The Year in Review, Part 3
Top headlines from 2011
Editor’s note: this story is the third and final part of a feature series from news stories published throughout 2011. The months refelected in this portion of the series focus on September through December.
September
* Fisher recognized for 50 years of service at Delta Center: as MU Vice Chancellor Tom Payne said, “This is the year of 50′s. We recognize the Delta Center’s 50th anniversary and Jake Fisher retiring after 50 years of service, and on Christmas Eve, Jake and his wife, Shelly, will be celebrating their 50th wedding anniversary.”
To recognize this fete, Jake’s Five-O Celebration was held last Thursday night at Rone Hall with nearly 530 friends, former co-workers, state and federal politicians and family members came out to congratulate Jake Fisher for his 50 years of service and dedication to the Delta Center.
* Field Day highlights 50 years of research, retirement of Fisher: PORTAGEVILLE — A lot has changed since the first Delta Center Field Day 50 years ago — but some things never change.
“Fifty years ago when I started the big deal was to find a soybean variety that was resistant to the soybean cyst nematode,” said Thomas E. “Jake” Fisher, superintendent of the Delta Center.
* Local artist to unveil new gallery at upcoming art festival: as well as celebrating the “Fall into the Arts” Festival the weekend of Saturday, Sept. 10 and Sunday, Sept. 11, art lovers will also be celebrating the opening of a new art gallery in town.
Mihail Tomescu, renowned artist, whose artwork is sold in galleries in New York and San Francisco, Calif., has been working long and hard hours at readying the former Bank of Antiques for its grand opening.
* two from Piggott share thoughts on 9/11 anniversary: PIGGOTT, Ark. — Ten years ago Adam Staples was a 22-year-old man thinking he had a long life ahead of him. The events of Sept. 11, 2001, changed his viewpoint and could very easily have ended his life. looking at Adam today, one would never dream he was one of the thousands of people in the World Trade Center on that infamous day.
* Morgan files for public defender: Shawn Morgan, 43, of Senath, Mo., appeared in a Dunklin County courtroom on Tuesday morning before Judge John C. Spielman, his third appearance since being charged with the disappearance and death of three-year-old BreeAnn Rodriguez, also of Senath.
On Monday, Sept. 12, it was learned that the Dunklin County Prosecuting Attorney, Stephen P. Sokoloff, had filed a second amended complaint against Morgan, alleging an additional offense. The new count alleges that Morgan committed a Class C felony offense of Possession of Child Pornography. The new charge is a result of a continuing investigation into the case by Dunklin County law enforcement officials.
* KAFTA’s ‘Fall into Arts’ a success: Downtown Kennett became a smorgasbord of art this past weekend as the Kennett Alliance for the Arts (KAFTA) presented the two-day art festival, “Fall into Arts.”
Attendees to the event were treated to music, theater, displays, and more, and were even able to grab lunch and dinner from the eight vendors set up around the square.
* Celebrating 65 years with the Kennett Chamber of Commerce: The annual Chamber of Commerce Banquet is set for tomorrow, Saturday, September 17, and plans to bring a new spin as it celebrates the Chamber’s 65th anniversary.
Moving away from the traditional speaker setting, this year’s banquet will be held around the Downtown Kennett Square, where food vendors will offer samplings of some of their favorite dishes.
* Sheppard headlines 6th Annual Cotton Pickin’ Festival: ARBYRD, Mo. — Country music legend T.G. Sheppard headlined the 2011 Cotton Pickin’ Festival before a large crowd singing many of the songs he made famous with proceeds going to benefit the city park.
* 7 years later, Gideon man charged: BERNIE, Mo. — A Gideon man posted bond and was released Monday night after being charged by Bernie Police with sexual-related crimes dating back seven years ago.
According to Bernie Police, Brandon D. Maddox, 35, was arrested Monday, Sept. 19, and sexual-related crimes stemming from incidents that allegedly occurred in 2004 over a period of about two months.
* National preparedness month: The slogan for this years eighth annual National Preparedness Month, which is recognized throughout September, is “A Time to Remember, A Time to Prepare.”
