Stories from Sunday, June 17, 2012

By DAVID SILVERBERG Associate Editor Eight Butler County farmers are producing around 2,000 acres of non-genetically modified organism corn for shipment to Japan. Two Japanese corn buyers and representatives from Specialty Grains, Inc. of Gibson City, Ill., inspected the non-GMO corn fields Thursday and Friday...

By JOHN WILLEY Staff Writer With the resignation of Monte Phillips, who was elected Ripley County prosecuting attorney in 2010, Presiding Circuit Judge Michael M. Pritchett has appointed Christopher Miller as interim prosecuting attorney. The appointment became effective at 5 p.m. ...

By BARBARA ANN HORTON News Editor Leigh Anne Tuohy of Memphis, Tenn. will be the keynote speaker for the 25th anniversary Women Aware conference Saturday, Sept. 15, at the Black River Coliseum in Poplar Bluff, Mo. Tuohy, dubbed a "warrior princess" by author Michael Lewis in his book "The Blind Side," was portrayed by Sandra Bullock in the movie by the same name. ...

By SYD HAYMAN Staff Writer Con-way Freight truck driver Wayne Darnell of Poplar Bluff, Mo., took home his sixth trophy from the 45th Annual Missouri Truck Driving Championships in Kansas City, Mo. The Missouri Trucking Association competition, which tests truck drivers on their knowledge and performance of highway safety, was June 8 - 9...

POPLAR BLUFF, Mo. -- Missouri's newest hospital will open on Monday, June 18. Black River Medical Center successfully completed inspection by the Missouri Department of Health and Senior Services on Thursday. Created through a partnership between Poplar Bluff Medical Partners and Saint Francis Healthcare System, Black River is a community-owned, not-for-profit hospital located at 217 Physicians Park Drive, off Highways PP and 67 on the Physicians Park campus. ...

By DONNA FARLEY Staff Writer Poplar Bluff School District employees will receive more pay under a proposal presented Thursday to the Board of Education as part of an almost $44.5 million budget. The budget includes nearly $390,000 in one-time deficit spending from reserve funds, according to information presented at the budget workshop, which also included discussion of laptop purchases to begin a technology initiative to put a device in the hands of every student...

By DAVID SILVERBERG Associate Editor Eight Butler County farmers are producing around 2,000 acres of non-genetically modified organism corn for shipment to Japan. Two Japanese corn buyers and representatives from Specialty Grains, Inc. of Gibson City, Ill., inspected the non-GMO corn fields Thursday and Friday...

By JOHN WILLEY Staff Writer With the resignation of Monte Phillips, who was elected Ripley County prosecuting attorney in 2010, Presiding Circuit Judge Michael M. Pritchett has appointed Christopher Miller as interim prosecuting attorney. The appointment became effective at 5 p.m. ...

POPLAR BLUFF, Mo. -- Missouri's newest hospital will open on Monday, June 18. Black River Medical Center successfully completed inspection by the Missouri Department of Health and Senior Services on Thursday. Created through a partnership between Poplar Bluff Medical Partners and Saint Francis Healthcare System, Black River is a community-owned, not-for-profit hospital located at 217 Physicians Park Drive, off Highways PP and 67 on the Physicians Park campus. ...

By BARBARA ANN HORTON News Editor Leigh Anne Tuohy of Memphis, Tenn. will be the keynote speaker for the 25th anniversary Women Aware conference Saturday, Sept. 15, at the Black River Coliseum in Poplar Bluff, Mo. Tuohy, dubbed a "warrior princess" by author Michael Lewis in his book "The Blind Side," was portrayed by Sandra Bullock in the movie by the same name. ...

By SYD HAYMAN Staff Writer Con-way Freight truck driver Wayne Darnell of Poplar Bluff, Mo., took home his sixth trophy from the 45th Annual Missouri Truck Driving Championships in Kansas City, Mo. The Missouri Trucking Association competition, which tests truck drivers on their knowledge and performance of highway safety, was June 8 - 9...

