Stories from Tuesday, September 27, 2011

From Staff Reports At least 175 riders rounded up $17,220 Saturday at the Cardiac Cowboys 23rd annual Trail Ride for Haven House. The event was hosted by Ted and Cindy Evans to benefit the local domestic violence shelter. The funds will be used to provide shelter and services for battered women and their children...

By SARABETH WALLER Staff Writer Almost 30 years ago, Kitty Britton of Poplar Bluff, Mo., began serving the Child Concern Center as a volunteer two days per week. Over time that grew into a full-time volunteer director position, which Britton held until she retired earlier this year due to health issues...

By TOM UHLENBROCK Missouri State Parks (Fourth in a five-part series.) The new Missouri Civil War Museum has found some treasures in its hunt for artifacts to tell the story of the state's important role in the bitter conflict. Gary Stevens, spokesman for the museum being developed on the grounds of the Jefferson Barracks Historic Site in south St. Louis County, said the collection has more than 1,000 artifacts, the majority of them donated...

By PATRICK SULLIVAN SEMO News Service CAPE GIRARDEAU, Mo. -- The Cape Girardeau man who pleaded guilty to stealing Lt. Gov. Peter Kinder's car was sentenced to seven years in prison Monday. Jacob Shepard, 18, received a seven-year sentence for stealing a motor vehicle and a concurrent four-year sentence for property damage after stealing Kinder's 2009 Ford Flex and crashing it into a gun store April 25...

Three Rivers College was awarded a $1.1 million federal grant Monday for the creation of a program that will help about 300 unemployed area residents open the door to a new career in health care. The funding is part of $500 million in grants announced by the U.S. Department of Labor that will enable community colleges around the country to target training and workforce development of economically dislocated workers who are changing careers, according to a press release from the agency...

ORAN, Mo. (SMNS) -- Oran High School junior Alex Schlitt has been named one of 12 finalists in a national tractor restoration competition. Schlitt spent months restoring a 1946 Farmall tractor for the Delo Tractor Restoration Competition. The competition recognizes and rewards creativity, technical aptitude and business knowledge of high school FFA members. ...

By DONNA FARLEY Staff Writer At 85 years old, Ethel Johnson's short stature and frail appearance hide the heart of a true volunteer. After three major heart attacks, open heart surgery and eight stents to clear blocked arteries, the Poplar Bluff, Mo., grandmother continues to donate her time to John J. Pershing VA Medical Center...

By DONNA FARLEY Staff Writer At 85 years old, Ethel Johnson's short stature and frail appearance hide the heart of a true volunteer. After three major heart attacks, open heart surgery and eight stents to clear blocked arteries, the Poplar Bluff, Mo., grandmother continues to donate her time to John J. Pershing VA Medical Center...

Three Rivers College was awarded a $1.1 million federal grant Monday for the creation of a program that will help about 300 unemployed area residents open the door to a new career in health care. The funding is part of $500 million in grants announced by the U.S. Department of Labor that will enable community colleges around the country to target training and workforce development of economically dislocated workers who are changing careers, according to a press release from the agency...

ORAN, Mo. (SMNS) -- Oran High School junior Alex Schlitt has been named one of 12 finalists in a national tractor restoration competition. Schlitt spent months restoring a 1946 Farmall tractor for the Delo Tractor Restoration Competition. The competition recognizes and rewards creativity, technical aptitude and business knowledge of high school FFA members. ...

By SARABETH WALLER Staff Writer Almost 30 years ago, Kitty Britton of Poplar Bluff, Mo., began serving the Child Concern Center as a volunteer two days per week. Over time that grew into a full-time volunteer director position, which Britton held until she retired earlier this year due to health issues...

JONESBORO, Ark. -- The Dexter Lady Bearcats won the Arkansas State University Playday volleyball tournment in the Bronze bracket on Saturday while the Bernie Lady Mules never dropped a single game as they went on to win the Gold bracket out of the Scarlet Division...

