Stories from Wednesday, September 21, 2016

By MICHELLE FRIEDRICH Associate Editor Four area men were appointed as "honorary" troopers of the Missouri State Highway Patrol Monday morning for what was described as their heroic efforts in separate June incidents involving submerged and burning vehicles, which saved the lives of three...

By DONNA FARLEY Staff Writer The Poplar Bluff City Council is expected to make repairs to city gun laws in the next month, but officials say the changes have nothing to do with state legislators' recent action on "constitutional carry" matters. Missouri will drop the permit requirement for conceal and carry effective Jan. 1, following a veto override last week by lawmakers...

By CHELSAE CORDIA Staff Writer Employees of the Daily American Republic recently noticed something tucked in the bushes in front of the building. Much to everyone's surprise, it turned out to be a hand-drawn portrait of a Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtle...

What happened to smooth highways? What ever happened to smooth highways? I cannot believe that 160 Hwy. after they spent all that money and all that time on redoing the highway that they have let it pass inspection with all of the riff-raff of up and down over weaving. ...

By PATRICK J. BUCHANAN Speaking to 1,000 of the overprivileged at an LGBT fundraiser, where the chairs ponied up $250,000 each and Barbra Streisand sang, Hillary Clinton gave New York's social liberals what they came to hear. "You could put half of Trump's supporters into what I call the basket of deplorables. Right?" smirked Clinton to cheers and laughter. "The racist, sexist, homophobic, xenophobic, Islamophobic, you name it." They are "irredeemable," but they are "not America."...

Cynthia Renay Johnson BLOOMFIELD, Mo. - Cynthia Renay Johnson of Bloomfield, daughter of Mike L. Johnson and Glenda Fay Metcalf Johnson, was born in Cape Girardeau, Missouri on July 31, 1977 and passed away at Southeast Health Center of Stoddard County in Dexter on September 17, 2016 at the age of 39 years, 1 month and 17 days...

Last year's college news was about demands for safe spaces, trigger warnings and bans on insensitivity. This year's college news is about black student demands for segregated campus housing and other racially segregated campus spaces and programs. I totally disagree with these calls by black students. ...

Jeanne Farris FREDERICKTOWN, Mo. -- Jeanne (Myers) Farris, of Fredericktown, died Saturday, Sept. 17, 2016. Visitation will be from 10 a.m 1 p.m., Saturday, at Follis & Sons Funeral Home with services to follow at 1 p.m. Burial at Marcus Memorial Cemetery...

Elnora Lorell Patterson FISK, Mo. -- Elnora Lorell Patterson, 87, of Wappapello, died Sunday, Sept. 18, 2016 at Puxico Nursing Center, in Puxico. Mrs. Patterson was born Wednesday, March 13, 1929 in Broseley, the daughter of the Late Jim and Cleora (Hill) Arnold. She was a member of Bright Prospect Church at Wappapello. She enjoyed crocheting, working puzzle books, crafts and spending time with her family. She married Haskel Patterson April 15, 1946. He preceded her in death Dec. 23, 1999...

Genealogy Group meets Thursday The monthly meeting of the Butler County Genealogical Society will be held at 1:30 p.m. Thursday at the First United Methodist Church. A video titled, "What Does That Say? More Paleography Tips and Tricks," -- a Crista Cowan Video (Ancestry)...

Josh Burson golf tourney is Saturday The 7th Annual Josh Burson Memorial Golf Tournament will be held Saturday at Ozark Ridge Golf Course. Tee times: 8:30 a.m. and 1 p.m. There will be trophy and cash prize for first in three flights and a dead last trophy. Four-man scramble, $75 per person...

PB's first Walk to End Alzheimer's The Alzheimer's Association is inviting residents of Poplar Bluff to unite in a movement to reclaim the future for millions by participating in the Alzheimer's Walk to End Alzheimer's on Saturday, Oct. 15, at McLane Park...

Old Kime School reunion Sat., Oct 1 Old Kime School Community Reunion will begin at 10 a.m. Saturday, Oct. 1, at City Hall in Greenville. Drinks provided. Bring a covered dish. Paper products and drinks provided. This is a time to enjoy visiting and catching up. Everyone is welcome. For information, call Dorothy at 573-297-3270...

David Jason Chester Rose QULIN, Mo. -- David Jason Chester Rose, 39, of Poplar Bluff, died Sunday, Sept. 18, 2016 at his residence, in Poplar Bluff. Mr. Rose was born July 24, 1977 in Poplar Bluff. He was Associate Pastor of New Covenant Fellowship Church at Poplar Bluff. ...

