July 6, 2017
Dicamba use damages some crops; farmers look for answers
SIKESTON — Weed control has long been a headache for farmers. The use of the herbicide Dicamba to control broadleaf weeds is damaging the soybeans which are not of the Dicamba-resistant variety, as well as other broadleaf plants.
“It all started with pigweed,” said Sikeston farmer Paul Schuchart.
Pigweed is considered a threat to to the production of soybeans and cotton in the southern United States, and it is moving north, according to online sources.
New sewer treatment plant top discussion in special work session
Portageville Mayor Denis McCrate called for a special work session meeting last Thursday, June 29 at the Portageville City Hall, with all of the main players that are involved with the new sewer treatment plant.
At the May 6 council meeting, the bids were let out for the construction of the new sewer plant. According to the engineering firm, there were three bids, two of those not meeting the requirements in the bidding process, leaving only one bidder. This brought matters to a stand still.
Lilbourn man killed in motorcycle crash
POPLAR BLUFF, Mo. — A Lilbourn man was killed in a motorcycle crash early Sunday in Butler County.
According to Missouri State Highway Patrol, the accident occurred at 3:35 a.m. on Missouri Highway 158 off-ramp to US Highway 67, as Johnny O. Riley, 26, who was operating a motorcycle, failed to negotiate a curve and ran off the left side of the road.
July 13, 2017
PHS Sr. Beta Club attends National Convention
Sixteen members of the Portageville High School Senior Beta Club attended the National Convention June 29 - July 2 at Walt Disney World Resort, in Orlando, Fla.
Students from PHS joined more than 10,000 Beta Club members from 18 states. Each student attending qualified for the trip by placing in his or her competition at the State Convention in March.
The Portageville students were very excited to bring home two national awards, which was the first ever for PHS.
Preparations underway for 65th annual rodeo
SIKESTON — In one month the 65th Annual Sikeston Jaycee Bootheel Rodeo will ride into town.
And in that time, the Sikeston Jaycees will continue working to prepare for the town’s largest fundraiser.
State ag agency issues temporary ban on dicamba herbicide
The Missouri Department of Agriculture issued a moratorium Friday afternoon on all use and sale of dicamba products.
The order, effective immediately, seeks to address pesticide drift, which allegedly has damaged thousands of acres of crops in Missouri and surrounding states, according to a news release.
July 20, 2017
Serving New Madrid County since 1950
The New Madrid County Health Department recognizes the many challenges facing the citizens of our rural county. The purpose of their organization is to Prevent, Promote, and Protect the residents of New Madrid County while building partnerships with the residents and other organizations to provide support for the community.
Their mission is to serve residents of New Madrid County by promoting healthy individuals, families, communities and environment through compassionate care, education and prevention, thereby creating longer life, fewer illnesses and premature deaths.
Providing safe and healthy schools
With the rise of chronic illnesses even in children, schools play an important role in children’s health and safety. Luckily for the students of Portageville School District they have School Nurse April Priggel looking after them.
“Chronic illnesses are on the rise. Children are coming to school with some major illnesses and problems,” said Priggel.
“School nurses are trained to make quick decisions and provide essential treatment during emergencies.
STILL CARING AFTER 25 YEARS: Dr. Boyd and We Care Team
Dr. David M. Boyd and the We Care Team have been proudly serving the Portageville area for 25 years. They also have a second office to serve their Caruthersville area patients. Boyd and We Care work in the Caruthersville office on Monday and Friday, and in the Portageville office on Tuesday, Wednesday, and Thursday, of each week.
Each Valentine’s Day, they open their doors to offer complimentary dental care, including fillings, extractions and cleanings, for anyone in need, on a first-come, first-served basis. This annual tradition began in 1993.
July 27, 2017
Third in a series: Women in Agriculture
From moving grain on their fields with an 18-wheeler to the New Madrid County Port, to becoming the first female director of the Port Authority, Timmie Lynn Hunter has accomplished quite a lot in the field of agriculture.
Hunter, who has served 19 years as the Executive Director of the New Madrid County Port Authority, is still a partner with the Craig Hunter Farms.
