Stories from Wednesday, December 2, 2015

By DONNA FARLEY Staff Writer Poplar Bluff's tree administrator position is vacant today and officials are unsure if a replacement will be named. The decision to remove longtime city employee Angela White from the extra duty position was administrative, and not from the city council, city manager Mark Massingham said Wednesday...

WASHINGTON (AP) -- President Barack Obama says Thanksgiving is a day for food, football and hoping "the turkey didn't turn out too dry." Even if the White House's thyme-roasted bird didn't turn out to be the moistest, the first family's menu boasted more than enough other choices to fill the stomach...

By DONNA FARLEY Staff Writer Four Poplar Bluff High School seniors gave up part of their Thanksgiving holiday to pick up bells and ring for the Salvation Army. And ring and ring and ring -- for 31 continuous hours. Brandon Wyatt, Luke Fisher, Christian Cmehil-Warn and Clayton Rone will man both doors at Wal-Mart Supermarket from 5 p.m. Thanksgiving Day through midnight Friday...

By MICHELLE FRIEDRICH Associate Editor A Poplar Bluff, Mo., teenager underwent surgery earlier this week after she allegedly was attacked and bitten by dogs on her way to a school bus stop in her subdivision. Authorities learned of the alleged attack at about 4:35 p.m. Tuesday when Deputy Travis Huddleston was sent to Poplar Bluff Regional Medical Center, where he contacted Lauren Key and her mother, Sarah Combs...

By DAVID SILVERBERG Associate Editor NEELYVILLE -- Revenues exceeded expenditures by $81,254 in the Neelyville School District during the fiscal year ending June 30, according to the annual audit. School board members accepted the 50-page audit after listening to a report from certified public accountant Dwayne Clark of Hayti...

By LEONNA HEURING SEMO News Service SIKESTON, Mo. -- A New Madrid, Missouri, native will appear in the mid-season finale of a Fox television show. Shayla Day-Davenport, who resides in Chicago, has a small speaking role in Wednesday's episode of "Empire."...

By BEN KLEINE SEMO News Service Missouri is facing a prescription drug abuse epidemic, with dealers who sell to addicts from their own doctor-prescribed bottles. There's no way for doctors in Missouri to know a patient already has a prescription, because the state does not have a prescription-drug database...

By PAT PRATT Staff Writer The Christmas Spirit is beginning to show in Poplar Bluff and brings with it a number of local holiday activities for the entire family. The annual Lighted Christmas Parade sponsored by River Radio will kick off the season at 7 p.m. Friday. The parade route begins at Hydro Adventures Water Park and ends at the Black River Coliseum. Santa will appear at the end of the parade...

By PAT PRATT Staff Writer The Office of the Missouri State Fire Marshal is investigating a possible act of arson that occurred over the Thanksgiving holiday weekend at a downtown Poplar Bluff dance club. Poplar Bluff Police are also investigating a suspected forced entry and a theft associated with the fire. The incident was reported 1 p.m. Monday, but is believed to have occurred sometime over the weekend at Emari's located at 415 Vine Street...

By DONNA FARLEY Staff Writer The Pike Creek bridge on Fair Street is closed today, two years after the Missouri Department of Transportation first began warning Poplar Bluff, Mo., officials the structure was becoming increasingly unsafe. The closure could last more than eight months, while the bridge is replaced...

By DONNA FARLEY Staff Writer A city hall feasibility committee tentatively gave support Monday to moving the Poplar Bluff Police Department out of the downtown area. The committee stipulated the move cannot add to the cost of a project to replace city hall, city court and the police department. Costs are already estimated to exceed the city's $6 million budget by $800,000...

Colin London PATTERSON, Mo. - Colin London, 17, of Patterson, died Wednesday, Nov. 25, 2015, at his home near Patterson. Arrangements will be announced by Morrison-Worley Funeral Chapel of Piedmont, Mo.

By MIKE JENSEN Publisher Sikeston Standard Democrat The discussion of "white male privilege" is a popular topic these days, especially in light of the #Black Lives Matter movement. The presidential candidates of both parties were asked to define, defend, deny or distance themselves from the issue of "white male privilege." And unfolding on the University of Missouri campus was the demand by minority students that the university president apologize for his "white male privilege." Ultimately that demand cost him his job this week.. ...