By DONNA FARLEY Staff Writer Poplar Bluff School District employees will receive more pay under a proposal presented Thursday to the Board of Education as part of an almost $44.5 million budget. The budget includes nearly $390,000 in one-time deficit spending from reserve funds, according to information presented at the budget workshop, which also included discussion of laptop purchases to begin a technology initiative to put a device in the hands of every student...

The Butler County Fair is sponsoring free youth activities during the fair at the Ray Clinton Park. The events are designed for youth from ages 4 - 12. Just register a few minutes before each event. The events begin at 6:30 p.m. Wednesday, July 11, with the Stick Horse Parade (ages 6 years and younger). Please bring your own stick horse. There will be a grand award given for the best dressed rider...

More than $6.8 million in prizes of $1,000 or more were awarded to Missouri Lottery players during May. Winners of $1,000 or more in this area include: $10,000 Mega Millions winners: John Myers, Dexter $10,000 Powerball winners: Patricia Wring, Puxico...

By SHARON RANDALL Scripps Howard News Service For Father's Day when I was 9, I wanted to give my daddy a gift, the best gift he'd ever gotten. Lucky for me, this would not be too hard. When you grow up "country poor" -- as we did, my dad and I, short on money, but rich in things money can't buy -- your treasures don't often come wrapped in fancy paper...

To the Editor: U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) Secretary Eric Shinseki often reminds us: as the tide of war recedes we have the opportunity, and the responsibility, to anticipate the needs of returning Veterans. As these newest Veterans return home, we must ensure that they have access to quality mental health care in order to successfully make this transition to civilian life...

Give us more information I have a suggestion for Municipal Utilities with this new conversion going on. I think it would be helpful if in the bills you send us for our monthly statement you would put a map in there showing what zone we are in. Because, like in today's paper, it's got zones listed but people don't know what zone they're in unless they drive all the way to your office to pick up a map. ...

By REG HENRY Pittsburgh Post-Gazette An unusual thing occurred in my life the other day: In a fit of extravagance, I bought a new car. My old car lasted 14 years and went almost 110,000 miles. Bits of it had started to fall off. The dealer doubted I could drive it up the hill to trade it in...

Joe and Lana Seay of Doniphan, Mo. will celebrate 50 years of marriage on Saturday, June 23, 2012. A drop in reception in their honor will be held on that day from 11 a.m. - 1 p.m. at the First Church of God in Doniphan. They were married on June 23, 1962 at the Hollywood Beverly Christian Church in Hollywood, Calif., and moved to Doniphan in 1972. ...

Dr. and Mrs. John (Iris) Hunt of Poplar Bluff, Mo., celebrated their 50th wedding anniversary on Sunday, June 3, 2012. The couple met at the University of Missouri in Columbia in 1958. They were married on June 3, 1962 at the First United Methodist Church in Campbell, Mo. ...

Stephen and Chris Waite of Poplar Bluff, Mo., will celebrate their 30th wedding anniversary on Friday, June 22 from 7 p.m. until midnight at the Poplar Bluff Elks Lodge. Live Action Party Band will play from 8:30 - 11:30 p.m. The couple was married on June 21, 1982 in the front yard of the bridegroom's parents' home on Roxie Road. ...

The Butler County Fair Pageants will be held on Saturday, July 7, at the 5th & 6th Grade Center in Poplar Bluff, Mo., and is open to anyone and the pageant is known for its beautiful custom crowns. The doors will open at 10 a.m. at the 5th & 6th Grade Center in Poplar Bluff...

Debra Ketchum Debra Lynn Ketchum, 50, of rural Williamsville, Mo., died Friday, June 15, 2012, at her residence. Mrs. Ketchum was born Sept. 4, 1961, in Poplar Bluff. She was a homemaker and of the Baptist faith. She enjoyed spending time with her family, doing crossword puzzles, visiting with friends and camping...

John J. Pershing VA Medical Center will host the Fourth Annual "Sweat with the Vets" 5K Run and 1-Mile Walk or Roll event on June 23. The event began as a way to recognize the hard work and dedication veterans have exhibited while serving their country, according to a press release from the organizations...

Nacoma Sanders of Poplar Bluff has been honored a one of KFVS12's Heartland's Best. Sanders was among nearly 100 of the of the Heartland's Best who were honored recently in a ceremony in Cape Girardeau, Mo. She is a graduate of and represented Poplar Bluff High School...

