Stories for June 2012

Large crowd shops for bargains during book sale at county library

A large crowd of bargain book shoppers jammed the Friends Room Saturday at the Callaway County Public Library in Fulton to select books to buy for summer reading.

No Child Left Behind federal school standards end in Missouri

Fulton school superintendent supports change

Callaway County public schools and other schools throughout Missouri no longer will be required to meet tough education standards set by the federal No Child Left Behind law.

Holts Summit cancels public fireworks display

Dry conditions force cancellation

7th annual vintage tractor drive to hit Readsville, Portland in August

The Kingdom of Callaway Historical Society’s seventh annual Callaway Vintage Tractor Drive is set for Aug. 25, this year covering an approximately 30-mile route in the Readsville and Portland areas.

North Callaway firefighter burned in tractor fire Saturday

A North Callaway Fire Protection District firefighter sustained second and third-degree burns while responding to a tractor fire off State Road YY near Williamsburg June 23.

High grade pot, other drugs seized in raid

Two Holts Summit residents are free on $65,500 bond each after they were arrested Wednesday night during a drug raid resulting in the seizure of a large amount of marijuana and other drugs valued at almost $39,000.

Burn ban imposed in Fulton

Fire Department acts based on fire hazard

Because of current hot and dry conditions, a citywide burn ban for Fulton has been ordered by the Fulton Fire Department.

High court upholds key part of Obama health law

The Supreme Court has upheld the individual insurance requirement at the heart of President Barack Obama’s health care overhaul.

Fulton loses Good Samaritan

Family, friends: When in need, ‘call Ben’

“In the same way, let your light shine before others, so that they may see your good works and give glory to your Father who is in heaven.” —Matthew 5:16 Whether rebuilding the neighbor’s porch, assisting a disabled parishioner in and out of church, putting out a fire in someone’s home, helping with Sunday School or representing his neighbors on the city council, according to those who knew and loved him, the late Ben Phillips’ light shone very brightly indeed.

Japanese beetles now in Callaway County

Pest arrived 3 weeks early

Most people aren’t aware that Japanese beetles are now in Callaway County but they are all around us, says James Jarman, agronomy specialist at the Callaway County MU Extension Center.

Account established to benefit Salmons

Family members have established a bank account to help the City of Fulton electric lineman who was injured on the job last week.

New bar to open in Tif’s location

When the Fulton Sun reported Tif’s had closed its Fulton location to move to St. Louis in May, property owner David McDaniel predicted the 5th Street bar would not stand vacant very long.

CCH to open geriatric psych wing

Senior citizens living with mental health issues in Callaway County will soon be able to take advantage of new inpatient services through Callaway Community Hospital June 30.

SERVE, Inc. steps up back-to-school distribution

SERVE, Inc. donated more than $8,000 in school supplies to needy children and families last summer, but this year the group has even more ambitious plans.

Is American Sign Language (ASL) a legitimate language?

Yes, it is as legitimate as any written and spoken language.

Council: EPA-mandated $10 million sewer plant project ‘not optional’

At Tuesday night’s city council meeting, Fulton Director of Administration Bill Johnson had a lot to say about the upcoming sewer plant project mandated by the EPA.

Road warrior for wounded warriors

Signed Shelby Mustang tour stops in Jefferson City; proceeds will benefit Tyler Huffman

A 2012 Shelby Mustang GT-500 unlike any other was in Jefferson City for a brief visit on Tuesday.

Tickets available for Huffman benefit concert by Gary Sinise and Lt. Dan Band

Tickets are now on sale for the 7 p.m. performance of Gary Sinise and the Lt. Dan Band on July 27 at Apple Creek Farm, 620 Murphy Ford Road in Centertown.

Local agencies help Fulton cool off

Fulton residents young and old who need help beating the heat can find it, with the help of a few local agencies.

Fulton, Russellville group arrested after attempted farm equipment theft

Four men and women from Fulton and Russellville were arrested June 23-24 after a Stephens citizen came home to find them leaving with his farm equipment.

Rail freight service talks revived

Discussions about establishing rail service along the short line railroad between Mexico and Fulton resumed Monday morning at Fulton City Hall.

Street Fair donates fireworks for country club July 4th celebration

Thanks to a boost from the Fulton Street Fair, the Fulton Country Club’s annual 4th of July fireworks display is going to be bigger and better than ever this year.

