Heard on the Street

HOW 'BOUT THAT?

Firehouse magazine recently named the Springfield Fire Department to its Top 150, based on the magazine's annual run survey. The annual run survey is a comprehensive, national survey of key fire department statistics. Based on total calls, the survey determines which of the country's fire departments are the most active and productive.

In 2001, Springfield's Fire Department made 15,223 calls. The Springfield Fire Department has 11 fire stations which are staffed by a total of 196 personnel. The department has 20 vehicles engines, ladder trucks, rescue and support vehicles to serve a 151,508-member population in a 75.64-square-mile-area.

Fire Chief Dan Whisler said the department is proud of the dedication of Fire Department personnel, and of the job they do.

HALL OF FAMER

2002 Missouri Sports Hall of Fame inductee Bernie Federko, who played 13 of his 14 NHL seasons with the St. Louis Blues, was inducted into the Hockey Hall of Fame. During his years with the St. Louis Blues, Federko led the team in points nine times. He holds team records for games played, assists and points. Federko played in 927 games, had 721 assists and 1,073 points. The Blues retired his No. 24 sweater in 1991, and he continues serving the team as the color commentator on TV broadcasts.

SMART GAMBLE

With its final transaction to public education for fiscal year 2002, the Missouri Lottery has topped the previous year's proceeds for education for the 10th consecutive year. During fiscal 2002, the Missouri Lottery contributed more than $160 million to public education, compared to $156.9 million in 2001.

Jim Scroggins, executive director of the Missouri Lottery, attributes the increase to strong Powerball sales and improved Scratchers sales.

MORE FOURTH FUN

The Marshfield Area Chamber of Commerce will hold its 123rd annual Independence Day Celebration on July 4, including a parade, multi-day rodeo, community fireworks display and other activities on the town square. The parade will start at 10 a.m. Other activities for the day include the Marshfield High School Band's annual patriotic concert and a reading of the Declaration of Independence by Charlie Ballard, State Representative for the 145th District.

Rodeo tickets are available at several Marshfield businesses, including McDonalds, Liberty Bank, Summer Fresh Foods and Reed's General Store. Activities on the square following the parade are free and open to the public.

ON THE CRUSADE

Springfield radio station ESPN 1400 (KGMY-AM), a Clear Channel station, has received radio rights for Evangel University's Crusaders' 2002/2003, men's football and basketball season, according to a station announcement.

The Crusaders football team, which was the 2002 conference champion, will have its first game of the season broadcast Sept. 7 when the team plays Baker University.

The first game for the basketball Crusaders who nabbed the 2002 national championship will be Nov. 22 at the Ozarks Food Harvest Tournament.