The Year in Review, Part 2

Osama bin Laden

Editor's note: This story is part-two of a feature series from news stories published throughout 2011. The months refelected in this portion of the series focus on May through August.

May

* President says Osama bin Laden dead: WASHINGTON -- Osama bin Laden, the glowering mastermind behind the Sept. 11, 2001, terror attacks that killed thousands of Americans, was killed in an operation led by the United States, President Barack Obama said Sunday.

* Dunkin County areas 'holding their own;' Pemiscot County to build new retaining wall: The floodwaters surrounding Dunklin County are still not at a critical level for the majority of the area, according to County Emergency Management Agency Director Larry Kelley.

After evacuating portions of the Wilhelmina community earlier this week, Kelley said the rest of the region is holding its own.

* Wheeler urges council to 'keep the course' with Frey Farms deal: At Tuesday evening's meeting, former mayor, Roger Wheeler, spoke to members of the council during the public participation portion of the agenda. He asked for the council to consider ratification of the contract between Frey Farms and the City of Kennett.

* Students give back to local community threatened by flood: HORNERSVILLE, Mo. -- Students from the Senath-Hornersville School District gave back to their community on Wednesday as they helped to sandbag areas around the flood-threatened community of Hornersville.

According to Jared Gurley, Senath-Hornersville Middle School coach, approximately 150 students had helped with the project by 1 p.m., with more students rotating in and out hourly.

Senath-Hornersville Middle School Principal Chad Morgan said the students began arriving at 10:30 a.m., Wednesday morning.

* Cville hosts Community Response Meeting for Pemiscot and Dunklin County flood victims: CARUTHERSVILLE, Mo. -- "We are now moving into a time of recovery," was how Julie Gibson, Director of the Missouri Department of Workforce Development addressed a crowd of citizens and government officials who gathered at the Caruthersville Middle School Wednesday night to discuss community response for victims of the recent floods.

* 'While this path is coming to an end, another is just beginning': Twenty-seven graduates crossed the stage at Delta C-7's 2011 Commencement Ceremony on Tuesday, kicking off what will be a series of graduations to take place throughout the immediate region over the next few weeks.

* 'Together we have experienced life. Separately, we will pursue our dreams. Forever, we will hold on to our memories...': HOLCOMB, Mo. -- Holcomb High School celebrated 32 graduating seniors at its 2011 Commencement Ceremony on Tuesday.

* 'God bless you on your journey for the next four years.': One hundred forty seven students said good-bye to Kennett Middle School on Wednesday morning, as they set forth to embark the final journey of their primary school education at Kennett High School.

* 'Go out and do something remarkable...': At Thursday evening's graduation ceremony, the Kennett High School class of 2011 was presented a challenge by one of its class speakers. Alexandra Brown dared her classmates to "go out and do something remarkable, find our potential and make the world a little bit better place.

* Southland High School graduates 19: The Southland C-9 School District honored 19 graduating seniors on Friday evening during its 2011 Commencement Ceremony.

* Senath-Hornersville High School graduates 45: "Life's not the breaths you take, but the moments that take your breath away," was the message carried by 45 graduates who were honored during Senath-Hornersville's 2011 Commencement Ceremony on Thursday evening.

* Pulliam to return to stage after 10 year sabbatical: After taking a 10 year sabbatical from opera, Kennett native and musician Limmie Pulliam has decided to return to the stage.

* Scholarship honoring memory of KHS student continues for second year: Rachel Nichole Dye was a senior at Kennett High School preparing for graduation when she died suddenly in January of 2010. The family, friends and community mourned the loss of this vibrant, active young woman who participated in many aspects of the activities of KHS. Among those activities included the KHS Band and Flag Corp.

* The Palace Theater of Kennett formed, hopes to breathe new life into old cinema: The currently vacant Kennett Cinema may have some life left in it if a group of local individuals with a passion for the arts have anything to say about it.

Earlier this year, Matt Jackson, local attorney and musician, presented information to the Downtown Kennett Coalition (DKC) about a potential plan for the theater, which was closed after being purchased by AMC Theatres.

* Missouri tornado single deadliest in United States since 1950: JOPLIN, Mo. -- A tornado that killed 117 people in Missouri was the single deadliest twister in the past 60 years, according to National Weather Service.

Gov. Jay Nixon's spokesman, Sam Murphey, said Tuesday morning that the death toll in Joplin had risen to 117.