North Callaway schools sets budget for FY2013

The North Callaway R-I School Board approved a Fiscal Year 2013 Budget on June 21 that not only leaves the district with a positive balance, but also allows its teachers to see a little bit of financial benefit.

Fulton McDonald’s to re-open Thursday

After three months of construction, the Fulton McDonald’s once again will open its doors to the public Thursday morning.

Free flags at Independence Day parade

The Fulton VFW men’s auxiliary will give away small American flags for spectators to wave during the first annual Independence Day parade through downtown Fulton on Wednesday, July 4.

Churchill Museum to host Day Camp for Kids

Fulton’s 5-through-9-year-olds will have a chance this July to learn about history and become published artists, thanks to a new day camp with the National Churchill Museum.

Dad, son arrested Saturday for assaulting officers

A New Bloomfield father and son were taken to the Callaway County Jail early Saturday on matching counts of resisting arrest and assault of a law enforcement officer after deputies served a warrant for the father’s arrest.

Survivors, supporters turn out for Relay for Life

Event organizers: ‘Next year will be better’

On Thursday, Fulton resident Tony Lander was in the hospital, receiving chemotherapy treatment for lung cancer.

Local church to host gospel event, raffle for Fulton native’s adoption benefit

Fulton native Cindy Bennett and her husband, Josh, always knew they wanted to be parents, but since their 2008 marriage, they have been unable to conceive.

Holts Summit woman, man arraigned on child endangerment, drug charges

A woman and a man from Holts Summit were arraigned Friday in Fulton on felony child endangerment and illegal drug use charges after the woman’s infant child was found dead on Wednesday, the day after both admitted using meth.

Couple charged in infant’s death

Charges were filed Thursday against the mother of a 9-month-old boy found dead in a Holts Summit mobile home Wednesday and her boyfriend.

Callaway’s Early Head Start unaffected by state budget cuts

Callaway County’s Early Head Start program is not to be affected by the sweeping budget cuts announced by Missouri Senate earlier this month, according to Mernell King, early childhood programs director with Central Missouri Community Action (CMCA).

Missouri school board endorses 73 cents a pack cigarette tax hike

The Missouri Board of Education has endorsed a 425 percent cigarette tax increase as a way to raise more money for education.

City worker injured Thursday

A City of Fulton employee is hospitalized in Columbia after being injured on the job Thursday morning.

Mokane woman warns of ‘Medicare’ scam

A Mokane woman who received a suspicious call from someone claiming to be with Medicare Thursday is hoping other area seniors will heed her warning to beware such contact.

North Callaway alternative program sees continued success

Planning committee intends to survey patrons

Now in its sixteenth year, North Callaway High School Principal Carol Green said the district’s alternative school program continues to have a positive impact for students.

New Bloomfield school budget on track

State aid $70,000 higher than budgeted by school

The R-3 School District’s annual budget remains on track and met all goals for the fiscal year ending June 30, Superintendent David Tramel told members of the New Bloomfield Board of Education Thursday night.

AFSP to host bowling fundraiser for suicide awareness

To continue to raise funds for their upcoming American Foundation for Suicide Prevention walk in October, a local group will be hosting a bowling tournament and raffle at Fulton Bowling Center.

40th anniversary observed at Naught-Naught Agency

The Naught-Naught Insurance Agency at 710 Market St. in Fulton is celebrating its 40th anniversary.

Charges filed in connection with child death in Holts Summit

On Wednesday at 11:07 a.m., a 911 call was received from 964 South Summit Drive, lot 10.

Callaway row crops need more rain soon

Corn at crucial tasseling stage

With corn crops at a crucial stage, Callaway County farmers are hoping for a good soaking rain soon.

Officials prepare to cut ties with Geo-Comm

Nearly a month after giving Geo-Comm a deadline to make its AVL (automated vehicle location) system work in Callaway County, local officials say they are finished with trying to find solutions.

Area ham radio operators gather for ‘Field Day’

Before the text message, before cell phones allowed you to send text messages, there were ham radios.

Fulton School Board approves 2013 budget

After months of financial updates from Superintendent Jacque Cowherd, the Fulton School Board approved its Fiscal Year 2013 Budget during a special budget meeting Wednesday night.

