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Van-Far seniors MaKenzie Wallace and Brianne Griggsby.

Van-Far’s Class of 2012 receives diplomas at commencement

Posted on May 16, 2012 at 8:50 am

Fifty-four graduates received their diplomas from Van-Far High School during the 56th Annual Commencement held Sunday, May 13. Superintendent Chris Felmlee’s welcome was followed by the “Pledge of Allegiance” led by both Nick Fields and Chris Gerdeman. Musical selections included a piece from the Chiefs Concert Band as well as teacher John Black leading the Class of 2012 in singing “Lean On Me.” Giving speeches were salutatorians Karol Moore and

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Van-Far seniors MaKenzie Wallace and Brianne Griggsby.

Van-Far’s Class of 2012 receives diplomas at commencement

Posted on May 16, 2012 at 8:50 am

Fifty-four graduates received their diplomas from Van-Far High School during the 56th Annual Commencement held Sunday, May 13. Superintendent Chris Felmlee’s welcome was followed by the “Pledge of Allegiance” led by both Nick Fields and Chris Gerdeman. Musical selections included a piece from the Chiefs Concert Band as well as teacher John Black leading the Class of 2012 in singing “Lean On Me.” Giving speeches were salutatorians Karol Moore and

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  • Poppy Sales to be held May 18-19 for veterans

    Posted on May 16, 2012 at 8:42 am

    On Friday, May 18 and Saturday, May 19, members of the local Ladies Auxiliary to the Vandalia Memorial Post No. 2173 will be distributing Poppies for sale to provide funds to help with Veterans’ needs, support our VFW National Home for Children and Veterans’ Hospital and Nursing Home activities. Some members of the Brice Happy Hustlers 4-H Club will be helping in order to earn credit for community service. Residents

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  • Smith enjoys first year of pro ball

    Posted on May 9, 2012 at 8:50 am

    Vandalia native Mike Smith, in white, during a basketball game in Europe.

    After spending the past few months nailing jump shots all over the gym and getting plenty of hang time on slam dunks while playing professional basketball in Germany, Vandalia native Mike Smith is getting a deserved rest back at his home with parents Dale and Kelly Smith. Smith returned to Vandalia from Germany this past week. During his first season with Eisbaren Bremerhaven, Smith led his team with a .370

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Sports

Community R-VI MVP winners, from left: Caleb Bertels, Justin Durham, Paige Curtis, Brittni Brandwein, and Brennan Wells.

Community R-VI honors athletes at annual Sports Banquet

Posted on May 16, 2012 at 9:33 am

The Community R-VI School District honored its sports athletes who have competed on teams during the 2011-2012 season during a banquet held Friday, May 11. Austin Layman received the Mr. Trojan Award while Shelby Curtis received the Lady Trojan Award. This year’s George M. Dameron Award recipients were Justin Gastler and Ashlee Evans. Brennan Wells and Brittni Brandwein each won the Sandra Schutte Award. Each coach making a presentation of

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  • McCloskey takes sixth at sectionals

    Posted on May 16, 2012 at 9:25 am

    Community R-VI high jumper Emmalee McCoskey just hits the high bar at state sectionals.

    Community R-VI high jumper Emmalee McCoskey recently took the track and field program to the next level after advancing past the district round to state sectionals two weeks ago. She was the first to advance that far since the program restarted six years ago. Her season unfortunately came to an end this past weekend at sectionals in Centralia after clearing 4’6” in the high jump for sixth place. “Emmalee gave

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  • No hitter dooms Van-Far in districts

    Posted on May 16, 2012 at 9:20 am

    Van-Far head baseball coach Wes Rowden knew his team had their hands full in the first round of the Class 2, District 7 baseball tournament as the No. 8 seed facing the top seeded squad from Elsberry. Van-Far’s offense had struggled all year long scoring four runs or more in only four games. While the effort was there, Van-Far’s offense was unable to get one hit in a seven inning

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Lifestyles

Bees begin getting comfortable in a bee box.

Setting up bees-ness on Highway 54

Posted on May 16, 2012 at 8:45 am

A family of 2,000-3,000 bees made a home on a “No Fried Chicken Dinner” sign at the corner of Main St. and U.S. Highway 54 last Thursday in Vandalia. Beekeeper Henry Irvine was called in to remove the bees and their hive from the location. He placed them inside a bee box and added them to his other bees residing on his property.

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  • Issues on personal information online

    Posted on May 9, 2012 at 8:58 am

    Several of my colleagues took on another during lengthy debate in the Senate on May 3. The issue is House Bill 1193 and Senate Bill 710, which are identical measures that would establish a prescription drug monitoring program in Missouri. Only two states in the nation do not have this program in place; however, New Hampshire is expected to adopt it soon, leaving only Missouri. Supporters of this legislation say

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  • Van-Far FCCLA students celebrate past year with banquet

    Posted on May 2, 2012 at 8:30 am

    Outstanding members Mari Parrish, left, and Brooke James.

    Van-Far’s Family, Career, and Community Leaders of America (FCCLA) recognized the accomplishments of its members during the annual banquet held Friday, April 27. The event was catered by the Rose Catering Plus and Van-Far’s FFA provided the service. After officers were introduced, FCCLA President Jessica Hurd conducted the Opening Ceremony. Devotion was given by Inspiration Leader Shelby Brinkley. A time for “Thank You’s” was given by Reporter Abbey Robinson. FCCLA

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Entertainment

Bill and Doris Alton of Mexico show romance can last.

Young at heart dance the night away

Posted on May 9, 2012 at 9:04 am

Community R-VI TREND Club sponsored the 7th Annual Senior Citizen Prom.    This was a community dance for the older people in the surrounding towns that believe they are still young at heart.  Popular music from the 1950’s and 1960’s was played for reminiscing and the enjoyment of our guests.  Music included country music giving the opportunity for two-stepping, popular/rock music for the guests that were a little more energetic, and

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  • Martinsburg holds its 9th Annual Cruise Night

    Posted on May 2, 2012 at 8:20 am

    A couple of Martinsburg’s streets were lined up with cars during the annual event.

    The Martinsburg Area Community Betterment hosted the 9th Annual Cruise Night on Friday, April 27 in downtown Martinsburg. Winners of the contests held during the event were: • Best Camaro – Troy Rafferty, Laddonia • Best Mustang – David Gilbertson, Fremont, Wisc. • Best Muscle Car – Glen Buck, Mexico • Best Truck – Garnett Garrett, Rhineland, Mo. • Best Car – Richard Primus, Martinsburg • Race Car – Tony

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  • Community R-VI names Prom King and Queen

    Posted on May 2, 2012 at 7:59 am

    Community R-VI crowned its annual Prom King and Queen on Saturday, April 28. This year’s winners were King Brennan Wells and Queen Shelby Curtis.

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