Stories from Friday, October 28, 2011

By PATRICK T. SULLIVAN SEMO News Service MARBLE HILL, Mo. -- Authorities are close to making an arrest in connection with the pit bull that was dragged and burned last week in Bollinger County. Sheriff Leo McElrath said his department received a promising lead and had hoped to make an arrest Thursday afternoon but chose to do more investigating before doing so...

By MICHELLE FRIEDRICH Associate Editor Local and state investigators remained on the scene this morning of an overnight house fire, which claimed the life of a Poplar Bluff, Mo., man. David L. Buchanan, 53, was found dead inside the bedroom of his home at 1401 N. 12th St., according to Butler County Coroner Jim Akers, who responded a little after 4 a.m...

By DONNA FARLEY Staff Writer From an unborn baby, to a 14-year-old girl and the elderly, prescription drug overdose deaths in Butler County encompass every age and neighborhood, a group of panelists said during discussions at Thursday's town hall meeting at Poplar Bluff High School...

By MICHELLE FRIEDRICH Associate Editor A welfare check on the safety of four Poplar Bluff, Mo., children Thursday afternoon may result in their parents facing endangerment and drug-related charges after authorities found evidence of suspected methamphetamine production in the home...

By MICHELLE FRIEDRICH Associate Editor Local and state investigators remained on the scene this morning of an overnight house fire, which claimed the life of a Poplar Bluff, Mo., man. David L. Buchanan, 53, was found dead inside the bedroom of his home at 1401 N. 12th St., according to Butler County Coroner Jim Akers, who responded a little after 4 a.m...

By PATRICK T. SULLIVAN SEMO News Service MARBLE HILL, Mo. -- Authorities are close to making an arrest in connection with the pit bull that was dragged and burned last week in Bollinger County. Sheriff Leo McElrath said his department received a promising lead and had hoped to make an arrest Thursday afternoon but chose to do more investigating before doing so...

DEXTER -- Dexter coach Aaron Pixley probably felt like he was in high school all over again Thursday night. The Bearcats beat Fredericktown 35-0 to take home the MSHSAA Class 3 District 1 title for the second straight season. It is the first time the Bearcats have won nine games since 1987 and the first time the Bearcats have won two straight district crowns since 1986-87...

IMPERIAL -- Despite trailing on the scoreboard, the Poplar Bluff Mules were just over 2 minutes from making the playoffs Thursday night. After seeing an 18-point lead cut down to six, Seckman pulled out a trick play for a touchdown and returned a third interception for a score. But the Jaguars still needed to recover an onside kick in the final seconds to seal a playoff spot in wild 42-30 win over the visiting Mules...

EAST PRAIRIE -- A win in Week 10 in 2012 will be a pretty big deal when the new MSHSAA district playoff format starts. Unfortunately for Malden, a Week 10 win this year meant very little in the grand scheme of things. After a devastating loss to Charleston last week eliminated Malden from district contention in Class 2 District 1, the Green Wave bounced back nicely as junior quarterback Tanner Murphy ran for four touchdowns and tossed for one in a 50-14 victory over East Prairie...

To the Editor; On behalf of the entire Southeast Missouri Fellowship of Christian Athletes (FCA) Student Membership, Huddle Coaches and Volunteers, we wish to acknowledge and thank the bikers and following businesses for their sponsorship and help in making the annual FCA Motorcycle Rally/Poker Run held October 8th, 2011 another huge success. ...

By GEORGE F. WILL WASHINGTON -- You step onto an airport's moving walkway, a flat metal conveyor belt that conveys travelers down an airport concourse, sparing them the indignity of burning a few calories by walking a bit. And soon a recorded voice says: "The moving sidewalk is coming to an end. Please look down."...

It doesn't come as a huge surprise that President Obama has decided to embrace the Occupy Wall Street movement. There has always been a certain drum circle flavor to this administration. In fact, nothing illustrated the point so well as when, a couple of weeks ago (before the president decided that OWS was his ticket to re-election), Vice President Biden referred in a radio interview to one of the agitators as "Van Jones, whoever he is." The program's host interjected that Jones was the former "green jobs" czar in the Obama administration. ...

Check shooting incident closer I seen in today's paper where a lady was being charged with shooting her boyfriend because, supposedly, he was gonna stab a dog. I think they need to look at that a little bit deeper. That doesn't sound right. Thank you...

Carolyn Horton A vibrant and loving wife, mother, grandmother and friend, Carolyn Horton, 58, passed away at her second home in Phoenix, Ariz., after a valiant battle with cancer. Carolyn, called "Sue" by her family as a child, was born in St. Louis, Mo., to Mildred Bryant and Harrison Kester...

Hillary Nicole Henson and Tyler Scott Henson of Clubb, Mo., have chosen the name Gia Dalaine for their 7-pound, 5-ounce daughter born at 5:50 p.m. Wednesday, Oct. 12, 2011, at St. Francis Medical Center. She was 18.5 inches long. The infant has one brother...

