Stories from Sunday, October 9, 2011

By SARABETH WALLER Staff Writer Youth from throughout the Poplar Bluff area were challenged to "Be Weird" Sept. 30. Many of them took the challenge the next day by devoting the day in the service of others. Last Friday night youth from various church groups met at First United Methodist Church and Sammy Nuckolls of Memphis, Tenn., spoke to them about being a "peculiar people," as I Peter 2:9 of the Bible refers to Christians. ...

By SARABETH WALLER Staff Writer Eight new veterans were inducted to the John J. Pershing VA Medical Center's Wall of Valor Saturday as part of the VA's Annual Welcome Home Celebration. The theme of this year's celebration was "Heroes, Hot Dogs and Hot Rods."...

By DONNA FARLEY Staff Writer Seniors are urged this month to be aware of new dates for Medicare open enrollment, which will run from Oct. 15 to Dec. 7. Open enrollment begins and ends earlier this year, but also allows seven weeks to review and make changes to plans...

Free Benefits under Medicare The following preventative care is available to Medicare beneficiaries with no co-payment, coinsurance or deductible costs, when the care is provided by health-care professionals who accept Medicare. New this year: Other services:...

Whole Kids Outreach, located on Highway 21 six miles south of Ellington, Mo., is sponsoring its annual Fall Festival from 10 a.m. - 2 p.m., Saturday, Oct. 22. Registration will begin at 9:30 a.m. There will be games, prizes, pony rides and free lunch. Harold Condray's Classical County Music Band will be performing from 11 a.m. - 2 p.m...

DEXTER -- In a game filled with offense, it was the Dexter defense that rose to the occasion Friday night. The Bearcats, who trailed by 13 points at halftime, stopped a late two-point attempt by Caruthersville and got an interception on the Tigers' last possession to hold on for the win, 56-55, in a conference battle of state-ranked teams...

ORAN -- After grabbing the momentum in the third inning Friday, Naylor was on the verge of handing it right back. However, Naylor escaped a jam in which Oran had runners on second and third and nobody out in the top of the fourth as the Lady Eagles went on to win their third-straight MSHSAA Class 1 District 1 title, 9-1...

CAPE GIRARDEAU -- Christian Cavaness and the Cape Central Tigers picked off Poplar Bluff for a happy homecoming Friday night. Cavaness intercepted two passes on defense and ran for two touchdowns as the Tigers won the first homecoming game at their new stadium, 35-20...

The race for the MSHSAA Class 2 District 1 title came down to the wire Friday afternoon. East Carter needed three runs, Clearwater needed three outs. Emily Neidenberg got a one-out RBI single to start the rally in the bottom of the seventh and two-out singles by Faith Eaves and Lindsay Crowley led to a daring dash for home to tie it...

SPRINGFIELD -- The Poplar Bluff Mules got a clutch goal in overtime Saturday afternoon to take a 1-0 win over Greenwood in the seventh place game of the Kickapoo Shootout. Junior Francis Esquivel got the goal as senior Richie Towns a defender and played it across the goal. The goal was Esquivel's team-leading seventh of the season...

MALDEN -- In the first half, it looked like Malden's offense had come back down to earth after its 75-point performance last week at Kennett. But then the second half happened. The Green Wave scored five touchdowns after leading by just two points at halftime and defeated Chaffee, 49-25, Friday night...

The Missouri Department of Transportation announced the following projects for the week of Oct. 10-14: RIPLEY COUNTY Three routes will be reduced to one lane while MoDOT crews seal the roadways with a mixture of rock and oil. Work will be done on Route H from 6:30 a.m. to 5 p.m. Tuesday, Route W from 6:30 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. Wednesday and Highway 142 from Route B to the Butler County line from 6:30 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. Thursday...

By OLIVER NORTH WASHINGTON -- Ten years ago this week, America went to war in Afghanistan. At 1 p.m. Eastern time on Oct. 7, 2001, President George W. Bush told the world, "On my orders, the United States military has begun strikes against al-Qaida terrorist training camps and military installations of the Taliban regime in Afghanistan." At the conclusion of his seven-minute broadcast from the White House Treaty Room, he pledged: "The battle is now joined on many fronts. ...

