[Editorial Note: We will continue to accept your favorite Bell Game memories until Thursday, Sept. 2 at 5 p.m. Please include your name and where you’re from. Forward those memories to: news@linncountyleader.com or call us at 660-258-7237 and ask for Chris Houston. We will publish the remainder of the memories in this Friday’s edition of the LCL.]

 A pair of recent accidents have left two teenagers in serious condition, and a man in custody after this past weekend.
 

Above are some pictures from the Ride for Ryenne Saturday. We had a total of 29 bikes on the ride and raised nearly $900 for the family. Brookfield Masonic Lodge 86 wants to make sure and thank all the local business and individuals who donated raffle items and cash to make it possible, as well as all the Masons who got up early to help prepare for the event and cook breakfast.
 

Saturday, the Linn County Historical Society celebrated the 1st anniversary of the Tillman House Museum in Brookfield. Pictured are Historical Society/Museum Board members and volunteers. Volunteers Elsie McCollum and Shirley Hagan received special recognition for their contributions to making the Museum what it is today. Pictured, from left, are Julie Johnson (Board), Bev Liebhart, Rhonda Uptain (Broad), Elsie McCollum, Shirley Hagan, Sharron Connor, Lucile Riepe (Board), Wilma Alexander. The Tillman House was donated by Mary Ellen Welch.   
 

On September 3 both sides of the Bell Game Rivalry can participate in a very worthwhile school program, Ring the Bell for Hunger.  Bring canned goods and other food items to the Bell Game and drop them in the trailer that represents your team and town.  These items will go for the local food pantries in both communities.
You can also donate in your child’s classrooms, as well as at some local churches.
 

“Comparison is the thief of joy.”
— Dwight Edwards

The Brookfield City Council held its annual tax hearing during Wednesday night’s council meeting and set the tax levy for fiscal year 2010-2011 at the maximum allowed under state law without voter consent: $1.38 per every $100 of assessed valuation. The new tax rate is virtually the same as it was last fiscal year; there is only a difference of .0074 as the total levy for fiscal year 2009-2010 was $1.3726 per $100 of assessed valuation, so there little appreciable difference in tax revenues the City of Brookfield will be collecting.

Those of us who grew up in the past 50 years have heard this little night time blessing: Good Night, Sleep Tight, Don’t Let the Bed Bugs Bite. Many who have heard that have never seen or experienced the little brown subject of the cute statement in real life. The real critters are far from cute and cause discomfort and distress to those affected.  The re-emergence of the little brown pests may soon make this a reality to people in the Show-Me State.

Jackson Masonic Lodge of Linneus held their annual Ladies Night Program August 23 at the Throne Activity Center of the Linneus United Methodist Church, where Arlin Devore was recognized for 50 years of Masonic membership.  There were 58 in attendance, including 6 Masonic Widows, and 6 other 50-year members

Two Marceline residents were lifeflighted to University Hospital in Columbia after being involved in a single-vehicle accident just south of Westville in Chariton County Monday morning.

A large crowd attended a back-to-school open house at Linn Co. R-1 near Purdin. A barbecue was held with lots of parents, students and faculty participating. The grill was operated by FFA students, where they fed attendees burgers, hot dogs and sides. There were many favorable comments on the unveiling of the new  Ag Education Building,  which was the feature attraction of the open house. These comments emphasized the additional equipment and space in which to learn. The building is now complete with new wood and metal shop facilities, as well as a large classroom and an office for the instructor.

Although the results of a recent state audit of sex offender registry compliance indicated a perfect compliance rate in Linn County, a check of the Missouri Highway Patrol’s (MSHP) Sex Offender Registry found two of 15 registered in this county who were not in compliance.

Congressman Sam Graves and Eighth District Rep. Tom Shively pose for a quick picture during Graves’ visit to Brookfield Fabricating Corp last week.

The 110th Annual Linneus Old Settlers reunion was held August 20 and 21. The reunion had a very good turnout at the baby show and royalty contest that was held Friday evening. This was moved inside due to the rain but there was an excellent turnout despite the weather.  There were over 50 entries in the parade on Saturday with numerous tractors, ATVs and bikes.  This was well-attended with near perfect weather.

At top, guests at a benefit for little Katrina Carter go through the buffet line in the Trinity Fellowship Center early Saturday evening. Pictured below is Katrina Carter; Katrina got a wagon ride during the benefit to help her mother with living expenses as Katrina’s battle with Type 1 Spinal Muscular Atrophy progresses. This fundraiser was for Ashley Carter’s living expenses.
 

Pictured above are the Great Pershing Balloon Derby committee members organizing this year’s Derby. Front row: (L to R) Marsha Hoskins, Dee White, Sherry Techau, Fran Graf and Jennifer Ludington. Back row: Sue Lighfoot and Bev Chiolerio.

Pictured above are representatives of this years recipients of checks from the Community Chest. Front row: Jessica Shew and Janice Shew, holding the check for the PTO. Middle row: Rogene Smith, representing the Tillman House Museum, Suzan Stephenson, representing Brookfield Ministries, Krissy Shew, PTO President. Back row: Rhonda Uptain, Tillman House Museum, O.J. Rodriguez DIrector North Central YMCA, Jim McIntyre PTO Treasurer and Deane Valkenaar, Executive Director North Central Mo. Chapter Red Cross. Over $12,000 in checks were issued to seven organizations. Representatives from Linn County 4-H and Oats were not present but received checks. Mayor Jack Forbes addressed the recipients as well.

A mini bidding war between wholesale electricity providers should certainly benefit the City of Marceline and may even eventually give Marceline ratepayers a much needed break on their electricity bills.

Students at a Brookfield bus stop can be seen above yesterday morning for the first day of school.  Classes began yesterday at both Brookfield R-3 and Marceline R-5, much to the delight of many parents in both Districts.

Senate candidate Robin Carnahan is seen above with Randy Wade and at left with (l-r) Megan Dorsey, Brett Carmical, and Hilary Stuver.  Carnahan stopped at a local business on her campaign tour yesterday.