Stories from Friday, December 13, 2002

The current and future financial situation of the Sweet Springs R-7 School District took up the bulk of the discussion during the Thursday evening meeting of the Board of Education. Superintendent Larry Reiter led the discussion, reporting that although it is not new information, the district will be facing some smaller figures, according to the state...

It's official. We are entering the home stretch of the 2002 holiday season, even though it still doesn't feel like Christmas to me. Since today marks the beginning of the "12 days of Christmas" referred to in the popular carol, I thought I might share with you the contents of an e-mail I received from my father-in-law recently that put a religious perspective to the 12 days...

BOYS Non-conference Marshall 45, at Chillicothe 40 Centralia Tournament (Consolation Semifinals) Macon 83, Paris 53 Southern Boone 60, North Callaway 40 (Semifinals) Centralia 85, Sturgeon 36 Hallsville 55, Salisbury 41 Monroe City Tournament (Consolation Semifinal)...

First Team Player School Yr. Pos. Erik Roehrs Marshall Sr. GK Blake Garrett Marshall Sr. D John Elliott Rock Bridge Sr. D Dan O'Loughlin Moberly Sr. D Jose Aguilar Marshall Jr. D Ryan Cravens Fulton Sr. MF Kyle Reed Rock Bridge Sr. MF Andrew Gilstrap Helias Jr. MF...

COLUMBIA -- Is it possible that Columbia College had been stewing over its 92-89 double-overtime loss Nov. 13 at Missouri Valley for the past month? The Cougars, ranked 17th in NAIA Division I, gave every indication that revenge was on their minds during Thursday's rematch -- which began with a 23-6 binge by the home team and ended with a 63-32 victory. Columbia suffocated the Vikings' guards, holding them to just seven points during the night on three-of-19 shooting from the field...

Someone was bound to get a boost when a pair of winless girls' basketball teams hooked up Thursday at Marshall. Fortunately, it was the Lady Owls, ending a six-game skid by running away from visiting Warrensburg for a 42-26 non-conference victory which MHS head coach Jeff Martin called "much needed."...

CHILLICOTHE -- It's over. "Finally is about I could say," admitted Marshall head boys' basketball coach Scott Harrold, who saw a six-year, eight-game drought against Chillicothe come to an end Thursday with the Owls' 45-40 non-conference road victory. "It's about time after all the close games we've had with them over the years."...

O. Vincent Norman, 77, of Marshall Junction, died Thursday, Dec. 12, 2002. Funeral services will be held at 2 p.m. Sunday, Dec. 15, at Sweeney-Reser-Wills Funeral Home in Marshall. Rev. Paul Callahan will officiate.

Edna Mae McCoy, 92, of Carrollton, formerly of Saline County, died Thursday, Dec. 12, 2002, at Carroll House in Carrollton. Funeral services will be held at 1:30 p.m. Sunday, Dec. 15, at Campbell-Lewis Chapel in Marshall. Rev. Ken Randolph will officiate...

The Marshall Chamber of Commerce is again sponsoring a Christmas decorating contest for local businesses and residents. Judging will be done the week prior to Christmas and prizes of $100 for first place and $50 for second will be awarded in both residential and commercial categories...

There were only a few items of business for the Friday the 13th meeting of the Saline County Commission. Saline County Road and Bridge Department Supervisor Maurice Moore reported that the 69-foot long bridge on County Road 318 being refurbished for the Sweet Springs Special Road District is essentially complete. He said the bridge is finished and guard rails have been installed, but the concrete still needs to cure. The road district will decide when to open the bridge for vehicle use...

During their regular monthly meeting, members of the Sweet Springs school board took action Thursday night on keeping track of homeschooled children and continuing a multi-year insurance agreement. After hearing a recommendation from Superintendent Larry Rieter, the board approved the implementation of a homeschool student withdrawal form and decided to begin a file for the district that would keep track of homeschooled students...

More than 50 students in Marshall High School's bands have been hard at work preparing their Christmas program and can hardly wait to show the public what they've learned. They'll get their chance at 7 p.m. Monday, Dec. 16, in Bueker Middle School's Harold L. Lickey Audtorium when the MHS concert and jazz bands host their Christmas concert...

Since we are into the month of December, I thought that it might be good to once again review our policies for calling off school in case we should have inclement weather during the next month or so. Of course we would prefer to have school everyday, because when we cancel classes we often create a hardship for parents who might have to take off work, find babysitters, etc. ...