Stories from Saturday, June 10, 2017

MATTHEWS, Mo. -- A music-filled, daylong community event will once again raise funds for local residents with serious illnesses. Big Prairie Jaycees in Matthews will host the third annual "Rockin' for a Mission" fundraiser from noon to midnight June 17 at the Big Prairie Jaycees Community Building in Matthews. Live music, a silent auction, food and other activities for children are planned...

CHARLESTON, Mo. -- In what's deemed by Mississippi County Prosecuting Attorney Darren Cann as a surprise move, an Illinois man on Thursday entered a guilty plea in the 2014 murder of his wife. Clifford Williams, 47, of Ullin, Ill, entered a plea of guilty to one count of first-degree murder and one count of armed criminal action Thursday before Circuit Judge Fred Copeland at the New Madrid County Courthouse in New Madrid, according to a news release from Cann...

EAST PRAIRIE, Mo. -- An East Prairie man faces charges for alleged rape and child molestation. Darrel Simpson is charged with two counts of first degree statutory rape, two counts of first degree child molestation and one count of sexual misconduct, according to the East Prairie Police Department...

SIKESTON --Improvements to the Interstate 55/57/U.S. 60 cloverleaf interchange, began June 5, at mile marker 66 in Sikeston. As work is underway, motorists should anticipate various lane and ramp closures, according to Missouri Department of Transportation.The ramp from southbound I-55 onto northbound I-57 will be closed, with a signed detour available, until Aug. ...

Impressionable young people today hold in high esteem a number of role models after which they often pattern their lives. This is nothing new. For as long as anyone can remember, young people would look up to star athletes, musical entertainers or Hollywood stars and try their best to be like those larger than life individuals...