SEMO TIMES WWW.SEMOTIMES.COM
1.20.12
The Most Important News of your Week
Page 6 Southern Bank branch opens at TRC
Page 8 New Habitat Surplus Sales store on Vine
Page 14 Bluegrass at the Rodgers
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Current Events
Semo times 1.20.12 Volume 4 Issue 3 2725 N. Westwood Blvd Suite 17 Poplar Bluff, MO 573-785-2200
Staff Publisher Scott R. Faughn
scottfaughn@semotimes.com
Managing Editor Tim Krakowiak
tim@semotimes.com
Reporter Liz Ellis
lizellis@semotimes.com
Ad Designer Nicole Malinowski
malinowski.nicole@yahoo.com
The Week in Review It was a bad week for taking the watchdog role seriously. In an editorial Thursday, the selectively vigilant DAR (the very newspaper that covered up two lawsuits against Butler County Sheriff Mark Dobbs) politely asked Presiding Commissioner Ed Stenfel to step aside from the Butler County Commission, since Strenfel has announced his candidacy against the incumbent sheriff. The daily says, of course, it’s a matter of ethics. It was a good week for three-time heavyweight boxing champ, Muhammad Ali, who turned 70 on Tuesday. Ali bomaye! Still the greatest of all time.
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well, for the most part. We had four new candidates and one incumbent file for two seats on the Three Rivers board; two new candidates and two incumbents file for two seats on the Poplar Bluff school board; and one new candidate and two incumbents file for two seats on City Council. Maybe the lack of interest in the latter is a good sign...?
It was a good week for interest in Poplar Bluff elections…
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About US Established in 2008, the SEMO Times reports the most important news of your week. In addition to our online archives, plus our popular iPhone and Droid apps, the free publication is available in print at over 60 distribution locations throughout Butler County. With our primary coverage area centering in Poplar Bluff, our mission is to be the mouthpiece for our community. Our opinion section regularly features dozens of contributing columnists—voluntary writers that have included leaders of the business community and regional legislators. Made in Poplar Bluff, we are Butler County’s only 100 percent locally owned alternative newsweekly. We cover human interest stories, arts, entertainment, education and business, but our primary focus is bigger picture news. We report ‘The Why’ rather than ‘The What.’ Get with the Times!
It was a bad week for former Three Rivers College Vice President for Student Success, Jason Hoseney. He has parted ways from the community college, allegedly to pursue his doctorate and to move closer to family. The count of administrators leaving Poplar Bluff in a month is up to three: first VA director Glenn Costie, then downtown executive director Tracy Frish, now Hoseney. On the bright side, it opens the door for new leadership in 2012.
1.Are you even going to watch the NFL playoffs now that Tim Tebow is out?
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2. What does Martin Luther King, Jr. Day mean to you?
Rob Burson
1. Don’t follow football... but why is Tebow out?
1. Just the highlights
1. I wouldn’t have watched to begin with.
2. A day we can be lazy....
2. It’s a day that marks both social justice and a peaceful tomorrow...
2. It doesn’t hold any special meaning for me.
how to join our social network:
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Current Events
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News
No-kill animal shelter will stay open
Decision to close reversed due to community response Liz Ellis Reporter FAIRDEALING, Mo. – “This has been a dream of ours since we lived in Florida, and it was really hard thinking that our dream was going to die,” said Hank Hadley, owner of Kindred Spirits Animal Rescue Center in Fairdealing. In December, The rescue center announced their intention to close their doors for good on Feb. 1. “We were going to close because of lack of community support and lack of funding,” Hank said. “For the last four years, my wife and I have put over $40,000 into the rescue [center] out of our own pocket.” Their decision to close sparked a public response and donations and volunteers flocked to the small shelter to lend a hand. Last week, the shelter announced its decision to stay open, thanks to community donations and
volunteers. “The community has really stepped up to the plate,” Hank said. “I want the community to know how thankful we are that they stepped forward. It’s wonderful.” Since the announcement, the shelter has gained five board members, 16 volunteers and received around $2,000 in private donations so far this month. The shelter opened in 2008 and has taken in about 650 animals since. Last year alone, the shelter took in and rehomed 376 animals. Currently, the shelter is home to 26 cats, 45 dogs, 12 goats and four miniature donkeys. Of those animals, 12 cats and three dogs have been adopted as part of the Hadley family. “This is our life,” said Della Hadley, Hank’s wife. “It’s exciting that people are noticing us. I’m really glad we’re staying open.” “We were terribly upset when we thought he was going to have to close. It’s wonderful news that they are going to be able to stay open,” said Charlotte Craig, president of the Animal Welfare Alliance in Poplar Bluff. “If he ever has to close, it will be tragedy.”
