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Tuesday, March 31
Griffons' baseball dismantles rival Bearcats
MARYVILLE, Mo. - Missouri Western didn't have a finished home field on which to practice for much of preseason and had trouble just finding a time and place to take batting practice. But the further into the season the Griffons get, the more attuned they have become with opponents' pitchers, and Western took their emerging offense to Bearcat Field this week, coming home winners of three of four.
Monday, March 30
Monday's Prep Sports
Monday's Prep Sports
Northwest names new men's basketball coach
The squeak of tennis shoes echoed through the halls of Bearcat Arena on Tuesday as the Northwest Missouri State men played pickup basketball for a few afternoon hours. Even though the Bearcats have been on their own since coach Steve Tappmeyer announced his retirement two weeks ago, they still gathered at Bearcat Arena a couple of times to play. But with no head coach Tuesday, the Bearcats decided out-of-bounds disputes by committee, and guard DaJuan Harris even got away with wearing a Missouri Western T-shirt for the afternoon. That should all change very soon. Northwest will introduce Ben McCollum as the 20th head coach in the program's history at a noon press conference today.
There's nothing tired about this Phantom
After 20 years, "Phantom of the Opera" still electrifies
One of the longest-running Broadway shows, "Phantom of the Opera" is still a show-stopper.
Artist Q&A
These musicians talk about who has influenced their music the most.
Hillman hints Aviles might hit 9th in lineup
PEORIA, Ariz. - Mike Aviles hit .325 as a rookie and was selected the Kansas City Royals player of the year, while batting primary leadoff or second. But this season, Aviles could find himself dropping to the bottom of the lineup and batting ninth.
Renovations make Kauffman Stadium more accessible to handicapped
KANSAS CITY - When the Kansas City Royals have their home opener at Kauffman Stadium on April 10, disabled fans will find a lot has changed. The Royals and HOK Sport, the architects in charge of a $250 million overhaul of the 35-year-old stadium, has worked to make Kauffman more modern and comfortable for all visitors. But they've also worked with a special advisory group to make the stadium more compliant with the Americans with Disabilities Act, which didn't exist when Kauffman first opened. The act is federal law requiring public buildings be fully accessible to the handicapped.
Sunday, March 29
Sunday's local college sports, March 29th
Sunday's local sports, March 29th
Connecticut crushes Mizzou's Final Four dream
GLENDALE, Ariz. - Connecticut often overwhelms opponents with its size and strength. Harried by the fighting Missouri Tigers, UConn needed something else: speed. Enter 6-foot-1 freshman Kemba Walker, who matched a career high with 23 points as the top-seeded Huskies held off Missouri 82-75 in the West Regional final on Saturday. UConn earned a trip to Detroit and extended the Big East's dominance of the NCAA tournament.
Kansas' future remains bright
Next year was supposed to be the one for Kansas. Sherron Collins would be a senior, Cole Aldrich a junior and all those young, gifted players would have a year of experience. The Jayhawks just couldn't wait that long. Kansas backed up last year's national championship with an impressive and unexpected trip to the second weekend of the NCAA tournament. Tough as it was to lose to Michigan State in the round of 16 Friday night, the Jayhawks have set the foundation for what could be an even deeper run in 2010.
Saturday, March 28
Taking the 'pulse' for conservation
The Missouri River lost its pulse last Saturday. Due to a substantial rain forecast across much of the lower Missouri River basin, the Corps of Engineers had to cancel releasing a planned "pulse" of water from the Gavin's Point Dam.
Friday, March 27
Michigan State eliminates defending champion Kansas
INDIANAPOLIS - Goran Suton had 20 points and nine rebounds and Michigan State was steady from the foul line, rallying to defeat defending NCAA champion Kansas 67-62 Friday night in the Midwest Regional semifinals. Kalin Lucas added 18 points for the second-seeded Spartans (29-6). He shot just 5-for-15 from the field, but made all five of his free throws in the final minute. Overall, Michigan State went 16 of 17 from the line.
UConn hoping to slow down Mizzou
GLENDALE, Ariz. - When the NCAA released its brackets two weeks ago, many observers relished the prospect of a West regional final between top-seeded Connecticut and No. 2 Memphis. Only one problem with that: Missouri. The third-seeded Tigers left Memphis gasping for air in the regional semifinals. Now they'll turn their frenetic style on the Huskies, who outlasted Purdue in the other semifinal.
Outdoors column: The three P's, T's of baitcasting reels
Learn to conquer the backlash on a baitcasting reel, and you'll love them and won't go without them. Invest a lot of money in them and end up with big piles of tangled fishing line and a very large headache, and you'll most likely hate them.
Johnson gets probation for incidents
KANSAS CITY - Kansas City Chiefs running back Larry Johnson was sentenced to two years probation Friday after pleading guilty to two counts of disturbing the peace for separate incidents involving women at nightclubs last year. A Kansas City Municipal Court judge suspended imposition of the sentence and will remove the guilty plea from the public record if Johnson finishes the probation without further incidents.
Royals' Meche throws 7 scoreless innings against Dodgers
GLENDALE, Ariz. - Earlier this week, the Royals chose Gil Meche as Kansas City's Opening Day starter at Chicago on April 6, even though he hadn't pitched like an ace in spring training. His March 21 start against Arizona, in which he gave up eight hits and two walks in 3 2/3 innings, left him with a 10.45 ERA. But it was a different story Friday as Meche pitched seven scoreless innings against the Los Angeles Dodgers, allowing four singles - three of them to Manny Ramirez - in the Royals' 4-1 victory. He walked one and struck out six.
Kansas City hoping to kick losing habit
KANSAS CITY - Watching the only team he ever loved stumble through a long parade of wasted seasons has just about broken George Brett's heart. "It's been a tough 24 years to be honest with you," he said. When that famous picture of him and Bret Saberhagen leaping joyfully into each other's arms after the final out of the 1985 World Series was snapped, the jaunty Royals were one of the most envied franchises in the majors. They'd won six division titles, two AL pennants and a world championship in 10 exciting seasons. They owned this town. Now, they own the longest playoff drought in the American League.
Missouri in talks to keep Anderson in Columbia
COLUMBIA, Mo. - Talks are under way to keep Missouri basketball coach Mike Anderson right where he is. Athletics spokesman Chad Moller told The Associated Press on Friday there have been "informal talks about what can be done, and what needs to be done" to retain Anderson.
Roger Allen impresses NFL scouts
Roger Allen made NFL scouts wait a month to see him perform drills, and the former Missouri Western guard made it worth their wait. In front of about 50 scouts at Missouri's pro day in Columbia last week, Allen bench pressed 225 pounds 38 times. The NFL invited Allen to February's combine, but the senior suffered a sports hernia during an all-star game and had to sit out all of the drills in Indianapolis.
Go dark for a good cause
Earth Hour wants the world to turn off its lights
Can you go without lights for just one hour tomorrow? The earth will thank you.
Ticket turmoil
Here's the backstories on why buying a concert ticket these days often stinks
Record Wear House manager Tina Phillips has an old concert poster from a show in Kansas City in her store. The poster is for a performance featuring the popular '80s rock group INXS with special guests The Bodeans. The price for a ticket: $12. As the head of a St. Joseph Ticketmaster outlet, Phillips knows those days of affordable concerts are long gone.
Two decades and counting
Mound City's State Theater caps off its 20th anniversary season this weekend
While it's commonplace for bigger cities to have outlets for the arts, small towns have a harder time keeping the arts thriving.
Loops and layers
RPI brings unique live show to Norty's
Imagine one man playing a guitar. Not impressed? OK. Imagine one man playing a guitar and a bass. A little more difficult, right? Now imagine that man playing a guitar, a bass and a shaker. Now imagine him playing a guitar, a bass, a shaker and a drum. Now imagine him playing a guitar, a bass, a shaker, a drum and a harmonica. Now, that's amazing. Oh, and he sings.
Starting them early
Robidoux Resident Theatre hosts the first Young Playwrights Festival
It's true that you can't have theater without actors. But before the actors, there must be a script.
Pop explorers
Ivy League rockers head to Lawrence
Justin Rice and Christian Rudder met as students at Harvard University and immediately hit it off. They were both DJs for the college radio station and would work on songs in each other's bedrooms. They decided to form a band and, eventually, their love for music became a full-time job. Sometimes, even Harvard grads have to follow their hearts.
We recommend for March 27, 2009
We recommend for March 27, 2009
That game we play: Setting the bar too low?
Over the years I have, on numerous occasions, been accused of having sky-high standards. And it's true, I don't get excited about just anybody and there are certain criteria a guy has to meet before I'll date/like/consider him. This has certainly made dating harder, as it seems I have to meet 20 guys before finding one that I want to keep around for awhile.
