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Surveillance video introduced to jury (11/20/09)
The second day of the State of Missouri vs. Heather Ellis trial resumed this morning at 8:30 a.m., with the jury hearing testimonies from 12 different individuals. Heather Ellis is accused of four charges, two of assault to an officer of the law, one resisting arrest, and one peace disturbance, in connection with the incident that occurred at Walmart on January 6, 2007...

Faculty member receives recognition from school district for professional achievements (11/20/09)
HORNERSVILLE, Mo. -- A member of the Senath-Hornersville faculty was honored during the Board of Education meeting on Thursday after becoming certified in several fields of study. Jessica Zolman, an upper-level math teacher at Senath-Hornersville High School, was presented with a certificate of achievement from Superintendent Larry Wood after becoming officially certified in ninth through 12th-grade math, and fifth through ninth grade language arts, social studies, general science, and math...

Jaycees kick off 'Good Neighbors Project' (11/20/09)
The Kennett Jaycees recently announced the 2009 kick off its annual "Good Neighbors Project," an idea created to help those less fortunate in the community. "In 1964, Mayor Sol Astrachan proposed that the city of Kennett needed an organization to provide charitable work for the less fortunate families during the holiday season," said Nick Weatherwax of the Kennett Jaycees. "The Jaycees collaborated with the Mayor's much needed concept and set out to serve those less fortunate in Kennett...

Day two of Ellis trial (11/20/09)

Jury selected, Ellis trial begins (11/19/09)
The first day of the State of Missouri vs. Heather Ellis trial was held on Wednesday. Events taking place on the first day included a jury being selected, opening statements from the prosecutor Morley Swingle of Cape Girardeau County, and the defense, represented by attorneys Scott Rosenblum and T.J. Hunsaker of St. Louis and two testimonies from individuals involved in the case...

Combs chosen as John T. Belcher Scholarship nominee (11/19/09)
The Kennett Board of Education recently announced Meredith Combs as its nominee for the John T. Belcher Memorial Scholarship. A senior at Kennett High School, Combs is the daughter of Paul T. and Holly Combs, was one of five "outstanding applicants" from the senior class who applied for the scholarship nomination, according to Board of Education Secretary Donna Haman...

Texas County rancher to run for 8th District (11/19/09)
A Texas County rancher, who feels the Eighth Congressional District is "ready for new leadership," recently announced his intention to challenge incumbent Jo Ann Emerson in the August 2010 primary election. Republican Bob Parker, of Raymondville, Mo., announced his intentions during a VietNow Veterans Independence Day Celebration earlier this year, stating, "I think the 8th District is ready for new leadership in Washington."...

Billings offered role as Superintendent of Kennett Public Schools (11/18/09)
The Kennett Board of Education made the decision to offer the district's open superintendent position to current Kennett Middle School Principal Ward H. Billings, following his interview during the executive session of the Board of Education meeting on Tuesday afternoon...

Aldermen, city officials stand behind police department in the midst of Ellis trial (11/18/09)
On behalf of the city council, Alderman Jake Crafton and City Attorney Terry McVey voiced their appreciation and support for the Kennett Police Department's work during the recent march in support of Heather Ellis and for the officers' work three years ago, the night of Ellis' arrest during the City Council meeting on Tuesday...

Ellis trial begins (11/18/09)

Local educators attend 'Turnaround' event (11/18/09)
CARUTHERSVILLE, Mo. -- Members of South Elementary's Leadership Team met with members from five area schools on Monday, as part of the University of Virginia's Turnaround Program. According to South Principal Kim Lowry, South's team consisted of Sue Warrington, Nancy McVey, Tara Pierce, Jennifer Nigut, and Gayla Campbell...

Protesters host march prior to Ellis trial (11/17/09)
Protestors for Heather Ellis chanted, "No justice. No peace," during an organized rally in Kennett on Monday, claiming that the allegations against the African-American woman accused of assault on police are false. Approximately 100 protesters gathered at the Kennett Walmart at around 11 a.m., including members of the National Association for the Advancement of Colored People (NAACP) and Southern Christian Leadership Conference (SCLC). ...

Faulty wiring caused smoke from attic at residence on North Jackson, minor damages (11/17/09)
A report of a structure fire at 605 North Jackson Street on Friday afternoon resulted in minor smoke damage to the attic of the residence. According to Firefighter Marty Cato, the Kennett Fire Department received a call of a structure fire on North Jackson at approximately 3:56 p.m., Friday, Nov. 13...