Locally, emergency officials, such as Kennett Fire Chief John Mallott, are encouraging community members to recognize this time of the year as an opportunity to better prepare themselves by developing a personal or family emergency plan, in the event of a sudden disaster.
* ‘A menace to those who menace’: For obvious reasons, most people have no desire to wind up in the back seat of a cop car, although, interestingly enough, they still might find the sleek and sturdy look of three news cars in the Kennett Police Department’s fleet highly appealing.
People are starting to notice the department’s head-turning new rides, which were delivered just a few days ago on September 19.
* BDTF kicks off Marijuana Eradication Mission: Bootheel Drug Task Force members have kicked off their annual Marijuana Eradication Mission, scouring farm fields, wooded areas and other rural territories throughout the region for signs of illegal drug activity.
Task Force Supervisor, Tim Trowbridge, coordinated efforts among a group of approximately 12-15 agents beginning on yesterday, noting that it was prime time to conduct mass ground searches because it is both harvest season for the naturally -grown crop, in addition to the beginning of hunting season, which means agents are able to rely heavily on information provided by these individuals who are spending a great deal of time outdoors in environments that are typically ideal for those cultivating Marijuana crops and for others who are illegally manufacturing substances such as methamphetamine.
* Educators receive classroom incentives through grant: as Kennett educators continue to dedicate their time and money in the local youth’s future, Walmart is helping 10 teachers at South Elementary School to purchase much-needed classroom supplies this back-to-school season through its Teacher Rewards program.
Teachers across the country spent more than $1.33 billion out of pocket collectively on schools supplies, snacks and instructional materials during the 2009 to 2010 school year, according to the National School Supply and Equipment Association (NSSEA), a trade association for educational product companies.
* Pemiscot County tests new NOMAD portable water purification system: PORTAGEVILLE, Mo. — nearly 20 city and county officials witnessed a water purification process Tuesday using the county’s first NOMAD portable water purification system. The purifying process took place at the boat ramp next to Bunge on the Mississippi River, near Portageville.
The Nomad is a portable water purification system capable of producing 25 gallons / 95 liters per minute or 36,000 gallons / 136,800 liters per day. The Nomad will satisfy the need for large volumes of safe drinking water using any fresh water source: well, lake, river, stream, pond and even polluted floodwaters.
* Zweifel visits Bootheel, talks MOST plan: Missouri’s 45th State Treasurer, Clint Zweifel, recently visited the Bootheel of Missouri during the one of the area’s most celebratory times–Delta fair week.
On Tuesday, the elected official came into town, stopping by local schools, businesses and college campuses prior to participating in the annual parade event and later attending the opening of this year’s Delta fair.
While touring the community, specifically local education campuses, such as Kennett High School, Zweifel shared information regarding his offices’ priorities, accomplishments, and goals for the future.
* Section of Hwy 25 renamed in honor of former representative: on Thursday afternoon, friends, family and colleagues of State Representative Otto Bean, Jr., gathered at the local BAILS office to share memories and honor a man who contributed so much to Southeast Missouri.
Bean was a two-term representative for District 163 in Missouri and made history in the year of 2002 when he was the first republican to represent the district in the Missouri House of Representatives in recorded history.
The purpose of the gathering on Thursday was the dedication ceremony renaming Highway 25 in Dunklin and Stoddard Counties from US 412 to Routes U and Z the Representative Otto Bean, Jr., Memorial Highway.
October
* AT&T testing ’3G’ data network in Kennett: Subscribers of AT&T cellular service were sounding off via various social networks over the weekend, sharing their delight with the fact that their mobile devices are now operating at increased speeds and baring the symbol they’ve been waiting on — 3G.
On sites like Facebook and Twitter, Kennettians talked about noticing the third-generation mobile telecommunications change, or “3G” update, as early as Saturday morning.
* Industrial prospect looking at Kennett for new location: The City of Kennett is being looked at by an industrial prospect that will bring nearly 200 jobs to the area if it is selected. this information was discussed during the Kennett City Council meeting on Tuesday evening.
