Local News

On Thursday, Dec. 12, the Martin Community Center will be filled with volunteers and parents participating in the annual Saline County Holiday Project. Rooms will be organized with toys, books, food and more for families needing a little extra help getting Christmas items for their children...

The Board of Trustees at Fitzgibbon Hospital in Marshall has announced that Angela Littrell, CPA, MBA, who currently serves as Chief Financial Officer and Chief Operating Officer, will be succeeding Darin Haug, D.O., as President and Chief Executive Officer during the first quarter of 2020. ...

Saline County Clerk Debbie Russell stated she has an election efficiency grant agreement signed with the state of Missouri for a total of $3,849.17. During the Saline County Commission meeting Thursday morning, Dec. 5, Russell noted the election efficiency grant will be used for canvassing, which the county sends out every two years. She explained this is where the County Clerk’s Office gets the reference for voting...

Holiday activities are building up, but several Marshall homeowners are opening their front doors to the public this Sunday. Sunday, Dec. 8, marks the annual Christmas Homes Tour, which is sponsored by the Friends of Jim the Wonder Dog organization. Six houses in Marshall will be featured this year, and patrons can get a look at both Christmas decorations and the homes themselves...

Elementary students are getting into the Christmas spirit as they prepare for upcoming holiday programs.

A 30-year-old Marshall man was taken into custody Thursday, Dec. 5, after allegedly committing an armed robbery at Title Cash. According to a press release issued by the Marshall Police Department, MPD received information concerning the incident at approximately 4:19 p.m. ...

Sandy Hisle, from the Marshall Cultural Council, approached the city council suggesting the Marshall community should have a “pocket park.” After the Marshall City Council called its regular meeting to order on Monday, Dec. 2, Hisle approached the mic and explained what a pocket park is...

On Monday, Dec. 2, Harold Hoey Whitetails Unlimited presented a check to Community Food Pantry, in Marshall, for the Share the Harvest program.

Four Marshall High School students earned the National Speech and Debate Association’s Academic All-American Award. They were seniors Adison Stocksdale, KK Elfrink, Drew Arends and Marissa Vestal. From more than 141,000 student members of the National Speech and Debate Association, fewer than 1 percent earn the award every year. This accomplishment places these students in the top 1 percent of student members across the country...

The search for a missing Columbia woman, 28-year-old Mengqui Ji Elledge, resumed at the state Highway 41 Lamine River overpass near Boonville Wednesday morning. Mengqui was reported missing by her husband Joseph Elledge on Oct. 9. Elledge is now the prime suspect in her disappearance and alleged murder...

The Marshall High School and Bueker Middle School music departments have a couple of concerts coming up next week, both in the Harold L. Lickey Auditorium at Bueker Middle School. On Wednesday, Dec. 11, at 7 p.m., the MHS Concert Band, MHS Jazz Ensemble, MHS Orchestra, and BMS Sixth-Grade Band will combine to give their annual winter concert. ...

The Missouri Valley College Division of Fine Arts will present “A Christmas Carol: A Musical Farce” at 7:30 p.m. Dec. 5-7. The show will take place at Eckilson-Mabee Theatre on the MVC campus. The audience will take a trip back to 1944 and experience a holiday radio broadcast with music, humor and unexpected turns of events. Admission is free. House opens at 7 p.m...

Thomas Jefferson initiated and directed the first decennial in 1790 –the once-a-decade population and housing count that now includes all 50 states, the District of Columbia, Puerto Rico, and the Island areas. The Constitution since has required a census be taken every 10 years. ...

During a commission session Tuesday morning, Dec. 3, County Clerk Debbie Russell briefly discussed how a couple weeks ago she had posted bids for poll books. She explained to the Saline County Commission she reviewed two of the bids the area had received — Henry Adkins and Knowink...

Marshall Councilman Dewey Hendrix made a motion for the Marshall City Council to table the use of golf carts ordinance. During a council meeting on Monday, Dec. 2, a Marshall resident stated he had huge concerns about this ordinance. “Number one is safety,” he said. “Basically, I’ve never seen seatbelts on a golf cart and have not been able to see how you’re going to strap a child into a golf cart.”...

