Stories from Sunday, October 23, 2011

By DONNA FARLEY Staff Writer A major Poplar Bluff, Mo., manufacturer offered reassurance Friday that the company will not be forced to eliminate jobs because of supply issues. Concerns were raised about the ability of Briggs & Stratton to operate at the current number of employees should the local Fortis Plastics LLC close. The facility is said to supply a significant amount of the molded plastic components used in Briggs production of lawn mower and small engine parts...

By DAVID SILVERBERG Associate Editor The Butler County Commission has obtained $163,950 from the Delta Regional Authority for an engineering study of the Drainage District 12 Ring Levee on the east side of Poplar Bluff, Mo. This study is required by the Federal Emergency Management Agency in order to meet FEMA standards to once again certify the levee as compliant...

By SARABETH WALLER Staff Writer Local attorney Robert Smith earned the Diocese of Springfield-Cape Girardeau's Citizen Recognition Award and was honored, along with the three other recipients throughout the state, in Jefferson City, Mo., Oct. 1. The award is based on Smith's work with the Boys & Girls Club of Poplar Bluff, Sacred Heart's St. ...

Renewing friendships, meeting new friends and having fun put smiles on the faces of more than 400 square dancers at the Black River Coliseum this weekend. They were attending the three-day 52nd annual Missouri State Square 'N Round Dance Festival being held in Poplar Bluff, Mo., for the first time...

By DONNA FARLEY Staff Writer Three Rivers College will soon be able to take its educational services on the road and to the doorsteps of local manufacturers, businesses and high schools. The Delta Regional Authority has pledged $200,000 in federal money to the purchase of a mobile training lab expected to provide training to approximately 400 people annually. Three Rivers will match the grant with about $132,000 of its own money...

By DONNA FARLEY Staff Writer Nearly 50 agencies will gather Tuesday at the Black River Coliseum to provide assistance to anyone in the area who is homeless or at risk for being homeless. Poplar Bluff Project Home Connect and Stand Down will last from 8 a.m. ...

SPRINGFIELD -- The East Carter Lady Redbirds are going to use their trip to the MSHSAA Class 2 softball state finals as a learning experience. After losing in the semifinals to Palmyra 10-0 to start the day Friday, the Lady Rebirds lost to Penney 4-0 to take home fourth place at Killian Softball Complex...

SPRINGFIELD -- The East Carter Lady Redbirds ran into a buzzsaw Friday afternoon. East Carter had just one hit as it was shut down by star Palmyra pitcher Kindra Henze, who had 10 strikeouts as the Lady Panthers won 10-0 in the MSHSAA Class 2 semifinal at Killian Softball Complex...

About the only good thing that came out of Friday night for the Poplar Bluff Mules didn't even happen at Morrow Stadium. Rockwood Summit beat the Mules 42-7 while in the other Class 5 District 1 game, Jackson beat Seckman 8-7. The results set up a good situation for Poplar Bluff heading into the final regular-season game. Win at Seckman on Thursday and the Mules will make the playoffs for the second time in three years...

JACKSON -- The Poplar Bluff Lady Mules cross country team held off a pack of Panthers to finish fourth at the MSHSAA Class 4 District 1 meet Saturday. The Lady Mules edged Mehlville by 11 points for the final sectional qualifying spot as Allison Huskey earned all-district honors with a fifth-place finish at Jackson City Park...

The quest for an elusive district title begins Monday for the he Poplar Bluff volleyball team. The Lady Mules head into postseason play with the best record in its district but are the second seed after losing a regular-season matchup with defending champion Farmington...

CHARLESTON -- Charleston has had Malden's number as of late. In the spring, the Bluejays ended the Green Wave's playoff run in baseball and Friday night they ended Malden's football playoff run before it even started. Charleston scored three touchdowns in the first quarter and earned its second MSHSAA Class 2 District 1 win with a 43-7 victory...

The Bernie Lady Mules are one of the most historically celebrated volleyball programs in Southeast Missouri but the last decade has been pretty frustrating. Bernie dominated in the mid-to-late 1990s with four state titles and five overall in school history to go along with two second place finishes and two third places...

NEW MADRID -- A record setting night by ballhawk Tyler Miller against New Madrid County Central on Friday helped guide the Dexter Bearcats to a 53-7 win to seal their first SEMO Central Conference championship since 2005. In picking off four passes, two of which were returned for touchdowns, Miller tied the state record for most interceptions in game currently held by 13 other players...

By MITCH STACY Associated Press ODESSA, Fla. (AP) -- Assembling more than 4,000 autographed baseballs, it turns out, may not have been as tough a task for Dennis Schrader as proving the collection was a world record. The Guinness Book of World Records originally rejected Schrader's claim because the signatures on all 4,020 balls couldn't be authenticated...

By ERIN RAGAN SEMO News Service JACKSON, Mo. -- It's been a rough year so far for the St. Louis Iron Mountain & Southern Railway, but supporters of the Jackson line are hopeful that fall events and a strong holiday season can make up for some money lost and keep the tourist train running...

