Stories from Wednesday, October 26, 2011

By MICHELLE FRIEDRICH Associate Editor Fire officials believe spontaneous combustion caused the recent fire at Dairy Queen after employees put hot rags with oily residue into a plastic container after laundering them, causing the rags to build up heat and eventually ignite...

By PATRICK T. SULLIVAN SEMO News Service MARBLE HILL, Mo. -- Despite public outrage, the Bollinger County Sheriff's Department has no leads as to who dragged and burned a pit bull Saturday. Bollinger County Sheriff Leo McElrath said his department is canvassing the county for information about a pit bull that was discovered by someone driving on County Road 318 near Marble Hill who spotted its charred body and notified authorities Friday night...

By DONNA FARLEY Staff Writer Fortis Plastics has filed documents with the state indicating it will likely shutter its Poplar Bluff, Mo., location shortly before Christmas. Permanent closure is expected between Dec. 2 and Dec. 16 by the South Bend, Ind.-based company that employs 142 people here, including 18 temporary workers...

By DONNA FARLEY Staff Writer One life is lost in Butler County every 10 days on average due to drug overdose, according to Coroner Jim Akers, with the majority of those deaths related to the abuse of prescription drugs. Two community events this week seek to address what is a growing problem locally and nationwide, the first through education and the second by reducing the potential for unwanted and unneeded medication to be misused...

Local sites for National Take Back Initiative collections from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. Saturday, according to the U.S. Drug Enforcement Administration:...

By DONNA FARLEY Staff Writer One life is lost in Butler County every 10 days on average due to drug overdose, according to Coroner Jim Akers, with the majority of those deaths related to the abuse of prescription drugs. Two community events this week seek to address what is a growing problem locally and nationwide, the first through education and the second by reducing the potential for unwanted and unneeded medication to be misused...

By MICHELLE FRIEDRICH Associate Editor Fire officials believe spontaneous combustion caused the recent fire at Dairy Queen after employees put hot rags with oily residue into a plastic container after laundering them, causing the rags to build up heat and eventually ignite...

Local sites for National Take Back Initiative collections from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. Saturday, according to the U.S. Drug Enforcement Administration:...

By DONNA FARLEY Staff Writer Fortis Plastics has filed documents with the state indicating it will likely shutter its Poplar Bluff, Mo., location shortly before Christmas. Permanent closure is expected between Dec. 2 and Dec. 16 by the South Bend, Ind.-based company that employs 142 people here, including 18 temporary workers...

By PATRICK T. SULLIVAN SEMO News Service MARBLE HILL, Mo. -- Despite public outrage, the Bollinger County Sheriff's Department has no leads as to who dragged and burned a pit bull Saturday. Bollinger County Sheriff Leo McElrath said his department is canvassing the county for information about a pit bull that was discovered by someone driving on County Road 318 near Marble Hill who spotted its charred body and notified authorities Friday night...

ESSEX -- The Bernie Lady Mules finally got the best of Jasmine Johnson and Bell City in the district playoffs Tuesday night. After Bell City had won the last eight Class 1 District 2 titles, the Lady Mules rallied in the first game and cruised in the second to win their first crown since 2001 over the Lady Cubs, 25-19, 25-11...

During his first tenure coaching the Poplar Bluff football team, Mark Barousse had a pair of 8-2 teams sitting at home come playoff time. Now the 2-7 Mules are looking to punch a playoff ticket Thursday night when they travel to Seckman. "It would be nice to play another week," Barousse said...

SCOTT CITY -- The Clearwater Lady Tigers and the Puxico Lady Indians both lost in the semifinals of the MSHSAA Class 2 District 2 tournament on Tuesday night. Clearwater got off to a great start but faltered with a 19-25, 25-19, 25-23 loss to St. Vincent...

NEW MADRID -- The Poplar Bluff Junior High girls basketball teams split with host New Madrid County Central on Tuesday. The seventh grade Lady Mules won 33-6 while Central won the eighth-grade game 30-24. In the eighth-grade game, the Lady Mules (2-2) got six points from Kylee Lutton to lead the way. Kaitlyn Slaughter had five points and eight rebounds while Jocelyn Clinton also added four points and six rebounds for Poplar Bluff...

