Stories from Wednesday, October 15, 2014

Today, Oct. 15, 2014, Megan Kirby was sentenced to 10 years incarceration for the Class B Felony charge of Abuse of a Child (traumatic brain injury). On May 7th, 2014, Kirby entered an Alford Guilty Plea to the charge of Abuse of a Child (traumatic brain injury). ...

Crowley Ridge State School in Dexter is sponsoring a food drive for the Dexter Senior Center. The school is accepting canned and non-perishable goods at their location on 910 Nina Street throughout the month of October. All collections will be presented to the Senior Center at the conclusion of the drive. ...

BLOOMFIELD, Mo. -- History lives here. Bootheel native book author Dan Whittle will chronicle the region's rich journalistic history and farm heritage when he speaks on Oct. 27 at 6:30 p.m. at the historic Stars & Stripes Museum in Bloomfield. "Mr. Whittle also has been scheduled for several appearances this month (October) in the region, due to interest and demand for his book -- "Canalou: People, Culture, Bootheel Town" -- that spotlights the brave settlers who chiseled out a way of life in the former massive swamp that formerly covered this region of Southeast Missouri," confirmed Sue Mayo, publicity chairwoman of the hosting Stoddard County Historical Society and librarian at the Stars & Stripes Museum.. ...

JEFFERSON CITY, Mo. -- The state Office of Public Counsel has filed a new compromise proposal with the Missouri Public Service Commission, seeking a reduced electricity rate for the Noranda aluminum smelter plant in New Madrid, Missouri. If approved, the new rate structure would begin Dec. 31...

As November rapidly approaches, candidates from both sides of the political aisle eagerly wait for the outcome; and, while this is typically true in any race, the outcome could signify a change in Stoddard County politics. Traditionally, Stoddard County has overwhelmingly voted Democrat; and has filled nearly all seats at the county level with Democrats. At some point, though, that started to change...

Local optometrists, Drs. Kathryn Mayberry and Jennifer Howard were the guests at Tuesday's Story Hour at Keller Public Library. Howard is seen above getting a little assistance from son, Sam, as she reads, "Dinosaurs Love Underpants" to an enthusiastic crowd of youngsters. Additional photos may be found in the photo galleries...

The Stoddard County Gospel Mission is on a special "mission" of their own this fall to help feed the needy within the county. "Although most deer hunters in the area have their deer processed for their own needs, there are many who hunt for the sport and really don't care for the venison. We're trying to get the word out to that group that there is an alternative, and that it won't cost them a dime," explained Mission Director, Kim Slavings...

Note: A photo gallery of the action is available at this link: View Photos Here DEXTER, Mo. - The Dexter Bearcats middle school girls basketball program put together arguably its most dominant performance of the young season Tuesday night against Cape Central...