Firefighters

MARSHFIELD, Mo. (AP) — A fundraising effort to help the family of a critically injured southwest Missouri firefighter has nearly reached its $10,000 goal in less than a week.

The man who held five firefighters hostage in Suwanee, Ga. earlier on Wednesday has been shot and killed by SWAT members. Four hostages are slightly injured, but authorities say they should be OK.

The 2012 Missouri State Fair, marks the 50th anniversary of the Missouri State Fair Volunteer Fire Department, who are the most unique firefighters in the state.  The reason for this is because the department itself only exists for two weeks out of the year during the Missouri State Fair.

The first day of the 110th Missouri State Fair began today with speeches and music from the Marshall Municipal Band in front of the Fire Station on the North Side of the Fairgrounds. A large crowd endured the heat, as Mark Wolfe, the Missouri State Fair Director lead off with a speech that recognized the success and longevity of the fair.