By WALTER E. WILLIAMS Recent events at the University of Missouri, Yale University and some other colleges demonstrate an ongoing ignorance and/or contempt for the principles of free speech. So let's examine some of those principles by asking: What is the true test of one's commitment to free speech?...

By PATRICK J. BUCHANAN In denouncing Republicans as "scared of widows and orphans," and castigating those who prefer Christian refugees to Muslims coming to America, Barack Obama has come off as petulant and unpresidential. Clearly, he is upset. And with good reason...

Mary Wallace PIEDMONT, Mo. - Mary Wallace died Thursday, Nov. 26, 2015, in Paragould, AR. Arrangements are pending with Ruegg Funeral home in Piedmont, Mo. Online condolences may be made at www.rueggfuneralhomes.com

Melford Shearrer PIEDMONT, Mo. - Melford Shearrer, 75, of Patterson, Mo., died Wednesday, Nov. 25, 2015, at his residence. Visitation will be at noon, Saturday, Nov. 28 p.m. at Ruegg Funeral Home in Piedmont. The funeral will follow at 2:00 p.m. at the Piedmont Chapel. Burial will be at Rowland Woods Cemetery, Patterson, Mo. Online condolences may be made at www.rueggfuneralhomes.com...

Wilbur L. Thornton Wilbur L. Thornton, 76, of Poplar Bluff, and long-time voice of the Three Rivers Raiders, passed away Friday, Nov. 27, 2015 at his residence. The arrangements are pending and will be announced by Cotrell Funeral Service in Poplar Bluff...

Candis E. "Candy" Heck BLOOMFIELD, Mo. - Candis E. "Candy" Heck, 63, died Tuesday, Nov. 24, 2015, at St. Francis Medical Center in Cape Girardeau, Mo. Visitation will be at 5 p.m., Saturday, Nov. 28 at the Chiles-Cooper Funeral Home in Bloomfield. The funeral will be at 2 p.m., Sunday, Nov. ...

The Voice of the Raiders has fallen silent. Wilbur Thornton, 76, died at his home Friday. Arrangements are pending with Cotrell Funeral Service. He was the volunteer radio broadcaster for Three Rivers College for 24 years. The Raiders will have a moment of silence at Friday's 7 p.m. game in honor of Thornton...

On Thanksgiving night, the Raiders feasted on some Eagles. Three Rivers held Dyersburg State to a season-low 25 percent shooting and easily won 99-54 in the Peoples Community Bank Thanksgiving Classic on Thursday night at the Bess Activity Center. It was the first time in eight games that Dyersburg State (2-6) has shot below 33 percent...

By DAR STAFF IRONTON, Mo. -- Ellington juniors Marshon Morrisey and Wes Sharp finished with 48 combined points against West County to earn the Whippets' first Arcadia Valley Thanksgiving Tournament championship since 1995. Morrisey led Ellington with 26 points in the come from behind win while Sharp finished with 22 points and 13 rebounds, his third double-double in as many games...

Thomas E. Arnold Thomas E. Arnold, 74, of Ellsinore, Mo., passed away, Thursday, Nov 26, 2015 at Mark Twain Caring Center in Poplar Bluff. The arrangements are pending and will be announced by Cotrell Funeral Service in Poplar Bluff.

Marion "Junior" Brent Marion James "Junior" Brent, 90, of Springfield, Mo., formerly of Poplar Bluff, passed away Tuesday, Nov. 24, 2015 at Cox Medical Center South in Springfield. The arrangements are pending and will be announced by Cotrell Funeral Service in Poplar Bluff...

Martha Beights Martha Elizabeth Beights, 99 of Poplar Bluff, passed away Wednesday, Nov. 25, 2015 at her residence. The arrangements are pending and will be announced by Cotrell Funeral Service in Poplar Bluff.

Helen Backfisch DEXTER, Mo.--Helen Backfisch, 95, of Dexter, died Tuesday, Nov. 24, 2015, at Southeast Health Center of Stoddard County in Dexter. Visitation will be from 6-8 p.m., Friday at the Rainey-Mathis Funeral Home in Dexter. Funeral services will be conducted at 2 p.m., Saturday at the Faith Lutheran Church in Dexter with Rev. Justin Sponaugle officiating. Burial will follow in the Chalk Bluff Cemetery in Dexter...