Evelyn Kelley ELLSINORE, Mo. -- Evelyn M. Kelley, 85, of Ellsinore, Mo., died Saturday, Sept. 24, 2011, at Poplar Bluff Regional Medical Center. Mrs. Kelley was born Dec. 13, 1925, in Ellsinore. She was a lifetime resident of Ellsinore, where she owned and operated the Coffee Shop and was known for making the best hamburgers. ...

Geneva Boly FLORISSANT, Mo. -- Geneva V. Boly, 79, of the St. Louis, Mo., area, died Saturday, Sept. 24, 2011. Mrs. Boly is formerly of the Butler County, Mo., area. She is survived by her sister, Lillian B. Boly of St. Louis. She was preceded in death by her parents, Joseph and Pearl Boly; and two sisters, Roberta Womack and Evelyn Thomas...

ELLSINORE -- Naylor learned first-hand that slow and steady wins the race Monday afternoon. The Lady Eagles had five hits, all singles, and took advantage of five East Carter miscues to beat the Lady Redbirds 4-2. "Any win is a good win," Naylor coach Gene Deckard said. "To come to East Carter and get a win, that is a little icing on the cake because East Carter is tough to beat and well-coached...

In honor of Women's Equality Day, the Federal Women's Program of John J. Pershing VA Medical Center hosted an "Afternoon Tea with the Ladies." Attendees were entertained with a brief history of how the women's movement started. During the event, presenters were dressed as Rosie the Riveter, in turn-of-the-century attire and modern business attire. ...

PUXICO -- Early on, it didn't appear there was going to be any delay in Bloomfield getting a key Stoddard County Activities Association win on Monday night. Senior Courtney Delay came out swinging as the Lady Wildcats built a steep early lead. Puxico, however, warmed up and got back in it as they took it to three sets before coming up short, 25-21, 21-25, 25-21...

BERNIE -- The Bernie Mules took the lead in the bottom of the fifth inning Monday evening against Risco and advanced to the semifinals of the Fall Classic with a 7-4 win. Trailing 3-2, Josh Stevens hit a two-run single go up by one. The Mules then added three more runs, which included an RBI single by Jesse Shelton, an RBI sacrifice fly by Will Barnett and two-out single by Blake Trover...

By TOM LOBIANCO Associated Press LAUREL, Ind. (AP) -- As authorities tried to piece together the events that left five people dead, family members and neighbors spun an array of scenarios but reached no consensus about who was behind the violence that shocked a rural Indiana neighborhood where residents often don't even lock their doors...

By WALTER E. WILLIAMS Too much of anything is just as much a misallocation of resources as it is too little, and that applies to higher education just as it applies to everything else. A recent study from The Center for College Affordability and Productivity titled "From Wall Street to Wal-Mart," by Richard Vedder, Christopher Denhart, Matthew Denhart, Christopher Matgouranis and Jonathan Robe, explains that college education for many is a waste of time and money. ...

Congress won't cut themselves Did you know that your congressmen and senators draw four times the amount of retirement as what you can draw out from Social Security? And, everybody says, "Cut the budget." But, that's one place that ain't gonna be cut. When you get enough, folks, call 'em...

Trey Coppland will have a one-man show at the Black River Gallery, Fifth and Vine streets, opening on Saturday and running for two months. Coppland's vibrant, colorful abstracts have been exhibited during CAAW's annual Spring Art Show during the past two years, becoming a popular attraction due to the artist's lively use of color, expression and innovative technique. There will be 60 new and fresh pieces on exhibit for this upcoming show...

The Butler County University of Missouri Extension Council is sponsoring Feeding By-products to Livestock at 6 p.m. Tuesday, Oct. 25. Dr. Justin Sexten, Extension beef specialist from the University of Missouri, will discuss by-product types, nutritional values, feeding methods and how to store them...

