Stories from Wednesday, September 9, 2015

BLOOMFIELD, Mo. -- The Stoddard County Commission took no action on filling a vacancy on the Castor Township Board Monday at their regular meeting, but did hear from two Bloomfield residents who said they were interested in filling the position. The vacancy was created when Henry Kestner resigned...

BLOOMFIELD, MO. -- On Wednesday, Sept. 2, Stoddard County Presiding Judge Robert Mayer sentenced repeat offenders Michael Davis to serve 13 years, and Howard Bailey to serve 15 years, both in the Missouri Department of Corrections (DOC). According to Missouri Casenet and Stoddard County Prosecutor Russ Oliver, Michael Davis had previously plead guilty to the Class B felony of stealing (value of property greater than $25,000). ...

BLOOMFIELD, Mo. -- The Stoddard County Commission at their regular meeting Monday approved an option for limited alterations and restoration of the cupola in the old courthouse which included replacement of the wooden louvers. Architect Dale Rogers, with Robert Stearnes and Associates, presented two options for work on the courthouse cupola using a $70,000 historic preservation grant with a 30 percent matching amount from the county of $30,000. ...

Members of the Kenady-Hanks American Legion Post 59 are planning a downtown parade on Saturday, Nov. 7 in observance of Veteran's Day. The parade will commence at noon from Harps and will travel east to Dexter's City Hall. The post is encouraging all civic groups and community organizations to take part in the parade to honor the service of all past and present military veterans...

Four-year-old Lilly Nugent, daughter of Leslie Nugent, was one of many young guests at Tuesday's Story Hour. Children's librarian, Reita LeBeau, along with storyteller, Kim Cook, provided entertainment with stories about astronouts, outer space and using one's imagination for the first Story Hour of the 2015-16 school year. Additional photos may be found in Photo Galleries at www.dailystatesman.com or by scanning the QR code at right...

A fire on the east side of Dexter Labor Day afternoon caused significant damage to a residence at 1111 Maple Street. Firemen were summoned to the scene at 3:19 p.m. when a witness spotted black smoke coming from the rear and the attic of the home. Fifteen firefighters responded to the call. According to Fire Chief Don Seymore, the utility room and attic of the home sustained heavy damage. No one was home at the time of the fire. The home was owned by Herb Bradley...

The Bernie High School Class of 1970 reunited on Saturday, Sept. 5 at the Kenady-Hanks American Legion building after 45 years. Classmates shown include, front row, from left: Beverly (Fowler) Kasten, Karen Woodall, Phyllis (Barnes) Weathers, Judy (Cato) Moore, Pam (Johnson) Morgan, Lynda (Jennings) Beckman, Karla (Hoggard) Gallamore, Debbie (White) Kozan, and Steve Shipman. ...

BLOOMFIELD, Mo. - The Dexter Bearcats varsity volleyball team won at Bloomfield 25-11, 25-12 Tuesday night. Krysten Garrison had seven kills and Hannah Thurmon tallied four kills for Dexter. Garrison and Bailee Williams both tallied six assists. Brittany Brown and Williams paced Dexter's defense with eight digs each. Garrison had seven digs...

Note: A photo gallery of Tuesday night's middle school football action is available here: Middle School Football Photos DEXTER, Mo. - The Dexter Bearcats eighth grade football team improved to 2-0 Tuesday night with a 36-6 home victory against New Madrid County Central...

David Franklin "Doc" Morris, 78, of Sikeston, peacefully passed away at his home surrounded by his wife and daughters on Tuesday, Sept. 8, 2015. Born on October 12, 1936 in Ridgeway, IL, to the late Clifford Keasler Morris and Eva May Ellen Justice Morris. He was a 1954 Sikeston High School graduate. Dr. Morris graduated in May 1960 from the University of Missouri -- Columbia earning his Bachelor of Science in Agriculture and his Doctorate of Veterinary Medicine...