Stories from Thursday, July 24, 2008

On Thursday, July 17, Jim Simmerman, director of training for the Saline County Criminal Justice Training Center, presented a seven-hour Homicide Crime Scene Investigation class at the Saline County Criminal Justice Training Center. The training was attended by 11 individuals from throughout Missouri...

The playgrounds have fresh seal over them, walls have fresh paint and roofs are getting new shingles. Marshall Public Schools are in the process of getting their annual makeovers in preparation for a new school year, according to Assistant Superintendent Brandon Russell. And Superintendent Craig Noah urged the board to begin building a reserve fund for maintenance projects...

COLUMBIA -- The Marshall Optimist 14-and-under softball team won its first three games en route to a third-place finish last week in the Show-Me State Games at Columbia. Marshall began the meet Saturday with an 8-5 victory over the Missouri Blast of Festus, quickly building a 6-1 lead with three runs in each of the first two innings. Marissa Brackman's single in the first and Stephanie Stark's second-inning double both drove in a pair of runs...

Interesting news and features published in our print edition and e-edition Thursday, July 24 On page 2: "Smart Money" columnist Bruce Williams answers letters on joining accounts, executor duties, and long-term insurance. Robert Burns is named MHC's Employee of the Month for June. Associated Press stories on the economy and the housing crisis...

The 2008 edition of the Saline County Fair wrapped up on Sunday, July 20. After handing out special awards, fair board president Sam Igo told the 231 exhibitors, "Thank you for participating and thank you for making Saline County proud of their fair."...

Billy Joseph Knotts Sr., 63, of Lebanon, formerly of Marshall, died Tuesday, July 22, 2008, at St. John's Hospital in Springfield. Burial in National Cemetery in Higginsville will be held at a later date. He was born June 2, 1945, in Kansas City, the son of Mary (Petty) Knotts, who survives of Warsaw, and the late Eugene Knotts. ...