Heard on the Street

LUCKY 13

Happy anniversary to locally owned Citizens National Bank, which this month is celebrating its 13th year in business. Founded in 1989, CNB has grown from $2.2 million to nearly $170 million in assets. The bank, which employs 60 people, has three locations. A fourth location is expected to open this year at 2960 E. Kearney in north Springfield.

CHICKS, DUCKS, BUNNIES & GERMS

Easter's on its way, but the Springfield-Greene County Health Department wants local citizens to know that it's probably best to stick with chocolate bunnies and plastic eggs for gift-giving and to steer clear of the oh-so-cute baby chicks, ducks and bunnies. For one thing, in the Springfield city limits, it's unlawful to sell, barter or give away chicks, ducklings or bunnies as novelty pets during the Easter season. Second, cute as they might be, the little chicks and ducks and bunnies grow up and require proper care and space. And, to boot, the chicks and ducklings can carry salmonella, a bacteria that can make people quite sick. SBJ recommends that Easter gift-givers stick with the sugary stuff ... it tastes better, anyway!

RIFLES RELOAD

Are you ready for some football?' Strap on the helmets and shoulder pads the Springfield Rifles minor league football team is conducting tryouts for the 2002 season. Head coach Ed Miller encourages "anyone who has the talent, passion and desire to play" to attend the March 30 and April 6 sessions at Evangel University's practice field.

The Rifles pre-season begins at JFK Stadium June 1, and the 10-game regular season concludes Aug. 24. In its three years, the organization has established an overall record of 35-5.

MIRACLE GRO(WING)'

Wickman Gardens, a business born in 1922, this year celebrates its 80th year in business. Originally known as Emoff Greenhouses, the business was purchased in 1945 by Gus and Frances Wickman, who gave the company the name it's still known by. Located at 1345 S. Fort Ave., Wickman Gardens was purchased by present-day owners Glenn and Donna Kristek in 1972. The Kristeks opened Saltbox Gift Shop at Wickman's and In-House Boutique in 1987. By 2000, the business had evolved into Wickman's Garden Village, offering a year-round garden center and nursery, landscaping services, a tropical and house plant area, the gift shops and an award-winning flower shop. The folks over there must have their own secret formula for growth kudos to them.

ARE YOU ENVIRONMENTAL?

Solid Waste Management District O is accepting nominations of individuals, professionals, groups and organizations for its annual District O Environmental Service Award. Nominees must live or work in the District O region, which is comprised of Christian, Dallas, Greene, Polk and Webster counties and the city of Spring-field. Nominees who are deemed most active in helping reduce solid waste in the District O region will be chosen by the district's executive board for the awards, which will be presented next month in conjunction with local Earth Day activities. Nominations can be mailed to the District O office at 940 Boonville, Room 305, Springfield, MO 65802.

SLICE OF NICE

The Camp Fire USA Ozarks Council and Good Samaritan Boys Ranch have teamed up for the April 5 Camp Kickoff Award Ceremony and sports memorabilia auction, to be held at the Missouri Sports Hall of Fame. At this year's event, the Springfield Spirit Hockey Team will be honored for its efforts on behalf of the community's youth. The team will receive an award named in its honor the Springfield Spirit Award which will be accepted by the St. Louis Rams' Grant Wistrom, part owner of the hockey team. Wistrom's mother, Kathy Wistrom, author of "My Three All-Americans," will speak at the event. Both Grant and Kathy Wistrom will sign autographs after the ceremony. Tickets are $20 each, and are available from the Camp Fire office or the Good Samaritan Boys Ranch. Food and open bar privileges will be available for ticket holders, and proceeds from the ticket sales will go for camp scholarships and camp revitalization.