The Shuffle: South by Southwhat?
South By Southwest ain't what it used to be. The festival's original intentions were noble enough back in 1987. Organizers of SXSW wanted a festival to showcase hungry, unknown bands looking for exposure by drawing record labels to a modestly sized metropolis smack dab in the middle of The Lone Star State. Even in 2009, this is the music festival's main intention. But what's making headlines is not the unknown bands who are breaking out but the major artists who are breaking in.
Eats: Finding good pizza is Simple
As soon as nice weather breaks the winter chill, there's nothing better than sitting outside on the patio and enjoying a meal with friends. And Simple Simon's Pizza would be just the place to go with its spacious covered brick patio and casual atmosphere.
This is: "Copper Light" by Pam Sullivan
This is: "Copper Light" by Pam Sullivan
That's cool: USB Memory Watch ($24.99-$34.99)
That's cool: USB Memory Watch ($24.99-$34.99)
Hill 'ready for whatever' as Western practice begins
Michael Hill betrayed none of the potential or expectations.
Entertainment calendars for March 27, 2009
Entertainment calendars for March 27, 2009
Entertainment briefs for March 27, 2009
Entertainment briefs for March 27, 2009
Cardinals rule City Round Robin on 3-way tiebreaker
Mike Musser deflected any talk of personal achievements. No surprise, coming from the longtime Benton baseball coach, even after his 300th career victory led the Cardinals to an improbable first-place finish in the City Baseball Round Robin Tournament.
WNBA trainer brings prevention message to St. Joseph
Laura Ramus knows just by watching a female athlete's landing when she jumps that the player is on her way to a painful anterior cruciate ligament tear.
Thursday, March 26
Streaking like they don't care
Brittany Douglas doesn't know how many consecutive games Missouri Western softball has won. The Griffons' right fielder and leading hitter can't recall the last time her team lost, either. The present provides plenty of intrigue on its own. The Griffons don't see any point in reminiscing right now. And the present is a blustery evening at the MWSU Softball Complex. The setting sun gives a false sense of warmth. The wind, blowing dust across the infield and ripping at the outfield flags, says otherwise. A quiet crowd of about 50 people hunkers down against the cold in blankets, hoods and stocking caps. Most of the cheering erupts from the Western dugout.
LeBlond, Central girls share Sports Inc. award
Benton's Hedden earns male honor
During Wednesday night's 24th annual Scholar-Athlete Awards ceremony, Bishop LeBlond senior Dain Finney and Central senior Claire Humphreys were named co-winners of the 2009 scholar-athlete award. The two shared an embrace on the stage at Kemper Recital Hall, reflecting back to their days as classmates and teammates at both Gene Field Elementary and Bode Middle School. Neither minded sharing the spotlight with a lifelong friend.
Wednesday, March 25
Final grades for the Western men
This blog entry is long overdue, but I decided to wait until after my annual ski trip to hand out the grades. So while the hoops season has given way to hardball in every MIAA locale except Warrensburg, I'll devote a few more words to the Western men's team before putting a wrap on the 2008-09 version of West by Northwest. Resiliency was the buzz word to describe this Western team, which lost five games by a basket.
That's a lot of batteries
So I was pretty impressed to hear that Orscheln Farm & Home collected 3.7 million pounds of batteries to be recycled into new batteries. The company held their first battery exchange recently at all 152 Orschelin locations in nine states.
St. Joseph Sports Inc. to give out scholar-athlete awards
St. Joseph Sports Inc. annually honors outstanding high school male and female scholar-athletes in St. Joseph. Two scholar-athletes will be chosen tonight and each will receive a $1,000 scholarship. The remaining six nominees each will receive $500 scholarships.
Tuesday, March 24
Tuesday's Local College Box Scores
Tuesday's Local College Box Scores
Tuesday's Prep Sports
Tuesday's Prep Sports
Maturity and innovation
The Nadas make the leap from college tunes to concept songs
Playboy magazine once called The Nadas "the best college band you've never heard of." But in recent years, the Des Moines folk rock quintet has undergone a change. What's the change, you might ask?
Boys Like Girls to play for boys and girls at Northwest
Pop-punk group will headline annual spring concert
For this year's annual spring concert, Northwest Missouri State University will swap out cowboy boots and hats for Chuck Taylors and asymmetrical haircuts.
Benton keeps up winning streak in City Round Robin
When his first big chance came along, Clint Barnett swung for the fences. The Benton senior spent the previous three years biding his time below the varsity level, forced to watch as the Cardinals rolled to success year after year. But Barnett's lack of experience didn't prevent him from stepping up during the City Baseball Round Robin Tournament. Facing a full count, the senior third baseman lashed a bases-loaded triple that ignited the Cardinals' latent offense and fueled Benton to a 10-1 rout of a young Central squad Monday at Phil Welch Stadium. The victory kept Benton a perfect 16-0 in the event, which started in 2003.
Monday, March 23
Monday's Local Sports
Monday's local Sports
Help the environment, and look good doing it
Help the environment, and look good doing it
You can be eco-friendly and well-dressed by shopping these clothing and shoe lines.
Freshman seals Sweet 16 trip for Missouri
BOISE, Idaho - Four unbelievable minutes. Two gargantuan free throws. Freshman Kim English came off the bench to "pinch shoot" for the hurting J.T. Tiller and made two free throws with 5.5 seconds left Sunday to give Missouri the go-ahead points in an 83-79 victory over Marquette in the NCAA tournament. It was quite an encore for English, who had an out-of-body 4 1/2-minute shooting spree in the first half, scoring 15 points and helping third-seeded Mizzou (30-6) turn a six-point deficit into a 16-point lead.
Sunday, March 22
Sunday's local sports
Sunday's local sports
Newtown-Harris boys fall in championship game
COLUMBIA, Mo. - Tim Cool mustered an assessment of Scott County Central following Saturday's Class 1 boys championship game. The Newtown-Harris coach's glowing words about his victorious opponent couldn't even accurately describe the Braves' performance. Scott County Central extended its record to 13 state titles behind a Show-Me Showdown record 64 first-half points. From there, the Braves coasted to a 98-63 victory in a record-setting display of basketball.
Jefferson girls clamp down on Bakersfield in state consolation game
COLUMBIA, Mo. - In order to end her career on a winning note, Jefferson's Ally Sullivan knew she had to get back to basics and get defensive. Thanks to a dampening dose of debilitating defense, the Eagles clamped down on Bakersfield and ran away with a 50-31 victory Saturday in the Class 1 third-place game at Mizzou Arena. Sullivan's team-leading five steals and relentless pressure helped Jefferson overcome a semifinal loss and end the team's first trip to state since 1997 with a victory.
Saturday, March 21
GAME NOTES: Scott County Central boys 98, Newtown-Harris 63
Lost in Scott County Central's gaudy point totals were early signs of life from Newtown-Harris. SCC scored a Show-Me Showdown record 64 first-half points, and the Braves' 34 first-quarter points tied them for second. Their total of 98 places them fifth and second to SCC's own state record.
Glasgow's Jay Lee misses out on milestone
Ever so close to an unbelievable milestone, Glasgow's Jay Lee might have went up for a block he will regret for a while. The Yellowjackets' senior needed just one more point during Saturday morning's Class 1 third-place game to reach 3,000 for his career. Only five other players in Missouri history belong to that club.
Sylvia Says: Powdered peanut butter has plenty of possibilities
When I first heard about Bell Plantation powdered peanut butter, I wondered why anybody would want their peanut butter powdered. It's actually called PB2 (peanut butter, second generation) and is made by squeezing out all the oil.
Interfering with Missouri's outdoorsmen has its price
It was just nine years ago that Ed Fleshman, a trapper from Lebanon, Mo., became one of the first outdoorsmen in the state to find relief in a law passed in 1997 that protects hunters, anglers and trappers from interference.
Outdoors column: Mount your own spring cleaning project
With temperatures on the rise and spring at our doorstep, thoughts of catching some big slab crappies, finding a mess of morel mushrooms or shooting a big old longbeard are probably filling the heads of many right now. The last thing nearly any outdoorsmen wants to think about is "spring cleaning."
Friday, March 20
State championship prep capsules
BOYS CLASS 1 CHAMPIONSHIP GAME NEWTOWN-HARRIS vs. SCOTT COUNTY CENTRAL
Newtown-Harris set for 1st state title tilt in school history
COLUMBIA, Mo. - Newtown-Harris must play with the intimidation factor. Scott County Central must ignore the pressure of being an overwhelming favorite. But neither team's coach believes the mitigating factors will bother his club during today's Class 1 boys state championship game at Mizzou Arena. Newtown-Harris (29-1) reached the first state title game in school history with an 11-point win against Chadwick in Thursday's semifinal. The Tigers are rewarded with the task of toppling an overwhelming favorite with dynamic talent.