Meg Benson, executive director for the Chamber of Commerce, was present at the meeting to inform the council that the chamber is working with an industrial prospect and manufacturer that produces mechanical and technological components.
* Mayor signs proclamation for week of National Fire Prevention: “What is the best way to protect your family from fire?” this question, local and national fire officials hope to answer next week during National Fire Prevention Week, an annual effort aimed to bring awareness about fire safety.
According to Kennett’s Fire Marshal Scott Tutor, The National Fire Protection Association (NFPA) has announced this year’s theme, “Protect your Family from Fire.” Tutor said the message behind the theme encourages everyone to not only plan an effective fire escape route for their families, but also to practice the deignated routes at least twice a year.
* me and the Ugly C- And a writer was born: Becky Dennington always wanted to be a writer. from the time she was a little girl growing up in Bernie, she hoped that some day her name would appear on the front of a book as the author. she didn’t know what subject she might want to write about, only that she wanted her name on the cover. this week, her wish will come true.
The irony in the release of Dennington’s book release, though, is that it took her worst nightmare to materialize in order for her lifelong dream to come true.
* Chamber hosts annual golf tourney: The 28th Annual Business and Industry Day Golf Outing was held on Thursday, Oct. 13, at the Kennett Country Club golf course.
The event was hosted by the Kennett Chamber of Commerce and according to Meg Benson, executive director of the Chamber of Commerce, “the weather was beautifully perfect for the event the entire day.”
This year the outing consisted of 92 golfers with good representation from the Chamber members, both in terms of businesses, individual members and out-of-town guests.
* ‘The Jack’: Local barbecue team to compete in Jack Daniel’s World Championship Invitational: The Redneck Grillers, a professional barbecue team from the local area, will be traveling to Lynchburg, Tenn., this weekend to compete in the 23rd Annual Jack Daniel’s World Championship Invitational Barbecue.
* Local admin. discusses possible move to less than 174 school days: Board of Education members and school administrators in the local area will likely be discussing options regarding their respective school calendar in future executive meetings, following the release of information regarding this subject from the Department of Elementary and Secondary Education.
* Kennett Cup nets $10,000 for DCH: It was a beautiful day to play golf. but the weather wasn’t what made the day so special. It was the generosity of 80 individuals from the community who came together to play for a truly worthy cause.
The fifth Annual Delta Children’s Home Kennett Cup Golf Tournament sponsored by Schilp Dodge, was held on Sunday, October 16, 2011, at the Kennett Country Club with the Gold Team taking on the Black Team once again.
* Waterfowl Festival hosts ‘couple thousand’ attendees: The fourth annual Missouri Waterfowl Festival took place on Saturday and Sunday, Oct. 22-23, kicking off with the “Run Before the Flight” 5K run on Saturday morning.
Following the run, waterfowl enthusiasts from around the area gathered at the American Legion Building in Kennett for the fourth annual Missouri Waterfowl Festival.
* Courthouse undergoing maintenance: at the heart of Downtown Kennett stands the Dunklin County Courthouse, nestled in the center of what is commonly referred to as “The Square.” Rich in history, its perimeter is composed of local merchants and recently renovated properties that have been the focus of an ongoing revitalization effort mainly concentrated, thus far, on the area businesses and storefronts. recent efforts included in the Downtown Revitalization project have also been dedicated to the replacement of sidewalks that detail the Downtown Square.
* 4 arrested, $200K in property recovered: The Kennett Police Department has arrested four individuals and recovered approximately $200,000 in property following an investigation into the recent rash of vehicle break-ins and one local burglary.
According to Kennett Police Chief Barry Tate, in response to the recent crimes, which were believed to have been done by the same person or persons, he and several off-duty officers conducted clandestine surveillance and investigations throughout the evening of Oct. 27.
November
* 500 show up in support of Breast Cancer Awareness: SENATH, Mo. — Saturday, Oct. 29, dawned clear and sunny but a little cold, however, the coldness did not deter participants from walking in the Fourth Annual Breast Cancer Awareness Walk benefiting those with the disease.