Man sentenced in 2008 child abduction in New Bloomfield

A Houston, Texas, man was sentenced Wednesday to three years in prison for helping to hide a Cole County girl in July 2008 from authorities, after he and the girl’s mother took the child in an attempt to deny her father his custodial rights.

Owls’ Taylor, Nash receive additional All-American honors

William Woods University’s Julian Taylor and J.D. Nash were named Tuesday as selections to the Golf Coaches’ Association of America/PING All-America team at the NAIA level.

Missouri to work with employers to improve job training by schools

Missouri is one of six states selected to participate in a new national education initiative to better prepare students for today’s jobs.

Independence Day parade set in Fulton

Veterans groups sponsoring event

It’s official. Fulton will have a parade on Independence Day to celebrate the birthday of the United States of America.

Friend to Friend candidate forum draws crowd, candidates

About 60 people gathered at Bachelor Creek Cattle Company Tuesday evening to hear from 11 local office incumbents and candidates as part of the Friend to Friend-hosted candidate forum.

Historic Preservation Commission hears price on rock barn, talks trail markers

Fulton State Hospital has heard the appraised price for the old stone barn and the approximately 12 acres on which it stands, according to Historic Preservation Commission president Dale Lewis at their monthly meeting Tuesday.

Shaw steps in as Hornets' new basketball coach

Ryan Shaw stopped the practice. Shaw — the new Fulton High School boys’ basketball coach — halted the proceedings, but not because his players did anything wrong. On the contrary, after his team used a screen, made a crisp pass and finished at the rim, Shaw thought it would be a good way to end Tuesday’s pick-up game at Roger D. Davis Gymnasium.

Four county schools receive state awards

PBS program creates better behaved students

Four Callaway County schools are among 267 Missouri public schools honored Monday for exemplary progress in implementing the Positive Behavior Support (PBS) program backed by the Missouri Department of Elementary and Secondary Education.

2012 street fair on target for “record year” in spite of rain

Before the heavy rain closed Saturday night’s portion of the Street Fair four hours early, this year was on target for record-breaking numbers, according to Street Fair committee member Melissa Siegel.

Winners announced for 2012 Street Fair parade

Prior to the evening storms Saturday, something else rolled through downtown Fulton. Civil War veterans, a Break Time hot dog, classic cars and even a giant game of Angry Birds were just some of the sights fairgoers saw as part of this year’s Fulton Street Fair William Woods University Grand Parade.

Three girls crowned at Miss Callaway 2012

Callaway County has a Miss Callaway, Junior Miss Callaway and — for the first time — a Mini Miss Callaway County.

Ministry’s cable access show ready for DISH premiere

Alan Mansager wants his message heard.

Police arrest Fulton man on drug, weapon charges

Portland woman faces drug charges

During the weekend, Fulton Police arrested a Fulton man on drug and weapon charges. His accomplice, a Portland woman, faces drug charges.

Relay for Life leader: Still time to help

Even with the 2012 Relay For Life of Callaway County only a week away, event chairperson Linda Boshers said it is not too late for area residents to get involved in the fight against cancer.

VFW recognizes local stores for Buddy Poppy support

The VFW presented plaques to three local businesses in recognition of their continued support of the Buddy Poppy program, a time-honored program that supports veterans and their families, Friday afternoon.

Mule auction big success

Sellers ‘fetch good prices’, buyers pleased

This year’s mule auction was a big success, with buyers and sellers coming from far and wide. Overall, more than 20 mules and some fencing found new owners.

9th annual FSF delivers lots of fun for everyone

From the ice cream social kickoff Friday afternoon to the annual parade Saturday afternoon, Fultonians of all ages came out in droves to enjoy the 2012 Street Fair.

Callaway Bank wins big at 2012 derby

The Callaway Bank’s “mule” dominated the competition at this year’s Callaway Cup Mule Derby, marking their first win in several years.

Westminster athletes receive academic all-SLIAC honors

Sixteen Westminster College student-athletes — representing the spring sports of baseball, softball, tennis and track and field — recently received academic all-St. Louis Intercollegiate Athletic Conference status.

270 Deaths Later, Feds Accelerate Probe of Jeep Fires

A consumer group spelled out the problem in great detail more than two years ago

More than two years after a 69-page petition from the Center for Auto Safety (CAS) spelled out the problem, federal safety regulators are expanding their probe into gas-tank fires involving Jeeps, blamed for at least 270 fatalities.

