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•Memories abound as Schafer's Furniture doors about to close
•St. James to appear in PRC benefit concert
•NRA banquet scheduled for Sept. 11
•Dream comes true with new Bunker facility
•Morton's quilts star in state fair competition
•City wide yard sale set for Oct. 2
Two men arrested for drug setup
by Dwayne McClellan
Staff Writer
newsstaff@earthlink.net
When Wade Mendenhall was arrested Aug. 14, 2009, for allegedly hiding large amounts of prescription drugs under the toolbox of his truck, he claimed no knowledge of the drugs and claimed he was being "set up."
Mendenhall did serve some jail time before posting bond. Ultimately the charges were dismissed by the Dent County Prosecuting Attorney's office because there was evidence that he had been set up.
Now just over a year after Mendenhall's arrest, two men have been arrested and each face seven felony charges of conspiracy to distribute controlled substances that resulted in Mendenhall's arrest.
Charged for their role in the alleged set up are: Billy R. Medley, Jr., 32, Bunker; and Walter Dewayne Lundy, 36, Grand Junction, Colo., formerly of Salem. They are each charged with distributing or delivering hydrocodone/acetaminophen, oxcotin/oxycodone, endocet/aceteminophen/oxycodone, morphine sulfate, morphine IR, morphine ER, alprazolam in a vehicle owned by Mendenhall.
Dent County Prosecuting Attorney Brandi Baird filed charges Aug. 26 against Lundy. Judge Sandy Ball arraigned him that day in Dent County Circuit Court Associate Division. A preliminary hearing has been set for 1 p.m. Nov. 4. Lundy has entered a not guilty plea, according to court records.
Baird filed the charges Aug. 31 against Medley, Jr. He is scheduled for arraignment today (Thursday) in Dent County Circuit Court Associate Division.
The charges follow a lengthy investigation that started in November 2009 between the Dent County Sheriff's Office and the Salem Police Department, with information provided by several witnesses.
A probable cause statement from the Dent County Sheriff's Office, stated that witnesses said Lundy wanted to set up Mendenhall because Mendenhall was with Lundy's wife, Tonya Backhoff, after she allegedly left Lundy.
According to witnesses, Lundy traded his motorcycle/parts to Billy Medley, Jr., known as Bo, in exchange for the pills that were found secreted under Mendenhall's toolbox. Witnesses also said they overheard Lundy asking Bo Medley how to get someone in trouble who was on probation for drugs. A few days later Lundy allegedly made the trade with Medley for the pills, according to the statement.
According to court records, Salem Police Department Corporal Joe Chase had received information that Mendenhall was allegedly hiding a quantity of prescription pills that were duct taped under the toolbox of his truck. The sheriff's department's probable cause statement indicated that Lundy first told Larry Forrister, a Dent County sheriff's deputy, that Mendenhall might be selling oxycontin.
Chase originally stopped Mendenhall for speeding, and Missouri State Highway Patrol Trooper Jeff Leathers located the pills duct taped under Mendenhall's toolbox.
Later at the police department, Mendenhall noticed the duct tape and asked officers where it came from. He was told the duct tape was located inside the toolbox in the bed of his truck.
Officer Chase stated in his report that Mendenhall's face lost color and his voice became noticeably higher in pitch when he said "That wasn't in my truck."
After Mendenhall was released from jail on bond, he confronted Lundy and told him he knew Lundy was lying and that Lundy set him up. Mendenhall told Lundy that the bags of pills that were planted in his truck had been sent to lab for DNA testing and fingerprints, according to a probable cause statement. After the conversation, Lundy allegedly started avoiding Mendenhall.
A couple of weeks later, Lundy apparently quit his job in Salem and moved to Clifton, Colo., where he went to school as a kid.
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Memories abound as Schafer's Furniture doors about to close
by Dwayne McClellan
Staff Writer
newsstaff@earthlink.net
Sometime later this year Schafer's Furniture will be closing its doors after seven decades in the local business community.
"It's time," Elva Schafer said Monday.
However, it's not something Elva Schafer said she is looking forward to. While she said it may be in her best interests, the affect on local customers and the dedicated employees made it a difficult and gut-wrenching decision, she said.
That's because over the years customers and the employees at Schafer Furniture have meant the world to Elva Schafer and her late husband, Bob.
