Stories from Wednesday, February 1, 2012

By BARBARA ANN HORTON News Editor "The closure of Fortis Plastics created a huge challenge and threatened Brigg &Stratton's business. This threat was not only for B&S Poplar Bluff, but for every B&S engine facility. During the two months that followed, several individuals and companies came forward to support B&S. One company in particular was critical to B&S's continued operation," Briggs & Stratton wrote in a letter to the Manufacturers Assistance Group staff and employees...

By PATRICK T. SULLIVAN SEMO News Service The last two suspects in the counterfeiting ring that allegedly struck Cape Girardeau and other Southeast Missouri cities are now in custody. Terry Hester, 27, of Poplar Bluff, Mo., and Darius Lankford, 28, of Huntsville, Ala., are being held by the Madison County, Ala., sheriff and are scheduled to appear in federal court in Cape Girardeau on Feb. 29...

By DAVID SILVERBERG Associate Editor Only a few people alive in the United States today can say their father was a Civil War soldier. David Demmy Sr., executive director of the Sons of Union Veterans of the Civil War, said he is aware of only 13 men still living whose fathers fought for the Union during the Civil War 1861-1865. They range in age from 84 to 101...

By DONNA FARLEY Staff Writer PIEDMONT, Mo. -- Recreation at Clearwater and Wappapello lakes will change this season as the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers faces budget cuts across its projects. Clearwater expects to shorten the operating season at two of its parks. ...

The U.S. Army Corps of Engineers at Wappapello Lake announced Monday the opening and closing dates of their recreation facilities for 2012. They are as follows (subject to change): Chaonia Landing (sites 1-9): Open All Year Greenville (sites 1-25): March 30 - Nov. 20...

By SARABETH WALLER Staff Writer Bullying is a nationwide problem, say Twin Rivers R-X administrators, and they hope to address the issue in their district with a new anti-bullying campaign. The campaign kicked off Monday night with a community meeting featuring Dennis Lewis and Judy Brunner, founders of Edusafe, which works with school personnel to improve school safety...

A Poplar Bluff woman's dedication to buying a Missouri Lottery Lotto and Show Me Cash ticket once a week has paid off. Anna Amrhein bought one Quick Pick ticket for each game on Jan. 21. Her Show Me Cash ticket matched all five winning numbers that night to give her a share of the $97,000 jackpot - $48,500...

SEMO News Service NEW MADRID, Mo. -- It took a New Madrid County jury less than an hour to convict a Sikeston teen of sodomizing a 21-month-old child. Jonathan Ervin, 17, was found guilty of first-degree statutory sodomy following a trial heard in New Madrid on a change of venue. Sentencing for Ervin is set for March 13...

A Poplar Bluff woman's dedication to buying a Missouri Lottery Lotto and Show Me Cash ticket once a week has paid off. Anna Amrhein bought one Quick Pick ticket for each game on Jan. 21. Her Show Me Cash ticket matched all five winning numbers that night to give her a share of the $97,000 jackpot - $48,500...

NEELYVILLE -- Plagued with foul trouble early, the Poplar Bluff Lady Mules didn't skip a beat Monday night. Cassidy Harris and Samantha Gatewood came off the bench to lift the Lady Mules, combining for 18 points and 12 rebounds, in a 58-38 win at Neelyville...

BUNKER -- Kelen Smith was hard to stop Monday night. The East Carter junior had a double-double of 33 points and 22 rebounds as the Lady Redbirds handed Bunker a 60-51 loss. "We were able to get the ball inside to her quite a bit," East Carter coach Missy Cox said of Smith's play. "We moved the ball well around the perimeter and got it inside."...

Dirt filling up Wappapello Greenville, Mo., has a problem. I suppose you know about it. Wappapello Lake fills up with water. Some times a lot of water. It is also filling up with soil. You know dirt. Water in; water out. Dirt in but not so much out. ...

By PATRICK J. BUCHANAN Last May, Ron Paul filed his financial disclosure form, and The Wall Street Journal enlisted financial analyst William Bernstein to scrutinize his investments. "Paul's portfolio isn't merely different," said an astonished Journal, "it's shockingly different."...