Katherine Batson Katherine Batson, 85, of Poplar Bluff, Mo., died Wednesday, Nov. 25, 2015, at her residence. Arrangements are pending with Fowler-Sullivan Funeral Home in Poplar Bluff.

Jimmie Allen Hudgens NEELYVILLE, Mo.--Jimmie Allen Hudgens, 67, of Fairdealing, died Tuesday, Nov. 24, 2105, at home No services scheduled. Arrangements by Fowler-Sullivan Memorial Chapel in Neelyville.

Leslie Young CAMPBELL, Mo. - Leslie Wayne Young, 70, of Campbell died Tuesday, Nov. 24, 2015 at the General Baptist Nursing Home in Campbell, Mo. Visitation was scheduled from 10 - 11 a.m., Friday, Nov. 27, 2015 at the Landess Funeral Home in Campbell. Funeral services were to be at 11 a.m., Friday at the Landess Funeral Chapel in Campbell, with Rev. Bruce Vinson officiating. Burial followed at Woodlawn Cemetery in Campbell...

John Langston PUXICO, Mo. - John Langston, 85, of Puxico, died Wednesday, Nov. 25, 2015, at Puxico Nursing & Rehab. Visitation will at 5 p.m., Sunday, Nov. 29 at Morgan Sifford Funeral Home in Puxico. The funeral will be at noon, Monday, Nov. 30 at Brown Chapel General Baptist Church in Puxico with Rev. John Buttry officiating. Burial will be in the Missouri Veterans Cemetery in Bloomfield, Mo...

Poplar Bluff 5th and 6th Grade Center has released their A & B Honor Rolls. 5th Grade, "A" Honor Roll: Mercedes Baguio, Tylei Blackmon, Jacob Bliss, Hanna Bone, Rachel Butler, Adrianne Casey, Julia Chambliss, Benjamin Colclasure. Jayla Collins, Abigale Coon, Ulises Corona, Tristin Corzine, Kailyn Crites, Anthony Curnutt, Braden Davis, Logan Davis, Kyler Deaton, Mariah Deshaney, Daine Dugas, David Durbin, Emma Eudaley, Madison Faith, Justin Finley, Gabrielle Fortner, Liberty Fouts, Elizabeth Fredwell,. ...

By PAT PRATT Staff Writer The Patterson Community Center will hold its 29th annual Christmas Bazaar from 7 a.m. to 2 p.m. Dec. 5., Featuring crafts, vendors and live music. Money raised from the event will cover expenses at the center for the upcoming year. The Patterson Community Center is a non-profit entity that offers reduced rates to residents planning community functions...

Poplar Bluff Municipal Library, 318 N. Main St., is once again a drop-off site for the public's generous donations of new or gently used children's books to be given away as gifts at the 13th Annual Santa Land. The Designing Women Foundation (DWF) collects these donated books for area children to receive a free book of their very own. New books written for preschool through fourth grade are preferred. Used books are acceptable only if they are very gently used, showing no wear and tear...

The Three Rivers Endowment Trust Board recently awarded more than a dozen scholarships to more than 30 students for the 2015-16 academic year. A total of $25,300 was awarded earlier this fall to students qualifying for endowed scholarships held by the Trust. Scholarships and recipients are as follows:...

By PATRICK J. BUCHANAN Turkey's decision to shoot down a Russian warplane was a provocative and portentous act. That Sukhoi Su-24, which the Turks say intruded into their air space, crashed and burned -- in Syria. One of the Russian pilots was executed while parachuting to safety. A Russian rescue helicopter was destroyed by rebels using a U.S. TOW missile. A Russian marine was killed...

Colin London PATTERSON -- Colin London, 17, of Patterson, died Wednesday, Nov. 25, 2015, at his home. Visitation will take place at 6 p.m. Sunday at Trinity United Methodist Church in Piedmont. The funeral will be held 2 p.m. Monday at the church. Burial will be in in New Prospect Cemetery in Silva, Mo...

By BARBARA ANN HORTON News Editor Farmers Chris and Hilary Berry were named Butler County Farm Family during the Missouri State Fair's Farm Family Day. They were among 110 families honored. While Chris Berry grew up on the farm, his wife is blossoming in her role working the land...