Sharon F. Donner Sharon F. Donner, 65, of Poplar Bluff, died Thursday, Sept. 15, 2016, at her residence. A private memorial service will be held at a later date. Cotrell Funeral Service of Poplar Bluff is in charge of the arrangements. Online condolences: www.cotrellfuneralservice.com...

Kenneth A. Smith Kenneth A. Smith, 54, of Essex, Mo., died Friday, Sept. 16, 2016, at his residence. No services are scheduled. Arrangements will be by Fowler-Sullivan Memorial Chapel.

David Robert Coan David Robert Coan, 52, of Poplar Bluff, Mo. died Monday, Sept. 19, 2016, at Poplar Bluff Regional Medical Center. Visitation will be from 10-11 a.m. Wednesday, Sept. 21, 2016, at Fowler-Sullivan Funeral Home in Poplar Bluff followed by the graveside service will be at 11:30 a.m. at Cochran Cemetery near Harviell. Fowler-Sullivan Memorial Chapel in charge of arrangements...

FARMINGTON, Mo. -- Poplar Bluff suffered its second three-set loss to a district opponent, this time losing at Farmington 25-15, 22-25, 25-19 on Monday night. The Mules (6-9) also lost a three-setter to Jackson and fell to 0-9 in matches in which they lose the opening set...

NAYLOR -- Ralynn Alexander stepped to the plate with a sore hand, butterflies in her stomach and a chance to drive in the go-ahead run in the third inning. Playing in her second game back since injuring her hand earlier this year, the Naylor junior jumped on the first pitch she saw and belted her first single of the season to right field scoring Maddy Cagle to cap a six-run inning...

Ricky Lynn Hobbs KENNETT, Mo. -- Ricky Lynn Hobbs, 61, son of the late Huel Hobbs and Veatrice (Sebree) Denbow was born Sept. 7, 1955 in Kennett, Mo. and departed this life on Saturday, Sept. 17, 2016. Ricky married Carmen Pitts on May 11, 1989. Survivors include: His wife: Carmen Hobbs of Kennett; Five sons: Chandler Hobbs of Kennett, Bobby Hobbs of Auburndelle, Fla.; Adam Doll of Jackson Hole, Wyo., Lee Hobbs of Poplar Bluff, Mo., and Justin Davis of Kansas City, Mo.; Two daughters: Jessica Bridges of Kennett and Ashley Arnold of Poplar Bluff; One brother: Larry Hobbs of Wilmington, N.C.; One sister: Linda Babcock of Poplar Bluff; Special Cousin: Randy Crawford of Hayti, Mo.; Sister-in-law: Jettie Hobbs of House Springs, Mo.; nine grandchildren; Mother and Father-in-law: Ron and June Pitts of Kennett; Special friends: Lawana Marrow and Louise Tidwell of Deering, Mo.; and other relatives and many friends.. ...

Beulah Mae Evans Beulah Mae Evans, 84, of Poplar Bluff, Mo., entered Heaven's gates on Sunday, Sept. 18, 2016 at her residence surrounded by her loving family. Mrs. Evans, the daughter of the late Claude and Maude Huey Swafford, was born Feb. 21, 1932 in Flat River, Mo. ...

James H. Moore QULIN, Mo. -- James H. Moore, 68, of Qulin, Mo., died Sunday, Sept. 18, 2016 at Poplar Bluff Regional Medical Center, in Poplar Bluff, Mo. Mr. Moore was born Aug. 26, 1948 in Trumann, Ark. He was a mechanic and lived at Qulin most of his life. On June 1, 1968 he married Irene Davis at Broseley, Mo. She survives...

Elnora Patterson -- Wappapello, Mo. Jeanne Farris -- Fredericktown, Mo. David Jason Chester Rose - Poplar Bluff, Mo. Sharon F. Donner -- Poplar Bluff, Mo. Beulah Mae Evans -- Poplar Bluff, Mo. James H. Moore -- Qulin, Mo. Kenneth A. Smith -- Essex, Mo...

GREENVILLE -- The Greenville Bears moved back to .500 and took control of the Ozark Foothills Conference with a 3-1 win over Twin Rivers on Monday. Trey McDaniel struck out 13 and Tye Huff went 2 for 4 at the plate. Jack Becker added a diving catch in left field for Greenville (4-4, 3-0 OFC)...

On July 1,2 and 3 the descendents of T. H. and Ruby Griffin gathered together for their 39th Family Reunion. The older group was hosted by Bill and Nelda Burge, the middle group by Barbara and Bruce Campbell, the younger group by Ben and Jenny Campbell. A lot of good food, visiting and picture making was enjoyed by all...

