Stories from Monday, November 14, 2011

Photos and story By DAVID SILVERBERG Associate Editor Veterans of all wars were remembered and honored during the Poplar Bluff, Mo., Veterans Day program. World War II veterans were joined by those who fought in Korea, Vietnam, Iraq and Afghanistan...

Story and photo By SARABETH WALLER Staff Writer As Twin Rivers High School students, staff and community members honored veterans Friday morning for Veterans Day, Qulin, Mo., native and Army Col. Douglas Rose Jr. watched the assembly from Kabul, Afghanistan, via Skype. He also spoke to the students about the importance of honoring those who have served...

By DAVID SILVERBERG Associate Editor Two U.S. representatives whose districts border the Missouri/Arkansas state line conducted a caravan Wednesday to "keep the momentum moving" for completing the four-laning of U.S. 67 between Poplar Bluff, Mo. and Highway 226 west of Jonesboro, Ark...

By DONNA FARLEY Staff Writer Butler County Health Department announced Thursday mosquitoes which tested positive for West Nile Virus have been found within Poplar Bluff, Mo. Officials warn that even though cooler temperatures have moved into the area, residents should still be cautious...

By DONNA FARLEY Staff Writer Two area school districts are inviting their patrons to community Thanksgiving dinners this month. Poplar Bluff R-I will host the dinner from 5-7 p.m. Tuesday at the high school campus' Student Center. Doniphan R-I will open its doors to residents from 5-8 p.m. Monday, Nov. 21 at the middle school cafeteria...

By DONNA FARLEY Staff Writer Legislators who back a law that would place surcharges on cell phones for 911 locator services recently voiced concern at the prospect of it again going on a statewide ballot, where the measure has been voted down twice...

By PAUL DAVIS Outdoors Editor Strong winds up to 45 mph over the weekend hampered deer hunting success for the first two days of the firearms season. Hunters across Missouri killed 89,732 deer Saturday and Sunday, short of last year's 97,774 over the same time period...

By MICHELLE FRIEDRICH Associate Editor Members of the local Ozark Regional Homeland Security Response Team recently demonstrated its newly acquired mass care/decontamination trailer, which is available for use should a natural or manmade disaster occur anywhere in Missouri or surrounding states...

CHARLESTON, Mo. -- The officers involved in the Tuesday fatal shooting of a Charleston man have been placed on paid administrative leave. The law enforcement officers were placed on leave pending the outcome of the investigation of the death of Murry Lee Asberry, 34, who was fatally shot while confronting them with a knife...

By MICHELLE FRIEDRICH Associate Editor Members of the local Ozark Regional Homeland Security Response Team recently demonstrated its newly acquired mass care/decontamination trailer, which is available for use should a natural or manmade disaster occur anywhere in Missouri or surrounding states...

Story and photo By SARABETH WALLER Staff Writer As Twin Rivers High School students, staff and community members honored veterans Friday morning for Veterans Day, Qulin, Mo., native and Army Col. Douglas Rose Jr. watched the assembly from Kabul, Afghanistan, via Skype. He also spoke to the students about the importance of honoring those who have served...

By DAVID SILVERBERG Associate Editor Two U.S. representatives whose districts border the Missouri/Arkansas state line conducted a caravan Wednesday to "keep the momentum moving" for completing the four-laning of U.S. 67 between Poplar Bluff, Mo. and Highway 226 west of Jonesboro, Ark...

By DONNA FARLEY Staff Writer Butler County Health Department announced Thursday mosquitoes which tested positive for West Nile Virus have been found within Poplar Bluff, Mo. Officials warn that even though cooler temperatures have moved into the area, residents should still be cautious...

By DONNA FARLEY Staff Writer Legislators who back a law that would place surcharges on cell phones for 911 locator services recently voiced concern at the prospect of it again going on a statewide ballot, where the measure has been voted down twice...

By PAUL DAVIS Outdoors Editor Strong winds up to 45 mph over the weekend hampered deer hunting success for the first two days of the firearms season. Hunters across Missouri killed 89,732 deer Saturday and Sunday, short of last year's 97,774 over the same time period...

Photos and story By DAVID SILVERBERG Associate Editor Veterans of all wars were remembered and honored during the Poplar Bluff, Mo., Veterans Day program. World War II veterans were joined by those who fought in Korea, Vietnam, Iraq and Afghanistan...

