By James B. Bartle

A community benefit is being held this Sat., June 11, at 6 p.m. for David and Jari Dawson who lost their home on May 11, to an EF-2 Tornado that struck the area.

Their home was completed leveled by the storm causing a loss of a families entire working life of items.

The event will be held at Sullivan Fraternal Order of Eagles Hall, large hall, beginning a 6 p.m. with a dinner, silent auction, 50/50 raffle and live music.

Tickets for the event are $20 per person or $30 per couple with kids six and under admitted free of charge.

Tickets are available at Clark’s Pharmacy-Sullivan and Bourbon, Westgate Music and Gift Emporium. Donations to the family can also be delivered to these locations.

The Dawson Family has served the Sullivan community in many ways volunteering their time and efforts. The public is encouraged to come out and help this family.

Visitation and funeral services will be held for veteran Sullivan firefighter and businessman Jim Johnson on Tuesday and Wednesday.

A visitation will be held Tuesday from 2-8 p.m. at Temple Baptist Church. Service will be at 10 a.m. Wednesday at Temple Baptist.

Internment will be at Odd Fellow’s Cemetery.

Donations may be made to the Temple Baptist building or van fund, or Backstoppers.

By Ryan Storz

Sullivan’s relay teams had been a strength all season long and established themselves as some of the best in Missouri at the Class 4 state meet.

Both the 4×200-meter and 4×400-meter teams took sixth place Saturday at Jefferson City High School.

The 4×200-meter team of LeighAnn Allen, Bria Jones, Jenna Lochner and Alissa McCormick clocked a time of 1:45.39.

The team steadily improved its time from districts to sectionals and finally to state.

With a time of 1:47.63 at districts, the Lady Eagles took first. They shaved off a second at sectionals to finish second to FRC rival Union.

Sullivan took eighth in the prelims Friday with a time of 1:45.69.

Raytown South won the event in a blistering 1:41.47. MICDS came in second at 1:42.89. Grandview finished third at 1:43.40. Poplar Bluff took fourth at 1:44.65. Union again creeped ahead of the Lady Eagles, finishing fifth at 1:44.87.

Parkway Central took seventh at 1:45.91.

Swapping out Lochner for Megan Andreasson, the Lady Eagles again registered a sixth-place finish, this time in the 4×400-meter relay.

Once again, the Lady Eagles got better and better each week. They shaved five seconds off their time from districts to the finals.

Sullivan finished third at the district meet at 4:11.96. At the sectional meet, they clocked a time of 4:07.39.

Finally at the state meet, Sullivan sprinted to a time of 4:06.92.

A year ago, Jones qualified as a member of the 4×200, 4×400 relay teams, the 200-meter and 400-meter dashes.

She made it back to state as a sophomore this season and claimed an individual medal in the process.

Jones took eighth in the 400-meter dash with a time of 1:00. Jones had won the event three times this season and took second at conference, districts and sectionals. She set a new personal best at the sectional meet.

In the 200-meter dash, the difference between elimination and qualifying for the finals was just a half-second.

Jones ran a time of 26.56 in the first heat and finished 15th overall.

Student-athletes can stay busy this summer with sports camps available at Sullivan High School.

Go to www.sullivanathletics.com and click on the “sports camps” tab for upcoming camps available for students in all grades.

A volleyball camp for students entering grades 3-8 is July 11-13. Cost is $30.

A junior Eagles football camp will be held from July 18-20. Cost is $25.

A boys basketball camp will be held for students entering grades 2-8 July 26-28. Cost is $30.

By Ryan Storz

Joshua Wiese threw a complete game and the Post 18 bats backed him up in a 6-1 win over St. Clair on June 1.

Sullivan was aggressive on the bases and took advantage of St. Clair’s inconsistent defense.

Post 18 jumped ahead in a lengthy first inning that included a pitching change from St. Clair just a few batters in.

Garrett Juergens led off with a walk, stole second and moved up to third on a wild pitch. Wiese was hit by a pitch. With the St. Clair pitcher in his wind-up, Wiese took off for second. The pitcher stopped and threw to second to nab Wiese.

Juergens took off for home and St. Clair tried to cut him down, but the throw went to the backstop. That allowed Juergens to score and put Wiese on third.

Josh Earney, Blayten Nolie and Collin Immekus walked. Immekus’s bases-loaded walk scored a run to give Post 18 a 2-0 lead.

In the second, Juergens drew a two-out walk and stole second. A bloop hit to right by Wiese drove Juergens in, putting Sullivan up 3-0.

