School of hard knocks
Story by GREG MILLER of the Tribune's staff
For one night, Jake Hecht can put aside the responsibilities of going to college and holding down a job to focus on one thing: beating the hell out of another man.

TRIBUNE COLUMN
DNR director questions Nixon’s actions in Boonville bridge case
By TONY MESSENGER
For those who enjoy muck-slinging political fights, the legal dispute over the Boonville railroad bridge has given new meaning to the term "Big Muddy."

THIS WEEK IN LOCAL HISTORY
Sappingtons celebrated 70th wedding anniversary
By BILL CLARK
Roy and Sue Sappington celebrated their 70th wedding anniversary at the home of their son, Bill, and his wife, Sharlyn. Roy Sappington turned 92 three days before the anniversary party.

HAPPY TAILS TIPS
Resolve to be a better pet keeper this year
by JIM JOHNSON
Roger Caras said that if you don’t own a dog, at least one, there is not necessarily anything wrong with you, but there might be something wrong with your life. With that in mind, here are some tips for your 2006 New Year’s resolutions.

When in Rome
By ARIEL DAVID of the Associated Press 
ROME - Every dog has its day, and this could be it for every mistreated kitty, pup and parrot in Rome.

TRAVEL

DAY TRIPS
Actor’s star rises even after death
By RAY SPECKMAN
In Wednesday’s Tribune there was a story about Philip Coffield, 42, who died of a brain hemorrhage Monday in St. Louis.

VENTURE BOUND
Museum captures Lincoln’s spirit
By WAYNE ANDERSON
Of the five presidential museums we have visited, Carla and I agree that the Abraham Lincoln Presidential Library & Museum in Springfield, Ill., is the most exciting and entertaining. Although a bit like one of the Orlando, Fla., attractions, it still remains true to the history of our country, making it very palatable to visitors.

Best time to see Turin? Try after the Olympics
By ANDREW DAMPF Of The Associated Press
TURIN, Italy - Can’t find a hotel room in Turin for the Olympics? Worried about getting stuck in traffic on the single-lane road that leads to the games’ Alpine hub? Don’t want a repeat of the nightmare at the Salt Lake City airport the day after the 2002 Winter Games ended?