Stories for August 2011

4 teens arrested in string of thefts

Four Fulton teenagers have been arrested in connection with a string of more than 18 thefts from motor vehicles as well as two home burglaries since Aug. 8.

Business, labor push jobs creation package

Missouri business and labor leaders Tuesday urged a united effort to gain approval of a bipartisan Made in Missouri Jobs Package in next week’s special session of the legislature.

Lady Hornets tennis team continues strong start

The Fulton Lady Hornets tennis team has already tripled last season’s win total a little more than a week into the 2011 campaign. Fulton ousted Columbia Independent by a score of 8-1 at home on Tuesday night.

Arts council continues work on theater

There may not have been many changes on the marquee at the Fulton Theater recently, but the interior of the building is another story.

Business, labor to discuss jobs plan

Missouri business and labor leaders will join a conference call today to discuss the importance of approving jobs legislation during next month’s special session of the Missouri General Assembly.

Four injured in accidents

Four people were injured in two Callaway County accidents on Sunday.

Twillman Feed to host Town, Country dinner

Town and Country Dinner participants will visit Calwood this year to take a peek into a piece of the agricultural world.

Fulton volleyball takes season opener

CENTRALIA — Fulton’s quest for a third consecutive state playoff appearance has gotten off to a good start.

YMCA's first community garden sprouts success

While she described it as “definitely a learning experience,” Patty Miller, executive director of the YMCA of Callaway County, said the first summer of the organization's new community garden project definitely has been a good one.

Horse program helps harness growth in area youth

Patience, self-control, courage, caring, cooperation. These are all things the young girls participating in the Spirit Riders say they have learned from the program.

Fulton police hope to add more body cameras

The Fulton Police Department is looking to expand its ability to document its officers’ work.

Fulton man in custody for stealing city property

A Fulton man was taken into custody Friday morning after he was caught stealing at a city-owned facility.

Local man arrested after fleeing police

A Fulton man was apprehended early Friday morning after leading law enforcement on a short vehicular chase.

Edwards too much of load for Hornets

OSAGE BEACH — Fulton Hornets head football coach Pat Kelley probably could have done without seeing Jared Edwards on Friday night.

No. 10 Bulldogs bolt out of gate, bury Falcons

FAYETTE — The South Callaway Bulldogs still feel the need to establish their credentials.

Mustangs ram T-Birds with running game

KINGDOM CITY — Ryan Kliethermes made a mad dash toward the end zone with time slipping away, the last symbol of North Callaway’s inability to restrict the Eldon Mustangs’ running game.

Hornets give Oestreich first career win in opener

CHILLICOTHE — One game in and 2004 Fulton High School graduate and current Hornets soccer coach Brad Oestreich has his first career victory.

Bluegrass & Barbecue Festival set Sept. 11

Central Missourians will gather in Fulton Sept. 11 to tap their toes to five bluegrass bands while savoring barbecue on the lawn of Fulton State Hospital.

Missouri 179's daily travelers look for a new route

Jefferson City public works officials have been looking at what effects closing Missouri 179 would have on local traffic.

Missouri judge blocks Facebook limits for teachers

JEFFERSON CITY, Mo. (AP) — A Missouri judge has blocked a law from taking effect Sunday that would have prohibited teachers from using social networking sites such as Facebook to carry on private conversations with students.

Recorder warns of deed scheme

The Callaway County recorder of deeds is warning citizens to be wary of any letters offering copies of property deeds at an excessive price.

Fulton Schools Foundation reaches endowment goal

Four months after launching its Founding50 campaign, the Fulton Public Schools Foundation has achieved its goal of raising $50,000 to establish a permanent endowment.

Art group requests photos for children’s festival

Those who love to snap photos will have a chance to put their skills to good use.

Westminster welcomes new students

Westminster College recently welcomed a new class of 330 students with the traditional New Student Columns Ceremony followed by the traditional President’s Convocation in Champ Auditorium.

Hornets’ defense mulls Indians’ explosive option

Fulton Hornets head football coach Pat Kelley saw two big things out of his defense in last week’s jamboree scrimmages at Blair Oaks.

Cheer-ful practice

The Fulton High School cheerleading squad practices its routine Thursday at the school.

