Pawhuska, Okla., and was created by Kathryn Red Corn and Priscilla Hokiahse Iba...

Refrigerator, stove needed by Napton family hit by blaze (11/30/06)
A fire on Monday, Nov. 27, burned down the home and all of the possessions of Anthony and Renata Jones of Napton. Fire fighters declared the home a complete loss after the fire -- which started because of a collapsed flue on their wood-burning stove...

Columbia man dies in accident (11/27/06)
A Columbia man was killed in an automobile accident in Saline County last week and two people received injuries in a separate accident in Saline County over the holiday weekend. Harold L. Gordon, 28, of Columbia, was driving a 1991 Buick westbound on Highway 240 just west of County Road 120 in Saline County at about 7:45 a.m. on Wednesday, Nov. 22, when the vehicle left the roadway and struck a ditch. The vehicle overturned and came to rest on its top, police said...

Blackburn Community Builders to hold show, tour (11/24/06)
The Blackburn Community Builders organization is holding a Christmas celebration in Blackburn on Saturday, Dec. 2, with entertainment, shopping and a homes tour. A group of vendors will be at the Blackburn Civic Center from noon to 4:30 p.m. The vendors will have merchandise on display as well as holiday ideas and a drawing for gifts will take place at 4 p.m. Visitors may also purchase lunch from the Blackburn Community Builders...

Deputies investigate bullet hole in a house (11/13/06)
Saline County Sheriff's deputies arrested two men over the weekend and investigated a bullet hole in a house in Sweet Springs, police said. Saline County deputies investigated the bullet hole at a home under construction belonging to Tracy and Joshua Cochran on Saturday, Nov. 11. Officers observed a bullet hole in the west side of the house. Inside the house the officers observed a hole in the sheet rock as well as a broken glass panel and a dent in the sheet rock on the opposite wall...

Kenneth L. Retherford (11/09/06)
Kenneth L. Retherford, 67, of rural Houstonia, died Tuesday, Nov. 7, 2006, at Boone Hospital Center in Columbia. Funeral services will be held at 10:30 a.m. Saturday, Nov. 11, 2006, at Campbell-Lewis Chapel in Sweet Springs. Rev. Paul Wobus will officiate. ...

Several local issues given green light (11/08/06)
A number of ballot issues were approved by Saline County voters in the election Tuesday, Nov. 7, including a school bond in Slater, a motel tax in Sweet Springs and a sewer bond in Mt. Leonard. Voters authorized the Slater School Board to borrow $1 million to pay for number of improvements to school facilities by a vote of 638 to 127, according to unofficial election results released by Saline County Clerk Ken Bryant...

Sweet Springs student wins 2006 arts contest (11/01/06)
Levi Smith, a seventh grader at Sweet Springs Junior High School won first place in the 2006 Hispanic Heritage Arts Contest. Smith won the contest with artwork and an essay on Pablo Picasso. Sweet Springs teachers Becky Hernandez, Spanish and Jeremy Fry, Art, promoted the contest as a joint project in their classes at Sweet Springs...

Flu shot clinics will be at 19 polling places (10/31/06)
On Election Day, Tuesday, Nov. 7, those who go to the polls in Saline County will have another choice to make. The Saline County Health Department will be setting up 19 flu shot clinics at local polling places throughout Saline County as part of a nationwide pilot program to help better the health of Americans, one of 15 health districts across the country participating in the Healthy Voter Program funded by the Robert Wood Johnson Foundation. ...

Newscope/Monday, Oct. 30 (10/30/06)
Sweet Springs residents injured in accident Two Sweet Springs residents were injured in a one-vehicle accident in Lafayette County on Friday, Oct. 27, police said. A 2004 Chevrolet driven by Diana K. Loges, 40, of Sweet Springs was traveling on Interstate 70 at the 59 mile marker in Lafayette County, when the vehicle began to hyrdoplane, police said. ...

Sweet Springs, Slater receive TEP money (10/24/06)
Two Saline County communities have been selected to receive funds from the Missouri Highway and Transportation Commission in the Transportation Enhancement Program (TEP). Slater is set to receive $65,866 for sidewalk replacement and a walkway. Sweet Springs was selected to receive $42,311 for sidewalk improvement...

Are we ready? A look at emergency preparedness in Saline County/9-1-1 up for Nov. 7 ballot decision (10/23/06)
Editor's note: This is the last in a series of three stories about emergency preparedness in Saline County. Saline County is one of only a handful of Missouri Counties that does not currently have enhanced 9-1-1 service or is not either planning or implementing county-wide enhanced 9-1-1 services...

Met Life blimp makes a pit stop at the Marshall airport (10/23/06)
Ron and Skyler Drake were on their way to Sweet Springs from Marshall Friday, Oct. 20, when Skyler looked out his window and saw something strange in the sky. "I said, 'Is that a cloud or is that a blimp?'" he said. The object was, in fact, the Met Life blimp coming in for a landing at Marshall Municipal Airport to refuel during its trek across the state...

Sweet Springs OKs signing pact (10/10/06)
The Sweet Springs Board of Aldermen voted to pass an ordinance to allow the signing of a contract to proceed towards bids on an Missouri Department of Transportation sidewalk enhancement program during their regular meeting on Monday, Oct. 9. The grant is for funds used to improve the sidewalks along U.S. 127 in south Sweet Springs...

Sheriff honored by Optimist Club of Marshall with George Award (09/25/06)
Saline County Sheriff Wally George did not win an award at the Optimist Club of Marshall's annual awards banquet Thursday, Sept. 21. He did better than that. He had an award named for him. Dale Zank, past president of the club, announced the creation of the George Award to recognize lifetime achievement in law enforcement...

Over 1,000 students receive safety information at Monsanto program (09/22/06)
Over 1,000 Saline County students may be a little bit safer at home and on the farm after attending the second annual Monsanto Farm Safety Day held Tuesday, Sept. 19 and 20, at the Monsanto soybean warehouse in Marshall's Industrial Park. The kindergarten through sixth-grade students from Hardeman, Orearville, Malta Bend, St. ...

Sweet Springs audit shows revenue lagging (09/12/06)
The Sweet Springs Board of Alderman heard from auditor Alan Schelp of Randall-Fiene CPA firm of Concordia on the city's financial audit during their meeting on Monday Sept. 11. Schelp reported a clean audit but noted that the city's water and sewer departments were "not sustaining themselves." Schelp said that combined they lost $39,000 in supplying water and sewer services to the city. Schelp advised the board to watch the water and sewer expenditures in the future...

Higher gasoline prices in Marshall irritate customers/Slater, Carrollton, Waverly, Sedalia all have lower prices (09/07/06)
After a story about gas prices ran in The Marshall Democrat-News on Thursday, Aug. 31, the paper received feedback from Marshall residents about the issue. The main concern was the fact that Marshall gas prices are consistently higher than surrounding towns...

Beef, Angus tours highlight several Saline County farm operations (08/30/06)
More than 225 beef producers from across Missouri visited Marshall and Fenner Farms and Mid Missouri Energy of Malta Bend as the Missouri Commercial Agriculture Beef Tour and the Missouri Angus tours traveled through the county late last week. On Friday, Aug. ...

Schroeder's steer sells for premium of $4,300 at sale (08/23/06)
A large audience of buyers and parents watched 15 steers sell Tuesday evening, Aug. 22, at the Saline County Steer Sale, with the grand champion steer of Justin Schroeder selling for a premium of $4,300, to a large group of buyers. Schroeder, along with Mindy Montgomery and Tyler Clemens gave speeches thanking family and friends for their support through their many years of showing. ...

Five area 21 year olds will end careers at Saline County Steer Sale (08/21/06)
By Marcia Gorrell Staff writer The Saline County Steer Sale to be held Tuesday, Aug. 22, at 7 p.m., will mark the end of long careers in cattle showing for five area 21-year-olds. Tyler Clemens, Justin Durham, Mindy Montgomery and Justin Schroeder will be selling calves for the last time Tuesday night at the Saline County Fairground, while Chris Peuster, who had the reserve champion steer at the Saline County Fair, is not eligible to sell his steer, because he sold his champion lamb during the fair in July.. ...

'Smooth' beginning for Sweet Springs schools (08/18/06)
The first day of school in Sweet Springs went "smoothly," Superintendent Boyd Jones told the Sweet Springs Board of Education at its Thursday, Aug. 17, meeting. In his superintendent's report, Boyd said preliminary enrollment was 430 students. Boyd also noted two accomplishments in the school district. ...

Summer is giving way to school days Monday/Marshall classes to start later (08/17/06)
Schools around the area are in the process of launching the 2006-07 year, and for Marshall public schools, that means a renewed focus on developing a professional learning communities approach. One of the key changes this year is a scheduling adjustment that will regularly give teachers time to converse and collaborate, according to Superintendent Rob Gordon...

Sweet Springs Aldermen OK tax levy rate, pay policeman (08/15/06)
Sweet Springs Board of Aldermen voted 3-0 Monday, Aug. 14, to set the tax levy at $1.5255 per $100 assessed valuation for general revenue, library, parks, recreation, swimming pool and debt service. The aldermen then discussed the purchase of additional city stickers which citizens must purchase and display in their vehicles. The motion to buy stickers was passed by a 2-1 vote. Aldermen Frany Vaught and Derl Bernard voted yes and Billie Clevenger voted no...

Newscope/Friday, Aug. 11 (08/11/06)
Public library book sale Aug. 19 The first Public Library Book Sale wil take place on Saturday, Aug. 19 at the Marshall Public Library meeting room from 9 a.m. to 1 p.m. A selection of "gently used, like-new" hardbacks and paperbacks both fiction and non-fiction will be available, organizers said...

Tuesday is election day in Saline County (08/07/06)
Saline County voters go to the polls for the August primaries on Tuesday, Aug. 8. Contested local races include the seat of Saline County Presiding Commissioner. Three Democrats are running for the seat. Incumbent Becky Plattner is running against Ron Monnig and Chris Post. They are unopposed on the Republican side...

Skelton celebrates test plots at Alma (08/04/06)
Long-overdue rains fell in Alma the night before U.S. Rep. Ike Skelton spoke at the Santa Fe Agrileaders annual demonstration seed plot tour Thursday, Aug. 4, and folks were glad to give him a little good natured credit for it. "I'll be glad to bring rain whenever I can," Skelton said with a smile as he concluded his remarks...

Election 2006/Candidates for 15th Circuit Judge offer their views (08/01/06)
Editor's note: This is the second article about contested races in the Tuesday, Aug. 8, primary election. Today we focus on the Democrat candidates for 15th Judicial Circuit Court judge serving Saline and Lafayette counties. Dennis Rolf Dennis Rolf grew up on his family's dairy farm near Alma and went on to attend the University of Missouri where he received a bachelor's degree in agricultural economics. ...

Talent receives endorsement of Missouri Pork Association (07/31/06)
U.S. Sen. Jim Talent (R-Mo.) appeared in Marshall Saturday, July 29, to receive an endorsement for his re-election campaign from the Missouri Pork Association. Dennis Dohrman of Sweet Springs, past chairman of the MPA, made the announcement at the MFA research facility south of Marshall...

MoDOT to begin structural repairs on Miami River bridge (07/28/06)
The Missouri Department of Transportation's maintenance bridge crew will begin structural repairs on the Miami River bridge on Route 41 in Saline and Carroll counties next week. Work will begin on Monday, July 31, and is scheduled to be completed by Aug. 31, weather permitting...

John R. (Bob) Scott (07/26/06)
John R. (Bob) Scott, 82, died July 23, 2006, at Elmendorf AFB 3rd Medical DOD/VA Hospital in Anchorage, Alaska. He is formerly of Sweet Springs. Born May 3, 1924, in Sweet Springs, to John L. Scott and Hilda Naigelin-Scott. He grew up in farming and graduated from Sweet Springs High School. ...

Swine show has Sweet Springs winner in 2 top classes (07/26/06)
By Zach Sims Staff Writer Taylor Loges is commited. When asked what she would do with any money that she might make selling the hogs that she showed at the Saline County Fair on July 13, she quickly replied "Save it for next year to buy more great pigs."...

Concordia woman suspected of stealing gasoline in county (07/25/06)
The Saline County Sheriff's Department arrested a woman on Sunday, July 23, on the suscipion of stealing. According to a police report, officers responded to a call from an employee of Betty's Truck Stop, to report the theft of $30.01 of gasoline. Police took a description of the vehicle and the driver, the suspect was driving a light blue Toyota Camry and wearing nightclothes or pajamas. ...

Saline County sheriff's cruiser involved in traffic accident; Car traveling about 80 miles an hour collides with deputy's (07/24/06)
A Saline County Sheriff's Department cruiser was involved in an accident on Sunday, July 23, reports show. Deputy Chris Chamberlain of the sheriff's department responded to a call near Route VV and County Road 318 near Sweet Springs, authorities said...

