Stories from Tuesday, October 4, 2011

BLOOMFIELD, Mo. - The Stoddard County Commission approved some modifications to work to meet building codes in the Justice Center, at the recommendation of architect Dale Rogers, at their regular meeting Monday. The commission set a meeting for Tuesday between contractors and staff of the Justice Center to establish a timetable for the building to get back to business...

It was a time for many hands, some strong backs and a multitude of caring hearts to come together for a worthy cause. On Saturday Dexter once again hosted the annual Festival of Sharing event. The event serves as a central location for agencies across Southeast Missouri that serve the poor and disadvantaged to stock up for the coming year...

A Black Powder Rendezvous took place just at Bloomfield over the weekend, with participants donned in period attire. Campsites dotted the rural area just south of the city where food was prepared by primitive means and several demonstrations took place. On a handmade wooden instrument, Ken Laffoon from near the Springfield area, entertained guests at the Saturday and Sunday event. The Rendezvous was the 12th Annual Crowley's Ridge Black Powder event...

Military rites will be conducted for John A. Vancil on Oct. 7, 2011, at 11 a.m. at the site of his parents' graves in the Dexter Cemetery in Dexter, Mo. John served in the 64th Field Artillery attached to the 25th Infantry Division in the Southern Philippines in Luzon...

Betty Lou Evans, daughter of the late Leslie Edward Lee and Beulah Archer Lee, was born on June 18, 1931, in Bell City, Mo., and died on Oct. 1, 2011, at her residence in Bloomfield, Mo. at the age of 80. Mrs. Evans was a seamstress at Elder's manufacturing for 40 years before retiring. She was a member of the Trinity Methodist Church in Bloomfield, Mo. where she was active in the United Methodist Wo-men's Group. She was loved by family, friends and all who knew her...

Janice Lynn Sims, daughter of the late Oather Lee Sims and Sepha Mae Dale Sims, was born on Sept. 7, 1955 in Wyatt, Mo. and died on Thursday, Sept. 29, 2011, at Barnes Jewish Hospital in St. Louis, Mo. at the age of 56. Janice is survived by two daughters, Crystal Gregg and husband, Aaron, of Salem, Ill., and Jennifer England of Dexter, Mo; by six grandchildren and one great-granddaughter...

Jack David Wilson, son of the late Charles Paul, Sr. and Milded Marvell Beyer Wilson, was born in St. Louis, Mo. on Feb. 13, 1931, and died at his home in Circle City, Mo. on Sept. 30, 2011, at the age of 80. He had lived in St. Louis before moving to the Circle City community 20 years ago. He had worked as an electrician and was a member of the I.P.E.W. He was of the Christian faith and was a veteran of the U.S. Navy...