Shop LocalThursday, June 30
Flood impact varies in county
Flooding starts to become a major problem in Callaway County when the flood stage on the Missouri River at Jefferson City reaches 30 feet, says Callaway County Western District Commissioner Doc Kritzer.
Old CEC building could cure FPD growing pains
If the Fulton City Council approves purchase of the former Callaway Electric Cooperative building, the police department will finally have all the room it needs.
Famed bluegrass group to appear at NB music fest
For the first time, the New Bloomfield Lions Club is offering a Bluegrass & Gospel Music Festival on Saturday, July 9, at the New Bloomfield Lions Club field.
Bass, challenge continue to lure local anglers
Twenty years ago, Daryl Dzurick got an old bass boat as a birthday present from his wife.
Auxvasse resident challenges city over mobile-home ordinance
AUXVASSE — For the first time since its inception, Auxvasse’s current zoning ordinance is being challenged by a resident who refuses to move his mobile home outside of city limits.
Trial date set in Plunkett murder case
Sandra Plunkett, 37, Holts Summit, is scheduled to go to trial on Oct. 4 in Callaway County.
Callaway farmers ‘plant’ crops, ‘pray’ levees hold
TEBBETTS — There is a magic number for the Smart Brothers Farms along Highway 94. That number, 27 feet, is when flooding from the Missouri River will begin to occur on the land they have farmed for generations.
Wednesday, June 29
County delays decision on sandbagging
A plan to begin filling sandbags to help protect Callaway County homes and buildings from the rising Missouri River was postponed Tuesday after a flood stage crest prediction was lowered.
Animal Control Committee to host community forums
Fulton’s Animal Control Committee has spent months developing a new, stronger ordinance for the city in response to a series of dog attacks.
Auxvasse discusses sewer system dilemma
AUXVASSE — The city’s sewer system was broached more than once during Tuesday night’s regular Auxvasse Board of Aldermen meeting.
City intends to buy old CEC building for FPD
The City of Fulton took the first step toward a new police station Tuesday night when the City Council approved first reading of an ordinance authorizing the purchase of the former Callaway Electric Cooperative building.
2 people hurt in one-vehicle accidents
Two people were injured in separate one-car accidents Monday in Callaway County.
Tuesday, June 28
Man pleads guilty to defrauding Fulton bank, others of $8 million
Kevin Ray Asbury, 44, a former Howard County man, pleaded guilty in federal court in Jefferson City Monday to operating two cattle fraud Ponzi schemes in which 28 victims, including The Callaway Bank of Fulton, were bilked of nearly $8 million.
Gas line ruptured; second this month
Fulton firemen blocked off an area along Sixth Street between Market and Bluff streets at 2:45 p.m. Monday after a city natural gas line was ruptured by a crew installing an underground telephone cable.
Local woman, 73, injured in motorcycle mishap
A Fulton woman was injured Sunday afternoon when the motorcycle she was riding as a passenger ran off the road on Route K in Callaway County.
FHS library facelift to create ‘study-like atmosphere’
Libraries are known to be quiet places of reading, but without an enclosed area, the Fulton High School Library and Media Center has been open to all the hallway noise of students’ comings and goings.
Clogged storm drain causes early morning flood in Fulton
After an early morning rain, a clogged storm drain caused a surprise street flood Monday along Erik Place in Fulton.
Monday, June 27
Flood planning continues
With daily water level checks, plans for sandbagging and sheltering agreements in place, Callaway County Emergency Management Director Michelle Kidwell said the county is as close to being prepared for the looming threat of major flooding along the Missouri River as possible.
Locals recall ‘great flood of 1993’ as they brace for rising water
PORTLAND — Eighteen years ago, Loretta Mize spent a week stranded with her 4-year-old granddaughter and her mother-in-law when the Missouri River rose up over its banks just a few hundred meters away, leaving her home surrounded by water.
Sunday, June 26
Experiences from 1993 help 2011 flood planning
Melva Fast got her first job with Jefferson City’s government because of the record-setting Floods of 1993.
Local school is adopting a Joplin classroom
While many people consider schools safe havens, the massive tornado that ripped apart as much as 30 percent of Joplin did not spare the brightly decorated classrooms where children just had weeks to go to finish the school year.
