Farmers plan increased crop planting this year

COLUMBIA, Mo. -- Missouri farmers reported planting more winter wheat this year and also intend to plant more soybeans, corn, cotton and rice than last year, according to the first survey of farmers' plans for the upcoming growing season. "Although fuel and other costs continue to trend upward, producers have been encouraged by the higher crop prices to more fully utilize their available cropland," said Gene Danekas, the Missouri statistician for the U.S. Agriculture Department. The Columbia-based office released the crop planting projections Wednesday. Soybeans, Missouri's largest crop, are expected to be planted on 5.1 million acres, up 2 percent from last year and 1 percent above the level of two years ago. Missouri farmers intend to plant 2.95 million acres of corn in 2004, up 2 percent from last year and 5 percent more than in 2002.

Heated sheriff's race now has 11 candidates

POPLARBLUFF, Mo. -- With six Democratic and five Republican candidates vying for Butler County sheriff, that race is by far the most contested sheriff's race in recent memory. When filing ended at 5 p.m. Tuesday, four challengers had filed to run against incumbent Sheriff Bill Heaton on the Republican ticket. There are even more candidates running for sheriff on the Democratic ticket with voters choosing from a field of six.

Arson suspected in fire that destroyed church

HANNIBAL, Mo. -- A small but historic northeast Missouri church was destroyed in a fire that neighbors and fire authorities believe was intentionally set. Centenary Church, about seven miles south of Hannibal, was built in 1872 with hand-hewn logs woven together by the forefathers of residents of the area. The church has not been used for services for more than half a century, but a restoration project was nearing completion. The fire broke out late Monday. The building burned completely. The state fire marshal's office is investigating.

-- From staff, wire reports