A new scholarship has been created through the Three Rivers Endowment Trust. Set up by an anonymous donor, the Ivester-Keeter Scholarship is named for two former instructors at Poplar Bluff High School. It is to be awarded to a student studying to become a math or science teacher, or a student pursuing a degree in nursing...

By MONA CHAREN "Who is happy?" asks a sage in the great Jewish wisdom compendium "Sayings of the Fathers." Answer: "He who is contented with his lot." And how, during this Thanksgiving season, do you acquire contentment when you are constantly barraged with evidence that others have more beautiful possessions or are better looking, more talented, healthier, more admired, more loved, more valued? I count my blessings...

Wilbur Thornton Wilbur L. Thornton was ushered with prayer to his forever home Friday, Nov. 27, 2015, by family and friends who surrounded him at his home of 18 years in Poplar Bluff, Mo. A Malden, Mo., native, Wilbur lived a life of service. While residing and raising a family in Malden, he contributed in numerous ways to that community, serving on the Malden School Board for 16 years, the Civil Air Patrol, Volunteer Fire Department, Auxiliary Police, and as an EMT for Dunklin County. ...

Anthony Wood WILLIAMSVILLE -- Anthony Wood, 34, of Williamsville died Friday, Nov. 27, 2015, at his residence. Visitation will be at noon Wednesday at Ruegg Funeral Home in Williamsville. Funeral services will follow at 2 p.m. also at the Williamsville Chapel. Burial will be at Military Crossing Cemetery...

James Rutledge MALDEN -- James Thomas Rutledge, 79, of Poplar Bluff died Thursday, Nov. 26, 2015, at Westwood Hills Health & Rehabilitation Center in Poplar Bluff. Visitation will begin at 1 p.m. Monday at Bradshaw Funeral Home in Malden. The funeral will be at 2 p.m. Monday in the Bradshaw Chapel...

Gladys Mae West Gladys Mae West, 93, of Poplar Bluff, passed away Saturday, Nov. 28, 2015 at Poplar Bluff Regional Medical Center. Mrs. West, daughter of the late Silas and Bertha (Poston) Pulliam, was born July 31, 1922 in Van Buren, Mo. She was of Protestant faith and was a homemaker. During her earlier years she worked at Newberry Department Store as well as Lucy Lee Hospital. She enjoyed spending time with her family and friends...

JoAnn Bell DONIPHAN, Mo. -- JoAnn Bell, 85, of Doniphan died Wednesday, Nov. 25, 2015 at Current River Nursing Center in Doniphan. Visitation will be from 11 a.m. till noon Monday, Nov. 30 at Edwards Funeral Home in Doniphan. The funeral service will be at noon at the funeral home with Bro. Danny Miller, graveside services will follow at Bardley Cemetery...

Hats, gloves and scarves are needed this holiday season by four children registered with Project Christmas Promise, a homegrown charity serving Butler County. Already more than 630 children have signed up, compared to about 400 at the same time last year. The program is organized by AmeriCorps, which wants to ensure no child is without this Christmas...

By PAT PRATT Staff Writer Poplar Bluff High School custodian Jan Ethridge doesn't just help clean up students' messes, she helps clean up their problems, big and small. And despite her job title, she is quickly becoming one of the most effective social workers in the R-I school district...

ST. LOUIS -- Fourteen seniors gone, three returning starters -- the Malden football team wasn't supposed to be playing well into November in 2015. But as the same narrative played on throughout the season, the Green Wave shocked the state with a second straight undefeated regular season, dominating performances in SEMO Conference play and resilience in the state playoffs...

By MICHELLE FRIEDRICH Associate Editor For nearly a decade, Poplar Bluff Police Cpl. Richard Knapp has been a mentor to a student in the Poplar Bluff R-1 School District. "I've been in the mentoring program with the same student for eight years," Knapp said. " ... He's in 10th; we started in the third grade."...

By TYLER GRAEF SEMO News Service Thanksgiving marks one week since retired Puxico, Mo. elementary-school teacher Margaret Binford was able to stop wearing the brace that supported the four cracked vertebrae in her lower back. She and her husband, Ray, also a retired elementary-school teacher, suffered a fall while hiking together in Washington state. They consider their survival nothing short of miraculous...