Edna Mae O'Dell VAN BUREN, Mo. -- Edna Mae O'Dell, 86, of Poplar Bluff, Mo., formerly of Van Buren, Mo., died Saturday, June 16, 2012, in Westwood Hills Health and Rehab in Poplar Bluff. Born on April 3, 1926 in Youngstown, Ohio, she was the daughter of the late James R. and Naomi (Thomas) Gill...

George Shipp VAN BUREN, Mo. -- George Douglas Shipp, 69, of Van Buren, Mo., died Friday, June 15, 2012, in Poplar Bluff Regional Medical Center in Poplar Bluff, Mo. Mr. Shipp was born March 28, 1943 in Ventura, Calif. He had lived in Van Buren for less than a year and was formerly of Ellington, Mo., where he had lived since 1958...

Reva Medlin BERNIE, Mo. -- Reva Medlin 83, of Bernie, Mo., died Saturday, June 16, 2012, in the Saint Francis Medical Center at Cape Girardeau, Mo. Mrs. Medlin was born Feb. 8, 1929, at Bernie. She was a former line worker for the Rexall Factory. Later, she was employed by Dr. Bess in Malden from 1995-2011 as a secretary ...

Ruby Hogan Ruby Leavon Hogan, 72, of Poplar Bluff, Mo., died Thursday, June 14, 2012, at Poplar Bluff Regional Medical Center in Poplar Bluff. Ms. Hogan was born Aug. 20, 1939, in Bernie, Mo., and was a homemaker. She enjoyed her cats. Survivors include her daughter, Pat Dowdy of Poplar Bluff; son, Jeff Gilbert of Poplar Bluff; four grandchildren; three great-grandchildren; sister, Ann Haile of Gulf Breeze, Fla.; and brothers, Lenard Wagganer of Poplar Bluff and Jack Gibson Jr. of Thayer, Mo...

Betty Messerli Betty Jane (Clendenin) Messerli, 87, of Poplar Bluff, Mo., died Friday, June 15, 2012, at her daughter's home in Poplar Bluff. Mrs. Messerli was born Jan. 6, 1925 in Granite City, Ill. She was a member of Ebenezer Presbyterian Church in Steeleville, Ill., and was a retired registered nurse. ...

Peggy Tipton Peggy Lou Tipton, 87, of Poplar Bluff, Mo., died Friday, June 15, 2012, at Poplar Bluff Regional Medical Center. Mrs. Tipton was born Feb. 16, 1925, in Miami, Okla., and was a member of Living Word Baptist Church. She enjoyed spending time with her family, quilting, crocheting, sewing, making crafts and painting pictures...

Gayla Lewis Gayla Faye Lewis, 53, of Broseley, Mo., died Thursday, June 14, 2012, at Poplar Bluff regional Medical Center. Mrs. Lewis was born March 15, 1959, in Poplar Bluff. She was of the Pentecostal faith, and worked in Home Health Care for the Independent Living Center of Poplar Bluff. She enjoyed spending time with her family, especially with her grandchildren, sewing and fishing...

Hasseltine Johnson GREENVILLE, Mo. -- Hasseltine Johnson, 89, of Shook, Mo., passed away Thursday, June 14, 2012, at The Cedargate skilled nursing facility in Poplar Bluff, Mo. She was born on Nov. 12, 1922, to the late Alexander Atnip and the late Minnie (Leach) Atnip, in Shook. ...

Demetra Daggett GREENVILLE, MO. - Demetra Faye Daggett, 78, Williamsville, Mo., died Wednesday, June 13, 2012, at Poplar Bluff Regional Medical Center in Poplar Bluff, Mo. Mrs. Daggett was born on July 26, 1933, to the late Oscar Bazzell and the late Rubye (Hampton) Bazzell, in Carthage, Mo. As a young girl she was baptized into the Baptist faith by her grandfather. She attended a one-room school at Malden, Mo. As a young child her family moved around a lot...