Andrew Bell was sent in to courtesy run for Wiese. After he stole second, Earney was hit by a pitch to put two on. Nolie hit a pop fly on the infield that was dropped at second base, allowing Bell to score from second. Post 18 led 4-0.

Juergens got on base again to lead off the bottom of the fourth. He hustled out a ground ball to third and went to second when the ball skipped to the fence on the putout attempt. After consecutive pop ups by Wiese and Earney, Juergens would come in to score on a passed ball with Nolie batting.

While St. Clair’s defense faltered, Sullivan’s played a cleaner game and provided a lift for Wiese.

Wiese issued a one-out walk in the first, but kept the runner out of scoring position when he induced a ground ball to second. Ethan Kackley fired to Juergens for the out and Post 18 nearly turned the 4-6-3 double play.

In the second, Wiese allowed a leadoff single, but St. Clair couldn’t advance the runner after Earney caught him stealing.

The caught stealing by Earney paid dividends when Wiese allowed a single to the batter. He got out of the inning with a strikeout to keep St. Clair scoreless.

Sullivan Senior

Center Menus

June 15 – June 21

Wed.- BBQ pulled pork with a sandwich bun, German potato salad, green peas, fresh fruit, whole grain cookie.

Thurs.- Father’s Day, Chef’s salad with turkey, ham,cheese, egg, lettuce, carrots tomato, crackers, soup, fresh banana, (banana splits.)

Fri.- Birthday/Anniv. Party. Stuffed peppers, Capri vegetables, cream-style corn, dinner roll, applesauce, (cake and ice cream.)

Mon.- Barbeque pork riblet with a sandwich bun, sweet potato wedges, green beans, Mandarin oranges, whole grain bar.

Tues.- Meatloaf with gravy, cauliflower/cheese sauce, mixed vegetables, bread, strawberry shortcake.

Sullivan Senior

Center Activities

June 15 – June 21

Wed.- Music with Boice Laird and friends – 10 a.m., Card Bingo by Support Committee 12 :15 p.m.

Thurs.-Father’s Day Celebration Paint Party – 9 a.m., Fun and Fitness with Meremac Nursing Center – 10:30 a.m., Grand Coverall Bingo – 10:30 a.m.

Fri.- Birthday/Anniversary Party by First Community National Bank, Watson’s Florist, Walmart and Victorian Place – 10 a.m., music by Lindell Gibbs, Jim Counts and Ike Lovan 10 a.m.

Mon.-  Canasta by Shafferkoetter Senior Services – 10 a.m., Bunco  10: 30, quilting – 12 p.m.

Tues. – Fun and fitness with Kathryn – 10:30 a.m., blood pressure check by Mederi – 11 a.m., Bingo by Support Committee – 12: 15 p.m.

Each month I get several farm publications. I read them so as to bone up on new ideas for the farm, as well as picking up some useful information that I can use in future articles. Well, several months back, I ran across the column by Baxter Black. He writes for various farm magazines and this one particular article brought back some happy memories for me. So, just in case you missed it, I thought I would re-do it and pass it along.

I danced with other women tonight. My wife didn’t seem to mind. We took to the floor like a pair of swans. That fate forever entwined.

Leaving our wake through the dancers who flowed. Like notes in search of a song. We tested our two step, tried out a waltz. And laughed when something went wrong.

I led and she followed, trusting each step. Spurred by the beat of the band. Like birds taking wing the very first time. It helped to…..to hold someone’s hand.

Although I had known these women before. I’d always thought of them as a child. But there on the dance floor, arm round their waist. I found my heart was beguiled.

For them a window had opened. I was there and for that I’m eternally glad. For the rest of my life I’ll always remember. The first night they danced with their dad.

I have two daughters and their both pretty special to me. (For more good conservative reading and your comments go to www.vernonzelch.com).

By Kelly Alexander

Forty-four graduated students from Bourbon High School are college-bound this year, according to BHS graduation information.

Students have earned local scholarships totaling $20,400 and institutional scholarships totaling $623,080.

Local scholarships were awarded to:

Ashley Adams – Crawford County Farm Bureau, $250; Town & Country Bank, $600 to total $850.

Kaitlyn Beatman – CCR1 School Foundation, $500; Sullivan Rotary, $500 to total $1,000.

Karlie Beckett – Crawford County Cattlemen’s Association, $500; Crawford County Farm Bureau, $250; FFA Alumni, $500 to total $1,250.

