Ray Nolting/Sun photo Parsons Police Officer Joshua March tries to hold onto a bridle strap on a wayward female Shetland pony Tuesday afternoon on private property on North 21st near Fellows. The horse bucked and prepared to kick so March lost his grip. Police had begun trying to round up the horse near St. Patrick Catholic School and followed it northward to 21st and Fellows. Animal Control Officer Scott Swezey captured the pony on the property. The horse was taken to Allen Veterinary Center. Its owner was unknown.

Jamie Willey/Sun photo John Spriggs of Spriggs Cement, Oswego, directs the flow of cement Monday afternoon as (from left) Bob Hinman, Alan Shouse and Hugh Lamb spread the cement being poured for the surface of a batting cage at the Forest Park softball field. The new floor will replace a rock footing. The Parsons Recreation Commission also is adding a new set of bleachers, replacing the scorekeeper’s booth, adding four new pitching mounds/home plate combinations in two bullpen areas and adding new exterior fencing to both bullpen areas.

Colleen Surridge/Sun photo This life-size peacock, sculpted of scrap metal and insulators, was made by Chris Dague of Las Vegas, N.M., for his cousin Amy Montee of rural Parsons.

Jamie Willey/Sun photo Jed Edward Mosley, 8, makes a turn on a motorized scooter, one of his Christmas gifts, Wednesday afternoon on a Parsons street.

Cpl. Shannon Smith (right) receives congratulations from Mary Nelson, deputy warden of the El Dorado Correctional Facility Southeast Unit in Oswego.

Bob Brewer of Parsons received his 26 gallon pin from the American Red Cross at the blood drive Thursday in Parsons.