Dorothy Freeman PIEDMONT, Mo. -- Dorothy Freeman, 85, of Jackson, Mo., formerly of Piedmont, Mo., died Monday, Jan. 30, 2012, in Jackson. Mrs. Freeman was born on Feb.18, 1926, in Vulcan, MO. She spent her childhood on a farm in Vulcan, MO and attended country school in the same area. She met her husband while working in St. Louis, MO, at the Sunshine Biscuit Company...

Gavin Eads PIEDMONT, Mo. -- Gavin Louis Eads, son of Chelsea Eads, was stillborn on Monday, Jan. 30, 2012. A graveside memorial service will be held at 2 p.m. Thursday at Forest Chapel Cemetery on Clark's Creek Road No. 339, near Piedmont, Mo. Ruegg Funeral Home in Piedmont, Mo., is in charge of arrangements...

Jimmy Goin MALDEN, Mo. -- Jimmy D. Goin, 64, of Risco, Mo., died Sunday, Jan. 29, 2012, at Missouri Delta Medical Center in Sikeston. He was born April 14, 1947, at Charter Oak, Mo. He did maintenance at Tyson. Surviving are two sons, Stephen Goin of Malden and Danny Joe Goin of Jackson, Mo.; two daughters, Cindy Cunningham of Risco and Angie Holloway of Malden; eight grandchildren; his mother, Rocellia Chamberlain of Morehouse; four sisters, Yvonne Gibbs of St. ...

Willyne Jones DEXTER, Mo. -- Willyne Jones, 78, of Bloomfield, Mo., died Friday, Jan. 27, 2012, at Golden Living Center in Bloomfield. Mrs. Jones was born June 19, 1933, in Detroit, Mich. She was raised in Michigan, where she went to school to become a licensed practical nurse. She later lived in Sikeston, Mo., where she worked as an LPN at Missouri Delta Medical Center. She had worked in the nursing field for 30 years. She was a member of the Hill's General Baptist Church in Bloomfield...

J. W. Murphy FISK, Mo. - J. W. Murphy, 81, of Poplar Bluff, Mo., died Sunday Jan. 29, 2012, at Poplar Bluff Regional Medical Center in Poplar Bluff. Mr. Murphy was born April 9, 1930, in Bernie, Mo. He farmed at Fisk until 1975. In 1975 he bought the Ponderosa Ranch at Naylor and raised cattle until 1992 when he started working with his family at Gamma Healthcare. ...

Marguerite Chadwell PUXICO, Mo. -- Marguerite Chadwell, 94, of Puxico, Mo., died Monday, Jan. 30, 2012, a Poplar Bluff Regional Medical Center in Poplar Bluff, Mo. Mrs. Chadwell was born May 24, 1917, at Parma, Mo. She attended Egypt Church. She was a homemaker and a cook on a riverboat for 12 years. She enjoyed flowers and gardening...

ONSR names interim leader VAN BUREN, Mo. -- Bill Black, superintendent at Fort Smith National Historic Site in Fort Smith, Ark., has been selected as the interim superintendent of Ozark National Scenic Riverways for 120 days. He began work Jan. 17...

The first meeting of the new year was a busy one for the Butler County Genealogy Society, which met on Thursday, Jan. 26. Present were 30 members and guests. President June Allen introduced Paula Allen as the incoming first vice president and Kathy Pierce as the incoming treasurer. Joyce Drew was recognized as outgoing first vice president and Katie Findley as the outgoing treasurer. Each woman was presented with a certificate of appreciation...

Dolly Coonce -- Corning, Ark. Willyne Jones -- Bloomfield, Mo. Candy Robinson -- Chiefland, Fla. Fay Fliney -- Greenway, Ark. Jimmy Goin -- Risco, Mo. J.W. Murphy -- Poplar Bluff, Mo. Marguerite Chadwell -- Puxico, Mo. Gavin Eads -- Piedmont, Mo. Peggy Grimm -- Piedmont, Mo...

