Stories from Saturday, December 29, 2012

With 2012's clock ticking rapidly toward midnight, it's either time for New Year's predictions or resolutions. I do poorly on both! There's actually a study out - aren't you sick of studies? - that says almost half of us make New Year's resolutions but just 8 percent actually achieve their goal...

HUMBOLDT, Tenn. -- Maxi Blackman, 65, formerly of East Prairie, Mo., died Dec. 28, 2012, in the Humboldt General Hospital. Born Dec. 23, 1947, in Cairo, Ill., to the late James Albert and Daisy Blanche Maxwell Blackman, he lived in Jackson, Tenn., most of his life where he was employed as an assistant housing director and also in the security department for Union University in Jackson until his retirement. ...

JACKSON -- Kimberly "Kim" King, 53, formerly of Delta, died Dec. 27, 2012, at Southeast Missouri Hospital. Born Aug. 23, 1959, in Kittery, Maine, to Nelda Jean Sparkman Schwepker of Delta and the late Larry Don Schwepker, she worked as a business manager at Facilities Management for Southeast Missouri State University in Cape Girardeau. She was a member of Trinity Lutheran Church in Egypt Mills...

WOODBRIDGE, Va. -- John C. Walker, 73, died Dec. 24, 2012, at his home. Born Feb. 6, 1939, in Sikeston, Mo., son of the late Charlie and Medrith Walker, he served for 30 years in the U.S. Army and retired at the rank of Sgt. 1st Class. He then worked as a real estate broker until full retirement...

BLOOMFIELD - Alan Dale Hanner, 44, formerly of Dexter, died Dec. 28, 2012. Rainey-Mathis Funeral Home in Dexter is in charge of arrangements, which are incomplete.

DYERSBURG, Tenn. -- The New Madrid County Central Eagles defeated Chester Co. 87-71 during the consolation quarterfinals at the Dyersburg Christmas Tournament in Dyersburg, Tenn. Willie Jimerson led the Eagles with 27 points. Darrin McGloson and Mikeal Walker added 14 and 13...

BLOOMFIELD -- Plagued by a slow start, the Portageville Bulldogs watched a 3-pointer at the buzzer fall short against Bernie on Friday to seal a 53-50 loss in the Bloomfield Christmas Tournament quarterfinals. "That first eight minutes ended up being decisive tonight," Portageville head coach Jason Irby said. "I really can't explain why we came out so flat...

ST. LOUIS -- The Sikeston Bulldogs wrestling team finished in seventh place Friday during the Flyer Holiday Tournament at Lindbergh High School in St. Louis. Sikeston scored a total of 163 points as a team. "Kids wrestled very well," Sikeston wrestling coach Chris Lowe said. ...

CAPE GIRARDEAU -- Scott County Central did all they could against a taller, more physical Jackson Indian team. The Indians overpowered Scott Central under the basket leading to an 85-67 loss. The Braves dropped to the fifth place bracket Saturday where they played Oran, who lost to Charleston, at 4 p.m. Jackson advanced to the winner's bracket semifinals where they faced the Charleston Bluejays...

NEW MADRID - Despite its role in history, New Madrid County has never had a home listed on the National Register of Historic Places. That is until now. A project, initially begun almost 10 years ago, has gained the Hunter-Dawson State Historic Site recognition as property of national historic significance...

CHARLESTON -- The Mississippi County Sheriff's Department won't have the best radios available but they will be up-to-date, compliant and somewhat ready for the future. County commissioners approved the purchase during their regular weekly meeting of a $47,727.95 radio update package offered by JCS Wireless in Cape Girardeau. The Commission met Friday instead of their usual Thursday this week due road conditions following the Christmas snow...

Mississippi County residents took advantage Friday as the last days to pay property taxes arrive before penalties are added. Pictured from left are Terry Ann Cossey, deputy collector; Collector Ann McCuiston; Nick Nordwald of East Prairie; and Carl Moore of East Prairie...