Stories from Wednesday, March 11, 2020

Rex Edward Keller, was born on October 10, 1923 in Sikeston and departed this life on March 4, 2020 in Redington Shores, Florida, at the age of 96 years. Rex grew up in Dexter. His mother, Ola Keaton Keller, was a school teacher and taught him to value arts and education. She was a tremendous influence on his life and so, when he became a successful businessman, he used his assets to build a public library in Dexter, Missouri in memory of his mother. This happened more than 20 years ago...

The Dexter Knights of Columbus are hosting a trivia night Saturday, March 14 at the Sacred Heart Catholic Church in Dexter. Teams will consist of eight members. The cost is $10 a person or $80 for a team. A silent auction will also be available. Doors will open at 6 p.m. and trivia will start at 6:30 p.m. A portion of the proceeds will go to the Special Olympics of Missouri. Call Mark Sitzes at 1-573-225-5615 to reserve your table...

The Keller Public Library has awarded a $4,153 LSTA technology grant. The grant was made possible through the Missouri State Library. The grant will be used to replace four outdated computers in the library's computer lab. The grant will pay 75 percent of the total project cost. This will allow the library to remain on target with its regular equipment replacement policy...

DONIPHAN — The Ripley County Sheriff’s Department has cancelled the endangered person advisory after a missing teen was found. Hannah N. Hamor, 13, was found safe in Ripley County, according to a Missouri State Highway Patrol news release. The teen had not been at school since March 5, and her father has not had contact with her for the same amount of time, according to an earlier release. The Ripley County Sheriff’s Department was notified around 1 p.m. Tuesday of the incident...

On April 4, 2020 the Puxico Police Department assisted by the Fire Department are holding the first annual Spring Festival. The festivities with begin at 10 a.m. and will be held at the South Park next to the People’s Bank. The purpose of this event is to build funds to support the annual Christmas Toy Drive held by the Police Department...

BLOOMFIELD — A Stoddard County grand jury indicted a retired Catholic priest last week on sodomy and sexual abuse charges. Frederick Joseph Lutz, 76, of Springfield, Missouri, was indicted March 3 on two unclassified felonies of forcibly sodomy and two Class C felonies of deviate sexual abuse, Stoddard County Prosecuting Attorney Russ Oliver said in a news release...