On the Street

The fourth annual Crime-Free Multi-Housing Landlord Training Workshop, presented by Urban Neighborhoods Alliance, is 8 a.m.–4 p.m. March 25 in the City Utilities Training Center auditorium. Co-sponsors of the event include Springfield Police Department, CU and the Springfield Apartment & Housing Association.

The workshop is designed for landlords of single-family or multifamily homes and apartment complexes. Topics include rental agreements, applicant screening, crime prevention and the city of Springfield’s public nuisance ordinance.

Pre-registration is $25 for the event and includes a comprehensive manual outlining techniques and practices to help with rental properties. Registration forms are available on UNA’s Web site, www.unaonline.org, or by calling (417) 865-4774. After March 20, the fee increases to $30.

Meet Ralph Manley

Most Springfieldians know who Ralph Manley is, and many have been on the receiving end of his charming smile and signature silver-dollar coins. But for those who want to know more, Manley will be at a book signing 1–5 p.m. March 26 at the Library Center, 4653 S. Campbell Ave., for his autobiography, “The Sky is the Limit.” Refreshments will be served.

Slice of Nice

Through March 17, the Muscular Dystrophy Association is running its Shamrocks Against Dystrophy Program in the Ozarks and across the nation. During the campaign, local citizens can buy and sign $1 and $5 shamrocks at area businesses, including convenience stores, restaurants and supermarkets, where the shamrocks are on display. Shamrocks Against Dystrophy raised more than $12 million nationally in 2005. Locally, the program raised more than $37,000 to support MDA programs, including a clinic at St. John’s and summer camp for children with neuromuscular diseases at Bear River Ranch in Rolla. Funds also go toward research.

The new guy

The stork stopped in Springfield and delivered a new member to the SBJ family. SBJ News Editor Eric Olson and his wife, Aubrey, welcomed son Liam Daniel Olson into the world March 2. He weighed 7 pounds, 8 ounces, and was 20 inches long. Whether young Liam will follow his father’s footsteps into journalism remains to be seen. For now, he’s just busy growing and taking it all in, under the watchful eye of his big sister, Alexa, who’s 3.