Southeast ag students harvest canola in seed trial study
While many know canola oil as one of the best oils for heart health, researchers at Southeast Missouri State University are contributing to that knowledge base by collaborating in the National Winter Canola Variety Trial.
Missouri and Arkansas temporarily halt sale of Dicamba products
State officials in Missouri and Arkansas have taken steps to outlaw the sale of products labeled for agricultural use that contain Dicamba. In a news release, Missouri Director of Agriculture Chris Chinn said all on-farm applications of dicamba products must cease immediately.
The decision is temporary until a more permanent solution is reached. “We want to protect farmers and their livelihoods. At the same time, my commitment to technology and innovation in agriculture is unwavering,” said Chinn.
August 3, 2017
New security system in place at New Madrid County Courthouse
Some may think of going through an airport security system when they enter the New Madrid County Courthouse.
In the south foyer of the courthouse is a new security body scan and desk that will soon be operational to get in the courthouse to conduct your business.
The new body scan security system was announced last week by the New Madrid County Commission.
With the new security system, you will only be able to get into the courthouse is through the south side door. All of the other doors will be locked. The only way to get in is with a sliding key card, that only employees have.
Sikeston Outlet Stores offer tax-free weekend
One of area retailers’ busiest times of the year is coming soon. Back-to-School shopping accompanied by Missouri’s Tax-Free Weekend will start at 12:01 a.m. Friday, Aug. 4 and will run through Sunday, Aug. 6.
Back-to-school items such as clothing, school supplies, computers and other items defined by the Missouri statute will be exempt from state sales tax.
August 10, 2017
Turning 30: Dredging slated for New Madrid County’s slack water harbor
NEW MADRID, Mo. - The New Madrid County Port Authority’s slack water harbor will celebrate turning 30 with a facelift.
Rather than nip and tuck, however, this will be a scoop and a dredge.
The Memphis District of the Corps of Engineers has scheduled annual maintenance of the Port’s slack water harbor for 12 days, beginning Sept. 8. The city of New Madrid’s Harbor will be dredged beginning Aug. 27 through Sept. 7.
Bridge Improvements in New Madrid County
SIKESTON - The Missouri Highways and Transportation Commission is planning to replace four bridges in New Madrid County, Missouri.
The bridges are located on Route P over St. John’s Diversion Ditch, Route P over Maple Slough Ditch, Route B over Drainage Ditch No. 258 and Route W over Ash Slough Ditch.
Mini Coopers owners unable to break world’s record crossing the Mackinac Bridge
MACKINAW CITY, MI - This is the third time Mini Coopers invaded the Mackinaw City/St. Ignace area.
This event is held every other year, odd number year. On the even numbered years, MINI USA sponsors an event called, Mini Takes the States.
That is basically a coast to coast drive with events planned in different parts of the country by local Mini dealerships.
As MINI on the Mack returned, the Seal family from Lilbourn, Mo. did their part with hopes of another attempt to break the record. Scott, Linda, and son, Rodger Seal, took both of their Mini Coopers for the bridge road trip.
Operation Healthy Delta will offer no-cost medical, vision, and dental services
Two of the Bootheel counties face economic challenges on a level unrivaled in Missouri. Mississippi and Pemiscot Counties rank among the highest in percentage of adults with less than a high school diploma, highest in unemployment rates, highest percentage of single parent households, highest in poverty rates, lowest in median household incomes, and highest with children in free and reduced lunch programs. Many families simply do not have the means to have routine medical, dental and vision checkups. That’s where Operation Healthy Delta steps in!
August 17, 2017
Portageville High School Senior Beta Club host “Stuff the Bus”
Portageville High School Beta Club collected school supplies to “Stuff the Bus” at the Portageville Dollar General on Friday, Aug. 4, and at Portageville Fred’s and Sikeston Walmart on Saturday, Aug. 5. Many carts full of school supplies were collected over the two days.
Monetary donations collected at the three stores were used to purchase additional school supplies at each of the stores.
Food truck race includes Southeast Missouri native
CHARLESTON, S.C. — Take three people, mix them together in one tiny mobile kitchen, then turn up the heat from the competition and it is a recipe for another season of “The Great Food Truck Race.”
