Stories from Tuesday, July 31, 2012

By MICHELLE FRIEDRICH Associate Editor CORNING, Ark. -- A Corning police officer will have no action taken against him based on the findings of a prosecutor's review of the reports and witness accounts surrounding a June shooting, which left a man dead...

Three Rivers College Board Chairman Randy Winston read this statement prior to making a motion to disassociate with the Three Rivers College Foundation: Before I share my thoughts with this Board regarding the Three Rivers College Foundation, I want to preface them with my acknowledgement that the Foundation has, for many years, been a powerful and positive force for Three Rivers College. ...

By DONNA FARLEY Staff Writer After years of an increasingly contentious relationship, Three Rivers College Board of Trustees voted 5-1 Monday to disassociate itself from one of its oldest supporting entities. In a prepared statement made prior to the motion, board Chairman Randy Winston said, "it is my opinion that this board has no alternative but to sever all ties with Three Rivers College Foundation, and urge the Foundation to disband considering the fact that it is no longer serving the purpose for which it was created.". ...

Three Rivers Community College Foundation Board of Directors Chairman John R. Stanard issued this statement this morning: "I refuse to dignify Randy Winston's statement about the Three Rivers Community College Foundation Board of Directors, which I am privileged to serve as chairman, with a detailed rebuttal. ...

By DONNA FARLEY Staff Writer Three Rivers College expects to finish the 2012 fiscal year nearly $2.7 million in the black, according to unaudited figures presented during a financial report at Monday's monthly meeting. Chief Financial Officer Charlotte Eubank cautioned the audit is not likely to be finalized until November...

By SARABETH WALLER Staff Writer Chick-fil-A President Dan Cathy, a devout Southern Baptist, recently created a national furor over his statement to the Baptist Press Association that he did not believe in same-sex marriage. Since then, gay rights organizations have called for boycotts of his restaurants and some mayors have asked him to leave their cities...

By DONNA FARLEY Staff Writer After years of an increasingly contentious relationship, Three Rivers College Board of Trustees voted 5-1 Monday to disassociate itself from one of its oldest supporting entities. In a prepared statement made prior to the motion, board Chairman Randy Winston said, "it is my opinion that this board has no alternative but to sever all ties with Three Rivers College Foundation, and urge the Foundation to disband considering the fact that it is no longer serving the purpose for which it was created.". ...

By SARABETH WALLER Staff Writer Chick-fil-A President Dan Cathy, a devout Southern Baptist, recently created a national furor over his statement to the Baptist Press Association that he did not believe in same-sex marriage. Since then, gay rights organizations have called for boycotts of his restaurants and some mayors have asked him to leave their cities...

James Greer James Dale Greer,72, of Poplar Bluff, Mo., died Saturday, July 28, 2012, at his residence. Mr. Greer was born Nov. 10, 1939, in Fisk, Mo. He was a member of the Rombauer General Baptist Church. Mr. Greer enjoyed hunting and fishing, and collecting and polishing rocks...

Robert Belmar PIEDMONT, Mo. -- Robert Curtis Belmar, 51, of Brunot, Mo., died Friday, July 27, 2012. Mr. Belmar was born Jan. 6, 1961, in St. Louis, Mo., to Ronald Belmar and Laura (Watkins) Belmar. Bob was a member of Beulah Baptist Church. He graduated from Clearwater High School in Piedmont, Mo.. Bob has lived the majority of his life in Piedmont, MO. He attended South County Tech and Three Rivers Community College, obtaining degrees from both schools...

Martha Boyles DEXTER, Mo. -- Martha J. Boyles, 88, of Dexter, Mo., died Sunday, July 29, 2012, at her daughters's home in Dexter. Mrs. Boyles was born on March 31, 1924, in Oakland, Ark. She lived in the Dexter and Essex, Mo., areas most of her life and attended the Lighthouse Christian Center in Dexter. She had worked as an inspector in a hat factory for more than 20 years...

Sherman Plunkett MALDEN, Mo. -- Sherman Plunkett, 54, of Holcomb, Mo., died Tuesday, July 31, at his residence. Funeral arrangements are pending with Bradshaw Funeral Home in Malden, Mo.