Milestones push Bulldogs’ prospects

Now that the model is in place, the 2011 South Callaway Bulldogs football team’s task is to determine how to follow suit.

T-Birds hope roster develops quickly

KINGDOM CITY — For North Callaway Thunderbirds head football coach Mike Emmons, there is never a concession to what lies beyond.

Search under way for woman missing in river

Officials are searching for a woman reported to have entered the Missouri River at the Carl Noren Access in north Jefferson City. She reportedly was swept away around 1:55 a.m.

Fulton to pursue people’s garden

With the popularity of the SERVE Inc. and YMCA of Callaway County-sponsored community gardens, the City of Fulton is hoping to capitalize on that interest to spur activity at the new city park on Tennyson.

One Read pick to provide variety of programming

From a documentary about segregated hospitals in Kansas City and a presentation on medical experimentation in the Third Reich during World War II to a flash fiction contest and a series of “Ragtime Sundays” radio broadcasts, this year’s One Read program has something for everyone.

County tax rate changed to produce same revenue

The Callaway County Commission Wednesday set the county tax rates to produce the same amount of money as last year’s tax rates.

Four injured in two Callaway accidents

Four people were injured in two separate accidents Tuesday in Callaway County.

Withers directs Lady Wildcats golfers to victory

MEXICO — Ashtin Withers shot a 49 to share medalist honors Tuesday as the New Bloomfield Lady Wildcats golf team launched its season with a 14-stroke dual victory over Mexico.

Our Opinion: Unfinished business dominates no-so-special session

The agenda for Missouri’s not-so-special legislative session is expanding.

New afterschool program set to begin at North Callaway

North Callaway students interested in taking some classes that are a little different than their regular courses will now have the chance.

NoCal school board bumps tax rate

The North Callaway Board of Education approved almost a 3.5 cent tax rate increase recently.

Construction may start soon on Callaway broadband project

How long does it take for the federal government to spend stimulus grant money authorized by the American Recovery and Reinvestment Act of 2009 that was designed to provide immediate stimulus to the economy?

WWU welcomes 960 students to Fulton campus

Despite the economic downturn, 960 students enrolled for the fall semester at the Fulton campus of William Woods University, including 310 freshmen and transfer students.

Animal attack cases result in high fines

Animal control has been a topic of discussion among Fulton residents and city leaders for months following a string of dog attacks earlier this spring.

Ladybirds break out in the fifth, trip Lady Hornets

All North Callaway sophomore starter Jaida Gray wanted to do was help her own cause.

Lady Hornets tennis team dominates singles, downs Mexico

MEXICO — The Fulton Lady Hornets tennis team, paced by senior Jessica Klutts, swept singles play Tuesday night in starting its season with a 9-3 North Central Missouri Conference victory over rival Mexico.

Bustamante trial delayed again

The trial for a teenager accused of killing a 9 year-old neighbor in October 2009 has been delayed again, and won’t be held until next year.

FPD: Lock your car

The Fulton Police Department is encouraging Fulton residents to be careful about what they leave in their vehicles — and lock their doors — after a recent rash of thefts.

New Bloomfield to see change in mail delivery

Starting Saturday, mail delivery times in the New Bloomfield area will be affected by a switch in mail sorting procedures.

Two arrested after Callaway chases

Two people were arrested in separate chase incidents by law enforcement officers after recent vehicle pursuits in Callaway County.

Area woman hurt in head-on collision

Lisa K. Brown, 40, New Bloomfield, was injured in a head-on collision near New Bloomfield Friday afternoon.

Callaway group launches Civil War website

Thanks to the Internet, information on just about any subject one can think of is only the click of a mouse away these days.

Millersburg Christian gears up to celebrate 175 years

Roots for the Millersburg Christian Church go as far back as 1836.

Lady Hornets win season-opener in dramatic style

The Fulton Lady Hornets had some good innings in Monday afternoon’s season opener against the Boonville Pirates at FHS Field.

Holts Summit sets towing fee

If a vehicle is towed in Holts Summit, the owner will now have to pay a $25 processing fee.

Incoming freshmen relish time of new beginnings

Kareem Alhusaini, 19, had to pass through three border crossings to reach the airport in Amman, Jordan, and then fly more than 6,000 miles to arrive at his destination — Westminster College in Fulton.