When the show premieres Aug. 20 on the Food Network, this season will have a bit of Southeast Missouri flavor.
Nick Hunter, who grew up in New Madrid, Mo., is one-third of the team, Braised in the South.
Hall of Fame Coach Lennies McFerren the subject of documentary to be screened in Miner
Family vacations to southeast Missouri were always the high point of summer for Tia Hodges. Getting away from the hustle and bustle of St. Louis and into the shops and family gatherings that Sikeston provided was like an escape to a simpler, harmonious time. Miner, Mo., Aug. 19.
The inspiration for highlighting the life of McFerren and his accomplishments on the basketball court came from the death of Michael Brown Jr., an 18-year old Ferguson man who was fatally shot by a police officer Aug. 9, 2014.
Brown’s death sparked both peaceful and violent protests in the Ferguson area.
August 24, 2017
Courthouse security system catches thief
Throughout the year, the New Madrid County Commissioners have striven to identify County buildings which are in need of improvements and upgrades. One of the areas identifies was the New Madrid County Courthouse.
Earlier this year the Commissioners voted unanimously to approve upgrades to the security at the Courthouse including controlled access, installing a metal detector at the main entrance, and upgrading the surveillance system.
While viewing surveillance video it was determined a white male picked up the leaf blower and walked off with it. The New Madrid County Sheriff ’s Department with assistance from the New Madrid County Prosecutor’s Office and the Morehouse Police Department were able to identify the suspect as Steven Michael Taylor.
New career and lifestyles class begins in Portageville school
The Portageville School District has started a new career and lifestyles class called Jobs for American Graduates (JAG).
The school has purchased 24 new Chrome Books to be used in the classroom.
There are not enough for all the students at this time, but students group together in pairs.
This class is for 8 through 12 grades and will prepare them for after school life, such as how to apply for a job or run for office, etc.
New faces within the halls of Portageville schools
Most of the Portageville students will see a few new faces within the classrooms this year, mainly in the middle school and high school.
The new teachers in the Portageville School District this year are, Sarah Tilley, Courtney Earnheart, Darrin Shipman, Jerika Brown and Amy Long.
August 31, 2017
‘The Future of Delta Agriculture’
Fisher Delta Research Center field day set for Aug. 31
The 56th annual Fisher
Delta Research Center field day, set for Thursday, Aug. 31, will take a look at the future of Delta agriculture. Field tours will run from 9 a.m. to noon. Lunch will be served at noon.
The field day, titled “Future of Delta Agriculture,” is free and open to the public.
“This is always an exciting time where we can share a small sample of the professional research the team does here every day,” Director Trent Haggard said. “Truthfully, we wish we had more time to share more of what we do.”
Portageville to celebrate its 70th Annual Soybean Festival
“Rollin’ On The River” is this year’s theme for Portageville’s 70th Annual National Soybean Festival. Let the float building begin if you have not already.
The festival begins Saturday, September 23 with Main Street Madness and concludes Thursday night September 28.
Fifth Annual Soybean Shuffle slated for Saturday, Sept. 23
There is only one month away from the 70th National Soybean Festival here in Portageville, MO. Kicking off things will be the Fifth Annual Soybean Shuffle 5K Run/Walk sponsored by SRG Global, Portageville.
All proceeds will be distributed back into our community with the Toys for Tots And Food Drive. for for information, you can email CaBrinna Crafton at ccrafton@srgglobal.com. If you would like a registration form, or pick one up at the front office of SRG Global at 101 Meatte Ave., Portageville.
September 7, 2017
Farming challenges discussed with farmers at annual Delta Center Field Day
As most farmers will tell you, the weather is not in their control. It was a wet day for the Fisher Delta Research Center’s 56th Annual Field Day. Instead of going on the field tours, the tours were brought inside with each speaker taking turns.
The theme in Portageville was the “Future of Delta Agriculture.”
The day was filled with informative talks from congressmen, legislators, and professors who spoke on various issues ranging from the research center’s new agricultural programs to the EPA’s overreaching regulations that will have a negative impact on not only the farmers, but the nation as a whole.