Emmy Byrd – MFA, $2,000; BHS Alumni, $500; MBSH Auxiliary, $1,000; People’s Bank, $600; Sullivan Rotary, $500 to total $4,600.

Brianna Flowers – MBSH Medical Staff, $1,000; Three Rivers Publishing, $500; Bourbon PTO, $750; Operational Professional Services, $500; Sullivan Rotary, $500 to total $3,250.

Madison Goodman – Bourbon PTO, $750.

Alyssa Harding – BHS Alumni, $500; Bourbon Missouri State Teacher’s Association, $250; Town & Country Bank, $600 to total $1,350.

Victoria Hill – Town & Country Bank, $600.

Alyssa Lackey – Kathy Caldwell-Spicer Memorial, $1,000; Bourbon Teacher Association, $250; Operational Professional Services, $500; Order of the Eastern Star Sullivan Chapter, $500.

Sarah Lockhart – Crawford County Cattlemen’s Association, $500; Sullivan Fraternal Order of Eagles, $1,000; American Red Cross Young Minds Change Lives, $500; Cuba Lions Club, $500; Missouri Beta Club, $1,000 to total $3,500.

Zachary Ostrum – Ozark Coca-Cola, $500.

Gabriela Ramirez – Crawford County Foundation, $500.

institutional scholarships were awarded to:

Brittany Bailey – Columbia College Academic, 4 years, $34,000; Columbia College Track, 4 years, $32,000 totaling $66,000.

Karlie Beckett – Missouri State University Provost, 4 years, $10,000.

Emmy Byrd – Maryville University Academic, 4 years, $56,000.

Brianna Flowers – St. Louis University Dean’s Scholarship, $72,000.

Alex Fritz – Columbia University Academic Award, 4 years, $20,000; Columbia University Track, 4 years, $32,000 totaling $52,000.

Madison Goodman – Maryville University Academic, 4 years, $56,000.

Alyssa Harding – East Central Irene Gaebler Memorial, $500.

Alyssa Lackey – Missouri State University Provost, 4 years, $10,000.

Sarah Lockhart – Missouri State University Board of Governors, 4 years, $20,000; Hagan Scholarship, $40,000; Schwab Account Plus with study abroad, $58,000; Missouri State University Meyer Scholarship, $12,000 totaling $130,000.

Jeremy Lowe – Hannibal LaGrange Baseball, 4 years, $18,000; Hannibal LaGrange University Academic, $8,800 totaling $26,800.

Brett McKnight – Southwest Baptist University Scholars Award, 4 years, $40,000; Southwest Baptist University Access Missouri Grant, $6,000; Southwest Baptist University Grant, $20,280 totaling $66,280.

Morgan Miller – Southeast Missouri State University Resident Lifetime Leadership Award, 4 years, $4,000.

Johnathan Robertson –  Hannibal LaGrange University Honors Residential, 4 years, $20,000; Hannibal LaGrange University Southern Baptist, $2,000; Hannibal LaGrange Basketball, $12,000; Hannibal LaGrange University Grant, $40,000 to total $74,000.

Twenty-four graduates are going to East Central College, 3 to Rolla Technical Center and Institute, 1 to the University of Northwestern Ohio, 4 to Missouri State University, 2 to Maryville University, I to Southeast Missouri State University, 1 to Missouri University of Science & Technology, 1 to St. Louis University, 1 to Southwest Baptist University, 2 to Columbia College, 2 to Hannibal Lagrange University, 1 to Vatterott College, and 1 to Missouri Welding Institute.

The Missouri State Highway Patrol, Troop I in Crawford County, reported 12 arrests for the week of May 30-June 5.

This week’s arrests were:

May 30; Ashley P. Miles, 31, Leasburg, was arrested for alleged felony possession of a controlled substance and unlawful use of drug paraphernalia. Miles was held on bond at the Crawford County jail.

May 30;  Aaron K. Pilcher, 33, Sullivan, was arrested for allegedly driving while revoked, no proof of insurance, and a Platte County warrant for failure to appear on child neglect. Pilcher was held on bond at the Crawford County jail.

May 30; Krista L. Brown, 38, Steelville, was arrested on a felony St. Francois County warrant for burglary and alleged unlawful use of drug paraphernalia. Brown was held on bond at the Crawford County jail.

May 30; James M. Owens, 37, Leasburg, was arrested for felony Crawford County warrant for possession of a controlled substance. Owens was held on bond at the Crawford County jail.