Billy Jay McClain FISK, Mo. -- Billy Jay McClain, 48, of Fenton, Mo., died Sunday, July 29, 2012, at St. Clair Health Center in Fenton. Mr. McClain was born June 29, 1964, in Hammond, Ind. He had lived at Fenton for the past 10 years. He formerly lived in the Poplar Bluff and Dexter areas most of his life. He was a member of the Local Laborers Union #916 at Farmington...

Andy McGee NEELYVILLE, Mo. -- Andy McGee, 50, of Blue Springs, Mo., died Thursday, July 26, 2012, at Centerpoint Medical Center in Independence,Mo. Mr. McGee was born April 20, 1962, in Doniphan, Mo. He was a member of Elm Grove Baptist Church in Naylor, Mo., and was a truck driver and did commercial hauling...

Keith Abbott DONIPHAN, Mo. -- Charles "Keith" Abbott, 41, of Doniphan, Mo., died Saturday, July 28, 2012, at Poplar Bluff Regional Medical Center in Poplar Bluff, Mo. Mr. Abbott was born June 26, 1971, in Memphis, Tenn. He had been a sawmiller. Mr. Abbott enjoyed hunting, fishing and spending time with his sons...

Kenneth Pemberton MALDEN, Mo. -- Kenneth Dwain Pemberton, 68, of Malden, Mo., died Monday, July 23, 2012, in St. Louis, Mo. Mr. Pemberton was born Oct. 8, 1943, in Tate, Ill. He was a veteran of the U.S. Army and had worked as a coal miner. On Dec. 4, 2008, he was married to Brenda Stone in Piggott, Ark. She survives...

Producers are urged to report crop losses resulting from a weather-related disaster event within 15 days of the disaster or when the loss first becomes apparent, this includes crops covered by crop insurance, the Noninsured Crop Disaster Assistance Program (NAP) and crops without insurance coverage, said Aaron Sandlin, Butler County USDA Farm Service Agency (FSA) executive director...

Jamie Lynch MALDEN, Mo. -- Jamie Lynch, 37, of Malden, Mo., died Sunday, July 29, 2012, at Missouri Southern Healthcare in Dexter, Mo. Funeral arrangements are pending with Landess Funeral Home of Malden.

Keith Abbott DONIPHAN, Mo. -- Charles "Keith" Abbott, 41, of Doniphan, Mo., died Saturday, July 28, 2012, at Poplar Bluff Regional Medical Center. Funeral arrangements are pending with Edwards Funeral Home of Doniphan.

James Greer James Dale Greer, 72, of Poplar Bluff, Mo., died Saturday, July 28, 2012, at his residence. Funeral arrangements are pending with Fitch-Hillis Funeral Home of Poplar Bluff.

James King MALDEN, Mo. -- James King, 90, of Malden, Mo., died Monday, July 30, 2012, at Poplar Bluff Regional Medical Center. Funeral arrangements are pending with Landess Funeral Home of Malden.

Barbara Gard DEXTER, Mo. -- Barbara June Gard, 72, of Dexter, Mo., died Saturday, July 28, 2012, at Clearview Nursing and Rehab in Sikeston, Mo. Barbara was born June 12, 1940 in Disco, Mich. Barbara resided in Dexter all her life and worked for Dexter Hospital, Lucas Florist and most recently was a decorator for Health Systems Inc...

Tausha L. Colclasure, 33, of Wappapello, Mo., was booked at the Butler County jail Tuesday on suspicion of no registration. She was released on bond. _ Austin Trent Dunivan, 22, of the 900 block of County Road 465, was booked at the Butler County jail Tuesday on suspicion of selling marijuana and stealing, and a failure to appear warrant for traffic offenses...

1-room schools of Wayne Co. PATTERSON, Mo. -- The Wayne County Historical Society will have a public meeting at 7 p.m. Monday, Aug. 6, in the Patterson Community Center. Guest speaker Virgil Clubb's topic will be "One Room School Houses of Wayne County." At one time, there were 72 of these little country schools in Wayne County. Clubb was the county superintendent of these schools for many years and is very well known all over the county...

MoDOT lists work zones The Missouri Department of Transportation urges drivers to use extreme caution in these work zones this week. BUTLER COUNTY Northbound and southbound U.S. 67 will be reduced to one lane for one month from 7 a.m. to 5 p.m. Monday through Thursday, Aug. 30, as contractor crews, working on the Oak Grove Road interchange, cross the highway with heavy equipment...