Saving Money On Currency Transactions When You Travel

Having a credit card with no foreign transaction fees can be a big help

When traveling from one country to another, a credit card often makes it easier to navigate. Whatever the currency, plastic makes it nearly universal. It can also save you money.

Asus PadFone: Rumored To Be On Its Way to the US

It's a smartphone, tablet and laptop, all in one ... sort of

If you think about it, many people don't just have one electronic device nowadays. Between their laptop, mobile device, and smartphone, many people are walking, breathing, gadget conventions.

Gas Prices Down Another Three Cents This Week

Global economic concerns have a silver lining for motorists

The price of gasoline continued to drift lower for another week, with the average price three cents a gallon less than it was a week ago.

Text Promising Gift Cards Is a Scam

Part of a growing number of schemes that target mobile devices

Unsolicited texts are annoying enough. Those that say you're won a gift card from Walmart or Costco are even worse – they're scams.

How to 'Have the Conversation' With An Older Parent

Aging expert advises to talk frankly about nursing home, end-of-life issues

Next to talking to your child about sex, probably the next most dreaded conversation is telling an aging parent you think they should move into a nursing home.

Feds Derail Bogus Health Insurance Scheme

Health Care One LLC agrees to settlement with FTC

It's bad enough having no health insurance, it's even worse to fall for a scheme that takes your money and returns nothing.

Banks Charge Non-Customers to Cash Checks

Closing your bank account doesn't mean you can escape fees

Once upon a time, if you received a check as payment you could take it to the bank on which the check was drawn and receive your money. It was a pretty straightforward transaction. But these days banks are looking for new sources of fee income and one place they've identified is non-customers.

Big Four Records Companies May Become the Big Three

Universal Music Group plotting an industry takeover?

What's interesting about the music business is that on the outside looking in, it appears there are many record labels around the world. Everyday a new a record company pops up, naming itself such and such records, or whatever catchy name its owners can think of.

Committee halfway to goal for new animal shelter

Just a few months after first announcing plans for a fundraising campaign to build a new animal shelter, Fulton Mayor LeRoy Benton says the planning committee already is halfway toward its $250,000 goal.

Fulton Street Fair musical selection has local flavor

Fulton’s Jimmy Colbertson is an old pro as far as musical acts at the Street Fair go. When he and his band, Deep Water, take the stage tonight it’ll be his third time drumming at the annual festival.

South Callaway school board previews new evaluation system

The South Callaway Board of Education saw an early example of some standardized test questions third through 12th graders might be taking by the 2014-15 school year under the recently-developed Common Core State Standards during their regular meeting June 13.

Westminster announces Dean for Mesa campus

Robert Seelinger, current professor of classics with Westminster College in Fulton, has been named the school’s new Mesa, Ariz. dean, scheduled to open in fall of 2013.

Justice Department Opens Antitrust Probe of Cable Industry

Are cable companies conspiring to shut out competitors like Netflix, Hulu?

The Justice Department is said to be investigating whether Comcast, Time Warner and other cable companies have conspired to squash competition from the likes of Netflix and Hulu.

Low-Cost Airlines Outperform Majors in Latest Rankings

Consumers like low fares, but good customer service too

Overall, the level of customer satisfaction with air travel took a dip in the latest J.D.Power and Associates North America Airline Satisfaction Study.

Consumer Prices Dropped In May

Most of it came in savings at the gas pump

The U.S. Labor Department reports the Consumer Price Index (CPI), a measure of what consumers pay for goods and services, tumbled in May, but the savings came mainly in one area – the gas pump.

Foreclosure Numbers Rise In May

But there are still fewer foreclosures than a year ago

There are two ways to look at the current state of foreclosures. On one hand, activity spiked between April and May, but is down on a year-over-year basis.

Jamaica Home to Many Phone Scams

Con artists can't spend all their time on the beach -- they have to work too

White sand beaches, plentiful sun, reggae music…and international phone scams?

Courts Shut Down 'Forensic Audit' Company

Consumer Advocates Group claimed it could help financially-troubled homeowners

A federal court has shut down a company that sold "forensic audits" that would supposedly help troubled homeowners avoid foreclosure.

Diesel Exhaust Found to Cause Cancer

World Health Organization now says there is conclusive proof

For the last 24 years the World Health Organization (WHO) has believed diesel exhaust to be a "probable" source of cancer. Now the agency has removed the world "probable" from the statement.