May 31; Beau T. Taylor, 23, Bourbon, was arrested for allegedly leaving the scene of a motor vehicle accident, possession of a controlled substance with intent to distribute, and possession of marijuana. Taylor was held at the Crawford County jail.

May June 6; Mathew P. Chandler, 39, Steelville, was arrested for alleged possession of controlled substance-methamphetamine, possession of up to 35g of marijuana, unlawful use of drug paraphernalia, driving while suspended, no proof of insurance, failure to display valid plates and no seatbelt. Chandler was held on bond at the Crawford County jail.

June 1; Amber L. Ransome, 34, Crocker, was arrested for alleged possession of a controlled substance-methamphetamine, possession of up to 35g of marijuana unlawful use of drug paraphernalia and a no seatbelt. Ransome was held at the Crawford County jail.

June 1; Dawn C.Roberts, 42, Sullivan, was arrested for allegedly driving while intoxicated, and failure to display valid plates. Roberts was held at the Crawford County Jail and later released.

June 1; Roger H. Dickens, 52, Cuba, was arrested for alleged misdemeanor driving while intoxicated. Dickens was released on a court summons.

June 4; Homer W. Frago,53, Bixby, was arrested for alleged driving while intoxicated and failure to drive on the right half of the roadway. Frago was held at the Cuba Police department and later released.

June 4; Bryan C. Fuhler, 19, St. Peter’s, was arrested for alleged driving while intoxicated, careless and imprudent driving, possession of marijuana up to 35g and unlawful use of drug paraphernalia. Fuhler was held at the Crawford County jail.

June 4; Tabatha M. Rusin, 29, Robertsville, was arrested for alleged driving while intoxicated and failure to drive on the right half of the road. Rusin was held at the Crawford County jail.

On June 1 while attending the annual Drug Recognition Expert (DRE) Conference at Lake of the Ozarks, Sullivan Sergeant Michael Simmons was recognized for recent life-saving efforts.

The incident occurred on Feb. 17, 2016 when a Missouri State Highway Patrol Trooper brought in a subject who had been involved in a crash on I-44 within the city limits of Sullivan. The Trooper had suspicions that the subject may be under the influence of drugs and asked Sgt. Simmons to conduct an evaluation.

During the evaluation, Sgt. Simmons recognized the signs and symptoms of a possible overdose and the subject was immediately transported to the Missouri Baptist Hospital. The subject’s status deteriorated quickly and he was stabilized and flown to a larger facility in the St. Louis area where he did eventually recover after several days in Intensive Care.

In recognition for his efforts, the Missouri Safety Center informed Sgt. Simmons that they would sponsor him to attend the National DRE Conference in Denver, Colorado in August, 2016. The Missouri Safety Center advised that they will be covering the cost for the flight, accommodations and food.

“The DRE Program has been very rewarding for me,” said Sgt. Simmons. “The ultimate goal for us as law enforcement officers targeting impaired drivers is saving lives”. “Driving While Intoxicated (DWI) and Driving While Drugged (DWD) Enforcement is the one thing that we can do that has been statistically proven time after time to save lives,” said Sgt. Simmons. “When enforcement is up, the rate of fatal traffic crashes goes down”.

According to Missouri State Highway Patrol statistics, 217 people that died in 2015 in fatal crashes involved alcohol, drugs or a combination of both. This accounts for 25 percent of all fatal crashes for the year.

Sgt. Simmons is a patrol supervisor for the Sullivan Police Department and has been a trained Drug Recognition Expert (DRE) since 2014.

By James B. Bartle

Surrounded by family, friends and fellow firefighters Sullivan Fire Protection District Firefighter Cranford Spindler was honored for his fifty years of service to the Sullivan Fire Protection District.

The Sullivan Fire Honor Guard opened the ceremony with a presentation of colors which was followed by event Emcee James Eaton, Vice President of the SFPD Board of Director, providing the invocation.

Eaton then spoke about the many years Spindler has served the fire district and in several capacities including cooking the, what has become known as, “World Famous Firemen’s Fish Sandwich,” religiously for many years.

Eaton turned the ceremony over to Missouri House Rep. Dave Hinson who presented a Missouri House and Senate Resolution Honoring Spindler for reaching the fifty year milestone.

“It’s a very special presentation for me to present this to Mr. Spindler, as I also have served in the fire service,” said Hinson.

