Stories from Friday, April 13, 2012

By SARABETH WALLER Staff Writer After introducing technology geared toward adults and teens at the Poplar Bluff Public Library, staff are now focusing on sharing technology with younger patrons and their families. On Thursday, the library's iKids section officially launched. ...

By BARBARA ANN HORTON News Editor The public is invited to tour the new Black River Medical Center Hospital and Emergency Department, 217 Physicians Park Drive, Poplar Bluff, Mo., during a community open house from noon to 2 p.m. Sunday. Black River Medical Center (known as The Coppertop and Poplar Bluff Medical Partners) is a newly established three-bed hospital and emergency department. It is located just off Highways PP and the 67 bypass on the Physicians Park Campus...

By DONNA FARLEY Staff Writer The Poplar Bluff R-I Board of Education is expected to vote Tuesday on health insurance plans for employees which would offer more prescription coverage, as well as a choice between traditional options and health savings accounts...

By DONNA FARLEY Staff Writer The Three Rivers College Board of Trustees approved tuition increases Thursday during a special meeting that include a 4 percent bump for in-district students. The motion passed 4-2 and contains the stipulation employee jobs and student programs will not be cut in the next fiscal year due to budget restrictions...

After only one year on the job, Poplar Bluff Junior High Principal Scott Kuse is leaving the district to pursue other career opportunities. Kuse made the announcement to his staff last week, Superintendent Chris Hon said Thursday, following the monthly Board of Education meeting...

JEFFERSON CITY, Mo. - The Missouri House approved legislation Thursday that would allow cell phone users to block unwanted telemarketing calls and text messages. Sponsored by state Rep. Todd Richardson, R-Poplar Bluff, the bill (HB 1549) would allow cellular phone users to add their numbers to Missouri's No Call List...

By DONNA FARLEY Staff Writer The Poplar Bluff R-I Board of Education is expected to vote Tuesday on health insurance plans for employees which would offer more prescription coverage, as well as a choice between traditional options and health savings accounts...

By DONNA FARLEY Staff Writer The Three Rivers College Board of Trustees approved tuition increases Thursday during a special meeting that include a 4 percent bump for in-district students. The motion passed 4-2 and contains the stipulation employee jobs and student programs will not be cut in the next fiscal year due to budget restrictions...

Greenville Junior and Senior High School announces students who were named to the Third Quarter Honor Roll. High School Seniors Trevor Bennett, Ceann Clubb, Krystal Crable, Austin Crane, Morgan Edwards, Scott Foster, Tim Hillis, Hannah Malone, Sarah Mann, Nathan Middleton, Hunter Norden, Ashley Payne, Emilee Pitman, Alyssa Reed, Troy Roberson, William Rodgers-Massey, Katie Rose, Shyanne Sandman, Noah Stotts, Danielle Stovall, Chelci Turner, Amanda Walk, Akayla White and Summer Willard...

Thomas family reunion set The children of Elmer and Gladys Thomas will hold a family reunion on Saturday, April 21, at the Qulin Lion's Club in Qulin, Mo. Please bring covered dishes and beverages. Dinner will be served at noon. For more information, contact Sondra Glass at 785-6107...

AMVETS Ladies Auxiliary to Post 29 met Monday, April 1, at the post home. Dinner was at 6 p.m., meeting followed at 7 p.m. Shirley Clark, chaplain, offered the opening prayer. She also provided the sunshine report: several cards were mailed and flowers were sent to Minnie Davis who recently underwent surgery...

First Christian Church's semi-annual food drive is from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. Saturday at the Kroger supermarket on North Westwood Boulevard. There will be a 1927 American LaFrance fire truck, and the goal is to "Fill the Fire Truck" with food. Anything in glass can NOT be accepted...

Now that the true battle for the presidency seems joined between Barack Obama and Mitt Romney, the focus has shifted on whom Romney might choose to join him on the Republican ticket. The newest favorite seems to be Rep. Paul Ryan of Wisconsin, chairman of the House Budget committee and architect of the controversial GOP answer to the continuing long-range national debt crisis...

When NBC's "Today" show played the audio of George Zimmerman's call to a Sanford, Fla., police dispatcher about Trayvon Martin, the editors made him appear to be a racist who says: "This guy looks like he's up to no good. He looks black." What Zimmerman actually said was: "This guy looks like he's up to no good or he's on drugs or something. ...

