Michelle Brooks

Russellville couple are ‘just a good fit’

In 20 years of marriage, Jason and Michelle Ford have never had a bad year. They met at a Bible study on the Central Missouri State University campus in March and by July they were engaged.

A glimpse into early German immigrant life

Henry Bockrath and his wife, Elizabeth, offer a unique glimpse into the lives of German immigrants who brought their culture, values, faith, language and architecture to Missouri, then adopted more modern and American ways through the decades.

Eugene classrooms on cutting edge

Technology has become as much a necessity in a classroom as a stapler. At Cole County R-5 schools in Eugene, “we’re beginning the process to go beyond the norm,” teacher Patty Smith said.

Volunteers ready for 40 Days

“If you could save a baby’s life, why wouldn’t you?” That was the question asked by Kathy Forck, organizer of the local 40 Days for Life prayer vigil, in a Catholic Missourian article several years ago.

DAR members continue family contributions of service

Tied to American history

After inheriting family Bibles and pictures dating back to the 1820s from several ancestral lines, Marti Crawford found a love and passion for American history. Further research of Crawford’s genealogy allowed her to gain membership into the Daughters of the American Revolution (DAR) for her mother before she passed away.

Russellville musicians upbeat after Bi-State Band experience

The alto saxophone section of the Russellville High School Band received some handy tips to improve their sound after two members returned from the Southern Illinois University-Edwardsville 26th Annual Bi-State Band.

Photographer finds renewal on mission trip

Swarmed by excited children in Constanza, Dominican Republic, David Bartz looked down to see a smiling little girl clutching his hand. He was at the school to take the students’ first portraits ever as part of the Lifetouch Memory Mission.

Science fair offers practical lessons

Amber Monteer and Brittany Whittington won’t be eating as many potato chips after comparing the grease content of several types for their science fair project. The pair's project at Cole County R-1 Middle School earned them a trip to the regional science fair at Lincoln University.

SeaBee memorial sought for National Cemetery

In Jefferson City

When civilian construction workers were slaughtered by Japanese forces while working on a Pacific island during World War II, the U.S. Navy decided it was time to use armed and trained sailors to carry out construction work.

Organic materials fulfilling NEEED

A public meeting at 7 p.m. Tuesday at Missouri River Regional Library will introduce the idea of developing Nutrition, Energy, Environment and Economic Development technologies to convert organic materials to good use.

Local couple helps Italians connect with WWII widower

Lt. Col. Raymond Nowotny, pilot and commander in the U.S. Army Air Force, died in a 1944 plane crash at Mount Tezio in Italy. A local couple is helping a group of Italians make contact with Nowotny’s survivors.

‘Listening Heart’ TV program goes national

At age 37, Randy Dignan already has worldwide evangelism and youth ministries and a 15-year presence as pastor of Bible Baptist Church. This past fall, he added “The Listening Heart,” a TV program produced by CTN.

Tribe Time tackles tough issues

RUSSELLVILLE, Mo. - At semi-monthly meetings of no more than two dozen Cole County R-1 high school students per “tribe,” student-leaders broached the topic of drugs and alcohol.

House on Rich Man’s Hill

Porth House is one of the few Jefferson City homes that date before the Civil War

The intersection of Bolivar and Main streets in Jefferson City has been a bustling commercial district for going on two centuries. William Porth's home was built on the tall hill which greeted travelers crossing the Missouri River bridge in the 1800s.

Banquet celebrates pro-life successes

The Midwest March for Life Benefit Banquet celebrated successes and announced future opportunities Friday with more than 400 supporters.

Groups offer softer, personal approach to anti-abortion message

Volunteers with Silent No More will be joined by up to six post-abortive mothers and fathers to share testimonies of pain and healing after the 10 a.m. Midwest March for Life rally today at the Missouri Capitol.

Banquet to kick off weekend of pro-life events

David Bereit, the National 40 Days for Life director, will be the guest speaker at the annual Pro-Life Banquet at 7 p.m. Friday in Jefferson City at Capitol Plaza Hotel, 415 W. McCarty St.

Academics get due in Russellville

Above the newly-lit basketball backboards and among athletic achievement banners is a new recognition for the Cole R-1 Schools ACT 30-plus Club.

Greenhands awash in FFA lessons

A spoof on the popular “Hunger Games” story, Missouri FFA state officers performed “Thirsty Games” for more than 400 greenhands at a motivational conference Tuesday at Lincoln University.

Work started on Moreau Drive nomination

Moreau Drive is on the path to the National Register of Historic Places. Lynn Josse, who's preparing the nomination, visited Tuesday with neighborhood residents and the Jefferson City Historic Preservation Commission.

Following an early calling, pastor guides a new church

A friendly 5-year-old, Michelle Scott-Huffman didn’t realize the impact her new neighbors would have on her life. They introduced her to a lifelong faith.

School offers real world lessons

Career-based curriculum can get students interested in information

Students at Cole R-1 High School in Russellville are taking their classroom knowledge a step further in the hopes of finding a career path. The career-based curriculum additions were a deliberate move by counselor Brent Mettlen and principal Heath Waters.

Peace brings different religions together

The most commonly used Hebrew word is “Shalom,” which means peace, and is used as a greeting and a farewell. “Peace” is a valued concept in most world religions.

Extension voting goes electronic for first time

Voting opens Wednesday for 14 candidates running for 10 seats from 3 districts for the University of Missouri Extension Council in Cole County, which will host the elections online at www.extension.missouri.edu/cole.

