Stories from Friday, August 12, 2011

Members of the Bloomfield High School FFA chapter work to mount the new historic marker commemorating Amos Stoddard, the county's namesake. The marker is one of many that will be erected around Bloomfield as part of a project by the Bloomfield Stars and Stripes Historical/Cultural Byway Committee. It is located on the southeast corner of the old courthouse. Pictured here are BHS FFA and agriculture instructor Chad Upchurch alongside students Anna Eftink and Dylan Slinkard...

As Sarah Moore sifted through the rubble of a Joplin apartment complex while on a church mission there in late July, she came across a plaque with a prayer that hangs in many homes. Among the piles of glass shards, toys, clothing and pieces of broken lives, it stood out. Moore read the plaque silently to herself and choked back the tears at the significance of the words. It read, "Lord, nothing is going to happen to me today that you and I cannot handle together"...

ESSEX, Mo. - Mae Hall Day is is planned once again in Essex for Saturday, Aug. 13. The Essex Area Development, Inc., a non-profit community based organization whose members are local residents with an interest in community betterment within the city of Essex, and the Essex/Gray Ridge Lions Club are sponsoring the annual event at Mae Hall Park on Highway 114 in Essex. Events kick off at 9:30 a.m. and conclude at 3:30 p.m...

The first full week of of practice draws to an end today for the Dexter Bearcats football team. The 'Cats are hard at work on all facets of the game as they prepare to host a Jamboree next Friday (Aug. 19th) at Charles Bland Stadium.