Stories from Friday, January 23, 2015

By DAVID SILVERBERG Associate Editor Three Rivers College had an enrollment of 3,601 students on the first day of the spring semester. This is a reduction of 175 students from a year ago. "The number of students is down about 5 percent, but this is still 2 percent ahead of the national average decrease," said Dr. Wesley Payne during the TRC board meeting Wednesday...

By MICHELLE FRIEDRICH Associate Editor Local authorities are asking the public for help in their search for a Poplar Bluff man wanted for questioning in connection with the recent murder of a St. Louis Drury Inn manager. Quinton J. Williams, 30, whose last known address was in the 1000 block of Franklin Street, has been identified as a person of interest for questioning in the death of Scott Knopfel, said Poplar Bluff Deputy Chief Jeff Rolland...

Eddie Holman Eddie Dwain Holman, 55, of Arcadia Hurst, Texas, died Friday, Jan. 16, 2015. Visitation will be from 11 a.m. to 1 p.m. Saturday at the Faith Apostolic Church in Sturdivant, Mo. The funeral will follow at 1 p.m. Saturday at the church with Pastor Mike Dutton officiating...

Theodis Townsend, Jr. MALDEN, Mo. -- Theodis Townsend, Jr., 59, died on Wednesday, Jan. 14, 2015 at his residence in Malden. Visitation from 11 a.m. to noon Saturday, Jan. 24, at the Landess Funeral Chapel in Malden with the funeral service at noon in the funeral home chapel. Burial will be in the Macedonia Cemetery in Malden...

To the Editor, On behalf of the Poplar Bluff Salvation Army Service Unit, I would like to thank all those individuals who volunteered to 'ring the bells' this past Christmas season. We had over 600 bell ringers. My heartfelt thanks goes out to each one of these very special people. A kettle standing silently gathers only pocket change but adding a smiling face and the sound of ringing bell increases our donations significantly. Thank you for serving your community...

By GEORGE F. WILL WASHINGTON -- After his third loss, in 1908, as the Democratic presidential nominee, William Jennings Bryan enjoyed telling the story of the drunk who three times tried to enter a private club. After being tossed out into the street a third time, the drunk said: "They can't fool me. Those fellows don't want me in there!"...

Shame on PB dentists Shame, shame on the dentists in Poplar Bluff. This is in regards to none of the dentists in Poplar Bluff, except for one, accepts Medicaid for children. Shame. Shame on you! Children's teeth need to be taken care of. Why such a...

Susan Foster Sellers JONESBORO, Ark.-- Susan Foster Sellers, 47, of Jonesboro, departed this life Monday, Jan. 19, 2015, at NEA Baptist Hospital. Born May 24, 1967, in Poplar Bluff, to Douglas and Olive Foster, who survive. She loved auctions and meeting new friends. Susan was a loving wife, mother, and grandmother. She graduated from The American School of Lansing, Ill. at age 15 and played piano with her sister, AnnaLee. They were known as the Singing Fosters...

January is the month to celebrate my kids' birthdays and Ag Expo. It's also the time to get ready to prepare for freezing weather. You never know when the weather is going to get cold and snowy. Are you prepared? Where are your canned goods stored? Don't let them freeze in an unheated garage or storage room...

Lila M. Counts PIEDMONT, Mo. -- Lila M. Counts, 78, of Piedmont died on Wednesday, Jan. 21, 2015 at Clark's Mountain Nursing Home in Piedmont. Visitation will begin at 6 p.m. Friday at Ruegg Funeral Home in Piedmont. The funeral will be at 11 a.m. Saturday in the funeral home chapel...

ELLSINORE -- Clearwater and Van Buren appeared to be two ships passing in the Ellsinore moonlight. Or more specifically, Clearwater started cruising and Van Buren started sinking. After a slow start, Clearwater beat Van Buren 61-44 in the semifinals of the Black River League Tournament...

NAYLOR -- Shayna Tharp, a sophomore backup pitcher with nary a postseason award to her recruiting resume, was unexpectedly thrown into the circle during the state championship game. All-State starter Ericka Engelman was losing ground and Naylor coach Gene Deckard swapped the pair to try and find some momentum...

Ivan R. Long Ivan R. Long, 84, of Poplar Bluff, Mo., passed away, Tuesday, Jan. 20, 2015 at Mark Twain Caring Center. Mr. Long was born Aug. 22, 1930 in Poplar Bluff to the late Reuben Milton and Dora Mae (Choisser) Long. He attended the First Baptist Church in Poplar Bluff. ...

Robert Sauerwein Robert R. Sauerwein, 87, of Puxico, died Tuesday, Jan. 20, 2015, at Puxico Nursing & Rehab. Morgan-Sifford Funeral Home is in charge of arrangements. Burial will be at a later date.