By BILL O'REILLY What happens to New Jersey Gov. Chris Christie now? Will he campaign for the Republican nominee? Will he settle back into New Jersey politics exclusively? Not since William Taft graced the White House in the early 20th century has there been a national political presence like Christie. Larger than life both physically and emotionally, Christie plays the political game like a blitzing middle linebacker: If he zeroes in on you, you'll feel it...

To the Editor, Child Concern Center wants to give a big public "thank you" to the Christian youth gathering, WEIRD, for the help they gave us on Saturday, Oct. 1. Sixteen young people from this group and a few adult leaders certainly proved themselves different (weird) as they descended on our thrift store at 818 Hwy. 53 that day with boundless energy and cheerfulness to clean, sort and remodel part of our store...

Smart up, lock your cars I'm calling about the police log in the newspaper. It's just really aggravating. I keep reading in there about these people leaving unlocked vehicles. There's one is an unlocked Blazer at Poplar Bluff Medical Center and I'm assuming she just left her wallet, her laptop computer and cell phone and everything right there with her driver's license, check book and everything got stolen. ...

IRONTON, Mo. -- This year's Fall Mountain Music Festival, Oct. 21, 22 and 23, on the grounds of the Iron County Courthouse in Ironton, will feature not only three days of bluegrass, country and gospel music, but also a Sunday afternoon of Civil War music and artisan demonstrations. ...

The annual SEMO National Guard Reunion breakfast will begin at 8:30 a.m. Saturday, Oct. 22, at the National Guard Armory, 1605 Cravens Road. The breakfast will be catered by "Tasteful Creations" catering service. All prior National Guard members who would like to attend should make their reservations by Oct. 12. Please call 785-9034 for more information about making your reservation...

Lois Carpenter of Campbell, Mo., recently celebrated her 96th birthday at home with family and friends. Mrs. Carpenter was born Aug. 27, 1915, in Houston, Ark. She and her husband, James, were married on Oct. 3, 1931 in Blytheville, Ark. They had to ride in a wagon to get to the courthouse. They were both devoted to each other, their family and church, said their daughter Martha Like of Campbell. Mrs. Carpenter is a member of the First Baptist Church of Campbell...

Harold and Ava Wood of Gatewood, Mo., will celebrate their 50th wedding anniversary from 1 - 4 p.m., Saturday, Oct. 22, 2011 with an open house at the Sycamore Hills Country Club in Doniphan, Mo. The couple was married Oct. 20, 1961 in the Calvary Cross Baptist Church in St. Louis, Mo. They have a son, Brian Wood of Ballwin, Mo., and a daughter, Lisa Hodge of Florissant, Mo., and six grandchildren and four great-grandchildren...

The Altrusa Club's regularly scheduled meeting was held Monday, Sept. 26, at the Twin Towers. Diana Clanahan, president, called the meeting to order at 6:05 p.m. with the recitation of the Pledge of Allegiance. Four guests and 14 members were present...

Big Springs Resource Conservation and Development (RC&D) Councils will join with other RC&D Council throughout the United States to commemorate RC&D Week, which will run this year from Oct. 1 - 6. RC&D Week is held annually to recognize and celebrate the success of the RC&D Program nationwide...

The George Carden Circus International is coming to Poplar Bluff on Tuesday. There will be one show at 6:30 p.m. at the Black River Coliseum. A circus pre-party will be held one-hour before the show. Ride an elephant or pony, get your face painted and meet the circus stars up close and in person...

Jeremy Henson DONIPHAN, Mo. -- Jeremy James Henson, 33, of Doniphan, Mo., died Tuesday, Oct. 4, 2011, at Ripley County Memorial Hospital in Doniphan. Mr. Henson was born March 4, 1978, in Sparta, Ill. He was a farmer. Mr. Henson loved to fish, hunt, camp, work on electronics and collect antiques...