Schroeder, Peuster have their final showing at Saline County Fair (07/24/06)
By Marcia Gorrell Staff Writer Justin Schroeder and Chris Peuster have been showing cattle for many years, but their last Saline County Fair Cattle show ended in fine fashion with Schroeder showing the grand champion steer, while Peuster showed the reserve grand champion steer...

Gass named champion rider of 4-H and FFA Horse Show at fair (07/24/06)
Abigail Gass was just barely old enough to compete in the 4-H and FFA Horse Show at the Saline County Fair Wednesday, July 12, and as she began leading her horse across the upper arena at the Saline County Fairgrounds her mother, Anna Gass, was urging her on from behind the gate...

Goat show winners from county fair listed (07/21/06)
The Saline County Fair Goat Show had many entries and very warm weather Thursday, July 13. In the dairy goat division, Derek Eddy showed the grand and reserve senior does. He also had the grand junior doe, while Audra Taylor had the reserve junior doe...

Black Cochin Hen garners grand champion at Saline County Fair (07/20/06)
The Saline County Fair poultry show grand champion was Alex Brownfield with his Black Cochin Hen, bantam, and the reserve grand champion was Blayne Vogel with his mallard hen, according to poultry Superintendent Gerry Snapp. Other results from the Thursday, July 13, show include:...

Road tax would allow graveling every 2 years, not 4 (07/20/06)
The Saline County Common Road District commissioners want support of a new road tax to pay for gravel. The proposed tax is on the Aug. 8 ballot. A letter, signed by common district road commissioners Joe Clements Sr., Gary Page, Bill Treece and Bert Shannon, was put together during a meeting with the Saline County Commission, Tuesday, July 18. ...

Exhibitors listed for state fair (07/19/06)
The following blue ribbon exhibitors at the Saline County Fair earned the privilege of showing their projects at the Missouri State Fair in August: Daniel Andrews: wooden shell holder. Allyson Bargfrede: welcome home basket. Lyle Bargfrede: adjustable rod holder, beetle spins and extension cord instruction book...

Cargill's tax request could cut schools' income by $80,000 (07/18/06)
Marshall School District Superintendent Rob Gordon and representatives of Cargill Meat Solutions met Tuesday, July 18, with the Saline County Board of Equalization to discuss a request by Cargill to reduce its assessed valuation, which could cost the school district $80,000 in tax revenues...

Marshall council approves natural gas agreement with prospective ethanol plant (07/18/06)
Marshall City Council at its Monday, July 17, meeting approved Marshall Municipal Utilities providing natural gas to a prospective ethanol plant. The agreement is between the city and Renewable Power of Missouri LLC. Renewable Power plans an ethanol plant north of Highway 20 in Marshall...

Newscope/Monday, July 17 , 2006 (07/17/06)
Sports editor, reporter receive honors Chris Allen, sports editor for The Marshall Democrat-News, and former staff writer Matt Heger have received honors from the Missouri Press Assocation. Allen received two honorable mentions in the 2006 Missouri Press Association Better Newspaper Contest -- best sports page or package and best sports page...

2006 Saline County Fair judged a success; Slater student lauded (07/17/06)
Editor's note: Additional news, photos and results from the Saline County Fair will run in future issues of The Marshall Democrat-News. The Saline County Fair came to a close Sunday, July 16, with the traditional ham breakfast, and Sam Igo, president of the fair association, said overall the 2006 fair was a great event...

Sweet Springs aldermen put hotel-motel tax proposal on fall ballot (07/11/06)
Sweet Springs Board of Aldermen voted 3-0 Monday, July 10, to put a hotel-motel tax proposal on the fall ballot. Voting yes for putting the guest tax on the Nov. 7 ballot were aldermen Derl Bernard, Ken Hollingsworth and Frany Vaught. Alderman Billie Clevenger was not present at the meeting...

Local FFA students shine at district fair (07/11/06)
FFA students from up to 52 schools converged on the Saline County Fairgrounds Monday, July 10, to take part in the Central District FFA Fair. Light rain and cool weather greeted the students who came to show horses, rabbits, poultry, quail, hogs and sheep. Other students brought corn, soybeans, potted plants, vegetables and woodworking projects to be judged in the Vanderlinden building. Over 100 welding projects, big and small, were also on display and judged at the fairgrounds...

Napton man captures demolition derby (07/10/06)
By Blake Arth and Lucas Scott Staff writers A Napton man came out of the consolation heat to capture the feature Saturday, July 8, in the demolition derby at the Saline County Fair. "It was hard fought all the way to the end," said Lee Vogl. Vogl drove the No. 8 car. He was one of three winners in the consolation heat then a winner in the fifth and final heat...

Purr-fect start to Saline County Fair (07/10/06)
The Saline County Fair commenced over the weekend under mostly fair skies and mild temperatures, getting off to a fine start, according to Sam Igo, president of the Saline County Fair Association. "On the whole it's off to a good start. The weather was perfect," Igo said. "It's been unseasonably reasonable."...

Three injured in crash on Interstate 70 (07/03/06)
Three people were injured in a crash Sunday, July 2, on Interstate 70 in Saline County. According to the Missouri State Highway Patrol report, the crash occurred west of the 66 mile marker on I-70 around 5:45 p.m. A 2004 Ford driven by Donald I. Wise, 36, of Jefferson City, traveled off the left side of the roadway and struck a guardrail, according to the MSHP report. The car then crossed the highway, struck a concrete barrier, went off the right side of the road and overturned...

Sweet Springs school board nominated for statewide award (06/30/06)
The Sweet Springs R-7 Board of Education is keeping company with the boards from some much, much larger school districts. Superintendent Boyd Jones announced at the Wednesday, June 7, meeting of the board that Sweet Springs' board had been nominated for a statewide award along with school boards from much larger districts. ...

Drive to put sales tax on for countywide 911 is continuing (06/29/06)
The drive to put a sales tax for a countywide 911 service is starting to heat up just like the season. At the most recent meeting of Saline County Citizens for 911 Central Dispatch, held Thursday, June 16, the group made plans for presentations at local government meetings in Sweet Springs and Slater along with appearances at summertime events across the county...

Conservation Reserve Program lauded during tour of farms (06/29/06)
Saline County was the showcase for Missouri agriculture Wednesday, June 28, as about 60 national, state and local farm leaders, politicians and statewide media representatives took part in the Conservation Reserve Program tour celebrating 20 years of CRP in the United States...

Long-term funding forecast not good, superintendent says (06/28/06)
Sweet Springs Superintendent of Schools Boyd Jones told the R-7 Board of Education during its monthly meeting Wednesday, June 7, that the short term outlook for state funding to the district isn't bad, but the long term forecast might not be so good...

Where to see the sparklers (06/28/06)
Where to see the sparklers Arrow Rock There will be an impromptu parade at 1 p.m. Tuesday, July 4. The parade goes from the schoolhouse down Main Street. Anyone can march, ride or join the kazoo band. The Lyceum Theatre will perform the musical "1776" at 2 p.m. For ticket information visit www.lyceumtheatre.org or call (660) 837-3311...

I-70 Medical Center expenses paid through CDBG funds (06/23/06)
The I-70 Medical Center has been open for business in Sweet Springs since late last fall, and the city moved closer to paying off its bills in connection with the project during the regular meeting of the Board of Aldermen Monday, June 12. Rick Childers, executive director of Pioneer Trails Regional Planning Commission, was on hand to update the board on the status of Community Development Block Grant (CDBG) funds for the project...

Sweet Springs aldermen change pay for Pony League umpires (06/23/06)
Department reports during the Monday, June 12, meeting of the Sweet Springs Board of Aldermen were largely routine. Among those giving reports on behalf of boards or departments were Michael Clevenger for the Recreation Board, City Collector Janice Bybee, Bill Harding of the Park Board, Fire Chief Todd Anderson and Police Chief Dick Downing...

Potential tourism tax ballot issue for Sweet Springs discussed (06/22/06)
Sweet Springs Mayor Roxanne Hinton came into the Board of Aldermen's regular meeting Monday, June 12, with a lengthy to-do list. And, as often happens with to-do lists, a few of the items were put off. Hinton started off her portion of the agenda with appointments, including naming a board representative to the city's Planning and Zoning Board along with liaisons between the Board of Aldermen and various city departments...

Sweet Springs asphalt bid runs into roadblocks (06/19/06)
When candidates were running for the Sweet Springs mayor's post and two open Board of Alderman seats this spring, a common theme was the desire to improve the city's streets. But a motion to accept a bid for asphalt to be used in street projects ran into a couple of roadblocks during the board's regular meeting Monday evening, June 12...

Much talk, no action on putting Sweet Springs police chief post back as an elected position (06/13/06)
If a movie is ever made about the effort to return to electing the Sweet Springs chief of police and the city clerk, perhaps it could be titled "The Question That Wouldn't Die for Lack of a Second." A month after a motion by Alderman Billie Clevenger to have local residents return to electing the two positions did not garner a second, the issue was back on the board's agenda for the Monday, June 12, meeting...

Sweet Springs preschool to offer full-day classes (06/08/06)
The coming year of preschool in the Sweet Springs R-7 School District will mark the first time that full-day preschool classes have been offered instead of half-day sessions. The Sweet Springs Board of Education, after debate about the effects on reducing the number of children who could take part and the increased cost for tuition, voted 6-1 during its regular monthly meeting Wednesday, June 7, to make the change...

Junior queen selected as senior queen at barbecue (06/05/06)
Kali Hedrick was busy at the Saline County Bar-B-Q Saturday evening, June 3. After delivering her final speech as 2005 junior Saline County queen and crowning her successor, Jennifer Vogelsmeier of Sweet Springs, she received her crown as 2006 senior Saline County queen from 2005 queen Amanda Bock...

11 to try for junior queen crown (06/02/06)
Editor's note: This is the final of two articles about the Saline County Queen contest. The first part, featuring candidates for the senior queen title, appeared Thursday, June 1. Today's article discusses the junior queen candidates. The Saline County Queen contest will take place at 8 p.m. Saturday, June 3, at the Saline County BBQ. Following are brief biographies of the 11 contestants in the junior queen category...

Spectrum/It's time for the annual Saline County Bar-B-Que (06/02/06)
The 49th Annual Saline County Bar-B-Que scheduled for Saturday, June 3, in Marshall has got my mouth watering already. By the way, the annual Bar-B-Que begins with lunch from 11 a.m. to 1 p.m., the talent contest is at 4 p.m. and the queens contest is at 8 p.m. Dinner is from 4:30 to 8 p.m...

Memorial Day 2006/Veterans gather at Marshall square to remember their comrades in arms (05/30/06)
With flags dancing in a warm morning breeze, Marshall veterans and residents gathered on the square Monday, May 29, to honor those who have given their lives in service to the country. State Sen. Bill Stouffer (R-Napton), who delivered the keynote address, took time to acknowledge the service of those who stay behind as well...

Sweet Springs meets twice in special session on tax, personnel (05/19/06)
The Sweet Springs Board of Aldermen met twice in special session this week, on Monday, May 15, and again the afternoon of Wednesday, May 17. The May 15 meeting was called so the city could meet a state deadline for complying with a measure approved by the 2005 General Assembly regarding telecommunications taxes...

Sweet Springs honors are detailed (05/17/06)
The following Sweet Springs High School graduates received honors at the May 12 graduation: Elizabeth Ann Dahman: Central Missouri State University Academic Excellence Award, 2006 George Washington Carver Award, college prep certificate Amanda Dawn Ngaue: 2006 Mace and Dee Smith Scholarship...

Sweet Springs confers 33 diplomas (05/15/06)
Major Rick Dickinson spent three days traveling from Iraq to attend his daughter's graduation from Sweet Springs High School. On Friday, May 12, Dickinson saw Danielle Raene Dickinson receive her diploma and the serviceman also received a resounding ovation from the graduation audience...

Sweet Springs aldermen ask for water rate ordinance to be drafted (05/12/06)
While debate over whether to elect or appoint a chief of police and discussion of priorities for the coming year took up much of the Monday, May 8, meeting of the Sweet Springs Board of Aldermen, other topics on the agenda included an increase in water rates...

Concordia teen arrested, charged with $50.2 gasoline drive-off (05/11/06)
Law enforcement officials have said for some time now that as the price of gasoline goes higher cases of people driving off without paying go up also. A Concordia teen, Johnie W. Hopper, 17, was arrested early Thursday morning, May 11, after being accused of driving away from a truck stop on Interstate 70 in southern Saline County without paying for $50.02 worth of gas...

Sweet Springs resident injured in accident (05/10/06)
A Sweet Springs resident was injured in a one-vehicle crash Tuesday, May 9, evening in Johnson County. According to a preliminary Missouri State Highway Patrol report, Jason M. Hall, 22, was traveling on Route Y when his vehicle traveled off the right side of the road, struck a sign and skidded back across the road before overturning into a ditch.Hall was listed as suffering minor injuries and was taken to Western Missouri Medical Center in Warrensburg. No summons was listed as issued...