Randy Grunau Randy Lee Grunau, 56, of Puxico was born Oct. 15, 1959 in Irving, Texas and departed this life on Sept. 3, 2016 at his home due to complications of pneumonia. He worked as Respiratory Therapist for 20 years in several hospitals including Baylor (Dallas, Texas), University of Texas (Tyler, Texas), East Texas Medical center and Boone (Columbia, Mo.)...

Dustin Dewayne Johnson/Stoner Dustin Dewayne Johnson/Stoner, 28, of Little Rock, Ark. died Sept. 6, 2016 in Arkansas. Services were held Sept. 10, 2016 in the chapel at the Fowler-Sullivan Funeral Home in Poplar Bluff. Nick Stevens officiated.

Chris Jones Christopher Lynn Jones, 34 of Puxico died Sept. 16, 2016 at his home. Services were held Sept. 19, at Morgan-Sifford Funeral Home chapel in Puxico. Marty Bryant officiated. Burial followed in the Hobbs Chapel Cemetery south of Puxico. Morgan-Sifford Funeral Home of Puxico in charge of arrangements...

The congregation of the Puxico First General Baptist Church will be hosting Revival Services 7 p.m. nightly September 26-30. A different speaker is scheduled for each night as follows: September 26: Jimmy Clark September 27-Dustin Stroud September 28-Shawn Bradford...

The annual Community Homecoming Appreciation dinner was held Sept. 16 in the cafeteria of Puxico Schools. The dinner was sponsored by VFW Post 7822 and was catered by Crabb and Company. According to Rudy Williams, "the dinner is a way to show our appreciation for all the help our community gives us." The night was led by VFW Post Commander, Bill Hemby who drew numbered tickets as they gave away customized cups and chairs commemorating the 70th annual homecoming...

About six months before Jesus was to be crucified, He took Peter, James and John upon a mountain and transfigured before them. His face did shine as the sun, and his raiment was white as the light. All the glory and splendor of the God-head was shining through, and his raiment did shine as white as the light. ...

By AMY HAYES Funding from a grant, a quilt raffle and selling bricks has provided a financial boost to the Puxico Library, board members learned at the Tuesday, Sept. 13, quarterly board meeting Throughout August, a total of $401 was raised. During the annual homecoming, a quilt was raffled bringing in $251. Currently, engraved bricks are being sold and $150 has been raised through the brick project since the new fiscal year started July 31...

By TIARA McCLURE The Puxico Board of Alderman Thursday, Sept. 15, approved the purchase of a new software system for the city and property for a new fire station. The real estate purchase agreement for the station, which was held in a closed session, according to City Clerk Alice Patrick, "no longer stands" since the property owner raised the price...

The City of Puxico is seeking two development members to serve on the City Cemetery Board. A development member is one who lives in the rural areas outside of the Puxico city limits. The development member will attend monthly meetings of the board held the last Tuesday of each month, and will advise and assist the other board members. Those wishing to be appointed to this position should contact the City Hall...

The Missouri Department of Conservation (MDC) encourages deer hunters around the state to share their harvest through the state's Share the Harvest program. Administered by MDC and the Conservation Federation of Missouri (CFM), Share the Harvest coordinates the efforts of thousands of deer hunters, about 100 participating meat processors, numerous local supporting organizations, and a handful of statewide sponsors...

By SCOTT BORKGREN Sports Writer PUXICO -- Bernie and Puxico had a battle of the brains Thursday, Sept. 15. Both coaches have been dealing with and trying to fix a lack of intensity among their players. The young Puxico roster has trouble maintaining a high level of intensity from start to finish and tends to fall behind early. Bernie, meanwhile, occasionally goes into a game overconfident and gets caught...

Editor's Note: It is with honor that the Puxico Press has joined with the Berry Glenn Historical Museum to help maintain the past of Puxico by publishing autobiographies of people who have somehow touched the small town during their lives. By AMY HAYES...

By BARBARA ANN HORTON SEMO News Service Breakout sessions for the 2016 Women Aware conference will be as varied as the individuals attending this year's event Thursday, Sept. 29, at the Black River Coliseum. "We are very excited about our breakout speakers for the 2016 Women Aware Conference," says curriculum co-chair Phyllis Flanigan, retired extension specialist for University of Missouri Extension...

By MIKE MCCOY Statesman Staff Writer BLOOMFIELD, Mo. -- The Stoddard County Commission will send out a letter to mayors of municipalities in the county inviting them to meet with the commission on Sept. 26 to discuss reimbursement to the county for the housing of prisoners. Currently, the county does not charge municipalities for housing their prisoners...