Stories for December 2011

Callaway County residents express resolutions, hopes for 2012

As 2012 rolls in, along with it comes hopes and aspirations for the new year.

CCSO arrests attempted-murder suspect

A fugitive with a warrant out for attempted murder was arrested near Kingdom City Tuesday.

Fire destroys fuel tanker at KC truck stop

About 15 firemen from North Callaway and Central fire protection districts battled a gasoline tanker truck fire for about one hour Wednesday afternoon at the Petro Truck Stop in Kingdom City.

Celia the slave event spurs discussion of hanging’s location

The location of Celia’s execution has once again come under scrutiny.

Home prices holding steady in Callaway market

Prices of homes are not dropping as rapidly in Callaway County as throughout the nation, a Fulton real estate broker said Thursday.

Clark steps down as Wildcats boys’ hoops coach

Cites ‘family health problems’ as reason for decision

New Bloomfield Wildcats boys' basketball coach Tyler Clark has stepped down from that position effective immediately. Clark cited “family health problems” as the reason for leaving the job that he has held for a little more than one season. Clark will be replaced by New Bloomfield head baseball coach Brandon Talbot, who will remain in that position at least rest of the season, the school’s athletic director Julie Trammell said Thursday night. Clark will remain with the school as a teacher.

Black ice blamed for fatal accident

Thin layers of ice on bridges and overpasses early Tuesday caused dozens of accidents throughout Central Missouri, including one fatal head-on crash in Callaway County.

What’s black ice?

When ice forms unexpectedly on roadways it often is called black ice because it is so difficult to detect and it is often unexpected.

Local illustrator creates abstract art for children’s book

Old paper that some people might recycle or throw out, Jennifer Sain uses to create art.

Fulton student wins trip to Disney World

Like many kids, T.J. Branch had always dreamed of going to Disney World.

William Woods women fall against Western Illinois

MACOMB, Ill., — The Lady Owls had a tough night all around, leading to a 73-52 exhibition loss to NCAA Division I Western Illinois on Tuesday night. The defeat will not count against William Woods’ record, leaving them at 7-4 for the season.

Area businesses give mixed reports for Christmas sales

For many retail businesses in Fulton, the holiday season brings a needed boost in sales.

Westminster employees provide Christmas dinner for students

A dinner party for Westminster College international students who spent Christmas Day on the Fulton campus rather than going home demonstrated the willingness of the faculty and staff at the college to step up when needed, the woman who hosted the event said Wednesday.

New chamber president: Businesses should reach out

A person whose name is already well-known in the community will step up next month as the new chamber board president.

McCaskill seeks probe into subsidized phones

Sen. Claire McCaskill, D-Mo., is calling for a crackdown on waste, fraud and abuse of a federal program that subsidizes Lifeline phone service to low-income customers of phone companies.

Commission completes work on $7.4 million county budget

The Callaway County Commission has completed work on a $7.4 million general revenue budget that provides enough money to provide a 2 percent pay raise for all county employees.

Part 2: Blind, deaf and normal babies are all different

Baby A represents a normal baby, while Baby B depicts a blind baby. Baby C is a deaf baby.

Couple opens home to international students on Christmas

For Catherine Pesce’s family, inviting students from around the world into their home on Christmas Day has become a tradition.

Retirees to receive 3.6% hike in 2012 Social Security benefits

Retired older adults haven’t received a cost-of-living increase in Social Security benefits since 2008, but next month the average recipient is expected to receive $43 more in their monthly payment.

Foreign students share Christmas experiences

Spending Christmas with family, friends and loved ones is a tradition. For some, however, going home over the holidays is not an option.

Area groups to offer mental health first-aid training

For many people, the term first-aid conjures up thoughts of binding wounds, giving the Heimlich maneuver or administering CPR. A new program being promoted by the Missouri chapter of the National Alliance for Mental Illness (NAMI) is designed to help add mental health to that list.

Chamber banquet theme set to echo Smithsonian work exhibit

Keeping with the county’s push to welcome a special Smithsonian Institution work exhibit to the community in February, the Kingdom of Callaway Chamber of Commerce’s banquet will be honoring long-standing, area businesses.

Holts Summit set to attract new business

The city received welcome news for economic development just in time for Christmas. The Missouri Department of Economic Development announced Friday that Holts Summit had been designated an Enhanced Enterprise Zone.

