Stories from Monday, November 21, 2011

By SHAY ALDERMAN SEMO News Service CAPE GIRARDEAU, Mo. -- Southeast Missouri is known for its abundance of plant and wildlife, thanks in great part to efforts to rescue and protect it by the Missouri Department of Conservation. Generations reaped profits from Missouri's wealth of natural resources without considering the consequences, devastating lands whose beauty awed explorer William Clark in 1804, according to the historical information on the department's website. ...

By ERIN RAGAN SEMO News Service CAPE GIRARDEAU, Mo. -- A Southeast Missouri State University student who admitted to dumping dead ducks in a fraternity's residence hall entryway Nov. 13 has been cited for littering by the Missouri Department of Conservation...

KENNETT, Mo. -- Officials investigating the Nov. 14 fire at the Kennett Country Club are asking for assistance from the public in solving the case. Investigators have determined the blaze that resulted in a total loss of the country club's clubhouse was arson. The fire is being investigated by the Kennett Police Department, the Kennett Fire Department, the Office of the State Fire Marshal and the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco and Firearms...

By DAVID SILVERBERG Associate Editor The Missouri Department of Economic Development announced Friday that Butler County has been approved for a $300,000 grant on behalf of the Qulin Fire Protection District, under the Community Development Block Grant (CDBG) program...

By DONNA FARLEY Staff Writer With a staff of 11 health care workers, Poplar Bluff R-I students visited nurses offices at various campuses more than 72,000 times in the last school year. Meanwhile, the adult education and literacy program helped 400 students in 19 different classes work toward completing their GED or other goals...

By MADELINE DeJOURNETT and NOREEN HYSLOP SEMO News Service BROWNWOOD, Mo. -- A roadside bomb was responsible for the death of a soldier with local ties this week in Afghanistan. U.S. Army soldier James Burnett Jr., with family in northern Stoddard County, died when his vehicle was struck by a roadside bomb Wednesday in the Kandahar Province of Afghanistan...

By SHAY ALDERMAN SEMO News Service CAPE GIRARDEAU, Mo. -- Southeast Missouri is known for its abundance of plant and wildlife, thanks in great part to efforts to rescue and protect it by the Missouri Department of Conservation. Generations reaped profits from Missouri's wealth of natural resources without considering the consequences, devastating lands whose beauty awed explorer William Clark in 1804, according to the historical information on the department's website. ...

By ERIN RAGAN SEMO News Service CAPE GIRARDEAU, Mo. -- A Southeast Missouri State University student who admitted to dumping dead ducks in a fraternity's residence hall entryway Nov. 13 has been cited for littering by the Missouri Department of Conservation...

KENNETT, Mo. -- Officials investigating the Nov. 14 fire at the Kennett Country Club are asking for assistance from the public in solving the case. Investigators have determined the blaze that resulted in a total loss of the country club's clubhouse was arson. The fire is being investigated by the Kennett Police Department, the Kennett Fire Department, the Office of the State Fire Marshal and the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco and Firearms...

By DAVID SILVERBERG Associate Editor The Missouri Department of Economic Development announced Friday that Butler County has been approved for a $300,000 grant on behalf of the Qulin Fire Protection District, under the Community Development Block Grant (CDBG) program...

By DONNA FARLEY Staff Writer With a staff of 11 health care workers, Poplar Bluff R-I students visited nurses offices at various campuses more than 72,000 times in the last school year. Meanwhile, the adult education and literacy program helped 400 students in 19 different classes work toward completing their GED or other goals...

By MADELINE DeJOURNETT and NOREEN HYSLOP SEMO News Service BROWNWOOD, Mo. -- A roadside bomb was responsible for the death of a soldier with local ties this week in Afghanistan. U.S. Army soldier James Burnett Jr., with family in northern Stoddard County, died when his vehicle was struck by a roadside bomb Wednesday in the Kandahar Province of Afghanistan...

To the Editor: We are still needing more creative, inspiring leadership, as offered by Warren Buffett in giving voluntarily to ease our national economic crisis. Leaders and all of us need to willingly give five percent or three percent back to stimulate growth, reduce government costs, cut waste, and get our budgets balanced. Sounds easy and simple, would settle the city "occupiers" protests, and set shining examples of wisdom . . ...