PHS students enjoy Job Fair
On Friday, August 25, 32 JAG students from Portageville High School participated in a Job Fair held at the Three Rivers College in Poplar Bluff. Students went around to different booths asking questions about what they need to be doing to prepare for the job market. They had an Admissions Presentation, and a Campus Tour. Joining the students were Mr. Branscum, Mr. Bullock and JAG instructor Courtney Earnheart.
September 14, 2017
St. Eustachius Catholic School celebrates 100 years
Carrying on with a strong legacy of teaching spiritual growth quality education and pride is exactly what St. Eustachius Catholic School will continue to do today, tomorrow and for the next 100 years.
On Saturday, September 9, the school celebrated their 100 anniversary with games for the kids, food for the family and a ground breaking ceremony for a new school building.
One charged in Pemiscot County shooting
CARUTHERSVILLE, Mo. — A Deering man faces charges following a shooting that injured another man Sunday in Pemiscot County.
Joseph O. Mooney, 17, is charged with first degree assault, armed criminal action and unlawful use of a firearm.
September 21, 2017
Main Street Madness kicks off 70th Annual National Soybean Festival
"Rollin' On The River" is this year's theme for Portageville's 70th Annual National Soybean Festival. Let the float building begin if you have not already!
Parade changes- The Kiddie Parade will be on Tuesday, September 26.
Free entry - up to age 12 categories: Walking Characters, Wheels and Pets. The Grand Float Parade will begin at 7:00pm on Thursday, September 28.
For parade entries for both parades, please contact the Portageville Chamber of Commerce via their Facebook page, email at info@portagevillechamber.com, or call Tonya at 573-748-0859. Prizes will be awarded in the float categories and band competition at the Grand Stage at the end of the parade.
JAG Classes hear from elected leaders
Since the beginning of the new school, the district started a new program called Jobs for America Graduates, (JAG). This program is a student-led organization to assist high school and middle school students with skills that will help them in their future.
At times, the class will have guest speakers to come and discuss their jobs, and what it takes to get into their position. Last Wednesday, New Madrid County Sheriff Terry Stevens talked to the students about leadership and the election process.
“STUFF-A-TRUCK” for the Portageville dog pound
Once again, “The Old Broads Plus One” is going to host “STUFF-A-TRUCK” FOR THE PORTAGEVILLE DOG POUND during MAIN STREET MADNESS on September 23. The truck will be in the same location, in front of the Daugherty building, on Main Street.
Items needed include: Dog and puppy foods, cat and kitten foods, collars and leashes, puppy training pads, cat litter and cleaning supplies. Any old blankets, rugs or towels, that you may have, can be donated to be used as bedding.
September 28, 2017
Project Graduation Womanless Beauty Contest
As part of a fundraising effort for Project Graduation, high school seniors participated in a Womanless Beauty Contest. Contestants walked about Main Street collecting money and the one with the most had the honor to become Queen. The top money collector was Bailey Cook (Annita Mann), second place was Hunter Gates (Holly Berry Gates), and receiving third was Caleb Pullum (Peaches). Contestants included: Bailey Cook (Annita Mann), Owen Wilson (Charity Case), Hunter Gates (Holly Berry Gates), Caleb Pullum (Peaches), Jacob Leonard (“Rockin” Robin Lane), Peyton Bullock (Bitsy Bullock), Alex Riddle (Alexa Blossom), Ian Torrey (Ima Tornado), and Daniel Carter (DaQueen Indahouse).
Visiting fan saved after collapsing at NMCC football game
NEW MADRID — “Don’t die, Daddy. Don’t die.”
It was those words Danny Darnall heard as he worked to resuscitate a man who had collapsed on the bleachers during a New Madrid County Central Middle School football game. Darnall, a trained first-responder and the head maintenance worker with the R-1 School District, along with School Resource Officer Carl Kimball weren’t going to let that happen.
Lilbourn resident receives gunshot wound
On Monday, September 25, at approximately 8:14 a.m., the New Madrid County Deputies were called to 319 Beahr Road in Lilbourn, in reference to a possible shooting.
Upon arrival, the deputies located a victim, who had a gunshot wound in the chest.
The victim identified the suspect as Alandre Newsom.