Wilma Baldwin DEXTER, Mo. -- Wilma Shipman Baldwin, 78, of Bertrand, Mo., died Saturday, June 16, 2012, at Bertrand Nursing Home in Bertrand, Mo. She was born in Arkansas on Aug. 3, 1933, and had lived in this area area most of her life. She was married to Don Baldwin. He preceded her in death...

Carol Crowe DEXTER, Mo. -- Carol Ann Crowe, 71, of Springfield, Mo., died Friday, June 15, 2012, at St. John's Mercy Villa Nursing Center in Springfield. Mrs. Crowe was born on Oct. 1, 1940, in Idalia, Mo. She had lived in the Dexter, Mo., area most of her life and has resided the past few years in Springfield...

Clara Litzler DEXTER, Mo. -- Clara Litzler, 85, of Longview, Texas, formerly of Dexter, Mo., died Friday, June 15, 2012, at Good Shepherd Hospital in Longview. Mrs. Litzler was born on Oct. 13, 1926, at Essex, Mo., She was a member of the Sacred Heart Catholic Church in Dexter and a homemaker...

Inita Ahrent CORNING - Inita Ahrent, 85, of Corning, Ark. died Friday, June 15, 2012, at Corning Therapy and Living Center in Corning. Mrs. Ahrent was born Sept. 23, 1926, in Corning. She was a homemaker. She was a lifelong caregiver, loved her bible education work and gardening. She attended college in California to be a business lawyer. She was a Jehovah's Witness for 55 years...

Carolyn Buxton of Ellington, Mo., and Don and Cindy Boyer of Williamsville, Mo., announce the engagement of their children, Brittany Buxton, also of Ellington, and Bobby Boyer of Williamsville. The bride-to-be is a 2009 graduate of Southern Reynolds County R-2 and a recent graduate of Three Rivers college where she earned an associate degree in applied science in medical laboratory technology. She is employed at Reynolds County Memorial Hospital...

Inita Ahrent -- Corning, Ark. Demetra Daggett -- Williamsville, Mo. Gayla Lewis -- Broseley, Mo. Betty Messerli -- Poplar Bluff, Mo. Clara Litzler -- Longview, Texas Ruby Hogan -- Poplar Bluff, Mo. Reva Medlin -- Bernie, Mo. Peggy Tipton -- Poplar Bluff, Mo...

JACKSON --The Poplar Bluff Thunder have gotten back to sweeping their opponents. After splitting against New Madrid Thursday to lose their first game of the season, the Thunder beat Jackson Senior Babe 12-2 and 10-0 in six inning games Saturday at Saxony Lutheran High School to move to 21-1 on the season...

Friday was Jim Brown's last day as athletic director for Poplar Bluff High School. In his final days, he was busy trying to fill an opening in the Showdown basketball tournament. Lamont Frazier is spending Father's Day still unpacking in a new house. His oldest daughter will start her senior year in a new school where the former Mules basketball coach will have a new team...

More than $6.8 million in prizes of $1,000 or more were awarded to Missouri Lottery players during May. Winners of $1,000 or more in this area include: $10,000 Mega Millions winners: John Myers, Dexter $10,000 Powerball winners: Patricia Wring, Puxico...

To the Editor: U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) Secretary Eric Shinseki often reminds us: as the tide of war recedes we have the opportunity, and the responsibility, to anticipate the needs of returning Veterans. As these newest Veterans return home, we must ensure that they have access to quality mental health care in order to successfully make this transition to civilian life...

The Butler County Fair Pageants will be held on Saturday, July 7, at the 5th & 6th Grade Center in Poplar Bluff, Mo., and is open to anyone and the pageant is known for its beautiful custom crowns. The doors will open at 10 a.m. at the 5th & 6th Grade Center in Poplar Bluff...

Dr. and Mrs. John (Iris) Hunt of Poplar Bluff, Mo., celebrated their 50th wedding anniversary on Sunday, June 3, 2012. The couple met at the University of Missouri in Columbia in 1958. They were married on June 3, 1962 at the First United Methodist Church in Campbell, Mo. ...

By REG HENRY Pittsburgh Post-Gazette An unusual thing occurred in my life the other day: In a fit of extravagance, I bought a new car. My old car lasted 14 years and went almost 110,000 miles. Bits of it had started to fall off. The dealer doubted I could drive it up the hill to trade it in...