By DONNA FARLEY Staff Writer The four children adopted by Poplar Bluff Technical Career Center students asked for Christmas gift items as simple as socks and underwear. That was what surprised the students most, and emphasized how great the need is for some area children, said health occupations teacher Carmen Hoggard...

By DAVID SILVERBERG Associate Editor A 1961 Poplar Bluff High School graduate is very thankful for a surprise blessing he received during this Thanksgiving season. Bobby Rice's class ring had been missing since 1961, but now it is back on his finger...

The Raiders won the tip, saw a 2-3 zone defense that is susceptible to the 3, passed it to the team's best 3-point shooter Camron Reedus, and he sunk a spot up 3. Gameplan. Executed. Three Rivers used the long ball to take and hold a wire-to-wire lead and beat West Kentucky 84-53 Friday in the Peoples Community Bank Thanksgiving Classic at the Bess Activity Center...

ST. LOUIS -- For the first time all season, the Malden Green Wave didn't win the turnover battle, and an early one cost them a shot at history Friday night. Malden senior Kylus Thompson flipped the switch in the Green Wave's favor early when he jumped on Luke Hardman's muffed punt five plays into the MSHSAA Class 2 championship game, setting up Malden with a good chance to move ahead of the defending state champions...

The Raiders owed them this one. Northeastern Oklahoma A&M handed Three Rivers its first loss last season on a banked in 30-footer at the buzzer. There would be no heroics in 2015. Three Rivers coupled strong outside shooting with relentless defense to beat Northeastern Oklahoma A&M 94-67 in the Peoples Community Bank Thanksgiving Classic on Saturday at the Bess Activity Center...

VAN BUREN -- Fresh off a championship victory at the Arcadia Valley Tournament, Ellington coach Jeremy Peterson was looking forward to a perfect finish to the Thanksgiving weekend. The Whippets went back for seconds in the Current River Challenge on Saturday night, but Hartville's Ryan Ward was the one feasting...

VAN BUREN -- Van Buren struggled at the free-throw line in the fourth quarter but held on just enough to beat Naylor 66-63 on Friday in the Current River Challenge. Van Buren (1-0) was 9-for-16 on free throws in the final quarter and Riley Reed and Sam Hinton added seven field goals to hold the lead...

To the Editor: Once again our country is confronted with a mass shooting. Our politicians and our president either have no idea what to do or else they blame the tool (i.e. weapon). Let me present another side that I have not seen discussed: 1) For 20 years or more, the entertainment industry has been producing ever more graphic and horrible movies with murder and slaughter as the main theme...

WASHINGTON -- Never has American freedom of speech been attacked so flagrantly, promiscuously and on so many fronts. The most egregious examples come from campuses and Congress. On campuses, censorship proliferates as political advocacy is confined to designated spaces. In Congress, 54 Democratic senators voted last year to amend the First Amendment to empower Congress to regulate the quantity, content and timing of political campaign speech...

Jeanette Bunn LOWNDES, Mo. - Jeanette Bunn, 42, of Lowndes, Mo., died Friday, Nov. 27, 2015, near Farmington, Mo. Arrangements are pending with Ruegg Funeral Homes. Online condolences may be made at www.rueggfuneralhomes.com

By MARGARET SHACKLEFORD As part of the partnership with the Vietnam War Commemoration for the 50th Anniversary of the Vietnam War, the Poplar Bluff Chapter National Society Daughters of the American Revolution announces Norman F. Magill Jr. as a "Hero of the Month" for November...

Dianna Sue Nations Dianna Sue Nations, 69, of Poplar Bluff, Mo., died Saturday, Nov. 28, 2015, at Westwood Hills Healthcare Center in Poplar Bluff. Mrs. Nations was born on May 2, 1946 to the late Herman and the late Lola Mae Alexander Goodman in Corning, Ark. On Sept. 29, 1978 she married Paul Nations in Poplar Bluff, Mo. He survives...

Rev. Fred Beckett CAMPBELL, Mo. - Reverend Fred Beckett, 86, of Campbell, Mo., died Saturday, Nov. 28, 2015, at General Baptist Nursing Home in Campbell. Visitation will at 6 p.m., Tuesday, Dec. 1 at Landess Funeral Home in Campbell. The funeral will be at 1 p.m., Wednesday, Dec. 2 at Bourbon First Assembly of God Church in Bourbon, Mo. Burial will follow in the Bourbon Cemetery. Landess Funeral Home of Campbell is in charge of arrangements...