Victor Butler PIEDMONT, Mo. -- Victor L. Butler, 93, of Piedmont, Mo., died Friday, Oct. 28, 2011, at his residence. Funeral arrangements are pending with Morrison-Worley Funeral Chapel in Piedmont.

Ralph Kitley Ralph Eugene Kitley, 86, of Poplar Bluff, Mo., formerly of Piedmont, Mo., died Tuesday, Oct. 25, 2011, in Poplar Bluff. He was born Aug. 8, 1925, in Flora, Ill. Mr. Kitley was a served in the U.S. Marine Corps from 1943 to 1946 and was a veteran of World War II...

Barbara Collier DONIPHAN, Mo. -- Barbara Lee Collier, 69, of Doniphan, Mo., died Wednesday, Oct. 26, 2011, at her residence. Mrs. Collier was born Oct. 13, 1942 in Biggers, Ark., to the late Cecil and Nettie (Bowers) Hampton. She was a housewife and was of the Pentecostal faith. She loved spending time with her family, her grandchildren and playing card games...

Kathryn Jones-Terry VAN BUREN, Mo. -- Kathryn Jones-Terry, 63, of Poplar Bluff, Mo., died Wednesday, Oct. 26, 2011, in Poplar Bluff Regional Medical Center in Poplar Bluff, Mo. She was born March 6, 1948 in Poplar Bluff. Mrs. Terry was a longtime resident of Poplar Bluff and worked as physician's assistant to Dr. ...

Minnie Marion BLOOMFIELD, Mo. -- Minnie Egetta Marion, 86, of Bloomfield, Mo., died Wednesday, Oct. 26, 2011, at Mountain Home, Ark. She was born Feb. 6, 1925, in Portageville, Mo. Mrs. Marion moved to Bloomfield in 1952. In her early life, she worked as a bookkeeper, telephone operator, and later worked at Elder Manufacturing for several years. ...

Pastor Johnny and Hattie Williams will be honored with Honorary Doctorates in Ministry at 3 p.m. Saturday at the First United Methodist Church, 500 N. Main St. The degrees will be presented by The International Bible College of Theology of Norris City, Ill...

The First Christian Church, 1601 N. Main St., will host its first Christian costume party from 6:30 - 8 p.m. Sunday at the church. Instead of a "Spook-tacular-Event," this will be a "Spirit-tacular-Event." Come dressed as anything listed in the Bible: an animal, angel, wise man, etc. This event is for all children, ages 2 - 18 years of age. Please, NO costumes that do not pertain to the Bible or that may be considered frightening or inappropriate...

Ann Orey -- Pollard, Ark. Carolyn Horton -- Phoenix, Ariz. Jeff Smith -- Dexter, Mo. Dorothy Sweeza -- Poplar Bluff, Mo. William LaPorte III -- Steele, Mo. Minnie Marion -- Bloomfield, Mo. Kathryn Jones-Terry -- Poplar Bluff, Mo. Victor Butler --Piedmont, Mo...

The one-room Carter schoolhouse on HH Highway will be hosting an open house beginning at 10 a.m. Saturday. Refreshments will be provided. All are welcome. For more information call Bill Phelps at 785-4068.

Ann Orey PIGGOTT, Ark. -- Ann Orey, 69, of Pollard, Ark., died Wednesday, Oct. 26, 2011, at Poplar Bluff Regional Medical Center in Poplar Bluff, Mo. In October 1978, she was married to Phillip Orey. He survives. Also surviving are her children, Liane Gary of Piggott, Ark., Robert Gary of Houston, Texas, Kristy Orey Wilson of Marmaduke, Ark.; one brother Larry Barnes of Illinios; and eight grandchildren...

Dorothy Sweeza Dorothy L. Sweeza, 82, a longtime resident of Poplar Bluff, Mo., died Wednesday, Oct. 26, 2011. She was born June 7, 1929, in Fairdealing, Mo. Mrs. Sweeza was a homemaker, enjoyed being with family and friends, and listening to gospel music...

Jeff Smith DEXTER, Mo. -- Charles "Jeff" Smith, 95, of Dexter, Mo., died Wednesday, Oct. 26, 2011, at Missouri Southern Healthcare Emergency Room in Dexter, Mo. Mr. Smith was born on Aug. 17, 1916, in Leora, Mo. Mr. Smith was a veteran of the United States Army and served in World War II. He worked as terminal manager and truck driver for Hart Transportation in Dexter for 18 years...

William LaPorte III William Earl LaPorte III, 47, of Steele, Mo., died Saturday, Oct. 22, 2011, at Ripley County Memorial Hospital in Doniphan, Mo. Mr. LaPorte was born Nov. 29, 1963, in Memphis, Tenn. He formerly lived in Sedalia, Mo., and Phoenix, Ariz. He was of the Catholic faith...

