(Maryville, Mo.) – Efforts are underway in Maryville to raise funds to give children in Haiti a better chance for an education.

Nikeila Jensen with The Bridge Maryville said House of Hope Haiti will be hosting its first fundraiser on Sept. 30 to try to raise $10,000 for a classroom for children in Pre-School to 13th grade in Haiti.  It would serve around 1,000 students.

“Right now, many of the younger grades meet together in one crowded church,” Jensen said in a news release. “Proper classrooms will allow children to learn in a much more conducive environment.”

She said the fundraiser will be a meal, raffle, silent auction and variety show. Tickets are $10 and are available now through individual ticket sellers as well as calling The Bridge Maryville (660) 582-2623 and leaving a voicemail with your name, callback number and number of tickets wanted.

Jensen said in Haiti 13th grade is the last grade needed to attend University.

“Education is a tremendous need in Haiti, and the House of Hope Haiti is the only secondary school in the region surrounding Williamson, Haiti,” Jensen said.

The House of Hope Haiti is a charity managed run by a Board which includes local residents Mike Bellamy, Bayo Joachim and Troy Hayes and is supported through individual and group sponsorships and donations.

Educators are being invited to a night out at more than a dozen museums and historic sites in St. Joseph.

Educators of pre-kindergarten through college-age students are being invited to discover educational opportunities available for their students from over a dozen museums and historic sites at Educators’ Night in St. Joseph, Missouri. The event is hosted by the Museum Association of St. Joseph.  It takes place Thursday, September 17, from 4:30-7:00 p.m. in the Fulkerson Center at Missouri Western State University, 4525 Downs Drive. The event is free and open to all educators.

Each museum will have a booth with representatives on hand to answer any questions educators may have regarding field trips and outreach programs. From 5:00 to 6:30 p.m., each museum will have three minutes to highlight their programming and exhibits, and what educators and students can expect when they visit each site. For instance, Mrs. Jane Kemper will be present in mid-19th century clothing to discuss her family and the early days of Mount Mora Cemetery. Johnny Fry will ride in from the Pony Express National Museum to describe the excitement that surrounded the start of the Pony Express on April 3, 1860.

Educators will have the opportunity to register for prizes that will be given away throughout the event. Prizes include field trips, classroom presentations, museum memberships, books, DVDs, and many more. Attendees must be present to win. Heavy hors d’oeuvres will be provided, and a cash bar will be available.

Participants include the Albrecht-Kemper Museum of Art, Andrew County Museum, Cameron Depot Museum, Walter Cronkite Memorial, Freedom’s Frontier National Heritage Area, Missouri Department of Conservation-Northwest Regional Office, Mount Mora Cemetery Preservation and Restoration Association, Northwest Missouri Genealogical Society, Pony Express National Museum and the one room Pony School, Remington Nature Center, Robidoux Row Museum, the St. Joseph Museums (American Indian Galleries, Black Archives Museum, Doll Collection, Glore Psychiatric Museum) and the Wyeth-Tootle Mansion.

“This will be an inspiring and fun evening for educators”, said event committee member Sharon Kosek. “We encourage teachers, principals, superintendents, and others to come and learn firsthand about the great opportunities available for their students. St. Joseph and area museums and historic sites offer a wealth of incredible experiences – from world class art, to locating your family history through genealogy; from incredible Native American cultural items to the story of Joseph Robidoux, founder of St. Joseph; and from Buffalo Bill Cody to the amazing wildlife in the area.”

For additional information about Educators’ Night at the Museums, please contact Andrea McCoy, president of MASJ, at 816-273-2450 or amccoy@ci.st-joseph.mo.us

“Raising a Child Who Makes Great Choices” is the first course in a parenting series that kicks off Monday in St. Joseph.

Adventures in Parenting is a free parent training series offered by United Way Success by 6 and St. Joseph School District Parents as Teacher. The first fall session will take place Monday, Aug. 31 from 6:30 p.m. to 7:30 p.m. at the Keatley Center at 1202 S. 28th St.

Becky Swenson, who has been a preschool teacher for 22 years, will discuss current trends in parenting, how to instill self-control and give children the ability to make great choices.

Doors will open at 6:15 p.m. Limited, free childcare will be provided by Parents As Teachers with advance registration. Call (816) 671-4300 to reserve childcare. Childcare providers in attendance will receive credit for one clock-hour of training.