Charles Edward Loury Charles Edward Loury, 75, of Poplar Bluff, passed away on Friday, Nov. 27, 2015 at the Manor in Poplar Bluff, Mo. He was born on July 11, 1940 to William and Mary (Winder) Loury in Poplar Bluff, Mo. Charles worked at Doctor's Regional Medical Center for 44 years were he was an orderly then in the mail service. On Sept. 6, 1958 he married Katie Marie Roach in Poplar Bluff...

Walter C. Gholson, Jr. MILLINGTON, Tenn. - Chief Petty Officer Walter C. Gholson, Jr. (USN, Ret.), 70, passed away at his home in Millington, TN, surrounded by his loved ones, on November 23, 2015. Walter served in the US Navy over 20 years, during which time he was stationed on Midway Atoll in support of the Vietnam war, on Guam for two years, and wintered over at McMurdo Station in Antarctica. ...

The Tinnin Fine Arts Center at Three Rivers College will close out 2015 with both Music Department and Patrons of the Arts shows, featuring loony tunes and out of this world acrobatics. "December is a busy month for everyone, but we have some shows this month that you'll want to put aside some time for," said Tim Thompson, director of the Tinnin Fine Arts Center. ...

Three local child care centers have adopted new guidelines to promote healthy and active lifestyles. The Missouri MOve Smart Guidelines are designed to boost the physical activity practices and improve the health and wellness of children ages 2-5. Broseley Preschool and Daycare has achieved an advanced level, while Wee Care Preschool and Childcare and Rhonda Davis Daycare achieved intermediate levels...

By GEORGE F. WILL WASHINGTON -- Give thanks this day for some indirect blessings of liberty, including the behavior-beyond-satire of what are generously called institutions of higher education. People who are imprecisely called educators have taught, by their negative examples, what intelligence is not...

Just who owns Mizzou? Well, folks, you know it only took Hitler and his little clan and nobody saying anything pretty soon he took over nearly all of Europe. The University of Missouri belongs to everybody in Missouri, not to 14 percent! If you let a minority get away with dictating to the entire population you have another Nazi Germany. ...

To the Editor: This past weekend the PB Chamber conducted a new and exciting event called the Holiday Cookie Tour. The main goals were to drive more customers into local shops and get people from the surrounding area to come to Poplar Bluff to spend their money. ...

Thomas Reddish DONIPHAN, Mo. -- Thomas Steven Reddish, 71, of Doniphan died Sunday, Nov. 29, 2015, at home. Visitation will be at noon Wednesday at Edwards Funeral Home followed at 2 p.m. by the funeral at the funeral home. Pastor Marvin Creelman will officiate. Burial will be in Reddish Cemetery. Online condolences: edwardsfuneralhome.org...

DeSOTO, Mo. -- The Mules made things look easy in their season opener Monday night at the Fountain City Classic. A little too easy. Poplar Bluff scored on five of its first six possessions, didn't miss a shot until the start of the second quarter when the Mules were already up by 19 points and rolled to a 65-34 win against host DeSoto...

Mildred (Stout) Robertson Mildred A. (Stout) Robertson, 83, of Arnold, formerly of Poplar Bluff and Jonesboro, Ark., died Sunday, Nov. 29, 2015 at her residence. The arrangements are pending and will be announced by Cotrell Funeral Service in Poplar Bluff...

Donald Eugene LeGrand Donald Eugene LeGrand, 68, of Glenallen, Mo., formerly of Poplar Bluff, Mo. died Sunday, Nov. 22, 2015 at Southeast Hospital in Cape Girardeau, Mo. A memorial service is planned for 5 p.m. Friday, Dec. 5, at Memorial Baptist Church in Poplar Bluff...

After rewriting the record book and earning all-state honors last winter, Taylor Norwood, Morgan McAtee and Haylee Dragon are back in the pool for Poplar Bluff. And the Mules, who finished 15th at the MSHSAA championship meet, look to get a boost from their returning swimmers that didn't make the state cut...