No-Kill Shelter The nonprofit organization services all of Southeast Missouri and Northeast Arkansas, and it is the Photo by Liz Ellis only no-kill shelter in the area. Hank Hadley, owner of Kindred Spirits “Being a no-kill shelter Animal Rescue Center, names and cares for does have its price,” Hank every pet that comes through the door, until explained. “We are full all they can find their new homes. the time. I no sooner clear
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four or five dogs out of here, and then I will have five more come in. It’s a constant turn over.” Even still, Hank said he does not regret the decision to be a no-kill shelter. “In Florida, I was licensed in euthanasia, and I euthanized thousands of animals that didn’t need it, because it was Photo by Liz Ellis my job… and The rescue center has more than 40 dogs available when we came here, we said for adoption at their facility. never again,” “My wife and I had been up here sevHank said. eral times to visit, and we noticed comAt Kindred Spirits, animals are only ing down from the airport out of St. euthanized when they are suffering be- Louis to here, there were domesticated cause of health problems, or simply too animals littering the highway, dead. aggressive to adopt out again. But even And that really upset us,” Hank said. that decision does not come lightly, and They purchased their house with the Hank works with all of the animals to intention of opening up a shelter and try and help them readjust and regain have since altered the garage to be a their health. kennel for dogs, complete with indoor “Some shelters put down for heart- heating and various enclosures for worm, but we do not,” Hank said. “We puppies and an outside space suitable choose to treat it. We normally eat the for the animals to run. costs on it, though, because it is usually “This house here went on the market around $400, and no one wants to pay one day before we went back to Florthat much for a pet.” ida, and I looked at that garage down
Humble Beginnings When Hank and Della first had their dream of running a shelter, they probably did not think of Missouri. But, after several visits here, they felt it was needed.
there and I told my wife, ‘You’ll never park your car in this garage.’ And she never has,” Hank said with a smile. Running a shelter like this costs a staggering amount, though, and the Hadleys do everything they can to try
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News
Patrol awards honorary trooper for arrest assist Captain George E. Ridens, commanding officer of Troop E, announced that Steve Eddy of Poplar Bluff was recognized as an honorary trooper. Ridens presented Eddy with an honorary trooper certificate at a ceremony on Tuesday at Troop E headquarters. Eddy was recommended for his bravery while assisting a member of the Missouri State Highway Patrol making an arrest on an armed and combative subject. On Dec. 15, a trooper made traffic stop on County Road 601. The driver of the vehicle became combative and began to resist the trooper. Eddy, who lives near the location of the traffic stop, offered his assistance to help subdue the subject. After placing the man in handcuffs, a loaded firearm was located on the ground where the driver began resisting.
Strenfel announces candidacy for Butler County sheriff Butler County Presiding Commissioner Ed Strenfel has announced his candidacy for sheriff in the upcoming Republican primary. Strenfel has served as presiding commissioner for the past five years. During that time, he has maintained a balanced budget each year, despite lean economic times. During his tenure, the county has been at the forefront of several major developments, namely the beginning stage of the Eight Points commercial development, the completion on the four laning of Highway 67 and the planning for the widening of Oak Grove Road. Furthermore, Strenfel was a leader lobbying the state for approval of both the new three-bed hospital at Poplar Bluff Medical Partners and Poplar Bluff Regional Medical Center’s $173 million, seven-story hospital currently under construction. Strenfel can be contacted by calling his home at 573-727-4033, his office in the
Butler County Courthouse at 573-6868050, by emailing edstrenfel@gmail.com and on Facebook.
Veterans to be honored during Raiders game Three Rivers College, the Student Veterans’ Association, Vietnam Veterans of America and the John J. Pershing VA Medical Center are teaming up to host “Veterans Appreciation Night” at the Raiders/Moberly basketball game beginning at 6:45 p.m. Jan. 28 inthe Bess Activity Center. Veterans will receive complimentary admission to the game with presentation of proper military identification such as a DD-214, VA card or other ID. All veteran spectators are encouraged to help kick off the ballgame by joining the Poplar Bluff Senior High JROTC on the gymnasium floor for the performance of the national anthem. Early arrival is recommended.