Candy Robinson CHIEFLAND, Fla. -- Candy Ann Robinson, 43, of Chiefland, Fla., died Sunday, Jan. 15, 2012, at her home. Ms. Robinson was born April 29, 1968, in Poplar Bluff, Mo. She had worked to achieve several goals, including earning her commercial driver's license, certified nurses assistant license and phlebotomy diploma. She was also fluent in two languages. She enjoyed helping others, crafts, cooking, watching movies, computers and spending time with family and friends...

Poplar Bluff's late rally from a 10-point deficit slipped away Tuesday when the Mules couldn't secure a pair of rebounds off missed free throws. JaShawn McDaniel's rebounds came in the final minute, helping New Madrid County Central run off 10 seconds and extend a slim lead as the Eagles held on for a 43-40 win at Peters Gym...

NAYLOR -- The Twin Rivers Royals turned a strong start into a win Tuesday night. Twin Rivers got off to a double-digit lead after the first quarter and led by 15 at halftime before beating Naylor 74-59 in Ozark Foothills Conference play. "We came out and played really well defensively," Twin Rivers coach Dustin Benson said. "We had a really good, up-tempo offense...

DONIPHAN -- Some black paint will be needed inside Bill L. Wright Gymnasium soon for the wooden banners that hang on its walls. On Tuesday night, the Doniphan Dons accomplished step one of two in Ozark Foothills Conference accolades this season. In a battle of OFC unbeatens, the Dons withstood a late charge by the Clearwater Tigers to finish 6-0 in conference play by a score of 68-58...

DEXTER -- The Dexter Lady Bearcats couldn't get a second-half surge to keep their win streak going on Tuesday. Dexter (17-3) trailed by three at halftime and was outscored in the second half of a 71-56 loss to Meadow Heights at the Bearcat Event Center...

Regions Bank received eight Greenwich Excellence Awards in 2011, doubling its 2010 tally. Notably, Regions Bank was the only company recognized in the Middle Market Banking: Credit Policy --Willing to Lend/Pricing category among 750 banks evaluated...

MINNEAPOLIS, Minn. -- U.S. Bancorp (NYSE: USB) reported net income of $1,350 million for the fourth quarter of 2011, or $.69 per diluted common share. Earnings for the fourth quarter of 2011 were driven by year-over-year growth in total net revenue and a lower provision for credit losses. ...

John Kassinger of Poplar Bluff, Mo., formerly of Doniphan, Mo., is the new general manager at Comfort Master, 1645 Highway B. Kassinger has 25 years experience in the heating and cooling business. He was self-employed before joining Comfort Master. He owned Doniphan Heating & Air for 10 years and traveled through the United States doing large commercial applications and installations...

Commerce Bancshares, Inc. announced record earnings of $2.82 per share for the year ended December 31, 2011, an increase of 17.5percent compared to $2.40 in 2010. Net income amounted to $256.3 million in 2011 compared to $221.7 million in 2010, or an increase of 15.6percent. The return on average assets was 1.32percent in 2011, the return on average equity was 12.15percent, and the efficiency ratio totaled 59.1percent...

By MONA CHAREN It's as predictable as vultures at a carcass. When a wealthy Republican is running for office, the press will make his wealth a handicap. Recall that when George H. W. Bush was running in 1988, he was derided as a "preppy." George W. ...

The Friends of the Poplar Bluff Library are selling $1 tickets for a chance to win fitness-themed prizes as part of the group's Strong Body/Strong Mind fundraiser. Prizes include a Trek mountain bike from Country Cycles donated by Physicians Park Primary Care, a stationary exercise bike from Walmart, a dumbbell set from Sears, a three-month membership to the PARC Fitness Center, a P90X Workout DVD donated by Poplar Bluff Rehabilitation and a $50 gift certificate to the Spa...

Next school year, the U.S. Department of Education will make more than $150 billion in postsecondary financial aid available to students throughout the nation. College Goal Sunday (CGS) makes applying for financial aid easier by providing students with free help filling out the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA), the first step in applying for federal financial aid and many state programs...