Licking man sentenced for starting truck stop fires, including fires in Kingdom City

A Licking man was sentenced in federal court Thursday for setting a series of arson fires at truck stops across six states, including fires at Kingdom City.

New charity puts shoes on Callaway children’s feet

School nurses are known for tending to children’s illnesses, but to the shock of Debbie Clubb and Anne Erbschloe, many nurses in Callaway schools have been struggling to tend to children’s feet.

Fulton School Board approves pay raise

Fulton Public Schools faculty will receive a pay raise for the 2012-13 school year.

UW meets 2012 goal

After months of worry about falling short of their funding commitments for 2012, officials with the Callaway County United Way have announced that they have reached their campaign goal of $260,000.

Churchill sculpture receives award

In May of 2011, a sculpture of Winston Churchill making his famed “Iron Curtain” speech was unveiled and dedicated in front of the National Winston Churchill Memorial and Library Sculpture Plaza on the campus of Westminster College. One year later, the commemorative piece, titled “Iron Curtain”, is being honored.

Summer reading prompts youth to ‘Dream Big’

You can be anything you dream yourself to be. That was the message of Dreams and Goals, Wednesday afternoon, the latest entry in the Callaway County Public Library’s summer reading program.

Fulton man dies following rollover wreck

A Fulton man died early Wednesday at a Columbia hospital following a two-vehicle collision in Boone County on Tuesday night.

10 Car Models Dropped After 2012 May Be Bargains

Kelley Blue Book says some may be better values than others

What happens when an automaker decides to discontinue a model? Chances are the manufacturer and dealer will be willing to make deals to clear out their inventories.

Aflac Warns That Scammers Have Hijacked Its Name

Version of Sweepstakes Scam is using conterfeit Aflac checks

Aflac, an insurance company perhaps best known for its duck advertising mascot, is warning consumers its name has misappropriated by scammers.

Average Family's Net Worth Drops 38 Percent

Fed report suggests collapse of housing market to blame

The U.S. Federal Reserve has released a report that sheds light on the precarious financial state of the American family and may help explain why the economic recovery has been slow to take hold.

Too Little Sleep May Raise Stroke Risk

Researchers say it's an overlooked risk factor, especially for older adults

We generally think that high blood pressure and being overweight are the main contributors to stroke risk. But researchers at the University of Alabama Birmingham (UAB) say they have found another – too little sleep.

2 arrested in connection to State Road F burglary

Two local men are in custody after a Callaway County Sheriff’s Office burglary investigation led deputies to their doors.

Vrroom

The Camaro for the Callaway Arts Council’s raffle to help restore the downtown Fulton Theater rolls off the transport truck Tuesday near 10th and Court Street. The car will eventually be placed on display in the south side of the theater until the raffle drawing.

Fulton council revisits, approves first reading of downtown parking changes

Last month, the Fulton City Council approved a proposal from the Brick District Committee to change parking ordinances in downtown’s Brick District Overlay Area.

Achieving grade-level academic skills

Typically, educators and parents expect hearing students to achieve grade level academic knowledge and skills.

Auxvasse formally regulates water, shops for new well site

The City Council here passed an ordinance to regulate the use of public water at their city council meeting Tuesday evening.

Six Callaway baseball players earn MHSBCA all-state recognition

Six Callaway County baseball players — including three from Class 2 state champion South Callaway — have been named to their respective 2012 all-state teams by the Missouri High School Baseball Coaches Association.

Steedman resident takes shots at intruders

A Steedman farmer who had been the victim of theft several times could face charges after firing on intruders on his property Tuesday morning. Two of the intruders were arrested on charges of stealing and trespassing, while a third is still at large.

Survey: Store Brands Can Knock 36% Off Grocery Bill

Biggest savings on buns -- 62%

What's the difference between an advertised brand and a store brand? Sometimes it's just the label.

Aflac Warns That Scammers Have Hijacked Its Name

Version of Sweepstakes Scam is using conterfeit Aflac checks

Aflac, an insurance company perhaps best known for its duck advertising mascot, is warning consumers its name has misappropriated by scammers.

Utility Surcharges, Fees Frustrate Consumers

Consumers are fed up with higher utility bills and especially with the increased use of fees and surcharges by utility companies, a report compiled by AARP finds.