Matt and Jennifer Funke of Poplar Bluff, Mo., have chosen the name, Jude Frederick Funke for their 8-pound, 11-ounce son born at 10:10 a.m., Wednesday, Aug. 31, 2011 at Poplar Bluff Regional Medical Center. Grandparents are Kent and Lea Ann Findley of Neosho, Mo., Tim and Connie Funke and Dennis and Cindy French, all of Poplar Bluff...

Thelma Irby Thelma Jean Irby, 75, of Poplar Bluff, Mo., died Tuesday, Sept. 27, 2011, at her residence. Funeral arrangements are pending with Cotrell Funeral Service in Poplar Bluff, Mo.

Joey Walker Jr. MALDEN, Mo. -- Bobby Joe "Joey" Walker Jr., 41, of Gideon, Mo., died Sunday, Sept. 25, 2011, at Twin Rivers Regional Medical Center in Kennett, Mo. Mr. Walker was born Nov. 4, 1969, in Kennett, Mo. He was a member of Bethel Assembly of God Church in Gideon. He was employed by Trinity Marine in Caruthersville, Mo...

Robert Foust Sr. Robert Lee Foust, Sr., 75, of Poplar Bluff, Mo., died Monday, Sept. 26, 2011, at his residence. Mr. Foust was born April 13, 1926, in Poplar Bluff. He was of the Pentecostal faith and was a self-employed plumber. Mr. Foust enjoyed spending time with his family, being outdoors, hunting and fishing...

Carl Smith DEXTER, Mo. -- Carl Smith, 80, of Dexter, Mo., died Monday, Sept. 26, 2011, at Poplar Bluff Regional Medical Center in Poplar Bluff, Mo. Funeral arrangements are pending with Rainey-Mathis Funeral Home in Dexter.

Cynthia Featherston JACKSON VILLE, Ark. -- Cynthia Jean Featherston's journey on this earth ended Friday, Sept. 23, 2011. Cynthia, 50, of Jacksonville, Ark., was born Dec. 24, 1961, in San Diego, Calif. Cynthia graduated in 1979 from Dexter High School in Dexter, Mo. ...

Willie Vieth FISK, Mo. -- Willie Earl Vieth, 97, of Bernie, Mo.. died Saturday, Sept. 24, 2011, at Golden Living Center in Malden, Mo. Mr. Vieth was born Jan. 25, 1914, in St. Louis, Mo. He moved to the Bernie area in 1925 and resided there all of his life. ...

James Magouirk MALDEN, Mo. -- James Henry Magouirk, 53, of Campbell, Mo., died Saturday, Sept. 24, 2011, at St. Bernards Medical Center in Jonesboro, Ark. Mr. Magouirk was born March 11, 1958, in Holcomb, Mo. Survivors include two sons, James Magouirk Jr. ...

Mary Dudley DEXTER, Mo. -- Mary Ellen Dudley, 68, of Dexter, Mo., died Sunday, Sept. 25, 2011, at Saint Francis Medical Center in Cape Girardeau, Mo. Mrs. Dudley was born on April 24, 1943, in Springfield, Ill. She retired from the Dexter Public School System after serving for a number of years as the Dexter Senior High School secretary. She was a member of the Dexter Lighthouse Christian Center...

Janice Jackson DEXTER, Mo. -- Janice Jackson, 68, of Dexter, Mo., died Tuesday, Sept. 27, 2011, at the Landmark Hospital in Cape Girardeau, Mo. Funeral arrangements are pending with Rainey-Mathis Funeral Home in Dexter.

Dorothy Green NEELYVILLE, Mo. -- Dorothy Bea Green, 84, of Poplar Bluff, Mo., formerly of Naylor Mo., died Sunday, Sept. 25, 2011, at Poplar Bluff Regional Medical Center in Poplar Bluff, Mo. Mrs. Green was born Aug. 28, 1927 in the Purman Community of Ripley County, Mo. She was a member of the Anticoch Missionary Baptist Church of Oxly, Mo...