* Mayer hosts "town hall" meeting at FUMC: Updates local constituents on latest legislative session

Senator Rob Mayor visited Kennett on Monday afternoon, hosting a "town hall" meeting at the First United Methodist Church in which he gave updates on the most recent session of the Missouri Legislature.

* Tomlinson and friends rock The Opera House for DCH: Trent Tomlinson and his fellow recording artists and friends, Uncle Kracker and Keith Anderson, produced an energy that was no less than what was expected as they played acoustic-style music on stage for a crowd of fans during a benefit concert at The Opera House on Tuesday.

The packed house helped the guys raise around $12,000 or more toward their cause, The Delta Children's Home, during the second annual event in which 100 percent of ticket sales were donated.

* Locals organize efforts to assist Joplin tornado victims: Following the devastating wrath of recent tornado activity that ravaged the city of Joplin, Mo., several area organizations, including Kennett Public Schools have been coordinating relief efforts in support of those in need.

According to South Elementary Principal Kim Lowry, the campuses within the Kennett district are collectively trying to raise funds in an attempt to help those affected by the tornado.

* Area doctor receives second five year sentence for abusing patients: A former Poplar Bluff, Mo., and Malden, Mo., doctor was sentenced to another five years in prison Wednesday after pleading guilty to inappropriately touching a female patient. Dr. Martin McDonald, 52, of Wappapello, Mo., pleaded guilty to felony sexual abuse before Presiding Circuit Judge Stephen Sharp, according to Dunklin County Prosecuting Attorney Steve Sokoloff. McDonald's plea preempted his trial, which was set for Friday.

* Local businessman sets out to assist tornado victims at Joplin: Out of concern and through simple generosity, one local business owner, with the help of his community, left Kennett on Friday headed for Joplin, Mo., carrying with him needed supplies for victims of the recent tornado activity that devastated the region.

Eddie Eubanks, owner of Eubanks Auto Sales, located at Highway 412, 308 South Bypass, said that after hearing what happened to the residents of Joplin, that he felt moved to volunteer his time and efforts to the relief efforts.

* Mowrer and Brumley: Brothers in Arms: On May 30, 2011, thoughts will turn to the brave soldiers who have fought so bravely to ensure this country's freedom, as Memorial Day ceremonies are held across the country to honor those who have served.

Two such men live among our midst and actually served at the same time in the same area of Vietnam without ever knowing it, Municipal Court Judge Mike Mowrer and former Chief of Police, Joe Brumley.

* 'Freedom is not free': As the nation honored those who helped to keep our country free, local veterans and Kennett residents also Monday in remembrance.

Adorning the outside of the courthouse were four flags each representing the four branches of service, the United States Air Force, the United States Navy, the United States Marine Corps., and the United States Army. Two flags were placed on each side of the war memorial which is representative of local veterans in the area as well as smaller flags being placed in the ground surrounding it.

June

* Area authorities to assist at Joplin; local church helps to organize donations: Local efforts to aid the community of Joplin, which was devastated by recent tornado activity, are still underway.

Pemiscot County officials are reporting that deputies with the Sheriff's Department, under the direction of Sheriff Tommy Greenwell, are being deployed to the ravaged area to assist with emergency law enforcement operations. Greenwell explained in a written statement released by the department that approximately four deputies will be sent out due to a request from the Missouri Sheriff's Association (MSA) for veteran personnel.

* The Story behind the music...:

Southeast Missouri is fast becoming known as an area of the country that has produced many talented recording artists and songwriters.

Among those from the local area who have established themselves in the music industry or hoping to, include the "home-grown natives," of Sheryl Crow, David Nail, Trent Tomlinson, Noll Billings, as well as Narvel Felts from Malden, Mo.

Another hopeful Bootheel native hoping to make his dream come true is William Myers.

* Frey Farms contract finalized: On the agenda of the June 7 regular meeting of the Kennett City Council, council members will vote on a resolution to approve the contract between Frey Farms and the City of Kennett.

Since it was first learned in March of this year that the council had approved the sale of the land and the spec building for just over $357,000 to Frey Farms of Illinois, there has been much controversy.

* National Guard to oversee resources for recent disasters: The National Guard is providing supervision over federal resources coming to Joplin, and other communities in the surrounding Southeast Missouri region following devastation caused by flooding and tornado activity in addition to severe storms.

* Frey Farms contract tabled again: Members of the Kennett City Council chose to table the approval of the contract between Frey Farms and the city.

