Stories from Saturday, November 19, 2022

At 85, master gig maker and author Ray Joe Hastings is widely known to be a dedicated advocate for preserving the memory and availability of gigging, a river sport enjoyed in the Ozarks as early as about 1800. For his efforts to sustain the county’s heritage and local folklore, Hastings was recently nominated for the National Heritage Fellowship, which is the nation’s highest honor in folk and traditional arts...

Landon Jarrell and Reanna Laden have a tradition each year at Moonlight Madness. These Dexter High School Students were not looking for a great deal at a local store. They were helping others. The duo once again braved the cold windy conditions selling hot cocoa and cookies on Stoddard Street. This year the proceeds from their booth went to the CLASS orginization. CLASS provides clothing and other supplies to students in need at area schools. Laden and Jarrell raised $2,000 this year...

Ripley County Sheltered Workshop employees are spearheading an effort to make the Christmas holiday special for those who need it most: the county’s underprivileged children and families. From now until Dec. 16, the workshop will be accepting donations of new toys, new clothing of any size and monetary contributions...

If you work or volunteer at an animal shelter in Poplar Bluff, then you already know the person I’m about to talk about. And even if you don’t, Samantha Tucker has already had a big impact on the community and her co-workers in the little over a year that she’s been with the Daily American Republic...

Officers responded to a domestic disturbance at 11:12 a.m., Nov. 19 at a residence in the 1900 block of Garfield Street. No injuries were reported and neither party wanted to press charges. _ Douglas Matthew reported at 2:57 p.m., Nov. 19 his vehicle stolen after a friend borrowed it and did not return it...