Stories from Tuesday, January 10, 2012

By DAVID SILVERBERG Associate Editor The federal lawsuit filed by the American Civil Liberties Union on behalf of two supporters of open access to Poplar Bluff's broadband communication system is based on a state statute not applicable to the city, according to documents filed Monday in U.S. District Court at Cape Girardeau, Mo...

By MICHELLE FRIEDRICH Associate Editor VAN BUREN, Mo. -- An Ellsinore, Mo., couple was released on bond this morning on charges stemming from a suspected indoor marijuana grow operation in which nearly 90 plants were seized. Mary Comfort, 62, and Michael Bell, 55, were charged Monday with the Class B felony of producing a controlled substance and Class C felony of maintaining or keeping a public nuisance by Carter County Prosecuting Attorney Rocky Kingree...

By DAVID SILVERBERG Associate Editor Carter County Prosecuting Attorney Rocky Kingree of Van Buren is the first person to file for a seat on the Three Rivers College Board during the April 3 election. Kingree is a candidate for a six-year term in Sub-District 2, which includes Carter County and parts of Butler and Ripley counties. He filed Monday. This position is currently held by Randy Grassham of Van Buren...

By DONNA FARLEY Staff Writer Members of the Malden High School JROTC had the honor last week of helping open a session of the General Assembly, a job normally reserved for the Missouri State Highway Patrol. Six cadets were in attendance Wednesday in Jefferson City, Mo., to present the colors for the beginning of the second regular session of the 96th General Assembly while Speaker of the House Steven Tilly, R-Perryville, led more than 200 representatives and their guests in the Pledge of Allegiance.. ...

By DONNA FARLEY Staff Writer Members of the Malden High School JROTC had the honor last week of helping open a session of the General Assembly, a job normally reserved for the Missouri State Highway Patrol. Six cadets were in attendance Wednesday in Jefferson City, Mo., to present the colors for the beginning of the second regular session of the 96th General Assembly while Speaker of the House Steven Tilly, R-Perryville, led more than 200 representatives and their guests in the Pledge of Allegiance.. ...

By MICHELLE FRIEDRICH Associate Editor VAN BUREN, Mo. -- An Ellsinore, Mo., couple was released on bond this morning on charges stemming from a suspected indoor marijuana grow operation in which nearly 90 plants were seized. Mary Comfort, 62, and Michael Bell, 55, were charged Monday with the Class B felony of producing a controlled substance and Class C felony of maintaining or keeping a public nuisance by Carter County Prosecuting Attorney Rocky Kingree...

By DAVID SILVERBERG Associate Editor The federal lawsuit filed by the American Civil Liberties Union on behalf of two supporters of open access to Poplar Bluff's broadband communication system is based on a state statute not applicable to the city, according to documents filed Monday in U.S. District Court at Cape Girardeau, Mo...

By DAVID SILVERBERG Associate Editor Carter County Prosecuting Attorney Rocky Kingree of Van Buren is the first person to file for a seat on the Three Rivers College Board during the April 3 election. Kingree is a candidate for a six-year term in Sub-District 2, which includes Carter County and parts of Butler and Ripley counties. He filed Monday. This position is currently held by Randy Grassham of Van Buren...

Bonnie Lewis PUXICO, Mo. -- Bonnie Jean Lewis, 72, of Puxico, Mo., died Saturday, Jan. 7, 2012, at her residence. Mrs. Lewis was born Oct. 24, 1939, in Kinder, Mo. She had lived in the Puxico and Kinder areas most of life. Mrs. Lewis attended the General Baptist Church in Puxico and enjoyed quilting, doing ceramics and needle work. She and her husband owned Cliff's Market and she also worked at the Puxico Nursing Center...

Nearly down and out, the Three Rivers Lady Raiders found another gear Monday night. Three Rivers was down by as many as 16 in the second half and battled back to tie the game before falling 86-81 to Lewis & Clark at the Bess Activity Center. The Lady Raiders finished the game without leading scorer Carolyn Overton and guard Alex Hower. Overton went down in the opening minute, hitting her head on the court, and did not return while Hower suffered a knee injury in the first half...