By GEORGE F. WILL SAN FRANCISCO -- The huge humpback whale whose friendliness precipitated a surreal seven-year -- so far -- federal hunt for criminality surely did not feel put upon. Nevertheless, our unhinged government, with an obsession like that of Melville's Ahab, has crippled Nancy Black's scientific career, cost her more than $100,000 in legal fees -- so far -- and might sentence her to 20 years in prison. This Kafkaesque burlesque of law enforcement began when someone whistled...

To the Editor: Thanks to a group of "hard working" Doctors, Nurses, Athletic Trainers, Coaches and Volunteers; "Free Physical Night" was a huge success! 250 student/athletes were provided with "free" medical exams in preparation for their seasons of competition...

Cane Creek Community Club met on Wednesday, July 11, at Twin Towers. Seven members and one guest, Joan Richardson, were present. Glenda Phillips, president, called the meeting to order. The thought for the day: A vacation is having nothing to do and all day to do it in by Robert Orben. Roll call was answered with a fantasy vacation...

Have fair in September I was calling to comment on a call that was put in today's [July 17, 2012] paper about it being too hot to go to the fair. I agree totally. That's one reason why we never go. It is too hot and if they did have that during like the fall, like other towns. ...

The Poplar Bluff Jays are Kansas-bound once again this year and are hoping for some better results. The team, which competes in AAU basketball with players that were in 9th and 10th grade last school year head out to Wichita (Kan.) for the second straight year later this week for the national tournament where they will look to build on an already successful year...

BRAGG CITY, Mo.- Pemiscot County law enforcement officials were called to the scene of an airplane crash Sunday morning. According to Pemiscot County Sheriff Tommy Greenwell, the crash occurred in a cotton field along County Highway 291 just west of Bragg City...

Eric Plummer PIEDMONT, Mo. -- Eric C. Plummer, 46, of Van Buren, Mo., died on Saturday, July 28, 2012, in Van Buren. A private family memorial will be held at a later date. Ruegg Funeral Home in Piedmont is in charge of arrangements. Condolences: www.rueggfuneralhomes.com...

Ty Johnson MALDEN, Mo. -- Ty David Johnson of Malden, Mo., died Saturday, July 28, 2012, at Poplar Bluff Regional Medical Center in Poplar Bluff, Mo. He was born Friday, July 27, 2012, in Poplar Bluff. Surviving are his parents, Eric Johnson and Tammy Cowart of Malden; one brother, Kaiden Johnson of the home, one sister, Jayla Anderson of Howardville, Mo.; grandparents, Brenda Cowart of Bernie, Mo., James Cowart of Campbell, Mo., David and Wilma Johnson of Malden; great-grandparents, James and Diane Wagner of Bernie.. ...

Ed Miller DONIPHAN, Mo. -- Edwin Earl Miller, 83, of Poplar Bluff, Mo., died Thursday, July 26, 2012, at his residence. Mr. Miller was born Sept. 15, 1928, at Siota County, Ohio. He had been a plant manager for the W.C. Downey Company and was a member of the Church of Christ...

Heoroin OD suspected in death of Ironton teen IRONTON, Mo. (AP) -- A heroin overdose is suspected in the death of an eastern Missouri teenager. Ironton police say 18-year-old Vana Barton was found unresponsive on the floor of a motel room on July 20 and died two days later. An autopsy was performed but results of toxicology tests aren't expected for about a month...

SEMO News Service CAPE GIRARDEAU, Mo. -- Clay Waller will stand trial for the murder of his estranged wife. Cape Girardeau County Judge Gary Kamp bound Waller over to circuit court late Monday afternoon, following Wednesday's preliminary hearing on charges of first-degree murder and tampering with physical evidence...

James King MALDEN, Mo. -- James Rudolph King, 90, of Malden, Mo., died Monday, July 30, 2012, in Poplar Buff, Mo. Mr. King was born Sept. 12, 1921, in Piggott, Ark. He was a member of Bethany General Baptist Church in Campbell, Mo. He served in the U.S. Army during World War II. He had worked as a heavy equipment operator...

Charles McRoy PIEDMONT, Mo. -- Charles Leon McRoy, Sr., 82, of Des Arc, Mo., died Sunday, July 29, 2012. Funeral arrangements are pending with Ruegg Funeral Home in Piedmont, MO. Condolences: www.rueggfuneralhomes.com.