Masonic Lodge collapses in New Bloomfield

An old downtown building housing the New Bloomfield Masonic Lodge collapsed here shortly after 5:30 p.m. Thursday.

Mo. teachers file lawsuit against social network law

The Missouri State Teachers Association Friday filed suit in Cole County Circuit Court claiming a new Missouri law will violate free speech rights of teachers.

Church damaged in break-in

Members of the Victory Fellowship Church on Route NN spent Friday cleaning up damage left behind after the building was vandalized sometime Thursday night or Friday morning.

Hearing set in Leonberger case

Willie Leonberger, the North Callaway bus driver charged with involuntary manslaughter after running over a 6-year-old student in January, was scheduled to appear before Associate Circuit Judge Carol England Friday.

Fiddling contest set to draw crowd to Mokane Fair

Fiddling has been a source of entertainment in Callaway County for generations, and if participation in last year’s Jake Hockemeyer Memorial Old Time Fiddler’s Contest is any indication, it will continue to be for at least one more to come.

Hornets’ Matthews shows growth, grasp of offense

WARDSVILLE — Jake Matthews probably didn’t expect to be Fulton’s starting quarterback heading into the 2010 season. But due to an unexpected departure by then-returning starter Lucas McCray, that is exactly the position Matthews found himself in.

Westminster soccer teams picked fifth

The Westminster College men’s and women’s soccer teams both have been picked to finish fifth in their respective 2011 St. Louis Intercollegiate Athletic Conference preseason coaches’ polls released last week.

Our Opinion: Cognitive computing – ‘What now?’

Welcome to the brave, new reality of “cognitive computing,” a technological trend to develop a computer that behaves like a human brain.

Swiss film crew shoots scenes in Fulton

It’s not often that filmmakers choose to feature Fulton in their movies.

NB Masonic Temple collapses

Before 6 p.m. Thursday, the New Bloomfield Masonic Temple on Redwood Drive collapsed.

Older adults learn strategies for aging

Prior planning is the key to successful and comfortable retirement, more than 100 Callaway County older adults learned Thursday.

Window washer reflects on 20-year career

With a squeegee in his right hand and an applicator in his left, Ben Appleton can clean a window in a matter of seconds.

NB board raises tax levy 20 cents

The R-3 School District Board of Education Thursday night raised the district’s debt service tax levy 20 cents from $1.14 to $1.34 per $100 assessed valuation.

NoCal goes ahead with new bond projects

KINGDOM CITY — Board members got the ball rolling on some new projects for the district at the North Callaway Board of Education meeting Thursday evening.

Callawegians help with reenactment of major Civil War battle

The Battle of Wilson’s Creek (or the Battle of Oak Hill, as the southerners called it) on Aug. 10, 1861, was the first major engagement of the Civil War west of the Mississippi River — a five-hour battle that resulted in the death of Gen. Nathaniel Lyon, one of the Union’s first heroes in that bloody civil conflict.

Our Opinion: Joplin's lessons of strength

Joplin High School students resumed classes Wednesday, but they didn’t return to the building they attended last year. It’s gone.

Callaway districts back state plan to improve school achievement

All Callaway County school superintendents support the state’s goal of Missouri schools ranking in the top 10 in the nation by 2020.

Local country singer pursues passion

Singing is Carissa Biele’s passion.

Portland still needs funds to rebuild community center

PORTLAND — On Aug. 13, 2010, the town lost both its most popular gathering space and a chunk of its history when the Portland Community Building burned to the ground.

William Woods picks Cox as new AD

Amber Cox will break new ground in her return to William Woods University.

Bustamante trial about a month away

Lawyers still gathering information for murder trial

Alyssa Bustamante’s murder trial is scheduled to be under way four weeks from now.

Transportation panel looks to allocate $185,000

Cities and representatives within the region are debating how to spend $185,000.

New federal aid may help build local biodiesel plant

A developer of a biodiesel production plant in Fulton said Tuesday he is interested in a new $510 million federal program providing aid to biofuel plants.

CCAD changes to credit card, OKs new generator purchase

The Callaway County Ambulance District Board of Directors approved a change from the district’s current debit card system to a purchase card system designed for government agencies during its regular meeting Tuesday night.

Commission opts for markers at Stinson Trail

The Fulton Historic Preservation Commission is looking into dotting the Stinson Trail with historic markers.

