Stories from Friday, December 15, 2017

Last Saturday night was huge night for the Portageville School District. The school dedicated their high school gymnasium to Coach Jim Bidewell. He had coached the high school boys basketball team for 24 years. According to High School Principal Jeff Bullock, “This had been something the district and community has been wanting to do for quite awhile, but one thing stood in their path, and that was Coach Bidewell. He did not want to draw that much attention to him. He is a very humble man.”...

JEFFERSON CITY, Mo. — Barry Bean, of Gideon, was re-elected to a two-year term on the Missouri Farm Bureau (MFB) board of directors during the organization’s 103rd annual meeting December 5 at the Lake of the Ozarks.  Bean represents District 6 in the southeast area of the state and has served in the position since 2015...

Last Tuesday, December 5, Search crews from the New Madrid County Sheriff’s Department as well as surrounding agencies descended on a piece of property near the intersection of County Roads 262 and 253 in New Madrid County near Tallapoosa. Police investigators used heavy equipment here Tuesday in their relentless search for a missing Risco woman...

Sixty-five students from Portageville High School traveled to Springfield, Missouri, November 30 – December 3, 2017 to participate in the Senior Beta State Convention. Beta Club is a national organization that promotes achievement, character, leadership, and service. Students participated in various academic, art, oratory, writing, STEM, and talent competitions. Alexa Priggel ran for Missouri Beta Club President. Beta sponsors are Christina Brands and Scott Norman...

The Dixie Arts Council presents "It's Feeling Like Christmas" Saturday, December 16 at 7:00 p.m. at the Dixie Theater on Main Street in New Madrid. Doors will open early and concessions will be available. Performers for the evening are Hannah Faries, Cheryl Hicks, Lori Brotherton, Hannah Yagle, Kyla Henry, Lilee Atchley, Lola Atchely and Marcia Stafford. ...

Have you ever thought what an amazing thing it is that God prepared beforehand that Jesus would be born in Bethlehem? Micah 5:2 records “But thou, Bethlehem Ephratah, though thou be little among the thousands of Judah, yet out of thee shall he come forth unto me that is to be ruler in Israel; whose goings forth have been from of old, from everlasting.” That was His prophecy of where the Messiah would be born. ...

The seedings are set for the highly anticipated Bloomfield Christmas Tournament. The 16-team event takes place Dec. 26-29 at Bloomfield High School. Defending champion Dexter has received the top seed. Dexter is slated to take on No. 16 seeded Richland in a first round contest Dec. 26 at 10 a.m...

The seedings have been released for the Lady Royals Classic. The 16-team varsity girls basketball tournament is slated to take place Dec. 16, Dec. 18, Dec. 19, Dec. 21 and Dec. 22 at Twin Rivers High School in Broseley, Missouri. Dexter has received the No. 1 seed. Dexter is slated to take on No. 16 seeded East Carter County in a first round contest Dec. 16 at 9 a.m...

Even with all of the fanfare going on Saturday night with the Bidewell gym dedication, the Portageville Bulldogs took the t- bone away from the Gideon Bulldogs and buried it. Portageville won, 79-20. It all began when Bub Lance was able to make a fast break two-point layup, soon followed by a slam dunk by Ian Torry...

Many of you know that the Portageville High School gymnasium was dedicated to one of their beloved coaches, Jim Bidewell. When first came here, I visited with my now late uncle, Cletis Ellinghouse. I mentioned to him that I had met Coach Bidewell and said Cletis said, 'He comes from good stock."...

In 1995, Congress passed the Jerusalem Embassy Act which called for officially moving the U.S. Embassy in Israel from Tel Aviv to Jerusalem. This bill passed with overwhelming bipartisan support; however, it has been ignored by every President since it was signed into law - each promising to follow through, but failing to do so. That’s 22 years of broken promises to America’s greatest ally, Israel...

Pauline Estes, 83, of Sikeston, was born July 1, 1934, in Red Bay, Ala., to Oscar Underwood and Susie Orrick Underwood, and departed this life Wednesday, December 6, 2017 at Delta South Nursing Facility in Sikeston. In addition to her parents, she was preceded in death by one brother, Gene Underwood...

CAPE GIRARDEAU, Mo. -- When Southeast Missouri State University student Amy McDonald started college in Ohio, she wasn't sure what major to pursue. She also didn't know it would take her 29 years and a move to Missouri before she earned her degree. McDonald, a Bell City resident, received her Bachelor of General Studies this Saturday at the Show Me Center. ...

SIKESTON -- Sikeston Department of Public Safety reminded residents who are expecting packages this holiday season to be aware of possible "porch thieves." Sikeston DPS Director Williams said it's that time of year when thieves target package delivery trucks. Williams offered the following tips to deter thieves and help online purchases be delivered safely...

BENTON, Mo. -- A Sikeston man will remain on the Southeast Missouri Regional Port Authority Board of Commissioners while another will begin a new term following their recent appointments by the Scott County Commission. Rice "Pete" Burns Jr. will continue serving on Semo Port's Board of Commissioners, marking his third term which begins Jan. 1, 2018, and ends Dec. 31, 2021. The new term begins Burns' ninth year serving on the board...

Steve Sikes, board chairman of the of the Sikeston Area Service Unit of the Salvation Army, rings the bell for the Christmas Kettle Campaign outside Food Giant on N. Main Street in Sikeston Friday afternoon. The Campaign provides temporary assistance to those in need year round...

Jonas Benjamin Carter, 37, has a Scott County arrest warrant issued for three counts of possession of child pornography bond. Bond is set at $50,000 cash only. "Sikeston DPS detectives began investigating Carter within the last few months and found evidence he was in possession of child pornography," said Sgt. Jon Broom, public information officer for Sikeston Department of Public Safety.

PORTAGEVILLE, Mo. -- Deborah Jean Danels, 63, died Dec. 14, 2017, at Hayti. Born Aug. 21, 1954, in New Madrid, daughter of Eugene Benthal of Portageville and the late Imogene Davis Benthal, she was of the Pentecostal belief. In addition to her father, survivors include: two sons and a daughter-in-law, Charles Danels of Sikeston and Christopher and Sarah Danels of Chaffee; one stepdaughter, Angela Rice of Blodgett; two brothers, Donney Benthal and James Benthal of Portageville; and five grandchildren.. ...

SIKESTON -- Betty R. James, 80, died Dec. 14, 2017, at her home in Sikeston. She was born Sept. 18, 1937, in Bollinger County, to the late Julius "Dude" and Emma (Tankersley) Long. She was one of 10 children. Betty was a dedicated member of Trinity Gospel Church and a loving wife, mother and grandmother...

CAPE GIRARDEAU, Mo. -- Evelyn Swiney, 85, formerly of Sikeston, died Dec. 15, 2017, at the Life Care Center in Cape Girardeau. Born May 5, 1932, in Lepanto, Ark., daughter of the late Hubert and Ruth (Jines) Freshour, she was a member of Shady Acres Church of Christ...