PIEDMONT -- The Clearwater Lady Tigers continued their vastly improved season Monday with some dramatics. With the game tied, sophomore Haley Alcorn knocked down a 3-pointer at the buzzer to lift Clearwater to a 37-34 victory over district rival Woodland...

By ERIN RAGAN SEMO News Service CAPE GIRARDEAU, Mo. -- Emotions ran against a proposed uniform policy at the first forum held by the Cape Girardeau School District on Monday night. After a presentation from three members of the dress code committee that detailed research on positive effects seen by other school districts with uniform codes, the floor opened for comment and questions from the public...

Buchanan and Swiss cheese This is my opinion on the Opinion piece 'Whose Country Is It, Anyway?' by Patrick Buchanan. If it makes it into the Speakout, excellent; if not, at least I tried! I enjoyed the 12/28 opinion piece by Patrick Buchanan, 'Whose Country Is It, Anyway?' It was clever, informative, and downright inflammatory. ...

By BETSY HART Scripps Howard News Service What does it mean to be "healed" and ready for a relationship? Any relationship? I've been talking about this a lot lately with a dear friend, recently divorced, who has been told by Christian counselors that after a long-term marriage one should wait years before beginning a new, serious romantic relationship. To work, in the meantime, on becoming whole and healed before connecting with any new partner...

By PATRICK J. BUCHANAN In what The Washington Post called "a bold act of political defiance," President Obama Wednesday announced the recess appointment of Richard Cordray to head the Consumer Financial Protection Bureau. Cordray's nomination had been blocked by a Senate filibuster. There was no way he was going to win approval in 2012...

By DALE McFEATTERS Scripps Howard News Service Old age has its compensations, and one of them is sneering at the young and their problems. But it's hard not to feel heartbroken for youngsters who go in debt to get a college education in a field they love, then graduate to find themselves really deep in debt and with no job to repay it...

President Obama may not know it, but he has a nice advantage in the world of late-night TV. A new study by The Center for Media and Public Affairs at George Mason University says that in 2011, late-night comedians mocked Republicans three times more than they did Democrats. The biggest ideological difference was between David Letterman and Jay Leno. Letterman told 77 jokes at the expense of Obama, while Leno told 156 -- about 100 percent more...

To the Editor: On Dec. 21, 2011, Lake Wappapello United Methodist Church gave away 209 family Christmas food baskets and gave toys to 111 children during our annual Christmas basket give-a-way. Lake Wappapello United Methodist Church would like to thank the following people for their unfailing love and support to make this event a huge success: Christians Against Hunger, Greenville New Prospect Baptist Church, Little Brushy Missionary Baptist Church, Faith Baptist Church, Coldwater Homecoming Committee, Coldwater United Methodist Church, Greenville United Methodist Church, Williamsville United Methodist Church, Williamsville United Methodist Women, Wappapello Lions Club, Wappapello VFW Post 3416 and Wappapello VFW Ladies Auxiliary to Post 3416, Wappapello Peoples Community Bank, Boy Scout Group 416, Lake Wappapello Corps of Engineers, Donna Almond, Sherry Szczblewski, Dorothy & Charlie Brotherton, Gloria Thrasher, Bob Brown, Paul & Marjorie Kelley, Darrel & Shirley Schweitzer, Gary & Dianne Barnfield, Melvin & Connie Hoopingarner, Allan & Wilma Hawley, Sally Morehead, George Cannon, Walt & Kathy Wilkey, Jeff Shawan, and the cities of Coldwater, Silva, Williamsville, Greenville and Wappapello. ...

For the last 26 years, parents and community members have provided a gala extravaganza to honor the graduating class of Poplar Bluff High School. It is a high-energy night filled with exciting events, games, food, and music. The event is funded by donations from the community and local businesses. ...