They don't have a clue Yeah, I'm just watching the Republican Presidential Debate on CNN. I tell you these seven people, both men and women, act like a bunch of high school kids running for the king and queen. They don't have a clue what's goin' on. ...

By DALE McFEATTERS Some people -- and you know who you are -- say America's decline from greatness paralleled the gradual disappearance of the manual transmission. The fact that most young American males knew how to drive, in an era when every transmission was manual, is said to have given the U.S. a great advantage in World War II...

By CHARLES KRAUTHAMMER WASHINGTON -- In 2008, the slogan was "Yes We Can." For 2011-12, it's "We Can't Wait." What happened in between? Candidate Obama, the vessel into which myriad dreams were poured, met the reality of governance. His near-$1 trillion stimulus begat a stagnant economy with 9 percent unemployment. ...

To the Editor, On behalf of the Boys & Girls Club of Poplar Bluff, I would like to thank our wonderful community in making the Inaugural Coppertop Classic sponsored by Poplar Bluff Medical Partners and the Black River Healthcare Foundation a tremendous success. The Boys and Girls Clubs of America is the number one child servicing agency in the world, and you have certainly done your part to make sure that is happening in your home town...

Bill Lewis PIGGOTT, Ark. -- William "Bill" Lewis, 83, of Poplar Bluff, Mo., died Saturday, Nov. 19, 2011, at Poplar Bluff Regional Medical Center. Mr. Lewis was born Feb. 18, 1928, in Nimmons, Ark. He was formerly a resident of Piggott, Ark. He attended Westwood Baptist Church...

Poplar Bluff native Adam K. Nelson returns to his hometown for his 2011 book tour. Nelson will be signing books and greeting fans at Hastings Entertainment Store from 1-4 p.m., Saturday, Dec. 3. Nelson's book, A Night With St. Nick, is a juvenile fiction Christmas story published in August 2009 by Tate Publishing in Mustang, Okla. ...

Geneive George PUXICO, Mo. -- Geneive (Steward) George, 93, of Puxico, Mo., died Monday, Nov. 21, 2011, at Puxico Nursing and Rehab. Funeral arrangements are pending with Morgan Sifford Funeral Home in Puxico.

Winter Wonderland Sandwich Bag Wreath: Put your elves to work on a wreath with a magical snow-and-ice look. Made of plastic bags tied onto a hanger, it's a perfect outdoor decoration. Materials: White wire clothes hanger Wire cutters Needle-nose pliers...

JEFFERSON CITY, Mo. - Officials investigating the fire Monday night, Nov. 14, at the Kennett Country Club are asking for assistance from the public in solving the case. Investigators have determined the blaze that resulted in a total loss of the country club's clubhouse was arson. The fire is being investigated by the Kennett Police Department, the Kennett Fire Department, the Office of the State Fire Marshal and the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco and Firearms...

Coffee Filter Angels: Make these heavenly angels with coffee filter gowns and wings yourself Supplies: 3 coffee filters 3-1/2-inch foam cone, such as Styrofoam 1 round toothpick 1-inch foam ball, such as Styrofoam 12 inches of 1/4-inch-wide gold ribbon...

Hot Chocolate Gift in a Jar Mix: This mix makes a great gift for neighbors and friends hot cocoa mix gift in a jar gift for Christmas Ingredients: 3 cups powered Sugar 8 oz. non-fat dry milk 16 oz. Instant Chocolate Milk (like Nestle's) 6 oz. Creamora (or any non-dairy creamer)...

DVD Snowman: Recycle an old or scratched DVD to make a snowman decoration! DVD Snowman decoration craft Supplies: discarded DVD juice can lid brown chenille stem two plastic eyes (or black circles or pom poms) small piece craft foam or felt white spray paint...

Eggnog: It's a rich, indulgent favorite, and Christmas wouldn't be the same without it. Creamy Christmas eggnog for a Christmas recipe treat Ingredients: 4 egg yolks 1 (5 ounce) can sweetened condensed milk 1 tablespoon white sugar 1 teaspoon vanilla extract...