The new shooting range in the Ralph and Martha Perry Memorial Conservation Area has seen a lot of use in the past weeks as hunting season opened in the area. The new shooting range features 25-50-and 100-yard covered firing stations and easy access with parking located immediately behind the firing stations...

Two cover fires occurred along the same rural highway Tuesday, Dec. 3, and reports indicate the heat source was undetermined. According to reports from the Saline County Rural Fire Protection District, firefighter responded to a grass fire in a ditch at approximately 12:50 p.m. ...

Optimist Club, city workers, and local citizens are putting Christmas together in the small community of Sweet Springs. City workers and Optimist Club members hung the seasonal decorations during the day, and citizens gathered on Saturday, Nov. 30 at 6 p.m., for the annual Christmas Kick-off Parade...

The brick wall containing the west side of the Jim the Wonder Dog Memorial Garden collapsed Wednesday, Nov. 27. No one was injured and it did not appear that any property outside of the garden was damaged. The cause of the collapse has not yet been determined. The Marshall Democrat-News will provide more information when it becomes available.

JEFFERSON CITY – Preliminary data from the Missouri Department of Conservation shows that deer hunters in Missouri harvested 178,936 deer during the November portion of fall firearms deer season, Nov. 16- 26. Of the 178,936 deer harvested, 91,420 were antlered bucks, 17,237 were button bucks, and 70,279 were does...

Marshall Public Schools Superintendent Carol Maher recognized the Marshall Wrestling Alumni, who were represented by Wick Jacobi and Ed Harper, during a board meeting Monday, Nov. 25. According to the meeting minutes, Jacobi presented $1,000 each to Cody Hogan, Josh Ming, and Gregg Woodring for their wrestling programs. After that, Maher moved on to recognize other students listed on the attached agenda...

A Marshall man is facing two felony charges and a misdemeanor assault charge after an incident that allegedly took place this past June. According to a probable cause statement, a disturbance had allegedly taken place at a residence on Lyon Avenue and a firearm had been involved. ...

Pope, Mason lead Valley squads

Saline County Southern Commissioner Monte Fenner gave an update in regard to a bridge over on 130th Road, which is located in the Common Road District and Sweet Springs Road District. During a commission meeting Tuesday morning, Nov. 26, Fenner explained the Saline County Road and Bridge department had been working on a bridge on 130th Road. He stated the road was closed Monday, Nov. 25, but would reopen shortly after the commission's session at approximately noon...

The Marshall Public Schools Board of Education held session Monday evening, Nov. 25. After the board members accepted the agenda and approved $926,264.80 for the November bills, they went on to discuss track and turfing replacement. According to the meeting minutes, the board talked about replacing track and turfing both at Marshall High School and Bueker Middle School. ...

A Marshall man accused of forcing a 5-year-old to perform sexual acts was sentenced to 20 years in the Missouri Department of Corrections on Monday, Nov. 25. According to unofficial online court documents, Chase Watts, approximately 21, was facing three felony counts of statutory sodomy/attempt-deviate sexual intercourse with a person less than 14 years old-aggravated sexual offence. He was sentenced to 20 years on all three counts after having pleaded guilty...

The hallways at Sweet Springs Elementary School filled up with slightly older “students” than usual Tuesday morning, Nov. 26, for the school’s annual Grandparents Day event. Parents and grandparents gathered with children in various classrooms to share projects and see what the students had prepared for the special event...

Monday morning, Nov. 25, Sweet Springs elementary students visited Sweet Springs Villa to share some Thanksgiving with the residents there. Sweet Springs fifth through sixth-grade student council members picked out a selection of Thanksgiving and holiday stories, walked the half block from the school to the Villa, and gathered in the facility dining room to spend time with the residents visiting and reading to them. ...

Trinity Lutheran School, in Alma, donated and packed 64 boxes of Christmas gifts for needy children around the globe. The gifts were collected in conjunction with Operation Christmas Child, a ministry of Samaritan’s Purse. Samaritan’s Purse is a nondenominational evangelical Christian organization providing spiritual and physical aid to hurting people around the world. ...