Robert Cohen Dr. Robert S. Cohen, 92, of Jonesboro, Ark., died of natural causes Sunday, Jan. 8, 2012, at his home. Dr. Cohen was born in Fredericktown, Mo., and lived in Birmingham, Ala., Poplar Bluff, Mo., and Memphis, Tenn., before moving to Jonesboro in 1975. ...

Herman Campbell PUXICO, Mo. -- Herman L. Campbell, 92, of Puxico, Mo., died Sunday, Jan. 8, 2012, at Puxico Nursing and Rehab in Puxico. He was born on Aug. 5, 1919, in Puxico. Mr. Campbell was a member of the United Methodist Church in Puxico and was the church treasurer for several years. ...

Annie Kelley Annie L. Kelley, 90, of Columbia, Mo., died Sunday, Jan. 8, 2012, at Trenton Place Care and Rehab Center in Trenton, Tenn. Mrs. Kelley was born April 29, 1921 in Wildersville, Tenn. She was of the Baptist faith, and was a homemaker. Mrs. Kelley enjoyed spending time with her family...

Patricia Pullum DEXTER, Mo. -- Patricia Pullum, 64, of Dexter, Mo., died Saturday, Jan. 7, 2012, at Southeast Missouri Hospital in Cape Girardeau, Mo. Mrs. Pullum was born May 15, 1947, in Dexter. She had lived in the Dexter and Sikeston, Mo., areas most all her life. Mrs. Pullum was a member of the Life Church in Sikeston. She enjoyed spending time with her family...

William Pinkard BERNIE, Mo. -- William Rex Pinkard, 79, of Malden, Mo., died Sunday, Jan. 8, 2012, at Poplar Bluff Regional Medical Center. Mr. Pinkard was born Feb. 5, 1932, in Haleyville, Ala. He had worked at Sherman-Williams Paint Factory in Elgin, Ill., and later at U.S. Can in Elgin until his retirement. Mr. Pinkard enjoyed cutting trees, wood working, talking on his CB and listening to Johnny Cash and gospel hymns. He was of Baptist Faith...

Andrew Nored Andrew N. "Joe" Nored Sr., 76, of St. Charles, Mo, died Sunday, Jan. 8. 2012. Loving husband of the late Mary K. Nored (nee: Vancil); beloved son of the late James J. and Etter Mae Nored; devoted father of Andrew and Katherine Nored, and Ronda Halbeck; cherished grandfather of Dan Halbeck, Shelly Nored, and Sarah and Larry Nored-Samuelson; treasured great-grandfather of Drew Nored, Katelyn Halbeck, Adariana Nored-Samuelson, Hunter Nored-Samuelson, and Aaden Nored-Samuelson; and dear uncle of Mark Allen and Louise Nored. ...

Marshaé Marshall Marshaé Kianna Marshall, infant daughter of Shandelle Hathaway and Rashad Marshall of Poplar Bluff, was born and died Friday, Jan. 6, 2012, at Poplar Bluff Regional Medical Center. In addition to her parents, Marshaé is survived by her sister, Harmonie Hathaway of the home; brother, Doreyon Johnson; maternal grandmother, Leslie Hathaway of Poplar Bluff; maternal grandfather, Michael Allen of Poplar Bluff; paternal grandmother, Katrina Marshall of East St. ...

Peggy Tinsley Peggy Lou Tinsley, 82, of Poplar Bluff, Mo., died Monday, Jan. 9, 2012, at Mark Twain Caring Center in Poplar Bluff. Mrs. Tinsley was born April 8, 1929, in Poplar Bluff. She was a member of South Poplar Bluff General Baptist Church where she was a member of the Women's Missionary Society and Ladies Aid Quilting. ...

