Stories from Thursday, February 9, 2017

By CHELSAE CORDIA Staff Writer Neelyville R-IV and Twin Rivers R-X announced classes are canceled following a disrict-wide outbreak of influenza. The announcements come after Clarkton C-4 closed under similar circumstances earlier this week. This is the first time in nearly a decade that either district has canceled classes due to illness and according to the Butler County Health Department (BCHD), an increase in documented cases of influenza is being seen across the state...

By PAT PRATT Staff Writer A Beechcraft Kingair F-90 narrowly averted disaster Monday afternoon on approach to Poplar Bluff Municipal Airport in low-visibility conditions. The airplane struck several trees about 4:30 p.m. just north of the intersection of Route T and Highway 60 near Poplar Bluff and sustained damage to the nose and wing. No injuries were reported in the incident, but airport manager Lance Donze said those on board were "extremely lucky."...

By CHELSAE CORDIA Staff Writer The Historic Rodgers Theatre will come to life Saturday for the annual Dancing with the PB Stars. The event is a fundraiser to benefit Sacred Heart Catholic School's general fund and will benefit students in various ways...

By PAT PRATT Staff Writer Missouri Gov. Eric Greitens has proclaimed February Earthquake Awareness month, a time, especially in Southeast Missouri, to focus on preparedness in case of a major disaster. One of the biggest earthquakes in U.S. history occurred in December of 1811 near New Madrid, Missouri. The 8.0 intensity event devastated the small town of about 400 at the time and gave name to the seismic zone still active in Southeast Missouri and neighboring states...

By PAT PRATT Staff Writer A Brushy Creek, Tennessee, man is facing multiple drug-related charges after state troopers allegedly found a large amount of marijuana, cocaine, cash and a firearm during traffic stop early Tuesday in Butler County. According to reports Brain G. Gibbs, 33, was arrested at 12:27 a.m. Tuesday on suspicion of felony possession of marijuana, possession of a controlled substance (cocaine), unlawful possession of a firearm and following too closely...

Arthur "Art" Dykes, Jr. -- Poplar Bluff, Mo. Eva Maxine Maples -- Poplar Bluff, Mo. Norma Flow Stark -- Naylor, Mo. Joyce M. Owens -- Poplar Bluff, Mo. Henry D. Miller -- Cape Girardeau, Mo. Danny W. Johnson -- Doniphan, Mo. Ramona Toney -- Piedmont, Mo...

Quit fits and pray for nation I have to say I did not vote for Obama. I never heard of him and I didn't know what he would do and when he was elected I was disappointed. I didn't believe that he was a Christian, but I didn't throw a fit and cause trouble for others. ...

Donald Trump is now the 45th President of the United States. One could conclude a majority of Americans were aware their land was being indoctrinated with an undesirable dogma. In his inauguration speech, Trump said: "We, the citizens of America, are now joined in a great national effort to rebuild our country and restore its promise for all of our people...

To the Editor: I would like to thank Three Rivers CC Baseball Players Ryan Hunter and William Stallings for being good citizens outside my office today. An elderly gentleman had stepped off the curb, lost his balance and fallen to the ground. Ryan and William jumped to help him up and into his vehicle. I am thankful for young men with such character and chivalry. We are fortunate to have them in our community...

To the Editor: Hello! My name is Sydney J. I am a fifth grade student at Harlan Intermediate School in Harlan, Iowa. My class is studying the geography and history of the United States. I am excited to learn more about your state of Missouri. I would really appreciate if you would send me pictures, postcards, or information on your state. ...

The House is moving at a brisk pace focusing on legislation to make Missouri a better place to live, work, and raise a family. One of our top priorities was sent to the governor's desk this week in right-to-work. The bill has been a priority of the Republican caucus for many years and getting it passed is a testament to the hard work of many people...

CAPE GIRARDEAU, Mo. -- Alicia Sullinger of Advance, Mo., has received the Regents' Scholarship to attend Southeast Missouri State University for the 2017-2018 academic year. Sullinger is the daughter of Bryan and Dana Sullinger of Advance and will be a 2017 graduate of Advance High School...

Twin Rivers R-10 Schools will conduct Early Childhood Screening for all preschool children and Kindergarten enrollment for children turning five before Tuesday, Aug. 1, 2017 on the following dates: 8:30 a.m. - 5:30 p.m., Tuesday, March 14, at Fisk Middle School and 8:30 a.m. - 5:30 p.m., Tuesday, March 21, at Qulin Middle School...