Even to the time of his death, Bob Schafer, according to Elva Schafer, still followed the advice of his parents who said " You can't sell out of an empty wagon, and never underestimate the ability of your customer to buy merchandise. Treat your customer as you would like to be treated."
Elva Schafer said the combination of customers and employees has allowed them to stay in business for 50 years, helped them make many friends and provided her with a lifetime of memories.
"We've been able to meet a lot of people, develop good relationships and feel we have helped a lot of people in the community," Elva said.
Elva said she first discussed a possible closing with two good friends of the family, then her three children.
All those involved said they agreed, saying it was in Elva's best interests.
Still Elva said it was a decision that took a long time to make.
"Bob and I had talked about this before he passed away," Elva said. "But I thought about it pretty hard for six to eight weeks before deciding."
Elva said the employees are what she will miss the most. It's these employees, such as Dave Thompson, 25 years, Shirley Tune, 20 plus and many others such as Terry Simmons, Betty Glenn, Norman and Shirley Bergner, and Glen Medley, to mention a few, that will be the hardest to do without.
It's the dedication to the job and being like family that made them extra special, Elva says.
"I remember one time we were delivering a large dining room table to Crocker," Thompson said. "I asked if there would be anyone there to help me when I got there. There was, but he was an 80-year-old man in a wheel chair. But I got it done."
Elva Schafer said another time Thompson and her late husband were delivering a set of box springs and a mattress locally. The two got the box springs up to the bedroom, but were having trouble getting the mattress up a flight of stairs.
"They went outside, tied ropes onto the mattress, hoisted it up the back side, to a deck and then into the bedroom," Elva said. "It's that type of dedication from our employees that make this a difficult and trying decision."
Said Thompson: "This type of work was made easier when you're working for two of the best people around."
In 1960 Bob and Elva Schafer, along with Robert and Virginia Dale, were renting a building in downtown Salem, where Designing Ideas is presently located.
It was part of Fourth Street that was formerly Bryce's Department Store, and Morton's TV and Appliance Store occupied the lower level, which opened to Fifth Street. The building had been purchased by Lela Schafer's bother, Vernal Ragsdale.
The new store -- Schafer and Dale Furniture -- was run by Bob Schafer, Bob Dale and Lela Schafer, along with Virginia Dale and Elva Schafer, who were teaching school at William Lynch and North Wood R-IV at the time.
In 1971 Bob and Elva bought out Bob and Virginia Dale and the business became Schafer's Furniture again, as it had been in the late 1940s and early 1950s when it was located at the corner of Iron and Center streets, current home to Personal Touch Cleaners. Otto Schafer (Bob's father) and Lela Schafer remained at the store as advisors.
In 1972 Bob and Elva bought two plus acres from Jack and Mildred Masters along Highway 32 East and built a new 125-foot by 125 foot block and steel building. Several years later an additional 75-foot basement was added to the back.
In the later part of the 1970's Bob and Elva Schafer went into the distribution business and sold furniture to smaller stores throughout Missouri and Kansas, Iowa, Illinois, Arkansas, Oklahoma and Tennessee.
"A lot of smaller stores couldn't find anybody to buy furniture from, so we decided to help them out," Elva said.
In a few years, the Schafers then added a manufacturing business, New Horizons Furniture Manufacturing, under the management of Don and Olive Hodges. Some of the furniture, a truckload of sleeper sofas, was shipped to Russia.
That part of the business stayed around until the economy suffered a downturn in the 1980s and many businesses had to close.
After the manufacturing business closed, Elva said she and Bob concentrated on the retail furniture business. They also opened an outlet store on Fourth Street, which was managed by Larry Edwards and Tune until Larry and Linda Edwards bought the building for their flower and gift business.
In 2003, the Schafers remodeled the warehouse adjacent to them on Highway 32 and leased it to Sears.
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St. James to appear in PRC benefit concert
by Brenda Jessen
Staff Writer
newsstaff@earthlink.net
Riverways Pregnancy Resource Center will host a benefit concert 6:30 p.m. Oct. 2 at New Harmony Church.
The concert features Christian singer and actress Rebecca St. James. She plays a woman in a crisis pregnancy in the powerful film, "Sarah's Choice."
St. James will do a mini concert, and there will be a showing of the movie and a question and answer session.
The film presents multiple aspects of experiencing an unplanned pregnancy and offers compelling reasons to choose life.
"With the funds raised we plan to expand our programs and service into the Bunker and Licking communities and offer a portion of our services in each community one day each week," said Program Director Carol Durk.