MALDEN -- It wasn't won as cleanly this year but the Bloomfield Lady Wildcats are MSHSAA Class 2 District 1 champions regardless. The top-seed Lady Wildcats sandwiched wins around a hard-fought loss in the middle game to No. 3 Twin Rivers by scores of 25-18, 26-28, 25-8...

By JOHN WILLEY Staff Writer "Our whole menu is built around what (the types of food) people used to have at grandma's house" is the philosophy of Flapjacks', 3067 S. Westwood Blvd., across from Dennis Outdoors. Almost every item on the menu has been prepared with care by hand, which means there is a lot of preparatory work...

By DAVID SILVERBERG Associate Editor Plans have been made to improve McDonald's restaurants on Highway 53 and North Westwood Boulevard. "McDonald's South will undergo a major remodeling project. It started Monday and will be completed Dec. 19," owner Steve Sells said. "We will continue to be open for business while under construction. However, the drive-thru lane will be re-routed for up to two weeks and our lobby will be closed 2-3 weeks."...

By SCOTT MOYERS SEMO News Service CAPE GIRARDEAU, Mo. -- A general manager for Isle of Capri's new $125 million Cape Girardeau casino is expected to be named by year's end -- and he or she most likely will be someone from within the company, chief operating officer Arnold Block said Thursday...

John Farris, manager of M&A Electric Power Cooperative, was honored with the A.C. Burrows Award by the Association of Missouri Electric Cooperatives (AMEC) at that organization's annual meeting Oct. 7 in St. Louis. The purpose of the award is to recognize directors and employees of electric cooperatives for outstanding service to their cooperative, community and service areas. ...

The Association of Missouri Electric Cooperatives honored Charles Kruse, retired president of the Missouri Farm Bureau and a farmer from Dexter, with its "Mr. Co-op" Award during the association's annual meeting Oct. 7. "For the past several years, AMEC has presented a very special award to a select few individuals whose actions have earned them the eternal gratitude of those involved in rural electrification in this state," said Barry Hart, CEO of the association. ...

In an effort to keep pace with the changing business climate in Southeast Missouri and the engineering industry, Smith & Co. is pleased to announce the addition of Bill Robison of Bloomfield, Mo., as their Director of Communications and Client Relations...

Clarkton is 184 years old. This not only makes it the oldest town in Dunklin County, but one of the oldest in the state of Missouri. Although it was made an incorporated village in 1860, it was actually settled some 32 years prior to that date. The first settlers of what is now Clarkton, immigrated from Kentucky, crossing the Mississippi River in the dead of winter when the ice made it possible to cross with their wagons and their belongings. ...

By CHARLES KRAUTHAMMER WASHINGTON -- On Tuesday night, seismologists at the Las Vegas Oceanographic Institute reported the first recorded movement of a hair on Mitt Romney's head. Although it was only one follicle, displaced a mere 1.2 centimeters, the tremors were felt from Iowa to New Hampshire. Simultaneously, these same scientists detected signs of life in Rick Perry, last seen comatose at the recent Dartmouth debate...

By DONNA FARLEY Staff Writer More than 200 people turned out Tuesday for the second annual Poplar Bluff Project Home Connect and Stand Down, an event to connect people who are homeless or at risk for homelessness with needed services. Held at the Black River Coliseum, the event far exceeded the hopes of organizers, who saw less than 30 people at their first event...

Nine volunteers have been recognized by the Butler County Commission for 1,522 hours of work at the Butler County Archive during the 2010-2011 fiscal year. Presiding Commissioner Ed Strenfel presented a certificate of appreciation to Mary Cross, Connie Warren, Brenda Sheridan, Freda Wilkerson, Darlene McNeelis, Zelma Taylor, Shirley Pearman, June Allen and Cathy Richmon...

Chili supper benefit for Chuck Burns There will be a benefit soup and chili supper from 4 - 7:30 p.m. Monday, Nov. 7, in the Naylor School Cafeteria. All you can eat--$5. Soup, chili and dessert. Gun raffle drawing/BeautiControl Basket Drawing. Proceeds go to Chuck Burns and his family to assist with household bills, food, gas and medical expenses...

The Music Department at Three Rivers College will present its annual Madrigal Dinner Nov. 17 and 18 at the Tinnin Fine Arts Center. Tickets are on sale now at the college Business/Financial Services office and the Poplar Bluff Chamber of Commerce for $15...