DONIPHAN -- There wasn't much downtime during Tuesday's shootout in the Ozark Foothills Conference Tournament semifinals between Doniphan and Neelyville. They each ran the floor at a rapid pace and put up their highest scores of the season. But in a game that featured made bucket after made bucket in what seemed like a blur, it was the big shots in the third quarter that stood out and sealed the deal for the Dons...

DONIPHAN -- The Greenville boys basketball team simply had no answer for Chance Wilkerson, Jacob Mitchell and the rest of Twin Rivers' record-breaking performance Tuesday night. The top-seeded Royals shot 75 percent from the field, including a remarkable 16 of 20 from 3-point range, and cruised to an 85-58 win over the fourth-seeded Bears to reach the Ozark Foothills Conference Tournament championship for the fourth straight year...

HAYTI -- Nate Dillinger drained a game-high 37 points as Bernie held on for a 71-70 overtime victory against Hayti Tuesday night. Dalton Hobgood added 18 points, Michael Suiter chipped in nine and Hunter Slavings had five for the Mules, who led 26-21 at halftime...

Arthur "Art" Dykes, Jr. DEXTER, Mo. -- Arthur "Art" Dykes, Jr., 55, of Poplar Bluff, died Thursday, Feb. 2, 2017, at St. Louis University Medical Center in St. Louis. Arrangements are pending with Watkins Funeral Home.

Eva Maxine Maples Eva Maxine Maples, 81, of Poplar Bluff, Mo., passed away Saturday, Feb. 4, 2017 in Arizona. Mrs. Maples was born Aug. 12, 1935 in Naylor. She worked as a LPN and enjoyed dancing, quilting, traveling and spending time with her grandchildren. Eva was a member of The Cowboy Church...

Frank Howard Kelly NEELYVILLE, Mo. -- Frank Howard Kelly, 84, of Poplar Bluff, passed away Monday, Feb. 6, 2017 at the John J. Pershing V.A. Medical Center in Poplar Bluff. Mr. Kelly was born Feb. 9, 1932. He worked as an iron worker and enjoyed feeding fish in Tony's Lake, being outdoors, and spending time with his family and grandchildren. He was a veteran of the U.S. Marines and a member of the Calvary Baptist Church...

Ramona Toney PIEDMONT, Mo. -- Ramona Toney, 77, of Piedmont, Mo., died, Tuesday, Feb. 7, 2017, at Poplar Bluff Regional Medical Center. Arrangements are currently pending with Ruegg Funeral Homes, Inc. Online condolences: www.rueggfuneralhomes.com...

Danny W. Johnson QULIN, Mo., -- Danny W. Johnson, 56, of Doniphan, Mo., formerly of Qulin died Monday, Feb. 06, 2017 at his residence, in Doniphan. Mr. Johnson was born June 22, 1960 in Columbia, Mo. Mr. Johnson was a signal maintainer for the railroad and retired from Union Pacific Railroad in 2012. ...

Joyce M. Owens Joyce M. Owens, 71, of Poplar Bluff, Mo., passed away Monday, Feb. 6, 2017 at Poplar Bluff Regional Medical Center. Mrs. Owens, the daughter of the late Ralph and Mildred Crider Smith, was born Aug. 22, 1945 in Poplar Bluff. She attended South Poplar Bluff General Baptist Church. Mrs. Owens retired from The Manor Nursing Home as a dietary aid. She enjoyed spending time with her family, embroidery, completing word search puzzles and liked animals of all kinds...

Henry D. Miller Henry D. Miller, 54, of Cape Girardeau, formerly of Poplar Bluff, died Monday, Feb. 6, 2017 at St. Francis Medical Center in Cape Girardeau. A visitation will begin at 10 a.m. Thursday at Cotrell funeral Chapel in Poplar Bluff with the funeral service following at 11 a.m.. Apostle Anthony Q. Williams will officiate. Burial will follow at the Poplar Bluff City cemetery...

Norma Flow Stark Norma Flow Stark, 83, of Naylor, Mo. died Saturday, Feb. 4, 2017 at her home. A graveside service will take place at 9:30 a.m. Feb. 9, 2017 at the Pilgrims Rest Cemetery. Fowler -Sullivan Memorial Chapel is in charge of arrangements...