The Marshall Philharmonic Orchestra, in its 57th season, will once again share the stage with the Marshall Community Chorus on Sunday, Dec. 1, in their annual Christmas Celebration. The concert will be held in the Harold L. Lickey Auditorium of Bueker Middle School in Marshall and will begin at 2:30 p.m. This concert will be under the direction of Kevin Lines and Ann Lewis, accompanied by Julie Lewis...

JEFFERSON CITY — The Missouri Department of Health and Senior Services has integrated a new online reporting system for mandated reporters to ensure all concerns of abuse, neglect and financial exploitation of the elderly and adults with disabilities are reported quickly...

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=fvgV3w71dtI

The recent rise in interest in wreath making has sparked many DIY online sites, including major retailer-sponsored sites relative to the creation of decorative wreaths. Many of these sites instruct in the creation of wreaths made from deco-mesh, burlap or ribbon woven into a wire frame. Other sites, however, tout the beauty of “natural” wreaths, and the pleasure of gathering materials for those wreaths from woodlands and roadsides...

A Sweet Springs woman was injured in a two-vehicle crash that took place Saturday evening, Nov. 23. According to a Missouri State Highway Patrol report, the incident occurred at NW 1601 and U.S. Highway 50 when a 2013 Hyundai Santa Fe — driven by Kelly A. Peeples, 56, of Sweet Springs — traveled into the path of a 2007 Equinox and struck it...

The Saline Animal League, along with the Marshall Animal Shelter, hosted the second annual fundraiser dinner on Thursday evening, Nov. 21.

The Marshall License Office is now open at its new location. The office is located at 165 W. Court St., off the downtown square. Hours remain the same: Monday through Thursday from 8 a.m. to 5 p.m., and Friday from 8 a.m. to 6 p.m.

There will be a change in Marshall’s sanitation schedule during the Thanksgiving holiday. According to Marshall Municipal Services, sanitation routes on Thursday, Nov. 28, will be picked up on Friday, Nov. 29.

County Assessor Jessica Goodman provided information on the initiative petition which is currently circulating to remove personal property from taxes in the state of Missouri. She wanted to educate any and all fellow citizens of Saline County stating this petition is not what some people think it is...

For the fourth year in a row, the New Life Center at the First United Methodist Church, in Marshall, will be transformed into the village of Bethlehem this December. The inspiration of Pastor Randy Shannon of Cumberland Presbyterian Church and his colleague, host-pastor Sandy Nenadal, the Journey Through Bethlehem helps visitors experience what it might have been like on that first Christmas night...

MARSHALL — Students at Marshall Public Schools have received grant funding for their robotics teams as they work to enhance their skills in science and engineering. Bayer Fund, a philanthropic arm of Bayer, recently awarded a one-time $500 grant to two Marshall Robotics teams, Team ALERT No. 4903 and Team Bigger Builders No. 20019, to support their participation in the FIRST Robotics program...

Citizens of the small rural community of Nelson have worked together for years using their own farm and garden equipment to keep their town running smoothly and looking good. That all changed Wednesday afternoon, Nov. 20, when city officials from Nelson and Marshall and USDA representatives gathered at Ag-Power in Marshall to take part in the delivery of a new John Deere 4044 R tractor for the city of Nelson...

A Marshall and a Slater resident are both facing felonies after allegedly taking thousands of dollars worth of athletic equipment from Marshall High School. According to a probable cause statement filed with the Saline County Prosecuting Attorney’s Office, the officer of record was informed by an MHS staff member that someone had cut the lock of the football cage and taken multiple items and that several students’ personal locks were also cut...

The music department of Missouri Valley College will present its Fall Concert on Monday, Nov. 25, to begin at 7:30 p.m. in Eckilson-Mabee Theater on the MVC campus. Groups performing will include the Missouri Valley Concert Band and Jazz Ensemble along with the Missouri Valley Concert Choir. The groups will be under the direction of Dr. Alex Fragiskatos, director of instrumental music and Professor Cheryl Lines, director of vocal music. Diana Malan will assist as accompanist for the evening...

