Fire board approves new bond issue, levy

After the Smithville Area Fire Protection District’s crushing defeat in the Aug. 5 election, the fire board held a special meeting Aug. 11 to dust themselves off and come up with a new plan to offer voters in November.

The new plan involves a bond for $2.5 million with a debt service levy of 10 cents per assessed $100 of property and a tax levy increase which would add an additional 23 cents per assessed $100 of property. In all, the bond issue and levy increase would mean an overall increase in the existing levy of 33 cents per assessed $100 of property.

Creating quilts, friendships

Several women gather in the basement of Smithville resident Georgia Callaway’s home every week to hand-stitch quilts. They’ve done so ever since the late Katie Carr formed a quilting group called Dorcas Helpers in 1999.

“Dorcas is a biblical name,” said Mabel Denney, one of the group members. “She was a helper.”

Warriors enjoying youthful spark under new coach's direction

Busy with her own responsibilities as a member of the Smithville High varsity volleyball team a season ago, Allie Daraban didn’t have much need to get a read on the school’s new freshman coach.

MSHSAA throws runners for a loop

The Smithville High girls cross country team spent all summer nurturing a dream.

First day of school brings changes

Susan French at Smithville Upper Elementary has a pet name for her fourth-graders: french fries.

Leachman announces retirement

Dr. Rob Leachman announced his retirement effective June 30, 2009, as superintendent of the Smithville R-II School District.

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