Sweet Springs mayor pleased aldermen share her priorities (05/10/06)
Sweet Springs Mayor Roxanne Hinton read through a list of her priorities for the coming year during the monthly meeting of the Board of Aldermen Monday evening, May 8, and appeared pleased that priorities listed by the aldermen when they gave their reports later in the same meeting largely overlapped with her list...

Appointments announced in Sweet Springs (05/10/06)
More than a dozen appointments were announced by Sweet Springs Mayor Roxanne Hinton during the Board of Aldermen's regular monthly meeting Monday, May 8, and three hirings were announced following an executive session at the same meeting. Among the appointments made by Hinton were naming Billie Clevenger, also an alderman, to be the city's representative on the Pioneer Trails Regional Planning Commission. ...

Sweet Springs aldermen reject police chief, city clerk elections (05/09/06)
A suggestion by the newest member of the Sweet Springs Board of Aldermen that the city consider returning to electing its top law enforcement officer failed Monday evening, May 8, for apparent lack of support by other aldermen. Alderman Billie Clevenger read a letter during the regular monthly meeting of the board beginning with the sentence, "Why I think that we should give the citizens the right to choose if they want to elect the police chief and city clerk."...

Graduations to begin Saturday (05/04/06)
Graduation ceremonies for area colleges and high schools include the following commencement ceremonies: -- Marshall High School: 2 p.m. Sunday, May 21, at the Marshall High School sports complex; -- Malta Bend High School: 7 p.m. Sunday, May 14, in the Malta Bend High School gym;...

Sweet Springs mayor declares war on drugs (05/01/06)
Against the backdrop of a D.A.R.E. flag, a deputy from the Saline County Sheriff's Department and Sweet Springs Chief of Police Dick Downing, Mayor Roxanne Hinton declared war late Friday afternoon, April 28 -- against the scourge of drugs. The press conference was announced via a fax sent to area media outlets early Friday morning and was supposed to only be open to official media, but several Sweet Springs residents were in attendance for the announcement...

Sweet Springs FFA takes chapter, individual honors (04/21/06)
The Sweet Springs FFA took a chapter and individual honor at this week's 78th Missouri FFA Convention. The chapter placed seventh out of 302 chapters in the state, one of 30 to receive a Top Chapter Award, and Sweet Springs R-7 agriculture education instructor Brent Niemeyer was named an honorary State FFA Degree recipient...

Sweet Springs aldermen fire officer, dispatcher (04/17/06)
Meeting in closed session Wednesday, April 12, the Sweet Springs Board of Aldermen voted to fire a police officer, David Perez, and a municipal dispatcher, Roy Hall, accused in March of tampering with a police car. The board also acted to at least partially offset a resulting manpower shortage in the city's police department by authorizing a part-time officer to work additional shifts each week. The department's budget includes three full-time and one part-time officer...

Swimming pool managers approved (04/17/06)
Reports from department representatives at Monday evening's regular monthly meeting of the Sweet Springs Board of Aldermen were highlighted by the annual city collector's report and a request for a new ordinance by the chairman of the town's Park Board...

Hospital board appointment sparks comments in Sweet Springs (04/14/06)
Nominations to boards are usually not controversial subjects for government bodies, but that wasn't the case at Monday's monthly Sweet Springs Board of Aldermen meeting when the board was brought a recommendation by representatives of I-70 Medical Center for an appointment to the hospital's board...

3 of 4 Sweet Springs city positions to be contested (01/20/06)
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...

Sweet Springs session doesn't have quorum (01/19/06)
What was supposed to be the first workshop toward shaping a 2006 budget for the city of Sweet Springs failed to draw a quorum of aldermen Wednesday morning. According to unofficial minutes, Mayor Roxanne Hinton and aldermen Larry Vick and Frany Vaught were present but aldermen Derl Bernard and Ken Hollingsworth were absent...

Sweet Springs staying on track for expenses (01/16/06)
The reports for the first Sweet Springs Board of Aldermen meeting of the year were a mixed bag. On the positive side, Mayor Roxanne Hinton presented the updated financial report and told the board that through three quarters of the fiscal year most of the funds are running below budgeted expenses. And reports from city department heads including the police and fire chiefs were fairly standard...

Final check for building is sent (01/13/06)
The Sweet Springs Board of Education was in mid-season form for its monthly meeting Thursday evening, getting through its agenda in under 20 minutes. Superintendent Boyd Jones led off the reports from administrators, telling the board he has been in contact with bleacher manufacturers and hopes to have information to bring to the February meeting. He also noted that Sweet Springs schools will be in session Monday, Jan. 16, to make up a day missed because of bad weather in December...

Denied access blocks removal of downtown blight (01/12/06)
The ongoing saga of "As The Downtown Crumbles" ground on Monday evening during the regular monthly meeting of the Sweet Springs Board of Aldermen. Mayor Roxanne Hinton led off her report to the board with a challenge to move forward on a demolition project on a block of Lexington Avenue declared blighted in February 2005...

Three face felonies following Sweet Springs burglary (01/04/06)
Nearly a month after a burglary was reported at Sweet Springs business, three suspects now face felony charges. Following an investigation by the Sweet Springs Police Department, Saline County Prosecuting Attorney Don Stouffer filed information Saturday charging 20-year-old Richard Lee Davis and 21-year-old Dustin A. Rader with class C felony burglary in the second degree. David John Davis, 23, of Sweet Springs, was charged with the same crime on Friday...

Sweet Springs board tables cable discussion, addition for dispatchers (12/14/05)
A couple of items tabled at Monday evening's regular monthly meeting of the Sweet Springs Board of Aldermen will likely be back on the agenda in January. An ordinance to transfer the city's cable television franchise from Galaxy to Longview Communications was postponed until January because a representative of Longview was not present Monday...

Sweet Springs mayor wants employees in health insurance plan (12/13/05)
With a fairly short agenda for Monday's regular monthly meeting, the main focus of the Sweet Springs Board of Aldermen was set by Mayor Roxanne Hinton in her report to the board -- with a number of items that would impact city employees. With the start of a new fiscal year just three and a half months away, Hinton said she has several things she would like to see addressed in the city's budget for the coming year...

Sweet Spring schools receive 'report card' (12/09/05)
Approaching the end of the first semester of this school year, the Sweet Springs Board of Education heard about the district's annual "report card" from the state and about an honor received following the local schools' academic performance in 2004-05...

Summer school a success at Sweet Springs (12/08/05)
On the eve of the season's first school cancellation because of snow, summer school was one of the main topics addressed by the Sweet Springs Board of Education Wednesday night. Superintendent Boyd Jones told the school board that while the 2005 summer school session was a big success, with a total of 196 students attending and a survey of parents showing satisfaction of between 80 and 90 percent in most categories, it will also impact what the district does for summer school during the summer of 2006 and upcoming summers.. ...

Sweet Springs buildings' fate sealed (12/05/05)
The fate of three buildings in downtown Sweet Springs appears to finally be sealed following a special meeting of the Sweet Springs Board of Aldermen Tuesday, Nov. 29. But what will become of adjacent buildings, also in poor repair, remains up in the air...

Sweet Springs to fete famous son on Dec. 6 (11/29/05)
Sweet Springs will fete one of its famous sons with a special postal cancellation and all-day event Tuesday, Dec. 6, to mark the birth of former U.S. Sen. George Graham Vest. While Vest served a total of 24 years in the U.S. Senate, he also had claims to fame as the person who delivered the eulogy for the hunting dog "Old Drum" of book and movie fame. ...

Sweet Springs aldermen hear good audit report (11/17/05)
Auditors reviewing the city of Sweet Springs' financial standings issued a "clean" opinion. Allen Schelp, a certified public accountant with the office of Randall C. Fiene, discussed the audit at Monday's meeting of the Sweet Springs Board of Aldermen...

Sweet Springs Park Board makes second recommendation for playground equipment (11/16/05)
After a second start to ensure an even playing field for the bidders, the Sweet Springs Park Board arrived at the same recommendation for playground equipment it presented a month ago. Park Board Chairman Bill Harding came before the Sweet Springs Board of Alderman in October with a recommendation that the city purchase Playpower "Little Tikes" playground equipment. The recommendation met with resistance, however...

Sweet Springs sidewalk project on hold until 2006 (11/16/05)
Residents along Bridge Street in Sweet Springs have seen the city's administration change since they were promised new sidewalks. During a regular meeting of the Sweet Springs Board of Alderman Monday, the new board voted to once again hold off on the project...

Demolition of buildings in downtown Sweet Springs delayed again (11/15/05)
Sweet Springs' efforts to remove three crumbling buildings from its downtown met with another delay recently. At Monday's regular meeting of the Sweet Springs Board of Aldermen, Mayor Roxanne Hinton said the opening of demolition bids, originally scheduled to take place last week, did not occur...

Sweet Springs school board to revisit possibility of track (11/11/05)
The Sweet Springs Board of Education decided this week to revisit the possibility of constructing a track at the district's high school. In 2003, the district received a free proposal for a track and accompanying features like stadium seating and a press box. This project would have cost more than $1 million and was put aside...

Sweet Springs school board reviews district's performance report (11/11/05)
Reviewing the Department of Elementary and Secondary Education's annual performance report, the Sweet Springs Board of Education learned that things are going well in the district. Superintendent Boyd Jones said the district scored 91 out of a possible 100 points on the assessment, meeting the state's standards in every category except student ACT scores...

Sweet Springs superintendent predicts controversy over statewide requirement on school spending (11/10/05)
With Missouri Gov. Matt Blunt throwing his support behind the national First Class Education movement, things could be shaping up for fight. "This will be very controversial," said Superintendent Boyd Jones at Wednesday's meeting of the Sweet Springs Board of Education. "I can't think of why this would be a good idea."...

I-70 Medical Center holds dedication (10/31/05)
Although the new I-70 Medical Center in Sweet Springs doesn't yet have an official opening date, Sunday's dedication ceremony for the new facility brought out a throng of local residents, hospital officials and other luminaries to honor the facility and those who have worked to make the vision of a medical establishment a reality...

Sweet Springs board approves helping with temporary road (10/28/05)
The Sweet Springs Board of Aldermen approved making a temporary road for access to the new I-70 Medical Center during a special meeting Thursday evening, clearing the way for the dedication ceremony set for Sunday afternoon, Oct. 30. The ceremony will run from 2 to 4 p.m...

Sweet Springs will seek bids for sidewalk, but with conditions (10/19/05)
The Sweet Springs Board of Aldermen met in special session Tuesday to discuss whether the city should request bids for a project to install new sidewalks along Bridge Street. Mayor Roxanne Hinton said she felt the city should hire an outside contractor because the Sweet Springs Public Works Department was being stretched thin by other projects...

Sweet Springs municipal court expenses ahead of revenues (10/17/05)
Faced with rising operational costs, the city of Sweet Springs may have to raise revenues or risk abandoning its municipal court. Mayor Roxanne Hinton recently told the city's Board of Alderman at its regular meeting last week that for the year to date the court's expenses had climbed to nearly $3,400. During the same period, its revenues totaled less than $2,900...

Sweet Springs board wants goats out of city (10/12/05)
After a number of complaints, Sweet Springs officials have made a decision: Goats are not pets. At its regular meeting Monday, the Sweet Springs Board of Alderman received an update on the issue of goats being kept inside the city limits. Mayor Roxanne Hinton said the issue was becoming a concern for a number of people...

Sweet Springs aldermen approve contentious rezoning issue (10/11/05)
It didn't come easily, but the site of the I-70 Medical Center was rezoned at Monday's meeting of the Sweet Springs Board of Aldermen. The issue came back to the board following a veto of a rezoning ordinance approved in August. The original ordinance was approved at the end of a contentious meeting that saw Alderman Frany Vaught leave midway through the proceedings only to return after the public had gone home...

Raid made on Sweet Springs home (09/15/05)
A pair of Sweet Springs residents were in custody Thursday following a late-night raid on their home Wednesday. Saline County Sheriff Wally George said deputies and troopers with the Missouri State Highway Patrol executed the search warrant around 11:45 p.m. at a house in the 600 block of West Street in Sweet Springs. After knocking three times, officers forced their way into the home and arrested Peter E. Ulberg Jr., 24, and Virginia K. Ulberg, 47...

Sweet Springs aldermen table cable TV franchise extension (09/15/05)
A request by Galaxy Cablevision to extend its franchise cable television rights for another 15 years in Sweet Springs was tabled by the Sweet Springs Board of Aldermen Monday. Representing the company, Cameron Miller said Galaxy had been seeking the extension since 2002, though City Clerk Ronda Nienhueser said she had not received any information...