Kissinger & Kirkman to conduct free seminar at Three Rivers January is Financial Wellness Month and the Academic Resource Commons staff at Three Rivers College is providing the public with the resources needed to meet financial goals. Financial consultants Sharon Kissinger and Erick Kirkman will be speaking about “Getting Your Financial House in Order,” from 6 to 7 p.m. Tuesday in the Rutland Library. Kissinger and Kirkman will discuss how to get out of debt, set up a savings plan, stop living paycheck-to-paycheck, and more. For more information about speakers Kissinger and Kirkman, visit www.kissingerandkirkmaninvestmentcentre.com. For more information about the ARC, including hours and online catalogs, check out www.trcc.edu/arc.
Local press releases emailed to Managing Editor Tim Krakowiak at tim@semotimes.com also appear at www.semotimes.com, and are shared on the SEMO Times’ Facebook and Twitter pages.
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Business
Southern Bank opens branch at Three Rivers College
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Liz Ellis Reporter
outhern Bank announced Tuesday the grand opening of their newest branch inside Three Rivers College, downstairs in the Westover Administration Building. “I think it’s great because our bank is really involved with the community,” said Courtney Littrell, manager of the new bank. “We do a lot of community events, and this really gets us out there.” The bank will be open 10 a.m.–2 p.m. during the week whenever Three Rivers is open. It will be closed on weekends and on vacations or days that the community college is closed. “We have a lot of students who lead busy lives—a lot of them work and go to school and have families—and it makes everything much more convenient,” said Charlotte Eubank, Three Rivers chief financial officer. “We have branches in a lot of the areas that students come from to attend Three Rivers like Van Buren, Doniphan, Kennett and Dexter,” said Kim Capp, Southern Bank chief operations officer. “We have branches in all those
Business
areas, so it makes sense.” The new branch has been discussed since Southern Bank put in a bid for banking services at the community college in 2010. The extension was part of the bank’s proposal, and Three Rivers officials decided it made sense for their purposes. “It benefits the college internally because we can make our daily deposits there instead of driving with a security escort,” Eubank said. The bank will offer nearly all the same services to students and faculty as a typical bank. It will do cash transactions, deposits, cashier’s checks, money orders and account openings. The bank will not, however, have the capability to give loans. “We don’t have the loan staff here, but we can always get them information and point them to the right people,” Littrell said. Southern Bank also has plans for placing an ATM machine in the Bess Activity Center. The machine is expected to be installed sometime in the next month or so. A definitive location has not been selected yet. In addition to Southern Bank’s Kasasa products—which are aimed at younger generations—the bank will
Photo by Liz Ellis
Courtney Liddell stands at the teller window of the new branch of Southern Bank at Three Rivers College. The bank opened Tuesday, with future plans to establish an ATM as well. also be implementing a program that will cut down on the fees associated with cash cards many students use for money from government grants. “There are a lot of fees associated with those cards,” Capp said. “Right now, if they go to an ATM machine, they might get charged by the machine and the [company over] the cards. What
we’re going to do is if they use any of our ATMs, we’re not going to charge them. It’s their money. And hopefully they’ll be able to open a checking account with us, and then they won’t have to pay anybody any money.” Liz Ellis can be reached by emailing lizellis@semotimes.com
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News
Home improvement store opens in renovated downtown building Tim Krakowiak Managing Editor
T
he demolition of a closed-down hotel and a home overtaken by floodwaters has benefitted at least one business in Poplar Bluff. Just two weeks after opening at 421 Vine St., Habitat Surplus Sales already has a full inventory of new or gently used home furnishings and building materials. “People are generous,” stated Gerry Vandervort, Poplar Bluff Habitat for Humanity board secretary. Habitat Surplus Sales is a not-for-profit fundraising outlet for the local chapter of the international organization, which is currently working on constructing its eighth home in Poplar Photo by Tim Krakowiak Bluff. Through the heavily Darrell and Kay Trout of Fisk, pictured discounted sales of items looking at a light fixture Wednesday in such as carpeting, lighting, Habitat Surplus Sales, said they used to appliances, furniture and have to travel all the way to Cape Gihardware, the Poplar Bluff rardeau or Columbia to shop at a ReStore. Habitat has a goal of selling two homes per year —
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at cost, with no interest—to committed low-income families. “We decided [Habitat Surplus Sales] was a way for us to get out a little more into the public eye,” Vandervort said. Vandervort has been involved with the local Habitat for Humanity since she moved from Texas to Poplar Bluff in 2000, four years after the chapter was chartered. For the past year and a half, the Poplar Bluff Habitat has been storing donations such as furniture from a remodeled bank until officials were able to find a location to sell the products, according to board members. The Surplus Sales store is modeled after the Habitat’s ReStore operation. The Poplar Bluff business is on a trial basis before it qualifies as a recognized ReStore depending on its success, Vandervort noted. Habitat Surplus Sales maintains business hours from 9 a.m.-1 p.m. Thursdays, 9 a.m.-5 p.m. Fridays and 8 a.m.-noon Saturdays. A single paid employee, store manager Gary Davis, runs the resale business, and the rest of the manpower is strictly voluntary. For additional information on the new venture, call 573-686-3043, email poplarbluffhabitat@gmail.com, keep up with them on Facebook or visit www.poplarbluffhabitat.org.