The Three Rivers Raiders were thinking John A. Logan was going to make a second-half run but it never came Saturday night. The Raiders led from start to finish in a win over the Volunteers, 96-57, at the Bess Activity Center. Three Rivers has now won three straight games after losing the season opener at Lincoln Trail...

The Agee Community Club celebrated 79 years of never missing a monthly meeting on Nov. 9. Shirley Johnson was this month's hostess, who decorated the table with a fall leaf runner, chocolates and jar candles. The group met for the 11 a.m. luncheon at Ryan's. Former President Nadine Johnson opened the meeting with the group repeating the club motto...

When the Ozark Foothills Humane Society was started more than a decade ago, the intention of the members was to improve the lot of homeless dogs and cats in the Poplar Bluff area. But various problems caused the group to disband in the early 2000s, according to Bob Crawford, one of the founders...

Poplar Bluff Garden Club recently teamed up with Mark Twain National Forest for an event associated with "National Fire Prevention Week" that ran from Oct. 9 -15. With help from wildland firefighters from the Poplar Bluff Ranger District, and a cameo appearance of Smokey Bear, more than 250 youngsters from kindergarten through the eighth grade at the Poplar Bluff Boys and Girls Club were visited at the club...

By MARILYNN MARCHIONE AP Chief Medical Writer ORLANDO, Fla. (AP) -- People recovering from a heart attack or severe chest pain are much less likely to suffer another heart-related problem or to die from one if they take a new blood-thinning drug along with standard anti-clotting medicines, a large study finds...

By MICHAEL GORMLEY Associated Press ALBANY, N.Y. (AP) -- The return of layaway plans this holiday shopping season is raising concern that the break from credit cards might actually cost consumers far more. For example, a rock 'n' roll Elmo doll that requires a $5 layaway fee and a 10 percent down payment for a month can equal a credit card that charged more than 100 percent interest, U.S. Sen. Charles Schumer said Sunday...

Qulin Middle School has released the second quarter honor and merit rolls. Fifth Grade--Honor Roll Emmalee Casinger, Billie Joe Craft, Wyatt Doser, Leanne Harris, Allen Hendrix, Jesse Johnson, Kaitlyn Lachance, Dalton Leone, Brady Leutert, Michaela Martin-Tidwell, Aaron Mittelstadt, Noah Smothers, Josiah Suiter, Krysten Taylor, Hayden Thomas and Kylie Wall...

Divorces recently finalized in Butler County Circuit Court include: Tiona L. Sanford v. Bobby A. Rudley; Mandy M. Payne v. Jason E. Payne; Jennifer J. Dunivan v. Jason L. Dunivan; Leroy Nicholson Jr. v. Donielle R. Nicholson; Jill S. King v. David A. King;...

The Second Annual Missouri State Highway Patrol Sgt. Dewayne Graham Memorial Scholarship 5K run and 1 mile run/walk on Oct. 15, 2011 was a big success, according to organizers. The race took place at Big Spring in the Ozark National Scenic Riverways near Van Buren, Mo. The route took runners along Current River, Big Spring and the Civilian Conservation Corps (CCC) historic district...

Marriage licenses recently recorded at the Butler County Recorder of Deeds Office include: Deborah Ann Calhoun and Kenneth Eugene Greenwall, both of Yorkville, Ill.; Natasha Ann Hargraves of Poplar Bluff, Mo., and Zachary Don Sentell of Qulin, Mo.; Jessica Lynn Hefner and Mykel David Ernest, both of Poplar Bluff, Mo.;...

By GEORGE F. WILL WASHINGTON -- A few millennia from now, when archaeologists from an ascendant Brazil or Turkey or wherever sift the shards of American civilization and find the ruins of the Big House in Ann Arbor, Mich., they will wonder why a 109,901-seat entertainment venue was attached to an institution of higher education. ...

By PATRICK J. BUCHANAN Friday, thousands in Moscow, giving Nazi salutes and carrying placards declaring, "Russia for the Russians!" marched through the city shouting racial slurs against peoples from the Caucasus. In Nigeria, Boko Haram, which is Hausa for "Western education is sacrilege," massacred 63 people in a terror campaign to bring about sharia law. Seven churches were bombed...

