Community briefs 9/13/04

DNR to discuss East Prairie parks

An informational meeting will begin at 6:30 p.m. Thursday at the East Prairie Community Building to discuss issues related to Big Oak Tree State Park and Towosahgy State Historic Site. The meeting is part of an ongoing effort by the Missouri Department of Natural Resources to ensure the public's input on services and facilities in state parks and historic sites. The East Prairie Community Building is at 1529 N. Lincoln St., East Prairie, Mo.

Former senator Spradling honored this weekend

The Mentally Retarded Citizens of Missouri will hold an annual meeting at the Drury Lodge Friday to Sunday. A tribute will be made to former senator A.M. Spradling Jr. for his lifetime support of people with mental retardation. He sponsored all mental health legislation from 1954 to 1977. The meeting is open to the public and will feature programs on the current habilitation center crisis, state schools for the severely handicapped, sheltered workshops, tours of residential facilities and a special Sunday morning forum on autism. For more information, call 334-1166.

Nitsch family planning Sunday reunion

Descendents of Wentzel and Sophia Nitsch will hold a family reunion at noon Sunday at Jackson City Park, pavilion No. 6. It will begin with a basket dinner. Families should also bring tableware, beverages and lawn chairs. For more information, call 243-5797.

Halter-Kiefer family to reunite Sunday

The annual Halter-Kiefer reunion will be held at noon Sunday at Cape County Park North, shelter No. 5. A covered dish meal will be served. Attendees are encouraged to share and take photos and catch up on family history. For more information, call Dorothy at 264-4459.

Southeast plans graduate fair for juniors, seniors

Juniors and seniors at Southeast Missouri State University are invited to a graduate school fair from 11 a.m. to 2 p.m. on Sept. 21 in the University Center lobby. For more information, call 651-2190.

Jackson Class of 1949 meeting Sept. 25

The Jackson High School class of 1949's 58th reunion will be held at 11:30 a.m. on Sept. 25 at Delmonico's in Jackson.

Cobb-Jennings families meeting in Odessa

The second annual Cobb-Jennings family reunion has been slated for 11 a.m. on Sept. 25 at the Odessa Community Center in Odessa, Mo.

Marble Hill Fall Fest adds barbecue, pie making

The first barbecue cook-off and pie making contest will begin setting up anytime after 5 a.m. Oct. 2 at the Marble Hill Annual Fall Fest. Judging will be at 4:30 p.m. Trophies will be presented for first place in each category, with ribbons issued for second and third place. Ten percent of the proceeds will be given to Children's Hospital in St. Louis. The remainder, after costs, will be divided among the winners. Entry fees must be paid or postmarked by Sept. 24. For details, call Floyd Penny at 334-2491.

-- From staff reports