Orval Brown of Poplar Bluff, Mo., who was born Oct. 11, 1921, in St. Mary's, Mo., recently celebrated his 90th birthday with Beulah, his bride of 67 years, his daughter, Fay Brown, also of Poplar Bluff, and his son, Charles Brown and his wife, Kati, of California, plus numerous friends...

Teachers at the 5th & 6th Grade Center have chosen six students to share the honor of Student of the Month for September. Fifth grader, Courtney Lynn McGee, daughter of Carol McGee, was nominated by Lois Graham, her math lab teacher. Courtney's scholastic achievement include B Honor Roll and AR Goal. ...

The Lake Road Elementary Students of the Month include: 1st Grade: Matthew Wilkerson, a student in Ms. Pryor's class, represents the first grade. Matthew is the son of Tim and Rachel Wilkerson and the brother of Shelby Wilkerson. Matthew says that he loves his family very much, even his sister. ...

Alana Roberston, a member of the Poplar Bluff R-1 Board of Education, attended Essential Board Member Certification training sponsored by the Missouri School Boards' Association. The training was held in Osage Beach on Sept. 29-30, 2011. The two-day workshop series places a strong emphasis on improving student achievement by providing guidance to board members on appropriate ways to evaluate and influence student performance in their local districts. ...

Area schoolteachers and education students are encouraged to register now for a free workshop presented by NASA's Aerospace Education Services Project. John Weis, an education specialist with Penn State University and the Marshall Space Flight Center, will return to Three Rivers College to lead a free, hands-on workshop for teachers Oct. 27-29. As seating is limited, those wishing to attend should register as soon as possible by calling 573-840-9010 or emailing klovette@centralmethodist.edu...

PIERRE, S.D. -- The good news about Moammar Gadhafi's demise arrived via my cellphone early Thursday morning. A friend from the Reagan administration, remembering the Libyan dictator's attempt to kill my family, called to let me know and added, "You must be very glad to see this day." But it doesn't seem to be a time for celebration...

To the Editor: A few nights ago in Speak Out there was an old patient of Dr. A. D. Brookreson's lamenting the fact that he was gone. That dear man's description of Dr. A. D. would be the same if written by any of his former patients. After reading this commentary about a fine physician and good man I felt the need to add a few more words about my dear friend, Davis Brookreson...

To the Editor: On behalf of the PBHS Student Council, we would like to express our heartfelt gratitude to the many community members and businesses who helped with the 2011 Football Homecoming. A big thank you to all the businesses on the parade route for allowing us the privilege of boosting school spirit before the Big Game: Black River Coliseum, Bluff Barber Shop, One Stop Computer Repair, US Post Office, Tom's Barber Shop, L & M Barber Shop, Faith's Office Supplies, Chiropractic Life Center, Hays The Music Store, Jim & Jerry's Restaurant, Downtown Furniture, McNeely Shoe Service, The Cafe, Dollar General Store, US Bank, 303, SE Missouri Behavioral Health, Cutting Edge, Timeless Treasurers, Covenant Care and all of the other downtown businesses that came out to watch and support the parade.. ...

John W. and Marion Hotz of Russellville, Ark., announce the engagement of their daughter, Rebekah Grace Hotz of Little Rock, Ark., to Nathan Eugene Baltz of Fayetteville, Ark. The bridegroom-to-be is the son of Bernie and Eva Baltz of Poplar Bluff, Mo...

PHOTOS AVAILABLE Two third graders and three fourth graders have been named Student of the Month at Oak Grove Elementary School. Mary Jo Jett, daughter of Anita and Allen Jett, is a third grade student who was nominated by her teacher, Myra Thurman. ...

More than $5.3 million in prizes of $1,000 or more were awarded to Missouri Lottery players during September. Area winners of $1,000 or more in September include: Pick 4 winners: Thomas Fite, Doniphan, $18,000 Sharon Johnson, Poplar Bluff, $3,000 Club Keno winners:...

The Eugene Field Elementary School Students of the Month include: Julianne Freeman, daughter of Elizabeth Pal, represents the first grade. She enjoys playing with her sister, dancing and singing. She wants to be an artist when shel grows up. Her teacher, Mrs. ...

Living Water Worship Center of Bloomfield, Mo., will host a free community breakfast starting at 7 a.m., Saturday, Oct. 29. Menu will include: biscuits and gravy, eggs, bacon, waffles, pancakes, coffee and juice. The church is located at 18094 Hwy. 25, Bloomfield, Mo. For information, call 573-568-4276...

Greenville High School has named Katie Noelle Rose, daughter of Eugene and Cindy Rose of Williamsville, Mo., and Timothy John Hillis, son of Bobby and Christy Hillis, also of Williamsville, as their Students of the Month. Katie Rose is a busy student. ...

Jamie McClure Jamie Louise McClure, 83, of Poplar Bluff, Mo., died Friday, Oct. 21, 2011, at Poplar Bluff Regional Medical Center. Mrs. McClure was born Oct. 1, 1928, in Ripley, Tenn. She was a member of First Baptist Church, and had retired as a nurse...

