Stories from Wednesday, November 16, 2011

By DAVID SILVERBERG Associate Editor While other areas are having economic problems, the assessed valuation of property in Butler County continues to climb. The total valuation is $537.3 million, up nearly $21 million from a year ago, according to reports from Assessor Marion Tibbs, County Clerk Tonyi Deffendall and the State Tax Commission...

By DAVID SILVERBERG Associate Editor Site work and construction of the foundation for the $173 million, seven-story Poplar Bluff Regional Medical Center continue to progress on 62 acres at the southwest corner of Shelby and Oak Grove roads. Equipment operators for Kajacs Contractors of Poplar Bluff, Mo., have cleared approximately 30 acres of the site and have moved approximately 100,000 cubic yards of dirt, according to a report from M. J. Harris, Inc. Construction Services...

CAPE GIRARDEAU, Mo. -- A Stoddard County man was sentenced to more than 15 years in federal prison Tuesday for illegally possessing a firearm. Jerry L. Daniels, 42, was sentenced to 188 months on one felony count of being a previously convicted felon in possession of a firearm by U.S. District Judge Carol E. Jackson, according to the U.S. Attorney's Office...

By DAVID SILVERBERG Associate Editor Site work and construction of the foundation for the $173 million, seven-story Poplar Bluff Regional Medical Center continue to progress on 62 acres at the southwest corner of Shelby and Oak Grove roads. Equipment operators for Kajacs Contractors of Poplar Bluff, Mo., have cleared approximately 30 acres of the site and have moved approximately 100,000 cubic yards of dirt, according to a report from M. J. Harris, Inc. Construction Services...

CAPE GIRARDEAU, Mo. -- A Stoddard County man was sentenced to more than 15 years in federal prison Tuesday for illegally possessing a firearm. Jerry L. Daniels, 42, was sentenced to 188 months on one felony count of being a previously convicted felon in possession of a firearm by U.S. District Judge Carol E. Jackson, according to the U.S. Attorney's Office...

By DAVID SILVERBERG Associate Editor While other areas are having economic problems, the assessed valuation of property in Butler County continues to climb. The total valuation is $537.3 million, up nearly $21 million from a year ago, according to reports from Assessor Marion Tibbs, County Clerk Tonyi Deffendall and the State Tax Commission...

Fish fry at Northside The Northside Nutrition Center will have a fish fry on Friday at the center. The menu will consist of catfish, potatoes, baked beans, slaw, cornbread and dessert. Entertainment will be provided between 10:30 a.m. and 12:30 p.m. by Bill Anderson and Friends...

A quick defensive switch did wonders for the Three Rivers Lady Raiders. They trailed early Tuesday before switching from a zone press to a man defense which keyed a run to beat Southeastern Illinois 88-56 at the Bess Activity Center. "We have been working all week on how to cover," sophomore Candace Miller said. "The key tonight was just talking to each other...

CAPE GIRARDEAU -- Westwood Baptist Academy picked up a sweep Tuesday night at Eagle Ridge Christian School. Olivia West scored 20 points to lead the Lady Eagles in a 48-22 win over Eagle Ridge. Hannah Hart added 11 points, Danielle Phillips chipped in nine while Kylee Hart, Lindsey Babcock and Shyla Brisher combined for eight...

By JOHN WILLEY Staff Writer Imagine remodeling a retail store from floor to ceiling, while it stays open and continues to serve its customers. Since the last part of August, the local jcpenney store has undergone extensive remodeling that included new floor tiles and carpeting, plus the addition of three new fitting rooms including two extra in the women's department and an expanded juniors department...

NEW YORK (AP) -- The tremors from Europe's financial upheaval have reached U.S. shores, rattling consumers and companies. The consequences have been limited so far. Yet the United States and Europe are so closely linked that any slowdown across the Atlantic is felt here. U.S. makers of cars, solar panels, drugs, clothes and computer equipment have all reported effects from Europe's turmoil...

By SARABETH WALLER Staff Writer Students at Poplar Bluff Senior High are learning valuable skills to help them land and keep jobs through the Gateway to Jobs program. The free program is offered by the Greater Poplar Bluff Area Chamber of Commerce and is targeted to early high school students who have not yet started working, although it is open to all high school students. The Chamber has teamed up with Poplar Bluff R-I schools and community business leaders to guide the students...

NEW YORK (AP) -- Like the sequel of blockbuster horror movie, the debt ceiling may strike again. In an echo from early August, a gridlocked bipartisan Congressional committee must find a way to agree on a deficit reduction plan by Nov. 23rd. Congress itself must then pass the bill, without changes, by Dec. 23rd...

KENNETT, Mo. -- The Kennett County Club is in ruins following a Monday fire that resulted in a total loss of the establishment. According to the Kennett Fire Department, at 10:28 p.m., the department received calls from travelers passing the club reporting flames...