Audit of Sweet Springs city finances shows room to improve (09/14/05)
An audit of the city of Sweet Springs found no material weaknesses in the financial reporting methods, though it uncovered two instances of non-compliance with law and regulations. Randall Fiene, a Concordia-based certified public accountant, performed the audit of the city finances, which was released to the press late Monday. It covered a one-year period beginning March 31, 2004...

Sweet Springs school board increases mileage reimbursement (09/12/05)
In a nod toward the increases in fuel expenses over the past several months and years, especially recent volatility in pump prices, the Sweet Springs R-7 Board of Education increased mileage reimbursement rates Thursday during its monthly meeting. In its regular meeting, the board raised the amount paid per mile to employees using their own vehicles for on-the-job transportation from 25 cents to 30 cents...

Insurance price tag drops for Sweet Springs (08/15/05)
The cost of insurance for the city of Sweet Springs has declined slightly this year. The Sweet Springs Board of Aldermen opened bids during a special meeting Friday for comprehensive liability, vehicle, building and inland marine insurance coverage...

Sweet Springs arranges financing, other business (08/11/05)
The Sweet Springs Board of Aldermen has approved a lease-purchase agreement which will bring in the remaining necessary funding to run utilities to the I-70 Medical Center. The agreement will provide $155,000 for the utility work. It will connect the facility on the north side of Interstate 70 to city water and sewer lines, also making these services available to potential economic growth in that direction...

Tax rate increases in Sweet Springs (08/10/05)
Sweet Springs citizens will see a raise in the city's tax levy this year. Following a public hearing Monday night, the Sweet Springs Board of Aldermen approved a levy totaling $1.5526 per $100 assessed value on property. The action came less than a week after patrons in the Sweet Springs R-7 School District approved a 60-cent hike in the district's operating levy, which administrators say will be repealed a year from now when it should no longer effect how much state aid the school gets...

Zoning flap disrupts Sweet Springs meeting (08/09/05)
When the city of Sweet Springs annexed the property which would become the I-70 Medical Center in 2003, no zoning was specified for the land. By default, it became zoned as agricultural. Efforts to rezone the plat as light industry and general business sparked argument at the Sweet Springs Board of Alderman regular meeting Monday, during which one alderman walked out of the meeting only to return after the public left the meeting...

Sweet Springs aldermen vote to pay legal fees in full (08/09/05)
After requesting a review of City Attorney Russell Kruse's billing on easements, the Sweet Springs Board of Aldermen approved paying the bills in full. The board was initially withholding payments to Kruse following a flurry of errors associated with easements for city utilities to the I-70 Medical Center. In a letter to the city, Kruse acknowledged his "inexcusable error" and said that in the original documents his office drafted "the wording was not ideal."...

Sweet Springs voters pass school levy hike (08/03/05)
Sweet Springs School District voters on Tuesday overwhelmingly approved a 60-cent increase in the district's operational levy. The final unofficial results showed the measure passing by just over a 2-to-1 margin, 183 in favor to 91 opposed. With the increase, the operational levy for this year will be $4 per $100 assessed valuation. ...

School levy issue on ballot in Sweet Springs (08/01/05)
Voters will decide on a measure in Sweet Springs tomorrow that would increase the school district's levy from $3.40 to $4 per assessed $100 valuation. The issue hopes to lock the school into a higher levy amount during the phase-out of the current school funding formula...

Sweet Springs Festival in full swing (07/20/05)
Though the first official event was on Saturday, July 16, the 2005 Sweet Springs Festival gets in full swing today. With rides, food and music taking up residence in the middle of downtown Sweet Springs, the annual hog roast will begin the festivities at 5 p.m. tonight followed at 6 p.m. by the kiddie's parade. Arm band rides open from 7 to 11 p.m. and the queen contest starts at 8 p.m., to be followed by a youth dance...

Summer school experiment a success, says administrator (07/15/05)
Summer school's out in Sweet Springs and Elementary Principal Donna Wright reported the new program run by private company Newton Learning was a success. "I think it ended up being a positive experience for the kids and a positive experience for the school," Wright told the Sweet Springs R-7 Board of Education Thursday...

Large class size a concern in Sweet Springs (07/15/05)
Three parents concerned about the size of the sixth grade class at Sweet Springs addressed the school board Thursday evening. The class currently has 27 students enrolled in it and is expected to grow. Though the elementary school sometimes splits large classes between two teachers, this year's sixth grade will all stay in one room...

Another Sweet Springs police officer resigns (07/14/05)
The Sweet Springs Police Department's high rate of officer turnover continues with the resignation of another full-time officer, Sean Larsen. Officer Melvin Taber told the Sweet Springs Board of Alderman at its regular meeting Monday that, with no reserves, the situation would spread the department thin through the upcoming Sweet Springs Festival...

Big vehicles shaking up downtown Sweet Springs (07/13/05)
Waves of vibrations shake and rattle through the walls of some downtown businesses like a series of tiny earthquakes as large vehicles drive down the cobblestones of Miller Street in Sweet Springs. Heavy trucks are taking some blame for damaging buildings and the street in the town's historic district...

Hinton regrets that landowners cast 'in a negative light' (07/12/05)
Sweet Springs to request city attorney reduce legal bills from easement work

Sweet Springs teen missing (07/11/05)
The Sweet Springs Police Department is seeking public assistance in locating a teenager reported missing by her parents this weekend. Anna "Anastasia" Box, 18, was reported missing between 11 a.m. and 1 p.m. on Saturday, July 9. Box is 5-feet-6 with strawberry-blonde hair and brown eyes...

One injured in weekend crash (07/11/05)
A single-vehicle crash on Interstate 70 hospitalized a Sweet Springs teen Saturday. According to a preliminary report filed by the Missouri State Highway Patrol, the crash occurred at 11:50 a.m. near the 64 mile marker on I-70. The report states 18-year-old John A. Napes of Sweet Springs was driving west in a 1997 Ford Contour when he lost control. The car skidded into the median and struck a guard cable...

Utilities bypass: Sweet Springs dodges unhappy landowners (07/08/05)
Adding a boost to efforts toward getting the I-70 Medical Center up and running, the city of Sweet Springs has chosen to dodge several hard-to-get utility easements. A letter recently received from the Missouri Depart-ment of Transportation has given the city permission to run water and sewer lines in state right-of-ways along the northern outer road of Interstate 70, bypassing several properties unwilling to grant easements due to disputes with the city...

Sweet Springs man injured in Monday crash (06/21/05)
A Sweet Springs man suffered minor injuries in a single-vehicle accident in Johnson County Monday afternoon. According to a preliminary report released by the Missouri State Highway Patrol, 45-year-old Richard D. Plummer was driving west on Route E when the crash occurred at 1:30 p.m...

Sweet Springs school board approves 2005-06 budget, four of five senior trip suggestions (06/20/05)
Reserve spending of $240,000 is predicted in the Sweet Springs R-7 School District budget for 2005-06, but Superintendent Boyd Jones said he doubts the school would likely go that deeply into the red, if at all. "That is a worst case scenario figure. That is anticipating things breaking, a lot of teachers out sick," Jones said, adding that he felt it was best to plan for the worst...

Sweet Springs abates taxes for deceased, those who have moved (06/16/05)
A group of delinquent tax payers has been forgiven of money owed to the city of Sweet Springs. At the regular meeting of the Sweet Springs Board of Aldermen Monday, the board unanimously approved abatement of city taxes owed for those on a list presented by Janice Bybee, city collector...

Sweet Springs utilities plugging leaks, putting up signs (06/16/05)
Several new street signs, including a number of stop signs, will soon be going up in Sweet Springs. Public Works Superinten-dent Hank Taber received a long list of signs with orders to get them up around town as needed. The list was compiled and submitted to the Sweet Springs Board of Aldermen by the Sweet Springs Police Department several months ago. After taking some time to check out the suggested locations, the board approved the list without dissent Monday...

More miscues slow I-70 Medical Center project in Sweet Springs (06/14/05)
105 Hospital Drive. That's the address the Sweet Springs Board of Aldermen selected on Monday for the I-70 Medical Center. But, aside from settling on an address, little progress was made as Mayor Roxanne Hinton reported more mistakes that were delaying the city's obligations to the project...

Sweet Springs aldermen block mayoral Park Board appointments (06/14/05)
Sweet Springs Mayor Roxanne Hinton's move to appoint a new member to the city's Park Board met with resistance Monday. The Sweet Springs Board of Aldermen declined to vote on her selections for the board, which included reappointing members Albert Hartman and Randy Hall and adding Vivian Moore to the board...

I-70 Medical Center stuck in the pipes (06/07/05)
In a rush to get easements for laying water and sewer lines to the site of the I-70 Medical Center in Sweet Springs, a series of mistakes have led to resistance from property owners. Paper work errors were made; first sending a general warranty deed to landowners, then papers labeled "utility easement" which were virtually identical to the deed...

Historian to begin work on Sweet Springs' condemned buildings (05/20/05)
Despite the original insistence of one property owner that he wouldn't pay fees associated with his partially-collapsed building in downtown Sweet Springs, checks to cover the expenses are in at Sweet Springs City Hall. Before demolition of three collapsing buildings in the city's downtown can begin, clearance is needed from the Missouri State Historic Preservation Office. To get this clearance, documentation of the buildings -- including blueprints, history and photographs -- is required...

Sweet Springs graduates reach end of high school's 'road' (05/16/05)
"Tonight is the first step in the rest of their lives," Superintendent Boyd Jones said as the Sweet Springs Class of 2005 stood, clad in gowns and mortarboards Friday evening. The class of 25, including one foreign exchange student, graduated from high school in a packed gymnasium, surrounded by family, friends and educators...

Sweet Springs school board to ask for temporary levy boost (05/13/05)
With the passage of a new school funding formula by the Missouri legislature, the Sweet Springs Board of Education hopes to get a quick boost through a 2005-06 tax levy increase. Unlike the current formula, Superintendent Boyd Jones said, the new formula will not rely on local levy rates for determining what state funds a district receives. ...

Sweet Springs Board of Aldermen takes up issue of taxes owed (05/13/05)
More than 90 tax reminder letters were sent out in Sweet Springs recently, with lackluster results. At Monday's meeting of the Sweet Springs Board of Aldermen, City Collector Janice Bybee reported sending the letters and, as of Monday, only drawing about a half dozen responses...

Summer school popularity soars in Sweet Springs (05/13/05)
When Sweet Springs looked toward increasing its summer school enrollment for the upcoming session, administrators were shooting for drawing about 170 students to the program, elementary Principal Donna Wright said. With the end of the regular school year near, 228 students in kindergarten to ninth grade have signed up for the summer session, approximately 85 percent of the student body, Wright told the Sweet Springs Board of Education Thursday...

Woman arrested in Sweet Springs in connection with Wisconsin murder (05/11/05)
On Wednesday, April 13, Sweet Springs police arrested Jannaka Espeleta, 24, in connection to a Wisconsin murder, Police Chief Dick Downing reported Monday. Sweet Spring officers were working on information given from Lt. Pat Geenen of the Appleton, Wis., Police Department that they had a warrant for Espeleta, who might be living in the area. She had also lived in Las Vegas, Nev., Geenen said...

Sweet Springs steps forward on medical center (05/11/05)
The city of Sweet Springs is a step closer to having a hospital. In a move to fulfill its obligations to bring a hospital to Sweet Springs, the city's Board of Aldermen voted without dissent to accept a bid to connect sewer and water lines to the hospital site on Monday...

Owner of crumbling Sweet Springs building balks at bill (05/10/05)
Robert Singleton, owner of a condemned building which has partially collapsed into a downtown Sweet Springs street, said he will not pay any fees associated with the historical designation of his building. Three buildings which the city has grant funds to demolish are located in a historical district. Prior to removing the buildings, the Missouri State Historic Preservation Office requires records including photographs and floor plans be prepared by a qualified historian...

Sweet Springs aldermen discuss part-time police position (04/27/05)
How does having half of a police officer work? Meeting in a special session Tuesday evening, the Sweet Springs Board of Aldermen tackled this question, as well as others regarding reserve officers and police pay. The meeting came as the city tries to implement a compromise set up by the prior council about how many police officers the city can afford. ...

Sweet Springs woman scratches $10,000 winner (04/26/05)
A Sweet Springs woman nearly granted her husband's winning wishes April 21 when she uncovered $10,000 on a "Super Sapphire Blue 7's" Missouri Lottery Scratchers ticket. Patricia "Patty" Blackerby, 49, said she and her husband, Randall, had stopped at Fast Lane, 1013 West Blvd. in Columbia to buy some gas and a few Scratchers tickets on their way to work Thursday morning...

Sweet Springs mayor requests county money for demolition (04/19/05)
When the Saline County Commission met Tuesday morning, there weren't many items on the agenda -- until Sweet Springs Mayor Roxanne Hinton walked in. Prior to Hinton's appearance, commission members announced that they would have a special meeting later Tuesday with Ron Watts, MoDOT representative, and other officials concerning construction of new bridges across the county. The bridges will be categorized and ranked in terms of importance for construction, which will begin within the next year...