When the issue of old business on the agenda came before the members, Councilman Mark Ellis immediately made a motion to table the issue. Mayor Jake Crafton then asked if there was a second and quickly received one from Councilman James "Jingo" Cole. No reason or discussion was given concerning this sudden change.

* Cardinals draft South Pemiscot graduate Jeremy Patton: Jeremy Patton had an objective when he began high school at South Pemiscot eight years ago.

"People asked me what I was going to do with my life and I told them 'I'm going to be a professional athlete someday,'" Patton said.

Patton moved one step closer to his childhood dream earlier this week when he was drafted by the St. Louis Cardinals in the 38th round of the Major League Baseball Draft.

* Local MoDOT official discusses local impact of 'Bolder Five-Year Direction' plan: In an attempt to cut expenses yet still provide outstanding service to those it serves, the Missouri Highways and Transportation Commission met on Wednesday and approved the "Bolder Five-Year Direction" plan.

After much discussion from supporters and opponents of the plan in the capitol, the commission voted unanimously in its favor.

Under this plan the organization would reduce the number of employees and close some of its facilities around the state thus providing more money to focus on those projects the state deems as priorities. Through this plan, an additional $100 million will be used for road projects. MoDOT expects the plan to be fully in place by March of 2013.

* Local fire chief returns from tour of Iraq: Kennett's Fire Chief, John Mallott, has returned to his position within the local emergency department after answering his country's call to serve overseas in his fourth deployment through the Air National Guard. Mallott has been serving at Camp Victory in Baghdad, Iraq since being deployed in October 2010. Before leaving his tour, Mallott was presented with a rare medal award by Colonel Justin Hirniak, Unit Commander, who awarded Mallott Army Commendation during a farewell ceremony.

At Camp Victory, Mallott, who holds an E-8 enlistment title with the Air Force, helped manage the military's focus on fire prevention, protection and safety, which he has extensive training and knowledge in.

* Baby rescued from home before it burst into flames: A 14-month-old infant was rescued from her home just before it burst into flames on Tuesday, according to Kennett Fire Marshal Scott Tutor.

Tutor said the baby was upstairs asleep while her parents, Daniel and Jennifer Walton, were beginning to do yard work. The father noticed smoke coming from the structure, Tutor said, and immediately ran upstairs to get the infant.

* Johnson named chairman of Missouri Waterfowl Festival: Senath resident and local business owner, Ken Johnson, was recently named the new Chairman for the Missouri Waterfowl Festival and Sports Show.

As chairman for the event, Johnson will oversee all operations regarding the festival.

* Bluff's Kingery quits Senate race: POPLAR BLUFF, Mo. -- A former Poplar Bluff, Mo., state representative has changed his mind about running for state senator in District 25 in 2012.

* Local bankers give thoughts on federal regulations: Last week, U.S. Representative Jo Ann Emerson met with bankers and realtors and members of the small business community to address concerns regarding federal regulations that are affecting them. The meeting was held as Emerson begins preparation of a financial appropriations bill. She is currently serving as the chair of the appropriations subcommittee on financial services and general government, which oversees the U.S. Treasury, the Internal Revenue Service and other federal regulatory agencies.

* VFW honors 1137th MP Company: In a show of appreciation, members of VFW Post 5443 in Kennett recently hosted a meal for the 1137th Military Police Company unit of the National Guard, who is preparing for the unit's third deployment to the Middle East since 1991. The unit's first two deployments included Desert Storm and Operation Enduring Freedom. According to Phillip Greenway, commander of the local VFW, deployment will not be until October of this year but the unit will report to Camp Shelby, Miss., for further training in August.

* Corps of Engineers begins rebuilding levee: NEW MADRID, Mo. -- The rebuilding begins now.

Hours after Gov. Jay Nixon announced the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers would immediately rebuild the Birds Point-New Madrid levee, it appears the agency isn't wasting any time coming through on its word.

* Local supers explain effects of recent funding cuts: Gov. Jay Nixon recently announced his decision to cut funding for education and other programs to help offset Missouri's mounting tab from a disastrous spring in which a deadly tornado and widespread flooding destroyed thousands of homes, businesses and farms.

Nixon announced $172 million in cuts from the budget set to take effect July 1, including reductions in aid to colleges and universities, student scholarships and busing for public elementary and secondary schools.

* Rep. Kent Hampton gives update on disaster recovery: Although it has been several weeks since the floods and tornados ravaged parts of Missouri, the impact is still being felt across the state.