Schultz and Summers Engineering of Poplar Bluff, Mo., is ranked No. 1,613 on the fifth annual Inc. 5,000, an exclusive ranking of the nation's fastest-growing private companies. The Inc. magazine list represents the most comprehensive look at the most important segment of the economy--America's independent-minded entrepreneurs. ...

By PATRICK J. BUCHANAN Our mainstream media have discovered a new issue: inequality in America. The gap between the wealthiest 1 percent and the rest of the nation is wide and growing wider. This, we are told, is intolerable. This is a deformation of American democracy that must be corrected through remedial government action...

I think I understand why the audience at Wednesday's CNBC debate booed Maria Bartiromo's question to Herman Cain about sexual harassment allegations. They don't believe there is any truth to them. They suspect, along with the candidate, that the women concerned are part of a liberal lynch mob out to smear another strong, conservative, black man. ...

To the Editor: The final numbers are in! The American Cancer Society Relay For Life of Butler County was a great success, and we couldn't have done it without our generous teams, volunteers, and sponsors! It was awesome to see the cancer survivors' and caregivers' parade out onto the track for the inaugural lap. Over 200 walkers participated in the event and raised $29,000! Amazing!...

Catie Norwood, daughter of Angie and Phillip Norwood of Poplar Bluff, has been named Student of the Month at Sacred Heart School. Catie is an eighth grader in Mrs. Deken's class. She has one brother Ben, who also attends Sacred Heart School. Her favorite things to do are swimming at the river, enjoying nature and being with her friends. ...

Ed Gayle DEXTER, Mo. -- Ed Gayle, 86, of Dexter, Mo., died Tuesday, Nov. 15, 2011, at St. Francis Medical Center in Cape Girardeau, Mo. He was born on May 24, 1925, at Littlefield, Texas. Mr. Gayle was a member of the First Baptist Church in Dexter, the former owner of Gayle's Jewelry in Denver City, Texas, for 47 years, a former city council member and mayor of Denver City, Texas. ...

Naomi Snider IMPERIAL, Mo. -- Naomi Lois (Duncan) Snider, 73, of Imperial, Mo., died Wednesday, Nov. 9, 2011, at her residence with her family beside her. The daughter of Rufus and Ruth (Young) Duncan, Mrs. Snider was born Nov. 25, 1938, in St. Louis, Mo. She was of the Baptist faith, loved spending time with her family and enjoyed baby sitting her grand and great-grandchildren...

Dorothy Jeffries Dorothy Jeffries, 82, of Poplar Bluff, Mo., died Tuesday, Nov. 15, 2011 at her residence. Mrs. Jeffries was born March 13, 1929, in St. Louis, Mo. She retired from the Florsheim Shoe Factory. Mrs. Jeffries was a member of Midland Church. She enjoyed crocheting, flower gardening, and canning out of her vegetable garden...

Lea Decker PIEDMONT, Mo. -- Lea M. Decker, 82, of Piedmont, Mo., died Friday, Nov. 11, 2011, at her daughter's residence in Eminence, Mo. She was born Jan. 16, 1929, in Potosi, Mo. Mrs. Decker was a high school graduate. She had retired from Barnes Hospital in St. Louis, Mo. She then relocated to the Piedmont area and began working for Wayne County Health Care from which she also retired...

Pearl Lee FISK, Mo. -- Pearl Lee, 88, of Poplar Bluff, Mo., died Monday, Nov. 14, 2011, at Oakdale Caring Center. Mrs. Lee was born Jan. 9, 1923, in Lilbourn, Mo. She had lived at Poplar Bluff for the past 11 years and had formerly lived in Mesa, Ariz., for several years. Mrs. Lee attended Black River General Baptist Church. She had worked at Motel 6 in Scottsdale, Ariz., until retiring in 1996 and enjoyed playing cards, going to swap shops, sightseeing and reading...

William Cooper PIEDMONT, Mo. -- William Monroe Cooper, 76, of Silva, Mo., died Saturday, Nov. 12, 2011, at Silva, MO. He was born Sept. 10, 1935, in Braggadocia, Mo. He attended school in Arkansas graduating from Armorel High School. In October of 1955, he enlisted in the United States Navy. He served four years and received an honorable discharge. While in the Navy, he also spent time in Fort Polk, La...

Eugene Field Elementary School has announced its Students of the Month. Second grader, Rohan Losh, son of Autumn Strickland and Jared Losh, chosen by his teacher Kacie Bradshaw. Rohan was chosen because he is a very respectful young man. He is considerate of others at all times. ...

Boil water order lifted Butler County Public Water Supply District 1 lifted its boil order at 12:30 p.m. Tuesday for customers in Hidden Hills Subdivision and those along East Outer Road, Discount Drive, Fashionable Circle and County Roads 301, 302, 304 and 321...

The annual Festival of Lights Christmas Auto Tour begins Nov. 25 at Redman Creek East Campground. Between Nov. 25 and Dec. 11, the tour will be open on Fridays, Saturdays and Sundays from dusk to 9 p.m. Between Dec. 16 and Jan. 1, the tour will be open nightly between dusk and 9 p.m...

