Stories from Saturday, May 10, 2014

By DAVID SILVERBERG Associate Editor Area residents interested in the depot restoration and staircase replacement projects, railroad history and scenic train trips are urged to visit two historic train stations in Downtown Poplar Bluff on National Train Day Saturday...

By SARABETH WALLER Staff Writer After nearly falling out of a climbing tree stand, a Poplar Bluff, Mo., man was inspired to invent a ladder and tree stand stabilizer. "On Nov. 18, 2011, I was hunting in the woods and it was about 18 degrees," Roger Hanner remembers. "I walked into the woods around dark."...

A space that serves as an indoor-outdoor transitional area in a home can be a valuable living space. Screened-in porches are often attractive to buyers, but are typically not as popular as a room that can be used once the warm weather has passed. Certain features of a home can increase a home's resale value. ...

As seasons and temperatures are changing in much of the country. Heating and cooling systems that are working well are essential to the comfort and health of homeowners. If you haven't done so, it's a good idea to have the heating and cooling systems inspected to ensure everything is working smoothly. While preparing for the change in seasons, it can be easy to forget about home maintenance...

The Butler County Genealogy Society met April 24 at the First United Methodist Church in Poplar Bluff. There were 25 members and guests present. Vice president Glenda Rollman presided at the business meeting. Members voted to purchase two resource books on the American Revolution. The new books, "New York in the American Revolution" and "South Carolina in the American Resolution" will be placed in the public library for those interested in doing research on this subject...

Gardening is an age-old activity that was once a necessity but has transformed into a hobby for thousands of people. While gardening still serves practical purposes, many gardeners still consider it a hobby first and foremost. Time-tested gardening techniques have prevailed, but there remain certain myths about gardening that are best dispelled. The following are some of the more common myths associated with gardening...

TOPS (Take Off Pounds Sensibly) MO 734 was called to order by Linda Morgan at 10 a.m. April 26 with 11 TOPS and four KOPS members present. The best losers of the week were Lydia Barber, TOPS, and Lou Roach, KOPS. Two visitors, Jill Clubbs, Millie McClannahan's friend, and Jerri Kane, Pam Kane's mother, were welcomed...

By BARBARA ANN HORTON News Editor Sounds of trimmers and humming of mowers join with chirping birds and bees buzzing to play a symphony signaling it's time to enjoy time out of doors where the trees and flowers are blooming. People in Poplar Bluff, Mo., and Butler County are proud of their beautiful community and want the area to shine for visitors passing through and those who may be looking for a place to call home...

By MIKE JENSEN Whether the Democrats like it or not, someone in this administration is going to take the fall for the disaster that claimed four American lives in Benghazi. With last week's announcement that a special select committee was being formed to probe deep into the Benghazi fiasco, the Democrats are clearly scrambling...

To the editor: POPLAR BLUFF HAS IT ALL! What wonderfully diverse opportunities are available to all of us here in Poplar Bluff! We enjoy Godspell, a musical performed every bit as excellent as on Broadway! The Moscow Ballet dancing Sleeping Beauty (sponsored by the TRC Patrons of the Arts) at the Tinnin Fine Arts Center was "out of this world"! It was a sight to behold to see our local little girls attending the event dressed in tights and tutus, meeting the ballerinas during intermission, and waiting in line for the bathrooms endeavoring to stand their toes and pirouettes!. ...

Does county have double standard? When it comes to setting standards the Butler County Commission are experts. As a matter of fact, they believe in having two standard! One for them and one for their employees -- otherwise known as a double standard. ...

To the editor: The city of Poplar Bluff has made substantial and significant progress in recent years, which should ensure that growth and progress will continue for years ahead. Regretfully, the city will be without the vital leadership and knowledge which Doug Bagby possesses...

To the editor: Doug Bagby was fired from the position of city manager with a vote of 4-2 by the city council Monday night. This decision is a great loss for the city of Poplar Bluff. Doug Bagby is one of the finest public servants I have ever met. The new city council's true colors are now showing. ...

By EMILY PRIDDY SEMO News Service Several years ago, methamphetamine manufacturers were so keen to obtain anhydrous ammonia that some would steal it out of tanks within sight of the farmers who owned it. "Years ago, they would go out and steal it in the farmer's field while he was on the tractor," said Capt. Jerry Bledsoe of the Scott County Sheriff's Department, recalling such an instance in New Hamburg, Mo...

Sammy Williams Sammy Lee Williams, 71, of Poplar Bluff, Mo., formerly of Benton Harbor, Mich., passed away Friday, May 2, 2014, at Poplar Bluff Regional Medical Center. Mr. Williams was born July 6, 1942, in Deering, Mo. Mr. Williams was a member of True Believers Missionary Baptist Church...

Alice Gourley Alice G. Gourley, 91, of St. Louis, Mo. died Wednesday, May 7, 2014. She was born March 14, 1923 in Butler County, to the late Juddy Hager and Alma Cochran Hager. Alice was of the Baptist faith. Alice married Eldon E. Gourley June 25, 1941. He preceded her in death...

NEELYVILLE -- The last time Bernie lost a baseball game, the Masters hadn't even started and the St. Louis Cardinals had only played nine games. As of Friday morning, the Mules haven't been beaten in exactly one month dating back to an April 9 game at Clearwater...

BERNIE -- Unbeknownst to Kennett coach Kevin McCaig, a box full of "final four" T-shirts was waiting in the wings for the Lady Indians. "I guess some people had more confidence in us than we had in ourselves," McCaig said. "We have the utmost respect for Bernie. Every program they have, they play hard and are well coached."...

JOPLIN -- The Raiders had the water bucket ready and waiting in their final homestand but were all business Thursday. Three Rivers coach Stacey Burkey stayed dry after earning his 500th victory while the Raiders stayed alive in the Region XVI Tournament with a 2-0 win over St. Charles...

SIKESTON -- Rain interrupted a preview of Poplar Bluff's first-round district tennis opponent Thursday as the Mules beat Sikeston 4-3. Poplar Bluff was leading two matches when rain halted play but the teams will meet again at 4 p.m. Monday in the MSHSAA Class 2 District 1 quarterfinal...

WINONA -- The top-seeded East Carter Redbirds avenged last year's loss in the Black River League Tournament championship Thursday evening by defeating the defending-champion Clearwater Tigers, 8-0. After no-hitting the Tigers last week, Trever Lewis pitched another gem as he went seven innings for the shutout. He struck out eight batters, walked three and allowed just five hits for the Redbirds (18-2)...