Members of the Mid-Day Optimist Club and employees of Viking Athletics were busy Monday afternoon putting the finishing touches on the beautiful Angel Tree located in the front window of the store as part of the annual Holiday Project. Jamie Nichols, of the Optimist Club, was on hand helping decorating the tree and handing out flyers with instructions for participation in the Angel Tree program...

JEFFERSON CITY, Mo. – The Missouri Department of Conservation and the Missouri Department of Natural Resources are asking Missouri hunters, anglers, hikers, campers and others in the outdoors for help in the statewide effort to identify and recover orphaned storage containers dislodged by flooding...

On Friday, Dec. 6, from 4:30-8 p.m. Marshall’s First Christian Church, located at the northeast corner of the square, will hold its annual chili supper and silent auction, according to a press release provided by Ginger McGraw. “A delightful small town holiday evening awaits families.” McGraw, the event’s organizer said, “in conjunction with the Marshall Chamber of Commerce downtown Christmas parade. ...

According to a Project Narrative Statement for Rail Crossing Discretionary Funds Application, the highway closure and rail repairs in LaMonte are part of a statewide upgrade for railroad crossings on the Union Pacific/Amtrak route. While there is at this time, according to the statement, no commuter service but only Union Pacfic freight service, the route has been designated as a High Speed Rail Corridor...

A Marshall man was injured in a two-vehicle crash that occurred in Lafayette County Tuesday afternoon, Nov. 19. According to a Missouri State Highway Patrol report, the incident occurred on state Highway 24 when a 2006 Pontiac — driven by Jerry Ronsley, 44, of Marshall — attempted to pass a 2004 John Deere — driven by Danny Rogge, 64, of Waverly...

Marshall City Counselor Josh Taylor noted Police Chief Mike Donnell, who originally proposed the firework ordinance during the Marshall City Council's meeting on Monday, July 15, incorporates both the schedule time for setting off fireworks on holidays and the provision sale of fireworks within city limits...

While a good many birds, like a good many of us humans, head south for the winter not everyone leaves, and there are always a number of beautiful and interesting birds hanging around with those of us who can’t pack up and head to warmer climates when fall starts chilling the air...

In the spirit of the well-known Angel Tree idea, several community members are implementing The Giving Tree Project as a way to support teachers throughout the county. Giving Trees donning apple ornaments instead of the traditional angel ornaments are set up at four locations in Marshall: Shapes Dance and Acro Studio, on the Marshall square, as well as M-Town Graphics; Exchange Bank, on Vest Street across from Marshall High School; and Summers Pharmacy, located in the Marshall Plaza on College Street. ...

November marked move-in for the family who has worked alongside Saline County’s Habitat for Humanity volunteers through past months to make their home on 1501 S. Lincoln Ave. ready to live in.

The Sweet Springs Board of Education met Thursday. Nov. 14., for its regular monthly meeting. A report was provided by Superintendent Lori Price that the east parking lot is now open to traffic and parking. Price thanked everyone for their patience and cooperation during the parking lot project. Price also thanked Eric Bredehoeft, Branden Butts and Jon Dwiggins for working extra hours to endure the concrete was sealed before more winter weather could delay the project...

Mary Kay Peterson (left) was honored by the Missouri State Chapter of the P.E.O. Sisterhood on 65 years of membership.

If a dog ever feels the need to be free and social, then maybe their owner should let them participate in the city of Marshall's monthly Yappy Hour. Yappy Hour is fairly similar to Happy Hour, yet instead of people consuming alcohol, dogs are brought by their owners to a specific time and location to go on walks, eat some treats, and play with toys. For more information about Yappy Hour or to see when the next one is, visit the public group Marshall Mo. Yappy Hour!!! on Facebook...

Fall time, the perfect season when all the leaves start to change color, families prepare for Halloween, and when the trick-or-treating is all said and done it's time to move on to Thanksgiving. While Thanksgiving dinner can be quite delicious ranging from turkey to the classic pumpkin pie, preparing for the meal cannot only be tedious, but hazardous if any of the food is being cooked on the stove or in the oven and left unattended...

