Teen Welfare

Students excel at SkillsUSA Conference (04/25/08)
Several Kennett Career and Technology students recently attended the 2008 SkillsUSA Leadership and Skills Conference in Jefferson City, Mo., after placing high enough in the District Championships at Doniphan, Mo. According to representatives from the school, many of the students left Kennett, heading for the competition with no idea of what would be expected. Their performances proved themselves to be great examples of what the Kennett Career and Technology has to offer...

Legislation on Autism pending (04/24/08)
Several bills have been filed in the state legislature on the subject of Autism, according to state Rep. Terry Swinger of Caruthersville. " Autism is a neurobiological disorder which impairs social development and communication," he explained. "They are unable to relate to others emotionally. ...

Holcomb Girl Scouts present a 'Gift of Love' (04/24/08)
HOLCOMB, Mo. -- Holcomb Girl Scout Troop 248 recently presented a "Gift of Love" to the Fresenius Medical Center at Kennett. Working to earn its Bronze Award, the scout troop decided to do something that would help it earn the Bronze Award and benefit someone else as well...

Changing the environment (04/23/08)
For a child who suffers from speech issues due to his autism, David "Alex" Polk, 4, son of Freddie and Kristi Polk of Kennett, and grandson of Rudy and Beverly Meredith of Kennett, has learned very quickly what the name of his new service dog is. "Dixon," says Alex, with a big smile on his face as he runs towards the service dog he recently brought home from an organization known as Pawsibilities Unleashed Pet Therapy, (PUPT, www.pawsibilitiesunleashed.org). "My dog," he continues...

Liz Rowland named to state's Abuse Review Board (04/23/08)
Liz Rowland of Dexter has been named to the state's Child Abuse and Neglect Review Board, it was announced on Thursday. Rowland, who manages Stoddard County's License Bureau, is also a licensed practical nurse and formerly worked in a hospital setting. In that role, she witnessed firsthand the effects that both physical and emotional abuse have on young children...

Society dispatches rapid response team (03/25/08)
CARUTHERSVILLE, Mo. -- On Sunday, March 23, 2008, the Humane Society of Missouri dispatched its rapid response team, including its mobile shelter, to Caruthersville to aid in the rescue of animals trapped or displaced from recent flooding. The Humane Society of Missouri has made several trips to the Bootheel area over the past couple of months, most for the removal and rescue of neglected or abused animals, but this time it arrives under very different circumstances...

MOHELA reported an operating loss of $12.4 million for the year (03/23/08)
CAPE GIRARDEAU, Mo. Politicians are not talking enough about education, U.S. Sen. Claire McCaskill said last week at Southeast Missouri State University. The Missouri Democrat stressed the need for No Child Left Behind reform, touted the 2007 College Cost Reduction Act, acknowledged problems the Missouri Higher Education Loan Authority is having, and touched on health care issues. About 50 people attended the forum held at the Show Me Center...

Steele man charged with statutory rape (03/20/08)
A 42-year-old Steele, Mo., man has been charged with statutory rape in the first degree, and has also been administered a first degree charge of statutory sodomy by Pemiscot County prosecutors. According to the county sheriff, Tommy Greenwell, Pemiscot County Deputies began an investigation in late January regarding three female juveniles whom alleged they had been raped by adult suspect, Gregory L. Morrow, of Dorner Street in Steele...