Stories from Saturday, November 14, 2015

By PAT PRATT Staff Writer In an event that has grown beyond campus to encompass the entire community, students and the public paid homage to our nation's veterans Wednesday at the Poplar Bluff 5th & 6th Grade Center. The school sponsored Veterans Day tribute, as in years past, saw a packed auditorium as students presented patriotic music, essays on America and a student-led video interview with local veterans...

By DAVID SILVERBERG Associate Editor NEELYVILLE -- A retirement ceremony for Lt. Cmdr. Robert Burgett was conducted by U.S. Navy officials during the Neelyville Veterans Day program in the high school gymnasium Thursday. Lt. j.g. Cory Flament commended Burgett, a 1985 graduate of Neelyville High School, for "30 years of devoted service to your country."...

The Oak Grove Homemakers Club met Wednesday, Oct. 21, at the home of Clara Freeman in Arcadia, Mo. Eleven members traveled to Arcadia and enjoyed a noon luncheon at the Arcadia Academy eating establishment. Helen Birdsong gave thanks for the meal. Visitors in attendance were John Robbins, Chester Stroud, and Clara's daughters, Susan Corbett and Ellen Freeman. After the noon meal, the members went to Clara's home in Arcadia...

By MIKE JENSEN Publisher Sikeston Standard Democrat Some day when I have ample time on my hands, I want to pinpoint the exact time that the national media fell fully in the tank with the Democratic party. I'm talking primarily about the alphabet television networks and their constant drumbeat promoting the Democrat's liberal agenda...

By DAVID SILVERBERG Associate Editor Butler County officials decided to retain their salaries during the salary commission meeting Monday. However, if the county employees receive a cost of living increase, the elected officials will receive the same increase...

Many of my columns speak highly of the wisdom of our nation's founders. Every once in a while, I receive an ugly letter sarcastically asking what do I think of their wisdom declaring blacks "three-fifths of a human." It's difficult to tell whether such a question is prompted by ignorance or is the fruit of an ongoing agenda to undermine American greatness. Let's examine some facts about our founders and slavery...

To the Editor: I read with great dismay the letter to the editor on 10/26/15 titled Military medics don't need civilian training. I am in total disagreement with the quality of medical care provided by military medics. The DAR ran a front page story on 3/30/2014 titled "Mom wants answers to why son died." For those unfamiliar with the story of my son Master Sergeant William Cornett, he died seeking emergency medical care exactly as instructed on his post-op tonsillectomy discharge instruction sheet. ...

A collage of picture frames gets its own wall in Kylus Thompson's bedroom, and it has nothing to do with football. Among the pee wee football trophies, posters and accolades that line the rest of his room, pictures of his son Ayden have brought the Malden senior all the joy and satisfaction he needs...

Wayne Thomas Dugger Wayne Thomas Dugger, 71, of Poplar Bluff, passed away Tuesday, Nov. 10, 2015 at Poplar Bluff Regional Medical Center. Mr. Dugger, the son of the late Raymond and Verna (Trotter) Dugger, was born Sept. 14, 1944 in Chicago, Ill. He was a member of the Midland Church and had proudly served his country in the U.S. ...

Joseph John Rouse Joseph John Rouse, 84, of Poplar Bluff died Thursday, Nov. 12, 2015 at John J. Pershing VA Medical Center in Poplar Bluff. Mr. Rouse was born June 27, 1931 in Salem, Ill. and grew up in Cape Girardeau, Mo. He was a member of Sacred Heart Catholic Church and had retired in 1993 from Farm Bureau Insurance as an insurance adjuster. ...

Harriett R. Medler DEXTER, Mo. -- Harriett R. Medler, 81, St. Peters, formerly of Dexter, died Wednesday, Nov. 11, 2015 at Spencer Place in St. Peters. A memorial service will be conducted at 3 p.m., Saturday, at the Rainey-Mathis Funeral Chapel in Dexter, with Mark Snider officiating...

Marlene Shepherd Marlene Shepherd, 78, of Poplar Bluff, died Thursday, Nov. 12, 2015 at Poplar Bluff Regional Medical Center. She was born June 26, 1937 in Kansas City, Mo. to the late Boyd Burton and Maxine Johnson Burton. She spent most of her childhood in Kansas City and Poplar Bluff. She was a member of the Twin Springs Baptist Church...

Lilly Kathleen Calder MALDEN, Mo. -- Lilly Kathleen Calder, 80, of Malden died Thursday at SEHealth Center of Stoddard County in Dexter, Mo. Visitation will be from 6-8 p.m. Friday at Landess Funeral Chapel in Malden. The funeral will be at 3 p.m. Saturday in the Landess Funeral Chapel in Malden with the Rev. Richard Blagg officiating. Burial will be in the Rosewood First Addition Cemetery in Malden...

Stephen Giovando PIEDMONT, Mo. -- Stephen Giovando, Sr., 68 of Piedmont, passed away Wednesday, Nov. 11, 2015 at his home near Piedmont. Graveside services will be held at 2 p.m. Monday at the Missouri State Veterans Cemetery in Bloomfield under the direction of Morrison-Worley Funeral Chapel...

Ryder Eli Wyatt Thomason Ryder Eli Wyatt Thomason of Poplar Bluff, Mo. departed this world showered in love on Nov. 3, 2015 at Cardinal Glennon Children's Hospital. Born to Andrew and Hope Thomason on Oct. 28, 2015 and siblings big sister Rylee and big brother Ryan, also of the home. Ryder also is survived by maternal grandparents James and Linda Davis and paternal grandparents Darren and Darlene Webb, all of Poplar Bluff...