On the Street

SCHOOL BONDS GET A+

Springfield Public Schools announced July 24 it will save $1 million in interest expense by refinancing about $12.5 million in bonds. The bonds, originally issued in 1993 at an average interest rate of 5.33 percent, were replaced with new bonds sold at an average interest rate of 4 percent. This month, Standard & Poor's awarded Springfield Public Schools an A+ rating, upgrading it from an A rating. "Standard & Poor's looked at the district, its financials and its long-range plans, and they liked what they saw. They like the direction the district is heading," said Dick Bartow, senior vice president of George K. Baum & Co., which aids the district in obtaining long-term financing.

IF I ONLY HAD A

Scarecrows are wanted for Cider Days on Walnut Street, to be held Sept. 21-22. Urban Districts Alliance, coordinator of the Scarecrow Village, will award cash prizes in four categories, including $200 for Best of Show. Creativity is a plus, and there is no entry fee. Other categories, with prizes of $100 each, are Most Creative, Best Dressed and Most Humorous.

Scarecrows will be judged on strength, durability to the weather, imagination and character. There is no set theme, and the sky's the limit on props, but keep it clean. A single entry may include up to three scarecrows. Scarecrows must be dropped off on the southeast corner of Walnut Street and John Q. Hammons Parkway Sept. 20.

ROCK EM, SOCK EM

The Willard Police Department will hold its DARE Charity Boxing match at 7 p.m. Sept. 7 at the Willard Recreation Center on Z Highway. Tickets to the match are $20 at ringside, $5 general admission. Willard Police Sgt. Ron Killingsworth will get a chance to take a swing at the boss, Willard Police Chief Tom McClain, in one of 10 scheduled fights.

Other combatants include local and state police officers, fire personnel, school district teaching staff and other citizens. Contact the Willard Police Department for more information.

SLICE OF NICE

Springfield's Habitat for Humanity Restore is competing with 14 other Habitat affiliates throughout the country to collect the most aluminum cans between now and Dec. 31. The affiliate that collects the most cans will receive $50,000 to build a new Habitat home. The effort is funded by a $5,000 grant from Habitat for Humanity International and the Aluminum Association.

Cans may be dropped off at the Habitat ReStore, 4535 W. Chestnut Expwy., and Habitat is partnering with local churches, schools, civic groups, businesses, and the city of Springfield to recycle aluminum and build another home. More partners are being sought. Contact the Habitat ReStore for information.