Local News

When Richard Goodin and five of his friends decided to go for a walk, they didn't realize it would lead to interviews with The Washington Post, BBC Radio, American Catholic, and other news organizations.

But, Goodin and his friends aren't typical, and neither was their walk.

As members of the Order of Friars Minor, better known as the Franciscans, they stood out, in part, because of their brown robes, and since they walked 300 miles, there was plenty of time for people to notice them.

Sgt. Cedar Smith, 24, is Raywick native who is serving with the Dark Knights platoon, HHC, 1BSTB, 1BCT, 1CD. (Headquarters and Headquarters Company, 1st Brigade Special Troops Battalion, 1st Brigade Combat Team, 1st Cavalry Division). He is the son of Tommy and the late Karen Wheatley.  (Smith wrote that his biological father, Cameron Smith was 33 when he died in August of 1996. Sgt. Smith was 3 years old at the time. "Tommy has been my father since I was 3, and the best I could have asked for," Smith wrote.

2009-10 school tax rates to increase

The Marion County Board of Education approved "intent" for a four percent tax rate increase at its regular scheduled board meeting last week.

Board member Joe Mattingly was absent from the meeting.

After more than two years of planning and fundraising, the Spragens Memorial, called "Lives Triumphant," will be dedicated and unveiled at the Centre Square Arts and Culture Center Thursday, Aug. 13, at 7 p.m.

Attendees will also have the opportunity to tour the center, hear live music, see exhibits, enjoy food and visit with members of the Spragens family. This will be an historical moment commemorating the lives of Gene and Nadine Spragens, two of the community's greatest benefactors.