Kyle Dicken Kyle Curtis Dicken, 16, of Poplar Bluff, Mo., died Sunday, Jan. 8, 2012, in Poplar Bluff. He was born Oct. 31, 1995, in Honolulu, Hawaii. He had lived in Butler County all his life and was a member of Fellowship Southern Baptist Church. He was a student at Poplar Bluff High School and a member of the church orchestra. He loved playing in the school band and enjoyed his trombone and tuba. He also enjoyed playing video games, fishing, camping and hunting...

Roma Garrison DONIPHAN, Mo. -- Roma R. Garrison, 88, of Sikeston, Mo., formerly of Doniphan, Mo., died Saturday, Jan. 7, 2012, at the Sikeston Convalescent Center in Sikeston. Mrs. Garrison, daughter of the late Robert and Edna (Carey) Pyatt, was born March 12, 1923, in Cherryville, Mo. She retired as a nurses' aide in the healthcare profession...

Walter Williamson DONIPHAN, Mo. -- Walter Williamson, 92, of Doniphan, Mo., died Tuesday, Jan. 10, 2012, at Current River Nursing Center in Doniphan. Funeral arrangements are pending with Edwards Funeral Home in Doniphan, Mo.

Corrine Lawler Corrine O. Lawler, 86, of Poplar Bluff, Mo., died Monday, Jan. 9, 2012, Mark Twain Caring Center in Poplar Bluff. Mrs. Lawler was born May 5, 1925 in Lawrence, Mass. She was a member of Sacred Heart Catholic Church in Poplar Bluff, and had previously owned and operated Lawler Daycare Center in her home. Mrs. Lawler later retired as a hospital ward clerk in Texas. She enjoyed sewing, knitting and embroidery work...

Dylane Campbell Dylane Eugene Campbell, 12, of Poplar Bluff, Mo., died Sunday, Jan. 8, 2012, in Poplar Bluff. He was born Sept. 14, 1999, at Poplar Bluff. He was a lifelong resident of Butler County and was a member of Calvary Community Church. He enjoyed playing the guitar, video games, listening to music and playing basketball...

Charlie Sheets ELLSINORE, Mo. -- Clinton Charles "Charlie" Sheets, (or "Poppy" as his girls called him) 59, of Poplar Bluff, Mo., died Saturday, Jan. 7. 2012, at his residence. He was born July 30, 1952. Mr. Sheets was a longtime resident of Poplar Bluff and was formerly of Ellsinore, Mo. Due to his disability, he had been unable to work for a long time, but formerly worked at the Brown Shoe Company in Piedmont, Mo. He was of the Protestant faith...

A 58-year-old Dudley, Mo., man died of injuries suffered in a two-vehicle crash at 1 p.m. Sunday on Highway J in Asherville, Mo. According to the report, August J. Scherer was operating a 2001 Harley Davidson motorcycle westbound when it crossed the center line and struck a 2003 Ford, which was being driven eastbound by Georgia A. Graves...

Marshae Kianna Marshall, infant daughter of Shandelle Hathaway and Rashad Marshall of Poplar Bluff, was born and died Friday, Jan. 6, 2012, at Poplar Bluff Regional Medical Center. In addition to her parents, Marshae is survived by her sister, Harmonie Hathaway of the home; brother, Doreyon Johnson; maternal grandmother, Leslie Hathaway of Poplar Bluff; maternal grandfather, Michael Allen of Poplar Bluff; paternal grandmother, Katrina Marshall of East St. ...

Robert Cohen Dr. Robert S. Cohen, 92, of Jonesboro, Ark., died of natural causes Sunday, Jan. 8, 2012, at his home. Dr. Cohen was born in Fredericktown, Mo., and lived in Birmingham, Ala., Poplar Bluff, Mo., and Memphis, Tenn., before moving to Jonesboro in 1975. ...

Annie Kelley Annie L. Kelley, 90, of Columbia, Mo., died Sunday, Jan. 8, 2012, at Trenton Place Care and Rehab Center in Trenton, Tenn. Mrs. Kelley was born April 29, 1921 in Wildersville, Tenn. She was of the Baptist faith, and was a homemaker. Mrs. Kelley enjoyed spending time with her family...