A public meeting to discuss the possible purchase of the former I-70 hospital by the Sweet Springs Ambulance district drew 168 people to the Sweet Springs American Legion Hall on Wednesday night, Nov.13. The purpose of the meeting, according to Ambulance District President Dennis Dohrman, was to inform the public of the ambulance district’s intentions to purchase the facility and to obtain public opinion...

On Wednesday. Nov. 13, in the city council chambers, Marshall Mayor Julie Schwetz signed a proclamation designating November as DECA Month. “I, Julie Schwetz, by virtue of the authority vested in me as mayor of the City of Marshall in the State of Missouri do hereby proclaim the month of November as DECA Month and ask our community to support our local DECA Chapter and to promote and encourage student and community involvement,” she read from the proclmation...

Saline County Southern Commissioner Monte Fenner briefly talked about the commission's meeting on Wednesday, Nov. 13, in regards to a bid for the construction of a water tower at the Marshall Junction. During a commission session Thursday morning, Nov. ...

Jarad Muller was selected as MMU’s Employee of the Quarter for the quarter ending Sept. 30. Electric Production Director Carl Crawford stated, “The restructuring process involved many changes in the department, one of which was combining the Maintenance Supervisor and Operations Supervisor positions to create the Assistant Director position, Crawford said. ...

As time goes by, more people are becoming comfortable buying online, and this holiday season presents with a very healthy consumer-spending environment accompanied by a shorter timeline between Thanksgiving and Christmas, strong online growth rates and a generally robust economy. According to some projections, with U.S. ecommerce up 13.2 percent, the 2019 holiday could be the first ever trillion-dollar season...

SWEET SPRINGS - The Missouri Department of Conservation, in partnership with the Missouri Hunting Heritage Foundation, invites first-time youth hunters, ages 11-17, to a waterfowl clinic, Dec. 13-15, in Saline County. The event will begin with hunter-education classroom and skills sessions on Friday evening and Saturday morning. ...

A new traveling exhibition from the Smithsonian National Museum of the American Indian will be on display in Saline County Wednesday, Nov. 20. “Patriot Nations” exhibit open house is scheduled from 6-8 p.m. at Missouri’s American Indian Cultural Center, located at Annie and Abel Van Meter State Park. ...

RTD Ministries is serving a free Thanksgiving-style meal to any community member in need of a blessing in a Christian environment. All are welcome, and college students are encouraged to come enjoy a meal. Meals will be served from 1:30-7 p.m. Saturday, Nov. 23, at the Knights of Columbus Hall, located at 1267 English Ave. — the intersection of English and College Street...

The Saline County Commission deemed the Veterans Day ceremony a success and approved SumnerOne Image Technologies to be the the county's new copying machine service. On Tuesday morning, Nov. 12, the commission held session and announced their decision on the bids for the copiers. Northern Commissioner Stephanie Gooden stated the commission will be offering the copier contract to SumnerOne...

The city of Sweet Springs Board of Aldermen held its monthly meeting Monday, Nov. 11, at Sweet Springs City Hall. A consent agenda was the first order of business, which included minutes from the Oct. 14 meeting, financial report for October and bills and transfers in the amount of $49,365.10. ...

Signage posted across the front of the Marshall License Office states the office will remain closed the rest of this week and also on Monday, Nov. 19.

Heartland Dueling Pianos will perform at the Martin Community Center Saturday, Nov. 30. The event is sponsored by the Mid-Day Optimist Club, with social hour at 5:30 p.m. and dinner at 6:30 p.m. There is a cost per person or a premium table. Tickets can be purchased at Klean Kookin’, Community Bank, Wood & Huston Bank, and the community center. Or call Michelle Pointer at 660-631-1550...

The sentiments inside the Saline County Courthouse Monday morning, Nov. 11, were not a reflection of the bleak cold weather outside. As winter weather pushed into the county with sleet, snow and falling temperatures, dozens of people huddled inside the courthouse rotunda to honor veterans...

A Kansas woman was injured in a crash on Interstate 70 Thursday morning, Nov. 7, in Saline County. According to a Missouri State Highway Patrol report, the incident occurred when a 2003 Mitsubishi — driven by Diane Pfannenstiel, 53, of Mission, Kan. — was traveling west when it went off the left side of the road, overcorrected and returned to the roadway. The report stated the vehicle skidded off the right side of the road, impacted the ground, and overturned before coming to rest on its top...