Adjustments in water, sewer rates to be considered at New Bloomfield

After reviewing costs and expenses for 2011, the Board of Aldermen decided Thursday night to consider a possible 2012 increase in city water and sewer rates.

Library to host ‘Winter Wonderland’

Area parents looking for something to do with their children over the holiday break this week need look no further than the Callaway County Public Library in Fulton.

Missouri Bar proposes Criminal Code revisions

When the regular session of the Missouri General Assembly convenes Jan. 4, one of the issues to be considered is a proposal by the Missouri Bar to overhaul the state’s criminal code.

Blue Jays’ rally comes up short in Cornell loss

MOUNT VERNON, Iowa — The Westminster College Blue Jays fell behind by 18 points at halftime and were unable to complete a second-half comeback in bowing to Cornell College 89-80 on Thursday night.

Cole County murder suspects caught

The two men wanted in connection with the shooting death of a man in an Apache Flats mobile home park on Sunday night are now in custody.

County tax deadline looms

Callaway County Collector Pam J. Oestreich said Thursday about half of all county real estate and property taxes have been paid.

Local agencies prepare to welcome Smithsonian exhibit to Fulton

Work is underway in preparation for a special work exhibit that will come to the county in February.

Seven Callaway groups receive food from Columbia food bank

Seven Callaway County agencies are among the 135 hunger relief groups that receive free food from the Columbia-based Food Bank of Central and Northeast Missouri.

Bustamante trial to be held in new federal courthouse

Trial delayed 3 more weeks, until Jan. 30, 2012

Celia speaker: Racism still here

Racism still exists today. That was the message of the guest speaker at Wednesday night’s 7th Annual Celia Memorial program.

Arrest made after Auxvasse stand-off

A man intruding into a house that had a standing restraining order against him resulted in a three-hour stand-off with police Tuesday night.

‘Boot Camp’ offered on Medicare choices

Residents nearing 65 targeted for seminar

Callaway County residents nearing age 65 and retirement will have an opportunity on Jan. 12 to learn what they need to know about signing up for various Medicare choices.

Fire damages garage at Fulton assisted living facility

No one was injured during a fire at 12:38 a.m. Wednesday in a garage next to an assisted living facility at 1001 Granite Court in Fulton leased to Finck & Associates, Inc.

NB show rider competes across continents

Showing horses had always taken Morgan Brison places. The 17-year-old from New Bloomfield has traveled all over the central U.S. with her American Saddlebreds, competing in about 10 shows a year.

Class puts old computers to good use

Computer technology students at North Callaway High School have come up with a way to find old computers a home.

Lady Wildcats hold on for win over S. Boone

ASHLAND — New Bloomfield sophomore guard Bethany Craighead tallied 12 points to direct a balanced attack Tuesday night as the Lady Wildcats outlasted Southern Boone 43-41.

Two charged in Cole Co. murder investigation

Two men from California, Missouri have been charged in connection with the murder of a man in an Apache Flats mobile home park on Sunday night.

Pay raise planned for county employees

A 2 percent pay raise for Callaway County employees is likely to be included when the county’s more than $7 million 2012 budget is approved later this week, Presiding Commissioner Gary Jungermann said Tuesday.

Fitzwater to run for Missouri House seat

Travis Fitzwater, a pharmaceutical association executive and Callaway County Republican Central Committee secretary, Tuesday declared his intention to become a Callaway County candidate for the Missouri House.

NRC receives application to renew nuclear license for Callaway plant

Ameren Missouri revealed Tuesday it is seeking a 20-year extension of its license to operate a nuclear reactor at the Callaway Energy Center south of Fulton.

Fulton firefighters extinguish residential blaze

The Fulton Fire Department responded early Wednesday to 1001 Granite Court to fight a residential structure fire.

Shooting hardships shackle Lady Hornets in loss

The Fulton Lady Hornets shot a dismal 25 percent (9-of-36) in Tuesday night’s 54-30 loss loss to the Eldon Lady Mustangs.

Ameren Missouri Submits Callaway Nuclear Plant License Renewal Application

Press Release

NRC Approval Would Extend Operating License to 2044

Learning continues after school with new North Callaway program

Building with Legos, playing the guitar or cooking a four-course meal may not be possible during the average school day. But all of these activities are now offered through North Callaway’s Partners in Learning Afterschool Program.

