Stories from Thursday, June 14, 2012

From Staff Reports Want to be cool in July, plan to attend the Butler County Fair July 4-14 in downtown Poplar Bluff, Mo., at the Black River Coliseum and Ray Clinton Park, said Phyllis Flangian, University of Missouri Extension. Plans are under way for the annual Butler County Fair and this year parts of the fair will be very cool. The home economics, 4-H, youth, floriculture and agriculture exhibits will again be held in the front lobby of the Black River Coliseum...

By ROBERT OVERMANN SEMO News Service BENTON, Mo. -- A state representative once said the Scott County Courthouse's foundation would "last as long as the Pyramids of Egypt." Well, the seat of Scott County's government has made it the first 100 of those years...

A newly released study by a University of Minnesota doctoral student, a Southern Illinois University wildlife ecologist and the research-minded Cougar Network says 178 scientific confirmations of cougars have been documented in the 14 largely Midwestern states and some Canadian provinces from 1990 to 2008. Here's the study's breakdown of those confirmations by state:...

By SARABETH WALLER Staff Writer Sacred Heart sixth grader Adeesh Mishra represented Southeast Missouri well at the 2012 Scripps Howard National Spelling Bee in Washington, D.C., May 28 through June 1, missing the semifinals by just seven points. Mishra earned a trip to the bee with his win at the Three Rivers College Southeast Missouri Regional Spelling Bee March 3...

By ROBERT OVERMANN SEMO News Service BENTON, Mo. -- A state representative once said the Scott County Courthouse's foundation would "last as long as the Pyramids of Egypt." Well, the seat of Scott County's government has made it the first 100 of those years...

A newly released study by a University of Minnesota doctoral student, a Southern Illinois University wildlife ecologist and the research-minded Cougar Network says 178 scientific confirmations of cougars have been documented in the 14 largely Midwestern states and some Canadian provinces from 1990 to 2008. Here's the study's breakdown of those confirmations by state:...

By SARABETH WALLER Staff Writer Sacred Heart sixth grader Adeesh Mishra represented Southeast Missouri well at the 2012 Scripps Howard National Spelling Bee in Washington, D.C., May 28 through June 1, missing the semifinals by just seven points. Mishra earned a trip to the bee with his win at the Three Rivers College Southeast Missouri Regional Spelling Bee March 3...

Several area residents earned degrees from Drury University during its Spring Commencement. The graduates include: Lauren Decker of Poplar Bluff, Mo., Summa Cum Laude, Bachelor of Arts, Biology, Chemistry / Global Studies; Micah Gray of Puxico, Mo., Bachelor of Architecture, Architecture / Business Administration, Global Studies;...

It's blackberry pickin' time according to my co-worker, Sarah. We seem to be harvesting fruits and veggies about a month ahead of time this summer. Experts say to pick blackberries in the morning because they will keep longer and be sweeter. It's also not so hot! So don't forget the insect spray, long sleeved shirt and pants...

WAPPAPELLO LAKE, Mo. -- A very emotional exhibit will soon be on display at the Bill Emerson Memorial Visitor Center at Wappapello Lake. "Remembering Our Fallen" will be brought to the visitor center courtesy of the Wappapello Veterans of Foreign Wars Post 3416 and will be on display from June 23 to July 2. An opening ceremony for the display is scheduled for 10 a.m. Saturday, June 23...

WAPPAPELLO LAKE, Mo. -- The annual Kids Outdoor Fun Day at Wappapello Lake will be held from 6:30-11:30 a.m. Saturday. This free event is for kids aged 5 to 13 years old and will be held at the Lost Creek Trailhead, located five miles north of the dam off Highway D, then left on County Road 523. Lunch is provided free of charge and will be served at Shelter 6 located in the Spillway Recreation Area...

Franklin Wilkinson of Poplar Bluff, Mo., recently was named an "Alumnus of the Year" by the electors of the Greenville Alumni Association at their 87th annual banquet. Wilkinson is a 1951 graduate of Greenville High School and former educator of the district. He served as president of the association in 1963 and has faithfully attended the banquet since his graduation...

Each semester, students at Missouri State University who attain academic excellence are named to the dean's list. For undergraduate students, criteria include enrollment in at least 12 credit hours during the fall semester and at least a 3.50 grade point average (on a 4.00 scale)...

