Stories from Saturday, September 7, 2013

The Margaret Harwell Art Museum has invited the public to attend an art exhibit opening, "On the Road with Billyo", from 6-8 p.m. Saturday. This exhibit features the latest work of world-renowned landscape painter, Billyo O'Donnell, who will be present to discuss his work and his travels...

By ERIN RAGAN SEMO News Service SIKESTON, Mo. -- Less than a year ago, Neal E. Boyd was in an election fight for a seat in the Missouri House of Representatives. And now, he announced Thursday, he is ready to try it again. "This time will be a very different challenge," Boyd, a Sikeston native and the 2008 winner of "America's Got Talent" television talent contest, said in a news release...

By MICHELLE FRIEDRICH Associate Editor The Butler County Sheriff's Department "hit the ground running" last week when it began issuing new concealed-carry permits under legislation passed in the recent session of the Missouri General Assembly. Already responsible for handling permit paperwork and the fingerprinting required for background checks, sheriff's departments across the state now are issuing the CCW permits in house...

By DONNA FARLEY Staff Writer Enjoying a famous Pine Hill Drive-In "juicy burger" from the tailgate of a pickup, while watching heros and villains battle it out under the stars -- It's a tradition families in the Piedmont, Mo., area have shared for nearly 50 years...

At 7 p.m. Thursday, Sept. 26, First Baptist Church will host the Jubilee Tour, featuring Christian recording artists, The Booth Brothers, Greater Vision and Legacy Five. The Jubilee Tour brings three of the most popular names in Southern Gospel Music together. ...

Touchy Topics Here's a question: What is the true test of one's commitment to freedom of expression? Is it when one permits others to express ideas with which he agrees? Or is it when he permits others to express ideas he finds deeply offensive? I'm betting that most people would wisely answer that it's the latter, and I'd agree. ...

By PATRICK J. BUCHANAN "Catastrophic!" said Sen. John McCain. If Congress votes no on a resolution calling for U.S. intervention in Syria's civil war, says McCain, it would be "catastrophic" for U.S. credibility in the world. Consider what the senator is saying here...

To the Editor: Re: "We must stand firm for our workers" First I had to work at determining what I think Kenneth Michel was trying to get to. But, in summary, I think he is saying don't increase our sales tax and hand the money over to big corporations. If that is what is planned, I would say "right on." Don't increase the sales tax. But I don't think that is what is planned...

The Lourance Family Reunion will be held Saturday at Ray and Barb Gilton's campsite at Doniphan, Mo. Lunch will begin between noon and 12:30 p.m. Meat will be provided. Please bring a covered dish and an item for the auction. Directions to the campsite follow: From Poplar Bluff, Mo. ...

Gov. Jay Nixon has appointed Douglas R. Kennedy of Poplar Bluff, to the Coordinating Board for Higher Education. The Coordinating Board of Higher Education coordinates the state system of higher education, which includes 13 public four-year colleges and universities, 17 public two-year community colleges, one public two-year technical college, 25 independent colleges and universities, 120 proprietary schools and 39 specialized independent schools and colleges and theological institutions...

ELLSINORE -- Wyatt Kirkman didn't get to be in the lineup for East Carter's district title run after hurting his knee in a gruesome collision in the outfield late in the regular season last spring. He proved he was back Thursday afternoon against Twin Rivers in an Ozark Foothills Conference game. And then some...

Imogene Montgomery BLOOMFIELD, Mo. -- Imogene Montgomery, 92, of Bloomfield died Wednesday, Sept. 4, 2013, at the Sells Nursing Home in Matthews, Mo. Visitation was at 11 a.m. today at the Chiles-Cooper Funeral Home in Bloomfield. The funeral service followed beginning at 1 p.m. at the funeral home with the Rev. Bob Holland officiating. Burial is in the Walker Cemetery in Bloomfield...

Following a season-opening win at Sikeston the Poplar Bluff tennis team has gone winless. The Lady Mules were first swept at Jonesboro, Ark. on Tuesday and again Thursday in their first home match, losing 9-0 to Dexter. There were few bright spots. "Namara played very well actually," Lady Mules coach Nicole Duncan said of an 8-5 loss to Dexter's Erica Morgan. "She had a marathon game and stuck it out until the very end when she finally tired out."...

Cora Russell Cora Lee Russell, 87, of Poplar Bluff, Mo., died Monday, Sept. 2, 2013, at Westwood Hills Healthcare Center in Poplar Bluff. Cora was born May 17, 1925, in Geneseo, Kan. She was a homemaker who enjoyed being around people and doing crossword puzzles. She was a member of Kerns Chapel Church in Stringtown...

ELLSINORE -- Emily Neidenberg was all smiles in the pitcher's circle Thursday and about brought her coach to tears after a clutch strikeout with the bases loaded. The East Carter senior fanned 10 batters in the Lady Redbirds' 3-1 win over Twin Rivers, but it was the one in the top of the sixth that was her biggest...

Clint Colburn DONIPHAN, Mo. -- Clint Colburn, 86, of Doniphan died Friday, Sept. 6, 2013, at the Current River Nursing Center in Doniphan. Funeral arrangements are pending with Edwards Funeral Home in Doniphan and will be announced upon completion...

Caroline Oliver DONIPHAN, Mo. -- Caroline Lee Oliver, 63, of Doniphan died Sunday, Sept. 1, 2013, at the Poplar Bluff Regional Medical Center in Poplar Bluff. Ms. Oliver, daughter of Johnny and Sally (Everly) Cotton, was born June 23, 1950, in Houston, Texas. She had been an over-the-road truck driver and attended Pilgrim's Rest Church in Fairdealing, Mo...

ALTON -- Van Buren added a whole bunch of insurance runs in the top of the seventh Thursday, a baker's dozen to be precise. The Lady Dawgs were leading Alton 7-3 after six innings and won 20-5. Cil Cipponeri had four hits, three RBIs and scored three runs for Van Buren (3-0). ...