Josh Palmer: From Meth to Success (11/22/09) People can -- and do -- recover from meth addition. Such is the case with former Malden, Mo., man Josh Palmer. Palmer, who got involved with methamphetamine at the age of 17, is now clean and sober and helping others, after having his life spiral out of control...

SHHS Principal accepts Southland Superintendent offer (11/22/09) CARDWELL, Mo. -- During a special closed-session meeting on Thursday, the Southland Board of Education made the decision to offer the superintendent position to current Senath-Hornersville High School Principal Kim Campbell. During the meeting, the five candidates for the superintendent position were interviewed, including, Campbell, Southland Elementary Principal Alicia Shaw, retired Southland Elementary Principal John Prince, Senath-Hornersville Public Schools Agricultural Director John Dern, and Senath-Hornersville Middle School Math Teacher Becca Cook.. ...

Inside the Courtroom: Day Three (11/21/09) After over two hours of deliberation from the jury, Heather Ellis admitted guilt to disturbing the peace and resisting arrest late Friday, entering into a plea bargain with the State of Missouri, following a trial that has lasted three days. The prosecution, was formerly led by Dunklin County Prosecutor Stephen Sokoloff, who recused himself just weeks before the trial. ...

Post-trial reactions (11/21/09) Following the defendant accepting the plea bargain, Kennett Police Chief Barry Tate said that he was glad it was over for the officers, City of Kennett, and himself. "I was surprised by the last minute plea deal, and am not sure the punishment is quite what I was expecting for last the three years," Tate said...

Ellis takes plea deal (11/20/09) Heather Ellis admitted guilt to disturbing the peace and resisting arrest late Friday, entering into a plea bargain with the State of Missouri following a trial that has lasted three days. The prosecution agreed to drop two felony counts of assault on a law enforcement officer through the plea deal, while Ellis agreed to a plea of guilt regarding the two misdemeanor charges of disturbing the peace and resisting arrest...

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)