Durk said the PRC has also been developing a program focused on the unique needs and concerns of teen moms. The program offers support and encouragement to teen moms as they develop parenting skills, set and work toward goals for a stable, healthy futures and explore God's design for relationships.
The tickets are $20 for general seating. Also available are $40 Gold Circle Tickets, which will include VIP seating and a Meet and Greet time with Rebecca St. James before the event.
The center opened its office in April 2002, at 909 South Pershing, offering free and confidential services to women during and after pregnancy.
Durk said the Riverways PRC program provides nearly 600 services to women each year.
PRC's mission is a Christ-centered ministry dedicated to defending the unborn against abortion by assisting pregnant women and their families through education, counseling and other resources, demonstrating the love of Christ through these services.
"The PRC provides assistance to women and families facing unplanned pregnancies. Our vision is that through the services we provide we will see children alive and healthy, families strengthened, happy lives changed and fulfilled and Christ honored and glorified," Durk said.
Services provided include free pregnancy testing, first trimester ultrasound services for the purpose of pregnancy verification, confidential consultation on pregnancy options, parenting skills classes, maternity and infant clothing and supplies, post-abortion support, and Sexual Integrity education and counseling.
All services are free and confidential.
They are made possible by donations from area individuals, churches, organizations and businesses.
The center last year added a new service because of the increase in fathers attending parenting classes. The center started a series of fatherhood classes called Life Choices. The classes focus on personal development, decision making and creating a vision and goals for the future.
Other services provided include pregnancy tests, ultrasound parenting classes (individual and group) and providing material resources such as diapers and other baby supplies and baby and maternity clothes. All services are free. Ultrasound service is limited, first trimester.
PRC currently has several active volunteers including Mary Ann Gustin, LaDonna Stephens, Juanita May, Dora Nelson, Anita Smith, Tammy Southards, Laura Hale, Janet Ellis and Lisa Cummings.
Board members include Board President Ken Sheriff, Shirley Sheriff, Vice President Mary Ann Gustin, Treasurer Berniece Robinson, Secretary Janet Ellis, Carolyn Cahill, Sue Pickett, Neil and Lynn Ritsch.
Laura Hale is office manager.
For more information about available services or concert tickets, contact Durk at 739-4673.
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NRA banquet scheduled for Sept. 11
by Brenda Jessen
Staff Writer
newsstaff@earthlink.net
The Friends of NRA Current River Chapter's 13th Annual Benefit Banquet Sept. 11 will help raise funds for youth and other shooting activities.
The banquet will be 6 p.m. at Indian Trail Archery on Rt. 19 North.
Local Friends of NRA Chapter Committee Co-Chairs are Greg Stephens and Faron Teague.
"We're expecting this to be one of our best years yet," Stephens said. "Last year our chapter banquet raised about $23,000. The local chapter has funded about $30,000 in local grants for youth programs in the past."
Stephens said the chapter has funded the Shooting Sports Programs at Salem R-80, Dent-Phelps R-III, North Wood R-IV, 4-H Shooting Sports and Salem Future Farmers of America.
Statewide, chapters raised about $400,000 during about 25 banquets last year. Fifty percent of all proceeds stay in Missouri for youth programs and most of it was awarded in grants to youth programs.
Stephens said the local chapter has grown to also include subcommittees in Licking, Rolla, Eminence and Viburnum.
Stephens said all of the firearms that will be available for auction during the banquet are on display at Indian Trail Archery.
The 2010 Gun of the Year to be raffled during the banquet is a Kimber 84M Classic Select Grade .308 WIN, the first ultra lightweight production hunting rifle.
"Proceeds from the banquet benefit youth shooting sports and helps promote such projects as youth firearm safety and education, hunter training and other shooting sports activities," Stephens said.
The funds are raised through banquet tickets, silent auction, raffles, regular auction and door prizes.
Stephens said a maximum of 300 tickets will be sold for the event. Tickets are $20 in advance and $30 at the door and are available at Indian Trail Archery.
"The annual banquet would not be possible without the generous support of local businesses that underwrite this popular event," Stephens said.
Raffles will be held for more than 20 firearms. Items to be auctioned include firearms, cutlery, hunting, fishing and camping equipment, tree stands and other items.
Stephens said that while Dent County currently has more than 700 NRA members, membership is not required to attend the banquet.