Aldrich denies NDSU's upset bid
MINNEAPOLIS - Cole Aldrich's long arms emerged above the lane to snatch the rebound and slam it in, drawing a foul he turned into a three-point play and a nine-point Kansas lead with just less than 2 minutes left. North Dakota State's upset pursuit had the support of the crowd, but the lanky yet powerful Aldrich was too hard to guard in his return home. Sherron Collins scored a season-high 32 points and went basket for basket with NDSU star Ben Woodside, while Aldrich finished with 23 points and 13 rebounds to help the defending NCAA champion Jayhawks hold off the 14th-seeded Bison 84-74 in the first round Friday.
No. 3 Missouri cruises past Cornell
BOISE, Idaho - No need to trademark this slogan, even if it did work perfectly for Missouri this time. "20 Minutes of Hell." It was more than enough to lift Leo Lyons, DeMarre Carroll and the Tigers to a 78-59 win over Cornell in the first round of the NCAA tournament Friday. Lyons finished with 23 points and 10 rebounds and Carroll, the coach's nephew, had all but two of his 13 points in the second half to help the third-seeded Tigers (29-6) pull away after a slow opening 20 minutes.
The "Twilight" DVD release is at midnight, how will you be celebrating?
Stories offering parties, prices and specials for the big event
The "Twilight" DVD will be released at midnight tonight. Don't wait until the sun comes up to get your copy - several stores are hosting midnight madness parties.
Jefferson girls can't stop Exeter attack
COLUMBIA, Mo. -- Limiting Exeter's Missouri State-bound Whitney Edie didn't pose the biggest problem for Jefferson in Thursday night's Class 1 semifinal. Instead, the Eagles struggled to find enough offense of their own.
Newtown-Harris advances to Class 1 championship game
COLUMBIA, Mo. With every pump of his fist, Japheth Busick's confidence rocketed higher into the rafters of Mizzou Arena. The Tigers' sophomore saw no reason to play the hero. After all, this wasn't his Newtown-Harris team. As a spot starter, Busick knew his place among the rest of his accomplished senior teammates. But when the Tigers needed him most, he rose to the occasion Thursday and lifted Newtown-Harris to a 75-64 victory against Chadwick during the Class 1 semifinals with a dazzling 3-point performance.
GAME BLOG: Marion County girls 60, Bakersfield 54
For a team that looked outmatched on paper, Bakersfield sure didn't look like an overwhelmed underdog. Taking a devil-may-care attitude, the Lions nearly pulled a big-time upset on the small-class level during their 60-54 loss to Marion County in the Class 1 semifinals. Bakersfield held the lead in the final two minutes against a highly-favored Mustangs team but couldn't complete the upset.
Coast to coast
Marilyn Maye plays St. Joe after her re-emergence in New York
It's funny how things work sometimes. ¶ After making multiple records, after starring in "Hello Dolly," after being the most frequent and famous guest on "The Tonight Show with Johnny Carson," after making a name for herself as one of the greatest female jazz and cabaret singers in the world, Marilyn Maye was "re-discovered" following a 2006 appearance at the Lincoln Center's Rose Hall in New York.
Review: I Love You, Man
It might just be the funniest movie of the year
Appatowian. It's not a word by Webster's Dictionary standards. But if it were, it would mean a certain comic style blazed forth by producer/director Judd Apatow, the mastermind behind lewd and crude modern-day comic classics like "The 40-Year-Old Virgin," "Superbad" and "Forgetting Sarah Marshall."
Something super from St. Joe
Locally produced film 'Super Capers' gets nationwide theatrical release today
Many of Hollywood's most-hyped films contain either grotesque humor or excessive violence. But St. Joe writer/director Ray Griggs thought that his first foray into feature filmmaking should be something for everybody.
Man in the mask
'Phantom of the Opera' coming to Music Hall in Kansas City
On Jan. 9, 2006, The Phantom of the Opera became the longest running show on Broadway. The winner of seven Tony awards has been seen by more than 80 million people in 124 cities in 25 countries.
Creation from scarcity
Handsome Furs make big statement with bare essentials
Montreal husband-and-wife duo Handsome Furs got the name for their latest release, "Face Control," from a Russian screening process they encountered firsthand. Guitarist/vocalist Dan Boeckner and drum programmer Alexei Perry were touring the country and got turned away based on their less-than-formal appearance.
The Shuffle: Nailing it
I'm not one who usually types out hundreds of words in this column gushing about how wonderful a band is. If I want to talk about the greatness of U2, Foo Fighters, The Decemberists or Journey, yes, Journey, I'll just proclaim it verbally to any co-worker within earshot and let the debates come. But for this column, I'm going to make an exception - sort of.
That game we play: Does marriage change anything?
Not too long ago, I was talking to one of my recently married friends. She mentioned that before she and her husband got married, it seemed that everyone kept telling them how marriage would "change everything." So they were somewhat surprised when, after the big day, they felt that little had changed. Where was all this change they had been warned about? Their relationship felt the same as it did before, only now they had the same last name and health insurance.
Eats: A taste of Philly at Adams
Some of my buddies told me about this great place in town to get a Philly sandwich, so I thought I would give it a try. The road took me to Adams Bar and Grill in St. Joe.
This is: "Conduits and Catalysts" by Brandon Singleton
This is: "Conduits and Catalysts" by Brandon Singleton
What's in that?: The Ex-boyfriend at Norty's
What's in that?: The Ex-boyfriend at Norty's
Entertainment briefs for March 20, 2009
Entertainment briefs for March 20, 2009
We recommend for March 20, 2009
We recommend for March 20, 2009
Entertainment calendars for March 20, 2009
Entertainment calendars for March 20, 2009
Thursday, March 19
Game Blog: Scott County Central boys 78, Glasgow 44 (updated)
Scott County Central boys 78, Glasgow 44 Turns out Scott County Central might be as good as advertised.
Hey, nice gadgets
Three devices for the tech-obsessed
We know that some of you are itching to get the newest, slickest or strangest gadgets out there right now. So, here's a few to peak your interest.
Chik-fil-A fans, it's going to be a long wait
Chick-fil-A is still coming . . . just not now. The southern chicken eatery should break ground by the spring of 2010, according to Brenda Green, a company spokesperson.
New nightlife
St. Joe's bars and nightclubs are building, expanding and taking new directions
There's a new nightclub one the scene, several others are expanding their locations and yet another is trying some new things to lure people in for happy hour. Here's a glimpse at what's happening with St. Joe nightlife.
Mustangs add some more local faces
The St. Joseph Mustangs this week added another outfielder to their roster, bolstering their stable of local athletes at the same time. Ryan Hook, a 6-foot-2, 190-pound junior at Western Kentucky, has signed a contract to play for the college wood bat summer league team. Hook, who batted .394 for Maple Woods Community College last year before transferring to Western Kentucky, was a standout performer at Benton High School.
Jefferson girls get turn in state tournament spotlight
CONCEPTION JUNCTION, Mo. - Allison Kemper and Rachael Schmitz are accustomed to making the annual journey to Columbia by now. Dating back to their middle school days, the pair of Jefferson seniors participated in the yearly pilgrimage to watch the boys basketball team represent their tiny school on the hardwood courts of Mizzou Arena - and Hearnes Center before that.
Wednesday, March 18
Missouri high school basketball semifinals
Capsule looks at today's state semifinal matchups.
Phil Welch Stadium improvements hit snag
Nobody is expecting ideal playing conditions this afternoon when Missouri Western takes on Nebraska-Omaha in the Griffons' delayed opening to their home schedule. After what has gone on the past two weeks, they're just happy to be playing. With the construction going on around Phil Welch Stadium, everyone expected some inconveniences, but things went from inconvenient to downright problematic two weekends ago when an electrical subcontractor, putting finishing touches on the new lighting system, got a crane stuck in right field.
Ready, set, buy?
5 stocks ready for the rebound
CHICAGO - The stock market has been a bad-news bear for every imaginable type of stock in recent months, including supposedly safe ones.
Tuesday, March 17
Tuesday's prep sports, March 17
All-conference teams
Colon struggles for White Sox in loss to Royals
PHOENIX - Bartolo Colon struggled in his spring debut for the Chicago White Sox.
Tappmeyer out as Northwest coach
MARYVILLE, Mo. - Steve Tappmeyer is out after 21 seasons as head basketball coach at Northwest Missouri State.