Stephen and Chris Waite of Poplar Bluff, Mo., will celebrate their 30th wedding anniversary on Friday, June 22 from 7 p.m. until midnight at the Poplar Bluff Elks Lodge. Live Action Party Band will play from 8:30 - 11:30 p.m. The couple was married on June 21, 1982 in the front yard of the bridegroom's parents' home on Roxie Road. ...

Debra Ketchum Debra Lynn Ketchum, 50, of rural Williamsville, Mo., died Friday, June 15, 2012, at her residence. Mrs. Ketchum was born Sept. 4, 1961, in Poplar Bluff. She was a homemaker and of the Baptist faith. She enjoyed spending time with her family, doing crossword puzzles, visiting with friends and camping...

John J. Pershing VA Medical Center will host the Fourth Annual "Sweat with the Vets" 5K Run and 1-Mile Walk or Roll event on June 23. The event began as a way to recognize the hard work and dedication veterans have exhibited while serving their country, according to a press release from the organizations...

Nacoma Sanders of Poplar Bluff has been honored a one of KFVS12's Heartland's Best. Sanders was among nearly 100 of the of the Heartland's Best who were honored recently in a ceremony in Cape Girardeau, Mo. She is a graduate of and represented Poplar Bluff High School...

Edna Mae O'Dell VAN BUREN, Mo. -- Edna Mae O'Dell, 86, of Poplar Bluff, Mo., formerly of Van Buren, Mo., died Saturday, June 16, 2012, in Westwood Hills Health and Rehab in Poplar Bluff. Born on April 3, 1926 in Youngstown, Ohio, she was the daughter of the late James R. and Naomi (Thomas) Gill...

George Shipp VAN BUREN, Mo. -- George Douglas Shipp, 69, of Van Buren, Mo., died Friday, June 15, 2012, in Poplar Bluff Regional Medical Center in Poplar Bluff, Mo. Mr. Shipp was born March 28, 1943 in Ventura, Calif. He had lived in Van Buren for less than a year and was formerly of Ellington, Mo., where he had lived since 1958...

Betty Messerli Betty Jane (Clendenin) Messerli, 87, of Poplar Bluff, Mo., died Friday, June 15, 2012, at her daughter's home in Poplar Bluff. Mrs. Messerli was born Jan. 6, 1925 in Granite City, Ill. She was a member of Ebenezer Presbyterian Church in Steeleville, Ill., and was a retired registered nurse. ...

Reva Medlin BERNIE, Mo. -- Reva Medlin 83, of Bernie, Mo., died Saturday, June 16, 2012, in the Saint Francis Medical Center at Cape Girardeau, Mo. Mrs. Medlin was born Feb. 8, 1929, at Bernie. She was a former line worker for the Rexall Factory. Later, she was employed by Dr. Bess in Malden from 1995-2011 as a secretary ...

Hasseltine Johnson GREENVILLE, Mo. -- Hasseltine Johnson, 89, of Shook, Mo., passed away Thursday, June 14, 2012, at The Cedargate skilled nursing facility in Poplar Bluff, Mo. She was born on Nov. 12, 1922, to the late Alexander Atnip and the late Minnie (Leach) Atnip, in Shook. ...

Peggy Tipton Peggy Lou Tipton, 87, of Poplar Bluff, Mo., died Friday, June 15, 2012, at Poplar Bluff Regional Medical Center. Mrs. Tipton was born Feb. 16, 1925, in Miami, Okla., and was a member of Living Word Baptist Church. She enjoyed spending time with her family, quilting, crocheting, sewing, making crafts and painting pictures...

Demetra Daggett GREENVILLE, MO. - Demetra Faye Daggett, 78, Williamsville, Mo., died Wednesday, June 13, 2012, at Poplar Bluff Regional Medical Center in Poplar Bluff, Mo. Mrs. Daggett was born on July 26, 1933, to the late Oscar Bazzell and the late Rubye (Hampton) Bazzell, in Carthage, Mo. As a young girl she was baptized into the Baptist faith by her grandfather. She attended a one-room school at Malden, Mo. As a young child her family moved around a lot...

