Stories from Wednesday, December 24, 2008

Ten local families will be able to have a brighter Christmas this year due to the efforts of the Southeast Kansas Regional Correctional Center staff. For the third consecutive year, the correctional center staff was able to reach out to area families who are struggling to get through the holidays. However, this is the first year, the staff has been able to assist such a large number of people by donating gifts to some and helping others with various financial obligations...

UNIONTOWN -- Three USD 235 Board of Education members whose terms expire next year said they are not sure whether they will run for re-election in April. Terry Nading, who has served on the board since 2005, said he is "undecided" as to whether or not he will seek another four-year term next year...

The Fort Scott City Commission is expected to have three seats up for grabs in the 2009 election. Commissioners Jim Adams, Nick Graham and Barbara Wood are up for re-election and mixed in their decisions to run as incumbents. Adams was the winner of a two year term in 2007, and has not yet decided if he will seek a second term, he said monday...

An ice covered bridge in northern Bourbon County is said by county officials to be the primary factor in a single vehicle accident Tuesday night leaving three minors with injuries. Bourbon County Sheriff's Deputies as well as Fort Scott and District 3 Fire Departments responded to an accident report on 215th Street near Yale Road at approximately 8:30 p.m., Tuesday, to discover a silver Ford Mustang lying on its roof in a ditch just west of the slick, wet road...

Whether or no you're one who makes new year's resolutions, here are some things to think about to make the new year a healthier one for you and your family. H -- Health. Ralph Waldo Emerson said "The first wealth is health." Make your own health a priority this year. Health should be more than the absence of disease. Read on for tips to help you really feel good...

I mentioned recently in my column about our Christmas party at the American Legion Hall, post 153 in Pittsville. Well it was a huge success. I also mentioned that Gayle Baum catered the meal. The Swiss steak was so tender you could cut it with a fork. ...

A special event sponsored by the Bridgewater family for several years had 150 people enjoying cookies and hot chocolate as Santa handed out stockings and Teddy Bears to the children in Arcadia on Friday, Dec. 12 at the Community Center. Also given away were a pair of bicycles donated by Ernestine and Forrest Berkey. Winners were Alanis Sprague who won the girl's bike and Baily West, the boys bike...

Union Bend Birthday Club held their Christmas party in the home of Linda Center on Dec. 4. Ten members answered roll call, recalling a Christmas memory. Sheila Blubaugh won the "guess what" and Beth Blubaugh received the hostess gift. Beth also received a birthday gift from her secret pal. A card was signed for Ruth Lewis, who was unable to attend...

On Dec. 15, the Bronson Rurtian Club met at the Bronson Community Center where they enjoyed pizzas, soda, cookies and popcorn balls. President David Wilkins opened the meeting with song, led by Julia Ann Rhoton and prayer by Geri Reeder. Roll call was answered by 14 members and two guests, Zone Govenor Ed Carstad and his wife Carylon...