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Mark Palmer, left, children's pastor at Crossroads Christian Church, 5855 Renner Rd., anchors an old-fashioned plow Sunday as church members pull the plow ropes to officially break ground on the church's new educational facility. The 15,000-square-foot facility is the second phase of a four-phase building project and should be complete in November 2008.

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Mill Valley High School Principal Joe Novak was all smiles through his shinning star that was part of his Christmas tree costume he wore Monday. Novak said he would wear the costume after The Friends of Rachel group collected gifts from their entire mitten tree.

Photo by Kevin Anderson / Buy a print of this photo

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A tasty treat is served up by Adam Benlon (center) from Emily's Frozen Custard to kids from the City Union Mission last week. The special holiday feast along with Christmas presents were provided by a group of businesses in the Woodsonia West shopping center.

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Senior Brent McCoy (center) packs gifts into a trunk Friday to be delivered to the De Soto Multi-Service Center. The new Friends of Rachel group at Mill Valley High School sponsored a mitten tree and encouraged student to take a mitten and provide a gift for a child in the community.

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At Nails Mirage, 5432 Roberts Rd., Vanthila Keungkhamphong (left) and Vatsana Saycocie tried to create a more relaxing environment for manicures and pedicures.

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The Monticello Chapter of the Sons of the American Revolution celebrated its first anniversary Dec. 13 at Parkway West. Part of the festivities included a presentation of the first SAR Fire Safety Commendation Award to Capt. Joan Moore of the Shawnee Fire Department. From left are Conner Goslin, David Comer (chapter president), Moore and Charles Goslin.

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