Ronnie Dirks MALDEN, Mo. -- R. J. "Ronnie" Dirks, 89, of Bernie, Mo., formerly of Malden, Mo., died Wednesday, Oct. 5, 2011, at Bernie. The son of Henry Dirks and Ethel Bruns Dirks, Mr. Dirks was born Jan. 18, 1922, at Akron, Iowa. He was a member of the First Presbyterian Church in Malden...

John Wyrick MARION, Ill. -- John D. Wyrick, 52, of Marion, Ill., passed away on Thursday, Oct. 6, 2011, at his residence. Visitation will begin at noon today followed by a memorial service for Mr. Wyrick at 1 p.m. today in Blue Funeral Home in Marion with friends and family officiating. Memorial donations are suggested to Hospice of Southern Illinois; envelopes are available at the funeral home or may be sent c/o Blue Funeral Home, PO Box 411, Marion, IL, 62959...

Victoria Garman Victoria Mahalia Garman, 78, of Poplar Bluff, Mo., died Wednesday, Oct. 5, 2011, at her residence. Mrs. Garman was born Oct. 16, 1932, at Poplar Bluff. She was a lifelong resident of Butler County. She was a charter member of Township Line Landmark Missionary Baptist Church...

FAYETTEVILLE, Ark. -- Tyler Wilson threw for 262 yards on Saturday night, completing 19 straight passes at one point, leading No. 10 Arkansas to a 38-14 win over No. 15 Auburn. Wilson, who set a school record with 510 yards passing in a win over Texas A&M last week, ended the first half against the Tigers by completing 18 straight passes. ...

The Charleston defense stepped up in a big way Friday night. After punting to Herculaneum with 2:11 remaining, the Bluejays needed a defensive stop. Mike Hull then stepped in front of a Herculaneum pass and bobbled it before securing just before hitting the ground...

Juanita Clark MALDEN, Mo. -- Juanita Clark, 70, of Campbell, Mo., died Friday, Oct. 7, 2011, at Piggott Community Hospital. Mrs. Clark was born Oct. 2, 1941, at Rives, Mo. She was a member of the Spoonerville Baptist Church in Malden. On Oct. 11, 1956, she was married to Jerry Ray Clark at Friendship, Mo. He preceded her in death on Sept. 30, 2011...

Charles Duren Charles Douglas Duren, 66, of Poplar Bluff, Mo., died Saturday, Oct. 8, 2011, at The Cedargate care center in Poplar Bluff. Mr. Duren was born July 9, 1945 in Vinita, Okla., and attended the Fisk-Rombauer School. He was of the Baptist faith...

Edward Belmar PIEDMONT, Mo. -- Edward A. "Sig" Belmar, 92, of Des Arc, Mo., died Friday, Oct. 7, 2011, at Clarks Mountain Nursing Center in Piedmont. He was born June 10, 1919, in Brunot, Mo. Mr. Belmar farmed and raised cattle and was a member of the Masonic Lodge and of the Baptist faith...

John Wyrick -- Marion, Ill. Jeremy Henson -- Doniphan, Mo. Victoria Garman -- Poplar Bluff, Mo. Ronnie Dirks -- Bernie, Mo. Edward Belmar -- Des Arc, Mo. Juanita Clark -- Campbell, Mo. Charles Duren -- Poplar Bluff, Mo.

The Pike Creek Common Sewer District will have a board meeting at 6 p.m. Tuesday in the district office. Agenda items include system performance report, Phase III, ultraviolet treatment update and employee yearly review.

By OLIVER NORTH WASHINGTON -- Ten years ago this week, America went to war in Afghanistan. At 1 p.m. Eastern time on Oct. 7, 2001, President George W. Bush told the world, "On my orders, the United States military has begun strikes against al-Qaida terrorist training camps and military installations of the Taliban regime in Afghanistan." At the conclusion of his seven-minute broadcast from the White House Treaty Room, he pledged: "The battle is now joined on many fronts. ...