G'ville Students of Month Morgan Lynn Edwards, daughter of Helen and David Edwards of Williamsville, Mo., has been named Greenville High School Student of the Month. She plays softball and is cheerleading captain. An honor roll student, Edwards is active in Beta, A+, C. E. T., Pep Club and FCCLA. Her hobbies include hanging out with friends and family, playing softball, cheerleading and going to church...

The Neelyville High School Honor Roll for the first quarter is as follows: PRINCIPAL ROLL Seventh Grade: Ethan Anderson, Nicholas Crowder, Michaela Eakins, Natalie Flanigan, Jacob Hager, Jonathon Luebben, Morgan McGruder, Matthew Williams, and Shayla Williams...

T.Rivers Students of Month The Twin Rivers High School ninth grade September Student of the Month is Mason Douglas. Douglas, son of Jamie and Timmy Douglas, is an active member of FFA and treasurer for the freshman class. He was also student of the month his sixth grade year...

BRANSON, Mo. -- Doug Libla received the Missouri Community College Association's Distinguished Alumni Award at the association's annual convention in Branson, Mo. Libla is a successful entrepreneur and business owner who got his start at Three Rivers College in 1971, according to a press release from Three Rivers College...

Ted and Ruth Darnell of Poplar Bluff, Mo., will celebrate 50 years of marriage from 2-4 p.m., Saturday, Nov. 19 at Kerns Chapel Church in Stringtown, Mo. The couple was married in Poplar Bluff on Nov. 23, 1961. They have two children: Jeff and Mike Darnell, both of Stringtown, and three grandchildren...

Casey Marie Robertson and Chad James Wyatt, both of Poplar Bluff, Mo., were married Saturday, Oct. 1, 2011. Bro. Jim Osborn performed the double-ring ceremony which was held at the Williamsbrooke Carriage House in Branson, Mo. The bride is the daughter of Tom Robertson of Poplar Bluff...

James Darron Atwood and Dusty Deon Austin of Qulin, Mo., have chosen the name, Lydia Kay Atwood for their 7-pound, 4-ounce daughter born at 8:51 a.m., Saturday, Oct. 8, 2011 at Poplar Bluff Regional Medical Center, Poplar Bluff, Mo. Grandparents are: Delbert Austin, Linda Austin and Sarah Baney, all of Qulin, James Yandell and Ellea Yandell of Neelyville, Mo., and Steve Atwood and Janice Atwood of New Douglas, Ill...

Twin Rivers High School's first quarter honor roll is as follows: Seniors: Jacob Baugus, Sarah Cotner, Kaleb Doyle, Daniale Franklin, Sarah Joiner, Alix Jones, David Leonard, Skyler Leutert, JoAnna Linville, Taylor Morgan, Christopher Morse, Bradley Parks, Paul Rush II, Bryce Tinsley, Taylor Tinsley, Tyler Withrow and Kendall Zoll...

Shaver gets state award Amy Shaver of Three Rivers College received the Missouri Community College Association's Student Leadership Award at a ceremony in Branson today. The award is presented to one outstanding community college student from each of Missouri's 20 community college campuses...

Anthony and KaCee Rider of Fisk, Mo., have chosen the name Aubrey Jean for their 7-pound, 1.7-ounce daughter born at 10:54 a.m. Wednesday, Nov. 2, 2011, at Poplar Bluff Regional Medical Center in Poplar Bluff, Mo. She was 20 inches long. Grandparents are Stephen and Chris Waite of Poplar Bluff; Gene and Varkay Rider of Wappapello, Mo. Great-grandparents are Molly Hildrich of Poplar Bluff; Max and Deanie Waite of Poplar Bluff; and Dona Rider of Wappapello...

Walton Chapel Boosters held its monthly meeting at 6 p.m. Thursday, Nov. 3, at the Community Center. The minutes were read by Lit Kindrick and a treasurer's report was given by Mary Crowley. Final plans were made for the annual ham and bean dinner, which was held Saturday. The women brought homemade desserts...

Disaster loans available The Farm Service Agency will have two disater loans available due to the weather. The first loan applies to the hail, high winds, flooding, widespread drought and excessive heat which occurred April 1, 2011, and continuing. Applications for this loan will be accepted through May 7, 2012...

