The Mercer County Commission today (Thursday) enacted a ban on outdoor burning. The action was taken this morning when commissioners signed a resolution to begin the burn ban throughout Mercer county because of the continued very dry conditions.

Four contestants are expected for this year's contest to choose the next North Central Missouri Fair Queen. The contest itself is Sunday, July 29th with an outdoor coronation to occur on opening night of the fair, Tuesday July 31st.

Because of the heat, the Livingston County Jail has announced some changes regarding this week's livestock entries. The poultry show in the north barn was moved to 10 o'clock on Wednesday morning from its original time of 1 o'clock, with a sheep show scheduled for 3 o'clock in the expo center with the goat show to follow (both on Wednesday afternoon). On Wednesday night, a talent show will be held in the outdoor arena northwest of Chillicothe.

Two teenagers were injured on Tuesday when (according to the Highway Patrol) their pickup twice ran off a road north of Bethany and overturned onto the driver's side. The accident happened on Harrison County Route W, three miles north of Bethany.

Novinger and Milan residents were hurt when a car traveled into the path of a truck in Novinger this weekend (according to the Highway Patrol). The driver of the car, 35 year old Jason Brandenburg of Novinger, was taken to Northeast Regional Medical Center in Kirksville, with "MODERATE" described injuries.

Two people were injured, including a Missouri teenager, in a traffic accident five miles north of Trenton on Sunday morning. It happened on Grundy County Route A and Northwest 50th Street.

The Missouri Division of Finance, on Friday, accepted possession of Glasgow Savings Bank (of Glasgow), and appointed the FDIC as receiver. To protect depositors, an agreement to acquire the bank was reached with Regional Missouri Bank, a 133 million dollar state-chartered bank based out of Marceline.

Spickard Mayor Jesse Richmond has announced that, although his city is under a "Burn Advisory", fireworks WILL be allowed today (Saturday, July 14th). Fireworks will also be allowed in the city of Trenton, today between the hours of 8 o'clock in the morning and 12 midnight.

A Bucklin man, 36-year old Michael Simpson, suffered injuries described as minor by the Highway Patrol, after being involved in a two-vehicle accident in rural Linn County, ten miles north of Marceline on Route U.

Trenton resident Ali Gray says she has been in contact this week with the offices of Senators Roy Blunt and Claire McCaskill, and Congressman Sam Graves, concerning her family's residency efforts. The family is on a federal government waiting list for green car permanent residency status. Of most immediate concern is the approaching 21st birthday of the Gray's oldest daughter, Lauren.

With the heat wave continuing, the Green Hills Community Action Agency reports it is ready to financially help eligible local and area citizens facing loss of their electricity.

There is a goal of $18,000 to provide food to as many as 120 school-age children for weekend consumption in the 2012-13 school year. The program is called “Backpack Buddies.” This is the fourth year for the program offered to eligible children from the Grundy County Community Food Pantry.

Members of the Trenton Downtown Improvement Association, on Tuesday night heard a presentation on a strategic plan that has four dozen recommendations.

North Mercer High School senior Sierra Michaelis has given a verbal commitment to the University of Missouri women's basketball program, choosing the Tigers over other interested suitors from Nebraska, Creighton, Drake, and Wisconsin-Milwaukee.

A Maysville resident was hurt when the car she was driving overturned off a road in northern DeKalb County. Nineteen year old Natalie Lemmon of Maysville was taken by private vehicle to Heartland Regional Medical Center in St. Joseph.

The date and time have been announced for groundbreaking ceremonies in Chillicothe for the construction of a new hospital. On August 1st at 4:30 PM, the event is northern Chillicothe will begin, with J.E. Dunn Construction Company beginning to build a new 28 million dollar hospital and medical office building. Chillicothe Mayor Chuck Haney spoke about the developments this week with KTTN's John Anthony:

Click here to listen to Chillicothe Mayor Chuck Haney

During a closed session for personnel held this past week at Grundy R-5, the Board of Education voted to offer a contract to Kristi Weldon of Trenton to fill the Elementary Principal position for the 2012-2013 school year. The Board confirmed with KTTN that the contract has been signed and returned.

A Braymer woman lost her life last (Friday) night in a one-vehicle accident in Caldwell County, less than a quarter mile east of Route A, on Route KK, two miles south of Braymer.

A Trenton man lost his life yesterday (Friday) while crop dusting in rural Randolph County. Thirty-six year old Brad Hammond was killed in a small plane accident. Arrangements are pending at Resthaven Mortuary in Trenton.

A young Trenton girl, 12 year old Emily Kasinger, is experiencing an opportunity to view her “dream career” of being a dancer, up close and personal, by attending performances at the New York City ballet. The surprise trip came courtesy of Southwest Airlines with the help of local pilot, Gary Hooyman of Trenton, among others.

Here is a link to the story from WNYT-TV's website in Albany, New York:

http://albany.wnyt.com/news/news/145776-dance-dream-coming-true