Adventures in Parenting is a monthly parenting series presented United Way Success By 6® and St. Joseph School District Parent as Teachers. It focuses on practical tips to help parents, grandparents, foster parents, and other caregivers of young children increase their parenting confidence and enjoyment.

The second annual “Make a Change Day” kicked off fundraising efforts for area Special Olympics Friday.

Area businesses are collecting funds to benefit Special Olympic Athletes today.

Pledges can be made today until 8 p.m. by calling (816) 233-6232.

Donations can also be made at several locations around St. Joseph including Hy-Vee and the following businesses:

Sacs & Boxes II NPG
East Hills Mall Apple Markets The Hearing Connection
Commerce Bank Johnson Controls Sumner Carter Hardy & Schwichtenberg PC
Hillyards SJPD Eckard’s
Bank Midwest
Car City Chrysler KQTV 2
Simply Tea Collison Repair
Darcee’s ICM Biofuels
Norty’s Quality Hearing & Audiologyy

Special Olympics Missouri is a year-round program of sports training and athletic competition for children and adults with mental disabilities. For more information about how you can become a volunteer, help coach or if you know someone who is eligible to be an athlete visit the Special Olympics Missouri website at www.somo.org

The Livingston County Sheriff’s Office is asking for help identifying a possible stalker.

The office said a citizen in the northeast part of the county reported several stalking incidents and unusual activities taking place on their property just outside of their home. The incidents were reported to take place at night.

The office said a hidden camera capture images of the night of Aug. 24 before the individual allegedly ran from the area on foot.

An identification of the person is being sought. Anyone with information is asked to call the LCSO at 660-646-0515 or 24-hour dispatch at 660-646-2121, you may also email information to sheriffcox@gmail.com.

Sheriff Steve Cox said any and all tips are always appreciated.

The Board of Governors at Missouri Western State University has renewed its contract with Blue Cross and Blue Shield of Kansas City to provide health insurance to the university’s employees. The cost to Missouri Western will increase less than one percent, and benefits will remain unchanged.

“We anticipated a premium increase of up to 10 percent, so we’re thrilled with this renewal,” said Dr. Cale Fessler, vice president for financial planning and administration. “I’m grateful to our consultant, Power Group, and to our staff for their hard work in negotiating a renewal that provides the same benefits at almost the same cost.”

The increase of 0.87 percent will cost Missouri Western approximately $17,400 for the fiscal year that started July 1. Some employees will see a decrease in their monthly premiums while others will see a possible increase up to $12 per month, depending on their plan choices. Deductibles, co-pays, out-of-pocket maximums and other benefits will remain the same.

The board also approved a renewal with Prudential for ancillary insurance coverages, including life (university-provided and voluntary), accidental death and dismemberment, and long-term disability. There will be no increase in cost and no changes to plan benefits.

Dental and vision insurance will continue with their current carriers as well, Blue Cross Blue Shield and VSP, as part of a multi-year guaranteed rate renewal from last year.

State law requires a formal bid process for health insurance at least every six years, and Dr. Fessler said the University would be taking its insurance coverage out for a full bid next year.

(MWSU News Release)

Tonight
Showers and thunderstorms likely, mainly after 4am. Mostly cloudy, with a low around 69. South southeast wind 8 to 10 mph. Chance of precipitation is 60%. New rainfall amounts between a quarter and half of an inch possible.

Friday
Showers and thunderstorms likely, mainly before 7am. Mostly cloudy, with a high near 82. South wind 10 to 13 mph. Chance of precipitation is 60%. New rainfall amounts between a quarter and half of an inch possible.

Friday Night
A chance of showers and thunderstorms before 1am. Partly cloudy, with a low around 63. West northwest wind 5 to 8 mph. Chance of precipitation is 40%. New rainfall amounts of less than a tenth of an inch, except higher amounts possible in thunderstorms.

Saturday
Mostly sunny, with a high near 81. North wind 5 to 7 mph.

Saturday Night
Partly cloudy, with a low around 63.

Sunday
Sunny, with a high near 86.

Sunday Night
Mostly clear, with a low around 65.

Monday
Sunny, with a high near 88.

Monday Night
Mostly clear, with a low around 67.

Tuesday
Sunny, with a high near 89.

Tuesday Night
Mostly clear, with a low around 68.

Wednesday
Sunny, with a high near 88.