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Letter to the Editor: Reader unhappy with school spending on cell phone cases (6/28/24)To the Editor, So, those at the head of the class need $68 million for the next school year’s budget. Really! What fraud, waste and abuse might be enclosed in that need? Let’s look at just one case. Too easy to spot such a bold in your face unneeded waste: cellphone bags. ...
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Column: Billington named to special interim committee (6/28/24)By Rep. Hardy BillingtonI am proud to have been appointed by House Speaker Dean Plocher as a member of the Special Interim Committee on Illegal Immigrant Crimes. This role underscores my commitment to addressing key issues affecting our community’s economic well-being: the rising cost of living, illegal immigration, reckless government spending, and the burden on our criminal justice system and public safety...
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Column: Tragic loss of missionaries (6/7/24)By Rep. Hardy BillingtonIt is with a heavy heart that I write this column today. Our nation has been shaken by the tragic loss of State Rep. Ben Baker’s daughter, Natalie, and her husband, Davy, who were killed while serving as missionaries in Haiti. Rep. Baker and I were elected to office at the same time, and we have fought side-by-side to protect our conservative values. The loss of these two incredible young people is a devastating blow to all who knew and loved them...
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Column: Privilege to share accomplishments of the year (5/24/24)I want to extend my heartfelt thanks to Missouri Speaker of the House Dean Plocher for visiting Poplar Bluff and providing us with an opportunity to gather at the Butler County Courthouse. It was a privilege to share with our constituents the numerous accomplishments we’ve achieved this year...
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Letter to the Editor: State water concerns (5/10/24)To the Editor Do you care about access to our abundant water supply? You certainly should. My support for Sikeston and the Southeast region runs deep. Through my involvement in the Sikeston Regional Chamber, Southeast Missouri Regional Water District, and as a local farmer, I understand the connection our water resources have to the ability of our communities to thrive. ...
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Column: Missouri stands with Israel’s right to exist (5/10/24)By Hardy BillingtonI am proud to have co-sponsored House Concurrent Resolution 30, which passed the House this week with an overwhelming vote. Sponsored by House Speaker Dean Plocher, the measure reaffirms our unwavering support for the State of Israel. Through this resolution, the General Assembly acknowledges and commends Israel for its enduring and mutually beneficial relationship with the United States of America and the state of Missouri since 1948. ...
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Letter to the Editor: Veteran thanks God for help (5/3/24)To the Editor, My name is Ulysses Neal II. I was born in Memphis, Tennessee. I moved to Sikeston with my father to try and get my life together, without success. So my father took me to the Poplar Bluff treatment center at the VA since I am a veteran. I ended up getting a job at the VA...
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Editorial: EDITORIAL: Newspapers provide authenticity for public notices (5/2/24)Transparency has become a buzzword for those who spend our tax dollars. Especially for those who are running for an elected position that controls how those tax dollars are spent. They promise to be a watchdog and cut out wasteful spending and be up front and public with their decisions. Some follow through, others push to the side those thoughts once they’re elected and in charge of the purse strings...