HISTORIC BUILDING An inexpensive lease agreement was established between the Poplar Bluff Habitat and John and Marysue Beis, owners of the historic Vine Street building, who now reside in Florida, where they were introduced to the ReStore concept. Son, Casey Beis, owner of Maverick Glass on West Pine Street, is the project manager over the building the family purchased about two years ago. “I buy ugly things and make them look better,” Casey Beis said half-seriously. After he flips a project in Dexter, he added, he plans to open a couple upper-scale, two-bedroom lofts in the top portion of the Vine Street structure later this year. Casey Beis applied for a conditional use permit for the apartments through the Poplar Bluff Planning and Zoning Commission to allow for mixed usage of the building. On Monday, P&Z will vote on new regulations to allow for both commercial and residential use of buildings in Downtown Poplar Bluff, in hopes of attracting more private investors to the historic district, according to City Planner Dennis Avery. Next month, an ordinance for the mixed use of downtown buildings east of 5th Street, south of Pine Street, and
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News north and west of the railroad tracks until the business moved when the city will be voted on by City Council, Av- selected that location for the Black River Coliseum. Along with his brothery explained. “We think it will generate more inter- er Andy Beis, Casey Beis operates another Maverick Glass in Sikeston. est in our downtown,” Avery said. Having taken a step toward getting An attempt was made to apply for tax credits on the Vine Street renovation more people to do business downtown, Casey Beis suggestthrough the Missouri ed the success of the State Historic Pres“Downtown needs revitalization will be ervation, but Casey Beis gave up when businesses that are based on attracting restaurants and busithe program changed midway in the ap- quality destinations.” nesses that cater to nightlife activities in plication process on -Casey Beis, the area. account of the ecoMaverick Glass A positive step, he nomic downturn and added, would be for emergency funds used for a string of weather-related di- Downtown Poplar Bluff, Inc. to invest in period style lighting to create a more sasters. “The state portion of the funding evi- inviting atmosphere. “Downtown needs businesses that dently had run out and there was no assurance [legislature] would re-fund it,” are quality destinations, contrary to how things were done in the past, say Casey Beis said. in the 1940s,” Casey Beis said. “In ‘QUALITY those days, there was a need for specialty shops, but now you can get all DESTINATIONS’ those products at Walmart.” Asked what his interest is in downtown, Casey Beis simply replied: “I Tim Krakowiak can be contacted by emailing tim@semotimes.com, or follive here.” Maverick Glass was originally lo- low him on Twitter @TimKrakowiak. cated on South 5th Street 20 years ago,
Down 1. Oscar Madison, for one 2. Carry 3. “Clueless” catchphrase 4. Flute 5. Disapproving sound 6. Gap 7. Distribute 8. Canceled 9. That, in Tijuana 10. Of flight 11. Hairless 12. End in ___ (draw) 13. Boxer Max
19. Group of eight 21. Will of “The Waltons” 25. Male sibling 26. Continue steadily 27. Rise to one’s feet 28. Like some bears and icecaps 29. Angry 30. Glass container 31. ___ a time 32. Component of organic fertilizer 33. Brown and white Eurasian falcon 35. Sweet potato 39. Sun. talk
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40. Message with frequent stops 42. Yoga posture 44. Broad valley 46. Separates metal from ore 47. Pretended 49. Golf clubs 50. Ardent 51. Full of streaks 52. Netman Nastase 53. Draft classification 55. Meditator 56. In addition to 57. Milk source 59. Belief system 60. Nine-digit ID
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Across 1. Celestial body 5. Baron 10. Simple rhyme scheme 14. Come up short 15. Grain stores 16. I could ___ horse! 17. Auricular 18. Gold-mining city in SW Australia 20. Cloud up 22. Also 23. Apple juice 24. Refute by evidence 26. Mom-and-pop org.