Beta Club offers community involvement

Students at Cole R-1 Schools have enjoyed learning to “lead by serving others” through Beta Club. Although similar to National Honor Society, Beta Club has a 3.0 grade point average standard, a strong community service component, begins in junior high, and holds annual competitions at state and national levels.

Churches, schools use conflict resolution straight from Bible

A simple approach to conflict resolution that came straight from Jesus has found success in local church and school circles. “This is a grand moment for the church to reclaim a leadership perspective in how to live life well,” said Scott Musselman, pastor of Our Savior’s Lutheran Church.

Spirit of giving is alive and well

“As the true spirit of Christmas is the spirit of giving — our time, talents and our treasures to others — it just makes good sense to give to those in our community who are in need, especially during this time of year,” said Susan Vaughn, president of the Jefferson City-Cole County Democrat Club.

Russellville school to discuss safety

Administrators at Cole County R-1 Schools in Russellville will discuss school safety plans after the Christmas break. They also will update school data for the Emergency Response Information Portal.

Russellville educators celebrate students’ successes

While the first snow swirled outside, students and faculty at Russellville High School held a Celebration of Success. The quarterly tradition began last year when Principal Heath Waters introduced the idea that allows teachers to recognize students for anything.

Food pantry on the road

Food Bank helps rural areas with mobile pantry

When the familiar rumble of a large, refrigerator truck packed with fresh and frozen foods nears Trinity Lutheran Church in Russellville, volunteers line up and client conversations cease. The Central Missouri Food Bank sends the truck once a month to the Cole County stop, just as it does to six others.

Russellville students fired up for ceramics class

Senior Faith Lynn likes to be artistic. She hadn’t tried ceramics before, so when Russellville schools offered the class for the first time this semester, she signed up.

Revved up for Russellville

She grew up across the street from her grandparents and walked the half block to school or to the park. Eve Campbell has lived her entire life in Russellville, just as several generations before her have done.

Historical society building has history all its own

Reconstruction and repurposing could sum up the lasting contributions made by Missouri’s 20th governor, Benjamin Gratz Brown. In addition to involvement in construction of the Governor's Mansion, Brown had 3 row houses built across the street, a portion of which now houses the Cole County Historical Society.

American Heritage Girls finds new home in Jefferson City

Flags and candles, reciting missions and values, uniforms and badges, service projects and camaraderie — the American Heritage Girls has all of the makings of a children’s organization. “This is not just an organization; it’s a ministry,” said Troop 3412 coordinator Julie Glaser.

Special education takes new direction in Russellville

Lessons for life

After Johnny washed his hands, he gathered eggs and bread from the refrigerator. Rachel got the pans from the cabinets and Jocelyn brought spatulas to the back-to-back ovens in the former home economics room at Russellville High School.

Russellville celebrates community Christmas

Tyler Strauch and Taylor Zumwalt added a little rev and excitement to the Russellville annual Christmas parade riding their four-wheelers. “There’s a thrill of being in control,” said Zumwalt, who did stunts all the way down Main Street Saturday.

Local churches foster fair-trade connections

The local Unitarian Universalist Fellowship relies on its coffee counter as a source of Sunday socialization and its morning beverage service. Similarly, fair trade crafts and goods have become a Christmas tradition at First Presbyterian Church as an alternative giving method for its members.

Coffee store: Fair trade benefits growers financially, spiritually

Everyone has a story. Tony Anderson’s is beginning his dream of opening a coffee store. Anderson hopes customers at Three Story Coffee, in the 100 block of East Dunklin Street in Jefferson City, will bring in their stories as well.

Russellville Railroad Park project taking shape

Just as new tree roots are taking hold in the recently cleaned soil, the Railroad Park project is coming to life.

ZAP-ping problems by helping students finish their work

Four years ago, when Karen Ponder took the Cole County R-1 elementary school principal’s chair, she was astounded to see 69 grades of "F" in Russellville's middle school at the end of the first semester. Ponder immediately researched Zeros Aren’t Permitted (ZAP). “It guarantees they are accountable for their work,” she said.

MU’s extra edge on the ice

He’s got the best seat in the arena, short of being a player, but he’s never even suited up.

Wreaths for Heroes ready for third year

On Saturday, hundreds of volunteers likely will fill Jefferson City's National Cemetery to hang an artificial wreath on each of the 1,588 markers. The wreaths will arrive at 9 a.m. at the cemetery on East McCarty Street with a ceremony immediately following. Call 635-5651 for more information.

Honor Ball helps raise funds for veterans’ flights to memorial

Few opportunities allow everyday people to sit and visit with World War II veterans. The Central Missouri Honor Flight’s Fourth Annual Honor Ball on Dec. 9 in Columbia does.

Garden club to help landscape at new shelter

A colorful tree planted by the local Bittersweet Garden Club is the latest community donation to the newly built Jefferson City Animal Shelter on Hyde Park Road.

Video, print and creativity

In the spirit of the humorous silent films, juniors Andrew Ford and Kristi Dulany created a short movie parody of students and staff at Russellville High School.

Foundations help schools fill funding needs

Community-based resource tapped by large, small districts alike

As state funding tightens, rural public schools are finding help from foundations. The Russellville School Foundation organized this summer to support the Cole County R-1 Schools. At the end of its first year, the New Bloomfield Education Foundation has seen the benefits of its financial support already.

Russellville Locker is longtime community business

A couple’s dream came in a surprising package. But 63 years and four generations later, the Russellville Locker continues to process meat for its community. “They always wanted to be in some sort of business together,” Mike Wyss said of his parents, Howard and Berniece.

Stories by Michelle