Patricia Pullum DEXTER, Mo. -- Patricia Pullum, 64, of Dexter, Mo., died Saturday, Jan. 7, 2012, at Southeast Missouri Hospital in Cape Girardeau, Mo. Mrs. Pullum was born May 15, 1947, in Dexter. She had lived in the Dexter and Sikeston, Mo., areas most all her life. Mrs. Pullum was a member of the Life Church in Sikeston. She enjoyed spending time with her family...

William Pinkard BERNIE, Mo. -- William Rex Pinkard, 79, of Malden, Mo., died Sunday, Jan. 8, 2012, at Poplar Bluff Regional Medical Center. Mr. Pinkard was born Feb. 5, 1932, in Haleyville, Ala. He had worked at Sherman-Williams Paint Factory in Elgin, Ill., and later at U.S. Can in Elgin until his retirement. Mr. Pinkard enjoyed cutting trees, wood working, talking on his CB and listening to Johnny Cash and gospel hymns. He was of Baptist Faith...

Andrew Nored Andrew N. "Joe" Nored Sr., 76, of St. Charles, Mo, died Sunday, Jan. 8. 2012. Loving husband of the late Mary K. Nored (nee: Vancil); beloved son of the late James J. and Etter Mae Nored; devoted father of Andrew and Katherine Nored, and Ronda Halbeck; cherished grandfather of Dan Halbeck, Shelly Nored, and Sarah and Larry Nored-Samuelson; treasured great-grandfather of Drew Nored, Katelyn Halbeck, Adariana Nored-Samuelson, Hunter Nored-Samuelson, and Aaden Nored-Samuelson; and dear uncle of Mark Allen and Louise Nored. ...

Herman Campbell PUXICO, Mo. -- Herman L. Campbell, 92, of Puxico, Mo., died Sunday, Jan. 8, 2012, at Puxico Nursing and Rehab in Puxico. He was born on Aug. 5, 1919, in Puxico. Mr. Campbell was a member of the United Methodist Church in Puxico and was the church treasurer for several years. ...

To the Editor: On Dec. 21, 2011, Lake Wappapello United Methodist Church gave away 209 family Christmas food baskets and gave toys to 111 children during our annual Christmas basket give-a-way. Lake Wappapello United Methodist Church would like to thank the following people for their unfailing love and support to make this event a huge success: Christians Against Hunger, Greenville New Prospect Baptist Church, Little Brushy Missionary Baptist Church, Faith Baptist Church, Coldwater Homecoming Committee, Coldwater United Methodist Church, Greenville United Methodist Church, Williamsville United Methodist Church, Williamsville United Methodist Women, Wappapello Lions Club, Wappapello VFW Post 3416 and Wappapello VFW Ladies Auxiliary to Post 3416, Wappapello Peoples Community Bank, Boy Scout Group 416, Lake Wappapello Corps of Engineers, Donna Almond, Sherry Szczblewski, Dorothy & Charlie Brotherton, Gloria Thrasher, Bob Brown, Paul & Marjorie Kelley, Darrel & Shirley Schweitzer, Gary & Dianne Barnfield, Melvin & Connie Hoopingarner, Allan & Wilma Hawley, Sally Morehead, George Cannon, Walt & Kathy Wilkey, Jeff Shawan, and the cities of Coldwater, Silva, Williamsville, Greenville and Wappapello. ...

PIEDMONT -- The Clearwater Lady Tigers continued their vastly improved season Monday with some dramatics. With the game tied, sophomore Haley Alcorn knocked down a 3-pointer at the buzzer to lift Clearwater to a 37-34 victory over district rival Woodland...

By ERIN RAGAN SEMO News Service CAPE GIRARDEAU, Mo. -- Emotions ran against a proposed uniform policy at the first forum held by the Cape Girardeau School District on Monday night. After a presentation from three members of the dress code committee that detailed research on positive effects seen by other school districts with uniform codes, the floor opened for comment and questions from the public...