According to Kent Hampton, state representative for the 163rd District of Missouri, the recent weather and its effects are still dominating the news coming out of the capitol and other government agencies in the state.

* Mallott: They are not tornado sirens, they are outdoor early warning sirens: At Tuesday evening's city council meeting, Fire Chief John Mallott addressed the council concerning the storms the area has experienced recently.

Each council member received a copy of the Fire Department's Standard Operating Procedure (SOP) which deals with weather notification.

* FEMA, SBA set up disaster recovery unit at Kennett: Representatives from both the Federal Emergency Management Association (FEMA) and the U.S. Small Business Administration (SBA) opened a Disaster Recovery Center in Dunklin County on Monday, providing extra assistance for survivors of recent severe natural disasters to include storms, tornadoes and floods.

* Municipal band performs annual Concert in the Park: The Kennett Municipal Band held its annual "Concert in the Park" on Tuesday evening at the bandstand at Jones Park.

Music for the concert included familiar patriotic tunes like "The Star Spangled Banner," "America the Beautiful," and "The Stars and Stripes Forever."

* VFW, Schilp Dodge to raise money for families of 1137th: In a continuing show of support for the 1137th Military Police Company unit, members of the Veterans of Foreign Wars Post No. 5443 in Kennett and Schilp Dodge are holding a fundraiser and live radio remote featuring local station, KTMO, which will take place from the dealership on Wednesday.

According to Phillip Greenway, commander of the local VFW, this event is being held as a ways of raising funds to help with any unmet needs that may occur while the soldiers are deployed overseas and is an extension of the certificate of adoption that was recently presented to the 1137th unit. The goal for the event is $10,000.

July

* Economic issues affecting USPS: Although there will be no immediate changes concerning postal carriers in our local area, Richard Watkins, Corporate Communications director for the Kansas City-based Mid-America District of the United States Postal Service confirmed that it may be a possibility for the future.

* Call of Crisis 911 emergency service faces funding issues: In the past months, there has been growing concern over the crisis that is facing the state's 911 system.

The 911 system has always been set up to receive its funding from the surcharge that is charged on landline telephones but as cell phones became more popular, less people have maintained a landline in their homes. Instead, opting to make their cell phone the primary telephone.

* City officials, Frey Farms meet to discuss land, building sale: Kennett City Council members and the Board of Public Works met with Frey Farms and their attorney in the meeting room of the municipal building on Wednesday evening to address any concerns that may not have been addressed before council members finalize the contract between Frey Farms and the city.

* 2 charged in connection with murder: Charges have been filed on two Kennett residents in connection with the murder of 25-year-old Roosevelt Jackson, who was gunned Monday evening.

According to Dunklin County Prosecuting Attorney Stephen P. Sokoloff, 22-year-old Standrique Matlock and 23-year-old Kareema Jefferson are facing charges of murder in the first degree, a class A felony, and armed criminal action. If convicted, both suspects face a maximum penalty of death or life in prison without parole.

* Nixon OKs drug tests for Mo. welfare recipients: JEFFERSON CITY, Mo. (AP) -- Some Missouri residents who receive welfare payments will be screened for illegal drug use and could lose their benefits under legislation that Gov. Jay Nixon signed Tuesday.

* Vandals cause $30,000 in damage to Hayti school: HAYTI, Mo. -- A group of juveniles and a 17-year-old young man are facing serious charges in connection to a recent case of vandalism at Hayti Public Schools.

* Wright pushes for Caylee's Law in Mo.: If Rep. Billy Pat Wright (R-159) of Dexter has his way, Caylee's Law will become part of Missouri statues during the next legislative session.

A petition in support of state's adopting Caylee's Law across the nation has been circulating on the Internet and has gained the support of more than a million since Casey Anthony's Florida acquittal on charges of murdering her two-year-old daughter, Caylee, in 2008.

* Teach for America: Kennett native selected for national program

A Kennett native is on an interesting career path that will soon be taking her inside an Indianapolis classroom to educate children in an urban public school setting.

Charla Chailland, a 2004 Kennett High School graduate, and the daughter of Larry and Ruth Chailland, will be teaching in Indiana through a contract with Teach for America, a group, or national corps, of top recent college or university graduates who commit to teach for two years in rural public school systems in support of educational equality.

* Council approves contract with Frey Farms: In a vote of eight to two, Kennett City Council members voted its approval of the contract between Frey Farms and the City of Kennett.

