Michele Skalicky

A black and white colobus monkey was born Thursday at Dickerson Park Zoo to first time mother, Raksha.  Both mom and baby are doing well, according to Zoo spokesperson Joey Powell.  The sex of the new baby is not yet known.

They’re on exhibit, but the mom has access to the indoor area and may remain out of sight.  Powell said the baby is so cute it’s worth it to be patient and try to catch a glimpse of it. 

Black and white colobus monkeys are actually born with white fur.  They’re native to central and east Africa,

The 52nd annual Apple Butter Makin’ Days is Friday and Saturday (10/12-10/13) in Mt. Vernon with arts and crafts, live music, carnival games, apple butter made on the square, food and more.  A parade starts Saturday morning at 9.  

Harvest Fest continues weekends through October 28 at Rutledge-Wilson Community Farm Park, 3825 W. Farm Rd. 146 in Springfield.  There are hayrides, a pumpkin patch, a haunted trail, a corn maze and more.  

The first incident happened on September 17. A 13-year-old girl was waiting for her school bus at Seminole and Weller when a white male in a white vehicle attempted to entice her into his vehicle, according to the Springfield Police Department.  She refused and ran.

The second incident happened October 8.  Two 13-year-old girls and one 12-year-old girl had just gotten off their school bus at Pickwick and Wayland when they noticed a white male get out of his vehicle and begin following them.  They began running and screaming, and the man ran from the area.

Three priests accused of sexually abusing children four decades ago have been identified by the Springfield-Cape Girardeau Diocese.

In a news release, the diocese said two priests, the Rev. John Brath and Monsignor John Rynish, have died.  Brath died in 2014 and Rynish in 2001.

A third priest, Rev. Fred Lutz, retired in 2011 from active ministry.

According to the diocese, each priest is accused of committing sexual abuse in the 1970s, but some of the allegations were made recently.

President Trump’s visit to Springfield last month cost the city of Springfield $123,944.92.  At the Springfield City Council meeting Monday night, Springfield City Manager Jason Gage said costs break down to $12,707.02 for the airport; $924.55 for Emergency Communications; $2,013.96 for Environmental Services; $8831.78 for Fire; $819.38 for Parks; $82,305.87 for Police and $16,342.36 for Public Works.

According to Gage, the total may change a bit due to adjustments departments might make after reviewing payroll costing reports, but he doesn’t expect it to change much.