27. Arachnids 30. Envious 34. Bullfighter 35. American football measure 36. Heston’s org. 37. Banned apple spray 38. Autocratic Russian rulers 40. Furniture wood 41. Writer Hentoff 42. Excuse me 43. Think 45. Sock site 47. Book of hymns
48. Damage 49. Cordage fiber 50. Extra-terrestrial being 53. Metal-bearing mineral 54. Exodus origin 58. Wretched 61. Acting part 62. Monogram ltr. 63. Dispatches 64. Juan’s water 65. Changes color 66. Person who dresses stones 67. Atomizer output Solution on pg 16
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News been injured by the side of the and keep costs down. Hank worked as road. an animal care technician for nearly “It’s really neat, eight years in Florida, so he knows and we’ve noticed how to administer medication and do that there are a various tests on animals—which helps lot less stray dogs cut vet bills greatly. However, even around here, bewith discounts, medical bills for these cause people are animals still make up a huge portion of using this place,” their expenses. volunteer Don “Last year our vet bill was just un- Storinser said. der $10,000 and our total operating “People are dropexpense last year was about $26,000,” ping them out here Hank said. “Nearly half of our cost is instead of just seeing our animals are vetted proper- dumping them Photo by Liz Ellis ly.” somewhere.” “He performs Louise Wallace of Grandin volunteers at the Part of the Family such a valuable rescue center to play with and hold the pupand needed ser- pies so they become accustomed to people. In the last year, the number of ani- vice for this area,” mals that found their way into the Craig said. “We listed on the Internet, and occasionally safety of the animal shelter more than hope to join him in running a no-kill shelters in other parts of Missouri or doubled, and the Hadleys took in more shelter, and do as good a job as he does the United States will request an anithan one animal a day. mal. The shelter goes through an apsome day.” “We have rescued horses, the goats, proval process to make sure that it is a the miniature donkeys, dogs, cats, Animal Placement reputable place. and the African gray parrot. The only “It takes about a month for them to things we don’t take in are reptiles. The donkeys and goats at the shelter be approved,” Hank said. “I am very I don’t do snakes,” Hank said with a are not up for adoption, as they are kept picky where my animals go.” shiver. The shelter will even house fer- as mascots. Of the other animals, three For adoptions in the area, the process rets and rodents, is very similar. The adoptee will fill out should the need “Every animal that leaves here—doesn’t an application form, and then Hank arise. Of course, will go out to their property to make with nearly 26 matter what they are—gets a kiss on the sure that it is suitable for the animal. nose before they leave. Every dog, every cats and an Afri“The animals are that important to can parrot living cat, every goat, every donkey. That’s my us,” Hank said. in their house, Because Kindred Spirits is a state liway of saying, ‘Thank you for letting me things get pretty censed facility, all of the animals leavrescue you.’” crazy. ing the shelter are spayed or neutered “We have a before being sent out. But more than – Hank Hadley, rule though,” that, each pet will get a kiss before Kindred Spirits Animal Rescue Center Hank said. “You leaving. don’t eat the “Every animal that leaves here— bird, and the doesn’t matter what they are—gets a parrot actually loves all the cats.” dogs and 12 cats are the personal pets kiss on the nose before they leave. Ev“It’s like Grand Central Station of the Hadley family—and the rest will ery dog, every cat, every goat, every some days,” Della said with a laugh. either be adopted out or sent to other donkey,” Hank said. “That’s my way “The cats are running up the stairs and shelters. of saying, ‘Thank you for letting me down the stairs. Two come up and then “We don’t have a real high adoption rescue you.’” three go down… it’s really busy.” rate in this area,” Hank said. “We adopt Many of the pets they receive are out maybe six or eight pets a year, and Help Needed drop-offs, and the shelter doors are al- the rest of our animals are sent to other In 2010, the shelter received about ways open to receive animals in need. no-kill shelters.” They also pick up animals that have All of the animals at the shelter are $3,000 in donations. Last year, dona-
Shelter, from p. 4
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Page 13 tions were nearly $10,000, Hank said. “I think it’s important for people to know we are a 501(c)3 and that all of their donations are tax deductable,” Hank said. “We are really looking for monthly donors—people who are willing to send $10 or $20 a month to help with daily costs.” Throughout the year, the shelter does numerous fundraisers including a yard sale, and an upcoming fundraiser at 6 p.m. Feb. 25 at Brown & Burns law firm in Poplar Bluff. In addition, if community members wish do donate items, Kindred Spirits has a wish list on their website of daily needs such as bleach and towels, as well as building supplies necessary to complete renovations to their facilities.