Hinson read from the Resolution which stated:

Whereas, it is with special pleasure that the members of the Missouri House of Representatives pause to recognize an outstanding Missouri Citizen who has distinguished himself through many years of excellence in the workplace; and Whereas, Cranford Spindler of Sullivan, Missouri, is retiring on June 5, 2016 after fifty years serving with the Sullivan Fire Department, lastly as an Honorary Firefighter; and Whereas, Cranford Spindler served in the Army in 1946 and 1947 and worked for the Ramsey Corporation as a machinist operator on piston rings for forty years, and he also served as a firefighter for the Sullivan Fire Department and Sullivan Fire Auxiliary; and Whereas, while employed with Ramsey Corporation, Cranford Spindler would often be called from his work to assist with serious fires which the Corporation graciously allowed him to do; never docking his wages for his time away; and Whereas Cranford Spindler was known as the fish fry guy for the fire department who was famous for proclaiming, “There is no cheese in my fish stand!”; and Whereas, even after transitioning to honorary firefighter, Cranford Spindler didn’t stop lending hand to fellow firefighters and the community, and will be honored for his exemplary leadership and service at the new Station 5 in Sullivan, Missouri on Sunday, June 5, 2016; and Whereas, Cranford Spindler has been blessed with the love and support of his wonderful family which includes his devoted wife, Norma Jean; and his daughters and their husbands, Diane (Don) Volner and Debi (Kurt) Crosser; Now, therefore, be it resolved that we, the members of the Missouri House of Representatives, Ninety-eighth General Assembly, join in extending our utmost appreciation to Cranford Spindler for fifty years of service to the fire service and wish him the best of luck as he enjoys this retirement he so richly deserves; and Be it further resolved that the Chief Clerk of Missouri House of Representatives be instructed to prepare a properly inscribed copy of this resolution for Cranford R. Spindler, as a mark of our esteem for him.”

Spindler was then honored by Sullivan Fire Chief Eric Lewis who presented Spindler with a Plaque honoring his service to the district.

Spindler flashed many smiles during the event as he was joined by his family and the ceremony concluded with cake and punch.

CRANFORD SPINDLER HONORED FOR FIFTY YEARS. Cranford ‘Cran’ Spindler, left, was honored on Sun., June 5, for serving 50 years with the Sullivan Fire Protection District. A ceremony was held, complete with Resolutions from the Missouri House and Senate, along with a 50-year Plaque presented from the district. Pictured from left to right; Spindler, wife-Norma Jean, daughters Debi Crosser and Diane Volner. For video of this ceremony, go to the Sullivan Independent News Facebook page. Photo by James B. Bartle.

We are now accepting applications for the new Winsel Creek Estate Apartments. Certain income limits apply. 314-330-7798. Non-smoking, no pets allowed.  We encourage and support the nation’s affirmative housing program in which there are no barriers to obtaining housing because of race, color, religion, sex, national origin, disability or familial status.

A Cuba man is charged with misdemeanor resisting arrest after he allegedly kept officers from placing him in a patrol car, threatened to make a citizen’s arrest on a Missouri State Highway Patrol trooper and threatened to place him in a choke hold.

Cody Ariola, 21, has been released on bond.

According to the probable cause statement, Ariola was stopped on June 7 due to a non-functioning taillight on his vehicle. Ariola, who had a warrant for his arrest in Pulaski County, was confirmed as extraditable. Ariola also was found to have a revoked driving status.

Ariola allegedly used his hands to grab the door of the vehicle to prevent officers from placing him in the vehicle. During an interaction with the highway patrol trooper, Ariola is accused of saying, “when martial law is declared, come find me.”

The trooper asked Ariola if it was a threat, to which he reportedly replied, “that wasn’t a threat. Are you offended?”

Dear Editor,

There are others more suited to write a letter like this one than me but our community needs help. What do we need help with? We are at war with an enemy that keeps gaining ground.  It’s not against foreign governments that hate Americans, which is by the way a distraction the enemy uses to keep our focus off our own families and community. We are fighting for our young people’s lives and the future of our country.

Drugs have a strong hold on the majority of our country’s young people and sadly older people are not ammuned to drugs either. Some are easy to spot, others not so easy. It has become such an epidemic most of the users and abusers go undetected.