Road to medical center receives name; Sweet Springs to house emergency supplies (04/15/05)
The road leading to the site of the I-70 Medical Center in Sweet Springs has been given a name. The Sweet Springs Board of Aldermen voted to name the new road Hospital Drive on Monday Mayor Roxanne Hinton reported to the board that the city has all the permits and approvals needed to run utilities under Interstate 70 to the hospital site...

Sweet Springs makes progress on grants to clear blight (04/14/05)
With two grants in the works to combat dangerous structures in the city of Sweet Springs, the city's Board of Aldermen moved forward with steps to get decrepit buildings razed, in one case, out of the street. Monday, the most progress was made on a grant the city has been approved to receive for removal of three commercial buildings downtown...

Sweet Springs public works department keeps busy (04/13/05)
Equipment will be moved in starting Friday and asphalt laying on Sweet Springs streets is expected begin next week, Public Works Superintendent Hank Taber told the Sweet Springs Board of Aldermen Monday. The board nixed a proposal to have workers pave a downtown alley when Taber reported an estimated cost of $5,500 for the project...

Sweet Springs school board retains same slate of officers for 2005-'06 (04/13/05)
By Matt Heger Staff Writer Dissolving the old board and reforming with one new face, the Sweet Springs Board of Education kept its regular meeting fairly brief on Tuesday. It took the board a little over half an hour to complete its agenda for the evening...

Outgoing Sweet Springs aldermen dispose of old business (04/12/05)
As two newly-elected aldermen waited to be sworn in as bona fide members of the Sweet Springs Board of Aldermen, the prior board got to work cleaning old business during Monday's regular meeting before its dissolution. The board accepted ordinances which had been planned during budget workshops raising sewer rates, setting a minimum sewer bill and increasing the number of calls the volunteer fire department would receive reimbursement for...

Sweet Springs receives park grant from DNR (04/05/05)
The Sweet Springs City Park will be the new home for a piece of playground equipment capable of serving 130 children with 28 different play options in the future, thanks to funding from the Missouri Department of Natural Resources. DNR has approved a grant for $22,319 to help pay for playground improvements in Sweet Springs, the total cost of which is estimated at $67,874...

Four in running for three seats on Sweet Springs school board (04/01/05)
Three openings on the Sweet Springs Board of Education have attracted four candidates for voters to choose from on April 5. Incumbents Philip Clevenger, the current board treasurer, and Jack Thomas have decided to seek re-election. They are joined by newcomers Robert Fuehring and Steve Harris, with current board member Ken Hughson resigning...

Three newcomers battling for alderman position (04/01/05)
With two openings up for election on the Sweet Springs Board of Aldermen, there are no incumbents to battle for those seats in the April 5 election. Aldermen William Livingston and Philip Schlichting chose not to run for reelection on the board, leaving their Ward 1 and 2 positions up for grabs...

Sweet Springs, Blackburn officials questioned about homeland security grant plans (03/31/05)
If officials from Sweet Springs and Blackburn who showed up Wednesday morning for a special meeting with the Saline County Commission thought things were going to go smoothly and in their favor, they in for a surprise. Emergency management directors from both cities, as well as Sweet Springs Mayor Roxanne Hinton, appeared concerning a State Emergency Management Agency [SEMA] homeland security grant and were bombarded with questions, primarily by Presiding Commissioner Becky Plattner...

Sweet Springs aldermen approve balanced 2005-06 budget (03/30/05)
Following a public hearing with few comments, the Sweet Springs Board of Aldermen voted Tuesday without dissent to pass the proposed $2.25 million budget for the 2005-06 fiscal year. The budget calls for reductions in many departments, including moving one full-time street department position to seasonal work and replacing one full-time police officer position with a part-time officer...

Sweet Springs police force could be back on budget chopping block (03/16/05)
As Sweet Springs aldermen looked for ways to trim $53,000 to balance the general fund budget Tuesday, the potential to cut the city's police force by one officer was again raised. But three out of the four aldermen said they weren't interested in making that cut...

Sweet Springs pursues grant to deal with abandoned houses (03/15/05)
A second proposal to seek grant funding to tear down abandoned homes in Sweet Springs moved a step forward Monday. Mayor Roxanne Hinton was given approval by the Board of Aldermen to apply for state money to tear down the buildings at the board's regular meeting. Under the proposal, property owners would contribute $1,000 to the cost of tearing down unoccupied buildings...

Attendance, starting salaries on upswing in Sweet Springs schools (03/14/05)
After several years on the decline, average daily attendance is up this year at Sweet Springs schools, Superintendent Boyd Jones reported to the Board of Education Thursday during its regular meeting. That's big news, because attendance is a major factor in determining how much funding the school receives...

Sweet Springs school board approves calendar for '05-'06 (03/14/05)
"Some years, the calendar almost writes itself," said Boyd Jones, superintendent of the Sweet Springs R-7 School District. "This is one of those years." The Sweet Springs Board of Education approved the calendar for the 2005-06 school year without dissent Thursday during its regular meeting...

State funds secured to combat Sweet Springs blight (03/11/05)
A state grant has been awarded to clean up three dangerous buildings in Sweet Springs, the Missouri Department of Economic Development announced Thursday. The DED has approved giving the city $56,000 to demolish the structures at 202, 214 and 216 W. Lexington. The announcement comes four days after a wall collapsed on one of the buildings...

Portion of condemned downtown Sweet Springs building collapses (03/08/05)
A pile of bricks graces Lexington Avenue in Sweet Springs. A hole the size of a small billboard remains where a portion of a building which has been condemned by the city for more than two years collapsed into the city street late this past weekend...

Sweet Springs losing two police officers (03/07/05)
Two police officers are planning to leave the Sweet Springs police department in coming weeks, Chief Dick Downing said Monday. Officers Richard Bishop and Tracy Garrison are expected to leave the four-member police force. Bishop has already put in his resignation and will be taking a position as a deputy sheriff at the Saline County Sheriff's Department jail division. He will start that position on March 17, leaving Sweet Springs on March 15...

Busted Brownies? (03/03/05)
Sweet Springs Police Chief Dick Downing takes fingerprints from Olivia Hager a member of Daisy Troop 80 of Sweet Springs. Downing took Girl Scout fingerprints on Feb. 21, giving him a chance to teach the girls about law enforcement.

Sweet Springs aldermen trim pool budget, continue to wrangle with sewer matters (03/02/05)
Meeting with the Sweet Springs Board of Aldermen Tuesday, the city's pool board wrangled its budget down to meet city expectations, avoiding any additional closure of the facility. Meanwhile, differences grew between aldermen on how to handle the water and sewage fund...

Sweet Springs board discusses pool budget (02/28/05)
At a special meeting last Thursday to work on the 2005-06 budget, the Sweet Springs Board of Aldermen looked into ways to trim back the budget for the city's swimming pool. City Clerk Ronda Nienhueser questioned the large general fund transfers made, particularly last year, to cover the pool's expenses. Nienhueser said the pool had other sources of income approved by taxpayers besides the city's general fund...

Historic designation latest hurdle in Sweet Springs' fight against blight (02/25/05)
Efforts to clean up dangerous buildings in Sweet Springs have come across another obstacle to clear: designation of the affected areas as a historic district. "All of the buildings on that block are in a historic district. I received notification from the state historic preservation organization that they felt demolishing the five buildings we originally had looked at taking down would adversely affect the National Register [of Historic Places], which these buildings are on," Mayor Roxanne Hinton said Thursday.. ...

Hinton warns against spending reserves (02/16/05)
As the city of Sweet Springs continues to work on the 2004-05 fiscal year budget, Mayor Roxanne Hinton again warned city officials on Monday against deficit spending of the city's general fund reserves. According to figures quoted by Hinton, in the period from 1998 until 2004 general fund reserve money has dropped at a rate of just over $27,000 per year, while from 1995 until 1997 it grew by about $22,500 each year...

Sweet Springs updates unsafe building ordinance (02/15/05)
After extended discussion of its ramifications, an ordinance which brings the city of Sweet Springs' codes concerning unsafe buildings in line with state law was passed in regular session of the Board of Aldermen Monday. "I'm not making any recommendation on any building situation with this," said Mayor Roxanne Hinton, adding City Attorney Russell Kruse reviewed and updated the ordinance...

Brothers get probation in stealing case (02/11/05)
Two brothers arrested for stealing from a Sweet Springs convenience store have been given probation. Jacob J. Bell, 17, and Joshua J. Bell, 19, entered guilty pleas to reduced charges of class A misdemeanor stealing Wednesday. Associate Court Judge Tut Bellamy suspended the imposition of their sentences and placed them on two years probation...

Sweet Springs schools receive MSIP waiver (02/09/05)
The Sweet Springs Board of Education was greeted by a slew of cards from students -- or as Superintendent Boyd Jones put it "our younger patrons" -- at the board's regular meeting Monday. The cards thanking them for their hard work were in honor of National School Board Recognition Week...

Sweet Springs seeks grant to address downtown blight (02/07/05)
After a public hearing and fielding many questions, the Sweet Springs Board of Aldermen approved Mayor Roxanne Hinton's proposal to seek grant money to clean up three buildings in an area of downtown the board declared blighted on Friday during a special meeting...

Sweet Springs to consider declaring part of downtown blighted area (02/02/05)
As efforts to clean up crumbling structures in Sweet Springs continue, the Sweet Springs Board of Aldermen will consider a resolution Friday to declare a section of downtown as a blighted area. Under the proposed resolution, the entire block bordered by Lexington Avenue, West Marshall, Miller and Spring Streets would be deemed "conductive to ill health, transmission of disease, crime or inability to pay reasonable taxes." The resolution would require "clearance and rehabilitation" of the block. ...

Sweet Springs board spots Pool Fund leak (02/01/05)
The Sweet Springs pool seems to have financial holes in the concession stand. Monday, during a special meeting to discuss the upcoming fiscal year's budget, Sweet Springs Alderman Derl Bernard pointed out that the pool's concession stand had consistently barely eked through the season with a profit, earning a scant $359 last year. "There's got to be a leak in there somewhere," said Bernard...

Brothers arrested in burglary of convenience store (01/31/05)
Police suspecting an inside job in the burglary of a Sweet Springs convenience store arrested two brothers last week. Sweet Springs police, investigating a Tuesday break-in, arrested Joshua J. Bell, 19, and Jacob J. Bell, 17, Thursday. On Friday, Saline County Prosecuting Attorney Don Stouffer filed information charging the teens with class C felony burglary in the second degree...

Four arrested after rash of car break-ins (01/31/05)
An investigation into a string of car break-ins in a three-county area led police to arrest four Sweet Springs residents over the weekend. Saline County Sheriff Wally George reported Monday that Brandon L. Anderson, 21; Tali Catherine Sua, 23; Eric Andrew Thomas, 21; and Thoreau Alexander Kornis, 20; were arrested for their involvement in more than 30 break-ins in Saline, Pettis and Lafayette counties during the night of Jan. 28...

Memorial revives Sweet Springs Education Foundation (01/31/05)
It had been years since the last meeting of the Sweet Springs R-7 Education Foundation when Opal Peterson, a longtime resident of Sweet Springs, passed away on June 1, 2004. But Peterson left something behind that helped bring the group back together; a gift of more than $210,000...

Sweet Springs lands grant to fulfill hospital obligations (01/25/05)
One more hurdle for the completion of the I-70 Medical Center in Sweet Springs has been cleared as the city secured a grant to help complete its end of the bargain. As part of the $8 million loan guarantee from the United States Department of Agriculture, the city needs to run water and sewer lines under Interstate 70, connecting the hospital site to the city's utilities. The project is expected to cost approximately $500,000...

Attendance, enrollment up in Sweet Springs schools (01/17/05)
With slightly higher enrollment and good daily attendance reported at the Sweet Springs schools, things look up for the district. Superintendent Boyd Jones told the Sweet Springs Board of Education on Thursday that in previous years the school had seen drops in average daily attendance numbers due to lowered enrollment. However, this year the school has picked up a few students, bringing that number up to 396 compared to 393 last year...

Sweet Springs to look into adding stop signs at intersections (01/12/05)
Inspired by debate brought forward by citizen input, the city of Sweet Springs is putting forward an effort to find traffic problem areas that need stop signs to control the flow of vehicles. James Mueller came before the city at Monday's regular meeting to try to bring an end to what he referred to as "racing" on Daisy Street. "People fly across Jefferson Street like you wouldn't believe," he said. "I've got two kids, 10 and 14 years old. They won't play in the yard because of that."...

Sweet Springs officials continue to seek answers for crumbling buildings (01/11/05)
An effort to clean up the city of Sweet Springs has met with some resistance as city officials attempt to sort out the best way to bring down a dangerous structure on Lexington Street. The question seems not to be whether the building should come down, but rather at what point should the city step in to pay for a structure's removal. Neither the city nor the property owner seems willing to come up with the necessary funds...

