Leadership Northwest Missouri is accepting applications for its upcoming 2009 class.

The group offers leadership training, education on regional topics, and access to a well-connected network of contacts throughout the area.

The new class will begin with a two-day retreat Jan. 21 and 22 in St. Joseph. Dr. Tim Crowley, a nationally known speaker on personal and professional development, will lead the class. Daylong monthly classes will follow in various communities in a 16-county region. Graduation is scheduled for June 25.

Class sizes are limited, and the deadline to apply is Nov. 15. Call Bev Maltsberger at 279-1691 for questions or to request an application. Application forms and registration information are also available at www.leadershipnwmo.com.

Murals on display

Three finalists have been selected for a mural that will be designed and installed at the new state of Missouri welcome center in Eagleville, Mo.

A federal grant will fund the 44-foot-by-12-foot mural that will appear on the center’s interior wall. A nationwide search yielded the three finalists, who have submitted their design concepts.

The public is invited to view the concepts and share comments at 6 p.m. Thursday at the Eagleville Community Center. Refreshments will be provided by the city of Eagleville and the Missouri Division of Tourism.

Maple Leaf Festival on tap

Hiawatha, Kan., holds its annual Maple Leaf Festival on Saturday with a barbecue, cook-off and evening concert.

The cook-off will be held around the Brown County Courthouse, along South Seventh Street, which will be blocked off. Desserts will be judged at 2 p.m., followed by chicken at 2:30 p.m., ribs at 3 p.m., pork at 3:30 and beef at 4. People’s choice and judge’s selections will be announced at 4:30. There also will be a “master cook” award.

A praise and worship concert will be held from 5 to 7 p.m. on the north side of the courthouse steps.

Meanwhile, the Brown County Ag Museum — located at 301 East Iowa St. — will simultaneously hold its annual Heritage Day program. Attractions include wagon rides, craft booths, a garden tractor pull and concessions.

Pancakes and sausage will be served at the museum from 8 to 10 a.m. Hamburgers, bratwurst and fries will be served starting at 11 a.m.

Entry forms for the cook-off must be picked up at the Hiawatha Chamber of Commerce office at 602 Oregon St. and returned by Wednesday. Participants may also call the chamber at (785) 742-7136 to have the form either e-mailed or faxed.

Ray Scherer can be reached

at rscherer@npgco.com.