The monthly meeting of the Walton Chapel Boosters was held at 6 p.m. Thursday, Oct. 6, in the community center Mary Crowley provided the treasurer's report and reported on the September fundraisers. The boosters sold funnel cakes at the Old Greenville Days and at Briggs & Stratton Car Show...

Richard Mastin Richard Alan Mastin, 47, of Poplar Bluff, Mo., died Monday, Oct. 24, 2011, at Westwood Hills Healthcare Center in Poplar Bluff. Mr. Mastin was born April 30, 1964, in Poplar Bluff. He was of the Protestant faith and was a factory worker. He enjoyed music and playing the guitar...

Glonda Baney MALDEN, Mo. -- Glonda Jocelyn Baney, 95, of Clarkton, Mo., died Monday, Oct. 24, 2011, at Twin Rivers Medical Center in Kennett, Mo. Mrs. Baney was born Sept. 23, 1916, in Poplar Bluff, Mo. On Jan. 20, 1934, she was married to Johnnie Franklin Baney at Poplar Bluff, Mo. He preceded her in death on Nov. 20, 1971...

Ralph Kitley PIEDMONT, Mo. -- Ralph Kitley, 86, of Poplar Bluff, Mo., formerly of Piedmont, Mo., died Tuesday, Oct. 25, 2011. Visitation will be at 11 a.m. Saturday followed by the funeral service at 1 p.m. at Ruegg Funeral Home in Piedmont, Mo. Burial will be in Masonic Cemetery in Piedmont...

Ray Shrum ELLINGTON, Mo. -- Ray Willard Shrum, 55, of Ellington, Mo., died Monday, Aug. 24, 2011, in Ellington. Mr. Shrum was born Oct. 3, 1956, at Van Buren, Mo. He was a member of Light House Temple in Ellington. He was a self-employed logger. He enjoyed spending time with friends and family, hunting, camping and going to garage sales with his family...

Ruby Gilmore DONIPHAN, Mo. -- Ruby Ellen Smith Gilmore, 82, of Fulton, Mo., died Monday, Oct. 24, 2011, in Fulton. The daughter of Perry and Flossie (Baker) Smith, Mrs. Smith was born Feb. 24, 1929, in Briar, Mo. She was married to Ray Gilmore on May 21, 1949. They were married 61 years. He preceded her in death on June 1, 2010...

Anita Fears ELLINGTON, Mo. -- Anita Elaine Fears, 64, of Ellington, Mo., died Monday, Oct. 24, 2011, at Poplar Bluff Regional Medical Center in Poplar Bluff. Mrs. Fears was born May 26, 1947, at Piedmont. She was a member of Believer's Chapel in Ellington and was a homemaker...

What do you get when two libraries team up to offer an Oscar-worthy film series? The answer: Popcorn on the Red Carpet, a run of Academy Award winning films hosted by the Poplar Bluff Public Library in conjunction with Rutland Library at Three Rivers College...

Louise I. Bowman ELLSINORE, MO. -- Louise I. Bowman, 91, of Ellsinore, Mo., died Monday, Oct. 24, 2011, in Poplar Bluff, Mo. Mrs. Bowman was born Oct. 6, 1920 in Annapolis, Mo. Mrs. Bowman was a homemaker and a member of the General Baptist Church in Ellsinore. She enjoyed fishing and spending time with family and friends...

ELLSINORE, Mo. -- A Veterans Recognition event is scheduled at 2 p.m. Saturday, Nov. 5 at the Pioneer Museum in Ellsinore, Mo. Jointly sponsored by the museum and by Ellsinore's American Legion Auxiliary, this second fellowship event will recognize those who have fought or worked otherwise in military service to preserve freedom, to express appreciation to them and for them and to focus attention on using freedom under God wisely. ...

Missouri Star Quilter's Guild held its October meeting at 6:30 p.m. Thursday, Oct. 13, at the First Methodist Church. The president, Teresa Rueck presided. The minutes for September's meeting and the treasurer's report were provided. Dorothy Ennis, the scheduled speaker, cancelled due to illness. An effort will be made to reschedule her...