Future Plans With the recent influx of support, the future of Kindred Spirits is brighter than ever before. Hank said he and Della are making plans to build an extension on the dog kennel in order to house more animals. They are also hoping to build their own veterinary building, which would allow for vets to come to the shelter to perform simple operations like spaying or neutering a pet. The extension is estimated to cost $3,000 to construct. “The vets could come once a month or so, and spay and neuter right here on the property,” Hank explained. “It would be fully stocked, and allow us to offer low cost spay and neuter to the community as well.” The shelter has also applied for several government grants which, if awarded, would help with funding and expanding their operation. “To have somebody this close who is doing this for the animals is great,” Storinser said. “I think it’s really important that we keep this running.” For more information about Kindred Spirits Animal Rescue Center, or to donate, visit their website at www.ksarc. org. Liz Ellis can be reached by emailing lizellis@semotimes.com
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Arts & Events
Bluegrass at the Rodgers on Saturday
R
Liz Ellis Reporter
odgers Theatre, home to The Stage Company and frequent live music performances, will be filled with the sounds of bluegrass beginning at 7 p.m. Saturday. Alex Riffle and The Stiff Riffs will join the Colonel Ford Trio, with proceeds benefitting the historic theater. “This is our band’s contribution to the Rodgers, and all of the money goes to them,” said Steve Walsh, member of The Stiff Riffs. “We believe strongly in a place to present live music, particularly acoustic music. There is no other place for that type of group to hear in concert than the Rodgers.” The popular band Alex Riffle and The Stiff Riffs will include the band’s namesake, Walsh, Doug Kennedy, Lar-
Arts & Events
ry Light and Bobby Lewis. They will be playing original bluegrass music and interpretations of other artists including The Rolling Stones and Tom Petty. The Colonel Ford Trio will feature Gary Hunt, Dade Ferrar and Justin Branum. The trio will play a variety of acoustic music including swing, jazz, bluegrass and some country songs. “I think what the public will see will be unique,” Walsh said. “I think that one of the highlights of the night will be the fiddling that they will hear. Hopefully the other highlight will be our band’s
Alex Riffle and The Stiff Riffs (left) and the Colonel Ford Trio (below) will be performing at the Rodgers this weekend to raise money for the historic theater. Submitted Photos
harmonies.” “This will be bluegrass music like you’ve never heard before,” Kennedy said. “It’s not your traditional bluegrass music. Some will be traditional, but there will be a lot of different sounds.” Tickets for the event cost $15 for premium seating in the first ten rows, $10 for the rest of the floor and $5 for the balcony. Tickets can be purchased at The Bread Co., Hay’s Music and Myrtle’s Place. “We personally like to go places and hear live music, because there’s nothing like it. And here, people don’t have to go very far. They can just go to downtown Poplar Bluff for a reason-
able price, hear the show and hopefully hear something that will make them smile,” Walsh said. “It’s a good cause. We’re looking forward to it and it should be a good time,” Hunt added. Liz Ellis can be reached by emailing lizellis@semotimes.com or by calling 573-785-2200.
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Events
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Community Calendar
Semo Times
Upcoming community events from Jan. 21 - Feb. 2
Puss in Boots Jan. 21 3 p.m. and 7 p.m. Tinnin Fine Arts Center Poplar Bluff
Bluegrass at the Rodgers Jan. 21 7 p.m. Rodgers Theatre Poplar Bluff
The Wrong Omar Jan. 21 8 p.m. The Wine Rack Poplar Bluff
Big Sky Brewing Tasting/Dinner Jan. 26 5:30 - 7 p.m. The Wine Rack Poplar Bluff
Chinese New Year Celebration Jan. 28 1 - 3 p.m. Public Library Poplar Bluff
Barnett & Gurley Feb. 2 8 p.m. The Wine Rack Poplar Bluff
To submit an event, go to www.semotimes.com and click on the +bluffee tab
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Events
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Opinion & Editorial
Healthy Lifestyle With Kat Robinson The recent New York Times article about the safety of yoga is causing quite a stir in the yoga community, but was the article a bad thing? In case you are not aware, the NYTimes published an article entitled "How Yoga Can Wreck Your Body" through which celebrity yoga teacher Glenn Black gave a testimony on the dangers of yoga. In the beginning many yoga teachers, including myself, were offended by the article, but after some time to mull it over, was the article a bad thing? When I first starting doing yoga several years ago, I remember my mentor Alan Finger's teachings of alignment and letting go of any ego involvement with the pose, and just being happy with myself in spite of any shortcomings. He made the statement that yoga is never about range but is always about form. His exact words were: "The range is of the ego, but the form is of the soul." I have "borrowed" this statement and I have reminded myself and my students of it many times. That is a difficult mindset for our competitive society to adhere to when we are trained from birth to be the best at whatever we are doing. But this same competitive mindset may also be the same reason Mr. Black gave his advice. It is easy in our culture to forget this philosophy. In the beginning it was feared that the article might "scare" people off of yoga and that perhaps Mr. Black was selling out the yoga community to get more private sessions or to make more book sales, or just for a PR stunt. But now I am wondering if he was just tired of seeing poorly trained teachers, who then brought about poorly trained students, and the rippling effect of injuries that occur as a result.