Monday, March 16
Monday's Local Sports
Monday's Local Sports
Northwest basketball coach steps down
MARYVILLE, Mo. - Northwest Missouri State head men's basketball coach Steve Tappmeyer announced his resignation on Monday. Tappmeyer will retire from his position at the university following the academic year after completing 21 years of service, according to the university.
Review: 'Frost/Nixon'
Nothing groundbreaking, still an excellent biopic
Director Ron Howard has made a name for himself as a great storyteller. And just as he did with "Apollo 13," Howard takes a well-known and well-documented true story and somehow manages to transform it into a fascinating and suspenseful film with "Frost/Nixon."
Sunday, March 15
Sunday's local sports
Sunday's local sports
Johnson carries Platte Co. to championship
COLUMBIA, Mo. - Morgan Johnson decimated the Show-Me Showdown record book, and the Platte County senior made sure her efforts landed the Pirates their first basketball state title. Platte County's 6-foot-4 senior turned in a second straight monster performance, this one leading the Pirates to an 81-75 victory against Webb City in Saturday's Class 4 state championship game. Johnson scored 24 points to go with Showdown single-game records of 26 rebounds and 14 blocks.
Spoofhound girls can't stop defending state champions
KANSAS CITY - Maryville's girls played smart basketball on Saturday, but Skyline displayed too much Wisdom. Senior guard Maci Wisdom scored 28 points, including six straight free throws in the second overtime period, as defending state champion Skyline escaped with a 56-54 double-overtime victory against the Spoofhounds in the Class 3 quarterfinals at Staley High School. The victory gives Skyline (26-4) another in a long run of final four appearances and keeps alive the Tigers' hopes for a sixth state championship.
Hamilton comes up short
KIRKSVILLE, Mo. - Lindsay Vollmer's shoulders slumped, lowering her gaze as she watched Hamilton's last-ditch 3-pointer bounce harmlessly to the Pershing Arena hardwood. The sophomore forward and her teammates had nothing to hang their heads about. Despite a valiant comeback effort, the youthful Hornets came up two points short of a repeat trip to state following a 37-35 loss to New Franklin on Saturday in the Class 2 quarterfinals. Hamilton trailed by double digits entering the final quarter but fought back to briefly take the lead in the final two minutes.
Freshman propels Jefferson in quarterfinal victory
MARYVILLE, Mo. - Jefferson's four seniors celebrated Saturday's Class 1 quarterfinal victory with a mixture of vigor and relief. But without a second straight big-time performance from their freshman teammate, the Eagles might not have made it out of Bearcat Arena with those emotions. Kendle Schieber came off the bench to score 19 points, including eight straight in a decisive fourth-quarter run that turned a four-point deficit to Southwest Livingston into a 45-34 runaway.
Missouri surges to first Big 12 championship
OKLAHOMA CITY - DeMarre Carroll could only shake his head and listen to his teammates laugh as he finished chronicling what he'd been through in two years at Missouri. Seated alongside the uncle who also happened to be his head coach and wearing a Big 12 championship cap and T-shirt, his journey seemed just a little bit wild. "Once I transferred here, everything started going wrong. I was just looking around like, 'Man, what did I get myself into?' But my uncle told me just keep having faith and the sun will come up at the end," Carroll said. "I got shot, we lost a lot of games and so on. But look at me now. I'm standing here smiling and I'm a Big 12 champion." Carroll scored 20 points as the 14th-ranked Tigers ended Baylor's surprising run through the Big 12 tournament, grinding down the Bears 73-60 to win their first postseason conference title in 16 years.
Sabetha boys' run stopped in final
HUTCHINSON -The Sabetha boys had an uphill road to get a shot at winning the Class 3A state championship. Undefeated Hutchinson Trinity stood in their way in the semifinals, and undefeated Wichita Collegiate were in the finals. The Bluejays knocked one team from the ranks of the unbeaten but fell short in their quest to beat both. Collegiate made a last-second defensive stand to preserve its 55-52 victory Saturday night at Hutchinson Sports Arena.
Saturday, March 14
Saturday's Prep Sports
Saturday's Prep Sports
Prep basketball playoff capsules
CLASS 4 STATE TITLE GAME GIRLS PLATTE COUNTY vs. WEBB CITY ⤠WHEN - 4:45 p.m. ⤠WHERE - Mizzou Arena; Columbia, Mo. ⤠RECORDS - Platte County 27-2, Webb City 26-4
Milwaukee pounds Royals
PHOENIX - Zack Greinke said the curveball he threw to Prince Fielder was the best one he's ever had hit out of a park. He sought out the first baseman to find out how he did it. Fielder hit his second homer in as many days and Brewers starter Yovani Gallardo got back on track with five strikeouts over four scoreless innings in a 5-1 win against Kansas City Royals split squad Friday.
Northwest women reflect on missed chances
MARYVILLE, Mo. - The other MIAA women's basketball teams tried to hand Northwest Missouri State a ticket to this year's conference postseason tournament. But coach Gene Steinmeyer's team just couldn't reach out with that one additional victory it took to give them a chance to defend their conference tournament title.
Chiefs tap new D-coordinator
The Kansas City Chiefs gave their defensive coordinator position to Clancy Pendergast on Friday. He held the same position for Arizona's run to last season's Super Bowl. Pendergast joins Chiefs head coach Todd Haley, who was the Cardinals' offensive coordinator in 2008.
Sabetha boys reach 3A state final
HUTCHINSON, Kan. - The Sabetha boys earned a chance to bring home a state championship, toppling previously unbeaten Hutchinson Trinity in Friday's Class 3A semifinal at Hutchinson Sports Arena.
Taylor's 19 help Mizzou to Big 12 championship against No. 9 Baylor
OKLAHOMA CITY - Zaire Taylor scored a season-high 19 points, and Leo Lyons added 12 of his 15 points in the second half as No. 14 Missouri beat Oklahoma State 67-59 to move on to the Big 12 championship game. It was a clash between two of the nation's highest-scoring offenses, but it sure didn't look that way. The teams combined to shoot only 18 percent from 3-point range, making just 10-of-55, long-range shots on the night.
Friday, March 13
CCW permits gain popularity
It has been more than 18 months since Missouri joined the majority of states now offering law-abiding citizens the opportunity of legally defending themselves through a concealed carry weapons (CCW) permit. For those who have considered applying for one, here's a summary of what you'll need to know: The first step in obtaining a concealed carry weapons permit/endorsement is to ensure that you're qualified. Yes, not just anyone can waltz in and obtain a permit. In Missouri, applicants must be at least 23 years old and have been a resident of the state for at least six months.
Parks service wants to get the lead out
Deadline of 2010 for lead-free fishing, hunting draws fire
The United States National Parks Service announced Tuesday it would begin taking action to phase out the use of lead ammunition and lead fishing tackle in parks under its jurisdiction by the end of 2010. The announcement brought forth opposition, especially in the hunting and firearms industry. Acting National Park Service Director Dan Wenk made the announcement, saying, "We want to take a leadership role in removing lead from the environment." Officials of the National Park Service said they realize that hunting and fishing play an important role in the complicated and intensive management of wildlife populations.
We recommend for March 13, 2009
Each week, members of the Lifestyles staff share something we like. Maybe you'll like it, too.
It is easy being green
At least if you check out of any of these St. Patrick's Day events
People with the last names O'Brien or O'Doyle have an excuse to celebrate their Irish heritage year round. But for one holiday a year, everyone else can say O'Who Cares. Because on St. Patrick's Day, all are Irish. And the events going on this weekend leading up to the big day on March 17 will allow plenty of opportunities to tip a few back, gobble up some corned beef and offer up an Irish limerick or two.
Montreal exclusive
Black Diamond Bay makes the trip from Quebec to St. Joe
For years, when Americans thought of Montreal, they thought of haughty French-Canadians and a bad baseball team. The Expos are gone now, but the French-Canadians are still there - and making great music.
From the walls of Italy
Don Kimes creates out of history and the natural cycle
If Don Kimes were Superman, Umbria would be his Fortress of Solitude.
Roaring and soaring
Shinedown is rocking hard, gaining millions of fans
Drummer Barry Kerch says Shinedown has been "climbing." After releasing demos in the Jacksonville and Orlando, Fla., areas, Shinedown was signed by Atlantic Records. Climbing. The band released the album "Leave a Whisper" in 2004, making their mark in mainstream rock with hits like "Fly from the Inside" and the MTV-banned ".45." Climbing.
The Shuffle: The age of festivals
Given the struggling economy, people may not be keen on paying inflationary ticket prices for a single concert. This makes the idea of paying for one of the many popular multiple-day music festivals that have popped up in recent years the best bang-for-your-buck alternative. After all, if you're already going to pay a ridiculous price to see one band, why not pay a little more and see dozens?
