Harvest Night reaped a record crop of visitors

The old county jail had never seen such a gathering as it did on Harvest Night, with the exception being the only public hanging held in the late 1800’s. The kids, ages up to 12, came with their parents by the hundreds. There were witches, princesses, dinosaurs, bats, a baseball, and even a Little Bo Peep. Ursula Kthiri and Laura Raymer of the Chamber of Commerce, who deserve recognition and praise for their immense amount of work, estimated the crowd that passed through that evening at nearly 700 people. The Farmington Police were there with their mascot McGruff, and the fire department brought Freddy The Fire Truck to entertain the youngsters as they waited in line. Andrea Burnette as a very believable Millisicent the Evil Witch from Sleeping Beauty and Bill and Nancy Krekeler as vintage clowns handed out candy. Inside, the HospiceCare group offered Bobbing for Eyeballs, First State Community Bank staff members oversaw the Gut Grab and Patti Smith in witchy attire regaled listeners with spooky stories. A large number of downtown businesses were open for trick-or-treaters to visit. The highly successful event was sponsored by the Chamber of Commerce, Downtown Development Association and Wal-Mart.

Ribbon Cuttings by the Chamber were held last week for Shirts in Demand on 8 East Harrison Street for owners Larry and Kevin Gray, and For Enterprise Rent-A-Car at their new location at 202 W. Karsch Blvd. A ribbon cutting was also held at noon today (Thursday) for the opening of Dr. James Shaner’s new dental offices in the Village Square on Karsch Blvd.

Birthday cards are due this week to Marilyn Pirtle and Norma Whitener, Oct. 27; Teresa Huhman and Ben Watson, Oct. 28; Doris Crites, Oct. 29; Lola Ragsdale, Oct. 30, and Jo Dobbs and Bob Darrough on Oct. 31. Happy Birthday to all the Scorpios.

Last chance! Friday, Oct. 31 is your last chance to take advantage of the Civic Center’s offer of no joining fee, plus you get one month free. For those new to the area, the center has two indoor pools (one for the youngsters), a walking track, Nautilus and cardiovascular equipment and three basketball courts, as well as a large selection of classes. Call 756-0900 for information.

It’s magic. Terry Richison will appear at the Centene Center on Saturday, Nov. 15 for two performances filled with magic and comedy. Times are 2 p.m. and 7:30 p.m. Tickets are also on sale now for The Nutcracker to be performed by a cast of local dancers and adults. Tickets are available for both events at the Civic Center.

Erica Cruse, daughter of Colleen and Larry Cruse, is currently studying abroad at St. Mary’s College in London, England. Erika is a sophomore at the University of Missouri in Columbia and is majoring in journalism and political science. She returns home on Dec. 13.

Crown Valley Winery welcomes visitors on Nov. 1 for Ivan Smith and their Barrel Tasting Day and on Nov. 2 for a release party. There should still be plenty of fall color around to make the drive to the winery’s location on Rt. WW a scenic one. Call 756-9463 for details.

Anniversary greetings go to the following this week: Vern and Fern Baker, Oct. 27, Brian and Kelly Nolan, Oct. 28 and to Gary and Darla Owens on Nov. 5..

Congratulations to Keeley Miller and Walker Williamson on their marriage Oct. 18 at Memorial Methodist Church. Keeley is the daughter of Glen and Linda Miller of Farmington and Walker is the son of Richard and Ruthie Williamson of Doe Run. A reception was held at the St. Francois Country Club following the ceremony.

Time should soon march on. The project to have the courthouse tower clocks back in operation is proceeding on schedule, thanks to the efforts of Joe Ruebel. Lewis Monie, local cabinet wizard (retired) has completed duplicating four sets of the original minute and hour hands for the clocks and they should be replaced within the next week or so. Plans are for Tom Jones, master clock smith, to return in about two weeks to install new motors for the clocks and to, hopefully, have them running for the first time since 1970.

A Fall Hen Party was hosted by Kim Bohnenkamp, Sue Evans, and Peggy Ropelle last week for a gathering of their friends. It was an evening of good conversation, libations, food, fun and possibly even a few cackles.

A big welcome to Jane Cook who has opened the Oasis Christian Bookstore at 102 W. Columbia. The attractive shop carries books, music, gifts of a Christian theme and has a special children’s section. There is even a selection of handcrafted jewelry in clay or sterling made by the talented owner. The bookstore is open from 9 a.m. to 6 p.m. Monday through Friday and 9 a.m. to 3 p.m. on Saturday. Plans are to open the Holy Grounds Coffee Shop next week with weekday hours from 7 a.m. to 6 p.m. A grand opening is set for Nov. 21.

Members of the Business and Professional Women (BPW) hosted a Business After Hours for the community’s working women at New Era Bank last Wednesday to celebrate their 75th Anniversary. Mayor Rorex was on hand to present a proclamation to the club congratulating them for their years of contribution to the city. BPW President Heather Garner was named the club’s Woman of the Year and Kay Hunt received a Special Award for her more than 25 years of “exemplifying the meaning of Business and Professional Women.” The organization is open to any business or professional woman and meets the third Monday of the month at 6 p.m. at Plank Road Inn. Guests are always welcome.

Do a good deed. Dine Out Thursday for the United Way of St. Francois County. Today Steak ‘N Shake will be donating a percentage of their sales to the local United Way. On Nov. 6, CiCi’s Pizza is the place to visit and Plank Road Inn on Nov. 13. Mark your calendars and make it a point to Dine Out and help a great cause.

An Old-Fashioned Christmas Open House will be held by a number of the downtown merchants next Saturday and Sunday, Nov. 8 and 9. Many of the retailers and The Factory will offer refreshments and the first showing of holiday wares. The Les Petite Chanteurs of Ste. Genevieve will perform at 2 p.m. at Botaniques. Hours for the Open House by participating merchants will be regular hours on Saturday and from noon until 4 p.m. on Sunday.

This Friday night be prepared to answer the knock at your door to “ghosts and goblins, and long leggedy beasties and things that go ‘bump’ in the night” as Halloween is celebrated. Have a happy one!