Present Wreath: Unwrap a new wreath idea this year. Make a present wreath as a Christmas decoration craft this year for Christmas Materials: Small Boxes or Containers (like jewelry boxes) Weather Proof Paper Glue Gun Bow All Weather Tape Ribbon Flat Wooden Wreath Form...

OLD FASHIONED FUDGE Old Fashioned fudge recipe for Christmas cooking Ingredients: 3 C sugar ¼ t salt ½ C unsweetened cocoa 1 C milk 2 T light corn syrup 3 T butter 1 t vanilla 1 C chopped walnuts (optional) Directions: Lightly butter 8x8 pan. In heavy 3 qt saucepan combine sugar, salt, cocoa, milk, and corn syrup. Cook, stirring over medium heat until sugar dissolves. Continue to cook, stirring occasionally to...

PEPPERMINT MELTAWAYS Peppermint melt-a-ways Christmas cookie recipe for Christmas menu Ingredients: ½ cop powdered sugar 1 cup unsalted butter-room temperature ½ teaspoon peppermint extract 1 ¼ cup flour ½ cup cornstarch GLAZE 1 ½ cup powdered sugar...

According to legend, three young and penniless women hung their freshly laundered stockings to dry over the mantelpiece. On Christmas Eve, Saint Nicholas threw some gold coins down their chimney, and the coins landed in the ladies' stockings. And so the tradition began...

Christmas is fast approaching and you would love to experience something different. You'd like to celebrate in a dynamic, joyful and innovative way. Whether for the office or the family, why not organize a theme party? There are so many choices... A theme party is a great way of allowing your guests to enjoy an entertaining evening, while giving you credit for its success...

Christmas gift exchanges can be organized in many different ways, but the secret is to choose a theme that will keep things simple. Have you ever tried an alphabet exchange? Tap into the creative spirit of your guests by choosing a letter of the alphabet to be the theme for the exchange. ...

For Christians, Christmas represents the birth of Jesus Christ. The exact date of His birth is not known. According to one Gospel, Jesus was born during the great census ordered by Roman Emperor Caesar Augustus; according to another, He was born six years before our era. Therefore, the date was establish completely at random. This is also supported by the fact that, at the time that Jesus was born, shepherds did not guard their flocks during winter because of the cold...

Sometimes unpleasant surprises come to haunt us after the Christmas holidays, such as a few extra pounds. Here are 10 tips to help alleviate holiday weight gain. 1. Try not to come to the table starved. Serve some vegetable soup or salad before the main source, and drink a large glass of water before sitting down to eat...

During the Christmas season, stores are filled with pretty red and white candies. Christmas candy canes symbolize the holiday. Whether they are hung on the Christmas tree or the fireplace mantle, or eaten ahead of time, these sweet treats are always popular with people of all ages...

There are some traditions that we take so much for granted that we never reflect on their origin or their meaning. This includes the story of the Christmas tree. Every year, millions of parents and children around the world decorate their Christmas trees without really knowing the history of this custom...

Teams race to pass the bows from one end of the line to the other, but the tricky part is that they must pass it to each other while holding hands. This is quite a tricky Christmas game that takes a lot of patience. Divide the group into teams of 6 to 10 people and have the teams line up side by side, either sitting or standing next to each other...

By CAROLYN SMITH Staff Writer "Peace on Earth! Goodwill towards men!" Both are phrases folks toss out when asked, "What Christmas means to them?" And, yes, Christmas is Peace on Earth and Goodwill towards men. But, "What does Christmas mean to someone whose life has been anything but perfect?" How would they respond? More importantly, how would you respond if your mother died 11 days before Christmas, leaving you, at 17, with the responsibility of raising your seven siblings, your father walked out on the family as soon as he had cashed the insurance check from your mother's policy, and two months later you had the first growth removed from your breast? Peace on Earth? Goodwill towards men? Probably, not. ...

By SARABETH WALLER Staff Writer The holiday season is one time the United Gospel Rescue Mission shines, feeding more than 1,000 people each Thanksgiving and Christmas Day. On both days, one of the biggest needs at the shelter is volunteers. Volunteers will be needed at the shelter in the days leading up to Christmas to help prepare the meal. ...