Historical society to put on unique fundraiser

The Kingdom of Callaway Historical Society has come up with an unusual new way to raise money. In September, the organization will host tours of Pioneer Cemetery — the oldest in Fulton.

DMH identifies substance abuse problem areas for Callaway youth

The Missouri Department of Mental Health has released a behavioral health profile for Callaway County in 2012, revealing Callaway youth reporting higher alcohol use, binge drinking, prescription and over-the-counter drug use than their peers elsewhere in the state.

Churchill Museum hosts classic car drive-in to open exhibit

On June 29, visitors to the Winston Churchill Memorial and Museum will take a step back in time as the museum hosts a Classic Car Cruise-In to celebrate the grand opening of its newest exhibit, Our Lives, Our Stories: America’s Greatest Generation, which will be open through Aug. 11.

Photo ‘fun’ to come at FSF

Debbie La Rue wanted to assist in adding some fun to the upcoming Fulton Street Fair.

Tips For Stronger Passwords

It's harder these days to stay a step ahead of the hackers

In the wake of the LinkedIn password hack, a lot of computer users are changing their passwords. But instead of changing it from “yourname1234” to “yourname4321,” why not select something a little harder to crack?

Philadelphia Ranked As 'Most Bedbug Infested' City

Pest control company compiles list of 15 most-infested U.S. cities

The folks at Terminix Pest Control have scoured the country and issued a list of U.S. cities with the most bedbug infestation.

Fulton gardener grows to give back

Though she’s only lived in Fulton for five years, Stephanie “Frog” Stambaugh has been gardening for most of her life.

Local veteran pushes for Fourth of July parade

A Fulton veteran is looking to establish a new, patriotic tradition this summer.

Camaro raffle to help restore old downtown theater

When people think of fast cars and movie theaters, legends like Steve McQueen and James Dean usually spring to mind. However, the two have come together to raise funds for Fulton’s downtown theater restoration project.

Fulton police issue warning about counterfeit bills

The Fulton Police Department issued a warning to area business owners Friday regarding the circulation of counterfeit $50 bills.

Death investigation in Callaway County

At approximately 9:18 p.m. Thursday night, a trooper with the Missouri Highway Patrol observed a vehicle parked on the shoulder of U.S. 54 near Mo. Rt. BB in Callaway County.

Church starts collections for victims of house fire near Fulton

Disabled woman with four children loses all household possessions

The Southside Baptist Church in Fulton is collecting clothing and household items for Linda Douglas, a disabled Callaway County woman with four children whose home north of Fulton at 6717 County Road 116 was destroyed by fire Thursday night.

Another Reason to Count Calories

Restricting your daily calories to a healthy total will not just help you keep the pounds off. It just might help you live longer.

Parents Aren’t Monitoring Their Kids Mobile Device Behavior

Internet habits get more attention but mobile usage presents equal risks

Many of us who were born before the technological boom of the Internet era had limited access to information.

Stressful Life Events Linked to Cancer

A study of 91 patients at a university medical center suggests that a troubled early parent-child relationship in combination with a severe life event in the past year may be associated with immune responses...

Pew Study Finds Checking Accounts 'Risky'

Fees are rising and so are the number of disclosure pages

Consumer banking seems to be a lot more complicated than it once was.

Y to add 3 more free lunch sites

Anyone 18 or under qualifies for free meal

A $15,000 private foundation grant to the YMCA of Callaway County will permit three more sites for free sack lunches in Fulton this summer to anyone age 18 or under.

Taking a stroll

Ethan Lomas walks one of Bob Barnett’s auction mules across Court Street Thursday afternoon to get them used to the area in time for the Street Fair Mule Auction at the June 15.

HFMD virus hit peak in county last month

Disease affects mainly children

Hand-foot-mouth disease, a common virus affecting mostly young children, hit its peak in Callaway County about a month ago, Callaway County Health Director Sharon Lynch said Thursday.

Friend to Friend to host county candidate forum

A Callaway County group devoted to helping build a sense of community among area residents is hosting a forum intended to introduce that community to its candidates for public office.

Councilman Moore asks for help keeping downtown beautiful

Having secured financial support from local sponsors to brighten up Fulton’s downtown area with hanging flower baskets, Ward 4 Councilman Steve Moore now is looking for in-kind support to help maintain the beautification project.