Bill Capps DONIPHAN, Mo. -- Bill Capps, a lifetime resident of Doniphan, Mo., died Thursday, April 12, 2012, at Poplar Bluff Regional Medical Center in Poplar Bluff, Mo. Funeral arrangements are pending with Edwards Funeral Home in Doniphan.

JACKSON -- After making a surprise run to Hutch, the Three Rivers men's basketball team has taken a first step to a return appearance. The Raiders signed 6-foot-9 John Meyer of Jackson, their first incoming freshman on board for next season. Three Rivers coach Gene Bess said Meyer has the makings of a hard worker...

Songwriters workshop is Tuesday The NSAI Poplar Bluff Songwriters will hold a meeting and workshop 7 p.m. Tuesday at the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, 2414 Katy Lane. It is open to anyone interested in the business and craft of songwriting. Participants are asked to bring eight copies of their typed lyrics and can perform their songs live or on tape or CD. All genre's of music are welcomed. One song per attendee, please...

A pair of 2-run comebacks in the seventh inning had different outcomes for the Three Rivers baseball team Thursday. The Raiders rallied to win a wild opener 12-11, then overcame a 2-run deficit in the seventh only to lose to St. Charles 5-4 in 10 innings...

BLOOMFIELD -- After a quiet game offensively against Leopold, the Bloomfield Wildcats wasted no time turning things around in a key Stoddard County Activities Association game Thursday afternoon against Bernie. Bloomfield scored three runs in the first inning and Adam Vandiver was solid on the mound as the Wildcats prevailed, 4-1...

Robert Sutton DELOGE, Mo. -- Robert "Slick" Sutton, 72, of Poplar Bluff, Mo., and formerly of Park Hills, died Tuesday, April 10, 2012 at Poplar Bluff Regional Medical Center. Mr. Sutton was born Jan. 9, 1940, in Potosi. He proudly served his country in the United States Army after completing Leadwood High School in 1958. ...

William Bennett GREENVILLE, Mo. -- William Bennett, 65, of Doniphan, Mo., died Tuesday, April 10, 2012, at Poplar Bluff Regional Medical Center, Poplar Bluff, Mo. Mr. Bennett was born June 3, 1946, in St. Louis, Mo. He grew up in North St. Louis, Mo, and had lived the past 20 years in Doniphan...

Bradley Phelps Bradley T. Phelps, 85, of Poplar Bluff, Mo., died Monday, March 26, 2012, in Poplar Bluff. Mr. Phelps was born Nov. 8, 1926, in Morgantown, Ky., but was a longtime resident of Poplar Bluff. Mr. Phelps was of the Jehovah's Witnesses faith. He was a self-employed bricklayer and enjoyed reading and fishing...

Brooklee Crowder CAMPBELL, Mo. -- Brooklee Kay Crowder of Qulin, Mo., died at birth on Thursday, April 12, 2012, at Poplar Bluff Regional Medical Center in Poplar Bluff. Surviving are her parents, Charles Ray and Michalle Louise Golden Crowder of Qulin, Mo.; three brothers, Hayden, Dakota and Joshua, all of Qulin; her grandparents, Kay Golden of Piggott, Ark., Roy Golden of Hot Springs, Ark., Brenda Crowder of Qulin and Kenneth Crowder of Wilhelmina, Mo.; many aunts, uncles and cousins...

Victoria Young ELLSINORE, Mo. -- Victoria Irene Young, 52, of Hunter, Mo., died Wednesday, April 11, 2012, in Poplar Bluff, Mo. Mrs. Young was born Nov. 6, 1959, in Webb, Miss. She had lived in Hunter for the past 20 years and was formerly of Greenville, Miss. ...

Robert Edwards DEXTER, Mo. -- Robert Edwards of Essex, Mo., died Thursday, April 12, 2012, at his home. Funeral arrangements are pending with Watkins and Sons Funeral Service of Dexter, Mo. Call 573-624-9600 for funeral information or go to www.watkinsfuneralhome.com...

Myra Tharp DONIPHAN, Mo. -- Myra Estelle Tharp, 91, of Doniphan, Mo., died Wednesday, April 11, 2012, at Southeast Hospital in Cape Girardeau, Mo. Mrs. Tharp, daughter of Ralph and Virginia (Radford) Tillman, was born Dec. 19, 1920, in Newbern, Tenn. She was a homemaker and enjoyed crocheting, cooking and playing card games of all sorts. Mrs. Tharp attended Faith Tabernacle Church in Poplar Bluff, Mo...

