Stories from Friday, March 3, 2017

By PAT PRATT Staff Writer Part of a national movement to get out of houses of worship and into the streets, two local churches offered "Ashes to Go" in accordance with the holy day on Wednesday. First Christian Church in the 1600 block of North Main began at 6 a.m. in order to serve those in the community who work or take children to school. Pastor Frank Chlastak says the event was part of an overall revisit of the church's plan for outreach...

By PAT PRATT Staff Writer Two Poplar Bluff Junior High School students are tackling some of society's big issues with creative filmmaking. Eighth grade students Zoe Savat and Alexis Richardson each submitted a short video on, respectively, teenage depression and the challenges parents of disabled children face, during the Midwest Education Technology Community (METC) Student Innovation Showcase Feb. 13-15 in St. Louis...

The House took action this week to ensure access to quality education for Missouri children, reform Missouri's unemployment insurance program and ensure pregnancy resource centers receive much-needed support. Information on these and other important House issues can be found below...

Did donut trucks pay vendor fee? I read in amazement this front page article about a donut shop coming from Springfield, Mo. with two truckloads of donuts and our good citizens of Poplar Bluff patronized this Springfield business. We have a local donut shop -- Donut House -- that provides good services to us and excellent donuts and pays taxes and pays city fees to have a business. ...

Bernie student on Dean's List MAGNOLIA, Ark. - Paige Mays of Bernie earned a 3.5 GPA or higher for the Fall 2016 semester, securing a spot on the Dean's List at Southern Arkansas University. Mays is a senior university studies major.

G'ville HS Students of Month Greenville High School staff has selected February Students of the Month. They are: Jake Garrett Fox, son of Kevin and Melissa Fox, is FFA president. His other school activities include trap shooting, basketball, BETA, Student Council, BEAR Ambassador, FCCLA, and volunteer firefighter. Jake's hobbies are hunting, fishing and weight lifting...

JACKSON, Mo. -- Kayt Haynes and Erin Cornelius did something teams tried 28 times this season and couldn't do. The Puxico guards held Oran's Leah Cauble to a season-low 17 points Wednesday night but the Eagles still managed to beat the Indians 73-54 in the MSHSAA Class 2 playoff...

Despite Riley Hickerson's hot start to the season, the Raiders weren't able to find a region win last weekend. Three Rivers College lost its opener 5-0 and the nightcap 10-7 Sunday to lose all four games against North Central College in its opening set of Region XVI games...

So far, things have proven that the true test for the Neelyville girls basketball team is still ahead. While celebrating their fifth straight MSHSAA Class 2 quarterfinal berth ruled the night Wednesday, chances of advancing to the final four for the second straight year loom larger for the Lady Tigers...

MOUNTAIN GROVE, Mo. -- The opening round of the MSHSAA Class 2 playoffs has become a hunting ground for the Neelyville Lady Tigers. This time around, Gainesville was the victim. After a bit of a sluggish start, Neelyville kicked it into high gear, especially on defense, and cruised to the quarterfinals for the fifth consecutive season with a 68-51 win over Gainesville...

Lyle Larrew Lyle E. "Mike" Larrew, 91, of Poplar Bluff, Mo., passed away Wednesday, March 1, 2017 at Westwood Hills Healthcare. Mr. Larrew, the son of the late Joseph Wesley and Ethel Mae Faulkner Larrew, was born Oct. 17, 1925 in Hartsell, Co. A World War II veteran, Mr. ...

Darla Sue Bradshaw QULIN, Mo. - Darla Sue Bradshaw, age 52, died Wednesday March 1, 2017 in Qulin, Mo. There will be a graveside service at 3 p.m. on Saturday, March 4 at Qulin Cemetery in Qulin with Rev. Sandra Mick officiating. Condolences: www.whitesandersfuneralhome.com...

Jimmy Dockins DONIPHAN, Mo. - Jimmy Scott Dockins, 54, of Doniphan, Mo., departed this life Tuesday, Feb. 28, 2017, at Siteman Cancer Center in St. Louis, Mo., after a long battle with leukemia. Mr. Dockins was born in Casa Grande, Ariz., on Feb. 12, 1963, to the late Jesse and Kitty (Baugus) Dockins. ...

Rex Bernard Metz Rex Bernard Metz, 92, formerly of Poplar Bluff, Mo., died Saturday, Feb. 25, 2017 at his residence in St. Peters, Mo. Mr. Metz was born Oct. 3, 1924 in Neelyville, Mo., the son of Louis Albert Metz and Rebecca Jane Woolard Metz. On June 30, 1949, he was married to Violet Faye Woods. She preceded him in death on March 14, 2016...

Steven Hafford Steven Hafford, 52, of Poplar Bluff, Mo., passed away Tuesday, Feb. 27, 2016 at his residence. Mr. Hafford, the son of Eldon and Sharon Hafford, was born Dec. 6, 1964 in Poplar Bluff. He was a retired chef. Mr. Hafford enjoyed spending time with his family and tinkering...

Tommy Clarkson Tommy Clarkson, 73, of Poplar Bluff, died Tuesday, February 28, 2017 at his home. Arrangements are pending with Fowler-Sullivan Funeral Home in Poplar Bluff.

Willard Guess PIEDMONT, Mo. - Willard Guess, 93, of Piedmont, died Thurs., March 2, 2017 at the Lewis and Clark Gardens Nursing Center in St. Charles, Mo. Arrangements are pending with Morrison-Worley funeral Chapel, Piedmont.

Imogene Spargo Sullivan NEELYVILLE, Mo.-Imogene Spargo Sullivan, 92, of Poplar Bluff, Mo. passed away Tuesday, Feb. 28, 2017 at Swift Creek Residential Care in Poplar Bluff, Mo., with her family by her side. Mrs. Sullivan was born on March 20, 1924 in Black Oak, Ark. She worked as a farmer and enjoyed gardening, quilting and was involved in TOPS organization in Poplar Bluff. She was a member of the Neelyville United Methodist Church and worked the election polls in Neelyville for several years...