By CAROLYN SMITH Staff Writer The nation-wide "Make a Difference Day" is scheduled for Saturday, Oct. 22. However, students at East Carter R-II High School are taking "Make a Difference Day" to another level. At their school, it will be "Make a Difference Week." The high school student council has elected to devote the entire week, Oct. ...

Hester-Fredwell reunion Sunday The Hester-Fredwell reunion will be held at 1 p.m. Sunday at the New Home General Baptist Church Fellowship Hall, corner of Highways AA and B. Meat will be furnished. Please bring a covered dish and an auction item. For more information, call 573-785-5279...

Fairdealing cemetery mtg. Fairdealing Cemetery will hold its annual meeting at 2 p.m. Sunday, Oct. 9 at the cemetery. Donations for cemetery upkeep may be sent to Fairdealing Cemetery Association, P. O. Box 161, Fairdealing, Mo. 63939. For more information, call 573-300-3564...

Redman ramp closed Fri., Sat. The U.S. Army Corps of Engineers at Wappapello Lake is announcing the closing of the Redman Creek Recreation Area and Boat Ramp at 10 p.m. Friday. The area will reopen promptly at 4 p.m. Saturday Oct. 1, 2011. For more information please contact the Wappapello Lake Management Office at 573-222-8562...

Naylor church fundraiser Sat. A yard and bake sale to benefit the Naylor First Christian Church in preparation for 50th anniversary at its present location, which will be held in 2012, will be held Saturday. The event will be held from 8 a.m. until 4 p.m. at the corner of Front and Jackson streets in Naylor during Naylor Heritage Day...

Joseph Thompson BUNKER, Mo. -- Joseph Thompson, 89, of Bunker, Mo., died at Salem Memorial Hospital on Tuesday, Sept. 27, 2011. Funeral arrangements are pending with McSpadden Funeral Home in Bunker, Mo.

BERNIE -- The Bernie Mules took the lead in the bottom of the fifth inning Monday evening against Risco and advanced to the semifinals of the Fall Classic with a 7-4 win. Trailing 3-2, Josh Stevens hit a two-run single go up by one. The Mules then added three more runs, which included an RBI single by Jesse Shelton, an RBI sacrifice fly by Will Barnett and two-out single by Blake Trover...

PUXICO -- Early on, it didn't appear there was going to be any delay in Bloomfield getting a key Stoddard County Activities Association win on Monday night. Senior Courtney Delay came out swinging as the Lady Wildcats built a steep early lead. Puxico, however, warmed up and got back in it as they took it to three sets before coming up short, 25-21, 21-25, 25-21...

ELLSINORE -- Naylor learned first-hand that slow and steady wins the race Monday afternoon. The Lady Eagles had five hits, all singles, and took advantage of five East Carter miscues to beat the Lady Redbirds 4-2. "Any win is a good win," Naylor coach Gene Deckard said. "To come to East Carter and get a win, that is a little icing on the cake because East Carter is tough to beat and well-coached...

In honor of Women's Equality Day, the Federal Women's Program of John J. Pershing VA Medical Center hosted an "Afternoon Tea with the Ladies." Attendees were entertained with a brief history of how the women's movement started. During the event, presenters were dressed as Rosie the Riveter, in turn-of-the-century attire and modern business attire. ...

By CAROLYN SMITH Staff Writer The nation-wide "Make a Difference Day" is scheduled for Saturday, Oct. 22. However, students at East Carter R-II High School are taking "Make a Difference Day" to another level. At their school, it will be "Make a Difference Week." The high school student council has elected to devote the entire week, Oct. ...

Willie Vieth FISK, Mo. -- Willie Earl Vieth, 97, of Bernie, Mo.. died Saturday, Sept. 24, 2011, at Golden Living Center in Malden, Mo. Mr. Vieth was born Jan. 25, 1914, in St. Louis, Mo. He moved to the Bernie area in 1925 and resided there all of his life. ...