Morse gets scholarship Christopher Lincoln Morse, a graduate of Twin Rivers R-X High School, has won a $2,000 MFA Foundation scholarship. The scholarship was awarded at the school's graduation ceremonies. Morse is the son of Nancy and Gary Morse and plans to attend the University of Missouri-Columbia in Columbia, Mo...

By GEORGE F. WILL WASHINGTON -- Montgomery County, Md., on the District of Columbia's northern border, is a dormitory for the nation's government, where federal workers' sleep is disturbed only by dreams of new ways to improve us. The county's population of almost 1 million includes many political staffers and consultants, lawyers, lobbyists and others whose common profession is to cause political power to flow to Washington. ...

By WALTER E. WILLIAMS Some of the responses to my column, titled "Immoral Beyond Redemption," prove that Americans have been hoodwinked by Congress. Some readers protested my counting Social Security among government handout programs that can be described as Congress' taking what belongs to one American and giving to another, to whom it doesn't belong -- legalized theft. ...

By JAY AMBROSE Scripps Howard News Service When I was a small kid, my mother read me fairy tales, fantastic stuff I didn't always quite believe but still enjoyed. I grew up, did my own reading, focused mainly on the real world as reflected in history and current affairs, but now, to my amazement, we have a president offering something very much like those fairy tales on a regular basis. Sad to say, my enjoyment is gone...

Freedom nice in Inman Acres In response to Inman Acres comments in the newspaper. The Second Amendment rights are to bear arms. Shooting your shotgun to keep critters out of your vegetable garden doesn't seem wrong to me. Also the comment of a junk yard-well, we also have the right to earn a decent living as we see fit. ...

Health board meets Tuesday The Butler County Health Department Board of Trustees will be meeting in regular session at 5:30 p.m. Tuesday at the Butler County Health Department.

The Wayne County Saddle Club Horse Show will be held at 7 p.m. Saturday at the Hal McLane Arena in Piedmont, Mo. Rain date is set for Saturday, June 23. Gate fees are: $2, 12 and under free. Class entry fee, $3. Sign up begins at 4 p.m.-show begins at 7 p.m. Trophies and ribbons will be awarded...

Some new names are appearing in the tournament winning list this bass season. Fishing has improved quite a bit, with 23 of the 31 participating teams bringing in their five-fish limit to the weigh-in at the Angler's Choice event June 3. Tim Clippard and Chris Bowen topped the list with 15.85 pounds, which included the big bass of the day, a 5.65-pounder. They took home $2,055 for their day of fishing...

By PAUL DAVIS Outdoors Editor Nature isn't always cute and fuzzy. In fact, nature can be downright cruel. Nowhere was it more visible than during a recent golf tournament at the Westwood Hills Country Club, when a white-tail deer fawn, not much more than a week old, was found wandering, covered in ticks, eyes swollen shut and obviously struggling for survival...

By FRANK CAMPA Mo. Dept. of Conservation This is a bit of a research article. True to form, being a Missourian, I do like to know fact from fiction; café or barbershop conversations just don't work for me. Since I have spent quite a bit of time in the field, woods, or whatever you want to call it this spring, I have noticed we have an exceptional batch of ticks this year. ...

Mike Kilgore dished out assists as a guard during his days with the Poplar Bluff Mules but now Kilgore is assisting in a different arena. Kilgore, who graduated from Poplar Bluff in 2000, is currently a youth specialist at Sierra Osage Treatment Center where he has been for four years. Kilgore works with delinquent youth to teach them life skills they can use as they transition back into society after getting into trouble with the law...

AMVETS Ladies Auxiliary to Post 29 met at 7 p.m. Monday, June 4, Dinner was served at 6 p.m. President Pat Danner opened the meeting. Chaplain Shirley Clark offered the opening prayer. Members recited the Pledge of Allegiance and the Code of Ethics...

Teresa Turner NEELYVILLE, Mo. -- Teresa Jean Turner, 51, of Neelyville, Mo., died Sunday, June 10, 2012, at her residence. Mrs. Turner was born Aug. 24, 1960, in Poplar Bluff, Mo. She was a member of the Fellowship Southern Baptist Church of Harviell, Mo., and had served as Sunday school teacher...

Marty Carter MALDEN, Mo. -- Martha "Marty" Nell Carter, 75, of Sikeston, Mo., died Tuesday, June 12, 1912, at her residence. Mrs. Carter was born Feb. 6, 1937, in Bethel Springs, Tenn. She formerly lived in Risco, Mo., and Flint, Mich. On April 30, 1967, she was married to Fred Carter in Flint, Mich. He preceded her in death in 1989...