Virgie Lou Tutor FISK, Mo. - Virgie Lou Tutor, 79, of Broseley, Mo., died Thursday, April 12, 2012, at Poplar Bluff Regional Medical Center. Mrs. Tutor was born Feb. 26, 1933, in Broseley. She lived around Broseley most of her life and was a member of Elk General Baptist Church. She had formerly worked at IXL in Bernie, Mo., and enjoyed yardwork...

DONIPHAN, Mo. -- One Ripley County man was killed and another seriously injured in a fiery crash at 12:55 a.m. today on U.S. 160, six miles east of Doniphan. According to the report, John K. Pratt, 24, of Fairdealing, Mo., was operating a 1996 Ford eastbound when it crossed the center line and struck a 2003 Hyundai head on. Both vehicles ran off the roadway and caught fire...

First Christian Church's semi-annual food drive is from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. Saturday at the Kroger supermarket on North Westwood Boulevard. There will be a 1927 American LaFrance fire truck, and the goal is to "Fill the Fire Truck" with food. Anything in glass can NOT be accepted...

Now that the true battle for the presidency seems joined between Barack Obama and Mitt Romney, the focus has shifted on whom Romney might choose to join him on the Republican ticket. The newest favorite seems to be Rep. Paul Ryan of Wisconsin, chairman of the House Budget committee and architect of the controversial GOP answer to the continuing long-range national debt crisis...

When NBC's "Today" show played the audio of George Zimmerman's call to a Sanford, Fla., police dispatcher about Trayvon Martin, the editors made him appear to be a racist who says: "This guy looks like he's up to no good. He looks black." What Zimmerman actually said was: "This guy looks like he's up to no good or he's on drugs or something. ...

Bill Capps DONIPHAN, Mo. -- Bill Capps, a lifetime resident of Doniphan, Mo., died Thursday, April 12, 2012, at Poplar Bluff Regional Medical Center in Poplar Bluff, Mo. Funeral arrangements are pending with Edwards Funeral Home in Doniphan.

Thomas family reunion set The children of Elmer and Gladys Thomas will hold a family reunion on Saturday, April 21, at the Qulin Lion's Club in Qulin, Mo. Please bring covered dishes and beverages. Dinner will be served at noon. For more information, contact Sondra Glass at 785-6107...

Greenville Junior and Senior High School announces students who were named to the Third Quarter Honor Roll. High School Seniors Trevor Bennett, Ceann Clubb, Krystal Crable, Austin Crane, Morgan Edwards, Scott Foster, Tim Hillis, Hannah Malone, Sarah Mann, Nathan Middleton, Hunter Norden, Ashley Payne, Emilee Pitman, Alyssa Reed, Troy Roberson, William Rodgers-Massey, Katie Rose, Shyanne Sandman, Noah Stotts, Danielle Stovall, Chelci Turner, Amanda Walk, Akayla White and Summer Willard...

PARAGOULD, Ark. -- Errors and stranded runners piled up for the Poplar Bluff baseball team Thursday in an 11-6 loss at Greene County Tech. Poplar Bluff (7-4) left 10 runners on base and made five errors for a second straight game. The Mules have committed 17 errors in their last four games, a span in which they've gone 1-3...

AMVETS Ladies Auxiliary to Post 29 met Monday, April 1, at the post home. Dinner was at 6 p.m., meeting followed at 7 p.m. Shirley Clark, chaplain, offered the opening prayer. She also provided the sunshine report: several cards were mailed and flowers were sent to Minnie Davis who recently underwent surgery...

GREENVILLE -- The Greenville Bears may be in the midst of a long stretch of games but its bats certainly didn't look tired. Playing in their sixth game in the past seven days the Bears scored in every inning Thursday afternoon to top Doniphan 10-5 in an Ozark Foothills Conference game...

William Bennett GREENVILLE, Mo. -- William Bennett, 65, of Doniphan, Mo., died Tuesday, April 10, 2012, at Poplar Bluff Regional Medical Center, Poplar Bluff, Mo. Mr. Bennett was born June 3, 1946, in St. Louis, Mo. He grew up in North St. Louis, Mo, and had lived the past 20 years in Doniphan...