City Clerk resigns
On Friday, September 22, the Portageville City Clerk handed in her resignation papers effective immediately.
According to Mayor Denis McCrate, the board of aldermen met in an emergency session on Friday to discuss the situation.
The reasons for the resignation have not been released
yet.
October 5, 2017
Local trooper promoted
Captain Jeffrey N. Vitale, commanding officer of Troop E, Poplar Bluff, is pleased to announce the following promotions effective October 1, 2017.
Trooper Dylan L. DeJournett has been promoted to corporal and designated the assistant zone supervisor of Zone 8, New Madrid and Pemiscot counties. DeJournett was appointed to the Patrol on July 1, 2011
70th Annual Soybean Festival deemed successful
Another Soybean Festival is in the books.
“Portageville is blessed to have such a booming Main Street with its brick and mortar businesses and the addition of street vendors for events like these just adds to the welcoming and ‘small town’ atmosphere the town offers,” said Dr. Clint Klipfel, Chamber of Commerce President.
“It takes a great deal of work to put on a festival like this, but seeing all of the people of every age enjoying themselves makes it all worth the effort.”
October 12, 2017
Cook is crowned Fall Homecoming Queen
After a week long of celebrating the 70th annual Soybean Festival, the Portageville High School ended the week with the crowning of Senior Hannah Cook as the 2017-18 Football Homecoming Queen. Hanna is the 17 year old daughter of Billy and Rana Cook. She is the granddaughter of Ray and Julie Hankins, and Claudie and Brenda Cook. She has one brother, Hunter, and one sister, Hadley. She is a member of the Living Stone Baptist Church. She is a member of Art Club, BETA Club Vice President, FCCLA President, FBLA Vice President, Student Council, and Senior Class President. She is a member of the Softball Team.
New trash truck in service
The City of Portageville finally received their new trash truck that was ordered. The trash truck is a 2018 Mack GU533 with a Heil 25 Yard PT-1000. The cost of the truck is $167,885.98 and was purchased from Armor Equipment in Arnold, MO. At the time of purchase, projected delivery date was between May and June of 2017. The new truck arrived last Monday evening, October 2.
October 19, 2017
Fresh asphalt on Portageville streets
The City of Portageville now has more streets with a fresh two- inch lay over of asphalt. The City purchased the asphalt from the ASA Asphalt Company, based out of Advance. The board of alderman budgeted for a certain number of streets to be paved. The streets that received the additional asphalt covering are: East 9th on Huffman to King St., East 10 at 61 to Rural Route T, East Fifth at Huffman to King Ave, East Huffman to King, and DeLisle Ave at Seventh St. North to 12th St.
Police searching for two Pemiscot County Jail escapees
CARUTHERSVILLE, Mo. — Law enforcement officials are searching for two men who escaped early Sunday from the Pemiscot County Jail in Caruthersville.
The offenders, William Carter, 27, of Kennett and Joseph Latamondeer, 41, of East Prairie escaped Sunday from the Pemiscot County Jail in Cartuhersville.
Local bank contributes to Back Pack for Friday program
To help ensure children of the local community and their families can receive some nutritional food for the weekends, the First State Community Bank, Portageville branch, donated $2,000 to the Southeast Missouri Food Bank’s Backpack For Friday program. remainder of the year.
It operates on donations from the community, and currently provides weekend support for 10 elementary students and their families.
October 26, 2017
JDRF announces new initiative to pave way for automated insulin delivery systems
NEW YORK —JDRF, the leading global organization funding type 1 diabetes (T1D) research, is announcing a new initiative that will support the development of open protocols for artificial pancreas (AP) technology.
For more than a decade, JDRF has played a leadership role in accelerating the development and commercialization of AP systems that automate insulin delivery, defining a roadmap for increasingly sophisticated systems that would, with each generation, improve outcomes and reduce burden for people with T1D.
Agreements ease transfer for Three Rivers Nursing, Education grads to Southeast
Southeast Missouri State University and Three Rivers College (TRC) officials signed articulation agreements Oct. 19 paving the way for a seamless transition for Three Rivers Associate of Applied Science in Nursing graduates into Southeast’s online RN-BSN program and for Three Rivers Associate of Arts in Teaching graduates to transfer into five Southeast Bachelor of Science in Education programs.