Friday, June 24
City to smoke sewer lines
After several years of issues with storm water in Fulton’s sewer treatment system, the city will be conducting smoke tests of the lines in an attempt to locate the source of the problem.
Officers will race to raise funds for Special Olympics
Traditionally, police officers are supposed to stop speeders, but in a special event next month, they will be the ones speeding.
Tebbetts Community Picnic starts today, runs through Sunday
A Tebbetts’ tradition that started in 1948 continues as the community gears up for its annual picnic.
Thursday, June 23
Presentation stresses disaster preparedness
A short program at the Callaway Senior Center Wednesday afternoon reiterated a message that has been heard frequently during the last few months: Be prepared.
Clothing re-sale store helps fund Kingdom Projects
Diana Bartlett, of Fulton, browses through the T-shirts for sale Wednesday at the re-sale shop located inside Kingdom Projects, Inc. She was wearing a shirt she bought at the thrift shop the day before and now was back for another.
City officials advise caution for legal sales, shooting of fireworks
Few things invoke thoughts of the Fourth of July like the boom and flash of fireworks.
Olten family: Bustamante confession gone
Elizabeth Olten’s family “is devastated over the loss of the confession,” spokeswoman Pam Cafourek said Wednesday, one day after Cole County Presiding Circuit Judge Patricia Joyce suppressed some evidence in the state’s case against Alyssa Bustamante.
Wednesday, June 22
Program to prepare seniors for disasters
With one of the worst tornado seasons in recent memory striking across the country during the past several months, natural disasters have been a major topic of discussion; both dealing with the aftermath, and how to prepare for them.
Westminster quartet on road trip for school
Some summer road trips start with a group of a friends, a car and no sort of plan but to just drive.
Judge Grants Motion to Suppress Evidence in Bustamante Case
Motions were heard in judge's chambers this week
Fulton man arrested on burglary charges
A Fulton man was arrested Tuesday morning after items stolen from a Center Street residence were found in his possession.
Auction to benefit historical society
A copy of “Kings Row,” a six-volume set on Abraham Lincoln, a vase featuring a painting of the old Fulton High School, a commemorative Wedgwood plate, framed prints, an 1884 “History of Callaway County.”
McIntire to offer daily dose of healthy snacks
Though children are often told at home to “eat your vegetables,” now those who attend McIntire Elementary may start hearing the same at school.
New CEO pushes Fulton hospital projects forward
Callaway Community Hospital appointed a new chief executive officer this month.
Sandbagging begins around thrift store
They’ve seen what can happen when flash flooding reaches their building. And with the threat of long-term flooding taking place, officials at the Salvation Army Thrift Store on Michigan Street are not wanting to take any chances.
Tuesday, June 21
Black lab wins canine mayor spot
Please put your paws together for Chevy, a dog that has something to bark about after results came in from the canine mayor race. The 12-year-old black labrador was chosen to be the next canine mayor of Fulton.
FPS, YMCA see low turnout for summer food program
With approximately 50 percent of students in the Fulton Public Schools eligible for free and reduced lunch and high participation in the weekend backpack food program, district officials expected participation in its 2011 Summer Food Program to be high.
Harsh weather did not dampen Street Fair spirit
Mother Nature doled out a severe thunderstorm and high winds late Friday night and into the early morning hours of Saturday, causing a chaotic mess for Fulton Street Fair committee members and vendors.
Plunkett attends change of venue hearing
Sandra Plunkett, 37, Holts Summit, appeared in court Monday for the first time since her initial arraignment...
IAEA chief: Nuclear safety must be improved
The head of the International Atomic Energy Agency on Tuesday urged a worldwide safety review...
Corps may dump more water - rains create flooding hazards on Missouri River
Continuing rains in Montana and the Dakotas — on top of an already record-level snowpack this past winter — means the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers may have to release even more water through the Upper Missouri River dams before the year is over, Brig. Gen. John McMahon said during a Jefferson City meeting Monday morning.
Monday, June 20
Private eye tells homeless man of inheritance
A homeless Utah man and delivered some good news: He's inherited a lot of money.
Mule Auction attracts 18 mules, large crowd
The eighth annual Fulton Street Fair Mule Auction on the west side of the Callaway County Courthouse attracted a big crowd and 18 mules that were auctioned Friday evening in Fulton.
