Stories from Thursday, January 22, 2009

Saline County Commissioners reported C.A.R.T. fund collections of $54,250.93 for January, the lowest figure recorded since 1997. Southern District Commissioner Richard "Dick" Hassler pointed to the low number as an indication that county resident are "staying home and shopping locally in these economically hard times."...

If you write regularly or just want to begin writing, now is your ideal opportunity. Interested adults and students are invited to meet at the Marshall Public Library Monday, Jan. 26, at 7 p.m. to organize a writers' group that will meet monthly at night. Members are encouraged to write for pleasure as well as publication and to encourage writing in the schools and community...

Stationed in Afghanistan, Larry Godsey and other members of the Missouri Army National Guard Agribusiness Development Team were able to help Nangarhar Province farmers find solutions to some of the poor country's problems, including lack of water, market structure and veterinary equipment...

SEDALIA -- The Marshall girls' basketball team was closing in on its first win of the season Wednesday, but couldn't close the deal. Northeast of Kansas City went on a 13-2 run during the fourth quarter to turn a five-point deficit to a 55-51 decision over the Lady Owls in the first round of the McDonalds/Smith-Cotton Classic at Sedalia...

The Missouri Valley College men's wrestling team lost three dual matches last week, two to NCAA Division I opponents. The toughest loss to swallow for the fourth-ranked Vikings was Thursday's 21-16 tilt at No. 14 Missouri Baptist. Valley led early, but the Spartans won the last three bouts to come from behind...

Former Saline County resident Derik Lavers will be appearing on this season of "American Idol" on FOX. Lavers, who now lives in New York City, will be shown on the New York auditions episode, which is supposed to air next week. According to his father, Brent Lavers of Blackwater, Derik does make it to the next level: "Idol" in Hollywood...

Interesting news and features published in our print edition and e-edition January 22 On page 3: A story about area Masons doing charitable works. Area students on the University of Central Missouri's dean's list. On page 4: Columnist Bob Stewart writes about praying for President Obama...

A window frame caught fire at 1457 S. Conway Ave. just before 10:30 p.m. Thursday, Jan. 15. According to a fire department official, the window frame was being used as an ashtray. By the time firefighters arrived on scene, some Missouri Valley College students had put the fire out using dry powders, the official said. Firefighters then removed the window frame using pressurized water...

Marshall library board informed about possible disruption in children's services | Consumer safety law effective Feb. 10 would require lead testing on books

Ronnie R. Bird, 66, of Slater, died Wednesday, Jan. 21, 2009, at his home. Private family services will be held. Visitation will be Friday, Jan. 23, 2009, from 7 to 8:30 p.m. at Weiker Funeral Home in Slater. Memorials are suggested to Slater Volunteer Fire Department or Slater Ambulance District...

The Missouri State Fire Marshal's office is investigating a fire that destroyed several buildings on a farm in northern Saline County early Jan. 8, according to a Sheriff's Department report. The fire apparently was not reported to authorities at the time, possibly because it occurred at night and the property is located in isolated bottomland near the Missouri River, making it difficult to see the smoke, according to a co-owner, Brenda Roberts...

Carol Schupp, coordinator for the Adopt a Viking program, spoke to members of the Missouri Valley College International Club Tuesday, Jan. 20. "We Americans want to open our homes to you," said Schupp. "We know you spend lonely hours on campus, we know you miss your families. … This is all for you. No one's going to push you into it."...

On June 26 at 6 p.m., cancer survivors and others will convene at the Marshall High School track for Saline County's annual Relay for Life. But until then, there is much work to be done. This year, Georgia Yates and Melody Dierking are co-chairing the project...