* Crafton vetoes council's approval of contract with Frey Farms: At the upcoming council meeting scheduled for 7:30 p.m., Tuesday, July 19, the plans are to finalize the contract between Frey Farms and the City of Kennett.

Last Thursday evening, in a vote of eight to two, approval was given in favor of the transaction. Voting "Aye" was Neal Bradley, Mark Ellis, Larry McDowell, James "Jingo" Cole, Phil Dee Gurley, Diane Risner, Darell Wheeler, and Tracy Smith. Only two council members, Kenny Wilson and Gerry Duncan, voted against the contract.

* Kennett doctor receives Teaching Excellence Award: A local doctor recently received the University of Missouri--Columbia's Outstanding Community Faculty Preceptor Award following a nomination by his students.

On Monday, July 18, Dr. Nelson Perez, OB/GYN, was presented the award by college representatives at Twin Rivers Regional Medical Center (TRRMC) in Kennett.

* Hville bank victim of attempted robbery: HORNERSVILLE, Mo. -- In the small farming community of Hornersville, the normal quite lull that usually exists was aroused at lunch time on Tuesday, July 19, as the sounds of blaring sirens rang from police cars that came filtering into town from outside cities in response to what was reported as a bank robbery in progress.

* Council stays its course, overrides mayor's veto: Following an unprecedented veto by Kennett Mayor Jake Crafton, eight members of the Kennett City Council stayed their course and voted in favor of the Frey Farm contract during the council meeting on Tuesday.

Voting in favor of the contract were council members Neal Bradley, Mark Ellis, Larry McDowell, James "Jingo" Cole, Phil Dee Gurley, Diane Risner, Daryl Wheeler, and Tracy Smith.

* S-H to seek A+ Schools designation: SENATH, Mo. -- The Senath-Hornersville School District will be applying to the State Board of Education for consideration in being designated by the state as a participant in the Department of Elementary and Secondary Education's A+ Schools Program.

* Sheryl Crow to donate classic car for Joplin: SPRINGFIELD, Mo. -- Kennett native and grammy-winning singer Sheryl Crow plans to help relief efforts for tornado-stricken Joplin with a classic car.

Crow announced Monday that she will auction her 1959 Mercedes-Benz 190SL Roadster on Aug. 21, in Pebble Beach, Calif.

* Kennett man leaves substantial donation to St. Jude: St. Jude Children's Research Hospital recently received a charitable donation from a late Kennett native who forged a life-long devotion to supporting the research and treatment center that has helped so many children across the U.S. suffering from pediatric cancer and other serious childhood diseases.

Ronald "Calvin" Glasglow passed away May 4, 2010 at the age of 67.

* Schilp fundraiser brings in $1,000 for United Way: The 2010-2011 campaign for the United Way will come to an end on August 31, but according to Jill Rickman, chairman for the organization, the goal of $45,000 has already been met this year.

* USPS looking at closing over 3,000 post offices across the country: The recent announcement by the U.S. Postal Service that it is studying the potential closure of 3,700 post offices across the country in an effort to "right-size" its retail network has some questioning whether or not it is the right move.

According to the USPS, "Customer's habits have made it clear they no longer require a physical post office to conduct most of their postal business."

* Campbell Mom pleads in daughter's death: A Campbell, Mo., woman accused of murdering her 1-month-old daughter by strangling her was sentenced to nearly 20 years in prison Wednesday.

Joanna A. Faucett, 26, entered an Alford plea on the Class A felony of second-degree murder before Presiding Circuit Judge Stephen Sharp, according to Dunklin County Prosecuting Attorney Steve Sokoloff.

* Pemiscot-Dunklin hosts 73rd Annual Membership Meeting: Members of the Pemiscot-Dunklin Electric Co-operative (PDEC) and their families attended the 73rd Annual Membership Meeting at the American Legion Building on Thursday, electing new board members while enjoying live entertainment.

* West Nile hits close to home, confirmed in Mississippi Co.: Following the confirmation of a positive West Nile mosquito pool in Mississippi County, the Dunklin County Health Department recently issued an alert, suggesting that Dunklin County educate themselves on reducing their risk of infection.

August

* Lowry: We are very proud of what has been accomplished: The Kennett School District has demonstrated its commitment to closing the educational gap by bringing one of its Title One Elementary Schools out of an under-performing status. State standards and attaining Adequate Yearly Progress, as defined by the United States federal No Child Left Behind Act are the determining factors in the equation.

The results from area assessments included in the annual Missouri Assessment Program (MAP) testing were posted online today by the Missouri Department of Elementary and Secondary Education (DESE).

