Stories from Sunday, May 27, 2012

By David A. Lieb Associated Press JEFFERSON CITY, Mo. (AP) - The Missouri Supreme Court upheld the state's new congressional districts Friday, finally providing certainty for candidates who have been campaigning for the August primary elections without knowing whether certain counties, cities or neighborhoods ultimately would be in their districts...

SEYMOUR, Mo. (AP) -Wildlife cameras and hair snare traps are set across Missouri, as scientists with the Missouri Department of Conservation begin the third year of counting and studying a growing black bear population. The scientists trap the bears using barrels filled with stale doughnuts and honey-laced dog food. The animals are sedated so researchers can attach a collar with a GPS and VHF transmitter. The animals also are weighed, measured and have teeth and hair pulled for further studies...

By NOREEN HYSLOP Managing Editor ESSEX, Mo. - The Essex Area Development organization believes in giving credit where credit is due. They did just that at the recent EAD annual awards banquet. Each year, the rural Stoddard County community honors those who work toward the betterment of the community or whose efforts have been influential to the local residents. Individuals, employees, an educator and others are recognized for their contributions within the city of Essex...

By NOREEN HYSLOP Managing Editor BLOOMFIELD, Mo. - Ron Christian doesn't recall a summer that didn't include blueberry picking. Christian remembers the days he and his 10 siblings would load up in a single vehicle - for many years a 1947 Dodge panel truck - and head for Holland, Mich., to work as migrant fruit pickers during the summer months...