James Magouirk MALDEN, Mo. -- James Henry Magouirk, 53, of Campbell, Mo., died Saturday, Sept. 24, 2011, at St. Bernards Medical Center in Jonesboro, Ark. Mr. Magouirk was born March 11, 1958, in Holcomb, Mo. Survivors include two sons, James Magouirk Jr. ...

Janice Jackson DEXTER, Mo. -- Janice Jackson, 68, of Dexter, Mo., died Tuesday, Sept. 27, 2011, at the Landmark Hospital in Cape Girardeau, Mo. Funeral arrangements are pending with Rainey-Mathis Funeral Home in Dexter.

Cynthia Featherston JACKSON VILLE, Ark. -- Cynthia Jean Featherston's journey on this earth ended Friday, Sept. 23, 2011. Cynthia, 50, of Jacksonville, Ark., was born Dec. 24, 1961, in San Diego, Calif. Cynthia graduated in 1979 from Dexter High School in Dexter, Mo. ...

Joey Walker Jr. MALDEN, Mo. -- Bobby Joe "Joey" Walker Jr., 41, of Gideon, Mo., died Sunday, Sept. 25, 2011, at Twin Rivers Regional Medical Center in Kennett, Mo. Mr. Walker was born Nov. 4, 1969, in Kennett, Mo. He was a member of Bethel Assembly of God Church in Gideon. He was employed by Trinity Marine in Caruthersville, Mo...

Robert Foust Sr. Robert Lee Foust, Sr., 75, of Poplar Bluff, Mo., died Monday, Sept. 26, 2011, at his residence. Mr. Foust was born April 13, 1926, in Poplar Bluff. He was of the Pentecostal faith and was a self-employed plumber. Mr. Foust enjoyed spending time with his family, being outdoors, hunting and fishing...

Matt and Jennifer Funke of Poplar Bluff, Mo., have chosen the name, Jude Frederick Funke for their 8-pound, 11-ounce son born at 10:10 a.m., Wednesday, Aug. 31, 2011 at Poplar Bluff Regional Medical Center. Grandparents are Kent and Lea Ann Findley of Neosho, Mo., Tim and Connie Funke and Dennis and Cindy French, all of Poplar Bluff...

The Butler County University of Missouri Extension Council is sponsoring Feeding By-products to Livestock at 6 p.m. Tuesday, Oct. 25. Dr. Justin Sexten, Extension beef specialist from the University of Missouri, will discuss by-product types, nutritional values, feeding methods and how to store them...

Trey Coppland will have a one-man show at the Black River Gallery, Fifth and Vine streets, opening on Saturday and running for two months. Coppland's vibrant, colorful abstracts have been exhibited during CAAW's annual Spring Art Show during the past two years, becoming a popular attraction due to the artist's lively use of color, expression and innovative technique. There will be 60 new and fresh pieces on exhibit for this upcoming show...

Congress won't cut themselves Did you know that your congressmen and senators draw four times the amount of retirement as what you can draw out from Social Security? And, everybody says, "Cut the budget." But, that's one place that ain't gonna be cut. When you get enough, folks, call 'em...

By WALTER E. WILLIAMS Too much of anything is just as much a misallocation of resources as it is too little, and that applies to higher education just as it applies to everything else. A recent study from The Center for College Affordability and Productivity titled "From Wall Street to Wal-Mart," by Richard Vedder, Christopher Denhart, Matthew Denhart, Christopher Matgouranis and Jonathan Robe, explains that college education for many is a waste of time and money. ...

Redman ramp closed Fri., Sat. The U.S. Army Corps of Engineers at Wappapello Lake is announcing the closing of the Redman Creek Recreation Area and Boat Ramp at 10 p.m. Friday. The area will reopen promptly at 4 p.m. Saturday Oct. 1, 2011. For more information please contact the Wappapello Lake Management Office at 573-222-8562...