* Chamber forms 'Blue Ribbon Committee' to develop strategic plan for Kennett: When Meg Benson began her tenure as Executive Director of the Chamber of Commerce earlier this year, she spoke at a council meeting concerning the formation of a Blue Ribbon Committee.

At that time, she informed members that this committee would consist of citizens working together, "brainstorming as to any economic developments that would move the city forward."

According to Benson, the goal of the committee will be the development of a five-year strategic economic development plan for the city.

* Male neighbor charged in death of missing three-year-old: The neighbor of three-year-old Breeann Rodriguez has been formally charged in the child's disappearance and death.

According to Prosecuting Attorney for Dunklin County, Stephen P. Sokoloff, who spoke at a press conference around 1 p.m., Saturday, Shawn Morgan, 43, of Senath has been charged with the felony counts of First Degree Murder, Armed Criminal Action and Tampering with Physical Evidence in connection to the missing child case that has been covered by local and national media since Saturday, August 6, the day little Breeann was reported missing by her family.

* Officer killed in line of duty: PEMISCOT COUNTY, Mo. -- A Caruthersville, Mo., police officer was killed and another was injured early this morning while attempting to stop a suspect who was wanted in O'Fallon, Mo.

According to a release from the Pemiscot County Sheriff's Department, at approximately 12:30 a.m., today, Tuesday, Aug. 16, Pemiscot County deputies spotted a 2002 Cadillac Escalade south bound on I-55 North at Hayti, Mo. The Sheriff's Department had been notified by O'Fallon police that a vehicle matching this description was occupied by a suspect wanted by their department for assault in the first degree and auto theft.

* Body of missing 3-year-old found near Hornersville: DUNKLIN COUNTY, Mo. -- In a release from the Dunklin County Prosecuting Attorney's Office, Dunklin County Sheriff Bob Holder, Senath Police Chief Omar Karnes, and Dunklin County Prosecuting Attoreny Stephen P. Sokoloff have confirmed that law enforcement officers working the investigation of the disappearance of 3-year-old BreeAnn Rodriguez have located what are believed to be the child's remains near the floodway ditches northeast of Hornersville, Mo., approximately eight miles southeast of her home in Senath, Mo.

* Emerson, Hampton meet with members of ag community: HOLCOMB, Mo. -- United States Congresswoman JoAnn Emerson made a stop in the bootheel on Thursday, Aug. 18, 2011.

Emerson met with area farmers and local businessmen in an informal gathering at 1 p.m., at Strawberry's in Holcomb to discuss a range of issues that the country is facing today.

* Kennett native named associate vice-chancellor at Univ. of Ark.: Kennett native Karen Wheeler has accepted the position of associate vice-chancellor for policy, assessment, and diversity at the University of Arkansas at Little Rock. This comes as a culmination to a career of 20 plus years in the field of higher education.

* 1137th MP to be honored at deployment ceremony: Guardsmen with the local 1137th Military Police Company of Kennett, Jackson and Doniphan in addition to other citizen-soldiers throughout the state will be honored during an upcoming deployment ceremony, recognizing their efforts and upcoming trip to Qatar, scheduled for September.

* Adkins steps down as County Coroner: DUNKLIN COUNTY, Mo. -- After serving for nearly 19-years as Dunklin County Coroner, Jack Adkins of Kennett, has recently resigned from his position, leaving the role to his Deputy Coroner, James Powell of Malden, Mo., until voters make a permanent decision during the next official election.

* Poplar Bluff sisters meet hero who saved their lives: POPLAR BLUFF, Mo. -- Two sisters, ages 2 and 4, were rescued from a burning car in Kennett, Mo., 37 years ago, but they never had an opportunity to meet "our hero" until this summer. Both sisters now live in Poplar Bluff, Mo.

Patty Robertson and Teresa Myers are very thankful they were able to find Gary Parr and let him know how much his heroic actions were appreciated.

* Scholastic to reprint local elementary's 2002 title: As the 10th anniversary of Sept. 11, is fast approaching, another anniversary will also be revisited, and that is the ninth anniversary of the book entitled, "September 12: We Knew Everything Would Be All Right," written by then first-grade students at Masterson Elementary and published in 2002 by Scholastic Publishing Company.

In 2001, Darlene Robertson was a first-grade teacher at Masterson, and her students were around seven or eight-years of age at the time and were unaware of the importance or impact that one day would have on the world.