As the holiday season approaches, the John J. Pershing VA Medical Center through the 2011 Care and Share program will provide a hearty holiday meal to veterans in need within the Southeast Missouri and Paragould, Ark., communities. The local VA Medical Center has distributed food baskets to veterans in need throughout the service area for at least 10 consecutive years. Last year, 122 baskets were distributed to local veterans...

Bing Crosby, born Harry Lillis Crosby on May 3, 1902, in Tacoma, Wash., was already a recording star in 1941 when he first introduced Irving Berlin's "White Christmas" on a Christmas Day radio broadcast. Crosby's recording of "White Christmas" hits the charts on Oct. ...

Employees of Butler County Publishing which includes the Daily American Republic, Insta Print, the Prospect-News and Puxico Press share their families' Christmas traditions and wish all their readers and customers a Merry Christmas and Happy New Year...

A variety of agencies and organizations in the Poplar Bluff area help individuals and families not only at Christmas, but throughout the year. Anyone looking for an opportunity to give a gift that will continue benefiting others throughout the year may want to consider contacting one of the groups listed in Celebrations...

For nearly six months, 22 men met once a week and prayed for a project they could undertake which would have a positive affect on the community. On a snowy day early in 2010, their wives--all teachers--joined their husbands' meeting, sharing their concern, as teachers, about the number of students who came to school hungry every day. The men's prayers had been answered, and The Bread Shed of Poplar Bluff, Mo. was born...

Can your guests figure out what holiday objects are in the stocking? Well pass around a Christmas stocking filled with holiday items and see how many they can identify. You take a new large Christmas stocking. Then you put objects, that you see or use around Christmas time, into the stocking. If you have more than one stocking make sure you put the same things in each Christmas stocking...

Recycling Grace Ministries, 503 Apple St., offers support programs designed to meet individualized needs of women, who are recovering from drug and alcohol addictions. The ministries' goal is to have a center for women offering a residence where the women will have a safe environment that will decrease the potential for relapse when they leave an inpatient program to help them prepare to re-enter everyday life...

During the holiday season this year, Child Concern Center, a nonprofit agency which maintains a thrift store at 818 State Road 53 in Poplar Bluff, Mo., has added a Christmas Boutique which will sell ornaments and Christmas decorations in addition to their regular thrift store merchandise. For your shopping convenience the thrift store is open Monday, Tuesday, Thursday and Friday from 9:30 a.m. - 4 p.m...

Volunteers and donations -- large or small -- are always needed by the Animal Welfare Alliance (AWA), based in Poplar Bluff. It's a registered nonprofit dedicated to the neutering/spaying of pets and to providing shelter and homes for abandoned dogs and cats. The group receives no government money and has no paid employees...

Haven House has an "Adopt-a-Family" Program where organizations, businesses and individuals in the community may adopt for Christmas a family who has been served by the local domestic violence shelter. "During Christmas we help approximately 25 families, consisting of either a mother and child (children) or just a single woman," said Jane Walker, office manager. These families are all in Butler County...

Sometimes unpleasant surprises come to haunt us after the Christmas holidays, such as a few extra pounds. Here are 10 tips to help alleviate holiday weight gain. 1. Try not to come to the table starved. Serve some vegetable soup or salad before the main source, and drink a large glass of water before sitting down to eat...

Christmas gift exchanges can be organized in many different ways, but the secret is to choose a theme that will keep things simple. Have you ever tried an alphabet exchange? Tap into the creative spirit of your guests by choosing a letter of the alphabet to be the theme for the exchange. ...

Christmas is fast approaching and you would love to experience something different. You'd like to celebrate in a dynamic, joyful and innovative way. Whether for the office or the family, why not organize a theme party? There are so many choices... A theme party is a great way of allowing your guests to enjoy an entertaining evening, while giving you credit for its success...

According to legend, three young and penniless women hung their freshly laundered stockings to dry over the mantelpiece. On Christmas Eve, Saint Nicholas threw some gold coins down their chimney, and the coins landed in the ladies' stockings. And so the tradition began...

