Sponsored by the Globe, Missouri Southern State University and TAMKO Building Products, Inc., the tournament is pitting a field of 82 fourth, fifth and sixth graders against a formidable list of words like  “kerosene,” “pasteurize” and “zebraic.”

Trophies and prizes will be awarded to the first-, second- and third-place winners, and trophies and certificates will be awarded to all school champions.

The contest is being judged by Globe Librarian William Caldwell, retired Carl Junction teacher and principal Pamela George, and TAMKO Recruitment Director Doug Spears. Dr. David L. Ackiss, professor English at Missouri Southern State Unviersity serves as the Spellmaster for the event.

The Idaho State Journal reports both Blackfoot and Bonneville high schools took division top honors during the State Debate tournament in Meridian last weekend. Blackfoot was named the state champion, and Bonneville took third.

But the Idaho High School Activities Association told the schools earlier this week there was a computer error and the trophies would have to be returned. When the scores were re-tallied, Blackfoot lost its championship status by three points, and Bonneville dropped to third place.

Blackfoot coach Cherie Clawson says the mistake was heartbreaking for her team. Association assistant director Julie Hammons says her group is still trying to determine just what caused the error.