WASHINGTON -- Amelioration of today's drug problem requires Americans to understand the significance of the 80/20 ratio. Twenty percent of American drinkers consume 80 percent of the alcohol sold here. The same 80-20 split obtains among users of illicit drugs...

BLOOMFIELD -- After a quiet game offensively against Leopold, the Bloomfield Wildcats wasted no time turning things around in a key Stoddard County Activities Association game Thursday afternoon against Bernie. Bloomfield scored three runs in the first inning and Adam Vandiver was solid on the mound as the Wildcats prevailed, 4-1...

HILLSBORO -- The Three Rivers Lady Raiders took two tough losses Thursday. The Lady Raiders lost the first game at Jefferson College 5-2 before being out-slugged in the second game, 9-8. "It was a tough day," Three Rivers coach Jack Childress said. "We are going to try to make some adjustments."...

Robert Sutton DELOGE, Mo. -- Robert "Slick" Sutton, 72, of Poplar Bluff, Mo., and formerly of Park Hills, died Tuesday, April 10, 2012 at Poplar Bluff Regional Medical Center. Mr. Sutton was born Jan. 9, 1940, in Potosi. He proudly served his country in the United States Army after completing Leadwood High School in 1958. ...

Robert Edwards DEXTER, Mo. -- Robert Edwards of Essex, Mo., died Thursday, April 12, 2012, at his home. Funeral arrangements are pending with Watkins and Sons Funeral Service of Dexter, Mo. Call 573-624-9600 for funeral information or go to www.watkinsfuneralhome.com...

Bradley Phelps Bradley T. Phelps, 85, of Poplar Bluff, Mo., died Monday, March 26, 2012, in Poplar Bluff. Mr. Phelps was born Nov. 8, 1926, in Morgantown, Ky., but was a longtime resident of Poplar Bluff. Mr. Phelps was of the Jehovah's Witnesses faith. He was a self-employed bricklayer and enjoyed reading and fishing...

Myra Tharp DONIPHAN, Mo. -- Myra Estelle Tharp, 91, of Doniphan, Mo., died Wednesday, April 11, 2012, at Southeast Hospital in Cape Girardeau, Mo. Mrs. Tharp, daughter of Ralph and Virginia (Radford) Tillman, was born Dec. 19, 1920, in Newbern, Tenn. She was a homemaker and enjoyed crocheting, cooking and playing card games of all sorts. Mrs. Tharp attended Faith Tabernacle Church in Poplar Bluff, Mo...

Brooklee Crowder CAMPBELL, Mo. -- Brooklee Kay Crowder of Qulin, Mo., died at birth on Thursday, April 12, 2012, at Poplar Bluff Regional Medical Center in Poplar Bluff. Surviving are her parents, Charles Ray and Michalle Louise Golden Crowder of Qulin, Mo.; three brothers, Hayden, Dakota and Joshua, all of Qulin; her grandparents, Kay Golden of Piggott, Ark., Roy Golden of Hot Springs, Ark., Brenda Crowder of Qulin and Kenneth Crowder of Wilhelmina, Mo.; many aunts, uncles and cousins...

Victoria Young ELLSINORE, Mo. -- Victoria Irene Young, 52, of Hunter, Mo., died Wednesday, April 11, 2012, in Poplar Bluff, Mo. Mrs. Young was born Nov. 6, 1959, in Webb, Miss. She had lived in Hunter for the past 20 years and was formerly of Greenville, Miss. ...

DONIPHAN, Mo. -- One Ripley County man was killed and another seriously injured in a fiery crash at 12:55 a.m. today on U.S. 160, six miles east of Doniphan. According to the report, John K. Pratt, 24, of Fairdealing, Mo., was operating a 1996 Ford eastbound when it crossed the center line and struck a 2003 Hyundai head on. Both vehicles ran off the roadway and caught fire...

Robert Sutton DELOGE, Mo. -- Robert "Slick" Sutton, 72, of Poplar Bluff, Mo., and formerly of Park Hills, died Tuesday, April 10, 2012 at Poplar Bluff Regional Medical Center. Mr. Sutton was born Jan. 9, 1940, in Potosi. He proudly served his country in the United States Army after completing Leadwood High School in 1958. ...