Stories from Thursday, June 12, 2014

CAMPBELL, Mo. -- A Richland Elementary student died late Friday morning while riding his bicycle in Campbell. Authorities said 9-year-old John Siebert of Essex, Missouri, was visiting relatives in Campbell when the accident occurred. The child reportedly was with friends and riding a bicycle that had no brakes. When he entered an intersection near Campbell schools, he reportedly struck the side of a passing truck. He died shortly after arriving at a Piggott, Arkansas, hospital...

Dr. Devin Stephenson, president of Three Rivers College, has been chosen as the chairman of the Missouri Community College Association's (MCCA) Presidents/Chancellors Council for 2014-2015. The chairman leads the council and supports MCCA's mission of community college advocacy...

By DAVID SILVERBERG Associate Editor Only one vote decided Tuesday's runoff election for the Democratic nomination for West Oak Bluff constable in Clay County, Ark. The incumbent, Fred Bucy, defeated Terry Robertson 20-19, according to the county clerk's office...

By DAVID SILVERBERG Associate Editor CARUTHERSVILLE, Mo. -- Concerned about the possibility of 900 workers losing their jobs if the Noranda aluminum smelter in New Madrid, Mo., closes due to the cost of electricity, Stoddard County Prosecuting Attorney Russ Oliver spearheaded an effort to collect signatures of all the elected county officials in Stoddard, Butler, Dunklin, New Madrid and Pemiscot counties in a united show of support for Noranda's electric rate reduction request before the Missouri Public Service Commission.. ...

If you're an existing business that is looking to expand sales and profits; increase jobs and decrease dependence on domestic markets - then exploring the feasibility of exporting your product to international markets may be worthy of consideration...

By MONA CHAREN Speaking to graduates at West Point (New York), President Barack Obama tooted on his toy horn, "al-Qaida's leadership on the border region between Pakistan and Afghanistan has been decimated." Even that slender boast -- just on the border regions? -- is now vitiated. The five Taliban terrorists released from Guantanamo Bay in exchange for Sgt. Bowe Bergdahl will step nimbly into any vacant posts...

What would you think if your 8-year-old came home and told you that "white privilege is something that white people have, meaning they have an advantage in a lot of things and they can get a job more easily"? You would have heard that at the recent 15th annual White Privilege Conference in Madison, Wisconsin, attended by 2,500 public-school teachers, administrators and students from across the nation...

Jane Cathey DEXTER, Mo. - Jane Carolyn Cathey, 67, of Poplar Bluff Mo. died Monday, June 9, 2014 at her residence in Dexter. Visitation will be noon to 2 p.m. Wednesday at the Rainey-Mathis Funeral Home in Dexter. Funeral services will follow at 2 p.m. with Rev. Mike Williams officiating...

To the Editor: As most readers know I have written in a few times over various issues or concerns the past few months to basically, speak my opinion. I am normally not one to get involved with political issues or debates as these things normally bore me because it is always the same problems, concerns or issues that arise during these debates...

CAPE GIRARDEAU, Mo. -- The American Red Cross encourages eligible blood donors to make and keep donation appointments to maintain the summer blood supply and help prevent a shortage. Donors of all blood types are currently needed, especially those with type O negative, B negative and A negative. ...

Lois Marandola VAN BUREN, Mo. - Lois "Arlene" Marandola, 83, of Qulin Mo. died Sunday, June 8, 2014 at her home. A memorial service will be held at a later date for family. Online condolences may be made at www.mcspaddenfh.com

When Chris Ward arrived on the Three Rivers campus in the early '80s, he couldn't play a lick of defense. He soon bought coach Gene Bess' sales pitch that everybody is accountable on defense. Every possession counts. Now it is a point of emphasis for Wards' high school girls AAU teams...

Rose Vinson Rose Vinson, 72, of Poplar Bluff, Mo., died Tuesday, June 10, 2014, at her residence. She was born Aug. 10, 1943 in Poplar Bluff. Mrs. Vinson was previously married to Donald Vinson, who survives. A member of Eagles 3730, she was a homemaker and had been a cook at Tower Restaurant. Her hobbies were playing bingo, cooking and animals...

Mabel Snider DEXTER, Mo.--Mabel Walker Snider, 76, of Bernie, Mo., died Monday, June 9, 2014 at Wilshire at Lakewood in Lee's Summit, Mo. Visitation will be from 11 a.m. - 1 p.m. Friday at the First Baptist Church in Dexter followed by the funeral service at 1 p.m. at the church with Rev. Greg McGhee officiating...

By PAUL DAVIS Outdoors Editor Despite periodic rain and windy conditions over Wappapello Lake Saturday, Joe Dougherty and Gary Dougherty were good enough to top a field of 41 teams and come away winners of the 35th annual Wappapello Bassmasters tournament...

Gilbert Kennon VAN BUREN Mo. - Gilbert Lawrence Kennon, 90, of Van Buren died Monday, June 9, 2014 at Poplar Bluff Regional Medical Center in Poplar Bluff, Mo. Visitation will be held at 11 a.m. Friday at McSpadden Funeral Home in Van Buren. A memorial service will follow at 2 p.m. with Rev. Reggie Lafaye officiating...

By FRANK CAMPA Mo. Dept. of Conservation You might think with all the rain there is not much to do, but it's quite on the contrary. Cooler temperatures make being outside enjoyable and the fishing is not really that bad right now. Water temperatures are near ideal. With rising water in some areas, the trick is finding out where the fish are. The fact is, they are not concentrated anywhere and there is not much pattern to where you will find any specific species...