That game we play: The Facebook curse
Last week, the boy and I had a little discussion. And, after a month of dating, we are officially boyfriend and girlfriend. However, according to a few of my friends, it's not really official until we do one thing: Put it on Facebook. As high school as it might seem, changing your relationship status from "single" to "in a relationship" on Facebook does kind of make things feel more official. And the same goes when you end a relationship; once you end it on Facebook, it's really over.
This is: Byron Jones
This is: Byron Jones
Get your money's worth at Southgate
One thing about Southgate is that it's filled with families and hard-working people who come to get their money's worth of food.
Entertainment briefs for March 13, 2009
Entertainment briefs for March 13, 2009
Northwest looks to make changes
MARYVILLE, Mo. - Exactly a year after it earned a trip to the NCAA South Central Regional, the Northwest Missouri State Bearcats are sitting at home, pondering the "what ifs."
Entertainment calendars for March 13, 2009
Entertainment calendars for March 13, 2009
Ramirez looks sharp for Royals
SURPRISE, Ariz. - Horacio Ramirez and Kyle Davies helped their bids to make the the Kansas City Royals' rotation.
Johnson's 41 points pace Platte City
Morgan Johnson's 6-foot-4 frame shouldered a record-tying load for Platte County.
Thursday, March 12
Chinese restaurant to locate in East Hills
A second chinese food restaurant is in the works for the East Hills Shopping Center.
Hamilton shows maturity in sectional play
TRENTON, Mo. - Hamilton can finally strongly consider a return to the Class 2 semifinals, but the defending champions won't take anything for granted. After a long season for a youthful squad with only one senior, Hamilton suddenly finds itself just one game away from a return trip to Columbia. The Hornets ran away from Concordia in Wednesday night's 65-41 sectional victory at the Ketcham Community Center.
A blast from football past
Tecmo Bowl fans, try your game skills at Uncle D's
There are always games playing on the TVs at Uncle D's Sports Bar and Grill. Tuesday nights are no different - with one exception. Instead of college basketball or hockey, the big screen TVs are playing football. That is, old-school Nintendo Tecmo Bowl football. Tuesdays nights are now Tecmo Bowl nights at Uncle D's. Starting at 7 p.m., players can compete against each other on the virtual field. Jeremy Leer, manager at Uncle D's, says he hopes to have enough players to do tournament-style play, with single elimination and prizes for the winners.
Former Saints march on to World Baseball Classic
A couple of personalities from St. Joseph baseball history have found themselves on the world stage. With the World Baseball Classic in full swing, two St. Joseph Saints are competing on two different teams in the international event.
Maryville girls take down Lawson in sectional playoff
Though more than a year had passed, Maryville's Megan Walker vividly remembered the game-long struggle that went along with posting up Jasmine Kassanavoid. The Lawson senior embodied a rare blend of speed and power that proved too much to handle during last season's district showdown. On Wednesday night, Walker waited patiently for her personal shot for revenge.
North Platte can't slow Osceola girls
After enduring a hail of 3-pointers, North Plate got to work. The Panthers slowly chipped away at Osceloa's lead, eventually cutting the advantage to five late in the game. But the Indians responded with yet another trey and held on for a 70-60 victory against North Platte in Class 2 sectional play at Harrisonville.
Wednesday, March 11
Northwest Missouri gets money in omnibus bill
Consider them a blessing or curse on congressional money allocation, but earmarks littered the omnibus spending bill sent to President Obama by the Senate Tuesday night. And some of the money targets Northwest Missouri.
Tuesday, March 10
Boys sectional playoff previews
Capsule previews of today's games.
Girls sectional game previews
Capsule previews of today's games.
South Nodaway stopped short again
With one final shot at a victory, it seemed there was just enough time for some late-game heroics from Sami and Lindsi Jackson. After all, the South Nodaway senior twins had been here before. But the Longhorns' season came to a crashing end Tuesday at MWSU Fieldhouse without getting a shot off in the final seconds during a 29-28 loss to Southwest Livingston in Class 1 sectional play. It marked the second straight year South Nodaway fell on the hardwood at Western.
Clifton sparks Mound City
Miles Clifton tore back down the floor, his howling shouts drowned out by the roaring crowd. Finally, Mound City's beast was unleashed. Following a slow start, the Panthers followed their emotional leader into the up-tempo style of play that pushed them to a 70-57 win against Braymer on Tuesday night at MWSU Fieldhouse during Class 1 sectional play.
Newtown-Harris puts end to Jefferson boys' run
Newtown-Harris put themselves in a position to enjoy the final moments of a monumental upset. Senior guard Levi Wollenzien checked in with 30 seconds remaining in Tuesday's Class 1 sectional. The senior guard started Newtown-Harris' first 27 games but was unsure if he'd ever see the court again after tearing his anterior cruciate ligament last Friday in the district championship game. Lingering near midcourt, Wollenzien enjoyed possibly the final playing time of his career, but his Tiger teammates will continue a quest for a state title. Newtown-Harris toppled Class 1 giant Jefferson 72-56 at Civic Arena, bringing a sudden, emphatic halt to Jefferson's state championship run.
Soul for the now
Raphael Saadiq channels classic sound for our current times
For Americans who watch the news and don't have very much to feel sunny about, R&B artist Raphael Saadiq has a prescription: American soul music. Artists like Amy Winehouse, Duffy, Adele and others have rediscovered the greatness of this classic sound, and Saadiq, born Charles Ray Wiggins, thinks the music serves a purpose, especially now.
Britney Spears can't - and doesn't - sing!
So why is her tour selling out?
Britney Spears' new tour is selling out, but don't expect to hear any actual singing. That's right, she lip-synchs through the entire show. Is it really too much to expect singers to actually be able to sing?
Western men take big step forward
The Missouri Western men's 2008-09 season will show up in future media guides as coach Tom Smith's fifth losing season in six and third straight sub-.500 campaign. But the disappointment of those past seasons didn't reappear with Smith at Monday's press conference - one day after the Griffons came within a shot of upsetting No. 8 Central Missouri and winning the MIAA tournament in Kansas City. Western concludes the campaign feeling the once-proud program is on the way back up.
Kuwitzky gets 400th victory as Maryville coach
When Mike Kuwitzky signed up to be a Spoofhound, he thought his stay would be short lived. After more than two decades on the job, Maryville's boys basketball coach recently picked up his 400th career victory - every one of them at the helm for the 'Hounds.
Monday, March 9
Griffon baseball digs itself in MIAA hole
Missouri Western baseball left St. Joseph to start the MIAA season two games above .500 and feeling confident about its prospects of making a fifth conference tournament seven years. The Griffons then went 1-5 and returned looking up at eight teams in the standings, facing the prospect of chasing that tourney berth for the rest of the season.
GAME BLOG: Central 86, Western men 86 (OT)
This was just an incredible contest. Neither team made many mistakes. Neither team ever had control, and the game sat on a razor's edge throughout. It was the great plays, not the absence of, that made this game arresting from opening tip to ending buzzer. I thought Western got caught up in the first half trying to match Central shot for shot from the perimeter. But from in the final 25 minutes, both teams stuck with what they did well. The Mules have shooters all over the floor and continued to hit shot after contested shot. Western appeared to be the quicker, more aggressive team and continually got to the rim.
D&G Restaurant closes
Judy's D&G Restaurant at 1918 Frederick Ave., closed today. Owners Pete and Pam Miner are retiring after 38 years in business.
Western men fall just short of MIAA tournament title
KANSAS CITY - The Missouri Western men's NCAA tournament dreams of making history fell just inches short. Midnight struck at Municipal Auditorium for the eighth-seeded Griffons when Quentin Noblin's 3-point attempt to win Sunday afternoon's MIAA tournament final only grazed the front of the rim. Central Missouri's Alex Moosmann emerged from the scramble with the rebound and dribbled out the final seconds, preserving the Mules' epic 86-84 overtime victory.
Lady Blues score MIAA tournament championship
KANSAS CITY - Emporia State looked like the top seed for all of about eight minutes in Sunday's MIAA tournament final. The rest of this title tilt belonged to Washburn, along with another tourney championship trophy at Municipal Auditorium. The Lady Blues trailed for only 1 minute, 8 seconds and decisively topped rival Emporia State, 78-69, to win their fifth tournament title in the seven years it has been in Kansas City.
Sunday, March 8
Sunday's local sports
Sunday's local sports
North Platte girls roll over Lone Jack
DEARBORN, Mo. - North Platte's offense couldn't seem to match up with its defense. But it was only a matter of time before the Panthers broke away from Lone Jack in Saturday's Class 2 District 12 championship game. North Platte rolled 49-22 in front of the home crowd, forcing Lone Jack into 30 turnovers and holding the Mules to just seven field goals. Lone Jack's Veronica Sue Hartwig buried a jump shot on the game's opening possession, but the Mules didn't score from the field again until Hartwig hit a putback midway through the third quarter - a span of more than 18 1/2 minutes.