Sandra Garling PIEDMONT, Mo.--Sandra Garling, 65, of Piedmont, died Sunday, Nov. 29, 2015, at St. Francis Medical Center, Cape Girardeau. Arrangements are pending with Ruegg Funeral Home. Online condolences: www.rueggfuneralhomes.com

Jayne Brown DEXTER, Mo.--Jayne Elynn Brown, 59, of Dudley, died Sunday, Nov. 29, 2015 at her home. Graveside services will be held at 3 p.m., Tuesday, at the Dudley Cemetery in Dudley, with the Rev. Lynn Ash of Dexter officiating. Burial will follow at the Dudley Cemetery in Dudley with Watkins & Sons Funeral Service of Dexter in charge of arrangements...

Lora Mae Wamble DEXTER, M0. -- Lora Mae Wamble, 85, of Bloomfield, Mo. died Sunday, Nov. 29, 2015 at the Golden Living Center in Bloomfield. Visitation will be from 10 a.m. - noon, Wednesday, at the Rainey-Mathis Funeral Home in Dexter. Funeral services will follow at noon, Wednesday, in the Rainey-Mathis Funeral Chapel with Rev. Moses Grayson officiating. Burial will follow in the Essex Cemetery...

ORAN, Mo. -- Second-seeded Malden thumped seventh-seeded Richland 73-36 in Monday quarterfinal at the Oran Invitational Tournament. Trevor Ison netted a game-high 18 points for the Green Wave (1-0), while Shamaudre Barber contributed 15 points and Ned Lee added 10 points...

Brian Patterson continues to lead Southwest Baptist to a strong start to the season. The junior forward led the Bearcats with 23 points, six rebounds and two assists in 31 minutes on Saturday in a win over Williams Baptist. It was the third time in five games that Patterson has led Southwest Baptist in scoring...

James "Star" Tanner PUXICO, Mo. -- James Thomas "Star" Tanner, 92, of Wappapello, son of the late Thomas Edward and Cora Blanche Ramsey Tanner, was born in Puxico, Mo. on Oct. 18, 1923, and passed away at the John J. Pershing VA Medical Center in Poplar Bluff, Mo. on Sunday, Nov. 29, 2015...

Icy Marlean Knorton NEELYVILLE, Mo.--Icy Marlean Knorton, 76, of Poplar Bluff, Mo., formerly of Dudley, passed away on Sunday, Nov. 29, 2015 at Mark Twain Caring Center. Mrs. Knorton was born Dec. 31, 1938 in Webbers Falls, Okla., to the late Leroy and Sarah Yandell. She worked on a farm driving tractors and combines as well as working as a homemaker. She enjoyed, quilting, and playing bingo and poker...

Bonnie Ruth Johnson NEELYVILLE, Mo. -- Bonnie Ruth Johnson, 79, of Harviell, Mo., passed away Sun day, Nov. 29, 2015 at Poplar Bluff Regional Medical Center. Mrs. Johnson was born Aug. 2, 1936 in Corning, Ark. to the late Charles and Myrtle Mabry. She worked in the Superintendents office as the secretary in the Naylor School system. ...

Jimmie Hudgens NEELYVILLE -- Jimmie Allen Hudgens, 67, of Fairdealing, died Tuesday, Nov. 24, 2015, at home. No services scheduled. Arrangements by Fowler-Sullivan Memorial Chapel in Neelyville.

Correction An article in the Monday edition listing Christmas events incorrectly stated the the Festival of Lights Auto Tour at Wappapello Lake is sponsored by the Wappapello Lions Club. The event is sponsored by the Wappapello Lake Area Association. The reporter regrets the error...

R-I closed meetings Poplar Bluff public schools is planning to meet in closed session twice this week to discuss personnel issues related to the search for a new superintendent. The first meeting is scheduled for 4 p.m. Wednesday. Another closed meeting will follow at 4 p.m. Thursday. Both meetings will be held in the Board of Education Room, 1110 North Westwood...

VAN BUREN -- The two-time defending Lady Dawg Classic champs advanced with ease Monday night. The Neelyville Lady Tigers outscored Ellington 22-10 in the first quarter and moved on to a 76-33 win. Neelyville (1-0) got a game-high 16 points from sophomore J'Kayla Fowler while Shelby Moon added 11...