The week of Nov. 18-25 is officially designated as National Collection Week for the annual shoebox event and many Saline County residents participate. Operation Christmas Child was created in 1990 by David Cooke and his wife to supply Christmas gifts for impoverished children in Romania. ...

Attorney Lindsay Simmons, former Marshall native, announced her plans in September to challenge Rep. Vicky Hartzler for Missouri’s 4th Congressional seat. Simmons will be in Marshall Monday, Nov. 18, speaking concerning her upcoming campaign at Wood & Huston community room...

Sweet Springs Elementary's fourth-grade students smiled as they gathered at the Blind Pony Lake Conservation Area to participate and learn about the importance of pollination for natural wildlife. This past weekend on Friday, Nov. 8, Blind Pony Lake CA held its sixth annual habitat pollination project. ...

Marshall Public School buses navigate their morning routes Monday, Nov. 11, when snow began falling at approximately 7:30 a.m.

Nominations are being accepted for the January 2020 election of the Saline County University of Missouri Extension Council members. Community members are welcome to nominate themselves or someone else they feel would benefit the Extension community. Nominations may be made through the Saline County Extension office by emailing salineco@missouri.edu or calling 660-886-6908...

In lieu of holding its annual Christmas party this year, the city of Marshall decided to celebrate the holidays in a different fashion — giving back to the community through the Saline County Holiday Project. Each city department is collecting goods to donate to the project, which serves families in need by providing household goods and Christmas gifts on a specific “shopping day” each December. ...

The Marshall man who was a subject of interest in the shootings that occurred Thursday, Oct. 3, has formally been charged in Saline County. According to unofficial online court documents, Terrelle Palmer, 41, was charged with first degree murder, three counts of assault in the first degree or attempt – serious physical injury or special victim, two counts of armed criminal action, first degree burglary, unlawful possession of a firearm, and first degree endangering the welfare of a child creating substantial risk.. ...

Marshall Parks and Recreation will be renovating both the men's and women's bathrooms at Indian Foothills Park. During a monthly Marshall Park Board meeting Wednesday, Nov. 6, Golf Operations Supervisor Jordan Dickson noted they got a suggestion in regards to updating the men's and women's bathrooms...

Preschoolers from Viking Learning Academy filed into the Commons Library on the first floor of the Missouri Valley College Tech Center Thursday, Nov 7, to take part in Jumpstart’s Read for the Record program. The program, which emphasizes early literacy, took place in Marshall with a goal of reading the selected book to 1,000 county students...

The Verizon authorized retailer in Marshall is celebrating United States military veterans and active duty military in honor of Veterans Day at their store located at 941 Cherokee Drive, Suite 3. Veterans of World War II, the Korean War, the Vietnam War and active military personnel are invited to visit the store during business hours 10 a.m. to 7 p.m., Nov. 9-11, for refreshments and appreciation of their service...

Saline County Commission approved the agreement between the commission and Pioneer Trails. During a commission meeting Thursday morning, Nov. 7, Northern Commissioner Stephanie Gooden explained Emergency Management Director Tony Day was the one who originally presented the agreement...

Pettis County deputies were called to the 16000 block of Oak Point Road in rural LaMonte Tuesday night, Nov. 5, in response to a verbal domestic disturbance. After making contact with the caller at a nearby residence, four Pettis County deputies and a Missouri State Highway Patrol trooper arrived at the home at approximately 6:30 p.m. Officers were met at the residence by an intoxicated male with a shotgun...

Marshall Animal Shelter is currently unable to take in any abandoned or needy animals due to a recent hoarding incident. Recently animal control officials showed up at the shelter with several animals in their van, and told Shelter Director Danita Phillips there were more animals on the way. In the course of the incident, 13 dogs were removed from a single residence and brought to the shelter...

Winter weather, cold temperatures with ice and snow, has already made an appearance in Saline County this year and there have been a few unfortunate accidents as a result. When winter threatens there are some considerations to ensure safety and comfort during the cold...