Moser’s wins Mule Derby
Moser’s Supermarket rolled to victory in the annual Mule Derby Friday evening at the eighth annual Fulton Street Fair.
Lavy's are a baseball-loving bunch
Family leans on the game and each other as the patriarch fights a life-changing illness
This is what Denny Lavy gets most of his joy in life out of — a night at the ball field. On this Tuesday he parks himself in the bleachers of the Lincoln University baseball diamond to watch two of his sons — 20-year old Zane and 17-year old Zach — play baseball.
Change of venue asked in Plunkett murder case
An attorney for Sandra Plunkett, 37, Holts Summit, who is accused of murdering her husband on New Year’s Day, has asked the Callaway County Circuit Court for a change of venue.
Family fun at Fulton Street Fair
The winner Saturday of the Fulton City Council’s Best Church/Youth Award in the 2011 Fulton Street Parade is the joint entry from six Callaway County 4-H Clubs.
Saturday, June 18
New Bloomfield to Celebrate America
The city of New Bloomfield is asking area residents, especially veterans, to come and Celebrate America.
Friday, June 17
Fulton man charged with bank robbery
The U.S. Attorney said a Fulton man was charged in federal court Thursday with robbing the Sun Security Bank in Weaubleau, Mo.
Locker room project bids come back high
When the Facilities Solution Group developed plans and specifications for the addition of a girls’ locker room at the Fulton Middle School, they failed to account for moving utilities for the new space.
Visitors to England ‘follow the footsteps of Winston Churchill’
Winston Churchill fans and history buffs recently returned from a trip to England where they learned about the man who left such an impact in Fulton back in 1946.
Research unveils curious history of Callaway County seat swapping
In early spring, 1821, several of Callaway County’s most prominent, early residents met to discharge the duty specifically delegated to them by Missouri’s legislature to create and locate the county’s first “seat of justice.”
Can’t hardly wait for Fulton Street Fair
LaCheyla Curry, 9, and Brianna Brandt, 8, (front), both of Fulton, point out the prizes they hope to win during the carnival.
Thursday, June 16
City likely to raise animal control fees
As the City of Fulton continues on its quest to strengthen its animal control laws, the planning and protective services department and the animal control committee also have been working to update its schedule of fees for some of those services.
Mexico woman recovers from stroke, ready to strut in Fulton 5K
Diane Maxwell set a goal last fall to walk in a 5K. This Saturday, she is going to walk the 5K during the Fulton Street Fair.
County creates proactive plan against Missouri River flooding
With the threat of Missouri River flooding looming this summer along Callaway County’s southern border, County officials met Wednesday morning to create a proactive plan to help save lives and property of Callaway County residents living along the river.
Wednesday, June 15
Mother alleges district failed to stop sexual harassment, bullying
A Fulton mother alleges in a federal lawsuit that school officials did not take proper steps to stop two of her children from being bullied and sexually harassed while they were on the high school’s wrestling team. The lawsuit was filed June 9 in U.S. District Court for Western Missouri.
Fulton receives clean audit
The City of Fulton once again has received a clean audit — and compliments for its financial staff.
Visiting church group makes Callaway focus of its mission of service
If Fulton and Callaway County residents notice crews of young people working throughout the area over the next week, they likely are viewing participants in Knox Presbyterian Church’s Go & Serve program.
Concern over officer safety leads Auxvasse to better radio system
After Callaway County dispatch could not hear an officer with the Auxvasse Police Department radio back his position for back-up during a foot pursuit, the lack of a reliable radio extender became a matter of officer safety.
Holts Summit will seek enterprise zone
The Holts Summit Board of Aldermen on Monday approved the development of an application for an Enhanced Enterprise Zone to encourage job growth and business investment in the city.
Tuesday, June 14
Plunkett pleads not guilty in husband’s death
Sandra Plunkett, 37, Holts Summit, pleaded not guilty but did not appear in Callaway County Circuit Court Monday for her scheduled arraignment on a first-degree murder charge.
13 county groups lose IRS tax exempt status
Thirteen Callaway County organizations have lost their tax exempt status from the United States Internal Revenue Service (IRS).
NoCal district passes budget, unfreezes teachers’ salaries
After having to freeze teachers’ salaries due to budget constraints last school year, the North Callaway Board of Education members were pleased to pass the 2011-12 budget that allows for pay increases again.