October 26, 2017
Portageville FFA attends National FFA Convention
Ten members of the Portageville FFA chapter joined over 64,000 FFA members and guests at the 90th National FFA Convention. The convention was held Oct. 25-28 in Indianapolis, Ind.
The Portageville members attended leadership workshops, served on the National FFA Courtesy Corps and visited the National Convention Career Show and Expo.
One member, Maggie Frakes, competed in the National FFA Talent and made it to the second round in the competition. She also performed at sessions and dinners during the convention.
Celebrating 100 Years at Portageville School District
The 100th graduating class will graduate from Portageville School District in May 2018. The district has been celebrating this milestone with several events and the celebration will continue through next May.
Distinguished Veteran and US Army reservist to speak at Veterans Breakfast
U.S. Army Reservist and Kennett lawyer, John Michael (Mike) Mowrer, will be the guest speaker at the annual Veterans Breakfast to be held this Saturday, November 4th. The breakfast will be held in the St. Eustachius Parish with the Opening Ceremony beginning at 8:00 am.
The parish is located at the corners of Meatte Ave. and 5th Street.
Mowrer is a Vietnam War Veteran and is a commissioner on the Missouri Veterans Commission.
November 9, 2017
Hayes honored at Veterans Day breakfast
One local Portageville Veteran was recognized with the 2017 Today’s Featured Veteran award last Saturday. Bill Hayes was presented with the award by his son, Ron Hayes, and Jana Morris at the annual Veterans Day Breakfast sponsored by the First Community State Bank, Portageville branch.
Portageville Chamber announces Christmas Open House plans
The Portageville Chamber of Commerce is once again rolling out the snowy carpet for the Annual Christmas Open House. The event will be held this weekend, November 10, 11 & 12.
Visitors can expect traditional offerings as well as new and exciting features.
Carter joins Young law firm
In order to serve his clients better, the Law Office of Shawn D. Young has hired Kimberly J. Carter to assist him and take on new customers at his Portageville practice.
Carter is no stranger to the Missouri Bootheel.
She was raised in Pemiscot County, and is a 1994 graduate of Hayti High School.
November 16, 2017
Portageville High School Veterans’ Day Assembly
The Portageville High School Future Business Leaders of America Club (FBLA) held their annual Veterans’ Day recognition last Wednesday, November 8. The event was held in the high school gymnasium. FBLA Club President, Peyton Bullock, welcomed local Veterans and their families to the assembly followed by the singing of the National Anthem by Bailey Torrey, and continuing with the Pledge of Allegiance, led by Hannah Cook.
The high school choir performed “God bless America” and “Proud to Be an American.”
After a brief video presentation, each of the local veterans were given the opportunity to introduce themselves and shared their branch of service, and time served. Kelsey Kellams introduced the guest speaker, Dr. Ray Nabors.
Books for the Bootheel
There is going to be a Reading Explosion happening in our area thanks to a grant from the Walmart Foundation and a partnership with First Book. The Missouri Family and Community Trust (FACT) worked on the grant that brought 40,000 high-quality books available free of charge to youth in New Madrid, Mississippi, Dunklin and Pemiscot counties.
The New Madrid County Family Resource Center will be housing these books for distribution throughout New Madrid County. Each county will receive 10,000 books to distribute.
November 23, 2017
Decisions coming soon on steel mill, smelter in New Madrid
An India-based company could decide by year’s end whether to establish a steel mill in the Missouri Bootheel, a state lawmaker said Thursday. State Rep. Don Rone, R-Portageville, said a New Madrid, Missouri, site along Interstate 55 is in the running for a mill that would provide about 165 jobs.
The site is in the city’s new, 200-acre industrial park, Rone said.
In addition, a Swiss company could determine by January whether it will reopen the former Noranda aluminum smelter, providing about 300 jobs, he said.
November 30, 2017
Lights, camera, Deck the House!