Sweet Springs street remains partially open despite potential for building collapse (01/05/05)
Deciding what to do with one of several dangerous, collapsing buildings in the city limits has taken the attention of Sweet Springs city officials, as problems with a building on Lexington Avenue have gotten past a point where they can be ignored. In a special session on Tuesday, the Board of Aldermen discussed how to move forward addressing the building owned by Robert Singleton. ...

Sweet Springs board OKs major change for 2005 summer school (12/17/04)
The Sweet Springs Board of Education voted without dissent Wednesday to contract with a private company, Newton Learning, to run the district's summer school program next summer. "It's a very regimented program," Superintendent Boyd Jones said of Newton's curriculum. "Just a dramatic departure from what our summer school has been in the past."...

Sweet Springs mayor, police dept. square off over officer's suspension (12/16/04)
The battle between the Sweet Springs mayor and the town's police department took a new turn earlier this month when Mayor Roxanne Hinton temporarily suspended one of the department's employees. Sources say Danny Logan, a reserve officer, was temporarily suspended by Hinton early in the month of December, citing a series of verbal complaints she had received about his performance on the job...

Sweet Springs aldermen discuss crumbling building (12/14/04)
Cracked and surrounded by a scattering of bricks, a condemned building in Sweet Springs was cause for discussion at the Board of Aldermen's regular meeting Monday. "It's hard to tell when it's going to go, but it's definitely going to go sometime," Police Chief Dick Downing told the aldermen, showing them pictures of the building on Lexington Avenue that he had taken that day. "It looks like it could go fairly soon."...

Slater school board wrestles with repair expenses (11/24/04)
With badly-needed repairs looming on the horizon and the imminent danger of decreased revenues, the Slater Board of Education looked over estimates of costs for mending the district's buildings during its monthly meeting Tuesday. "What we need to decide in the fairly near future is just how much of this we want to do," Superintendent Paul Vaillancourt said, showing the board estimates compiled by the Sam A. Winn & Associates architectural firm for several projects...

Student-athletes: with the emphasis on student (11/23/04)
Three nights a week, a small band of students from Sweet Springs High School meets, flexing their buzzer fingers and cramming nuggets of information into their craniums. It may look like some sort of "Jeopardy!" boot camp, but it's the next best thing: Sweet Springs' new academic bowl team...

Meeting held with hopes of ironing out officials' differences ends with eruption (11/19/04)
Sweet Springs special session ends in midst of heated dispute about time sheets, overtime pay

Sweet Springs superintendent reports Florida weather expected to impact insurance costs in mid-Missouri (11/12/04)
The rising cost of building materials, exacerbated by multiple hurricanes ripping through Florida, is pushing up insurance costs for those hundreds of miles away -- such as the Sweet Springs R-7 School District, Superintendent Boyd Jones reported to the Sweet Springs Board of Education on Thursday...

I-70 Medical Center breaks ground in Sweet Springs (11/11/04)
With most of the money needed now secured, ground was broken on the proposed I-70 Medical Center in Sweet Springs Wednesday with nearly 200 citizens, politicians and emergency services officials attending the ceremony. "I'm sure a lot of people felt this project was down the tubes, no way. Well a lot of times I felt the same way," said Jack Forbes, president of the I-70 Medical Center board, during the ceremony at the site of the trauma center just north of Interstate 70...

Differences among Sweet Springs city officials not yet smoothed over (11/10/04)
Betty Hosiner stood before the Sweet Springs Board of Aldermen Monday night with one question: Had the city officials sat down and resolved their differences yet? The answer was "Not yet." The aldermen haven't sat down together with the mayor and city employees just yet, Mayor Roxanne Hinton told Hosiner. The Nov. 8 meeting, in fact, was the first meeting of the city officials since the Oct. 13 impeachment hearing, aimed at ousting the mayor, Hinton said...

Cooler temperatures stall Sweet Springs street work (11/09/04)
At the Sweet Springs Board of Aldermen's regular monthly meeting Monday, Superintendent of Public Works Hank Taber reported that repairs on Walnut Street would need to be postponed until next year. Taber said Marshall Paving Company would not be able to do work on the street due to the dropping temperatures of November. The combination of rain and curbing work have been blamed for pushing back the work on Walnut Street this year...

Sweet Springs aldermen to meet (11/05/04)
The Sweet Springs Board of Aldermen is scheduled to hold its first meeting since last month's unsuccessful impeachment hearing, targeting Mayor Roxanne Hinton. The meeting will be held in the Sweet Springs City Hall at 7 p.m. Monday, Nov. 8. The agenda includes reports from the public works, police and fire departments, as well as citizen input and the monthly financial report...

Sweet Springs schools boast first-rate MAP scores from '04 round (10/18/04)
At the monthly meeting of the Sweet Springs Board of Education, councilor Jim Reid presented the scores from Missouri Assessment Program (MAP) testing conducted near the end of the 2003-04 school year. Preliminary reports from last month had been excellent, and Reid's official presentation to the board Thursday did not disappoint...

Impeachment attempt turned back (10/14/04)
Citizen response overwhelms Sweet Springs mayoral impeachment hearing

Sweet Springs board hears reports from city department heads (10/13/04)
Aside from impeachment proceedings -- which will culminate in tonight's 7 p.m. hearing where Mayor Roxanne Hinton will be given the opportunity to defend herself against charges that may lead to her being removed from office -- the Sweet Springs Board of Aldermen addressed business as usual at Monday's regular meeting...

Sweet Springs mayor under fire (10/12/04)
There was little discussion at the regular meeting of the Sweet Springs Board of Alderman Monday night, after several special meetings over the past month, when Alderman William Livingston motioned to hold a hearing to impeach Mayor Roxanne Hinton. Livingston expressed reluctance when he, along with fellow Aldermen Phil Schlichting and Larry Vick, brought five articles of impeachment before the board, including charges of sharing confidential police records and refusing to sign Police Chief Richard Downing's paycheck.. ...

Sweet Springs hires fourth police officer (10/06/04)
In what mayor Roxanne Hinton called "a lost opportunity," the Sweet Springs Board of Aldermen voted at a special meeting Tuesday to replace a police officer position which it had previously phased out. Tracy Garrison, currently a reserve officer with the Sweet Springs police force, will fill the vacancy left when officer Joseph Walker resigned on Sept. ...

I-70 Medical Center gains funding (10/01/04)
Eight million dollars down, $200,000 to go before the I-70 Medical Center board has gathered all of the funding needed to build the proposed hospital in Sweet Springs. With the United States Department of Agriculture announcing its backing of an $8 million loan, building the new facility is all but definite now. ...

Sweet Springs fire dept. may be close to securing rescue truck (10/01/04)
The Sweet Springs Fire Department may be on the verge of getting a much needed rescue truck. After over a month of researching and combing the Internet for used vehicles, Fire Chief Todd Anderson reported Thursday to the Board of Aldermen that the department has found a truck it feels fits its needs well...

Pioneer Trails RPC faces another rules change for securing hazard mitigation plan money (09/30/04)
Getting money from the hazard mitigation grant program is requiring jumping through more hoops for the Pioneer Trails Regional Planning Commission. The program provides federal grant money to states and local governments which implement long-term strategies to deal with major disasters such as floods or tornadoes. Though the RPC has gotten some money from the program into its coffers, there is still a hefty chunk, approximately $14,000, it anticipated having that has yet to be paid...

I-70 Medical Center closer to reality (09/30/04)
After several years of crawling toward becoming a reality, the proposed I-70 Medical Center in Sweet Springs recently took two skips and a jump toward completion, with a U.S. Department of Agriculture loan guarantee all but securing the funding needed for the project...

Sweet Springs to hold public hearing on police question (09/21/04)
The city of Sweet Springs was without a municipal police officer for the majority of last weekend, said Dick Downing, the city's chief of police, after a special meeting Monday of the Sweet Springs Board of Aldermen. Due to the recent board decision to not hire a fourth officer to replace one who resigned recently, scheduling required the department to go approximately 48 hours last week with no on-duty city police. ...

Sweet Springs public works department gets lengthy to-do list (09/16/04)
Appearing before the Sweet Springs Board of Aldermen Monday, Hank Taber, the city's superintendent of public works, left with plenty to keep his department busy. The first issue involved the July 2004 water bill received by the Sweet Springs Saddle Club. The bill, in excess of $800, was unusually high. Taber said he pulled and tested the meter, which reads how much water a customer consumes, and there were no problems with it...

Sale of radio waves may bring funds for Sweet Springs school (09/14/04)
The Sweet Springs school board may soon be pulling a little extra funding out of thin air. During its regular monthly meeting, Superintendent Boyd Jones asked the board Thursday evening for permission to negotiate with an outside source which would market radio microwaves allocated to the school district to commercial users...

Sweet Springs police force to shrink by one (09/14/04)
In a four-hour session of the Sweet Springs Board of Aldermen Monday, the board made the decision to not replace resigning police officer Joseph Walker because of concerns about deficit spending by the city. Mayor Roxanne Hinton proposed the cut, which would help alleviate $20,000 in overspending budgeted by the city. ...

Start of school year smooth for Sweet Springs (09/10/04)
At Thursday's meeting of the Sweet Springs Board of Education, elementary Principal Donna Wright and high school Principal Rex Roberts reported excellent attendance and a great start to the school year. "It's been an especially smooth start to school, I'm very pleased with that. ...

I-70 Medical Center backers look to USDA (09/01/04)
After spending years on the drawing board, plans to build the I-70 Medical Center in Sweet Springs may get back on track for completion. "Where we're at right now, we're kind of bringing things to a head," Jack Forbes, president of the I-70 Medical Center board, said, noting he has been working on the project for nearly five years...

Sweet Springs Board of Aldermen accepts insurance bid (08/17/04)
In a special meeting Friday night, the Sweet Springs Board of Aldermen accepted Summit Insurance Group's proposal for comprehensive liability, building and vehicle coverage. The aldermen accepted the $33,822.25 bid after receiving proposals from Summit Insurance and Baston-Mike Keith Insurance Agency...

Sweet Springs school board discusses aging busses (08/16/04)
The Sweet Springs R-7 Board of Education discussed deteriorating school busses at its meeting Thursday evening. The district is currently making payments on two of the district's newer busses. Some of the older busses, though, have needed hefty repairs and may need more work soon...

Sweet Springs City Council raises speed limit and updates Sunshine Law provision (08/11/04)
The speed limit on "Old Highway 40" through Sweet Springs is set to go up. Monday evening the Sweet Springs Board of Alderman unanimously voted for the change, which will raise the speed limit on the western side of town to 50 miles per hour. On Highway 40 in the eastern side of the city, the limit will be 45 miles per hour...

And the winner is � (07/23/04)
Above: Linzi Harris crowns Jaime Vickrey queen of the Sweet Springs' Gusher Days Festival. Vickrey, daughter of Steve and Debbie Vickrey, competed against 15 teens Thursday night for the title. The top five contestants were judged on poise, appearance and answering a question. ...

Company fined for not promptly finishing sidewalk (07/22/04)
Nearly a month late in finishing a 30-day project, Glaser Trucking Services of Liberty will be penalized for not promptly building a sidewalk in Sweet Springs. The Sweet Springs Board of Aldermen unanimously voted to impose a $300 per day fee to Glaser Trucking Services of Liberty as was agreed upon in the $49,611 contract signed by the city and the company...

Sweet Springs Festival starts 2004 run Wednesday (07/20/04)
The 2004 Sweet Springs Festival begins this week with a promise of fun, festivity and fellowship. "As long as it doesn't rain, we'll be OK," said Chairperson Michael Vaught. Besides bringing back past favorites like the pedal tractor pull, this year will feature the new tic-tac-toe bow shoot, where contestants can compete in the classic sports of archery and tic-tac-toe at the same time, shooting clay targets to mark their moves. ...

Marshall and Sweet Springs mayors' opinions differ on proposed hotel tax (07/19/04)
Feelings are mixed in the two Saline County cities considering adding a hotel/motel tax in the August election. Marshall Mayor Connie Latimer favors the tax for her city, while Sweet Springs Mayor Roxanne Hinton is against it. Latimer said the tax represents a new source of revenue to promote tourism in the community. ...

Sweet Springs officials seek to ease tensions (07/13/04)
Although there are still undercurrents of tension, those who run the city of Sweet Springs compromised with each other at their fourth monthly meeting together. Mayor Roxanne Hinton asked Larry Vick, president of the Board of Aldermen, to pray before opening the board's regular meeting Monday night. Last month, she told Vick she would not grant his request to start the meeting with a prayer because she wanted to ensure the separation of church and state...