Gene Braschler DONIPHAN, Mo. -- Eugene W. "Gene" Braschler of Fairdealing, Mo., son of B. Weaver and Frona Patterson Braschler, passed away on Sunday, Jan. 29, 2012. He was born on Dec. 11, 1924 in Pratt, Mo., and graduated from Doniphan High School in 1943. ...

Glenda Ethridge Glenda J. Ethridge, 73, of Paragould, Ark., died Tuesday, Jan. 31, 2012, at Arkansas Methodist Central Medical Center in Paragould. Funeral arrangements are pending with Cotrell Funeral Service of Poplar Bluff, Mo.

Peggy Grimm PIEDMONT, Mo. -- Peggy Sue (Eaton) Grimm, 49, of Piedmont, Mo., died Monday, Jan. 30, 2012, at Benchmark Healthcare Center in Greenville, Mo. She was born Dec. 17, 1962, in St. Louis, Mo. She formerly lived in St. Louis where she worked as an in-home aide for a home health service. She was baptized at Grace Baptist Church in St. Charles, Mo. and had been attending the Church on the Rock in O'Fallon, Mo....

Charles D. Carrens DONIPHAN, Mo. -- Charles D. Carrens of Supply, Ark., died Wednesday, Feb. 1, 2012, at Five Rivers Medical Center in Pocahontas, Ark. Funeral arrangements are pending with Edwards Funeral Home in Doniphan, Mo.

Monte Dilbeck DONIPHAN, Mo. -- Monte Dilbeck of Doniphan, Mo., died Wednesday, Feb. 1, 2012. Funeral arrangements are pending with Edwards Funeral Home in Doniphan.

Brad Long VAN BUREN, Mo. -- Bradley Everett Long, 45, of Van Buren, Mo., died Tuesday, Jan. 31, 2012, at his residence after losing his battle with brain cancer. The son of Everett and Betty (Nahodil) Long, he was born Jan. 7, 1967 in St. Louis, Mo...

Brian J. Dueker Brian J. Dueker, 42, of Wappapello, Mo., died Wednesday, Feb. 1, 2012, at Poplar Bluff Regional Medical Center. Funeral arrangements are pending with Cotrell Funeral Service of Popalr Bluff, Mo.

Robert Pippin PIEDMONT, Mo. -- Robert Walter Pippin, 90, of Odessa, Mo., formerly of Piedmont, Mo., died Monday, Jan. 30, 2012, at Centerpoint Medical Center in Independence, Mo. Mr. Pippin was born Oct. 5, 1921, at Jewett, Mo. He lived in St. Louis where he drove a truck for the Teamsters Union...

Trenton Thomas Hillis of Poplar Bluff made the President's List at the University of Southern Mississippi for the 2011 fall semester. The President's List includes full-time students who earned a perfect 4.0 grade point average (all As). The University of Southern Mississippi, founded in 1910, is a comprehensive doctoral and research-extensive university located in Hattiesburg, Miss...

The following students were accidently left off the Neelyville High School Honor Roll. 1st SEMESTER PRINCIPAL ROLL Freshmen: Jesse Pentecost Seniors: Elizabeth Irwin, Jordan Pentecost, Bradley Ragsdell 1st SEMESTER A/B HONOR ROLL Eighth Grade: Keshia Assman, Sara Hert, Jamie Pentecost...

Grizzlies rep here Sat. for Tyler night Feb. 10 Memphis Grizzlies account executive Lance Gooch will be at the Greater Poplar Bluff Area Chamber of Commerce from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. Saturday to sell discounted tickets to the Tyler Hansbrough/Poplar Bluff Community Night. Community night will be held Friday, Feb. 10 at the FedEx Forum in Memphis, Tenn., where the Memphis Grizzlies will take on Hansbrough and the Indiana Pacers...