Wilma Baldwin DEXTER, Mo. -- Wilma Shipman Baldwin, 78, of Bertrand, Mo., died Saturday, June 16, 2012, at Bertrand Nursing Home in Bertrand, Mo. She was born in Arkansas on Aug. 3, 1933, and had lived in this area area most of her life. She was married to Don Baldwin. He preceded her in death...

Clara Litzler DEXTER, Mo. -- Clara Litzler, 85, of Longview, Texas, formerly of Dexter, Mo., died Friday, June 15, 2012, at Good Shepherd Hospital in Longview. Mrs. Litzler was born on Oct. 13, 1926, at Essex, Mo., She was a member of the Sacred Heart Catholic Church in Dexter and a homemaker...

Carol Crowe DEXTER, Mo. -- Carol Ann Crowe, 71, of Springfield, Mo., died Friday, June 15, 2012, at St. John's Mercy Villa Nursing Center in Springfield. Mrs. Crowe was born on Oct. 1, 1940, in Idalia, Mo. She had lived in the Dexter, Mo., area most of her life and has resided the past few years in Springfield...

Inita Ahrent CORNING - Inita Ahrent, 85, of Corning, Ark. died Friday, June 15, 2012, at Corning Therapy and Living Center in Corning. Mrs. Ahrent was born Sept. 23, 1926, in Corning. She was a homemaker. She was a lifelong caregiver, loved her bible education work and gardening. She attended college in California to be a business lawyer. She was a Jehovah's Witness for 55 years...

Inita Ahrent -- Corning, Ark. Demetra Daggett -- Williamsville, Mo. Gayla Lewis -- Broseley, Mo. Betty Messerli -- Poplar Bluff, Mo. Clara Litzler -- Longview, Texas Ruby Hogan -- Poplar Bluff, Mo. Reva Medlin -- Bernie, Mo. Peggy Tipton -- Poplar Bluff, Mo...

Carolyn Buxton of Ellington, Mo., and Don and Cindy Boyer of Williamsville, Mo., announce the engagement of their children, Brittany Buxton, also of Ellington, and Bobby Boyer of Williamsville. The bride-to-be is a 2009 graduate of Southern Reynolds County R-2 and a recent graduate of Three Rivers college where she earned an associate degree in applied science in medical laboratory technology. She is employed at Reynolds County Memorial Hospital...

Gayla Lewis Gayla Faye Lewis, 53, of Broseley, Mo., died Thursday, June 14, 2012, at Poplar Bluff regional Medical Center. Mrs. Lewis was born March 15, 1959, in Poplar Bluff. She was of the Pentecostal faith, and worked in Home Health Care for the Independent Living Center of Poplar Bluff. She enjoyed spending time with her family, especially with her grandchildren, sewing and fishing...

Friday was Jim Brown's last day as athletic director for Poplar Bluff High School. In his final days, he was busy trying to fill an opening in the Showdown basketball tournament. Lamont Frazier is spending Father's Day still unpacking in a new house. His oldest daughter will start her senior year in a new school where the former Mules basketball coach will have a new team...

Ruby Hogan Ruby Leavon Hogan, 72, of Poplar Bluff, Mo., died Thursday, June 14, 2012, at Poplar Bluff Regional Medical Center in Poplar Bluff. Ms. Hogan was born Aug. 20, 1939, in Bernie, Mo., and was a homemaker. She enjoyed her cats. Survivors include her daughter, Pat Dowdy of Poplar Bluff; son, Jeff Gilbert of Poplar Bluff; four grandchildren; three great-grandchildren; sister, Ann Haile of Gulf Breeze, Fla.; and brothers, Lenard Wagganer of Poplar Bluff and Jack Gibson Jr. of Thayer, Mo...

JACKSON --The Poplar Bluff Thunder have gotten back to sweeping their opponents. After splitting against New Madrid Thursday to lose their first game of the season, the Thunder beat Jackson Senior Babe 12-2 and 10-0 in six inning games Saturday at Saxony Lutheran High School to move to 21-1 on the season...