Riddle to seek new Missouri Senate seat

After recent redistricting of the Missouri General Assembly, Rep. Jeanie Riddle, R-Mokane, has decided to become a candidate next year for the new Missouri Senate 7th District instead of her current Missouri House district.

Luetkemeyer opposes rule affecting agriculture employment

A new farm labor rule proposed by the Obama Administration has prompted strong opposition from Rep. Blaine Luetkemeyer, who represents Callaway County in Congress.

T-Birds stop losing skid with road win at Vandalia

Losers of their previous three games, the North Callaway Thunderbirds went into the holiday break on a decidedly more positive note. On the backs of a pair of double-digit scorers, the T-Birds went on the road and came away with a win, dispatching Van-Far 56-28 on Monday night.

Celia event to focus on contemporary racism

For the past six years, Fulton State Hospital’s Cultural Competence Council has marked the anniversary of the death of Celia, a Fulton slave who was executed after being convicted of the murder of her owner.

Community to build home for injured Marine’s family

Organizers: Campaign has raised $30,000 so far

Since the word of Lance Cpl. Tyler Huffman’s injuries and needs have spread, at least two communities — Fulton and Jefferson City — have rallied to support the young Marine and his family.

Putting ‘good behavior’ to work: Students Christmas shop at school

With a line usually stretching out the library and into the hallway, students have remarked their shopping at the Ticket Store reminds them of Black Friday.

Group argues prison populations results in unbalanced wards

The Fulton City Council is set to hear and vote on a second reading of a bill that reorganizes the city’s wards based on results of the 2010 U.S. Census.

Hornets dismantle Bowling Green 72-48

Senior forwards Jake Nickelson and Nick Seelinger scored 23 and 20 points, respectively, in vaulting Fulton to a 72-48 decimation of the Bowling Green Bobcats at Roger D. Davis Gymnasium on Saturday afternoon.

Lady Hornets unable to match Kirksville’s pace in 61-36 loss

The Fulton Lady Hornets had a specific idea of how they wanted to play the visiting Kirksville Lady Tigers, and that was low. In fact, the lower the score, the better her team’s chances were, according to first-year head coach TJ Quick.

Needy Callaway youngsters Shop With A Cop

Event attracts 42 kids to annual shopping trip

With lights flashing and sirens screaming, a procession of 40 emergency vehicles roared through downtown Fulton early Saturday morning on the way to Fulton’s Walmart for the annual Shop With A Cop event.

KPI director encourages residents to reduce trash, recycle Christmas scraps

Once the holiday hubbub is over and empty Christmas morning gift boxes and wrapping paper are strewn around the house, it may be time to look into clean-up options.

NoCal district to purchase new bus

KINGDOM CITY — North Callaway voted to purchase a new school bus Thursday evening to replace a bus that was totaled in a collision last month.

SoCal school board talks maintenance

MOKANE — School maintenance was one of the main topics at the South Callaway Board of Education meeting Wednesday night.

Fair Tax supporters, opponents speak to NB Board of Education

Representatives supporting and opposing the Missouri Fair Tax constitutional initiative petition scheduled to be circulated next year spoke Wednesday night during a meeting of the New Bloomfield R-III Board of Education.

Three injured in crash near Mokane

Three Mokane residents were injured in a two-car collision in Callaway County just east of Mokane Wednesday afternoon.

Grand opening

Fulton Fire Department Chief Dean Buffington (center) and Mayor LeRoy Benton (right) cut a ribbon Thursday signifying the opening of the new Fulton Fire Station on Tennyson Road.

No. 10 Tigers bury Kennesaw State

Ratliffe, Dixon finish with 18 apiece, Missouri shoots 60 percent as team

Ricardo Ratliffe and Michael Dixon had 18 points each and No. 10 Missouri shot 60 percent from the field in a 104-67 rout of Kennesaw State on Thursday night.

Probe shows IndyCar driver Whedon killed when head hit post

Dan Wheldon was killed when his head hit a post in the fencing at Las Vegas Motor Speedway — contact that created a “non-survivable injury” to the two-time Indianapolis 500 winner.

Ladybirds trample Wellsville, pick up fourth straight victory

KINGDOM CITY — Sophomore guard Jaida Gray connected for a game-high 19 points, including three 3-pointers, to help power the surging North Callaway Ladybirds to a 60-29 romp over Wellsville on Thursday night.