Nora and Loren Windmeyer, Marshall Community Chorus members and Saline County Farmers, directed $2,500 to Marshall Community Chorus through “America’s Farmers Grow Communities” sponsored by the Bayer Fund. The Marshall Community Chorus will use these funds to buy music to enhance their repertoire and to help fund concert expenses...

JEFFERSON CITY, MO – The Missouri Department of Conservation’s Runge Nature Center will temporarily close its trails Nov. 8-10 for the duration of a managed, archery-only deer hunt on the property. During the three-day closure, MDC will host six hunters, selected through MDC’s managed hunt system, to help maintain desired wildlife populations on the property. Trail closures will ensure the safety of hunters and nature center visitors alike...

Marshall City Councilman Dan Brandt stated the sidewalk project on College Street is finally nearing completion. During a city council Monday evening, Nov. 4, Brandt stated the sidewalk project for College should hopefully be done at the first part of next week...

COLUMBIA, MO – The Missouri Department of Conservation reports the presence of Emerald Ash Borer in 16 new counties across Missouri. Collaborative efforts by MDC staff, Missouri Department of Agriculture inspectors, and USDA Animal and Plant Health Inspection Service officers, EAB has been detected in Benton, Boone, Cooper, Douglas, Holt, Howard, Howell, Linn, Montgomery, Morgan, Nodaway, Osage, Ozark, Pettis, Putnam, and Randolph counties this year...

Presiding Commissioner Kile Guthrey stated the Saline County Commission had some time ago “opted out” of participation in passed legislation per section 190.460 RSMo to impose a news statewide 3 percent tax on prepaid cell phones and plans. According to the meeting minutes from Thursday morning, Oct. ...

The Missouri Valley College Murrell Memorial Library and Education Division are participating in Jumpstart's Read For The Record, which is an early literacy campaign. This event brings millions of adults and children together to read the same book on the same day all around the United States. This year, “Thank You, Omu!” by Oge Mora will be read to area schools in Marshall and Saline County to assist with Jumpstart’s attempt at breaking the Guinness World Record...

The Board of Public Works met in regular open session Thursday, Oct. 31, at 8:30 a.m. at the Marshall Municipal Utilities Business Office. The meeting was called to order, previous minutes presented and accepted, followed by department reports. Tony Bersano, administrative services, presented a copy of MMU’s cash and investment summary for the fiscal year ending Sept. ...

County Clerk Debbie Russell noted Saline County was not having an election for Election Day in November for the 2019 year. During a Saline County Commission session Tuesday morning, Nov. 5, Russell explained other counties were voting on Election Day, primarily for special elections in regards to entities submitting paperwork for an issue they wanted to be passed. She noted that was not the case with Saline, but there will be an election taking place in November 2020, along with a few others...

Malta Bend Memorial Post No. 558 will sponsor a Veterans Day ceremony at the Saline County Courthouse on Monday, Nov. 11. The ceremony will begin at 11 a.m. with the “Bells of Peace” — 21 bell tolls from the courthouse tower — and continue inside in the courthouse rotunda due to expected cold weather. At the conclusion of the ceremony, the event will move outside for a 21-gun salute and a balloon release...

Area students attended Mizzou DECA Day, hosted by the University of Missouri-Columbia on Friday, Nov. 1. Students from eight schools around the area attended the event and took part in workshops on networking, resumes and role-play competitions. Students who were interested in competing were able to take part in a business/marketing role-play...

Thursday morning, Oct. 31, was a busy morning for emergency personnel on the roads in Saline County during the first snow of the season. The Missouri State Highway Patrol worked three crashes in the county that resulted in injuries. According to MSHP reports, one crash occurred at approximately 4:40 a.m. on Interstate 70, which resulted in a fatality...

Children and their families gathered around the fire-pit replica inside Annie and Abel Van Meter State Park's Cultural Center to hear fascinating tales from generations of Indian tribes' history. On Saturday evening, Nov. 2, Suzanne Michelle White, native storyteller and Van Meter's special guest, presented traditional stories which come primarily from the Delaware, Cherokee, and Choctaw tribes and nations, all of which she is descended from...