On the Street

Health care directives
The ongoing court battle over Terri Schiavo’s life has led local lawyers to offer free legal assistance on health care directives. Through the Springfield Metropolitan Bar Foundation’s Love Them, Don’t Leave Them program, attorney members will conduct presentations and clinics for the preparation of these documents. The goal is to execute 1,000 health care directives by Valentine’s Day. The public clinics will be held 5-7 p.m. the last Wednesday of each month at the Library Center, Room A. Local bar members also will be available to present to area businesses, churches or civic organizations. For more information, call Christa Hogan at (417) 831-2783.

Mayoral challenger
In the waning days of his mayoral campaign, challenger Mike Schilling released a press release saying all future municipal buildings would be constructed following stringent energy efficiency and environmental standards, if he is elected mayor April 5. Schilling supports the Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design Green Building Rating System and points to municipal successes in Los Angeles, Seattle, Dallas, Atlanta, Portland and Kansas City.

Militant threat exercise
Greene County officials staged a tanker hijacking by a disgruntled militant group as a full-scale exercise in Homeland Security. More than 120 local first responders played out the scenario, in which the militant group used the tanker as a weapon of mass destruction, to help prepare local Homeland Security teams to respond to threats in southwest Missouri. The simulation took place 9 a.m.-1 p.m. on March 24 west of Springfield at State Highway M and Farm Road 101. Emergency responders and volunteers played the roles of gunmen and victims.

Slice of Nice
Central High School senior Kennon Choate was selected as the Boys & Girls Clubs of Springfield’s 2005 Youth of the Year. The Youth of the Year program recognizes one youth each year who displays superior leadership skills and academic achievement, and overcomes obstacles while giving outstanding service to Boys & Girls Clubs and the community.

Twice of Nice
Looking for a catch of a date? Maybe a handyman to fix that leaky faucet? The Tower Club hosts the fifth annual Men About Town – Best in the Ozarks Benefit, beginning at 6:30 p.m. April 2. Area businessmen’s time and talents are up for auction during this fund-raiser for Boys & Girls Clubs of Springfield. Participants include Bryan Morris of American Detection Specialists, Adam Smith of Rebsamen Insurance, Dan Reiter of the Springfield Cardinals’ front of ce, Steve Hogan of American Dehydrated Foods and David Bauer, Mille’s chef/owner. One contestant will walk away as the Man About Town 2005 with a cash prize of $500 for the charity of his choice. Tickets are $40 and can be obtained by calling (417) 838-2312.