Cameron gets past LeBlond boys in defensive contest
LATHROP, Mo. - In this renewed rivalry, familiarity breeds defense. As in their two previous meetings, conference rivals Cameron and Bishop LeBlond waged a fierce defensive battle Saturday night at Lathrop High School - this time for the district title. It was only fitting then, that the Dragons' fate rested on one final defensive stand. After watching two last-second shots clank away, Cameron hung on for a bruising 38-35 victory that sent the team into the postseason. "Our teams really 'D' up on each other, : but our kids just never said die," Cameron coach Kevin Nichols said. "This is one of the goals that they had, but now we've got to see what happens next."
Western men ride wave of energy in tournament
KANSAS CITY - Tom Smith found it easy to admit he was wrong after just about everything went right for the Missouri Western men Saturday. The Griffons coach entered tournament week believing he would have to use all 13 players on his roster for Western to advance in the MIAA tournament. And yet Smith gambled with a seven-player rotation in Saturday's semifinals, playing point guard Leonard Parker and forward Dominique Thuston for 37 minutes apiece.
Missouri rally falls short at Texas A&M
COLLEGE STATION, Texas - Texas A&M has been trying for weeks to show it deserves an NCAA tournament bid. After winning their sixth straight, 96-86 over No. 15 Missouri on Saturday, the Aggies believe they've earned it. "Who knows the things that are going through people's mind's, but I'm confident enough to say, 'Yeah we got it,'" said Donald Sloan, who finished with 16 points.
Central Missouri survives overtime again
MIAA tournament roundup
KANSAS CITY - Central Missouri survived another bout with overtime, advancing to today's MIAA tournament men's final against Missouri Western. The second-seeded Mules rallied in the final two minutes of regulation and overtime to thwart sixth-seeded Washburn's upset bid, 72-69, on Saturday at Municipal Auditorium.
Griffon men earn spot in MIAA championship game
KANSAS CITY - Move on over, Emporia State. The MIAA tournament has a new Cinderella. Just one season after Emporia became the first eight seed to make it to the tournament championship game, the Missouri Western men followed the same path to the final. The eighth-seeded Griffons scored their second upset in three days, muscling past fourth-seeded Fort Hays State, 69-62, on Saturday at Municipal Auditorium. Now Western (14-15), which shocked top-seeded Southwest Baptist in the first round Thursday, will try to deviate from the script. Last season, Emporia beat Baptist and Hays before falling to second-seeded Northwest Missouri State in the final. The Griffons face second-seeded Central Missouri at 1 p.m. today.
Saturday, March 7
Saturday's prep results
Saturday's prep results
MIAA Tournament blog: Western still kicking
Western still dancing One day these are the run-and-gun Griffons. The next, they're playing something resembling the grinding pace of the Big 10. And it's all been gravy in K.C. The Griffons beat Baptist at the Bearcats' high-octane game on Thursday and then beat Fort Hays at the Tigers' half-court style Saturday. Now, Western is one win away from something seemingly unthinkable at any point in the past three years an NCAA tournament berth.
MIAA TOURNAMENT BLOG: Day 2 running diary
MIAA Tournament blog: Day 2 running diary For the first round of the women's tournament, I took a stab at a running diary, which seemed to be going well until I actually had to do real work during the second session. Here are the mixed results.
Missouri proves itself in Big 12 this year
COLUMBIA, Mo. - Oklahoma coach Jeff Capel, whose team is the latest to fall prey to Missouri's relentless game plan, believes the 15th-ranked Tigers could be a dangerous wild card in the NCAA tournament. "They have a style that's difficult to prepare for," Capel said after the fourth-ranked Sooners' 73-64 loss Wednesday night. "They have guys who bought into their system. DeMarre Carroll is having a first-team all-league type season, and I personally think Leo Lyons is their most talented player."
Devader clinches for Lions
MIAA tournament second-day recap
KANSAS CITY - Missouri Southern women's coach Maryann Mitts ended six years of frustration as her team won at Municipal Auditorium for the first time in seven tries. The fifth-seeded Lions held off fourth-seeded Central Missouri 62-57 in the first round of the MIAA women's tournament on Friday. The Jennies (17-11) led 34-31 at half and built that advantage to 40-31 with 16 minutes, 52 seconds left when Southern (19-9) couldn't hit a field goal. But a series of empty Central possessions opened a window for the Lions, who scored nine straight to tie it up with 13:22 left.
Southern coach relaxes, gets first win at MIAA tournament
OPINION KANSAS CITY - Maryann Mitts waited seven years to win again in Municipal Auditorium. And so the Missouri Southern women's coach savored her team's first-round victory against Central Missouri in the MIAA tournament a little longer than the rest of Friday's winning coaches. Fashionably late to her press conference, a smiling Mitts sounded little like the coach who sat at the podium last year, calling out a journalist who doubted her team's ability to make it out of the first round (which it didn't after losing to Northwest Missouri State in overtime).
Mound City boys take down South Holt
ROSENDALE, Mo. - Mound City's Cole Rosier drained a jump shot from the left wing Friday night, salvaging a 52-50 victory over South Holt in the championship game of the Class 1 District 14 basketball tournament. Rosier's bucket and the ensuing buzzer touched off a wild celebration, but that celebration was a bit premature. Officials huddled and determined that 1.9 seconds needed to be put back on the clock.
Hamilton survives Mid-Buchanan
GALLATIN, Mo. - Keagan Prather couldn't differentiate between his go-ahead 3-pointer, and Mid-Buchanan senior Brad Frieden's 3-point attempt as time expired in overtime. There was one major distinction. Prather's went in with 49 seconds left in the four-minute extra session, while Frieden's strongly but harmlessly caromed off the backboard at Gallatin High School. Hamilton survived for a 70-68 victory in the Class 2 District 16 championship game behind Prather's two overtime 3s.
South Nodaway surges in 2nd half for district championship
ROSENDALE, Mo. - The bond between sisters - especially twin sisters - can overcome almost anything. With her sibling Sami in tears at the start of the game, scratched from the starting lineup with a sprained ankle, Lindsi Jackson scored 17 points Friday night to rally South Nodaway to a 40-35 victory against Mound City.
Maryville girls beat LeBlond for district title
LATHROP, Mo. - As one of her free throws dropped through the net, Emily Kisker finally could smile again. The nightmare had ended for the Maryville junior, the crushing weight lifted from her shoulders. After missing her first six fourth-quarter free throws, Kisker's first make moved the Spoofhounds another point closer to their vaunted goal. Moments later, she celebrated with the rest of her teammates - the struggles wiped away to a chorus of gleeful shouts - as Maryville claimed the Class 3 District 16 title Friday night with a 60-57 victory against Bishop LeBlond.
Friday, March 6
GAME BLOG: No. 8 Western men 93, Southwest Baptist 92
Matt Rogers' contributions Thursday amounted to the all-everything center getting down on his hands and knees to wipe up sweat on the Municipal Auditorium floor during a timeout.
MIAA TOURNAMENT BLOG: Day 1
As the dust settled on the best game of the day Central Missouri's 77-76 overtime win over Missouri Southern the Mules coaches and players stepped to the podium to dissect two hours of drama. And through the exhaustion and relief, one sound cut through Darth Vader's theme song.
55 years in the making
Hal Holbrook brings Mark Twain to life
The phrase "once-in-a-lifetime experience" gets thrown around quite a bit. But for those who have never seen Hal Holbrook on stage, it truly might be.
'Watchmen' - Review for the average movie-goer
Whether it's the prestige of the original 12-part graphic novel, the near-impossible nature of its big-screen adaptation or the legal troubles surrounding its release, "Watchmen" has become one of the most highly anticipated films of 2009.
A space for the youth
Annual Regional High School Exhibition opens at Albrecht-Kemper this weekend
High school artists' work usually resides in their bedroom or the classroom. So for them and their supporters, there's something about getting the chance to display the products of their creativity in a museum that offers its own particular thrill.
High wire acts, dare devils and baby elephants
Moila Shrine Circus comes to the Civic Arena this weekend
Canines with class, the incredible Virginia and sensational skymasters are just a few of the acts audiences will get to see at the Moila Shrine Circus this weekend at Civic Arena. This will be the 56th anniversary for the circus, says Rex Strayer, who is with the Moila Shrine Temple in St. Joseph. And just like every year, there should be something for everybody.