By DAR STAFF Notre Dame scored two first-half goals Tuesday night and that's all they needed to top the Poplar Bluff Mules. The Bulldogs won 2-0 in Poplar Bluff's final game of the regular season at Whiteley Park. The Mules (6-13-1) have dropped seven of its last eight games, scoring just five goals in that span...

By CHARLES KRAUTHAMMER WASHINGTON -- On Tuesday night, seismologists at the Las Vegas Oceanographic Institute reported the first recorded movement of a hair on Mitt Romney's head. Although it was only one follicle, displaced a mere 1.2 centimeters, the tremors were felt from Iowa to New Hampshire. Simultaneously, these same scientists detected signs of life in Rick Perry, last seen comatose at the recent Dartmouth debate...

In an effort to keep pace with the changing business climate in Southeast Missouri and the engineering industry, Smith & Co. is pleased to announce the addition of Bill Robison of Bloomfield, Mo., as their Director of Communications and Client Relations...

By DONNA FARLEY Staff Writer More than 200 people turned out Tuesday for the second annual Poplar Bluff Project Home Connect and Stand Down, an event to connect people who are homeless or at risk for homelessness with needed services. Held at the Black River Coliseum, the event far exceeded the hopes of organizers, who saw less than 30 people at their first event...

Clarkton is 184 years old. This not only makes it the oldest town in Dunklin County, but one of the oldest in the state of Missouri. Although it was made an incorporated village in 1860, it was actually settled some 32 years prior to that date. The first settlers of what is now Clarkton, immigrated from Kentucky, crossing the Mississippi River in the dead of winter when the ice made it possible to cross with their wagons and their belongings. ...

The Association of Missouri Electric Cooperatives honored Charles Kruse, retired president of the Missouri Farm Bureau and a farmer from Dexter, with its "Mr. Co-op" Award during the association's annual meeting Oct. 7. "For the past several years, AMEC has presented a very special award to a select few individuals whose actions have earned them the eternal gratitude of those involved in rural electrification in this state," said Barry Hart, CEO of the association. ...

MALDEN -- It wasn't won as cleanly this year but the Bloomfield Lady Wildcats are MSHSAA Class 2 District 1 champions regardless. The top-seed Lady Wildcats sandwiched wins around a hard-fought loss in the middle game to No. 3 Twin Rivers by scores of 25-18, 26-28, 25-8...

NEW MADRID -- The Poplar Bluff Junior High girls basketball teams split with host New Madrid County Central on Tuesday. The seventh grade Lady Mules won 33-6 while Central won the eighth-grade game 30-24. In the eighth-grade game, the Lady Mules (2-2) got six points from Kylee Lutton to lead the way. Kaitlyn Slaughter had five points and eight rebounds while Jocelyn Clinton also added four points and six rebounds for Poplar Bluff...

During his first tenure coaching the Poplar Bluff football team, Mark Barousse had a pair of 8-2 teams sitting at home come playoff time. Now the 2-7 Mules are looking to punch a playoff ticket Thursday night when they travel to Seckman. "It would be nice to play another week," Barousse said...

ESSEX -- The Bernie Lady Mules finally got the best of Jasmine Johnson and Bell City in the district playoffs Tuesday night. After Bell City had won the last eight Class 1 District 2 titles, the Lady Mules rallied in the first game and cruised in the second to win their first crown since 2001 over the Lady Cubs, 25-19, 25-11...

Ruby Gilmore DONIPHAN, Mo. -- Ruby Ellen Smith Gilmore, 82, of Fulton, Mo., died Monday, Oct. 24, 2011, in Fulton. The daughter of Perry and Flossie (Baker) Smith, Mrs. Smith was born Feb. 24, 1929, in Briar, Mo. She was married to Ray Gilmore on May 21, 1949. They were married 61 years. He preceded her in death on June 1, 2010...

Anita Fears ELLINGTON, Mo. -- Anita Elaine Fears, 64, of Ellington, Mo., died Monday, Oct. 24, 2011, at Poplar Bluff Regional Medical Center in Poplar Bluff. Mrs. Fears was born May 26, 1947, at Piedmont. She was a member of Believer's Chapel in Ellington and was a homemaker...