PEPPERMINT MELTAWAYS Peppermint melt-a-ways Christmas cookie recipe for Christmas menu Ingredients: ½ cop powdered sugar 1 cup unsalted butter-room temperature ½ teaspoon peppermint extract 1 ¼ cup flour ½ cup cornstarch GLAZE 1 ½ cup powdered sugar...

OLD FASHIONED FUDGE Old Fashioned fudge recipe for Christmas cooking Ingredients: 3 C sugar ¼ t salt ½ C unsweetened cocoa 1 C milk 2 T light corn syrup 3 T butter 1 t vanilla 1 C chopped walnuts (optional) Directions: Lightly butter 8x8 pan. In heavy 3 qt saucepan combine sugar, salt, cocoa, milk, and corn syrup. Cook, stirring over medium heat until sugar dissolves. Continue to cook, stirring occasionally to...

Present Wreath: Unwrap a new wreath idea this year. Make a present wreath as a Christmas decoration craft this year for Christmas Materials: Small Boxes or Containers (like jewelry boxes) Weather Proof Paper Glue Gun Bow All Weather Tape Ribbon Flat Wooden Wreath Form...

Eggnog: It's a rich, indulgent favorite, and Christmas wouldn't be the same without it. Creamy Christmas eggnog for a Christmas recipe treat Ingredients: 4 egg yolks 1 (5 ounce) can sweetened condensed milk 1 tablespoon white sugar 1 teaspoon vanilla extract...

Poplar Bluff native Adam K. Nelson returns to his hometown for his 2011 book tour. Nelson will be signing books and greeting fans at Hastings Entertainment Store from 1-4 p.m., Saturday, Dec. 3. Nelson's book, A Night With St. Nick, is a juvenile fiction Christmas story published in August 2009 by Tate Publishing in Mustang, Okla. ...

JEFFERSON CITY, Mo. - Officials investigating the fire Monday night, Nov. 14, at the Kennett Country Club are asking for assistance from the public in solving the case. Investigators have determined the blaze that resulted in a total loss of the country club's clubhouse was arson. The fire is being investigated by the Kennett Police Department, the Kennett Fire Department, the Office of the State Fire Marshal and the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco and Firearms...

Winter Wonderland Sandwich Bag Wreath: Put your elves to work on a wreath with a magical snow-and-ice look. Made of plastic bags tied onto a hanger, it's a perfect outdoor decoration. Materials: White wire clothes hanger Wire cutters Needle-nose pliers...

Hot Chocolate Gift in a Jar Mix: This mix makes a great gift for neighbors and friends hot cocoa mix gift in a jar gift for Christmas Ingredients: 3 cups powered Sugar 8 oz. non-fat dry milk 16 oz. Instant Chocolate Milk (like Nestle's) 6 oz. Creamora (or any non-dairy creamer)...

Coffee Filter Angels: Make these heavenly angels with coffee filter gowns and wings yourself Supplies: 3 coffee filters 3-1/2-inch foam cone, such as Styrofoam 1 round toothpick 1-inch foam ball, such as Styrofoam 12 inches of 1/4-inch-wide gold ribbon...

DVD Snowman: Recycle an old or scratched DVD to make a snowman decoration! DVD Snowman decoration craft Supplies: discarded DVD juice can lid brown chenille stem two plastic eyes (or black circles or pom poms) small piece craft foam or felt white spray paint...

By SARABETH WALLER Staff Writer The holiday season is one time the United Gospel Rescue Mission shines, feeding more than 1,000 people each Thanksgiving and Christmas Day. On both days, one of the biggest needs at the shelter is volunteers. Volunteers will be needed at the shelter in the days leading up to Christmas to help prepare the meal. ...

By CAROLYN SMITH Staff Writer "Peace on Earth! Goodwill towards men!" Both are phrases folks toss out when asked, "What Christmas means to them?" And, yes, Christmas is Peace on Earth and Goodwill towards men. But, "What does Christmas mean to someone whose life has been anything but perfect?" How would they respond? More importantly, how would you respond if your mother died 11 days before Christmas, leaving you, at 17, with the responsibility of raising your seven siblings, your father walked out on the family as soon as he had cashed the insurance check from your mother's policy, and two months later you had the first growth removed from your breast? Peace on Earth? Goodwill towards men? Probably, not. ...