Chiefs trying to figure way to stop Rodgers

KANSAS CITY, Mo. (AP) — The play has become a Green Bay Packers staple: Aaron Rodgers drops back, lofts a pass down the sideline and one of his talented receivers turns around at precisely the right time and hauls it in around the unsuspecting cornerback.

High School All-State 2011 accolades

Fulton High School students Austin Moore, Genevieve Randall, Fern Stevermer and Anna Fink are recognized for their achievements in band. On Dec. 3, more than 1,200 students auditioned for the Missouri All-State Band in Columbia at Hickman High School. Genevieve Randall and Austin Moore were selected to the Missouri All-State Band, and Fern Stevermer and Anna Fink were selected to the All-State Honorable Mention Band.

Postal Service delays action on closing area post offices

A five-month delay has been ordered on possible closure of three Callaway County post offices.

Fulton couple wins $50,000 with Power Play

A Fulton couple received an unexpected holiday bonus over the weekend.

Flashing traffic lights sought near NB school

Flashing traffic lights to inform motorists they are entering a school zone are needed along Missouri J in front of the elementary school, the New Bloomfield R-3 Board of Education was told Wednesday night.

Auditor to Fulton Public Schools: ‘Best report I’ve given this year’

It is nothing new for the Fulton Public Schools district to receive a good review during its annual audit report, but the presentation of the 2010-11 audit was particularly positive.

Use of OATS buses increases in15-county Mid-Missouri region

As the economy declines and travel costs climb, use of alternate transportation services such as OATS have been increasing.

Fulton ‘b-boy’ aspires to break into dancing competitions

Nicholas Davis still remembers the day and circumstance that turned him on to break dancing.

JC school bus involved in minor accident

A bus carrying 39 Jefferson City Public School students was involved in what district officials described as a minor accident Wednesday morning.

Hamilton, Lady Hornets triumph in home opener

Senior forward Corri Hamilton registered a double-double Wednesday night, delivering 22 points and 11 rebounds to spark the Fulton Lady Hornets to a 46-29 romp over Montgomery County at Roger D. Davis Gymnasium.

Auxvasse increases rates to help fund water, sewer project

Residents here may see an increase on their water and sewer bill as soon as February.

Senior Expo set Jan. 19 at YMCA

Event to feature booths, seminars, entertainment

For the first time, Fulton will have a Senior Expo on Jan. 19 to showcase information and services available to older adults in Callaway County. The new event expands on a similar Strategies for Aging event last Aug. 18 at the Callaway Senior Center.

Blown arresters lead to brief electrical outage

Lack of power causes FHS to release early

City officials attributed a brief power outage in the northeast section of Fulton Tuesday afternoon to a pair of blown arresters behind Moser’s.

Christmas and trains — a nostalgic connection

While Christmas and trains would appear to have little in common, that hasn’t stopped the two from being romantically linked for almost as long as trains have been around.

Comparing babies: normal, blind and deaf are all different

I think the next two articles, part one and two, will help you understand better the way deaf people that are born deaf experience the “beginning of the life.”

Bulldogs bump off Thunderbirds behind fourth-quarter rally

KINGDOM CITY — To commemorate the rivalry game with the South Callaway Bulldogs, the North Callaway student section chose to employ the “10-point Silent Night.”

Eighth-grade Hornets suffer 44-28 setback at Kirksville

KIRKSVILLE — James Pittman responded with 15 points in the Fulton Middle School eighth-grade Hornets’ 44-28 loss to Kirksville on Tuesday night.

High school fire causes minimal damage

Tuesday afternoon’s power outage at Fulton High School was inadvertently also the cause of a fire at the school a few hours later.

Adopt-a-Family program meets needs of all

As Julie Roark sat entering successfully delivered Adopt-a-Family presents into her computer Monday afternoon, it was with a particularly bright smile.

UW at 61 percent of 2011 goal of $260,000

The Callaway County United Way has collected almost two-thirds of its 2011 fund-raising goal of $260,000.

Authorities seek suspect who fled after patrol chase

Central Missouri law enforcement authorities are seeking a man who fled from a patrol chase Saturday and trying to learn why another man was lying in a street before a car ran over him on Sunday.

Callaway football players earn all-state nods

Both North and South Callaway landed three players on the Missouri High School Football Coaches Association all-state team.