For more information call 729-9593 or 247-2940.
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Dream comes true with new Bunker facility
by Dwayne McClellan
Staff Writer
newsstaff@earthlink.net
For the last five years the Bunker Fire Department, current and former members, and the community have been working to make the long-time dream of a new fire station/community center come true.
There's been fish fry after fish fry, Octoberfests and many other fundraisers to raise matching grant funds. Countless hours have been spent driving hundreds of miles around the area completing surveys, and several trips and conversations with architects to get drawings and plans completed.
It seemed like the paperwork was never ending, according to Fire Chief Dennis Parker.
"We've had enough faith to be persistent," said Judy Allen, a member of the fire department.
So when Grady White and Allen turned over the first official shovel of dirt for the new Bunker Fire Department/Community Center Saturday night during groundbreaking ceremonies, those five years became a reality.
The turning of dirt was witnessed by members of the Conway, White and Allen families, all who Parker said had a big part in getting grant funding, local contributions and other legwork to get the project off the ground.
"We've worked long and hard and devoted countless hours to get to this point," Parker told those who attended the ceremonies.
Parker commended the work of Allen, whose dedication was above and beyond the normal call of duty; Grady White and his late wife, Jane, who bought the property for the new facility with this in mind; and former fire chief, the late Rexall Conway.
"This was his dream," Parker said of Conway. "He did so many things, drove countless miles to get the work done. He's like a brother to me, and I miss him. We lost a good man when he lost him."
Bunker Mayor Linda Vest and others credited the current and past members of the fire department and the community.
"It's taken a lot of community support, from all the fish frys and all the fund-raising efforts," Vest said. "But don't stop now, we've got a lot of good, hard-working firemen and we need to support them."
The new facility, 120 by 60 feet, will be located just south of the current fire station on Rt. A.
The contractor for the $500,000 project is Knuckles Brothers Construction in Poplar Bluff, and the architect is Ron Gilmore of Sikeston.
Parker said construction should be starting in the next two weeks, and the fire department has been told the facility could be completed by Christmas.
The building will include four garages, men's and women's showers, two bathrooms, a full-size kitchen, a dining room and offices.
Funding for the project was from a Community Development Block Grant and a USDA Rural Development Grant and matching funds from the Bunker Fire Department. Reynolds County sponsored the grant application through the Ozark Foothills Regional Planning Commission.
Those providing $67,380 worth of inkind services include: Tony Abney - tree stump removal and building demolition; Dent County - site leveling and gravel; Reynolds County - earth work and excavation relocation; Black River Electric Cooperative - relocation of electric poles; City of Bunker - trenching and installation of water and sewer lines to the building; Shannon County - Creek gravel; Ramsey & Son - trenching and equipment; Bunker Volunteer Fire Department - debris and construction trash removal and the property.
Also taking part in the ceremony were former Bunker school administrator Kenny Parker, who played the National Anthem, Pastor Brent Reed, Bunker Assembly of God, Matt Dickerson, Bunker Fire Department, who led the pledge of allegiance, the band of Matt Wisdom, Billy Cook and Dustin Nelson and ladies of the fire department, who provided and served refreshments.
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Morton's quilts star in state fair competition
by Brenda Jessen
Staff Writer
newsstaff@earthlink.net
Brenda Morton, retired Bunker Elementary School principal, received Best of Show, two first place and a second-place ribbon with her first-time entries this year to the Missouri State Fair.
Her prize-winning quilts were displayed throughout the State Fair Aug. 12-22 in Sedalia, and are currently on display at The Bank of Salem's downtown facility, through Sept. 11.
Morton's best of show "Flower Dance" quilt is a set of 30 different hand appliquéd flowers done on a black background. She designed the vine border of ivy with rose moss flowers to complement the patterns.
"Appliqué work was fairly new to me when I started this quilt, and I have learned a lot from several new quilter friends and I still have a lot to learn," Morton said.
Morton's Oriental "Stacked Posie Supreme" was a first-time stack and whack project, which she started by signing up for a weekend class at a retreat in Camdenton. Morton said she was hesitant about starting this quilt because she didn't think she was crazy about it, but she wanted to go to the retreat and that was the pattern they were doing.
Her Best of Show and a first place in any other machine-quilted division is a pattern by Hallye Bone which was quilted by Diane Woodward of Edgar Springs.