Teams race to pass the bows from one end of the line to the other, but the tricky part is that they must pass it to each other while holding hands. This is quite a tricky Christmas game that takes a lot of patience. Divide the group into teams of 6 to 10 people and have the teams line up side by side, either sitting or standing next to each other...

During the Christmas season, stores are filled with pretty red and white candies. Christmas candy canes symbolize the holiday. Whether they are hung on the Christmas tree or the fireplace mantle, or eaten ahead of time, these sweet treats are always popular with people of all ages...

There are some traditions that we take so much for granted that we never reflect on their origin or their meaning. This includes the story of the Christmas tree. Every year, millions of parents and children around the world decorate their Christmas trees without really knowing the history of this custom...

For Christians, Christmas represents the birth of Jesus Christ. The exact date of His birth is not known. According to one Gospel, Jesus was born during the great census ordered by Roman Emperor Caesar Augustus; according to another, He was born six years before our era. Therefore, the date was establish completely at random. This is also supported by the fact that, at the time that Jesus was born, shepherds did not guard their flocks during winter because of the cold...

Haven House has an "Adopt-a-Family" Program where organizations, businesses and individuals in the community may adopt for Christmas a family who has been served by the local domestic violence shelter. "During Christmas we help approximately 25 families, consisting of either a mother and child (children) or just a single woman," said Jane Walker, office manager. These families are all in Butler County...

Can your guests figure out what holiday objects are in the stocking? Well pass around a Christmas stocking filled with holiday items and see how many they can identify. You take a new large Christmas stocking. Then you put objects, that you see or use around Christmas time, into the stocking. If you have more than one stocking make sure you put the same things in each Christmas stocking...

Recycling Grace Ministries, 503 Apple St., offers support programs designed to meet individualized needs of women, who are recovering from drug and alcohol addictions. The ministries' goal is to have a center for women offering a residence where the women will have a safe environment that will decrease the potential for relapse when they leave an inpatient program to help them prepare to re-enter everyday life...

During the holiday season this year, Child Concern Center, a nonprofit agency which maintains a thrift store at 818 State Road 53 in Poplar Bluff, Mo., has added a Christmas Boutique which will sell ornaments and Christmas decorations in addition to their regular thrift store merchandise. For your shopping convenience the thrift store is open Monday, Tuesday, Thursday and Friday from 9:30 a.m. - 4 p.m...

For nearly six months, 22 men met once a week and prayed for a project they could undertake which would have a positive affect on the community. On a snowy day early in 2010, their wives--all teachers--joined their husbands' meeting, sharing their concern, as teachers, about the number of students who came to school hungry every day. The men's prayers had been answered, and The Bread Shed of Poplar Bluff, Mo. was born...

A variety of agencies and organizations in the Poplar Bluff area help individuals and families not only at Christmas, but throughout the year. Anyone looking for an opportunity to give a gift that will continue benefiting others throughout the year may want to consider contacting one of the groups listed in Celebrations...

Employees of Butler County Publishing which includes the Daily American Republic, Insta Print, the Prospect-News and Puxico Press share their families' Christmas traditions and wish all their readers and customers a Merry Christmas and Happy New Year...

Bing Crosby, born Harry Lillis Crosby on May 3, 1902, in Tacoma, Wash., was already a recording star in 1941 when he first introduced Irving Berlin's "White Christmas" on a Christmas Day radio broadcast. Crosby's recording of "White Christmas" hits the charts on Oct. ...

As the holiday season approaches, the John J. Pershing VA Medical Center through the 2011 Care and Share program will provide a hearty holiday meal to veterans in need within the Southeast Missouri and Paragould, Ark., communities. The local VA Medical Center has distributed food baskets to veterans in need throughout the service area for at least 10 consecutive years. Last year, 122 baskets were distributed to local veterans...

Volunteers and donations -- large or small -- are always needed by the Animal Welfare Alliance (AWA), based in Poplar Bluff. It's a registered nonprofit dedicated to the neutering/spaying of pets and to providing shelter and homes for abandoned dogs and cats. The group receives no government money and has no paid employees...