FPD urges caution as school resumes

As students throughout Fulton head back to school today, Fulton Police Chief Steve Myers reminds area drivers — and students— to be careful when traveling to and near schools.

New archery range use right on target

Archery enthusiasts now have a place within city limits to work on their aim.

Mokane Masons celebrate 100th anniversary

The Mokane Masonic Lodge No. 612, Ancient and Free Accepted Masons (A.F. & A.M.) celebrated its 100th anniversary celebration with a dinner Saturday night at the lodge.

Gala to help SERVE meet ‘desperate need’

Organizers of a new fundraiser for SERVE, Inc. are hoping a night of wining and dining speakeasy style will help convince area residents to contribute to what they consider a vital cause.

Fire destroys Callaway residence

A fire reported at 1:30 a.m. Sunday destroyed the home of Joe and Ericka Stewart south of Fulton at the intersection of State Road H and County Road 305 in Callaway County.

Luetkemeyer: Debt-ceiling debate a ‘wake-up call’

The political battle over the United States’ debt situation will “continue to play out over the next several months,” U.S. Rep. Blaine Luetkemeyer told Jefferson City Downtown Rotary Club members Monday.

La. man decapitated disabled son, 7

A Louisiana man is accused of decapitating and dismembering his disabled 7-year-old son...

Hometown Hero honorees doing it ‘for the kids’

James Pennell doesn’t need to be reminded that he was hit by a car two years ago. Four surgeries in 24 months does enough to jog his memory of that.

Fulton man injured in 4-vehicle accident

Samuel D. Blinkey of Fulton was injured Friday afternoon in a four-vehicle, chain-reaction rear end collision on Business 54 near Bartley Elementary School.

Workers, state reach earnings agreement

The American Federation of State, County and Municipal Employees (AFSCME) Council 72 announced Friday it has reached a tentative agreement with the state of Missouri on a proposal that would give Missouri state workers a 2 percent wage increase in the 2013 fiscal year.

City to restore, raise south water tower

An Indiana specialty tank contractor started work Friday to raise and renovate Fulton’s half-million-gallon south water tower.

Our Opinion: New school year will trigger mixed emotions

Mixed emotions are synonymous with the first day of a new school year. For students, the anticipation of reconnecting with friends is mixed with trepidation about impending course work and tests.

Volunteers renovate Civic Center kitchen

Those enjoying a balanced meal at the Holts Summit soup kitchen may not notice a few changes behind the scenes.

Two local residents arrested for intent to distribute

Two Fulton residents were taken into custody Wednesday afternoon after a search of their residence yielded a large amount of drugs.

Teachers receive guidance on new teacher-student law

In response to questions from teachers, Fulton School Superintendent Jacque Cowherd has sent guidance suggestions to teachers about a new state law relating to electronic communications between teachers and students.

Chef Challenge returns to raise funds for CARDV

Once again, two Fulton chefs will use their culinary skills to compete in CARDV’s Chef Challenge.

Fulton schools tweak bus schedules

When Sheila Shoemaker received a letter in the mail Wednesday informing her that her children would no longer be able to ride the bus to Bartley Elementary School because their home on Ashton Circle is too close, she came to the sobering realization that the transportation she had relied upon for 10 years has fallen victim to Fulton Public Schools’ shrinking transportation budget.

Council OKs taxi application

Fulton area residents soon will have another transportation option after the city council approved an application for Fulton Checker Cab Tuesday night.

Federal stimulus spending helps fight Mid-Mo. cyber crimes

The Callaway County Sheriff’s Office will share $152,305 in federal stimulus spending from the U.S. Justice Department with six other Central Missouri counties to fight online predators who attempt to entice children and deal in child pornography.

SoCal tax levy to remain unchanged

For the ninth consecutive year, the South Callaway R-2 School District Board of Education agreed unanimously Wednesday night to keep the district’s tax levy at $2.75 per $100 assessed valuation.

Local professors publish children’s books

The children’s literature arena can be a tough field to crack with many other aspiring authors to compete with.

Fulton couple reaches 200 blood donations

“I hope I can give today,” Edith Craighead says as she awaits her turn into the area where American Red Cross personnel question potential donors.

Fulton educators declare summer school a success

Despite low enrollment, Fulton Public Schools officials say the 2011 summer school session was a successful one.