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As a yoga teacher, I take my job seriously. I know that as with any physical activity one could get a yoga injury as well. I am constantly reminding everyone to only work within their limits, to build upon strengths, but at the same time honor their limitations; to check their alignment, reminding them to stack their bones in a way that will give them the correct structure of the pose and the stretching and strengthening of the muscles. I also remind them that if it gets to be too much or doesn't feel right to them that maybe it isn't the right pose for them or that they may take a break at any time; that everyone is an individual with different body structures, life experiences and mindsets that make us wonderfully unique. I also know, as I am VERY competitive by nature, how hard it can be to not want to push it to the breaking point. In this respect, yoga has been a good form of exercise for me. It has taught me to find comfort in myself and my shortcomings. BUT I have been in classes where the teacher gives no structural instruction and just says, ‘Do warrior I, or triangle.’ In one instance, I even asked for my money back. Clearly this type of "teaching" is most likely what Mr. Black was talking about. In my opinion, my most important job as an instructor is not whether or not I teach you how to do the perfect bakasana, but that I teach you how to be the best YOU in YOUR body as you can be. I feel that the most important aspect of teaching anything is to keep the physical and emotional safety of the students a priority. But the responsibility is not just on the teacher. The student also holds some responsibility for monitoring their own condition; if it gets to be too
Is yoga
dangerous? much, to back off. It is important that if you have a health concern, you let the teacher know just as you would your doctor. Even the embarrassing stuff. We are, as teachers, professional and need to know if there are any contraindications with the poses you do. It is also up to the students to listen to the instructor about modifications and props such as using a strap or a block or bolster; that it is NOT cheating, it is giving you the very best that you can get from your practice. For instance, if you refuse to sit on a bolster and you continually collapse in your lower back, you will eventually have problems from it. If the teacher says to use something to elevate the hips and you refuse, we can't force you. When we say come out of an inversion slowly, there is a reason. Coming out too fast raises blood pressure. It is not for theatrics. After rereading the article, I have to applaud Mr. Black for making this stand. Maybe we all needed reminding of the fact that even though yoga is beautiful, graceful and seemingly benign in nature, that it is powerful and can be unforgiving if not used with discernment. I think Mr. Black just thought that our Western thinking needed a reminder of yoga teachings of nonviolence to others or ourselves, and that if you do not have the perfect triangle pose, it does not mean you have failed in yoga; that farther or deeper is not better. Maybe we can all learn a little here. Have a safe practice! Namaste, A yoga/healthy lifestyle instructor, Kat Robinson is the owner of Active Kat Yoga in Doniphan, which can be found online at www.activekatyoga.com. or email her at kat@activekatyoga.com.