Committee nearing end of quest to put more ‘teeth’ in animal ordinance
After weeks of meetings and in-depth discussions, Fulton’s dog committee is nearing the end of its quest to strengthen the city’s animal control ordinance.
Monday, June 13
Noel not too young to lead Relay for Life team
As she stood and addressed cancer survivors, cancer caregivers and the 30 some-odd Relay for Life teams at McClure Field on Friday, event chair Mindy Noel couldn’t help but get a little choked up talking about one team — and team captain — in particular.
Home-schoolers: Learning at home does not equal shortage of social skills
During his freshman year at Rockhurst University, Gabriel Jones conducted a research project for his psychology class that studied public, private and home school students’ perceptions of each other.
Volunteers: Joplin ‘devastated’ but ‘resilient’
Between them they have 20 years of experience as Red Cross disaster volunteers.
Friday, June 10
One Read pick ‘fascinating’
In 1951, doctors at Johns Hopkins Hospital in Baltimore took tissue samples from a young black woman dying of cancer — without her knowledge — and used them to create the first lab-grown human cells.
Religion tops list of reasons for home education
When prayer was banned in public schools and the teaching of evolution took hold, some might have proclaimed it a victory for forward-thinking.
Benton speaks on need of community members to serve one another
After a biscuits and gravy breakfast, Fulton Mayor LeRoy Benton gave an address on supporting and serving fellow community members Thursday morning at the annual Mayor’s Prayer Breakfast.
Thursday, June 9
Choice to teach children at home fits for some area families
Instead of boarding a bus in the early morning hours to spend the bulk of her day in a classroom, Lydia Mason simply has to walk into another room to do her studies. Lydia, 10, is a home-schooler.
Fulton Street Fair is ‘about getting together and having a good time’
With the ice cream social to kick it off, the ever-popular Callaway Cup “mule” derby, the 5k race, live entertainment all weekend long, a host of child- and family-friendly games and, of course, the carnival rides, the 2011 Fulton Street Fair is set up to follow the same successful formula it has followed since its inception in 2004.
4 sustain injuries in recent crashes
Four individuals recently sustained injuries in four separate car accidents that occurred in Callaway County.
MoDOT cuts approved
Just five weeks after it was introduced to the public and the six-member Missouri Highways and Transportation Commission, commissioners on Wednesday unanimously approved a proposal to “right-size” the state Transportation Department.
Wednesday, June 8
Each food vendor will feature specialty item at Street Fair
Don’t bother making plans to cook on Friday and Saturday June 17-18. Just come downtown for the annual Fulton Street Fair where a wide array of tasty food will be offered.
Mokane braces for possible flooding
The usual discussion topics of sewer bills and financial reports were pushed to the side by more pressing concerns as the local water co-operative and city council talked about impending flooding on the Missouri River during their regular meetings Monday night.
Tuesday, June 7
MASC hosts carnival, duck race at WWU
Face-painting, food and fun is on the agenda for this year’s Free Children’s Carnival.
Water use changes proposed for Callaway streams
The Missouri Department of Natural Resources (MDNR) has some recreational regulations in mind for waterways in Callaway County and throughout Missouri but wants to hear comments from Missourians before imposing waterway restrictions.
Relay for Life brings in more teams for June 10 event
Purple ribbons wrapped around utility poles in Fulton remind residents that it is once again Relay for Life time.
Street Fair vendors to offer variety of gifts, services
In addition to such major attractions as the annual mule auction and race, visitors to the 2011 Fulton Street Fair June 17-18 can also check out the more than 80 vendor booths offering not only tasty food and snacks but also a wide variety of gifts and services.
Holts Summit family loses home to arson
A family here is now homeless after their home was destroyed by fire early Saturday morning. Authorities have ruled the fire as arson.
Monday, June 6
Meeting Monday on flood insurance changes
City, county, state and federal officials will have a public hearing Monday on proposed changes in flood plain maps that affect federal flood insurance.
Plunkett does not appear in court, attorney waives preliminary hearing
For the fourth consecutive time, Sandra G. Plunkett, 37, of Holts Summit did not appear in Callaway County Associate Circuit Court for her scheduled preliminary hearing on a first-degree murder charge.