It’s no wonder we have such a huge problem with drug abuse in our nation today. There is a magic pill for everything. We get the sniffles, we take a pill, we stumble and fall, we take a pill, we get a headache we take two pills. Sadly, for some it leads to illegal drugs. It doesn’t help when some doctors will give people any pill they want or think they need just for the asking. The majority of the young people I know who have become addicted to drugs, started as teenagers, others as early as eight to nine year old, after a serious injury. The doctor gave them a strong pain re-leaver for a month, six weeks, or sometimes longer, till their broken bodies are healed then they just stop giving them the pills without properly weaning them off of their medications. My granddaughter’s mom was given oxycodone and percacets, which by the way heroin, for pain the last five months of her pregnancy. The mother thought it was okay since her OBGYN gave it to her. After her birth, my twelve HOUR old granddaughter  was given morphine to help her with her withdrawals. It broke my heart to watch them give her such a strong medication at her young age but her struggle with her pain when the morphine was wearing off was even more heartbreaking. It devastates me to know, she will have to fight that addiction for the rest of her life. Heroin never leaves your system. Bro. Jerry, the man that founded Addicts Victorious, will tell you, Heroin is not something you “become” addicted to after several uses, because it has you at hello.

Even more disturbing is that my granddaughter is not alone, there are children born every day that are addicted to drugs. When they grow up, the children don’t relate their desire to use drugs to the addiction the doctors began. They relate it to the desire to “fit” in with the crowd or as an “experiment” not realizing their body knows what it feels like to take drugs and is craving it. Most of them are living in broken homes, so they like the feeling of peace it gives them after listening to their parents fighting day in and day out. It helps them forget about their chaotic lives.

Drugs also helps them to feel worthwhile for a short time but in the end all drugs do is lead them to the nearest jail or prison where when possible the task force uses their addictions against them. Instead of trying to help them get off the drug they promote their use by using them to arrest others. I understand the need to crack down on drugs. Drugs destroy families, and when they grow up and have children of their own, they then create the same chaotic life for their children they lived through. When the abusers see what they are doing to their children, they feel like losers again. Not only that, their children get caught up in the never ending cycle. Their children’s lives  begin to suffer daily because of drug abuse. But there has to be another answer other then using desperate people and making their problem worse. I am told God help the one that refuses to help the task force. Every time they turn around they are harassed and if that isn’t enough then they use fear of long prison terms. One young lady was helping to fix my car so it could pass inspection. While she was test driving it to make sure they had fixed the problem, she was pulled over because it had no tags on it, when the police ran her name and found out she was on probation for drug use, they slapped her in handcuffs and impounded my car. They didn’t find any drugs but when I got my car out of  impoundment after paying $250, I found the interior of the car was ripped apart. Yes it was an old car but it was in good shape. The police said they didn’t do it. The I-44 Wrecker Service said they did. Luckily my son was videoing the conversation I was having with the gentleman at the counter when I picked it up.

I have learned a lot over the years communicating with young people. A young lady that is no longer living in the area who said she was an informant for the task force said it breaks her heart every time she has to set someone up because, most of them, all they want is help. They all are living on the streets. Staying where they can, sleeping on floors, couches and chairs. Some of them sleep in cars that have been left unlocked because they have no where else to go. They have each told me the same thing; even when they realize they are addicted, they continue to do drugs because it helps them to feel worthwhile and at peace with the world. They don’t want to stop because of those few hours of contentment they feel when they are high, but they don’t like what they are doing to get that peace. Putting them in jail doesn’t have any long term affects. It’s like putting a band aid on a severed leg. Besides evidently drugs are more available in jails then they are on the streets and all they have to do is give sexual favors. They each have their own way to avoid a dirty test, so regular drug testing doesn’t work either. Our jails are filled with desperate people who are addicted to drugs and so confused they don’t know what they want. And for the most part when they are released they go back to what they were doing before they got caught because they have no where else to go. They haven’t stolen anything except maybe food or beat up or killed anyone. They don’t have a desire to hurt any one except themselves by shoving drugs into their bodies. They know people look down on them and their children because of what they do, especially some police officers, which in turn makes them feel worthless “again”. Then they take drugs to feel worthy “again”. It doesn’t help when the drugs are just as readily available if not easier to acquire in jail then they are on the streets. Regardless of what people say or think they are not worthless they are victims of a vicious cycle called drugs abuse.

