Stories from Friday, December 20, 2019

DEXTER, Mo. — Jennifer Lynne Cox, age 46, passed away on Dec. 18, 2019, from injuries sustained in an automobile accident on U.S. Highway 60 west of Sikeston. She was born June 23, 1973, in Sikeston, daughter of Jim and Nancy Moore Umfress of Sikeston. Jennifer graduated from Kelly High School in 1991; she was a member of St. Francis Xavier Catholic Church in Sikeston. Jennifer was employed at Montgomery Bank in Sikeston...

SIKESTON — Office parties, family gatherings, and school programs mark a busy holiday season. Listening to Christmas carols is commonplace as people work, wrap presents and bake cookies. “These are sounds everyone wants to hear during the holidays. Unfortunately, other sounds, like breaking glass, crunching metal and calls for assistance, are heard all too often,” said Col. Eric T. Olson, superintendent of the Missouri State Highway Patrol. “… no matter what season it is.”...

DEXTER, Mo. — Rhonda Stuever’s dream of helping students in need, is now into its third year, and her goal of servicing all schools in Stoddard County has moved closer to becoming a reality. Stuever is a retired Dexter High School teacher. “Communities Loving and Supporting Students (CLASS) has been embraced by the residents of Stoddard County, and beyond,” reports Toni Pyle of Dexter, treasurer for the organization. ...

DEXTER, Mo. — The Dexter R-11 Board of Education has announced that Mrs. Amy James will become the newest Superintendent of the Dexter R-11 School District effective July 1, 2020. She will be replacing current superintendent C.A. Counts, who will be retiring at the end of the school year...

SIKESTON — The early teenage years can often be a tough time for teens and their parents with many changes both physically and emotionally taking place. A new program at the Sikeston Junior High School is aimed at helping eighth graders navigate through this time by regulating their emotions while also becoming inclusive...

JEFFERSON CITY, Mo. — Colonel Eric T. Olson, superintendent of the Missouri State Highway Patrol, has announced that Lieutenant Jason N. Crites, Troop F, of Jefferson City is being promoted to captain and will transfer to the Research & Development Division, General Headquarters, where he will serve as director of the division. The promotion takes effect Jan. 1, 2020...

Yes, I remember when the wonderful brick streets were covered with asphalt. At least you could drive down them and it was smooth. It didn’t beat the living blank out of your vehicles.