Treatment facility plans delayed again (11/17/09)
The City of Hornersville has hit another bump in the road of progress for its new waste water treatment facility, as the city will not be able to get a grant for the cost of the anti-degradation study. Mayor Richard Mara said he spoke with the city's grant writer, Mitzi Dell, who claims she spoke with the Department of Natural Resources, who said the $6, 000 to $25,000 estimate from Palladian Consulting Engineers for the anti-degradation study was too high, adding that it should cost around $5,000.. ...

MPUA's CEO writes letter to clarify role in Campbell utility supply debate (11/17/09)
Following claims by Campbell, Mo., Mayor Raymond Gunter that the Missouri Joint Municipal Electric Utility Commission (MJMEUC) was taking advantage of the utility situation in Campbell, Duncan Kincheloe, general manager and CEO of the Missouri Public Utility Alliance (MPUA), recently rebutted Gunter's claims through a written letter...

Wednesday Music Club sponsors walk, musical recitals (11/15/09)
The Wednesday Music Club's effort to support Inspiration Point Fine Arts Colony (IPFAC) on Saturday, November 7, was declared to be very successful. The event consisted of a a fun walk, concert, lunch and two recitals, which served to produce over $1,000 for the day, according to Marilyn Caldwell...

Parents as Teacher's celebrates 25 years (11/15/09)
ST. LOUIS, Mo. -- Senator Kit Bond recently joined members of the Parents As Teachers (PAT) Program in a celebration at St. Louis to promote the program's vision that all children deserve the opportunity to learn, grow, and develop so that they can realize their full potential...

Rep. Swinger talks child abuse statistics after attending seminar in Pemiscot County (11/15/09)
"Protecting Children in Pemiscot County," a program designed to provide information and statistics concerning child abuse in Missouri, was recently offered at the Cross Roads Worship Center in Braggadocio, and sponsored by the Green Bear Club with cooperation and support from Pemiscot County Prosecuting Attorney Investigator, Tina Cook...

Holcomb FFA members attend leadership conf., Washington, D.C. (11/15/09)
HOLCOMB, Mo. -- Aside from the usual monthly duties, little was on the agenda for the Holcomb Board of Education during its meting on Thursday evening. According to Superintendent Jeff Bullock, following the approval of the previous meetings minutes and payment of the district's monthly bills, two Future Farmers of America (FFA) students gave a presentation on an FFA Leadership Conference they attended at Washington, D.C., this past summer...

Aldermen approve policies governing fire department account, use of city vehicles (11/13/09)
CARDWELL, Mo. - The Cardwell City Council recently approved two new policies for the city, which govern the Volunteer Fire Department Account and applies rules and regulations to city vehicles regarding emergency responses or pursuits, during the regular meeting on Thursday...

Local United Way campaign underway (11/13/09)
After a successful kick-off around the time of the Delta Fair, local United Way Chairman Shawn Sando and Vice-Chairman Sarah Jo Morgan have said they are "excited" to announce that the 2009-2010 United Way campaign is "well underway." "Since the United Way is dedicated to our local people and community, it just makes sense that United Way is represented at our community events," Sando said. ...

5 applications opened in quest for new superintendent (11/13/09)
CARDWELL, Mo. -- The Southland Board of Education opened five applications for the position of superintendent during the executive session portion of its meeting on Thursday evening, with interviews to begin next week. The five individuals include, current Cardwell Mayor and retired Southland Elementary Principal John Prince, current Southland Elementary Principal Alicia Shaw, Senath-Hornersville High School Principal Kim Campbell, Senath-Hornersville Public Schools Agricultural Director John Dern, and Senath-Hornersville Middle School Math Teacher Becca Cook.. ...

MIssing Person search ends with discovery of body (11/12/09)
The Dunklin County Sheriff's Department recently ended a missing person's search with the discovery of a body on the Varner River ditch bank. According to a report by the Dunklin County Sheriff's Department, Dunklin County Communications received information of the missing man at approximately 9:22 p.m., on November 10...

Honoring a humanitarian (11/12/09)
"Peace I leave with you; my peace I give you. I do not give to you as the world gives. Do not let your hearts be troubled and do not be afraid." -- John 14:27. written by the late Leonard Younger prior to his passing. The City of Kennett lost one of its most notable community members and humanitarians this morning, as Leonard Younger passed away at his home at 6:21 a.m., at the age of 91...

Senath City Council decides in executive (11/12/09)
SENATH, Mo.-- The Senath City Council approved the motion to return to 24-hour police coverage at seven days per week, through the Senath Police Department, during executive session following the regular open meeting on Monday. The extended coverage will begin on November 16, with the workload handled by the two current full-time officers, Joe McLain and Jerad Callahan, along with City Marshall Omar Karnes...