MALDEN -- In the first half, it looked like Malden's offense had come back down to earth after its 75-point performance last week at Kennett. But then the second half happened. The Green Wave scored five touchdowns after leading by just two points at halftime and defeated Chaffee, 49-25, Friday night...

SPRINGFIELD -- The Poplar Bluff Mules got a clutch goal in overtime Saturday afternoon to take a 1-0 win over Greenwood in the seventh place game of the Kickapoo Shootout. Junior Francis Esquivel got the goal as senior Richie Towns a defender and played it across the goal. The goal was Esquivel's team-leading seventh of the season...

The race for the MSHSAA Class 2 District 1 title came down to the wire Friday afternoon. East Carter needed three runs, Clearwater needed three outs. Emily Neidenberg got a one-out RBI single to start the rally in the bottom of the seventh and two-out singles by Faith Eaves and Lindsay Crowley led to a daring dash for home to tie it...

CAPE GIRARDEAU -- Christian Cavaness and the Cape Central Tigers picked off Poplar Bluff for a happy homecoming Friday night. Cavaness intercepted two passes on defense and ran for two touchdowns as the Tigers won the first homecoming game at their new stadium, 35-20...

Whole Kids Outreach, located on Highway 21 six miles south of Ellington, Mo., is sponsoring its annual Fall Festival from 10 a.m. - 2 p.m., Saturday, Oct. 22. Registration will begin at 9:30 a.m. There will be games, prizes, pony rides and free lunch. Harold Condray's Classical County Music Band will be performing from 11 a.m. - 2 p.m...

FAYETTEVILLE, Ark. -- Tyler Wilson threw for 262 yards on Saturday night, completing 19 straight passes at one point, leading No. 10 Arkansas to a 38-14 win over No. 15 Auburn. Wilson, who set a school record with 510 yards passing in a win over Texas A&M last week, ended the first half against the Tigers by completing 18 straight passes. ...

Ronnie Dirks MALDEN, Mo. -- R. J. "Ronnie" Dirks, 89, of Bernie, Mo., formerly of Malden, Mo., died Wednesday, Oct. 5, 2011, at Bernie. The son of Henry Dirks and Ethel Bruns Dirks, Mr. Dirks was born Jan. 18, 1922, at Akron, Iowa. He was a member of the First Presbyterian Church in Malden...

IRONTON, Mo. -- This year's Fall Mountain Music Festival, Oct. 21, 22 and 23, on the grounds of the Iron County Courthouse in Ironton, will feature not only three days of bluegrass, country and gospel music, but also a Sunday afternoon of Civil War music and artisan demonstrations. ...

Smart up, lock your cars I'm calling about the police log in the newspaper. It's just really aggravating. I keep reading in there about these people leaving unlocked vehicles. There's one is an unlocked Blazer at Poplar Bluff Medical Center and I'm assuming she just left her wallet, her laptop computer and cell phone and everything right there with her driver's license, check book and everything got stolen. ...

To the Editor, Child Concern Center wants to give a big public "thank you" to the Christian youth gathering, WEIRD, for the help they gave us on Saturday, Oct. 1. Sixteen young people from this group and a few adult leaders certainly proved themselves different (weird) as they descended on our thrift store at 818 Hwy. 53 that day with boundless energy and cheerfulness to clean, sort and remodel part of our store...

By BILL O'REILLY What happens to New Jersey Gov. Chris Christie now? Will he campaign for the Republican nominee? Will he settle back into New Jersey politics exclusively? Not since William Taft graced the White House in the early 20th century has there been a national political presence like Christie. Larger than life both physically and emotionally, Christie plays the political game like a blitzing middle linebacker: If he zeroes in on you, you'll feel it...

The Charleston defense stepped up in a big way Friday night. After punting to Herculaneum with 2:11 remaining, the Bluejays needed a defensive stop. Mike Hull then stepped in front of a Herculaneum pass and bobbled it before securing just before hitting the ground...