Our Opinion: Politicians capitalize on frustration they created

Politics reign while people suffer.

Proposed animal ordinance voted down

Months of research, planning and debate came to an end Tuesday night when the Fulton City Council voted down a bill containing changes to the city’s animal control ordinance.

Fiddlers draw followers to fair

True to event coordinator Brenda McCray’s prediction, the return of the fiddling contest drew a small crowd to the Kingdom of Callaway County Fair Saturday night.

Auxvasse Fire Dept. receives tanker truck

A new property maintenance ordinance was unanimously passed by the Auxvasse Board of Aldermen at its Tuesday meeting.

WIC program renewed in Callaway

The Women, Infant and Children (WIC) supplemental food program has been renewed for another year in Callaway County, Sharon Lynch, director of the Callaway County Health Department said Tuesday.

New Bloomfield students learn dangers posed by social websites

Students should be wary of how they use social network sites on the Internet, a state cyber safety expert warned Tuesday.

Mo. Runner Amtrak train to receive new passenger cars

A $268 million federal taxpayer grant will provide new Amtrak trains soon to serve Central Missourians using the Amtrak Missouri River Runner.

Ameren looks at smaller reactors in Callaway

Ameren Missouri, which owns and operates the Callaway Nuclear Power Plant, is considering the option of building an array of smaller and less costly nuclear power reactors instead of one large 1,600 megawatt nuclear reactor.

Fair board: Attendance steady

Though the heat was severe for the first half of the Kingdom of Callaway County Fair, temperatures dipped some by the second half, giving a reprieve to fairgoers and exhibitors.

Foot clinic offered at county health office

To meet a neglected need, a foot-care clinic offering toenail clipping and related services is now offered once a month at the Callaway County Health Department, 4950 County Road 304 in Fulton.

Holts Summit finances get good marks

The city of Holts Summit was given a clean bill of financial health during its Board of Aldermen meeting Monday.

Electrical fire causes Walmart to clear store

Fulton Walmart customers, some with full carts, had to evacuate the store Monday evening after an electrical fire ignited in a meat display case.

Survey to help develop emergency plans

Callaway County residents receiving a phone call this week asking them how long it would take to evacuate their home should not panic.

Nominations sought for hometown heroes

Central Missourians have been asked to nominate someone they know who will be honored as a hometown hero.

Callaway, Cole included in list of hacked law enforcement agencies

A number of Callaway County Sheriff’s Office employees are keeping a close eye on their credit after their personal information was stolen as part of an Internet hacking scheme that affected 75 law enforcement agencies across the country.

Fair barbecue about ‘fun, patience’

He’s never won, but that’s not why Michael Palmer participates in barbecue contests anyway.

Fulton opens fall practices on Monday

Fulton High School fall athletic practices begin Monday.

Fair hopes to re-ignite fiddling tradition

The best way to draw area residents out to the Fiddlers Contest at the Kingdom of Callaway County Fair Saturday night likely would be to borrow a page from the greeting card industry.

Anderson’s art drawn on unorthodox canvas

Some artists prefer paper.

New Bloomfield scores still below area schools

Students at the New Bloomfield R-3 School District had higher state assessment test scores than last year overall but failed to reach test scores attained by other area schools, preliminary state test results reveal.

Two people injured in Route O accident

Two people were injured Thursday in Callaway County when a vehicle overturned on Route O.

Cow kiss

Allison Simms gives her steer, Frosty, a smooch after showing him in the lightweight steer division Wednesday at the Kingdom of Callaway County Fair.

Jaycees: Thank you for Joplin support

Two months and two loads of donations after the Joplin tornado hit, the Together for Joplin coalition is now working on its next project.

Two cannons donated to Ike Skelton Training Center

The last push against the Germans in the summer and fall of 1918 found Capt. Harry Truman placed in command of an “ornery” artillery battery, which had taken pride in driving off its previous commanders.

Our Opinion: 'Magic' act or 'clown show' in Washington

Any euphoria — or at least satisfaction — about averting default has been short-lived.

All in the family

Baker children begin beef showing at early age

In the Baker family, even though the 2-year-old mark hasn’t been reached yet, that’s no reason not to be out showing a calf.