Sweet Springs school board prepares for upcoming year (07/12/04)
Setting preschool tuition, hiring new coaches and awarding bids for school repairs were among the ways the Sweet Springs Board of Education prepares for classes to start next month. Preschool tuition will remain at $110 a month, the board unanimously decided at its regular meeting Thursday. Those who qualify for a reduced tuition will pay $55 and other students can qualify to receive the service at no charge...

Suit against Sweet Springs mayor dismissed (06/29/04)
A $1 million libel lawsuit filed against the mayor of Sweet Springs was dismissed Friday, but an amended petition can be filed within 10 days. Judge Gary Sprick, associate circuit court judge for Howard County, ruled the petition filed by City Clerk Ronda Nienhueser against Mayor Roxanne Hinton, Hinton's husband, Ronald, and the Sweet Springs Herald "does not state a claim or cause of action upon which relief can be granted," according to court records...

Employee handbook discussed (06/28/04)
Sweet Springs Mayor Roxanne Hinton said she will compile job descriptions for city employees after a special work session of the Board of Aldermen Thursday night. Hinton said the one-hour discussion on the city's employee handbook will be the first of several examining how to update the more than 20-year-old handbook. She said the aldermen and city employees will probably meet again next month...

Sweet Springs board approves sale of land (06/16/04)
The city of Sweet Springs acted to sell a 250-foot-long plot west of the city's lagoon in closed session Monday night. The Board of Aldermen approved the $3,500 sale 4-0 during its monthly meeting. Charles Lance, owner of Lance Auto Investments, purchased the property after asking the city for land nine months ago. The city approved the sale with the stipulation that it retains a permanent easement on the land...

Sweet Springs adjusts water policies (06/16/04)
Sweet Springs will send a notice before shutting off residents' water, the city aldermen decided Monday at their monthly meeting. Mayor Roxanne Hinton suggested the notice be sent by mail no later than the 17th of the month to let residents know their water will be disconnected if their bill is not paid by the 20th. The information is also printed on each water bill, sent at the start of each month...

Aldermen debate starting meeting with prayer (06/15/04)
A majority of Sweet Springs aldermen said Monday they would like their meetings to start with a prayer, but Mayor Roxanne Hinton said the city needs to separate religion and government. William Livingston, who joined the board in April, said he would like to see the Board of Aldermen meeting begin with a prayer as it did years ago...

Possible burglary being investigated (06/14/04)
The Saline County Sheriff's Department is investigating a possible burglary which occurred in Sweet Springs last week. Saline County Sheriff Wally George said the break-in was reported Thursday evening. A woman returned home to find a screen had been removed from one of her bedroom windows...

Sweet Springs refrains from joining NAIER (06/11/04)
The Sweet Springs Board of Education decided against becomeing a member of the National Association for the Exchange of Industrial Resources program after discussing the matter at length Thursday. The bulk of the board's monthly meeting centered around the possibility of purchasing resources through NAEIR, yet the overall consensus was that the program might not be worth the expenses...

Sweet Springs still without city attorney (05/19/04)
After interviewing a potential city attorney and prosecutor, the Sweet Springs Board of Aldermen has yet to fill the vacant position. The board met in a special session Monday to interview Kelly Halford, an attorney at Halford & Teichman in Odessa. Mayor Roxanne Hinton appointed Halford to serve as city attorney during the board's regular session May 10, but the appointment was not approved by the aldermen in either session...

Sweet Springs aldermen hire officer on split vote (05/17/04)
The Sweet Springs Board of Aldermen voted 3-1 Friday to hire Joseph Walker as a police officer to replace Theresa Williams, who resigned effective May 24. The dissenting alderman was Derl Bernard. Police Chief Dick Downing requested Walker be hired during the board's May 10 meeting, but Mayor Roxanne Hinton and Bernard expressed concerns of not wanting to hire someone they hadn't met. Hinton also said she wasn't certain the police department needed a fourth officer...

Sweet Springs school board hears several presentations (05/17/04)
The Sweet Springs Board of Education heard two presentations during its regular meeting Thursday evening. Cindy Heimsoth and four of her fifth grade students showed the Sweet Springs Board of Education a Web site of Saline County they helped design, which has yet to be uploaded...

Crowd asked to 'watch and see' Sweet Springs grads succeed (05/17/04)
Whether spending time furthering their education or entering the workforce right away, the 40 Sweet Springs High School graduates will continue to define themselves as they become nurses, mechanics, educators or enter other careers. As was reported by Superintendent Boyd Jones during commencement Friday evening in the high school gym, the Class of 2004 will be collectively receiving $85,000 in financial aid for higher education during the coming year. ...

Sweet Springs discusses delinquent taxes (05/14/04)
The Sweet Springs Board of Aldermen voted unanimously to abate $2,185.21 of taxes owed to the city during its regular meeting Monday. The amounts of nearly 100 residents and businesses that owed property taxes varied in price from 76 cents owed by Mike Vollmer to $116.55 owed by Tina Chituck. City Collector Janice Bybee said everyone on the list had either moved or died...

Sweet Springs looks ahead to next year (05/14/04)
After celebrating eighth grade graduation Thursday night, the Sweet Springs Board of Education focused on summer school and hiring staff for the 2004-05 school year. Elementary school Principal Donna Wright said 159 elementary students and 60 high school students have signed up to attend summer school June 2 through 22. ...

Aldermen approve additional pool, recreation spending (05/12/04)
The Sweet Springs Board of Aldermen granted requests Monday from the recreation and swimming pool boards to spend additional money this year. Recreation Board President Michael Clevenger said the dugouts at the big baseball diamond near the lake at Sweet Springs City Park are horrendous, and he is afraid rain could cause the roofs to collapse. ...

Water bills discussed in Sweet Springs (05/12/04)
The Sweet Springs Board of Aldermen spent over an hour of its nearly five-hour meeting Monday debating if the city should reinstate its water bill policy. Mayor Roxanne Hinton will give the board a formal policy next month for the councilmen to review regarding how the city should notify customers before disconnecting their water and setting a water bill limit when a break occurs...

Tensions arise during five-hour aldermen meeting (05/11/04)
Tension between the mayor, council and police chief arose Monday night during Roxanne Hinton's first full meeting as head of Sweet Springs. About four hours into the meeting, Hinton appointed four of the five reserve officers suggested by Police Chief Dick Downing. ...

Blood drive set in Sweet Springs (04/30/04)
A Community Blood Center blood drive will be held from 1 to 4:30 p.m. Friday, May 7, in the employee parking lot, 601 E. Marshall, at MCH in Sweet Springs. Blood donors must be at least 17 years old, weigh more than 110 pounds and be in good general health. Community Blood Center staff will perform a mini-physical on prospective donors that includes checking temperature, blood pressure and hemoglobin...

Sweet Springs buys aerator (04/26/04)
Sweet Springs will purchase a new aerator for the city's lagoon, the Board of Aldermen decided at a special meeting Friday evening. The aerator will cost about $4,000, which was roughly $400 more than buying a rebuilt one, said Mayor Roxanne Hinton. She said because it was an emergency, the aldermen purchased the item without seeking bids. The lagoon in the northwest part of town has three or four aerators, Hinton said...

High school students help revitalize Sweet Springs park (04/20/04)
What's left of a chain net hangs from a basketball rim at Sweet Springs City Park. No backboard is attached to the poles on the opposite side of the unpainted basketball court. That's how the court looked when 17 members of Sweet Springs' National Honor Society began their annual project...

Sweet Springs school board accepts five resignations (04/15/04)
The Sweet Springs Board of Education accepted five resignations from district employees Tuesday night. Cook Diane Rich, part-time custodian Barb Clevenger, junior high school math teacher Tami Schmidt, preschool aide Laurie Looney and Title 1 Reading Recovery teacher Susan Hutchinson submitted resignations effective at the end of the 2003-2004 school year...

Sweet Springs aldermen pass fencing, building permit ordinances (04/14/04)
Before disbanding Monday night, the Sweet Springs Board of Aldermen passed or amended four ordinances, approved appointing William Livingston as alderman for Ward 1 and accepted two resignations. After debating the issue for several months and having three public hearings on it, a fencing ordinance passed 4-0. ...

Sweet Springs aldermen discuss park operation, street improvements (04/14/04)
After electing Larry Vick as board president, the reorganized Sweet Springs Board of Aldermen discussed operations of the city pool and improvements for city streets at its meeting Monday night. After a lengthy discussion, the board approved a $50-per-week raise for pool managers at the city park during the upcoming season. The aldermen also voted unanimously to allow the co-managers to hire lifeguards from the 11 applications received...

New Sweet Springs mayor sets tone for changes (04/13/04)
A packed Sweet Springs City Hall applauded the Board of Aldermen when it disbanded Monday night and watched a new mayor and two new councilmen be sworn into office. Not everyone was pleased with the change. Jay Barton resigned as city attorney and prosecutor, explaining in a letter he did not want to work with the new mayor, Roxanne Hinton. His letter was read by Mayor Vivian Wiley, defeated by Hinton in the April 6 election, before the old council disbanded...

Correction (04/09/04)
In the Wednesday, April 14, edition of the Democrat-News, it was incorrectly stated that former Sweet Springs Alderwoman Roxanne Hinton served under Mayor Vivian Wiley. Hinton was elected as alderwoman in 2000 and left office in April 2002, the same day Wiley was sworn in as mayor...

Grigsby resigns as Sweet Springs alderman (04/09/04)
Neil Grigsby resigned his position on the Sweet Springs Board of Aldermen Thursday evening during a brief special session, saying he will be moving to a property he purchased this week outside city limits. "Since there is one more year to my term as alderman, I would like to recommend that Mr. ...

Vick retains Ward 1, Bernard takes Ward 2 seat in Sweet Springs (04/08/04)
Larry Vick, with 99 votes Tuesday, will retain his seat on the Sweet Springs Board of Aldermen after defeating challenger Billie Clevenger, who received 89 votes. Clevenger had made an unsuccessful bid for mayor in 2002. Vick has been an alderman for 12 years and was mayor for five years. During his campaign, Vick said the aldermen and mayor need input from residents. He also said the city must enforce the laws of Missouri and can't supersede them...

Hinton wins Sweet Springs mayoral race (04/07/04)
Roxanne Hinton, a former alderwoman, won a three-way race for Sweet Springs mayor Tuesday, according to unofficial returns. Hinton received 225 votes, incumbent Mayor Vivian Wiley got 190 votes and Richard Gitsclag attracted 26 votes in his first bid for office...

Three contend for two positions on Sweet Springs school board (04/02/04)
The three candidates, two incumbents and one challenger, seeking positions on the Sweet Springs Board of Education listed state budget shortfalls as their largest concern for the school district in southwest Saline County. Two candidates will be selected April 6 for three-year terms...

Four in race for pair of Sweet Springs alderman seats (03/31/04)
Four candidates will vie for two positions on the Sweet Springs Board of Aldermen during the April 6 election. Billie Clevenger will challenge Ward 1 Incumbent Larry Vick and Derl Bernard will contend with Ward 2 Incumbent Jim Lindemann. Billie Clevenger...

Three Sweet Springs mayoral candidates discuss needed street improvements, adding businesses (03/31/04)
Better streets, better sidewalks and attracting more businesses are among the main issues mentioned by three mayoral candidates in Sweet Springs. Incumbent Mayor Vivian Wiley will face challengers Roxanne Hinton and Richard Gitschlag during the Tuesday, April 6, election...

Sweet Springs aldermen repeal ordinance, adjust budget (03/29/04)
The Sweet Springs Board of Aldermen repealed an ordinance and adjusted the city budget in a special meeting Thursday night. According to unofficial minutes taken by City Clerk Ronda Nienhueser, the board voted 3-0 to adjust the budget by: * carrying over $1,000 from the 2003-04 Recreation Board budget to be used for ball fields;...

Committee outlines Sweet Springs teachers' salary requests (03/15/04)
Teachers in Sweet Springs requested reasonable salaries for the 2004-05 school year, the Board of Education reported at its regular meeting Thursday night. The salary committee, on behalf of the teachers, requested the board approve a .5 percent increase in contribution to staff retirement funds to balance a .5 percent decrease in salary, which the board agreed to in executive session...

Another hearing set on fence ordinance (03/11/04)
Ron Hinton, who has an electric fence surrounding a horse pasture inside the city limits, addressed the Sweet Springs Board of Aldermen during its regular session regarding a proposed fencing ordinance. After a long discussion between Hinton and the board Monday, a motion to hold another public hearing on the ordinance at 5:30 p.m. Monday, April 12, passed 4-0...

Sweet Springs residents criticize aldermen for setting aside $200,000 for hospital project (03/10/04)
After a 35-minute public hearing before its regular meeting Monday, the Sweet Springs Board of Aldermen approved the city's $1,879,772 budget for the fiscal year that starts April 1. While most of the budget was business as usual, two citizens complained about the city's plans to set money aside for improvements relating to a proposed project...