McIntire teacher helps open downtown shaved ice shop

In addition to teaching kindergartners at McIntire Elementary, Sandee Poss is now also a shaved ice entrepreneur.

Gasoline Prices Still Falling

U.S. refineries step up their output, increasing supplies

Motorists continued to get a break at the gas pump this week as retail prices retreated another five cents a gallon nationwide.

Fruit and Vegetable Diet May Help You Stop Smoking

Could this be a cheaper way to kick the habit?

Reluctant smokers spend millions each year on smoking cessation programs and products, but maybe all that's needed is a diet rich in fruit and vegetables, along with a healthy dose of willpower.

J.C. Penney Utters Four-Letter Word

There, they said it. “Sale.”

To Mulekicker Cloggers dancing is all about friends, fun

With their trademark ruffled crinoline skirts and white clogging shoes, the Mulekicker Cloggers have become a staple at area fairs and festivals.

2 area men charged with vandalizing four mailboxes

Two young men from southern Callaway County were charged Wednesday with vandalizing four mailboxes Sunday along County Road 419 near Hams Prairie in Callaway County.

Dinner auction to benefit Fulton native with million-to-one condition

“Prayers of Hope,” a benefit auction for a mid-Missouri woman fighting renal failure after the birth of her daughter last year, will take place July 14 at Butch Gentry’s Country Palace, 6257 County Rd. 262 in Auxvasse. Fulton native Katey Gipson, currently living in Mexico, Mo., was in and out of the hospital for weeks at a time with kidney failure brought on by thrombotic thrombocytopenic purpura, (TTP,) a rare blood-coagulation system disorder.

Locals hopeful for break in dry weather

A rainy April has left enough green foliage in Fulton to get through one of the driest Mays in local history, but area officials worry that if we don’t get some rain soon, that streak will dry up.

Columbia Police investigate death of former Fulton man

Columbia Police are investigating the death Friday of former Fulton man, Derrick Lamont Berry, 28, of Columbia.

Project Hysteria has something for everyone

Mid-Mo. rock group bridges the generation gap, plays through summer at Hot Summer Nights

Project Hysteria hope to get a similar reaction as the Jefferson City-based band decides a setlist to go with in their newest and latest gig during Hot Summer Nights in June, July and August, kicking off the evening from 4-6 p.m. Friday at Luby’s Stage on Bagnell Dam Strip in Lake Ozark.

A Blood Test To Diagnose Depression

Many teenagers suffer from emotional issues, and many parents can't tell if it's due to clinical depression or normal teen growing pains.

Before Getting Prepaid Debt Card, Check Out the Fees

There's no doubt that prepaid debit cards are growing in popularity among U.S. consumers, particularly those who don't have traditional bank accounts.

Auto Parts Suppliers Agree to Fines, Prison Sentences

Stockholm-based Autoliv Inc. has agreed to plead guilty for its role in a conspiracy...

Feds Shut Down Supposed Debt Relief Company

FDA Solutions claimed it could slice debt by 40 to 60%

The Federal Trade Commission has put a stop to the allegedly deceptive practices...

Regular Soda, Diet Soda, Zero-Calorie Sodas: What's Really Safe?

With New York Mayor Michael Bloomberg proposing a ban on the sales of large sodas and other sugar-based drinks, the national debate on healthy verse non-healthy beverages is at an all-time high

With New York Mayor Michael Bloomberg proposing a ban on the sales of large sodas and other sugar-based drinks, the national debate on healthy verse non-healthy beverages is at an all-time high.

Keen Ford commemorates 20th anniversary

In the summer of 1961, Keen Ford owner Don Keeney received a visit from a friend that changed his life.

Fulton to host Olympic Day celebration for area youth

Fulton kids who have always dreamed of competing for Olympic gold will have their chance to do so while they rub shoulders with true Olympians, thanks to the city’s Parks and Recreation department and The YMCA of Callaway County.

Bank’s financial strength not affected by frauds

The strong financial condition of The Callaway Bank was not affected by two bank frauds totaling $3.9 million that occurred four years ago, Bruce Harris, president of Callaway Bank, said Tuesday.

Local business leaders continue derby rivalry, SERVE benefit

Every year the Callaway Cup mule derby draws a big crowd of spectators for the first night of the Fulton Street Fair.