The question of the polka dot One of the most common maladies of writers is the writer’s block. That time when the blank sheet simply remains a blank sheet. It’s like a brick wall in the mind that cannot be penetrated. The ideas all seem to be mysteriously behind that wall and cannot be reached. I am very fortunate because I do not often encounter writer’s block. Why? Is it because I am a genius with a never-ending flow of ideas in my head? Is it because I think huge, grand thoughts? No. It is exactly the opposite. Luckily, most of the time I think small thoughts. And like small diamonds, small thoughts are somewhat plentiful. It’s the big diamonds and the big thoughts that are so hard to come by. But… just as there is a fine line between insanity and genius, there is also a fine line between small thoughts and big ones. My thought for today is polka dots. Where did they come from? What do they mean? Why do I love them so? First, one would think that polka dots must have something to do with polka dancing. Research shows there to be little connection, other than the fact that they both became popular in the same time period. No… I think polka dots must have a far deeper meaning. Some philosophers agree, saying polka dots represent the cosmos. What
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The question of the polka dot
Getting schooled in Kennett I have a client who is getting ready to move back to Southeast Missouri. He was debating if he wants to live in Kennett, Poplar Bluff or Doniphan. So I was scoping out a few properties for him to consider. Then he'll fly home for two days and hopefully make a decision. I was really dreading driving all the way to Kennett. And, even though I've only passed through Kennett, I've never really been impressed. I know that's not fair, but I think we all form some opinions without all the facts now and then. I went and looked at the home. The owner of the property was very nice and gave me the full tour. I really didn't think my client would be interested in the home and was trying to politely ease out of the conversation so I could get back to Poplar Bluff. That's when she "took me to school" and taught me a lesson that I want to pass on to you. She said, "Be sure to tell your buyer what a great place Kennett is to live." She then proceeded to tell me about their great new mayor. And the downtown renovation. And her favorite restaurant. And how close they are to Memphis. She went on and on and on. All I wanted to do was get
Opinion & Editorial
out of there and get on the road. I kept inching closer and closer to my car. I finally got away from her "Kennett commercial" and got on the road. As I started driving, I realized how negligent I have been lately, as I have not been doing exactly what this lady did. I have not been selling Poplar Bluff like I should. I know this is God's country with all of the nearby parks, forests, lakes and rivers. I know we have a great public school, fantastic college, superb Chamber of Commerce. I know we have some of the best people in the world living right here. The banks, the churches, the civic organizations. I think of people like Pastor [Gregory] Kirk at the Rescue Mission, Coach Bill Ray at Fellowship of Christian Athletes, the whole organization at UCAN, and SO many others. Now I can't wait till my next buyers come in from out of town. They have quite a "Poplar Bluff commercial" waiting for them. I hope you'll join me in celebrating our community because honestly, I still think Poplar Bluff is better than Kennett.
do you see when you look up into the night sky? Polka dots! In 1963, Japanese artist Yayoi Kusama turned polka dots into avant-garde art. She was obsessed with dots. She actually believed they contained messages for us about life and the universe. She even covered all the surfaces in her home with polka dots, even her naked assistants! She said the dots came to her in hallucinations. She now lives in a mental hospital in Tokyo. Hmmmm. I’m not really sure that polka dots are representative of the cosmos, or that they contain important messages. All I know is that polka dots make me happy. They can be in a simple black and white pattern. They can be colorful. They can be orderly or random. One of the things I found most fascinating about Claude Monet’s famous “Water Lillies” painting when I actually got to see it was that it was not a small painting. It was actually a huge
painting. And he actually painted several versions of it. And… most fascinating… the brush strokes weren’t actually brush strokes. They were actually millions of polka dots. When you were standing only a foot from it, you could see that. It was only when you stood back dozens of feet that you saw the water lilies. So… small dots can mean something. Small dots can mean a lot. And… I guess if you put a lot of small thoughts together… they can form something monumental. Yeah… I love polka dots. They make me happy. Tammy Hilderbrand is the owner of Hilderbrand Diamond Company in Poplar Bluff, which can be found online at www.hilderbranddiamondcompany.com. You can reach her by emailing tammy@hilderbranddiamondcompany.com.
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Dear Joy, Since the first of the year, my wife has been on a successful crash diet, and I gotta admit, she’s looking good. I picked her up from the gym the other day, and couldn’t help but grow suspicious that some of the guys there were sneaking a peek of her new physique in her workout clothes. Is it wrong that I’m feeling a little jealous that my wifey is bettering herself? Insecure, Stringtown Dear Insecure, Everybody is a little jealous at one time or another. She’s looking good, men start to notice, so I can understand a little bit of insecurity on your part. Don’t go nutty and start being suspicious of everything she does. Consider yourself lucky to be with someone that is attractive to other men. When women lose weight, it often times gives them more confidence in their lives by the way they dress and even act. It takes hard work and commitment to lose weight and keep it off, so I think you should let her know that you are proud of what she has accomplished. When women feel good about the way they look, it is transferred to other areas of their lives. They feel better about life in general. I love to work out alone. It gives me time to let my stress out and relaxes me. If she enjoys being alone while at the gym, good for her!! If she wants you to join her for a workout, it may do you some good too. We all deal with insecurities of some kind. Stay cool. Getting overly jealous will lead to nothing but a miserable relationship. Good luck, and let her know you are rooting for her. (You know, if she gets really hot, she will dump you). JUST KIDDING!!! Best of luck, -Joy A weekly advice column from a local romance expert, Ask Joy is our own version of the nationally syndicated Ask Abby. To ask Joy a relationship question, email her at askjoyinthetimes@hotmail.com, or befriend her on Facebook at Ask Joy. Names are kept confidential.
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