Sweet Springs aldermen OK maintenance building bid (02/25/04)
The Sweet Springs Public Works Department will be getting a new maintenance building after the Sweet Springs Board of Aldermen approved a $17,052 bid from Advantage Steel Buildings of Little Rock, Ark., at a special meeting Tuesday night. Hank Taber, superintendent of public works, said the 40-by-80 foot pre-engineered building will be erected just west of Davis Street on the old railroad right-of-way. ...

Sweet Springs school district gets one grant, applies for another (02/20/04)
Sweet Springs' preschool will get new playground equipment and teaching material through a $24,500 state grant, Superintendent Boyd Jones announced Wednesday at the Board of Education meeting. "It'd be nice if we could spend it on the preschool next year, but that's not the case," he said of the grant that must be spent this year, adding he's thankful for any extra funding...

New communications antennae to go up in Sweet Springs (02/12/04)
With plans being made for a new police and emergency communication system and the possibility of a cellular phone antenna on top of the city's water tower, changes will soon be coming to the Sweet Springs skyline. Continuing a discussion from last month, Sweet Springs Police Chief Dick Downing updated the Sweet Springs Board of Aldermen about the communications antenna at its meeting Monday...

Events planned for Sweet Springs (02/11/04)
Sweet Springs will be a busy place in the coming year, with events ranging from car cruises to shooting matches. The Sweet Springs Board of Aldermen heard about those events during its regular meeting Monday. Alderman Neil Grigsby told the board about a fund-raising effort under way by Sweet Springs Revitalization to provide playground equipment for the city park. He said so far a brunch and a sandwich sale have raised about one-third of the cost for a new children's slide...

Sweet Springs aldermen consider construction options (02/11/04)
The Sweet Springs Board of Aldermen opened bids for two construction projects Monday, choosing to move forward with one while failing to approve the second. Following through on a request from Sweet Springs Police Chief Dick Downing, the city received bids for materials required to remodel the city's police department offices...

Sweet Springs certified as a StormReady community (02/11/04)
Sweet Springs' emergency preparedness efforts are being recognized by the National Weather Service. David Ritoch, Sweet Springs emergency management coordinator, told the Sweet Springs Board of Aldermen about the recognition at the board's meeting Monday...

Sweet Springs board tables fencing ordinance changes after questions raised by public (02/10/04)
Good fences may make good neighbors, but a proposed revision to the fencing section of Sweet Springs' zoning codes is making waves. A public hearing on the revision was held prior to the Sweet Springs Board of Aldermen's meeting Monday. During the hearing, former Alderwoman Roxanne Hinton posed several questions to the board. Among her queries was a question of what had led to the proposed change...

Sweet Springs school board gives OK to policy revisions (01/16/04)
The Sweet Spring Board of Education approved a package of policy revisions during its regular meeting Thursday. The board approved the third reading of the policy, thereby accepting the new policy. The policy retained the board's control of approving early graduation requests...

Sweet Springs aldermen hear requests from departments (01/14/04)
he Sweet Springs Board of Aldermen heard several requests from the police department at its regular meeting Monday night. Police Chief Dick Downing requested two antennas, wiring and a copier/fax machine. Downing said the 15- to 20-year-old antennas don't allow the police and fire departments to communicate to all parts of the city. He said some of the existing wiring sizes vary and should, instead, be a uniform size...

Sweet Springs Fire Department selects '04 officers (01/14/04)
The Sweet Springs Fire Department elected officers for 2004 at its meeting Monday night. Todd Anderson was selected as fire chief, Michael Vaught as assistant chief, Jim DeWeese as secretary and Ed Bowlin as treasurer. Nearly 20 firefighters -- close to the full volunteer force -- attended the meeting. The fire department reported it has openings for more volunteers. The department meets the second, third and fourth Monday of each month...

Sweet Springs school board approves changing insurance carriers (12/15/03)
At its regular meeting last week, the Sweet Springs Board of Education decided on a new insurance carrier for the 2004 calendar year. The board unanimously approved an insurance policy from Missouri United School Insurance Council, or MUSIC, of St. Charles. The approved policy carries an annual premium of $37,021 a year. The board opted not to continue coverage with Baston-Mike Keith Insurance of Warrensburg, which would cost the district $46,467 a year...

Sweet Springs mayor to appoint fire chief (12/10/03)
The Sweet Springs Board of Aldermen met in closed session Monday to discuss personnel issues. No votes were taken, and Mayor Vivian Wiley disclosed that the issue was current. The board then voted in open session to write an ordinance to keep the city in compliance with state statutes for appointing fire department personnel, according to the unofficial minutes...

Sweet Springs aldermen hear three requests from citizens (12/10/03)
Three citizens requested actions of the Sweet Springs Board of Aldermen at the board's regular monthly meeting Monday evening. In his third month of addressing the board, Charles Lance will get a chance to bid for a 330 feet by 1,320 feet tract of wetlands near the city limits. The lot is adjacent to Lance's current property...

Sweet Springs board appoints reserve officers, hires worker (11/14/03)
The Sweet Springs Board of Aldermen accepted two reserve police officer appointments and hired a city employee in its regular and closed sessions Monday. Mayor Vivian Wiley appointed Vicky Webb and Chris Tieman as reserve police officers for Sweet Springs on the recommendation of Police Chief Dick Downing. The officers will have 90 hours of ride-along probation or until Downing says they are ready to patrol on their own...

Sweet Springs aldermen OK purchases, plan to review speed limits (11/11/03)
The Sweet Springs Board of Aldermen unanimously approved several purchases for city departments at its regular meeting Monday evening. Among the requests reviewed, the aldermen approved buying approximately $1,290 of equipment for the city's fire department. ...

Citizens appeal to Sweet Springs aldermen (11/11/03)
A former city employee brought a petition to the Sweet Springs Board of Aldermen Monday to have the position of city clerk become an elected, rather than appointed, office. Seaton Hall, who worked as street superintendent for the city for 24 years, ran for a seat on the Board of Aldermen in April, but lost to incumbent Ward 1 Alderman Neil Grigsby. ...

Sweet Springs names new police chief (10/20/03)
Sweet Springs' search for a new police chief ended on the other side of Saline County. The Sweet Springs Board of Aldermen announced Friday afternoon it had hired Richard A. "Dick" Downing, a Saline County Sheriff's Department deputy who currently resides in Slater...

Sweet Springs school board hears report about 2003 (10/10/03)
Sweet Springs students have trouble expressing themselves on paper, Jim Reid said in his report to the school board concerning 2003 Missouri Assessment Program test scores. Reid, testing coordinator and guidance counselor for the Sweet Springs R-7 School District, said local students scored well on multiple-choice sections of the MAP tests but had trouble when asked to explain how they got their answers through brief essay answers...

Manufacturer relocating to Sweet Springs (10/09/03)
Between 50 and 60 to be employed when mattress factory reaches full production

Sweet Springs aldermen inverviewing police chief candidates (09/26/03)
The Sweet Springs Board of Aldermen interviewed two candidates for the vacant chief of police position in closed session Thursday. Another closed meeting is set for 6:30 p.m. Friday and Tuesday, Sept. 30 for three more interviews. Melvin Taber stepped down from his position as police chief Aug. 21 and has been serving as acting police chief and a patrolman...

Sweet Springs aldermen OK closing street for cruisers (09/17/03)
A time warp will encompass most of Miller Street in Sweet Springs the night of Saturday, Oct. 11. Hot rod lovers Mike Clevenger and Bruce Hoyes, members of the Brick Street Cruisers, were given permission from the Sweet Springs Board of Aldermen Monday to close part of Miller Street to thru traffic, allowing classic cars to overtake the street from 6:30 to 9:30 p.m. Oct. 11. Clevenger said the club plans to play tunes from the '50s and '60s during that time from an outdoor stereo system...

Sweet Springs school board sets 2004 graduation, trip (09/12/03)
The Sweet Springs Board of Education took up end-of-the-school-year matters during its regular monthly session Thursday night, setting a graduation date for the end of the 2003-04 school year and the dates for the annual senior trip. Commencement ceremonies for Sweet Springs seniors are set for May 14, 2004, and the senior trip is set for May 8 through 12...

Attempted arson reported at Sweet Springs Herald (08/26/03)
Saline County Sheriff Wally George reported Tuesday that someone had attempted to burn down the offices of Saline County's oldest newspaper. The sheriff's department received a call Monday morning from Kathy Dohrman, publisher of the Sweet Springs Herald. Dohrman told the deputies assigned to the case that when she arrived at work, she found a piece of newsprint had been rolled up and set on fire under the door of her business...

Sweet Springs police chief stepping down in rank (08/22/03)
The Sweet Springs Board of Aldermen accepted the resignation of Chief of Police Melvin Taber in a special closed session Thursday night. According to the meeting's minutes, Taber will step down to the position of patrolman, but serve as acting chief until a replacement is found...

Sweet Springs reports good first day of classes (08/15/03)
Despite losing its superintendent a few weeks before school started, despite searching for a school principal less than two weeks ago and despite a worm infecting computers three days before the start of school, Sweet Springs school district reported a good first day Thursday at its school board meeting...

Sweet Springs hires Wright as elementary principal (08/08/03)
New Sweet Springs Elementary School Principal Donna Wright interviewed with the school board Tuesday night and was wrapping up her third day in the position Friday. Superintendent of Schools Boyd Jones said with school starting next week, the district needed to swiftly fill the principal position. The position became available July 29, when Jones was told he would take over as superintendent for the Sweet Springs schools...

Jones hired as Sweet Springs superintendent (07/30/03)
Sweet Springs Elementary School Principal Boyd Jones has been hired as the district's new superintendent of schools, effective Monday, Aug. 4. Now the rush is on to fill Jones' old position as the first day of school, Thursday, Aug. 14, quickly approaches. Jones said, in the worst-case scenario, he would continue to act as the elementary school principal and superintendent until the position is filled, but he finds that situation highly unlikely...

Sweet Springs school board approves class trip, tentative 2003-04 budget (06/16/03)
With school having recently let out for the year, the Sweet Springs Board of Education looked ahead to 2004 -- approving the itinerary for a senior class trip next May to Orlando, Fla., at its monthly meeting Thursday. The four students on the senior trip committee were present to answer questions from board members and distribute a suggested schedule for a trip to Florida, their top of five destination choices...

Sweet Springs to offer preschool, number of teachers to be decided (06/16/03)
The Sweet Springs school board decided to keep at least one teacher for a preschool program during its monthly meeting Thursday night and could add a second if the school receives a state grant. One teacher can supervise up to 10 children in the morning session and 10 in the afternoon, said Larry Reiter, superintendent of schools. ...

Sweet Springs residents bring concerns to aldermen (06/11/03)
Twenty Sweet Springs residents, one of whom arrived in a golf cart, listened and participated at the monthly Board of Aldermen meeting in Sweet Springs Monday evening. Three citizens were on the agenda to speak under the heading of citizens' complaints and/or presentations, unlike the last meeting, in which only aldermen spoke...

Golf cart controversy lingers in Sweet Springs (05/30/03)
For over a month, numerous citizens of Sweet Springs have been upset over whether a local man should, or should not be, allowed to use a golf cart on local streets. Over a month ago, Sweet Springs Police Chief Melvin Taber told Gary Knight, a disabled 47-year-old man, not to drive his golf cart in town, according to Joann Hall, Knight's mother. ...

Sweet Springs school board plans for budget cuts, puts off A-plus goal (05/21/03)
Planning for state budget cuts without a hard figure, the Sweet Springs school board trimmed some of its goals, such as gaining designation as an A-plus School district, to allow for others. Superintendent Larry Reiter gave board members a rough budget Monday evening, which anticipated about 10 percent less state funding than this year. ...

Sweet Springs graduates depart with fond memories (05/19/03)
The 28 Sweet Springs High School graduates, many of whom spent the past 13 school years together as friends and classmates, felt excited yet reluctant to experience the hour of their commencement Friday night. "This is a very close-knit group," said Sweet Springs High School Principal Rex Roberts. "They help each other through. They're a flexible, easy-going group, sometimes loud, I was told, but loud's not always bad. They've been good role models."...

Sweet Springs aldermen make appointments to city boards (05/15/03)
The following board appointments were approved by the Sweet Springs Board of Aldermen this week. * Park Board: Jack Forbes, Everett Peeples, Tommy Guier, Lee Nienhueser, Randy Hall, Albert Hartman, Albert Luebbert, Cindy Rose and Harlan Gieseke; * Swimming Pool Board: Allison Schowengerdt, Sherry Johnson, Darla Reid and Danny Weber;...

Sweet Springs aldermen approve grant application for water, sewer work (05/14/03)
After a 10-minute public hearing Monday evening, the Sweet Springs Board of Aldermen voted to write an application for a $350,000 Community Development Block Grant to set up water and sewer lines to a proposed hospital site on the north side of Interstate 70...