Each year it has grown. The village, schools and businesses have been so great.

A lot of the (parents) had tears in their eyes. We appreciate all the support from the community.

There are more toys this year than last. The people just donate here. Living in a village like this is just a pleasure. This is the most donations we've ever had.

I'd like to thank the village administration and the school administrations and all the business men and women, churches and the people who contributed cash. To those who contributed cash, they help make it one of the most successful Toys for Tots Program in 16 years. The American Legion really appreciates all the support from the community.

The whole team ran well, but with this big of a group of schools, it was not easy to make the top eight. We ran some of our fastest times to get in the top 12 to 15 teams. Some of the best Kansas City and St. Louis schools were there in addition to the best athletes from mid-Missouri. This meet was a major showcase of state-wide track talent for this early in the season.

I was pleased that the Supreme Court did not rule our schools were inadequately funded. Adequacy is a highly subjective assessment. The best way to judge an adequate education is to let the parents decide--give them the right to choose their child's school.