Georgia Whittenberg DEXTER, Mo. -- Georgia Lucille Whittenberg, 92, of Poplar Bluff, Mo., formerly of Dexter, Mo., died Tuesday, June 12, 2012, in the Mark Twain Caring Center in Poplar Bluff, Mo. Miss Whittenberg was born on Nov. 1, 1919, in Bertrand, Mo. She had worked as a seamstress for Elder Manufacturing Company of Dexter and was of the General Baptist faith...

Bob Dennis DEXTER, Mo. -- Bobby Gene Dennis, 79, of Bloomfield, Mo., died Monday, June 11, 2012, at Missouri Veterans' Home in Cape Girardeau, Mo. Mr. Dennis was born on April 6, 1933 at Williamsville, Mo. He was a member of the First General Baptist Church in Bloomfield...

Hasseltine Johnson GREENVILLE, Mo. -- Hasseltine Johnson, 89, of Shook, Mo., died Thursday, June 14, 2012, in Poplar Bluff, Mo. Funeral arrangements are pending with Ruegg Funeral Home in Greenville, Mo.

Demetra Daggett GREENVILLE, Mo. -- Demetra Faye Daggett, 78, of Williamsville, Mo., died Wednesday, June 13, 2012, in Poplar Bluff, Mo. Funeral arrangements are pending with Ruegg Funeral Home in Greenville, Mo.

Roland Byrd MALDEN, Mo. -- Roland Byrd of Risco, Mo., died Wednesday, June 13, 2012, at his residence. Funeral arrangements are pending with Bradshaw Funeral Home in Malden, Mo.

Earning a spot on Drury University's Dean's List is a significant accomplishment; it means a student earned a grade point average of 3.6 or greater (on a 4-point scale) while carrying a full-time course load of 12 or more semester hours at Drury, a top 10 Midwestern university, according to US News & World Report...

South Central Missouri Community Action Agency (SCMCAA) will be holding a "Pre-Registration" for its annual Butler County Back-To-School-Fair in Poplar Bluff The fair is scheduled for Aug. 9. Pre-Registration will be from 9 a.m. to 3 p.m. June 28 at the Community Action Agency office located at 842 W. Pine St...

TOPS (Take Off Pounds Sensibly) Mo 734 met at 10 a.m. Wednesday, June 6, at the First Presbyterian Church, corner of Oak and Main streets. Linda Morgan, leader, called the meeting of 21 TOPS and six KOPS members to order. Three reports were given: secretary's, Lou Ann Wrather; monthly treasurer's, Pam Kane; and Ruth Fisher, monthly exercise. All were approved...

Freedom nice in Inman Acres In response to Inman Acres comments in the newspaper. The Second Amendment rights are to bear arms. Shooting your shotgun to keep critters out of your vegetable garden doesn't seem wrong to me. Also the comment of a junk yard-well, we also have the right to earn a decent living as we see fit. ...

WAPPAPELLO LAKE, Mo. -- A very emotional exhibit will soon be on display at the Bill Emerson Memorial Visitor Center at Wappapello Lake. "Remembering Our Fallen" will be brought to the visitor center courtesy of the Wappapello Veterans of Foreign Wars Post 3416 and will be on display from June 23 to July 2. An opening ceremony for the display is scheduled for 10 a.m. Saturday, June 23...

By JAY AMBROSE Scripps Howard News Service When I was a small kid, my mother read me fairy tales, fantastic stuff I didn't always quite believe but still enjoyed. I grew up, did my own reading, focused mainly on the real world as reflected in history and current affairs, but now, to my amazement, we have a president offering something very much like those fairy tales on a regular basis. Sad to say, my enjoyment is gone...

Each semester, students at Missouri State University who attain academic excellence are named to the dean's list. For undergraduate students, criteria include enrollment in at least 12 credit hours during the fall semester and at least a 3.50 grade point average (on a 4.00 scale)...

It's blackberry pickin' time according to my co-worker, Sarah. We seem to be harvesting fruits and veggies about a month ahead of time this summer. Experts say to pick blackberries in the morning because they will keep longer and be sweeter. It's also not so hot! So don't forget the insect spray, long sleeved shirt and pants...

Several area residents earned degrees from Drury University during its Spring Commencement. The graduates include: Lauren Decker of Poplar Bluff, Mo., Summa Cum Laude, Bachelor of Arts, Biology, Chemistry / Global Studies; Micah Gray of Puxico, Mo., Bachelor of Architecture, Architecture / Business Administration, Global Studies;...