The Mental Health Advisory Council at the John J. Pershing VA Medical Center will host a Complementary and Alternative Medicine (CAM) Fair from 8:30 a.m. to noon Tuesday, Nov. 15. The event will be held in Room 5054 (fifth floor), at the VA. The CAM Fair is in response to numerous veteran requests seeking alternatives to traditional medication. ...

Puxico RhythmSteppers Marching Band from Puxico High School under the direction of David Barani has had an incredibly successful marching season this year. The Puxico RhythmSteppers Marching Band consists of 59 students; 11 seniors, eight juniors, two sophomores, 27 freshmen and 11 eighth graders. The band performed musical selections from Cirque Du Soleil during its field show including distorted, Reve Rouge and Urban...

Richard Whitmer Richard A. Whitmer, 69, of Poplar Bluff, Mo., died Wednesday, Nov. 9, 2011, at Poplar Bluff Regional Medical Center following a brief battle with cancer. Mr. Whitmer was born March 11, 1942, in Poplar Bluff and was a lifetime Butler County resident. He was of the Baptist faith...

Alta Plunkett DEXTER, Mo. -- Alta Plunkett, 86, of Williamsville, Mo., died Saturday, Nov. 12, 2011, at her home. Mrs. Plunkett was born Dec. 6, 1924, in Atkins, Ark. She was a member of White Oak General Baptist Church near Bernie, Mo. A homemaker, she was formerly a resident of Dexter, Mo...

Julie Winn MALDEN, Mo. -- Julie Ivonne Winn, 53, of Malden, Mo., died Tuesday, Nov. 8, 2011, in Malden. Mrs. Winn was born May 2, 1958, in Dexter, Mo. On Oct. 21, 1978, she married Donald Edward Winn at Kansas City, Mo. He survives of Shawnee, Kan. Also surviving are four daughters, Angel Copeland of Crestview, Fla., Katherine Easley and Juliane Winn, both of Shawnee, and Kristyn Winn of Olathe, Kan.; three sons, Donald Winn Jr. ...

Tim Brooks DONIPHAN, Mo. -- Timothy Wayne Brooks, 49, of Doniphan, Mo., died Wednesday, Nov. 9, 2011, at his residence. Mr. Brooks was born April 26, 1962, in Doniphan. He enjoyed the outdoors and fishing. He attended Fairview Church of God. Surviving are three brothers, Dennis Brooks and Daniel Brooks, both of Doniphan, and Mark Brooks of Boomer, N.C.; three sisters, Judy Brasser of Patterson, Mo., Phyllis Huber of Viola, Ark., and Susan Mathis of Fairdealing, Mo.; and his father, Phillip Brooks and wife, Edna, of Doniphan.. ...

Myrtle Smith GIDEON, Mo. -- Myrtle Bell Smith, 95, of Gideon, Mo., died Thursday, Nov. 10, 2011, at her son's residence in Gideon. Mrs. Smith was born July 2, 1916, in Birmingham, Ala. She was a member of Bethel Assembly of God Church in Gideon. Survivors include one son, Douglas Smith of Gideon; two sisters, Ovey Haynes of Malden, Mo., and Elmira Shull of Gideon; three step-daughters, Mary White of Louisville, Ky., Loetta Gallager of Tulsa, Okla., and Debbie May of Olive Branch, Miss.; three grandchildren; and five great-grandchildren.. ...

Elmer Thom Elmer Thom, 80, of Poplar Bluff, Mo., died Saturday, Nov. 12, 2011. Funeral arrangements are pending with Cotrell Funeral Service of Poplar Bluff.

Frances Lee BLOOMFIELD, Mo. -- Frances M. Lee, 87, Advance, Mo., died Thursday, Nov. 10, 2011, at her home. Mrs. Lee was born Feb. 28, 1924, in Advance. She had lived in Advance most of her life, but had also resided in Webster Grove for a time before moving back. She was a member of Bell City Methodist Church in Bell City, Mo., and a 50 year member of the Webster Groves Order of Eastern Star...

James Dunn-Jones James Curtis Lee Dunn-Jones, 7, of Ellsinore, Mo., died Wednesday, Nov. 9, 2011, at Cardinal Glennon Children's Hospital in St. Louis, Mo. James was born Sept. 16, 2004, in Poplar Bluff, Mo. A former resident of Poplar Bluff, he had attended school at Mark Twain Kindergarten Center. He attended Southside General Baptist Church. He liked St. Louis sports teams, was a fan of the St. Louis Cardinals and enjoyed playing video games, being outside and talking with people...

