Region briefs 6/23/06

Malden to hold Fourth of July pageants Saturday

MALDEN, Mo. -- Entries are being accepted for Malden's Fourth of July pageants held Saturday at the Malden Community Center. The first four divisions, Baby Miss, Toddler Miss, Tiny Miss and Little Miss, will compete at 2 p.m. At 7 p.m. Petite Miss, Preteen Miss, Young Junior Miss, Jr. Miss and Miss will compete. Entry forms are available at The Bunny Patch in Dexter, Alyshia's Magical Moments in Cape Girardeau; Glenda's Bridal and Floral and Joy's Bridal in Sikeston, and other locations. Funds generated from the pageants will be used for the local Miss Missouri preliminary pageant held Sept. 9 at the Malden Community Center and the Malden Beta Club. The Beta Club will perform its first-place state talent act during the evening pageants. For more information, call Jackie Bennett at (573) 276-6070 (evenings) or Flo Bennett anytime at (573) 276-4489.

Ill. State Police to hold open house Saturday

ULLIN, Ill. -- The Illinois State Police District 22 will hold an open house for the public Saturday. Between 10 a.m. and 2 p.m., the public is invited to come to the District 22 headquarters at 1154 Shawnee College Road in Ullin, Ill., just west of Interstate 57 exit 18. District commander Capt. Harry Masse said in a news release he wanted to show all the resources the state police has to offer. Some of the activities planned for the day include demonstrations by the Tactical Response Unit, K-9 Unit and Drug Task Force. A child safety seat check and child ID fingerprinting during the open house, according to the release. For more information, contact the Illinois State Police at (618) 845-3740.

Wild horse adoption to be held this weekend

The Adopt-A-Wild Horse and Burro program sponsored by the Department of the Interior's Bureau of Land Management will occur this weekend at Flickerwood Arena in Jackson. Horses will be previewed from 1 to 5 p.m. today. On Saturday, adoptions will occur from 8 a.m. to 5 p.m and from 8 a.m. to noon on Sunday. Competitive bid adoption will begin at 9:30 a.m. Saturday. About 80 horses and several burros will be available for an adoption fee of $125. The animals are healthy and trainable and range in ages from yearlings to 6 years old. Qualified applicants can adopt up to four wild horses or burros during the event. Those wanting to adopt must have an application reviewed and screened prior to the event. Potential adopters should call (800) 293-1781 to get approval for adoption.

Allenville annual picnic to be held Saturday

The annual Allenville picnic and opening day for the new race park will be at 1 p.m. Saturday at Allenville Park. Lawnmower race at 1 p.m., baby contest at 5 p.m., auction at 6 p.m.; cross-cut saw contest at 7:30 p.m.; fireworks at 9 p.m. Games for children and adults and homemade ice cream will be available. Visit www.semowracers.com for more information or call (573) 794-2368. No alcohol allowed. From Highway 25 go west on Route A to County Road 241 (on left); continue until you arrive at the park.

-- From staff reports