The event was held at 8:30 a.m., at Williamson Park in Senath and drew the interest of 500 participants this year, up 100 from last year’s walk.
* Auction raises more than $51K for DCH: Area residents once again had the opportunity to attend the annual Delta Children’s Home Auction and as always, the yearly event turned out to be a huge success according to event representatives.
According to Amy Williams, this year’s chair, the auction raised a total of $51,500 which included funds from the Kennett Cup Golf Tournament and the Harold Simmons Foundation. The amount raised again showcased the generosity of many individuals and businesses coming together for a truly worthwhile cause.
* Missouri joins SEC: COLUMBIA, Mo. — Bye-bye Big 12. Hello SEC.
Missouri and the Southeastern Conference took their mutual attraction public Sunday after weeks of private flirtations and the college sports’ equivalent of prenuptial negotiations with their respective lawyers.
* AT&T expands mobile broadband network in Kennett: AT&T hosted a community ribbon cutting at the Kennett Chamber of Commerce on Tuesday, announcing the expansion of its mobile broadband network in Southeast Missouri, extending access for advanced mobile services, devices and feature-rich audio and video content to customers in the following areas:
Arcadia, Caruthersville, Fraille, Hayti, Hayti Heights, Holland, Ironton, Kennett, Pascola, Portageville, Pilot Knob, Puxico, Senath, and White Oak.
* Senath-Hornersville raises over $800 at “Hoops for Hope” basketball game: The Senath-Hornersville middle school girls basketball team held its second annual “Hoops for Hope” girls basketball game Oct. 27.
The game coincided with Breast Cancer Awareness Month.
* an education in service: Kennett Middle School hosts annual Veterans Day assembly
The students and faculty of Kennett Middle School welcomed local veterans on Wednesday morning as the school held its annual Veterans Day Assembly.
The inside of the gymnasium was adorned with signs that students had made themselves to honor the occasion and to honor the country’s veterans.
* Muscular Dystrophy Lockup Raises $10,000: A total of 90 “Jailbirds” turned out in full force on Wednesday, Nov. 9, for the annual Kennett Muscular Dystrophy Association Lock-Up.
This year’s event was held at Rick and Angie’s Coffee Bean Cafe~ and raised over $10,000 to benefit local patients who are living with various forms of Muscular Dystrophy. According to Kyla Evans, fundraising coordinator of the event, it was a great success.
* Mosquitoes in Butler County test positive for West Nile virus: POPLAR BLUFF, Mo. — Mosquitoes that tested positive for the West Nile virus have been found in Poplar Bluff, according to the Butler County Health Department.
Officials said that even though cooler temperatures have moved into the area, residents should still be cautious.
* Fire destroys Kennett Country Club: The Kennett County Club lies in ruins following a Monday evening fire that resulted in a total loss of the establishment.
According to the Kennett Fire Department, at approximately 10:28 p.m., the department received calls from travelers passing the club reporting flames.
* Senath Medic one site under construction: SENATH, Mo. — Work has finally begun on the new Medic one Ambulance Service building, according to city officials. The service will be located at 210 East Hornbeck Street, behind the Senath Nursing Home.
The city has been in negotiations regarding this issue since Mayor Joe Lane met with the Dunklin County Ambulance Board in March of this year when the city was approached regarding the leasing of a lot in town which would house the facility as well as its helicopter pad.
* Country Club to rebuild: The cause of the fire at the Kennett Country Club has yet to be released and the investigation is still underway, however, the club’s Board of Directors isn’t letting that stop them from making plans to rebuild.
* Country Club fire ruled as arson: Investigators with the fire that destroyed the Kennett Country Club on Monday have deemed the fire arson, and have offered a reward for information leading to the arrest of any individuals involved.
According to State Fire Marshal Randy Cole, information leading to the arrest and conviction of any individuals involved could lead to a $5,000 reward.
* Malden man realizes dream: one Bootheel native has finally realized his dream of becoming a lawyer when he was sworn in on Tuesday, Oct. 4, of this year, during a private Missouri Bar Admissions ceremony, presided over by Associate Circuit Court Judge John Spielman, of Kennett.