Lea Decker PIEDMONT, Mo. -- Lea M. Decker, 82, of Piedmont, Mo., died Friday, Nov. 11, 2011, at her daughter's residence in Eminence, Mo. Funeral arrangements are pending with Ruegg Funeral Home of Piedmont.

Linda McCane FISK, Mo. -- Linda McCane, 65, of Grandin, Mo., died Saturday, Nov. 12, 2011, at her son's home in Poplar Bluff, Mo. Funeral arrangements are pending with White-Sanders Funeral Home of Fisk, Mo.

Linda McCane FISK, Mo. -- Linda McCane, 65, of Grandin, Mo., died Saturday, Nov. 12, 2011, at her son's residence in Poplar Bluff, Mo. Mrs. McCane was born Sept. 11, 1946, in Poplar Bluff. She had lived at Grandin for the past 10 years and had lived around Poplar Bluff most of her life. Mrs. McCane had worked at Vitronics in Doniphan...

CHARLESTON, Mo. -- The officers involved in the Tuesday fatal shooting of a Charleston man have been placed on paid administrative leave. The law enforcement officers were placed on leave pending the outcome of the investigation of the death of Murry Lee Asberry, 34, who was fatally shot while confronting them with a knife...

Delbert Roach Delbert Eugene Roach, 87, of Poplar Bluff, Mo., died Saturday, Nov. 12, 2011, at the John J. Pershing VA Medical Center in Poplar Bluff. Mr. Roach was born June 18, 1924, in Poplar Bluff. He was a lifetime resident of Poplar Bluff and member of Highland Drive Church of Christ. Mr. Roach served in the Navy during World War II. He was a retired store manager at Gambles and a salesman at Farmer Cash. Mr. Roach enjoyed church and walking and talking to people in Walmart...

Elmer Thom Elmer Lee Thom, 80, of Poplar Bluff, Mo., died Saturday, Nov. 12, 2011, at Poplar Bluff Regional Medical Center. Mr. Thom was born June 26, 1931, in Lafayette, La. He was a member of Temple Baptist Church where he served as a deacon, and had owned and operated a small engine repair shop since 1970. Mr. Thom was also a veteran of the United States Army. He enjoyed spending time with his family and friends, crossword puzzles and working...

Leroy Eaton Leroy Eaton, 72, of Florissant, Mo., died Sunday, Nov. 13, 2011, at his residence. Arrangements are pending and will be announced by Cotrell Funeral Service in Poplar Bluff.

Randall Benson Randall Benson, 57, of Poplar Bluff, Mo., died Monday, Nov. 14, 2011, at Poplar Bluff Regional Medical Center. Arrangements are pending and will be announced by Cotrell Funeral Service in Poplar Bluff.

By SCOTT MOYERS SEMO News Service For Junior Swift, it's the standoff with armed bandits in the Iraqi desert. For John Gilman, it's the mortar shells that rained down on the Afghanistan border with disquieting regularity. And, seven years later, Wayne Bowen is still pulled from sleep by the harrowing thoughts of a fellow soldier -- and good friend -- whose body was ripped apart by the actions of a suicide bomber...

Steve Knapp DONIPHAN, Mo. -- Steve Knapp, 93, of Grandin, Mo., died Sunday, Nov. 13, 2011, at his residence. Funeral arrangements are pending with Edwards Funeral Home in Doniphan, Mo., and will be announced upon completion.

Repent If you have aborted your baby and you're sorry you've done it and you'd love to see it, if you could repent and give your heart to Jesus and go to Heaven you'll see your baby up there.

Rose Killian Rose Leona Killian, 81, of Poplar Bluff, Mo., died Saturday, Nov. 12, 2011, at Mark Twain Caring Center in Poplar Bluff. Mrs. Killian was born Dec. 18, 1929, in Naylor, Mo. She was of the Baptist faith and a homemaker. During her early years Mrs. Killian was a factory worker in St. Louis, Mo. She enjoyed spending time with her family, playing cards and bowling...

When the Ozark Foothills Humane Society was started more than a decade ago, the intention of the members was to improve the lot of homeless dogs and cats in the Poplar Bluff area. But various problems caused the group to disband in the early 2000s, according to Bob Crawford, one of the founders...

