Unified basketball players display their ribbons while being recognized Tuesday by the Webb City R-7 School Board.

Unified basketball team wins state championship

The Webb City High School Unified Basketball Team was recognized Tuesday by the School Board for its successful season – including a state championship on March 24. In that final game, instructor Jeff Cole said the players were complimented for their sportsmanship because they didn’t want to humiliate the opposing team. After gaining an insurmountable lead, they’d rebound and hand the ball over to the opposing players.

There are two 3-on-3 Webb City teams, with a partner on each team. Cole said the practices and games improved relationships and even helped the two partners, Trent Walrod and Caden Ray, decide they may want to continue in special education.

Those involved with the Webb City United Basketball Team who were recognized Tuesday are instructors Jeff Cole and Lori Cole, players Michael Hitchcock, Jonathan Aldridge, Ryan Wickencamp James Holifield and partner Trent Walrod. (Partner Caden Ray wasn’t present.)

Red Cross offers exclusive Snoopy t-shirt to donors this month

April is National Volunteer Month, and the American Red Cross is celebrating the millions of people who volunteer to give blood, platelets and plasma throughout the year. This month, the Red Cross and PEANUTS® are joining forces as a reminder that it’s cool to be kind and help save lives.

To take advantage of the t-shirt offer locally, make an appointment online to give blood or plasma:

From 8 a.m. – 1 p.m. Thursday, April 13, at Kansas City University, 2901 St Johns Boulevard.

Or from 11 a.m. – 4 p.m., Thursday, April 20, at the Joplin Public Library, 1901 East 20th St.

Appointments can be made on the Red Cross website, which displays the schedule of nearby blood drives.

Carthage Food Truck Friday kicks off Friday

The City of Carthage will be kicking off Food Truck Fridays from 11 a.m. to 9 p.m. Friday, April 14, at Central Park. 

This month’s Food Truck Friday is sponsored by Missouri Southern State University. Various food trucks, table vendors and departments from Missouri Southern State University will be present. The MSSU Jazz Orchestra will perform from 6 to 7 p.m.

The next Food Truck Friday will be on May 12.