Stories from Thursday, May 2, 2002

BLOOMFIELD - Edward Duane Kirby, 77, died May 1, 2002, at his home. Born Aug. 28, 1924, at Bloomfield, son of the late John H. and Cannie O. Edwards Kirby, he was a retired electrical construction superintendent and at one-time owned and operated a movie theater in Bloomfield. ...

SIKESTON - Edith Jeannette Carter Ancell Ford, 92, died at 4:05 a.m. May 1, 2002, at the Clearview Nursing Center. Born Nov. 23, 1909, in Sikeston, daughter of the late Robert Frank and Essie Jackson Carter, she was a secretary for 42 years with the International Shoe Co. A 1928 graduate of Sikeston High School, she was one of the original Red Peppers and was a member of the Order of Eastern Star Chapter 137...

BENTON - Iva Mae Laub, 70, died May 1, 2002, at Southeast Hospital in Cape Girardeau. Arrangements are incomplete at Amick-Burnett Funeral Chapel.

CHARLESTON - Harold E. Lee, 72, died May 1, 2002, at St. Francis Medical Center in Cape Girardeau. Arrangements are incomplete at Amick-Burnett Funeral Chapel in Benton.

Mt. CARMEL, ILL - Margaret Crandell, 59, died April 29, 2002, at Evansville, Ill. She was born July 6, 1942, daughter of the late Sadie Jean and Clemon Armstrong. She was married to Charles Crandell who survives of the home. Other survivors include: two sons, Merlin F. ...

DEXTER - Denise Scates, 49, died May 1, 2002, at Southeast Missouri Hospital in Cape Girardeau. Born Dec. 7, 1952, at Poplar Bluff, daughter of Sindy Metcalf Cochran of Puxico and the late Frederick Lincoln Cochran, she was a floral designer, member of Puxico Ladies Auxiliary 7822 and a resident of Dexter...

SIKESTON - James Walter Gates, 51, died at 2:45 a.m. May 1, 2002, from injuries sustained in an automobile accident that occurred Jan. 1. Born Oct. 24, 1950, at Matthews, son of the late Ernest James and Hazel Nance Gates, he was employed for 28 years as a skilled laborer for the City of Sikeston's Parks Department...

There's a proposal floating around the halls of the state legislature that would allow county officials to seize the vehicles of drivers caught driving with a suspended or revoked license. Although not a total solution, I strongly endorse this measure and would hope it gains widespread support...

SIKESTON - F.F. Collins and his son, Gene, took possession of the Dixie Ice Cream House on Highway 61 this week. BLOOMINGTON, Ind. - Sherman Mose of Route 3, Sikeston, Mo., was among Indiana University students honored yesterday at Founders Day ceremonies...

DEXTER - Pallbearers at services conducted Wednesday at Watkins and Sons Funeral Home for Willis M. Burkhart, 67, who died April 27, 2002, were: Darrell Pulley, Brandon Cobb, Roger Fountain, Donnie Ross, Bill Davis and Dave Taillon.

I'm not a prejudiced person. I have nothing against black or white or purple or big people. But my husband and I lost our home. We were set up at a shelter here in Sikeston. What's funny is, the Division of Family Services took everything away that we needed to get back on our feet. ...

KANSAS CITY - Mr. and Mrs. Phillip Malone have announced the engagement of their daughter, Hope Kristin, to William Samuel McPheeters, son of Mr. and Mrs. Steve McPheeters of Sikeston. The future bride is the granddaughter of Ruth Penderson and Raymond Penderson of Marceline and the late Dr. ...

SIKESTON - Mr. and Mrs. David F. Hough have announced the engagement of their daughter, Laura Deshea, to Ronald Jason Smith, son of Mr. and Mrs. Ronnie Smith of Benoit, Miss., and Mrs. Louis Nunnery of Greenville, Miss. Hough graduated in 2001 from the University of Mississippi with a bachelor of arts degree in journalism and is employed by Oxford Publishing Inc. She is the granddaughter of Mrs. Roy F. Hough of Sikeston, Mr. and Mrs. Glen "Pete" Burch of Matthews and the late Roy F. Hough...

CAPE GIRARDEAU - The second annual SEMO Conference Baseball Tournament will get underway today at 6 p.m. at Capaha Field in Cape Girardeau. The tournament, which was a rousing success in its inaugural year last season, is expected to be just as tough this year...

ORAN -- Oran's baseball team posted an impressive victory on Wednesday, beating SEMO Conference heavyweight Notre Dame 6-4. Ryne Wood threw a seven-inning gem, allowing Notre Dame's potent lineup just four hits and one walk. He took six batters down via strikeout...

SIKESTON -- Mother's Day may be just around the corner, but this Friday will be a day to honor several area fathers in a graduation ceremony for their completion of the Fatherhood First program. "We try to enhance the skills of fatherhood in our classes," Vern Frazier, Scott County outreach coordinator, said. "We try to keep it interesting by bringing in presenters and incorporating important topics in each class."...