So what is the answer? I say, GIVE THEM SOMETHING  TO LIVE FOR! Give them a reason to feel good about themselves. There are three I have been blessed with helping who are now living good, clean lives. They have found a reason to pick themselves up and put their lives on the right track. They have good jobs. They are and have been for some time now, serving in churches and their communities helping other people like themselves that have been caught up in the vicious cycle of the drug world they were once in. What was the turning point in their lives? They were introduced to Jesus! In his time Jesus changed their hearts. If their hearts had not been changed then neither would their lives. I wish I could say it was easily done but it wasn’t. I wish I could say they don’t have to fight their addiction every day even though one has been clean for two years but they do. It takes persistence on their part and on the part of others who pray for them. I raised my kids in church all their lives, do they live like it all the time? I could only wish. Children would rather imitate our flaws than our strong points. Not to mention when we try to help them by speaking out when we are not fond of something they are doing, they are quick to point out our imperfections. I know I am not an expert and don’t claim to be one, and I know I am far from perfect, but the one thing I do know is until a person’s heart is changed nothing you say to them or nothing you do to them is going to change them. Only God can do that. For every one I have helped by ministering to them, there are 99 that doesn’t want help;  mine or God’s, but I refuse to give up on any of them. I will keep loving them and will keep talking to them and I will keep helping them, when helping them will not hurt them, until the day I die or as long as God allows it.

There is an old Indian proverb that says it takes a village to shape a child. I agree. What can the people of this area do to change it? II Chronicles 7:14 says “If my people which are called by my name shall humble themselves and pray and seek my face, and turn from their wicked ways; I will hear from heaven, and will forgive their sins, and heal their land.” He didn’t say everyone had to change and pray. Only the ones who call themselves by God’s name. If every Christian in this area would hit the floor every morning on their knees, and every time they ask the blessing for their food, and when they are driving in their cars, and be on their knees as the last thing at night, praying God would hear our voices and change this area, our communities would see radical changes. I believe this with all my heart and I challenge every Christian to pray constantly for our community. Exodus 14: 13-14 tells us to have peace and stand still, that our enemy will be no more because God will fight for us. But we have to stand! Stand against drugs by Praying! And intercede with prayer for those addicted every day! We need to begin more programs such as Addicts Victorious, that has an 85 percent recovery rate or Celebrate Recovery, both Christ based programs, then we will see what our God can do but it will take us all on our faces before God everyday. Those of us who have been praying for years need reinforcements to help fight this on going battle. We need to stop  pointing fingers and get rid of our better than thou art attitudes and we need to start praying humbly together as a community because we want to see this enemy stopped. God is waiting to hear from us. I beg of you, please pray with me. Let God know we are serious about defeating this enemy called drug addiction.

Sincerely,

Sheila Brown

PS – If you need help or know someone who needs help with any addiction call Pastor Terry King at First Southern Baptist Church Leasburg MO or visit www.addictsvictorious.com or Pastor Dan Morrison at Living Word Church Leasburg MO or go to a search engine and type in Celebrate Recovery. There are people who want to help.

Marriage licenses issued from the office of Jennifer L. Metcalf, Franklin County Recorder of Deeds.

Kevin Dale Breitenstein and Crystal Lyn Medows both of Londell, MO.

Michael Allan Hellemeyer and Deborah Kay Iven, both of Robertsville, MO.

Robert Dennis Cammisa of Osage Beach, MO and Linda Joanne Nolan, of Sullivan, MO.

Matthew Alan Morris and  Karissa Irene Pruitt, both of New Haven, MO.

Paul Michael Jones and Dakota Marie Richardson, both of Washington, MO.

Gary Lee Ludwig and Jeanne Ann Esslinger, both of  Union, MO.

William Allen Withington and Nicole Celeste Devos, both of St. Clair, MO.

Jeffrey Jennings Deason and Alyse Ann Helton, both of Union, MO.

Dustin James Kampschroeder and Elizabeth Marie Gubbels, both of Washington, MO.

Scott Andrew Wolfe and Stephanie Lynn Payne, both of Washington, MO.

Luke Benjamin Kriefall and Kayleen Ann Archambault, both Villa Ridge, MO.

Ryan Scott Sumner of Washington, MO and Larissa  Alene Brown, of Pacific, MO.

By Ryan Storz

The 70th annual Crawford County Fair began Tuesday and will conclude Saturday with a concert by country music artist Phil Vassar.

On Wednesday, gates open at 9 a.m. with the parade at 6 p.m.

Midway carnival rides open at 6 p.m. and run through 10:30 p.m.

Crawford County championship bull riding is at 8 p.m. and the queen talent contest is at 9 p.m.

On Thursday, carnival rides run from 6 p.m. to 10:30 p.m. The prince and princess contest will be at 7 p.m., followed by the second night of bull riding at 8 p.m.

The queen contest will be on the main stage at 8:30 p.m.

Daily admission for Wednesday and Thursday is $20.