Kids in the Hall
Seminal emo act The Get Up Kids give it another go
The Get Up Kids are one of the principal innovators of emo music, and they did it without a single strand of flat-ironed hair or a hint of guyliner.
The Shuffle: Mass musicals
This year's Academy Awards with host Hugh Jackman wasn't short on song and dance numbers. At about the halfway mark, after an exhaustively long musical melody featuring Beyonce Knowles, the stars of "High School Musical" and a ton of back-up dancers, Jackman enthusiastically declared "The musical is back!"
'Watchmen' - Review for the fanboy of the graphic novel
Let's get this out of the way."Watchmen" fanboys (and fangirls) the world over have worried for months about director Zack Snyder altering the ending of the movie. I'll tell you now that it's not a big deal. At all.
Entertainment briefs for March 6, 2009
Entertainment briefs for March 6, 2009.
Fest for thespians
St. Joe hosts the Missouri Assocation of Community Theatre State Festival
Just because people choose theater over sports doesn't mean they lose their competitive edge. And with the Missouri Association of Community Theatre State Festival this weekend, community theatre groups from across the Show Me State will get a chance to show they've got the dramatic goods.
Tjeerdsma to stay; Coker gets UTSA job
MARYVILLE, Mo. - It looks like Northwest Missouri State University will not have to look for a new head football coach after all.
Calendars for March 6
Tonight March 6
Mid-Buchanan reaches final
Gallatin, Mo - Mid-Buchanan left no doubt in solidifying its spot in the Class 2 District 16 championship game, handling Maysville in a 67-36 victory Thursday night at Gallatin High School.
This is: The Nova Project
No matter how often you check out live music in St. Joe, there's a good chance you haven't heard the kind of music that The Nova Project brings to the table.
Eats: A taste of Mexico - and Korea
My first impression after walking into El Ray Del Taco was that I somehow crossed the border into Mexico. Even though the restaurant is located in the middle of St. Joseph (the former Pizza Hut at 1711 Mitchell Ave.), the Spanish spoken on the satellite TV show and in the kitchen reminded me of my trips to Mexico when I lived in San Diego.
We recommend for March 6, 2009
We recommend for March 6, 2009
Mound City girls overtake DeKalb
ROSENDALE, Mo. - Kelsey Davis couldn't have been more wide open.
That game we play: Dating can make you crazy
For the most part, I maintain that I am a reasonable, sane, normal person. All of that, however, has been put into question lately.
Thursday, March 5
LeBlond advances to title game
LATHROP, Mo. - When his opportunity to make a difference presented itself, Bishop LeBlond forward Mark Nold seized it with both hands.
Western's MIAA Championship Box Score
Western's MIAA Championship Box Score
Thursday's Prep Sports
Thursday's Prep Sports
Wednesday's Prep Sports
Wednesday's Prep Sports
Western men upset top-seeded Baptist
KANSAS CITY - Lonnel Johnson and Ken Goodwin suffered through the worst of times last season as part of the lowest Missouri Western men's win total in coach Tom Smith's two decades in St. Joseph. On Thursday, that senior duo experienced about the best it's been for the Griffons in five years.
Coker picked to lead UTSA football team
SAN ANTONIO -- Former Miami coach Larry Coker has been hired to lead the new Texas-San Antonio football program, his first coaching job since the Hurricanes fired him in 2006. UTSA announced the decision Thursday. A news conference is scheduled for Friday.
Maryville scores an upset
LeBlond girls advance
LATHROP, Mo. - Meridee Scott struggled to recall the instant she settled into her game-long groove. Once she got there, however, she never got untracked. "I don't know. It just went really fast," Scott said. "You don't really have time to think." The Maryville senior was truly a blur Wednesday night. With a balanced inside-outside attack, Scott fueled the Spoofhounds to a 65-53 upset victory against No. 2 seed South Harrison in the Class 3 District 16 semifinals at Lathrop High School.
Kearney takes down Lafayette boys
Platte County girls top Staley
Chris Neff knelt down in front of his starters prior to the start of Wednesday's Class 4 sectional. Lafayette's coach wanted his players to realize the opportunity in front of them - the chance last year's team couldn't capture. "Five guys were sitting there ready to start the game," Neff said. "There is one thing last year's team didn't accomplish. There is one thing we can get over them right now, and that's this - this game right here." Instead, Kearney hit its first six shots from the field and bolted to an early lead the Bulldogs never relinquished in a 55-43 win at Civic Arena. Lafayette's players and coaches find solace only in their now back-to-back district championships and Midland Empire Conference title.
Same town, different background for Western's Rhodes, Smith
Tom Smith remembers Gary, Ind., as a progressive, harmonious and safe community in which he used to walk downtown at night to catch a movie as a teenager. Marcus Rhodes didn't dare walk downtown while growing up in Gary. The Griffons wing remembers Gary by its current reputation - as one of the deadliest cities per capita in the country. Smith, Western's longtime coach, and his most consistent player technically hail from the same hometown. But Gary's name is one of the few things that's remained the same in the 40 years that separates their adolescence.
Defense keys South Holt victory
Mound City boys top DeKalb
ROSENDALE, Mo. - South Holt broke the huddle from a time out with 1 minute, 2 seconds remaining and a two-point lead over King City. South Holt coach Colby Morris yelled to his team, "Get it done," as they walked onto the court to play defense. When action resumed, the Knights got a stop on defense, made 1 of 2 free throws and then got another stop and knocked down one more free throw. At 58-54, 'it' was done in the first of Wednesday's two semifinal games for the Class 1 District 14 tournament at North Andrew High School.
Wednesday, March 4
Carroll propels Missouri to unbeaten home record
Voskuil, Texas Tech stun Kansas
COLUMBIA, Mo. - Three days earlier, Missouri was awful. At home, the 15th-ranked Tigers achieved perfection. DeMarre Carroll had 15 points and 10 rebounds, helping Missouri wind up an unbeaten season at home and grab a share of second place in the Big 12 with a 73-64 victory over No. 4 Oklahoma on Wednesday night. "Perfect, that's a good word," said Carroll, who is also coach Mike Anderson's nephew. "It's one of those things you dream about. To finish it off like this, it's amazing."
MIAA tournament capsules
Capsules for the MIAA tournament in Kansas City
Missouri Western-Southwest Baptist scouting report
Missouri Western vs. No. 4 Southwest Baptist, noon, today at Municipal Auditorium
Wednesday's prep results
Wednesday's prep results
Bearcats' Henry makes All-MIAA
Seniors Hunter Henry from the men's team and Meghan Brue from the women's team were the only Northwest Missouri State basketball players to earn a spot on the All-MIAA teams announced Monday, and Bearcats coach Steve Tappmeyer, for one, believes at least one other Northwest player was deserving of some consideration. "I'm happy for Hunter Henry making first-team all-conference and the all-defensive team," Tappmeyer said. "He's had such a good career. But I was surprised Elijah Allen didn't get anything." While Henry was the clear team leader with 17 points and 8.7 rebounds per game, the sophomore Allen came on to average 13.1 points and nearly five rebounds per outing.
Timely shots key DeKalb victory
ROSENDALE, Mo. - Jordan Goodman's memory didn't properly put the perspective on his three 3-pointers Tuesday night. Each of the DeKalb junior's treys gave the Tigers a lead against Stanberry. Goodman hit his final 3 early in the fourth quarter, and DeKalb kept that lead for good in a 64-58 win at North Andrew High School in a Class 1 District 14 first-round matchup that featured six ties and 14 lead changes. Goodman didn't specifically recall any of his timely shots.
Bearcats set up plan in case Tjeerdsma leaves
MARYVILLE, Mo. - With or without coach Mel Tjeerdsma, Northwest Missouri State is set to begin spring football practice on Friday. And if Tjeerdsma - a finalist for the head coaching job at the University of Texas at San Antonio - isn't around to blow the whistle, defensive coordinator Scott Bostwick will be. Bostwick confirmed Tuesday that he would become the interim head coach for the Bearcats in the event Tjeerdsma is offered and accepts the job as the first head coach of the Roadrunners.
Bulldogs find leading man
Waller shoulders East Buchanan, scores 21 in Class 3 District 16 win
LATHROP, Mo. - Kent Waller hasn't played the leading-man role much this year for East Buchanan. But he's getting used to it. Waller - the Bulldogs' No. 3 scorer on the season - carried the load for East Buchanan and paced the team Tuesday night during a 75-53 victory against Plattsburg in the Class 3 District 16 tournament at Lathrop High School. His diverse, inside-outside style led to a game-high 21 points, while fellow senior Bryson Burns chipped in a big 20 points of his own during the blowout win.