Ladybirds down rival Lady Bulldogs

KINGDOM CITY — Ladybirds sophomore guard Jaida Gray poured in a game-high 15 points as North Callaway continued its hot start to the season.

Ex-deputy suspected of shooting ex-wife, boyfriend

A former rural Missouri sheriff's deputy is suspected of killing his ex-wife and her new boyfriend before leading officers on a high-speed chase that ended with a shootout at a Jefferson City hotel hosting a Christmas party for hundreds of doctors, nurses and their families, authorities said Sunday.

Mallinckrodt named new director for SERVE

SERVE, Inc. has a new executive director, just in time for the new year.

Commissioners to seek budget authority, cell phone tax

Authority to reduce annual county budgets when revenue falls short and more funding for county 911 emergency services are two of the major legislative proposals to be sought by statewide county commissioners when the Missouri General Assembly convenes next month.

Kritzer elected as new president of statewide county commissioners

Callaway County Western District Commissioner Doc Kritzer has been elected as president of the County Commissioners Association of Missouri.

Steedman hunter uses ingenuity to bag his deer

Covered in camouflage, sitting quietly in the thick of the woods for an unsuspecting deer to walk past, Brian Cheney waits.

Progress in Millersburg homicide investigation slow, but continues

Three months after her body was found in her home, the investigation into the murder of local resident Deborah A. Bates still continues at a steady — if slow — pace.

Fulton man arrested on DWI, drug charges

A Fulton man was taken into custody early Saturday morning after he was found passed out behind the wheel of his car.

Murder suspect shot in hotel lobby

An alleged murder suspect was shot in the lobby of the Capitol Plaza Hotel on Saturday night in Jefferson City.

Judges replace new state Senate districts with newer map

The six-judge panel charged with drawing new House and Senate district boundaries for the Missouri Legislature on Friday filed a revised Senate plan with Secretary of State Robin Carnahan, replacing the map released Nov. 30.

Christmas tree lighting in Holts Summit

The North School Notables serenade the crowd with a Christmas carol medley just before the Holts Summit Christmas Tree Lighting Thursday evening, at Hibernia Station Park. This is the first year for the ceremony which officials said they hope to make an annual event.

Volunteer: Christmas meal makes workers feel like family

Workers at Kingdom Projects, Inc., received a taste of Christmas a little early.

Fulton man wins $750,000 playing state Lottery game

Spencer Coffman, a 63-year-old Fulton resident, finally hit a big prize playing Missouri Lottery scratcher games.

Local group offers youth New Years alternative

Organizers of Youth on Up are offering Callaway County teens a safe way to party this holiday season.

T-Birds ride third-quarter run to victory

CENTRALIA — The eighth-seeded North Callaway Thunderbirds staged a 13-0 run in overcoming a third-quarter deficit in Thursday night’s 66-58 victory over No. 5 Macon in the consolation semifinals of the Centralia Tournament.

Lawmakers’ new congressional districts hold up in legal challenge

The lawyers who filed two lawsuits challenging the Legislature’s plan for redrawing Missouri’s congressional map, based on the 2010 U.S. Census, said they plan to appeal quickly to the Missouri Supreme Court.

Pujols to the Angels

Pujols to the Angles

Reindeer in action

Members of Fulton High School’s theater group The Rising Stars perform the play “If You Give a Reindeer a Gingerbread” Wednesday afternoon for kindergartners and first-graders from Bartley Elementary School. The play will also be performed at 7 p.m. Dec. 13. Admission is $2.

South Callaway students help out Joplin cohorts

In the spirit of the season of giving, the third grades at South Callaway Elementary School have a tradition of performing a community service project in place of exchanging gifts before the holiday break.

Xpress Mart comes to Bluff Street

Despite cold temperatures Wednesday, construction crews were pouring concrete footings for a new convenience store that will be located at the corner of North Bluff and 13th streets.

Roller-skating Auxvasse teen takes fourth place at world championship

Last month Emma Trent attained a life-long goal — to skate on the World Team USA.

Special tree to honor lost loved ones

The holidays are a time for friends and family, which in turn often brings up memories of loved ones who are no longer with us.

Fulton man’s signs violate city code

Wanting to bring attention to his cause, Jason Houston set two large, painted signs out in front of his house. What he did not expect was the City of Fulton to send him a notice telling him to remove the signs, because they violated sections of the city’s sign ordinance.

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