A first place in the stack & whack division went to an Oriental "Stacked Posie Supreme" quilted by Shirley Bruner of Cherryville.
A second place ribbon was given in the sewing aid category for Marilee Boushie's "Victorian Hussif" pattern of a crazy quilt embellished sewing kit.
"It has been extremely helpful for me to shop for fabrics with friends when I begin projects such as this one, because their advice and knowledge always makes the end product better. The retreat was great because my sister, Rhonda, who also makes quilts and does long-arm quilting was able to meet us there. She is working on her third stacked posie quilt and each one is different simply because of the variety of fabrics available," Morton said.
"I really enjoy doing handwork whether appliqué, crazy quilting, or embroidery and this is the third "Victorian Hussif" I have made. Although it got a second place ribbon, the judge scored it 99 out of 100 points. The first place ribbon went to a beautiful embroidered silk scissor holder. Maybe my next Hussif should be out of silk. Since this was my first time to enter the state fair competition, I was surprised to ribbon in each category, but I don't know if I should enter again...it will be hard to do better next time. I have to give credit to each of the ladies that quilted these blue ribbon quilts. Their expert work has made these quilts outstanding."
Morton's first memories of quilting are of her grandmother Lola Burnett, who did hand-piecing and hand-quilting. After she had a stoke she had difficulty walking and using one arm, but she could still manage to quilt. When she got up each morning, she would spread out her quilt pieces on the bed and work most of the day, just taking a break for meals, Morton said.
"In later years I realized that the quilts made by my other grandmother, Laura Barr, were quite different, being made from large pieces of used fabrics and tacked together rather than quilted. Of course, the fact that she had 14 children was probably the reason she spent less time on the quilts she made and they were made to be used rather than to be pretty."
Morton said that before she retired her first few attempts at quilting were to set together embroidered blocks. Her mother, Geneva Burnett, taught her basic embroidery stitches and after she passed away Morton had to learn to set a quilt together. She learned to sew in high school from an excellent home economics teacher, Addie Johnson.
After Morton retired, she said she wanted to make one of every pretty quilt she saw. She signed up for classes and continues to take quilting classes.
"In the last four years I have made more than 80 large and small projects and I don't plan to quit yet. I can only imagine what my mother and grandmothers might say about my quilting, but I think they might be quite surprised."
Since retirement four years ago, Morton has been busy with new quilting friends in the Salem Current River Scrappers quilting guild, who encouraged her to enter the state fair.
The Salem guild meets at 7 p.m. on the second Monday of the month at the Bank of Salem Courtesy room.
Mary Jo Weiss, Alyce McNeil, Terrie Welch and Lee Linebarger all had beautiful work entered, Morton said.
Morton is also a member of the Rolla Piece and Plenty guild and she is involved with other projects such as charity baby quilts and pillowcases, Quilts of Valor for our soldiers, turtle patrol for Florida beaches, and takes classes with Marilee Boushie in Viburnum in addition to her personal quilting projects.
"I would encourage anyone who is interested in quilting to join a guild. It is the best way to learn new skills and meet many fine quilters," Morton said. "I am so thankful for the many friends who have been so supportive and proud of my state fair ribbons."
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City wide yard sale set for Oct. 2
The Salem News
Salem Publishing Company and the City of Salem are once again planning for a community wide yard sale.
This year's yard sale, held at various sites throughout the county, is Oct. 2. The sale is held twice a year, in the spring and fall.
"Salem Publishing Company believes the yard sales are a good draw for our community, with the potential of growth," said publisher Donald Dodd. "We want to help this event grow."
Salem Publishing's role is to help publicize the sale through classified advertising (including online), a map published in The Salem News and flyers distributed to venues around the community.
For a $10 advertising fee, those taking part in the yard sale can have two classified ads published in The Salem News and The Extra Sept. 28 and Sept. 30, an ad on thesalemnewsonline.com and listing on a map that will be published as a printable PDF online and also distributed in print at sites around town.
"We like what the yard sales have done for the community," said Mayor Gary Brown. "It not only gets people out in town, but we have seen a lot of visitors coming in for the event."
Yard sales are held at homes and businesses, and the city offers spots on the parking lot behind the city hall offices on Fourth Street. The deadline to reserve a spot for $8 is Oct. 1.
The advertising fee of $10 can be paid at The Salem News. Classifieds can be 22 words or less, and any ads over 22 words are 50 cents per additional word.
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