Tuesday, March 3
Tuesday's Prep Sports
Tuesday's Prep Sports
Wathena knocks off Doniphan West, advances in playoffs
WATHENA, Kan. - The scoreboard at Wathena High School showed a positive result for the home team Monday night, but there's little reason for the Wildcats to celebrate just yet. Wathena turned a four-point halftime advantage into a 68-44 runaway against Doniphan West in their first-round Class 2A sub-state tournament game. Wathena overcame spotty free-throw shooting (13 of 29) and 23 turnovers to move to 2-1 against Doniphan West this season. The Wildcats know what needs to be cleaned up in the following rounds - held at Nemaha Valley High School - if they hope to make the state trip that alluded them last year. With last year's road block moved down to Class 1A this year, third-seeded Wathena (12-9) advances to play No. 2 Jackson Heights in Thursday's sub-state semifinal. Wathena beat Jackson Heights in their only previous matchup this season. "I think we feel confident because we don't have stupid Frankfort in our sub-state," said Wathena senior Aron Sharp, who finished with a double-double of 11 points and 18 rebounds against Doniphan West. "We're still going to have to come together and fix the small things to make (a championship) happen, but I still think we can. "We need to play smarter, work on those little things that matter and get it all together and gel at the right time." Bryce Paden (15), Colton Bauman (11) and Kurt Foley (11) also scored in double figures for Wathena, but the Wildcats did most of their damage in the second half. Wathena controlled much of the first half but couldn't extend its lead higher than seven. Leading by six as halftime neared, Wathena committed a foul on an offensive rebound attempt and a turnover in the half's final 2.5 seconds. Doniphan West's Zach Lee - who finished with a team-best 12 points - made both free throws off Bauman's late foul, but Adrian Duran turned the steal off of Wathena's inbounds into a wildly missed 3 at the buzzer. The teams combined for 17 turnovers and 20 fouls in the sloppy first half. "We need to play a little more under control, but quickness is our game, too," Wathena coach Tim Orth said. "We did get a little ragged at times, and we've just got to know when to pull it out and run some offense at times." Wathena finally pulled away with a 19-0 second-half run, despite committing 15 turnovers in the final 16 minutes. The Wildcats scored the final eight points of the third quarter and the first 13 of the fourth quarter to take a 59-36 lead with Sharp contributing seven during the run. Wathena's lead maxed out at 28 after scoring six points in one possession. Brent Haynes completed a three-point play before Doniphan West's bench drew a technical foul. Foley hit one of the two technical free throws, and Matt Koelliker added a putback basket on the resulting possession. Much of Doniphan West's second-half trouble resulted from Wathena's second-chance and fastbreak points. The Wildcats collected 22 offensive rebounds and forced 17 turnovers. "We lost too many of the hustle points tonight," first-year Doniphan West coach Adam Hooker said. "We just weren't a good enough shooting team this year to give the other team extra possessions and have a chance to beat a good time like this on their home court." Doniphan West's senior leading scorer, Travis Twombly, scored eight first-half points but fouled out with that same total at the 6:07 mark of the fourth quarter. Assistant sports editor Ross Martin can be reached at rossmartin@npgco.com
Griffon women look ahead to next year
Lynn Plett left St. Joseph in the rearview mirror Monday morning, and with it, the Missouri Western women's coach hopes, two seasons of losing basketball. The Griffons (6-21) concluded the second-worst season in program history with a 76-66 loss at Southwest Baptist on Saturday. Less than 48 hours later, Plett was on his way up Interstate 35 to find some solutions. Plett will spend the next week in Iowa and Nebraska, scouting a pair of high school tournaments and a junior-college regional.
Chiefs not talking about sweetheart deal to acquire Cassel
KANSAS CITY - Scott Pioli pulled off a big deal in his first major act as Kansas City's general manager, landing quarterback Matt Cassel and linebacker Mike Vrabel for a second-round draft pick. Not a package of draft picks, not the second-rounder and another player, not even with cash thrown in. A potentially franchise-building quarterback and a starting linebacker for one second-round draft pick. That's it.
Western gets a Baptist rematch
Tom Smith's challenge this week is to convince the Missouri Western men that a lack of pace doesn't equal a lack of bravado. The Griffons, fresh off an 89-67 loss to No. 4 Southwest Baptist on Saturday, must take on the Bearcats again Thursday in the first round of the MIAA tournament at Kansas City's Municipal Auditorium. And if the Griffons coach learned anything from his trip to Bolivar, Mo., last week, it's his team can't run and gun with the Bearcats.
Monday, March 2
Monday's MIAA
Monday's MIAA
Monday's Prep Sports
Monday's Prep Sports
Final grades for the Western women
From the 10-minute mark of the second half on, the Western women never looked like their were going to win at Southwest Baptist. For the record, the Griffons led three times after that point but just went into a shell, throwing the ball away indiscriminately, forcing bad shots and generally looking lost in a season-ending 76-66 loss. It was a fitting way to end a dismal season. The startling thing is that 1,050 minutes into the campaign, the Griffons still looked as if they had no idea what they were doing on the floor, how to run the offense properly, or even what defense they were in and who they were guarding. This season was a failure on just about all counts, but I think this particular detail falls on the coaching staff.
Weekend recap: Sawyer Brown and Bucky Covington at Civic Arena
Two fun-loving country acts help Joetown cut loose
Judging by the appearance of at least half of the 1,700 country fans that showed up for Sawyer Brown and Bucky Covington performance Friday night, it appeared that St. Joe was in a T.G.I.F. mindset, ready to kick back and cut loose to a few tunes they knew by heart. For those fans, the two headliners happily obliged in each of their loose, playful sets.
MP3 wars
It started innocently enough over a cup of coffee. We were discussing what's new in technology, and Blake and Shea got sidetracked into a discussion about who has the best MP3 player. Blake has an Apple iPod and Shea has a Microsoft Zune. Their heated debate continued as if there were no other options for an MP3 player. So I had to put them in their place and pulled out my new Sandisk Sansa Clip. Eyebrows went up and mouths dropped. Then the snickers and bad jokes began. The MP3 war was on.
Griffon women look ahead to next year
BOLIVAR, Mo. - Lynn Plett offered no excuses, just a simple explanation after the Missouri Western women's dismal season came to a merciful end at Southwest Baptist on Saturday night. "Honestly, we weren't good enough, when it comes down to it," the Griffons coach said. Despite a school-record, 13-game losing streak to start the season and a 5-14 mark in MIAA play, Western still made the trip to Bolivar, Mo., with a chance to qualify for the conference tournament for a 17th straight season. But the Griffons faded in the game's final minutes, falling 76-66 to the Bearcats to miss the MIAA tourney for the first time since 1992.
Sunday, March 1
Monday's Local Sports
Monday's Local Sports
Missouri Southern too much for Northwest women
JOPLIN, Mo. - Jolea Apon scored from the outside, Danielle DeVader scored from everywhere and the Missouri Southern Lions scored the knockout blow to Northwest Missouri State's season Saturday afternoon. Apon obliterated her career high with 28 points and DeVader scored 22 as the Lions (18-9, 12-8 MIAA) knocked the Bearcats out of contention for the final MIAA postseason tournament spot with a 74-59 victory. Northwest (9-18, 5-15) will miss the conference tournament for the first time since the 2001-02 season.
Griffon men stumble but remain alive
BOLIVAR, Mo. - Thanks for playing. Try again next week. The Missouri Western men concluded their regular season with a 89-67 loss to No. 4 Southwest Baptist on Saturday at the Meyer Sports Center. The win gave Baptist the outright regular-season MIAA title and No. 1 seed in next week's conference tournament in Kansas City. The loss dropped Western into the eighth seed, setting up a rematch with the Bearcats next Thursday in the first round at Municipal Auditorium.
Doniphan West wrestlers medal at state
Doniphan West took two qualifiers to the Class 3-2-1A State Wrestling Championships and left Busch-Gross Coliseum with two medallists. Junior Brett Dunlap (189) reached the semifinals, while senior Dakota Zeit (285) fought back from a quarterfinal loss. In the end, both Mustangs settled for sixth place Saturday in Hays, Kan. Dunlap dropped his semifinal Friday night in a 12-4 major decision against Carl Hickel of Hoisington. Dunlap then lost his final two matches in wrestlebacks Saturday, including a 5-0 loss to Oakley's Ethan Jirak in the fifth-place match.
Western women end season on same note it started
BOLIVAR, Mo. - The Missouri Western women ended their season in the same manner it started - with a string of turnovers, miscues and ultimately losses. The Griffons fell apart in the final 14 minutes at Meyer Sports Center on Saturday, blowing an 11-point lead and eventually succumbing to Southwest Baptist 76-66. The loss means Western is staying home from the MIAA tournament for the first time since 1992.