Buchanan and Swiss cheese This is my opinion on the Opinion piece 'Whose Country Is It, Anyway?' by Patrick Buchanan. If it makes it into the Speakout, excellent; if not, at least I tried! I enjoyed the 12/28 opinion piece by Patrick Buchanan, 'Whose Country Is It, Anyway?' It was clever, informative, and downright inflammatory. ...

By BETSY HART Scripps Howard News Service What does it mean to be "healed" and ready for a relationship? Any relationship? I've been talking about this a lot lately with a dear friend, recently divorced, who has been told by Christian counselors that after a long-term marriage one should wait years before beginning a new, serious romantic relationship. To work, in the meantime, on becoming whole and healed before connecting with any new partner...

By PATRICK J. BUCHANAN In what The Washington Post called "a bold act of political defiance," President Obama Wednesday announced the recess appointment of Richard Cordray to head the Consumer Financial Protection Bureau. Cordray's nomination had been blocked by a Senate filibuster. There was no way he was going to win approval in 2012...

By DALE McFEATTERS Scripps Howard News Service Old age has its compensations, and one of them is sneering at the young and their problems. But it's hard not to feel heartbroken for youngsters who go in debt to get a college education in a field they love, then graduate to find themselves really deep in debt and with no job to repay it...

Peggy Tinsley Peggy Lou Tinsley, 82, of Poplar Bluff, Mo., died Monday, Jan. 9, 2012, at Mark Twain Caring Center in Poplar Bluff. Mrs. Tinsley was born April 8, 1929, in Poplar Bluff. She was a member of South Poplar Bluff General Baptist Church where she was a member of the Women's Missionary Society and Ladies Aid Quilting. ...

Walter Williamson DONIPHAN, Mo. -- Walter Williamson, 92, of Doniphan, Mo., died Tuesday, Jan. 10, 2012, at Current River Nursing Center in Doniphan. Funeral arrangements are pending with Edwards Funeral Home in Doniphan, Mo.

Corrine Lawler Corrine O. Lawler, 86, of Poplar Bluff, Mo., died Monday, Jan. 9, 2012, Mark Twain Caring Center in Poplar Bluff. Mrs. Lawler was born May 5, 1925 in Lawrence, Mass. She was a member of Sacred Heart Catholic Church in Poplar Bluff, and had previously owned and operated Lawler Daycare Center in her home. Mrs. Lawler later retired as a hospital ward clerk in Texas. She enjoyed sewing, knitting and embroidery work...

Kyle Dicken Kyle Curtis Dicken, 16, of Poplar Bluff, Mo., died Sunday, Jan. 8, 2012, in Poplar Bluff. He was born Oct. 31, 1995, in Honolulu, Hawaii. He had lived in Butler County all his life and was a member of Fellowship Southern Baptist Church. He was a student at Poplar Bluff High School and a member of the church orchestra. He loved playing in the school band and enjoyed his trombone and tuba. He also enjoyed playing video games, fishing, camping and hunting...

Roma Garrison DONIPHAN, Mo. -- Roma R. Garrison, 88, of Sikeston, Mo., formerly of Doniphan, Mo., died Saturday, Jan. 7, 2012, at the Sikeston Convalescent Center in Sikeston. Mrs. Garrison, daughter of the late Robert and Edna (Carey) Pyatt, was born March 12, 1923, in Cherryville, Mo. She retired as a nurses' aide in the healthcare profession...

Charlie Sheets ELLSINORE, Mo. -- Clinton Charles "Charlie" Sheets, (or "Poppy" as his girls called him) 59, of Poplar Bluff, Mo., died Saturday, Jan. 7. 2012, at his residence. He was born July 30, 1952. Mr. Sheets was a longtime resident of Poplar Bluff and was formerly of Ellsinore, Mo. Due to his disability, he had been unable to work for a long time, but formerly worked at the Brown Shoe Company in Piedmont, Mo. He was of the Protestant faith...