By PATRICK J. BUCHANAN At the end of Sunday mass at the church this writer attends in Washington, D.C., the pastor asked the congregation to remain for a few minutes. Then, on the instructions of Cardinal Archbishop Donald Wuerl, the pastor proceeded to read a letter...

By MONA CHAREN It's as predictable as vultures at a carcass. When a wealthy Republican is running for office, the press will make his wealth a handicap. Recall that when George H. W. Bush was running in 1988, he was derided as a "preppy." George W. ...

Regions Bank received eight Greenwich Excellence Awards in 2011, doubling its 2010 tally. Notably, Regions Bank was the only company recognized in the Middle Market Banking: Credit Policy --Willing to Lend/Pricing category among 750 banks evaluated...

Poplar Bluff's late rally from a 10-point deficit slipped away Tuesday when the Mules couldn't secure a pair of rebounds off missed free throws. JaShawn McDaniel's rebounds came in the final minute, helping New Madrid County Central run off 10 seconds and extend a slim lead as the Eagles held on for a 43-40 win at Peters Gym...

NAYLOR -- The Twin Rivers Royals turned a strong start into a win Tuesday night. Twin Rivers got off to a double-digit lead after the first quarter and led by 15 at halftime before beating Naylor 74-59 in Ozark Foothills Conference play. "We came out and played really well defensively," Twin Rivers coach Dustin Benson said. "We had a really good, up-tempo offense...

By ANN McFEATTERS Scripps Howard News Service Newt Gingrich promises that by the end of his second term as president, the United States will have established a permanent "American" colony on the moon. As campaign promises go, this is real pie in the sky...

The Friends of the Poplar Bluff Library are selling $1 tickets for a chance to win fitness-themed prizes as part of the group's Strong Body/Strong Mind fundraiser. Prizes include a Trek mountain bike from Country Cycles donated by Physicians Park Primary Care, a stationary exercise bike from Walmart, a dumbbell set from Sears, a three-month membership to the PARC Fitness Center, a P90X Workout DVD donated by Poplar Bluff Rehabilitation and a $50 gift certificate to the Spa...

Gene Braschler DONIPHAN, Mo. -- Eugene W. "Gene" Braschler of Fairdealing, Mo., son of B. Weaver and Frona Patterson Braschler, passed away on Sunday, Jan. 29, 2012. He was born on Dec. 11, 1924 in Pratt, Mo., and graduated from Doniphan High School in 1943. ...

Robert Pippin PIEDMONT, Mo. -- Robert Walter Pippin, 90, of Odessa, Mo., formerly of Piedmont, Mo., died Monday, Jan. 30, 2012, at Centerpoint Medical Center in Independence, Mo. Mr. Pippin was born Oct. 5, 1921, at Jewett, Mo. He lived in St. Louis where he drove a truck for the Teamsters Union...

Monte Dilbeck DONIPHAN, Mo. -- Monte Dilbeck of Doniphan, Mo., died Wednesday, Feb. 1, 2012. Funeral arrangements are pending with Edwards Funeral Home in Doniphan.

Peggy Grimm PIEDMONT, Mo. -- Peggy Sue (Eaton) Grimm, 49, of Piedmont, Mo., died Monday, Jan. 30, 2012, at Benchmark Healthcare Center in Greenville, Mo. She was born Dec. 17, 1962, in St. Louis, Mo. She formerly lived in St. Louis where she worked as an in-home aide for a home health service. She was baptized at Grace Baptist Church in St. Charles, Mo. and had been attending the Church on the Rock in O'Fallon, Mo....

Glenda Ethridge Glenda J. Ethridge, 73, of Paragould, Ark., died Tuesday, Jan. 31, 2012, at Arkansas Methodist Central Medical Center in Paragould. Funeral arrangements are pending with Cotrell Funeral Service of Poplar Bluff, Mo.

Frank Marler GREENVILLE, Mo. -- Frank Marler, 70, of Silva, Mo., died Tuesday, Jan. 31, 2012, at Westwood Hills Healthcare Center in Poplar Bluff, Mo. Funeral arrangements are pending with Morrison-Worley Greenville Chapel.