A quick defensive switch did wonders for the Three Rivers Lady Raiders. They trailed early Tuesday before switching from a zone press to a man defense which keyed a run to beat Southeastern Illinois 88-56 at the Bess Activity Center. "We have been working all week on how to cover," sophomore Candace Miller said. "The key tonight was just talking to each other...

Fish fry at Northside The Northside Nutrition Center will have a fish fry on Friday at the center. The menu will consist of catfish, potatoes, baked beans, slaw, cornbread and dessert. Entertainment will be provided between 10:30 a.m. and 12:30 p.m. by Bill Anderson and Friends...

Eugene Field Elementary School has announced its Students of the Month. Second grader, Rohan Losh, son of Autumn Strickland and Jared Losh, chosen by his teacher Kacie Bradshaw. Rohan was chosen because he is a very respectful young man. He is considerate of others at all times. ...

William Cooper PIEDMONT, Mo. -- William Monroe Cooper, 76, of Silva, Mo., died Saturday, Nov. 12, 2011, at Silva, MO. He was born Sept. 10, 1935, in Braggadocia, Mo. He attended school in Arkansas graduating from Armorel High School. In October of 1955, he enlisted in the United States Navy. He served four years and received an honorable discharge. While in the Navy, he also spent time in Fort Polk, La...

Lea Decker PIEDMONT, Mo. -- Lea M. Decker, 82, of Piedmont, Mo., died Friday, Nov. 11, 2011, at her daughter's residence in Eminence, Mo. She was born Jan. 16, 1929, in Potosi, Mo. Mrs. Decker was a high school graduate. She had retired from Barnes Hospital in St. Louis, Mo. She then relocated to the Piedmont area and began working for Wayne County Health Care from which she also retired...

Dorothy Jeffries Dorothy Jeffries, 82, of Poplar Bluff, Mo., died Tuesday, Nov. 15, 2011 at her residence. Mrs. Jeffries was born March 13, 1929, in St. Louis, Mo. She retired from the Florsheim Shoe Factory. Mrs. Jeffries was a member of Midland Church. She enjoyed crocheting, flower gardening, and canning out of her vegetable garden...

Naomi Snider IMPERIAL, Mo. -- Naomi Lois (Duncan) Snider, 73, of Imperial, Mo., died Wednesday, Nov. 9, 2011, at her residence with her family beside her. The daughter of Rufus and Ruth (Young) Duncan, Mrs. Snider was born Nov. 25, 1938, in St. Louis, Mo. She was of the Baptist faith, loved spending time with her family and enjoyed baby sitting her grand and great-grandchildren...

Ed Gayle DEXTER, Mo. -- Ed Gayle, 86, of Dexter, Mo., died Tuesday, Nov. 15, 2011, at St. Francis Medical Center in Cape Girardeau, Mo. He was born on May 24, 1925, at Littlefield, Texas. Mr. Gayle was a member of the First Baptist Church in Dexter, the former owner of Gayle's Jewelry in Denver City, Texas, for 47 years, a former city council member and mayor of Denver City, Texas. ...

To the Editor: The final numbers are in! The American Cancer Society Relay For Life of Butler County was a great success, and we couldn't have done it without our generous teams, volunteers, and sponsors! It was awesome to see the cancer survivors' and caregivers' parade out onto the track for the inaugural lap. Over 200 walkers participated in the event and raised $29,000! Amazing!...

By PATRICK J. BUCHANAN Our mainstream media have discovered a new issue: inequality in America. The gap between the wealthiest 1 percent and the rest of the nation is wide and growing wider. This, we are told, is intolerable. This is a deformation of American democracy that must be corrected through remedial government action...

KENNETT, Mo. -- The Kennett County Club is in ruins following a Monday fire that resulted in a total loss of the establishment. According to the Kennett Fire Department, at 10:28 p.m., the department received calls from travelers passing the club reporting flames...

NEW YORK (AP) -- The tremors from Europe's financial upheaval have reached U.S. shores, rattling consumers and companies. The consequences have been limited so far. Yet the United States and Europe are so closely linked that any slowdown across the Atlantic is felt here. U.S. makers of cars, solar panels, drugs, clothes and computer equipment have all reported effects from Europe's turmoil...

By JOHN WILLEY Staff Writer Imagine remodeling a retail store from floor to ceiling, while it stays open and continues to serve its customers. Since the last part of August, the local jcpenney store has undergone extensive remodeling that included new floor tiles and carpeting, plus the addition of three new fitting rooms including two extra in the women's department and an expanded juniors department...

Boil water order lifted Butler County Public Water Supply District 1 lifted its boil order at 12:30 p.m. Tuesday for customers in Hidden Hills Subdivision and those along East Outer Road, Discount Drive, Fashionable Circle and County Roads 301, 302, 304 and 321...