Mule auction set June 17 during Fulton Street Fair
A tradition steeped in Callaway County history will be observed on June 17 when the annual Fulton Street Fair Mule Auction gets underway.
Prior planning eases task of rebuilding personal records
Missouri has been hit hard by tornadoes and flooding this spring and more flooding is predicted along the Missouri River.
Sunday, June 5
Holmes Brigade re-enactors will relive Union takeover of Jefferson City
An attempt to overtake a federal arsenal in St. Louis failed. Subsequently, Union troops fired upon citizens rioting there after southern-sympathizing militia were arrested.
Saturday, June 4
Our Opinion: Water Patrol plans sobering emphasis at the lake
Sobriety checkpoints for boaters at the Lake of the Ozarks this month are a timely reminder of the dangers of boating while intoxicated.
Friday, June 3
Our Opinion: Activities offer summer fun for youngsters
“There’s nothing to do” no longer is a valid complaint from children during summer months.
3 arrested for auto theft in Fulton
Three young Callaway County men were arrested Thursday afternoon after they were caught driving a vehicle that had been reported stolen just minutes earlier. Two of the men also face drug charges.
Library summer reading program to feature travel
Daniel Boone Regional Library’s 2011 summer reading programs will try to prove true the lesson a generation of readers learned from “Reading Rainbow”: That through reading, “I can go anywhere. ... Take a look, it’s in a book.”
Wildcats become state’s most successful baseball program
It seems only fitting that on a record-setting day, the New Bloomfield Wildcats set records all over the place.
Wildcats do just fine in Talbot’s absence
Thursday started with the talk being about the New Bloomfield coaching situation.
Miss Callaway pageant seeks next queen
Usually held in July as its own event, this year the Miss Callaway County Queen pageant will be featured at the Fulton Street Fair.
Thursday, June 2
Our Opinion: Build upon foundation of benevolence
The effort to assist tornado-ravaged Joplin has been commendable on every level — from individuals and communities, from organizations and businesses, from state and federal governments.
Calwood neighbors circulate wanted photo of trespassers
Callaway County neighbors in the Calwood area are circulating a “Wanted!” poster showing a blurred photo of two people riding a four-wheeler pulling a trailer.
Clothes Cupboard to get makeover
With a little help from friends, SERVE, Inc. will spend the month of June renovating the Clothes Cupboard thrift store.
Callaway event to host pirate, steampunk festivals
It may be surrounded by farmland, but a small fairground just outside Kingdom City soon will be host to clanging swords, dashing air captains, flying arrows, gypsy dancers, clever minstrels, Nerf gun battles and even fire dancers.
Calwood couple celebrates 70 years of marriage
Seventy years ago Leland and Helen Austin took their vows at what was called Otterbein Church.
Talbot’s ejection sparks Wildcats
Brandon Talbot stood under a tree. Just north of Talbot on the baseball diamond at Meador Park, he saw his team: jubilant, relieved and victorious. The New Bloomfield Wildcats had just punched their ticket to the Class 2 state championship game.
One-block area evacuated after gas line cut
Homes and businesses in a one-block area of Fulton were evacuated Wednesday after a workman operating a directional drill for a firm hired by AT&T to relocate copper telephone lines along St. Louis Avenue in Fulton accidentally cut a city-owned four-inch natural gas main.
Wednesday, June 1
Homeland Security panel requests equipment for Central Missouri
The Area F Regional Homeland Security Oversight Committee has requested generators, hazardous material equipment and other emergency equipment costing a total of $570,135 to be used during a natural disaster or terrorist attack in Central Missouri.
Ambulance, crew from Callaway to assist Joplin
A three-man emergency crew and one advanced life support ambulance from the Callaway County Ambulance District in Fulton were deployed Monday to Joplin to assist ambulance service personnel.
Couple shares experience as missionaries in Alaska
For two years now, Brian and Debbie Love have braved the cold Alaska winters — temperatures sometimes dropping as low -70 degrees — to serve the people in Shungnak.
Wildcats look to put historic touch on legacy
The connection between the town of New Bloomfield and the game of baseball is a deep one.
Ex-teammates Talbot, Minner set to square off
Brandon Talbot quickly dismissed Michael Minner during their initial encounter.
Group works to ensure area residents are prepared for disaster, response
It may sound dramatic, but in an emergency situation, being prepared can mean the difference between life and death.