WWU’s Bennington, Palermo chosen Academic All-Americans

Jada Bennington closed out her career with the William Woods University women’s golf team by becoming the second-ever first-team Capital One CoSIDA Academic All-American selection for the Owls, it was announced Monday.

AARP Study Finds a Happiness Gap

Sure, you're happy. But are you happier than you were a few years ago?

Are you happy? If you're a bit less chipper than you were a year or two ago, don't feel bad...

Disney To Stop Junk-Food Advertising During Its Programming

The folks at Disney want children to eat healthier while watching their programming.

10 Ways to Avoid Costly Auto Repair Mistakes

Some people work on their cars and trucks themselves. Others take them to an auto service center.

Report: Insurers Can Manipulate Computer Systems to Broadly Underpay Injury Claims

Court documents shed light on insurers' huge but questionable savings

Large insurance companies routinely "lowball" personal injury claims to squeeze consumers and generate large profits, according to a report released by the Consumer Federation of America (CFA).

Military Families Still Hit by Predatory Lenders

American military men and women are still being victimized by predatory lending despite legislation that was supposed to put a halt to the most harmful practices.

Callaway Bank defrauded of $1.2 million

Same bank was victim last year in cattle fraud

Aaron Matthew Payne, 39, of O’Fallon, the owner of three Columbia auto dealerships, pleaded guilty in federal court in Jefferson City Monday to defrauding Callaway Bank of $1.2 million.

Fulton Street Fair names marshals for parade

With the 2012 Fulton Street Fair just around the corner, event organizers have revealed the identities of six Callawegians they feel best represent their generation to serve as grand marshals for the William Woods University Grand Parade on Saturday, June 16.

Gas prices drop in Central Missouri

Gas prices in Fulton have dropped about 50 cents a gallon this spring and may be going down again soon if prices follow previous trends in Central Missouri.

Miss Callaway pageant to show off county’s fairest

Eight of Callaway’s fairest young ladies will compete for the title of Miss Callaway County during the Fulton Street Fair June 15-16.

Ray Price to leave state Supreme Court

To resign effective Aug. 1

Carpenter Bees Can Be Trouble For Your Home

Despite their name, carpenter bees are not handy with a hammer.

Are Your Tires Properly Inflated?

Quick, how many pounds of air are supposed to be in the tires on your car?

Historic Fulton house nears end of renovation

A house from a time when the part of town near the country club was just the country, and that has been home for several important figures in the Fulton community over the past century, will soon be completely renovated.

Street fair entertainment to feature big acts from Kansas City, St. Louis

After several years of trying, Fulton Street Fair Entertainment Co-chair Rick Nickelson finally has been able to get Kansas City jazz standout Ida McBeth to come to Fulton to perform.

Fulton, Holts Summit named Missouri Garden Cities

Thanks to the efforts of their citizens, two Callaway County communities have been named as Missouri Garden Cities.

Portland Community Center grand opening set on June 9

Almost two years after the old Portland Community Center was destroyed by fire, a new Community Center will be dedicated June 9.

Fulton police make DWI arrests

The Fulton Police Department made two arrests for drunk driving late Thursday night.

Owls’ Harrison, Thomas chosen CoSIDA Academic All-Americans

Following a solid 36-19 season for the William Woods University baseball team, junior Jacob Harrison and sophomore Matt Thomas were also recognized for success in the classroom this week, earning selection to the Capital One CoSIDA Academic All-American teams.

Bulldogs add to Callaway’s rich baseball tradition

Jared Wood had his eye on the high school baseball scene in the mid-Missouri area for quite some time. Then the chance to be a part of it was presented in the form of the head coaching job at South Callaway.

Fulton Police arrest man wanted in connection with Columbia shooting

Suspect taken into custody for attempted purse snatching

A Columbia man wanted in connection with a shooting in Columbia over Memorial Day is in the Callaway County Jail after leading Fulton Police on a vehicle and foot chase Friday morning. Demetriess Devon Walker, 20, was arrested after getting caught fleeing the scene of an attempted purse snatching at the Fulton Wal-Mart.

Missouri Preservation declares Fulton State Hospital barns endangered

With 330 farmers leaving the business each week in America due to urbanization, new farming and building practices, and the inability to keep up with major agribusinesses, Missouri Preservation named the state’s 35,000 historic barns and homesteads as some of the historic buildings at the greatest risk of deterioration in their 2012 list of Missouri’s most endangered historic places.

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