EAST PRAIRIE -- A win in Week 10 in 2012 will be a pretty big deal when the new MSHSAA district playoff format starts. Unfortunately for Malden, a Week 10 win this year meant very little in the grand scheme of things. After a devastating loss to Charleston last week eliminated Malden from district contention in Class 2 District 1, the Green Wave bounced back nicely as junior quarterback Tanner Murphy ran for four touchdowns and tossed for one in a 50-14 victory over East Prairie...

Pastor Johnny and Hattie Williams will be honored with Honorary Doctorates in Ministry at 3 p.m. Saturday at the First United Methodist Church, 500 N. Main St. The degrees will be presented by The International Bible College of Theology of Norris City, Ill...

The First Christian Church, 1601 N. Main St., will host its first Christian costume party from 6:30 - 8 p.m. Sunday at the church. Instead of a "Spook-tacular-Event," this will be a "Spirit-tacular-Event." Come dressed as anything listed in the Bible: an animal, angel, wise man, etc. This event is for all children, ages 2 - 18 years of age. Please, NO costumes that do not pertain to the Bible or that may be considered frightening or inappropriate...

Minnie Marion BLOOMFIELD, Mo. -- Minnie Egetta Marion, 86, of Bloomfield, Mo., died Wednesday, Oct. 26, 2011, at Mountain Home, Ark. She was born Feb. 6, 1925, in Portageville, Mo. Mrs. Marion moved to Bloomfield in 1952. In her early life, she worked as a bookkeeper, telephone operator, and later worked at Elder Manufacturing for several years. ...

Kathryn Jones-Terry VAN BUREN, Mo. -- Kathryn Jones-Terry, 63, of Poplar Bluff, Mo., died Wednesday, Oct. 26, 2011, in Poplar Bluff Regional Medical Center in Poplar Bluff, Mo. She was born March 6, 1948 in Poplar Bluff. Mrs. Terry was a longtime resident of Poplar Bluff and worked as physician's assistant to Dr. ...

Barbara Collier DONIPHAN, Mo. -- Barbara Lee Collier, 69, of Doniphan, Mo., died Wednesday, Oct. 26, 2011, at her residence. Mrs. Collier was born Oct. 13, 1942 in Biggers, Ark., to the late Cecil and Nettie (Bowers) Hampton. She was a housewife and was of the Pentecostal faith. She loved spending time with her family, her grandchildren and playing card games...

Ralph Kitley Ralph Eugene Kitley, 86, of Poplar Bluff, Mo., formerly of Piedmont, Mo., died Tuesday, Oct. 25, 2011, in Poplar Bluff. He was born Aug. 8, 1925, in Flora, Ill. Mr. Kitley was a served in the U.S. Marine Corps from 1943 to 1946 and was a veteran of World War II...

Hillary Nicole Henson and Tyler Scott Henson of Clubb, Mo., have chosen the name Gia Dalaine for their 7-pound, 5-ounce daughter born at 5:50 p.m. Wednesday, Oct. 12, 2011, at St. Francis Medical Center. She was 18.5 inches long. The infant has one brother...

Check shooting incident closer I seen in today's paper where a lady was being charged with shooting her boyfriend because, supposedly, he was gonna stab a dog. I think they need to look at that a little bit deeper. That doesn't sound right. Thank you...

It doesn't come as a huge surprise that President Obama has decided to embrace the Occupy Wall Street movement. There has always been a certain drum circle flavor to this administration. In fact, nothing illustrated the point so well as when, a couple of weeks ago (before the president decided that OWS was his ticket to re-election), Vice President Biden referred in a radio interview to one of the agitators as "Van Jones, whoever he is." The program's host interjected that Jones was the former "green jobs" czar in the Obama administration. ...

By GEORGE F. WILL WASHINGTON -- You step onto an airport's moving walkway, a flat metal conveyor belt that conveys travelers down an airport concourse, sparing them the indignity of burning a few calories by walking a bit. And soon a recorded voice says: "The moving sidewalk is coming to an end. Please look down."...

To the Editor; On behalf of the entire Southeast Missouri Fellowship of Christian Athletes (FCA) Student Membership, Huddle Coaches and Volunteers, we wish to acknowledge and thank the bikers and following businesses for their sponsorship and help in making the annual FCA Motorcycle Rally/Poker Run held October 8th, 2011 another huge success. ...

The one-room Carter schoolhouse on HH Highway will be hosting an open house beginning at 10 a.m. Saturday. Refreshments will be provided. All are welcome. For more information call Bill Phelps at 785-4068.

Ann Orey -- Pollard, Ark. Carolyn Horton -- Phoenix, Ariz. Jeff Smith -- Dexter, Mo. Dorothy Sweeza -- Poplar Bluff, Mo. William LaPorte III -- Steele, Mo. Minnie Marion -- Bloomfield, Mo. Kathryn Jones-Terry -- Poplar Bluff, Mo. Victor Butler --Piedmont, Mo...