Stories from Tuesday, April 24, 2018

Millions of American's frustration with an outdated, broken and unfair tax code was met symbolically on Tuesday with news that their attempts to file their taxes online was currently 'unavailable' and that they should 'come back on Dec. 31, 9999." That's right, the old, clunky and broken tax code -- broke the IRS website. ...

By MIKE JENSEN It should come as no surprise that the Republican national leadership has decided to focus on Hillary Clinton as the face of the Democratic party in the run-up to the all-important midterm elections. It just makes sense. Hillary Clinton is a polarizing figure held in very low esteem by the GOP as well as some within her own party...

By STEPHEN MOORE Finally, some good news for the future of the North American Free Trade Agreement. CNBC is reporting that a framework for a renewed and improved NAFTA may be coming in the weeks ahead. It may be now or never for modernizing and extending this trade treaty. ...

MALDEN, Mo. - Amy Lynn Schatz, 44, of Malden, died Saturday, April 21, 2018 at her residence. Visitation will be at 12:30 p.m., Tuesday, April 24 at Bradshaw Funeral Home in Malden. The funeral will follow at 3 p.m. at Bradshaw Chapel with Rev. Roger Fowler officiating. Burial will be in Rosewood Cemetery in Malden. www.bradshawfh.com...

This past week the house Third Read and sent to the Senate HB 2129 that I sponsored that would require that beginning in school year 2019-2020 students in public or charter high schools shall receive 30 minutes of instruction providing information on decisions about organ, eye, and tissue donation before graduation...

Michael J. Baker, 70, of Poplar Bluff, Mo., died Monday, April 23, 2018 at the Poplar Bluff Regional Hospital in Poplar Bluff, Mo. Funeral Service will be held at 3 p.m. Tuesday, April 24, 2018 at Missouri Veterans Cemetery in Bloomfield, Mo. Online condolences: www.moorefuneralservice.com...

NEELYVILLE, Mo. -- Gloria June Webster, 65, of Doniphan, Mo., died Friday, April 20, 2018, at Landmark Hospital in Cape Girardeau, Mo. She was born Nov. 6, 1952, in Caruthersvile, Mo. She was a resident of Ripley County for 38 years and had formerly lived in Caruthersvile...

PUXICO, Mo. - Ruby Florence Barks, 81, of Puxico, died Saturday, April 21, 2018 at her home. Visitation will be from 5 - 8 p.m., Tuesday, April 24 at the First General Baptist Church in Puxico. The funeral will be at 11 a.m., Wednesday, April 25 at the First General Baptist Church in Puxico with the Rev. ...

LONDON (AP) -- Third time's a charm. The Duchess of Cambridge gave birth Monday morning to a new prince who is fifth in line to the British throne -- and she was home by suppertime. The duchess and husband Prince William drove to St. Mary's Hospital in London early in the morning, and Kate's 8 pound, 7 ounce (3.8 kilogram) boy was born at 11:01 a.m., with royal officials announcing the birth about two hours later...

Staff Reports The Three Rivers College Patrons of the Arts Society will round out its 2017-2018 season with a performance of "The Sleeping Beauty" by the Moscow Festival Ballet at the Tinnin Fine Arts Center on Monday, April 30, at 7 p.m. The performance is sponsored by Kissinger & Kirkman Investment Centre...

The Elevate Business Development Conference will feature an array of area professionals discussing topics relevant to the world of business and technology. Hosted by the Greater Poplar Bluff Area Chamber of Commerce, Smart Marketing and Three Rivers College, the inaugural event will be held from 8:30 a.m. to 3 p.m. Friday in the Robert W. Plaster building on Three Rivers' campus...

COTTLEVILLE, Mo. -- After pitching 14 innings on Friday, Three Rivers' Summer Shockley got her doubleheader off of the season as Three Rivers swept St. Charles on Sunday to also sweep the season series. Macy Rogers and Kari Hatridge more than met the challenge as the Lady Raiders won the opener 9-1 in six innings and the nightcap 6-0 at St. Charles...

A strong workforce begins in the classroom, said Greater Poplar Bluff Area Chamber of Commerce President Steve Halter at Monday's annual Teacher of the Year Banquet. Outstanding teachers and instructors from Three Rivers College, Poplar Bluff R-1 School District, Sacred Heart Catholic School and Westwood Baptist Academy gathered at Poplar Bluff High School to celebrate their collective passion for the profession...

DONIPHAN, Mo. -- Residents in Ripley County are speculating today on whether their hospital could close by the end of the summer. Hospital officials said Tuesday options have been discussed that could change health care in the county, but would not confirm the type of options that have been presented...