CAPE GIRARDEAU -- Mark Hogan said thoughts of calling it a career crept into his mind the past few years. He finally decided now was the right time. Hogan, Southeast Missouri State's winningest baseball coach who directed the program at his alma mater the past 18 seasons, announced his retirement Monday morning during a news conference at the Show Me Center...

Producers are urged to report crop losses resulting from a weather-related disaster event within 15 days of the disaster or when the loss first becomes apparent, this includes crops covered by crop insurance, the Noninsured Crop Disaster Assistance Program (NAP) and crops without insurance coverage, said Aaron Sandlin, Butler County USDA Farm Service Agency (FSA) executive director...

James Greer James Dale Greer, 72, of Poplar Bluff, Mo., died Saturday, July 28, 2012, at his residence. Funeral arrangements are pending with Fitch-Hillis Funeral Home of Poplar Bluff.

Jamie Lynch MALDEN, Mo. -- Jamie Lynch, 37, of Malden, Mo., died Sunday, July 29, 2012, at Missouri Southern Healthcare in Dexter, Mo. Funeral arrangements are pending with Landess Funeral Home of Malden.

Kenneth Pemberton MALDEN, Mo. -- Kenneth Dwain Pemberton, 68, of Malden, Mo., died Monday, July 23, 2012, in St. Louis, Mo. Mr. Pemberton was born Oct. 8, 1943, in Tate, Ill. He was a veteran of the U.S. Army and had worked as a coal miner. On Dec. 4, 2008, he was married to Brenda Stone in Piggott, Ark. She survives...

Barbara Gard DEXTER, Mo. -- Barbara June Gard, 72, of Dexter, Mo., died Saturday, July 28, 2012, at Clearview Nursing and Rehab in Sikeston, Mo. Barbara was born June 12, 1940 in Disco, Mich. Barbara resided in Dexter all her life and worked for Dexter Hospital, Lucas Florist and most recently was a decorator for Health Systems Inc...

Tausha L. Colclasure, 33, of Wappapello, Mo., was booked at the Butler County jail Tuesday on suspicion of no registration. She was released on bond. _ Austin Trent Dunivan, 22, of the 900 block of County Road 465, was booked at the Butler County jail Tuesday on suspicion of selling marijuana and stealing, and a failure to appear warrant for traffic offenses...

1-room schools of Wayne Co. PATTERSON, Mo. -- The Wayne County Historical Society will have a public meeting at 7 p.m. Monday, Aug. 6, in the Patterson Community Center. Guest speaker Virgil Clubb's topic will be "One Room School Houses of Wayne County." At one time, there were 72 of these little country schools in Wayne County. Clubb was the county superintendent of these schools for many years and is very well known all over the county...

By GEORGE F. WILL SAN FRANCISCO -- The huge humpback whale whose friendliness precipitated a surreal seven-year -- so far -- federal hunt for criminality surely did not feel put upon. Nevertheless, our unhinged government, with an obsession like that of Melville's Ahab, has crippled Nancy Black's scientific career, cost her more than $100,000 in legal fees -- so far -- and might sentence her to 20 years in prison. This Kafkaesque burlesque of law enforcement began when someone whistled...

To the Editor: Thanks to a group of "hard working" Doctors, Nurses, Athletic Trainers, Coaches and Volunteers; "Free Physical Night" was a huge success! 250 student/athletes were provided with "free" medical exams in preparation for their seasons of competition...

MoDOT lists work zones The Missouri Department of Transportation urges drivers to use extreme caution in these work zones this week. BUTLER COUNTY Northbound and southbound U.S. 67 will be reduced to one lane for one month from 7 a.m. to 5 p.m. Monday through Thursday, Aug. 30, as contractor crews, working on the Oak Grove Road interchange, cross the highway with heavy equipment...

Have fair in September I was calling to comment on a call that was put in today's [July 17, 2012] paper about it being too hot to go to the fair. I agree totally. That's one reason why we never go. It is too hot and if they did have that during like the fall, like other towns. ...

Cane Creek Community Club met on Wednesday, July 11, at Twin Towers. Seven members and one guest, Joan Richardson, were present. Glenda Phillips, president, called the meeting to order. The thought for the day: A vacation is having nothing to do and all day to do it in by Robert Orben. Roll call was answered with a fantasy vacation...

