Stories from Monday, February 21, 2005

COLUMBIA -- Sikeston senior heavyweight Joe Johnson failed to medal in his final trip to the Missouri High School state wrestling championships in Columbia. Johnson, a two-time state medalist, was edged on a 7-6 decision by Raymore-Peculiar's Levi Thompson in a third-round consolation match on Saturday...

After seeing recent reports of proposed research into genetically modified rice in Southeast Missouri, I am concerned that the economic best interests of rice producers and rural communities are not being taken into account. At a time when Asian and European consumers regularly protest and boycott genetically produced crops, it makes little sense to risk a boycott of Missouri (or even U.S.) rice, when the same research could be conducted in other areas...

SPRINGFIELD - Imanuel Eugene McBride, 64, formerly of Portageville, died Feb. 19, 2005, at St. John's Hospital in Springfield. Born July 13, 1940, in Boekerton, son of Louise Meatte McBride of Portageville and the late Jessie McBride, he was a self-employed core buyer in the St. Louis area...

MORLEY - Patricia M. Reeves, 67, died at 6:15 p.m. Feb. 19, 2005, at St. Francis Medical Center in Cape Girardeau. Born June 13, 1937, at Gideon, daughter of the late Frank and Ethel Jordan Vaughn, she retired as owner and operator of Earl and Patricia Trucking Company in Morley. She was a member of the Morley Baptist Church and Fraternal Order of Eagles Aerie 3319 in Sikeston...

SAVANNAH, Ga. - Thomas H. Hall, 66, formerly of New Madrid, Mo., died Feb. 17, 2005, at his home. Born Feb. 13, 1939, he was the son of the late Arnold Elmo and Alice Winston Hall. His son, Tim Hall, survives of Savannah. Visitation is from 5 to 8 p.m. today at Richards Funeral Home in New Madrid, where services are scheduled for 1 p.m. Tuesday. The Rev. Gary Henson will officiate...

PUXICO - Pallbearers at services conducted Sunday at Watkins and Sons Funeral Home for Tommy Cook, 42, of Jackson and formerly of Puxico, who died Feb. 16, 2005, were: Garry Cook, Kenny Cook, Jimmy Holden, James Cook, Mike Cook, Codey Cook, Jason Cook and Billy Cooper...

DEXTER - Pallbearers at services conducted Sunday at Watkins and Sons Funeral Home for Norma Blankenship, 92, of St. Charles and formerly of Dexter, who died Feb. 17, 2005, were: Marion Thompson, Evan Borders, Shane Smith, Les Doyle, Phil Hechler and Kenny Yeley...

MALDEN - John Henry Walton, 83, died Feb. 17, 2005, at Missouri Southern Healthcare in Dexter. Born March 28, 1921, in Sardis, Miss., son of the late Ben and Elginie Brooks Walton, he was a member of the Malden Church of Christ. In 1941, he married Virgie Mae Rogers who survives of the home...

BERNIE - Steve Long, 52, died Feb. 19, 2005, at the Poplar Bluff Regional Medical Center. Born Oct. 13, 1952, in Bernie, son of the late Ben and Dona Harmon Long, he was affiliated with the Bernie Church of the Nazarene. An auto body mechanic, he previously owned and operated an auto body shop in Bernie. He then worked for Allen Christian Buick in Dexter and was a longtime employee of Cecil Auto Sales in Dexter...

PUXICO - Pallbearers at services conducted Saturday at the Brown General Baptist Church for Melissa Placher, 89, who died Feb. 17, 2005, were: Jeff Placher, Eric Placher, Tim Placher, Perry Placher, Ryan Harmon and Bobby Harmon. Honorary pallbearers were: Cody Placher and Hill Barnett...

MALDEN - Pallbearers at graveside services conducted Sunday at Malden Memorial Park Cemetery for Geneva Parker, 83, of Parma, who died Feb. 18, 2005, were: Justin Williams, Bill Nance, Chris Nance, James Vaughn, Jeff Womack, Oscar Sapp and Raymond Dickerson...

DEXTER - Pallbearers at services conducted Saturday at Watkins and Sons Funeral Home for Herman Lee Schacherbauer, 72, who died Feb. 17, 2005, were: Keith Cates, Larry Rogers, Paul Haubold, Kelly Dennington, Jim Burge and Jerry Barnett.

SCOTT CITY - Edna Derrington Walker, 88, formerly of Mississippi County, died Feb. 19, 2005, at St. Francis Medical Center in Cape Girardeau. Arrangements are incomplete at McMikle Funeral Home in Charleston.

MATTHEWS - Viola Graham, 86, died Feb. 20, 2005, at Missouri Delta Medical Center in Sikeston. Arrangements are incomplete at Nunnelee Funeral Chapel in Sikeston.

In recent days the city of Sikeston and countless individuals have experienced a tremendous loss in the passing of the beloved Bob Mitchell. It was a crisp November day in 1963 when I arrived at Mitchell Insurance and, moments later, was ushered into an office where I was introduced to a man who would leave an indelible and immeasurable mark for good on my life...

Mr. Jensen, you're always writing about laws. Why don't you write about the stupid law that was passed, if it's raining you have to have your lights on while driving. Maybe some people haven't heard about it. Then all you have to do is to go the store and watch the people who park in the handicap spaces and then run into the store. ...

SIKESTON - Staff Sgt. and Mrs. Carl E. Diehl Jr. are parents of a son born Wednesday in Sioux City, Iowa. Mrs. Diehl is the former Miss Mary Emma Heath, daughter of Mr. and Mrs. W.R. Heath of Sikeston. CHARLESTON - The new officers of the Jaycee Wives of Charleston are: Mrs. Junior Malugen, president; Mrs. Pat Staples, vice president; Mrs. Ralph Smith, secretary; and Mrs. Joe Leible, treasurer...

SIKESTON -- Despite agriculture officials' confidence about their plans to allow Canadian beef into the United States next month, many cattle producers remain skeptical. Vince Draper of Benton is one cattle producer who said he doesn't understand the rush by the United States Department of Agriculture to reopen the Canadian border, especially since two new cases of mad cow disease were discovered in Canada last month...

JACKSON, Tenn. - Robbie and Dava White are the parents of their third daughter, born Aug. 5, 2004, at the Jackson-Madison County Hospital in Jackson. Madelyn Brooke "Maddi" White weighed 7 pounds, 5 ounces and was 21-inches long. Grandparents are Linda White of Nashville, David and Linda Keith of Jackson and Robert and Linda White of Malden, Mo...

Delia Schindler, the "tooth fairy," speaks to children at the Sikeston Kindergarten Center during the program "Teeth on the Go." The program is an upbeat educational program which was presented by Delta Dental of Missouri. The interactive program featured the "Tooth Wizard" and her sidekick, Tonya Darabcsek as "Panda," who explained proper brushing techniques, the importance of flossing, the difference between good and bad food and why it is important for children to visit their "best friend" (the dentist).. ...

Fire fighters with the Sikeston Department of Public Safety put on their gear as they prepare to enter a house fire at 319 Hardin St. Monday morning. The fire, which started at around 7 a.m. caused extensive smoke damage to the home. Nobody was injured in the fire...