The Agee Community Club celebrated 79 years of never missing a monthly meeting on Nov. 9. Shirley Johnson was this month's hostess, who decorated the table with a fall leaf runner, chocolates and jar candles. The group met for the 11 a.m. luncheon at Ryan's. Former President Nadine Johnson opened the meeting with the group repeating the club motto...

The Three Rivers Raiders were thinking John A. Logan was going to make a second-half run but it never came Saturday night. The Raiders led from start to finish in a win over the Volunteers, 96-57, at the Bess Activity Center. Three Rivers has now won three straight games after losing the season opener at Lincoln Trail...

Richard Whitmer Richard A. Whitmer, 69, of Poplar Bluff, Mo., died Wednesday, Nov. 9, 2011, at Poplar Bluff Regional Medical Center following a brief battle with cancer. Mr. Whitmer was born March 11, 1942, in Poplar Bluff and was a lifetime Butler County resident. He was of the Baptist faith...

Alta Plunkett DEXTER, Mo. -- Alta Plunkett, 86, of Williamsville, Mo., died Saturday, Nov. 12, 2011, at her home. Mrs. Plunkett was born Dec. 6, 1924, in Atkins, Ark. She was a member of White Oak General Baptist Church near Bernie, Mo. A homemaker, she was formerly a resident of Dexter, Mo...

Julie Winn MALDEN, Mo. -- Julie Ivonne Winn, 53, of Malden, Mo., died Tuesday, Nov. 8, 2011, in Malden. Mrs. Winn was born May 2, 1958, in Dexter, Mo. On Oct. 21, 1978, she married Donald Edward Winn at Kansas City, Mo. He survives of Shawnee, Kan. Also surviving are four daughters, Angel Copeland of Crestview, Fla., Katherine Easley and Juliane Winn, both of Shawnee, and Kristyn Winn of Olathe, Kan.; three sons, Donald Winn Jr. ...

James Dunn-Jones James Curtis Lee Dunn-Jones, 7, of Ellsinore, Mo., died Wednesday, Nov. 9, 2011, at Cardinal Glennon Children's Hospital in St. Louis, Mo. James was born Sept. 16, 2004, in Poplar Bluff, Mo. A former resident of Poplar Bluff, he had attended school at Mark Twain Kindergarten Center. He attended Southside General Baptist Church. He liked St. Louis sports teams, was a fan of the St. Louis Cardinals and enjoyed playing video games, being outside and talking with people...

CHARLESTON, Mo. -- The officers involved in the Tuesday fatal shooting of a Charleston man have been placed on paid administrative leave. The law enforcement officers were placed on leave pending the outcome of the investigation of the death of Murry Lee Asberry, 34, who was fatally shot while confronting them with a knife...

Delbert Roach Delbert Eugene Roach, 87, of Poplar Bluff, Mo., died Saturday, Nov. 12, 2011, at the John J. Pershing VA Medical Center in Poplar Bluff. Mr. Roach was born June 18, 1924, in Poplar Bluff. He was a lifetime resident of Poplar Bluff and member of Highland Drive Church of Christ. Mr. Roach served in the Navy during World War II. He was a retired store manager at Gambles and a salesman at Farmer Cash. Mr. Roach enjoyed church and walking and talking to people in Walmart...

Elmer Thom Elmer Lee Thom, 80, of Poplar Bluff, Mo., died Saturday, Nov. 12, 2011, at Poplar Bluff Regional Medical Center. Mr. Thom was born June 26, 1931, in Lafayette, La. He was a member of Temple Baptist Church where he served as a deacon, and had owned and operated a small engine repair shop since 1970. Mr. Thom was also a veteran of the United States Army. He enjoyed spending time with his family and friends, crossword puzzles and working...

The Mental Health Advisory Council at the John J. Pershing VA Medical Center will host a Complementary and Alternative Medicine (CAM) Fair from 8:30 a.m. to noon Tuesday, Nov. 15. The event will be held in Room 5054 (fifth floor), at the VA. The CAM Fair is in response to numerous veteran requests seeking alternatives to traditional medication. ...

