Anyone who had a cellular phone in the 1980s was either important or wanted everyone to think they were important. Now we’re all VIPs. And today, 25 years to the day after the grandson of Alexander Graham Bell received the first commercial cellular call, these tiny devices have become inexorably connected in our lives. Now 84 percent of the U.S. population owns a cell phone, according to the Wireless Association. Global penetration is higher, with developing countries installing cell phone towers instead of traditional phone lines.

CAMERON, Mo. — Despite a state report that says otherwise, a Kansas City personal injury law firm told residents Saturday that their five-month investigation shows a larger than expected number of cancer cases among the town’s 6,500 residents. Dr. James Dahlgren, a California toxicology expert made famous by a movie about Erin Brockovich, said the high incidences are the aftereffects of the former Rockwool Industries insulation plant, which operated in Cameron for 18 years, between 1974 and 1992. Ms. Brockovich was to speak in Cameron on Monday, but organizers said she postponed due to a scheduling conflict.

As Ava Martinez is wheeled closer, the suspension on the Honda minivan slackens. The vehicle drops and a ramp pops out. Like so many things in the 5-year-old’s life, the van is specialized to her needs. She’ll need total care for her remaining shortened life span. Two weeks after a Buchanan County jury found her mother’s former fiance Joshua Blinde innocent in causing her injuries, life goes on for the severely brain-damaged girl and her caretakers, who are still bitter over the verdict.

The anticipated launch date over Fourth of July weekend came and went without the new Remington Nature Center of St. Joseph. Reason: The Missouri River flooded.
The second week in August launch date came and went too. Reason: setup of the 7,000-gallon aquarium.
Now, the grand opening is slated for mid-November. Reasons for delay: to bring in more taxidermal animals, to put the final touches on exhibits and to acclimate marine life in the aquarium.

Dan Hausman’s signature has approved several county contracts since he was elected Buchanan County Eastern District commissioner in 2005. And with some 300 cousins, nephews and nieces in the St. Joseph area, some relatives have benefited from those contracts.
It is a fact that Mr. Hausman acknowledges: “I just have a large family.”

Emotions overflowed into a scuffle after a jury found Joshua Blinde innocent of intentionally assaulting a 2-year-old girl.
Ava Martinez’s father Brad Whitford twice yelled “You’ll go to (expletive) hell,” Friday morning as he tried to advance toward Mr. Blinde. He was held back by family members and two courtroom bailiffs, who were joined by other deputies and police detectives to wrestle Mr. Whitford out of the courtroom.
Mr. Blinde, 28, stood unfazed during the confrontation. He sobbed quietly afterward as he embraced his attorneys and family while waiting for the OK to leave the courtroom.

The owner of two Old English bulldogs that attacked two girls in the summer will be able to keep her dogs as long as she leaves St. Joseph city limits.

With a hard gulp and murmur of “guilty,” Bonnie Sue Lawson, former Buchanan County public administrator, pleaded guilty to federal charges she defrauded 120 disabled clients out of their Social Security payments.
On Wednesday afternoon in Kansas City, Ms. Lawson, 68, waived her right to a grand jury. She pleaded guilty to the charge of defrauding the Social Security Administration, a felony. She faces up to 10 years in prison without parole, plus a fine of up to $250,000.
U.S. District Judge Gary Fenner also may order restitution on about $118,000 she admitted to stealing when Ms. Lawson is sentenced within 90 days. She was released Wednesday on a federal personal recognizance bond.

A 19-year-old Kansas City man pleaded guilty for his role in a McDonald’s armed robbery in which he was shot by police on Feb. 21, 2008.

Two medical experts testified Tuesday that a short fall could have caused the severe brain injuries suffered by a 2-year-old girl while in the care of her mother’s fiance.