Stories from Friday, August 14, 2015

SEMO News Service JACKSON, Mo. -- A Jackson man is facing charges after allegedly sexually assaulting a child. Jeffery B. Moffat, 55, has been charged with first-degree statutory rape and first-degree statutory sodomy involving a 7-year-old. Moffat allegedly "knowingly had sexual intercourse" and "deviate sexual intercourse" with the girl, according to the complaint filed in the case. ...

By DONNA FARLEY Staff Writer A special event for female veterans will be held Aug. 27 at the Dexter American Legion. John J. Pershing VA Medical Center is hosting its second annual Girls Night Out in an effort to provide education and resources to women who have served the armed forces...

Every year I have at least one discussion with a person telling me how they just throw their corn in the husks in the freezer without blanching and the ears turn out great. If you spend the time growing the vegetables, pulling weeds, picking and preparing for the freezer, the blanching time is just another step and it's necessary if you want fresh garden flavor later. Unless you are freezing onions or green peppers, blanching is a MUST before freezing vegetables...

New phones soon surplus? Hello speakout. Well you know the city has got that extra high dollar phone system now. I figure someone will get a really good deal on that when it is thrown in the surplus properties auction. It is the same way they sell computers for a dollar that sort of thing. ...

By ALBERT R. HUNT Bloomberg View The Republican right, which feels it has been brushed aside in recent presidential elections, is fielding a strong contingent of candidates for 2016. Iowa should be the perfect venue for determining the most formidable contender in this group...

By LEONID BERSHIDSKY Bloomberg View Michael McFaul, the former U.S. ambassador to Russia, and the Russia expert Kathryn Stoner say U.S. foreign policy has had a relatively neutral effect in determining Russia's course. In an article published last week, they argued that President Vladimir Putin's virulent anti-Americanism was driven by domestic, tactical considerations, allowing us to put to rest any concern the U.S. was doing too little or too much vis-a-vis Russia...

Tommy Luecke Thomas "Tommy" L. Luecke, 59, of Poplar Bluff died Wednesday, Aug. 12, 2015 at his residence. The arrangements are pending and will be announced by Cotrell Funeral Service in Poplar Bluff.

Having to already replace the all-time, single-season rushing record holder, the Poplar Bluff football team learned of another backfield vacancy over the summer -- quarterback. It's one of several starting positions up for grabs as the Mules travel Friday to Rolla for a preseason jamboree against the host, Union and West Plains...

Thelma Webb Thelma Webb, 88, of Poplar Bluff, died on Wednesday, Aug. 12, 2015 at her residence. Thelma was born in Qulin, Mo, on July 13, 1927, to Dell Drew and Ruth (Jones) Drew. She was united in marriage to Sherman Webb on July 13, 1943. Thelma was a loving wife, mother, grandmother, and great-grandmother. ...

Charles W. Ward DEXTER, Mo. -- Charles W. Ward, 73, son of the late Carnelia Ward, was born on Aug. 5, 1942 in Pyletown, Mo. and departed this life on Aug. 11, 2015 at Kindred-St. Anthony's Hospital in St. Louis, Mo. Mr. Ward had worked as a plant manager for Ready Mix Concrete Company, he was a resident of Poplar Bluff, Mo. and a veteran of the United States Air Force...