Louise I. Bowman ELLSINORE, MO. -- Louise I. Bowman, 91, of Ellsinore, Mo., died Monday, Oct. 24, 2011, in Poplar Bluff, Mo. Mrs. Bowman was born Oct. 6, 1920 in Annapolis, Mo. Mrs. Bowman was a homemaker and a member of the General Baptist Church in Ellsinore. She enjoyed fishing and spending time with family and friends...

ELLSINORE, Mo. -- A Veterans Recognition event is scheduled at 2 p.m. Saturday, Nov. 5 at the Pioneer Museum in Ellsinore, Mo. Jointly sponsored by the museum and by Ellsinore's American Legion Auxiliary, this second fellowship event will recognize those who have fought or worked otherwise in military service to preserve freedom, to express appreciation to them and for them and to focus attention on using freedom under God wisely. ...

Missouri Star Quilter's Guild held its October meeting at 6:30 p.m. Thursday, Oct. 13, at the First Methodist Church. The president, Teresa Rueck presided. The minutes for September's meeting and the treasurer's report were provided. Dorothy Ennis, the scheduled speaker, cancelled due to illness. An effort will be made to reschedule her...

Ray Shrum ELLINGTON, Mo. -- Ray Willard Shrum, 55, of Ellington, Mo., died Monday, Aug. 24, 2011, in Ellington. Mr. Shrum was born Oct. 3, 1956, at Van Buren, Mo. He was a member of Light House Temple in Ellington. He was a self-employed logger. He enjoyed spending time with friends and family, hunting, camping and going to garage sales with his family...

Ralph Kitley PIEDMONT, Mo. -- Ralph Kitley, 86, of Poplar Bluff, Mo., formerly of Piedmont, Mo., died Tuesday, Oct. 25, 2011. Visitation will be at 11 a.m. Saturday followed by the funeral service at 1 p.m. at Ruegg Funeral Home in Piedmont, Mo. Burial will be in Masonic Cemetery in Piedmont...

Richard Mastin Richard Alan Mastin, 47, of Poplar Bluff, Mo., died Monday, Oct. 24, 2011, at Westwood Hills Healthcare Center in Poplar Bluff. Mr. Mastin was born April 30, 1964, in Poplar Bluff. He was of the Protestant faith and was a factory worker. He enjoyed music and playing the guitar...

Glonda Baney MALDEN, Mo. -- Glonda Jocelyn Baney, 95, of Clarkton, Mo., died Monday, Oct. 24, 2011, at Twin Rivers Medical Center in Kennett, Mo. Mrs. Baney was born Sept. 23, 1916, in Poplar Bluff, Mo. On Jan. 20, 1934, she was married to Johnnie Franklin Baney at Poplar Bluff, Mo. He preceded her in death on Nov. 20, 1971...

The Music Department at Three Rivers College will present its annual Madrigal Dinner Nov. 17 and 18 at the Tinnin Fine Arts Center. Tickets are on sale now at the college Business/Financial Services office and the Poplar Bluff Chamber of Commerce for $15...

The monthly meeting of the Walton Chapel Boosters was held at 6 p.m. Thursday, Oct. 6, in the community center Mary Crowley provided the treasurer's report and reported on the September fundraisers. The boosters sold funnel cakes at the Old Greenville Days and at Briggs & Stratton Car Show...

Chili supper benefit for Chuck Burns There will be a benefit soup and chili supper from 4 - 7:30 p.m. Monday, Nov. 7, in the Naylor School Cafeteria. All you can eat--$5. Soup, chili and dessert. Gun raffle drawing/BeautiControl Basket Drawing. Proceeds go to Chuck Burns and his family to assist with household bills, food, gas and medical expenses...

Nine volunteers have been recognized by the Butler County Commission for 1,522 hours of work at the Butler County Archive during the 2010-2011 fiscal year. Presiding Commissioner Ed Strenfel presented a certificate of appreciation to Mary Cross, Connie Warren, Brenda Sheridan, Freda Wilkerson, Darlene McNeelis, Zelma Taylor, Shirley Pearman, June Allen and Cathy Richmon...

By DAR STAFF Notre Dame scored two first-half goals Tuesday night and that's all they needed to top the Poplar Bluff Mules. The Bulldogs won 2-0 in Poplar Bluff's final game of the regular season at Whiteley Park. The Mules (6-13-1) have dropped seven of its last eight games, scoring just five goals in that span...