The Portageville Chamber of Commerce is excited to announce upcoming holiday events that are sure to help keep the Christmas spirit alive around town! “We are continually striving to find new events that get the community involved for fun fellowship and also support local commerce,” said Dr. Clint Klipfel, chamber president.
The chamber is also re-introducing the Holiday Lighting Competition this year. The dates for the Deck the House Christmas Lighting contest has been set, houses should be completed by December 12th as judging will take place the evening
of December 13th.
Secretary Perdue re-appoints Rone to Soybean Board
WASHINGTON - Agriculture Secretary Sonny Perdue announced last Wednesday the re-appointment of Portageville farmer Lewis Rone to on the United Soybean Board. Rone joins 18 other members and three alternate members that will serve in the board.
Shinbone Trading Post opens
A ribbon cutting was held Saturday to mark the opening of a new Portageville business, Shinbone Trading Post.
“I’ve always wanted to own my own business. Owning a business that allows locals to display their talents was not always the plan, but it could not be more fitting for me,” said Skye Cook.
December 7, 2017
Portageville Fire Chief Foster retires from fire department
At Monday night’s monthly Portageville City Council meeting, Fire Chief Bill Foster in his letter of retirement from the Portageville Fire Department.
After 61 years of service (26 years as firefighter, 19 years as assistant chief, and 16 years as chief), effective at midnight, “December 31, 2017, I will no longer be a member of the Portageville Fire Department,” he said.
Portageville FBLA Officers attend National Leadership Conference in St. Louis
Over 800 Missouri middle, high, and college students attended the 2017 Future Business Leaders of America – Phi Beta Lambda National Fall Leadership Conference in St. Louis November 10-11.
The National Fall Leadership Conference is the premier leadership opportunity for America’s business students each fall. In total, nearly 2,400 members traveled from across the country to the Show- Me State for two days of leadership development and career planning.
December 14, 2017
Search for Butler in vain
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.
High School gymnasium dedicated to Jim Bidewell
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.”
Barry Bean re-elected to Missouri Farm Bureau Board
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.
December 21, 2017
Municipal and school board filings end in January
Filings for both municipal and school board elections began last Tuesday, December 12th with the filing period ending on Tuesday, January 16, 2018.
Positions open for filing on Portageville City Council include the offices of Alderman Ward I, Alderman Ward II and Municipal Judge.
As of Monday morning, Vince Berry has filed to retain his seat as Alderman for Ward II. Jesse James has also filed to retain his seat in Ward I. Both of these positions are two-year terms.
Chris Stinnett has filed to retain his position as Municipal Judge.
Kellams appointed as Presidential Ambassador at Southeast Missouri State University
CAPE GIRARDEAU – Maura Kellams of Portageville, has been appointed by Dr. Carlos Vargas, president of Southeast Missouri State University, to serve as a Presidential Ambassador at the University in Cape Girardeau, Mo.
Presidential Ambassadors are student representatives of the president of the University. The Ambassadors assist the president and his staff in greeting and assisting visiting guests and dignitaries, serving at presidential functions and promoting good will to all those outside the University.
December 28, 2017
Deck the House Lighting Contest winners
The Portageville Chamber of Commerce has brought back the Deck the House Lighting Contest. The judging was held last week with the announcement of the winners.
The lighting project needed to be completed by December 12 for judging on December 13. The chamber has placed signs in each of the winners yards so the winners can have bragging rights until January 1st.
PHS Beta Club helps with R.A.I.N.
The Beta Club did fund raisers and donated enough to purchase an entire truck full of food. Their donation fed 225 families on November 16th. R.A.I.N. is a Christian food mission that provides food for those in need. “We serve Portageville and the immediate surrounding area. R.A.I.N. celebrated it’s Second Anniversary that night and we’ve served over 4,800 families,” said Mark Gibbins.
New Fire Chief and Assistant Chief elected
With the retirement of Fire Chief Bill Foster, the Portageville Fire Volunteer Department would like to announce the promotion, by election, of the new Chief and Assistant Chief.
Elected Chief is George DeLisle. He has served on the fire department since 1984, serving as Assistant Chief since 2001. Appointed Assistant Chief is Bob Carter Jr. He has served on the fire department since 1995, serving as Captain for the last six years.