BRAGG CITY, Mo.- Pemiscot County law enforcement officials were called to the scene of an airplane crash Sunday morning. According to Pemiscot County Sheriff Tommy Greenwell, the crash occurred in a cotton field along County Highway 291 just west of Bragg City...

Ed Miller DONIPHAN, Mo. -- Edwin Earl Miller, 83, of Poplar Bluff, Mo., died Thursday, July 26, 2012, at his residence. Mr. Miller was born Sept. 15, 1928, at Siota County, Ohio. He had been a plant manager for the W.C. Downey Company and was a member of the Church of Christ...

Eric Plummer PIEDMONT, Mo. -- Eric C. Plummer, 46, of Van Buren, Mo., died on Saturday, July 28, 2012, in Van Buren. A private family memorial will be held at a later date. Ruegg Funeral Home in Piedmont is in charge of arrangements. Condolences: www.rueggfuneralhomes.com...

The Poplar Bluff Jays are Kansas-bound once again this year and are hoping for some better results. The team, which competes in AAU basketball with players that were in 9th and 10th grade last school year head out to Wichita (Kan.) for the second straight year later this week for the national tournament where they will look to build on an already successful year...

SEMO News Service CAPE GIRARDEAU, Mo. -- Clay Waller will stand trial for the murder of his estranged wife. Cape Girardeau County Judge Gary Kamp bound Waller over to circuit court late Monday afternoon, following Wednesday's preliminary hearing on charges of first-degree murder and tampering with physical evidence...

CAPE GIRARDEAU -- Mark Hogan said thoughts of calling it a career crept into his mind the past few years. He finally decided now was the right time. Hogan, Southeast Missouri State's winningest baseball coach who directed the program at his alma mater the past 18 seasons, announced his retirement Monday morning during a news conference at the Show Me Center...

Robert Belmar PIEDMONT, Mo. -- Robert Curtis Belmar, 51, of Brunot, Mo., died Friday, July 27, 2012. Mr. Belmar was born Jan. 6, 1961, in St. Louis, Mo., to Ronald Belmar and Laura (Watkins) Belmar. Bob was a member of Beulah Baptist Church. He graduated from Clearwater High School in Piedmont, Mo.. Bob has lived the majority of his life in Piedmont, MO. He attended South County Tech and Three Rivers Community College, obtaining degrees from both schools...

James Greer James Dale Greer,72, of Poplar Bluff, Mo., died Saturday, July 28, 2012, at his residence. Mr. Greer was born Nov. 10, 1939, in Fisk, Mo. He was a member of the Rombauer General Baptist Church. Mr. Greer enjoyed hunting and fishing, and collecting and polishing rocks...

Sherman Plunkett MALDEN, Mo. -- Sherman Plunkett, 54, of Holcomb, Mo., died Tuesday, July 31, at his residence. Funeral arrangements are pending with Bradshaw Funeral Home in Malden, Mo.

Billy Jay McClain FISK, Mo. -- Billy Jay McClain, 48, of Fenton, Mo., died Sunday, July 29, 2012, at St. Clair Health Center in Fenton. Mr. McClain was born June 29, 1964, in Hammond, Ind. He had lived at Fenton for the past 10 years. He formerly lived in the Poplar Bluff and Dexter areas most of his life. He was a member of the Local Laborers Union #916 at Farmington...

Andy McGee NEELYVILLE, Mo. -- Andy McGee, 50, of Blue Springs, Mo., died Thursday, July 26, 2012, at Centerpoint Medical Center in Independence,Mo. Mr. McGee was born April 20, 1962, in Doniphan, Mo. He was a member of Elm Grove Baptist Church in Naylor, Mo., and was a truck driver and did commercial hauling...

Keith Abbott DONIPHAN, Mo. -- Charles "Keith" Abbott, 41, of Doniphan, Mo., died Saturday, July 28, 2012, at Poplar Bluff Regional Medical Center in Poplar Bluff, Mo. Mr. Abbott was born June 26, 1971, in Memphis, Tenn. He had been a sawmiller. Mr. Abbott enjoyed hunting, fishing and spending time with his sons...