On Friday, carnival rides will go from 6 p.m. to 11 p.m. The beer garden will be open from 6 p.m. to midnight. The pedal tractor pull will be at 5:30 p.m. and the arena tractor pull begins at 7 p.m.

At 9 p.m., the Casey Donahew Band takes the stage.

Gates open at 8 a.m. Saturday for the Crawford County youth pageant, followed by the logging rodeo at 9 a.m.

The livestock auction starts at 1 p.m.

Carnival rides will go from 6 p.m. to 11 p.m. The demolition derby begins at 7 p.m.

Outshyne takes the stage at 7:30 p.m., followed by Phil Vassar at 9 p.m.

Admission is $30.

Ryan Storz has returned to the Sullivan Independent News to resume his role as Bourbon editor, a position he held from 2009-2013.

Ryan left that year to pursue opportunities in the St. Louis area. He worked in corporate communications at Nestle Purina from 2013-2014 where he generated content for the company’s intranet site and assisted in the planning of company events. After that, he worked as a web producer at KMOV, again generating content for the station’s website and helping in the daily management of its social media accounts. He moved on to a digital marketing position at Express Medical Supply in 2015, leading the company’s search engine optimization (SEO) efforts.

“I enjoy this area, and it’s nice to be back on a full-time basis,” said Ryan, who lives here with his fiancee, Andrea Watkins. “I like being close to my family, and while pulling weekend shifts at a television station and marketing medical supplies can be rewarding, I prefer this type of work. And I don’t have to deal with nightmare traffic on a daily basis. Win-win.”

If you believe you have something newsworthy to share, please contact the Independent News at 573-468-6511 or nuz4u@fidnet.com.

DALE MURPHY (middle) and his brother Clifton Murphy hold a Purple Heart issued posthumously to their brother Dean Murphy at the American Legion Post 81 Hall in 2012. Dale Murphy passed away July 2 at the age of 89.

By Ryan Storz

C. Dale Murphy, a veteran of World War II who served in the Pacific Theater, died on July 2 at 89.

Murphy and his twin brother Clifton Murphy joined the Navy in 1944 at the age of 17. Both were honorably discharged. Older brother Dean Murphy had joined the Marines, but was fatally wounded in Iwo Jima.

Murphy worked for the United States Postal Service beginning in 1954 and he worked in Joplin, Springfield and St. Louis before retiring in 1983. He was part of the founding of Peoples Bank in Bourbon.

Murphy married Emma Cartwright in August 1951 and together they had a daughter, Debra and son, Douglas.

Murphy was a member of First Baptist Church in Bourbon since 1946 and a member of American Legion Post 81 for 70 years.

A memorial service for Murphy was held on Saturday at First Baptist Church in Bourbon.

By Carmin Ball

Teams of enthusiastic citizens will gather at the Sullivan Fairgrounds for a full night of relay against cancer on Sat., July 16 from 6 p.m. until 11 p.m.

All throughout the night there will be different events held. The Survivor Dinner will start at 6 p.m. followed by opening ceremony. There  will be a performance by a local dance company, blow up obstacle course, games and the Luminaria will start when the sun goes down. Please tell your family, neighbors and friends to come and support this years events.

Relay For Life opens as cancer survivors (anyone who has ever been diagnosed with cancer) walk or wheelchair the first lap. This is an emotional time and sets the stage for the importance of each participant’s contribution.

Highlighting the evening is the Luminaria Ceremony held after dark to honor cancer survivors and to remember those who have lost the battle against cancer.

The luminarias line the track and are left burning throughout the night to remind participants of the incredible importance of their cancer survivors (anyone who has ever been diagnosed with cancer) walk or wheelchair the first lap.

This is an emotional time and sets the stage for the importance of each participant’s contribution. A festive atmosphere always develops around the track area at these events.

As you make new friends and spend time with old ones, the Relay heats up and the camp-out begins.

An atmosphere of camaraderie is created with team members entertaining each other: eating, playing games, and, of course, walking for a great cause.

For more information about how to form a team or become involved in Relay For Life please contact the American Cancer Society at 1-800-ACS-2345, or you may contact Liz Williams,

Franklin County Representative at 314-286-8164, email: elizabeth.williams@cancer.org. She would be happy to discuss any questions on you may.

The American Cancer Society is dedicated to eliminating cancer as a major health problem by saving lives, diminishing suffering and preventing cancer through research, education, advocacy and service.

For more information, call 1-800- ACS- 2345 or visit www.cancer.org.