The Missouri Coalition for Roadway Safety is sponsoring the 2009 Battle of the Belt Challenge from Oct. 5 to Nov. 20 for the region’s school districts.

The statewide program seeks to educate young drivers about seat-belt use to reduce traffic crash injuries and save lives.

The competition will feature a new online system at www.savemoyouth.com, where schools can sign up, submit forms, and access resources. Additional award categories will give more schools the opportunity to win the contest.

The program consists of two surprise seat-belt checks at each high school to measure student seat-belt usage before and after an educational campaign. Schools also will have the opportunity to submit a 30-second video spot to encourage peers. Statewide and regional prizes are awarded to schools that achieve high seat-belt use.

The Gallatin and Albany high schools each won $250 in last year’s contest.

Participation agreements available through the Web site must be submitted before Oct. 2.

State fair honors Creason

The Missouri State Fair has issued a statement honoring former state lawmaker Norwood Creason, a Caldwell County resident who died Tuesday. Mr. Creason was one of Gov. Mel Carnahan’s original appointees to the Missouri State Fair Commission in 1996.

State fair commission chairwoman Elizabeth Schlueter said Mr. Creason faithfully attended meetings and was also involved in the Missouri State Fair Foundation.

“I know Missouri has lost a true hero,” Ms. Schlueter said. “Everyone having the privilege of meeting and knowing Norwood understood his love of family, friends, and country.”

Wing shoot set

The Brown County chapter of Quail Unlimited and the Kansas Department of Wildlife and Parks are sponsoring a free shotgun wing shoot Saturday, Sept. 26, at the Hiawatha Airport, 1723 240th St., Hiawatha, Kan.

The free shoot will be held from 1 to 5 p.m. Participants may use their own shotgun or one of the 12-gauge or 20-gauge guns provided at the event. Guns, ammunition and targets are provided by the Kansas Department of Wildlife and Parks.

Those interested in learning how to shoot a shotgun or wanting to polish their skills are encouraged to attend. Women, girls, and novice shooters are also invited.

Call Larry Weast at (785) 547-6186 for more information.

To reach the airport if arriving from the east, take U.S. Highway 36 west from St. Joseph and exit onto Mulberry Road in Brown County. The airport is located off Old Highway 36 by taking the second right turn after exiting onto Mulberry Road.

Ray Scherer can be reached

at rscherer@npgco.com.