Producers are urged to report crop losses resulting from a weather-related disaster event within 15 days of the disaster or when the loss first becomes apparent, this includes crops covered by crop insurance, the Noninsured Crop Disaster Assistance Program (NAP) and crops without insurance coverage, said Aaron Sandlin, Butler County USDA Farm Service Agency (FSA) executive director...

Producers are urged to report crop losses resulting from a weather-related disaster event within 15 days of the disaster or when the loss first becomes apparent, this includes crops covered by crop insurance, the Noninsured Crop Disaster Assistance Program (NAP) and crops without insurance coverage, said Aaron Sandlin, Butler County USDA Farm Service Agency (FSA) executive director...

Producers are urged to report crop losses resulting from a weather-related disaster event within 15 days of the disaster or when the loss first becomes apparent, this includes crops covered by crop insurance, the Noninsured Crop Disaster Assistance Program (NAP) and crops without insurance coverage, said Aaron Sandlin, Butler County USDA Farm Service Agency (FSA) executive director...

Producers are urged to report crop losses resulting from a weather-related disaster event within 15 days of the disaster or when the loss first becomes apparent, this includes crops covered by crop insurance, the Noninsured Crop Disaster Assistance Program (NAP) and crops without insurance coverage, said Aaron Sandlin, Butler County USDA Farm Service Agency (FSA) executive director...

Producers are urged to report crop losses resulting from a weather-related disaster event within 15 days of the disaster or when the loss first becomes apparent, this includes crops covered by crop insurance, the Noninsured Crop Disaster Assistance Program (NAP) and crops without insurance coverage, said Aaron Sandlin, Butler County USDA Farm Service Agency (FSA) executive director...

Producers are urged to report crop losses resulting from a weather-related disaster event within 15 days of the disaster or when the loss first becomes apparent, this includes crops covered by crop insurance, the Noninsured Crop Disaster Assistance Program (NAP) and crops without insurance coverage, said Aaron Sandlin, Butler County USDA Farm Service Agency (FSA) executive director...

Producers are urged to report crop losses resulting from a weather-related disaster event within 15 days of the disaster or when the loss first becomes apparent, this includes crops covered by crop insurance, the Noninsured Crop Disaster Assistance Program (NAP) and crops without insurance coverage, said Aaron Sandlin, Butler County USDA Farm Service Agency (FSA) executive director...

Producers are urged to report crop losses resulting from a weather-related disaster event within 15 days of the disaster or when the loss first becomes apparent, this includes crops covered by crop insurance, the Noninsured Crop Disaster Assistance Program (NAP) and crops without insurance coverage, said Aaron Sandlin, Butler County USDA Farm Service Agency (FSA) executive director...

Producers are urged to report crop losses resulting from a weather-related disaster event within 15 days of the disaster or when the loss first becomes apparent, this includes crops covered by crop insurance, the Noninsured Crop Disaster Assistance Program (NAP) and crops without insurance coverage, said Aaron Sandlin, Butler County USDA Farm Service Agency (FSA) executive director...

Producers are urged to report crop losses resulting from a weather-related disaster event within 15 days of the disaster or when the loss first becomes apparent, this includes crops covered by crop insurance, the Noninsured Crop Disaster Assistance Program (NAP) and crops without insurance coverage, said Aaron Sandlin, Butler County USDA Farm Service Agency (FSA) executive director...

Producers are urged to report crop losses resulting from a weather-related disaster event within 15 days of the disaster or when the loss first becomes apparent, this includes crops covered by crop insurance, the Noninsured Crop Disaster Assistance Program (NAP) and crops without insurance coverage, said Aaron Sandlin, Butler County USDA Farm Service Agency (FSA) executive director...

Producers are urged to report crop losses resulting from a weather-related disaster event within 15 days of the disaster or when the loss first becomes apparent, this includes crops covered by crop insurance, the Noninsured Crop Disaster Assistance Program (NAP) and crops without insurance coverage, said Aaron Sandlin, Butler County USDA Farm Service Agency (FSA) executive director...

Producers are urged to report crop losses resulting from a weather-related disaster event within 15 days of the disaster or when the loss first becomes apparent, this includes crops covered by crop insurance, the Noninsured Crop Disaster Assistance Program (NAP) and crops without insurance coverage, said Aaron Sandlin, Butler County USDA Farm Service Agency (FSA) executive director...