Justin Gregory, a Malden resident, has had the dream ever since he was a student in the sixth-grade.
* Parker again to challenge Emerson for U.S. House seat: Bob Parker, a rancher from Raymondville, Mo., has announced he will again be a candidate for Congress in Missouri’s 8th Congressional District.
* More than 300 families assisted through food pantry: A recent community initiative sponsored through the local school system and the Southeast Missouri Food Bank made it possible for more than 300 families in need to receive a meal kit for the Thanksgiving holiday.
* Senath man serves as judge at Nat’l FFA convention: SENATH, Mo. — Senath native John Raines was recently selected by the National FFA to serve as judge at its national convention for the Star Farmer competition. The event was held Oct. 19-22, in Indianapolis, Ind.
* The Power of 11: South Elementary participates in military fundraiser
Who knew there was so much meaning associated with the number 11? this year, American’s acknowledged and mourned the 10th anniversary of the September 11 attacks on the U.S., Veteran’s Day was celebrated on 11-11-11, and South Elementary school, while recognizing all of these events, also hosted a program called the “Power of 11 Cents.”
* Hayti mayor, others arrested for forgery, stealing: PEMISCOT COUNTY, Mo. — seven area residents, including four former Road and Bridge Department employees, two local businessmen, and one elected official, have been arrested for forgery and stealing following an investigation by the Pemiscot County Sheriff’s Department and the Missouri State Highway Patrol Division of Division of Drug and Crime Control.
According to Sheriff Tommy Greenwell, during the three month investigation it was learned that employee’s with the Road and Bridge Department and local businessmen were being paid with county funds by the Pemiscot County Commission after false invoices were submitted and approved by the commission for approximately the last three years.
December
* Local volunteers raise more than $15K in support of area children: A team of local volunteers will be running this weekend in the St. Jude Half Marathon at Memphis, Tenn., in support of two local children diagnosed with life-threatening pediatric illnesses.
* Redistricting Dramatic Changes:There were some major changes in local senate and house districts when a panel of Missouri appeals court judges released the redrawn districts Wednesday. The changes will take effect in 2013, but will affect the 2012 elections. one of the biggest changes was removing Butler County and Poplar Bluff from Senate District 25 and adding Scott County. The new District 25 dropped Butler and Ripley Counties and added Scott, Bollinger and Mississippi Counties. The new district consists of eight counties. The other counties are Dunklin, Pemiscot, Stoddard, Wayne, and New Madrid.
The new senate district has changed the appearance of the 2012 senate race. Incumbent Senator Rob Mayer was term limited and has not announced his political intentions. Rep. Billy Pat Wright (R-159), Rep. Terry Swinger (D-162) and Poplar Bluff Businessman Doug Libla all announced their intentions to run for the District 25 seat. The change means that Libla will no longer be in the district. Butler and Ripley Counties were added to District 33 which includes seven more counties west and north.
* ‘Curley, the Crooked Christmas Tree’: When he started out writing music back in the early 90′s, Dunklin County resident Rodger Pritchett likely never imagined that one of his songs would wind up being turned into children’s literature, but it did.
Recently Pritchett, along with the help of some dear, and life-long friends, was able to ink a deal with a book publisher to use the lyrics of a song he created in the spirit of Christmas, along with illustrations drawn by his good friend, Jamie Holmes of Kennett, for a children’s book titled, “Curley, the Crooked Christmas Tree.”
* CASA event raises more than $3K for local group: It was a cold evening on Monday, Dec. 5, but that didn’t keep the CASA (Court Appointed Special Advocate Association) volunteers of Dunklin County as well as members of the community from turning out in large numbers for the 4th Annual Evening with CASA.
Like last year, the fundraiser was held in Downtown Kennett at the Opera House and was an evening consisting of music, dinner and a “CHAIR-table” auction.
* ‘What is your story?’: Tom Altmeyer shares his experiences from Georgia to Kennett: have you ever noticed someone walking through your neighborhood, perhaps on a regular basis, and inquisitively wondered, “Who are they? What interesting things have they experienced in their time?” Or, maybe thought to yourself while checking out at the market, “I wonder what the story is behind the lady who scans my groceries? where does she come from, how did she get to where she is now in life?”