Disaster loans available The Farm Service Agency will have two disater loans available due to the weather. The first loan applies to the hail, high winds, flooding, widespread drought and excessive heat which occurred April 1, 2011, and continuing. Applications for this loan will be accepted through May 7, 2012...

Poplar Bluff Garden Club recently teamed up with Mark Twain National Forest for an event associated with "National Fire Prevention Week" that ran from Oct. 9 -15. With help from wildland firefighters from the Poplar Bluff Ranger District, and a cameo appearance of Smokey Bear, more than 250 youngsters from kindergarten through the eighth grade at the Poplar Bluff Boys and Girls Club were visited at the club...

By MICHAEL GORMLEY Associated Press ALBANY, N.Y. (AP) -- The return of layaway plans this holiday shopping season is raising concern that the break from credit cards might actually cost consumers far more. For example, a rock 'n' roll Elmo doll that requires a $5 layaway fee and a 10 percent down payment for a month can equal a credit card that charged more than 100 percent interest, U.S. Sen. Charles Schumer said Sunday...

Ted and Ruth Darnell of Poplar Bluff, Mo., will celebrate 50 years of marriage from 2-4 p.m., Saturday, Nov. 19 at Kerns Chapel Church in Stringtown, Mo. The couple was married in Poplar Bluff on Nov. 23, 1961. They have two children: Jeff and Mike Darnell, both of Stringtown, and three grandchildren...

James Darron Atwood and Dusty Deon Austin of Qulin, Mo., have chosen the name, Lydia Kay Atwood for their 7-pound, 4-ounce daughter born at 8:51 a.m., Saturday, Oct. 8, 2011 at Poplar Bluff Regional Medical Center, Poplar Bluff, Mo. Grandparents are: Delbert Austin, Linda Austin and Sarah Baney, all of Qulin, James Yandell and Ellea Yandell of Neelyville, Mo., and Steve Atwood and Janice Atwood of New Douglas, Ill...

Anthony and KaCee Rider of Fisk, Mo., have chosen the name Aubrey Jean for their 7-pound, 1.7-ounce daughter born at 10:54 a.m. Wednesday, Nov. 2, 2011, at Poplar Bluff Regional Medical Center in Poplar Bluff, Mo. She was 20 inches long. Grandparents are Stephen and Chris Waite of Poplar Bluff; Gene and Varkay Rider of Wappapello, Mo. Great-grandparents are Molly Hildrich of Poplar Bluff; Max and Deanie Waite of Poplar Bluff; and Dona Rider of Wappapello...

Shaver gets state award Amy Shaver of Three Rivers College received the Missouri Community College Association's Student Leadership Award at a ceremony in Branson today. The award is presented to one outstanding community college student from each of Missouri's 20 community college campuses...

Twin Rivers High School's first quarter honor roll is as follows: Seniors: Jacob Baugus, Sarah Cotner, Kaleb Doyle, Daniale Franklin, Sarah Joiner, Alix Jones, David Leonard, Skyler Leutert, JoAnna Linville, Taylor Morgan, Christopher Morse, Bradley Parks, Paul Rush II, Bryce Tinsley, Taylor Tinsley, Tyler Withrow and Kendall Zoll...

Linda McCane FISK, Mo. -- Linda McCane, 65, of Grandin, Mo., died Saturday, Nov. 12, 2011, at her son's residence in Poplar Bluff, Mo. Mrs. McCane was born Sept. 11, 1946, in Poplar Bluff. She had lived at Grandin for the past 10 years and had lived around Poplar Bluff most of her life. Mrs. McCane had worked at Vitronics in Doniphan...

Randall Benson Randall Benson, 57, of Poplar Bluff, Mo., died Monday, Nov. 14, 2011, at Poplar Bluff Regional Medical Center. Arrangements are pending and will be announced by Cotrell Funeral Service in Poplar Bluff.

Repent If you have aborted your baby and you're sorry you've done it and you'd love to see it, if you could repent and give your heart to Jesus and go to Heaven you'll see your baby up there.

By SCOTT MOYERS SEMO News Service For Junior Swift, it's the standoff with armed bandits in the Iraqi desert. For John Gilman, it's the mortar shells that rained down on the Afghanistan border with disquieting regularity. And, seven years later, Wayne Bowen is still pulled from sleep by the harrowing thoughts of a fellow soldier -- and good friend -- whose body was ripped apart by the actions of a suicide bomber...