New Bloomfield to celebrate 175th anniversary on Sept. 17

The city of New Bloomfield is gearing up for a celebration on Sept. 17 to observe the 175th anniversary of the founding of the city in 1836.

Callaway Fair goers not beat by heat

The Energy Doctor Sky Stream 3.7 fan sits across from the livestock areas at the Kingdom of Callaway County Fair sort of like a big tease.

Callaway county reps vote for budget, debt deal

All three Callaway County congressional representatives voted for the compromise U.S. Budget Control Act of 2011 that cut $2 trillion from the federal budget and averted a debt default by raising the debt limit.

Maylee faces death in ‘12 homicide trial

Joshua W. Maylee of Holts Summit will go on trial for his life on Oct. 12, 2012, in Boone County, a judge ruled Monday in Columbia.

Area youth provide cured ham for show, breakfast

More than 80 cured, country hams lined tables inside the 4-H home arts building Tuesday, creating a poignant aroma for all who came near.

New cab company on Fulton agenda

A full service taxi cab service could be on its way to town sooner rather than later, if everything goes Randall Taylor’s way.

Callaway County ambulances gain Missouri child certification

The Callaway County Ambulance Service has gained state certification for emergency medical service provided to children.

Miss Callaway County keeps plenty busy since crowning

It’s been a bit of a whirlwind for Megan Montgomery since she was crowned Miss Callaway County at the Fulton Street Fair in June.

Woolly friend

Amelia Schweiss, 2, of Fulton, gives one of her family’s sheep a hug on Tuesday.

Giffords' vote the most memorable of all

The total number of votes on the historic debt-limit bill was 430. One vote was more memorable than any of the others.

Fire destroys mobile home

Fire Sunday night destroyed a vacant mobile home in the Callaway Estates about three miles north of Readsville.

Davis is good shot; his crafts highlight good cause

By his own admission, Shane Davis is not the most athletic guy in the world. His dad tried getting him into baseball and basketball, but neither one stuck.

Girl rescued after Sunday night search

Five-year-old Dawn Cook enjoyed her adventure Sunday evening after she wandered away from her grandmother’s yard in a densely wooded area about three miles south of Calwood.

Area youths volunteer to prepare fairgrounds

Saturday was the third day that young volunteers helped prepare the fairgrounds for the Kingdom of Callaway County Fair, which runs Monday through Saturday this week.

Residents invited to Our House barbecue

Summer barbecues are all about enjoying good weather and good food with good friends.

Loan program to convert mid-Mo. welfare recipients to business owners

A community action program to provide start-up loans to needy Central Missourians who want to start their own business is now offered by Central Missouri Community Action (CMCA).

Sisters deliver baby boys on same day

Two sisters, two baby boys, born on the same day, is it too much?

Fulton offers two new food options

There are plenty of places to eat in Callaway County. But Bill Nigus envisioned something more than just another place to go and grab a bite.

Young drivers make own marks at Callaway Raceway

Ethan Atterberry’s blue Mustang stock car sits on a truck at Callaway Raceways ready for a Friday night race. On the southeastern portion of the grounds, opposite Atterberry, Jake Griffin’s two rides — a late model and an A-modified ride both in black paint with green trim — rest next to him, getting tuned for Griffin’s runs later in the night.

Fulton couple keeps fair going behind the scenes

As Kingdom of Callaway County Fair attendees traipse around the fairgrounds this week eating corn dogs, riding the Tilt-a-Whirl, watching bull rides and walking through the red barn to see the decorated cakes and prize vegetables, few of them will give any thought to the time that goes into making sure everything is ready to go.

Pam Murray: Devoting time to Holts Summit

Despite being a bit of a nomad for much of her life, Pamela Murray values community.

Connecting with The Fulton Sun

Stories for August 2011

Wednesday, August 31

Tuesday, August 30

Monday, August 29

Sunday, August 28

Friday, August 26

Thursday, August 25

Wednesday, August 24

Tuesday, August 23

Monday, August 22

Sunday, August 21

Friday, August 19

Thursday, August 18

Lawyers still gathering information for murder trial

Wednesday, August 17

Tuesday, August 16

Monday, August 15

Sunday, August 14

Friday, August 12

Thursday, August 11

Wednesday, August 10

Tuesday, August 9

Monday, August 8

Friday, August 5