* Community Christmas Party serves 2,000: The First United Methodist Church Christian Life Center in Kennett once again was the site of the annual Community Christmas Party, an event that provides Christmas gifts for the underprivleged in the local area.
* Emergency Management hosts earthquake anniversary program: an estimated 80-90 people filled the SEMO little Theater on Tuesday evening and were taken back in time to the year of 1811-1812 when the New Madrid fault suddenly came alive.
Inside the theater, the stage was simple, just a table and two chairs for an interview between Dr. Seismo, as portrayed by Dr. Everett Mobley and Eliza Bryan, a survivor of the earthquake, as portrayed by Marian McDonald.
* Morgan home destroyed: Suspect enters plea of not guilty during today’s arraignment hearing: SENATH, Mo. — Senath firefighters responded to a structure fire this morning (Tuesday, Dec. 14) that turned out to be the home of alleged child murderer Shawn Morgan, 43.
According to Ken Johnson, of the Senath Fire Department, the fire occurred at Morgan’s home on Ode Johnson Street at approximately 12:30 a.m., and when crews arrived, the structure was fully involved. Johnson said firefighters were on the scene until approximately 6 a.m.
* Wolfe named president of Univ. of Mo.: COLUMBIA, Mo. — The University of Missouri has announced the appointment of its 23rd President, after nearly two dozen meetings and an almost year-long national outreach according to the University’s Board of Curators.
The appointment of Timothy M. Wolfe, 53, was announced at 10 a.m., on Tuesday, Dec. 13, and according to reports, Wolfe, who is an MU business school alumnus, will assume his responsibilities effective Feb. 15, 2012. up until this time, that position was being held by Interim President Stephen J. Owens.
* ‘Jesus Saves’: ‘The Street Preacher’ brings his message to the Bootheel:
“Jesus Saves.”
Two simple little words the “Street Preacher” has been sharing for the past 28 years. And, he has now brought his mission to the streets of Southeast Missouri, recently visiting the areas of Portageville, Kennett, Steele and other areas in the state’s Bootheel.
* all ‘Angels of Christmas’ adopted:Anonymous business adopts remaining five families: The employees of an anonymous local business banded together to brighten the holidays for the five remaining families on the “Angels of Christmas” list.
On Friday morning, a call came in to the DDD office inquiring how many families were left. The caller took the information and said they would call back shortly. A few minutes later, they called back saying they would take the remaining families, ensuring that all “Angels” on the list will have a happy holiday.
* Brandom opts to run for 25th Senate District: When Rep. Ellen Brandom launched her candidacy for the Missouri Senate six months ago, she did so in Cape Girardeau.
Now, if the Sikeston, Mo., Republican wins next November, she won’t even represent that city.
On Monday, Brandom said she has decided to stay close to home in light of the redistricting shake-up and run in the new state 25th Senate District — not the new 3rd District.
* James appointed TRRMC CEO: Twin Rivers Regional Medical Center of Kennett is now under the new leadership of Ken James as chief executive officer (CEO).
James appointment as CEO became effective on Thursday, Dec. 15, according to Ann Barnhart, senior vice-president of operations and Division 2 president.
* Cuts lead MoDOT to push new tech for road safety: Rep. Swinger fighting for additional federal road monies ‘as a return for what residents here pay at the pump’: When a winter weather system moved into the area in early December, motorist got their first taste of cautionary road conditions caused by the falling snow. Missouri’s Department of Transportation responded to the early predictions of snowfall by issuing warnings to area drivers, and kept roadways clear and as safe as possible for those traveling in much of our Southeast Missouri region, demonstrating its commitment to service, even in the midst of ongoing budget woes.
* FireFighter of the Year: Recognition for his contribution to the Kennett Fire Department came as quite a surprise to Scott Ellison, 31, when he was named “Firefighter of the Year” at the Fire Department Banquet that was held on Thursday, Dec. 15.
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