Ninnie Callahan WALNUT RIDGE, Ark. -- Ninnie Callahan, 90, of Farmington, Mo., died Wednesday, Oct. 19, 2011, at Missouri Baptist Hospital. She is survived by her son, Harold Callahan of Alma, Ark.; two granddaughters; two great-grandchildren; step-grandchildren, nieces, nephews, other relatives and friends...

Ralph Laughlin FISK, Mo. - Ralph S. Laughlin, 87, of Poplar Bluff, Mo., died Friday, Oct. 21, 2011 at Westwood Hills Healthcare Center at Poplar Bluff, Mo. Mr. Laughlin was born Jan. 30, 1924, in Poplar Bluff. He had lived around Poplar Bluff all of his life and was a farmer...

Faye Henderson FISK, Mo. -- Alice Faye Henderson, 78, of Apache Junction, Ariz., died Saturday, Sept. 24, 2011, at the Desert Ranch Home in Apache Junction, Ariz. Mrs. Henderson was born Feb. 9, 1933, near Qulin, Mo. She formerly lived in Peoria, Ill., for about 40 years where she worked as a beautician, seamstress, upholsterer and for a printing company. After retiring in 1990, she moved to the Stringtown area and later moved to Arizona...

Harlan Foster PUXICO, Mo., -- Harlan Foster, 80, of Puxico, Mo., died Friday, Oct. 21, 2011, at Southeast Missouri Hospital in Cape Girardeau, Mo. Born on March 8, 1931, in Pocahontas, Ark., he was the son of the late Issac Howard and Susie Foster. Mr. ...

Harold Jones PUXICO, Mo. -- Harold E. Jones, 88, of Poplar Bluff, Mo. died Thursday, Oct. 20, 2011, at Poplar Bluff Regional Medical Center in Poplar Bluff, Mo. The son of the late William Harrison and Jessie Marie Clark Jones, he was born on Jan. 24, 1923, in Fisk, Mo...

Janet F. Miller PIEDMONT, MO. -- Janet F. Miller, 58, of Piedmont died Saturday, Oct. 22, 2011, at her daughter's home in Annapolis, Mo. Visitation will be at 10:30 a.m. Monday at the Morrison-Worley Funeral Chapel in Piedmont followed by the funeral at 1 p.m. in the funeral home chapel. Burial will be in the Mill Spring Cemetery...

AMVETS Ladies Auxiliary to Post 29 met Monday, Oct. 3. Following dinner at 6 p.m., Pat Danner, president, called the meeting to order. Chaplain Shirley Clark opened the meeting with prayer. She also reported several greetings cards were sent last month and flowers were sent to Wanda Patrick who had surgery...

Harold Jones PUXICO, Mo. -- Harold E. Jones, 88, of Poplar Bluff, Mo. died Thursday, Oct. 20, 2011, at Poplar Bluff Regional Medical Center in Poplar Bluff, Mo. The son of the late William Harrison and Jessie Marie Clark Jones, he was born on Jan. 24, 1923, in Fisk, Mo...

Faye Henderson FISK, Mo. -- Alice Faye Henderson, 78, of Apache Junction, Ariz., died Saturday, Sept. 24, 2011, at the Desert Ranch Home in Apache Junction, Ariz. Mrs. Henderson was born Feb. 9, 1933, near Qulin, Mo. She formerly lived in Peoria, Ill., for about 40 years where she worked as a beautician, seamstress, upholsterer and for a printing company. After retiring in 1990, she moved to the Stringtown area and later moved to Arizona...

PHOTOS AVAILABLE Two third graders and three fourth graders have been named Student of the Month at Oak Grove Elementary School. Mary Jo Jett, daughter of Anita and Allen Jett, is a third grade student who was nominated by her teacher, Myra Thurman. ...

Take unwanted pets to shelter This is addressed to the despicable person who dumped a sweet dog off at Wappapello. Hanging is too good for you. We saw your vehicle and next time we'll have your licence plate number and we will turn you in. Be humane and do the right thing. ...

Orval Brown of Poplar Bluff, Mo., who was born Oct. 11, 1921, in St. Mary's, Mo., recently celebrated his 90th birthday with Beulah, his bride of 67 years, his daughter, Fay Brown, also of Poplar Bluff, and his son, Charles Brown and his wife, Kati, of California, plus numerous friends...

By ERIN RAGAN SEMO News Service JACKSON, Mo. -- It's been a rough year so far for the St. Louis Iron Mountain & Southern Railway, but supporters of the Jackson line are hopeful that fall events and a strong holiday season can make up for some money lost and keep the tourist train running...

AMVETS Ladies Auxiliary to Post 29 met Monday, Oct. 3. Following dinner at 6 p.m., Pat Danner, president, called the meeting to order. Chaplain Shirley Clark opened the meeting with prayer. She also reported several greetings cards were sent last month and flowers were sent to Wanda Patrick who had surgery...