Health board meets Tuesday The Butler County Health Department Board of Trustees will be meeting in regular session at 5:30 p.m. Tuesday at the Butler County Health Department.

The Wayne County Saddle Club Horse Show will be held at 7 p.m. Saturday at the Hal McLane Arena in Piedmont, Mo. Rain date is set for Saturday, June 23. Gate fees are: $2, 12 and under free. Class entry fee, $3. Sign up begins at 4 p.m.-show begins at 7 p.m. Trophies and ribbons will be awarded...

Some new names are appearing in the tournament winning list this bass season. Fishing has improved quite a bit, with 23 of the 31 participating teams bringing in their five-fish limit to the weigh-in at the Angler's Choice event June 3. Tim Clippard and Chris Bowen topped the list with 15.85 pounds, which included the big bass of the day, a 5.65-pounder. They took home $2,055 for their day of fishing...

AMVETS Ladies Auxiliary to Post 29 met at 7 p.m. Monday, June 4, Dinner was served at 6 p.m. President Pat Danner opened the meeting. Chaplain Shirley Clark offered the opening prayer. Members recited the Pledge of Allegiance and the Code of Ethics...

By FRANK CAMPA Mo. Dept. of Conservation This is a bit of a research article. True to form, being a Missourian, I do like to know fact from fiction; café or barbershop conversations just don't work for me. Since I have spent quite a bit of time in the field, woods, or whatever you want to call it this spring, I have noticed we have an exceptional batch of ticks this year. ...

Marty Carter MALDEN, Mo. -- Martha "Marty" Nell Carter, 75, of Sikeston, Mo., died Tuesday, June 12, 1912, at her residence. Mrs. Carter was born Feb. 6, 1937, in Bethel Springs, Tenn. She formerly lived in Risco, Mo., and Flint, Mich. On April 30, 1967, she was married to Fred Carter in Flint, Mich. He preceded her in death in 1989...

Georgia Whittenberg DEXTER, Mo. -- Georgia Lucille Whittenberg, 92, of Poplar Bluff, Mo., formerly of Dexter, Mo., died Tuesday, June 12, 2012, in the Mark Twain Caring Center in Poplar Bluff, Mo. Miss Whittenberg was born on Nov. 1, 1919, in Bertrand, Mo. She had worked as a seamstress for Elder Manufacturing Company of Dexter and was of the General Baptist faith...

Mike Kilgore dished out assists as a guard during his days with the Poplar Bluff Mules but now Kilgore is assisting in a different arena. Kilgore, who graduated from Poplar Bluff in 2000, is currently a youth specialist at Sierra Osage Treatment Center where he has been for four years. Kilgore works with delinquent youth to teach them life skills they can use as they transition back into society after getting into trouble with the law...

Hasseltine Johnson GREENVILLE, Mo. -- Hasseltine Johnson, 89, of Shook, Mo., died Thursday, June 14, 2012, in Poplar Bluff, Mo. Funeral arrangements are pending with Ruegg Funeral Home in Greenville, Mo.

Roland Byrd MALDEN, Mo. -- Roland Byrd of Risco, Mo., died Wednesday, June 13, 2012, at his residence. Funeral arrangements are pending with Bradshaw Funeral Home in Malden, Mo.

South Central Missouri Community Action Agency (SCMCAA) will be holding a "Pre-Registration" for its annual Butler County Back-To-School-Fair in Poplar Bluff The fair is scheduled for Aug. 9. Pre-Registration will be from 9 a.m. to 3 p.m. June 28 at the Community Action Agency office located at 842 W. Pine St...

TOPS (Take Off Pounds Sensibly) Mo 734 met at 10 a.m. Wednesday, June 6, at the First Presbyterian Church, corner of Oak and Main streets. Linda Morgan, leader, called the meeting of 21 TOPS and six KOPS members to order. Three reports were given: secretary's, Lou Ann Wrather; monthly treasurer's, Pam Kane; and Ruth Fisher, monthly exercise. All were approved...

Teresa Turner NEELYVILLE, Mo. -- Teresa Jean Turner, 51, of Neelyville, Mo., died Sunday, June 10, 2012, at her residence. Mrs. Turner was born Aug. 24, 1960, in Poplar Bluff, Mo. She was a member of the Fellowship Southern Baptist Church of Harviell, Mo., and had served as Sunday school teacher...