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Doniphan – The high school principal for Doniphan R-1 Schools today remains on administrative leave while authorities continue to investigate allegations of “inappropriate messaging” between the principal, Ron McCutchen, and a former student. Formal charges have not been filed in the case. The Ripley County Prosecutor, Chris Miller, is continuing this investigation of the case to determine if charges should be filed. Dr. Jennifer Snyder, superintendent for Doniphan R-1 Schools, confirmed that McCutchen remains at this point on administrative leave until it can be determined whether or not formal charges will be filed. The situation apparently involves a former Doniphan R-1 student who has since moved from the district.

Congratulations to the Poplar Bluff Mules Cheerleaders who won the Coaches Association 2014 State Championship. This is the teams second year in a row to win the title.   Photos courtesy of Jim Hoyt

POPLAR BLUFF - The cobblestone streets practically echo Poplar Bluff’s past when downtown was the center of the city’s economic life. During October, two big events are scheduled to draw people in to the downtown area. First is the Iron Horse Festival, to be held Saturday, October 4. Later in October, the Iron Mountain Market Fall Festival will be held Saturday the 25th. Iron Horse Festival This year’s Iron Horse Festival will include perennial favorite events like the Grape Stomp Fundraiser for Cape Arrowhead. Three-person teams are behind organized, those wishing for information or to register for that event may call Judy at 573-686-1141. A Lucille Ball Look-Alike Contest will also be held there. Another highlight of the Iron Horse

JEFFERSON CITY - District 25 Missouri state Sen. Doug Libla Wednesday expressed surprise and disappointment regarding the Missouri Public Service Commission's (PSC) decision to deny a rehearing for Noranda Aluminum in its ongoing feud with Ameren Missouri. Noranda and about 40 other entities requested the rehearing, reports show. Many of the organizations were not heard from in Noranda's initial request to the PSC for a rate decrease from the utilities giant, according to official documents. Records indicate Ameren increased rates statewide by 43 percent since 2008 and the electric powerhouse now seeks an additional 9.6 percent hike. That equals nearly $10 more on ratepayers' monthly bills if the appeal receives an affirmative nod from the PSC. Ameren's own records, which

POPLAR BLUFF – There is just something about autumn that invites a good scare. Maybe it’s the way the cooling wind whips through the baring trees, whispering in conspiratorial tones. Maybe it’s because you always hear that crunch of leaves, as if you are being followed. Subrina Berger loves that feeling. “It’s exhilarating to feel a little scared,” she explains. “Ever since I moved back to Poplar Bluff in 2004, I’ve wanted to do a haunted house. And I mean REALLY do a haunted house!” she exclaimed. She shared her scary dream, or nightmare, with Poplar Bluff’s Kiwanis Club and found support for the idea. “I’ve done other haunted themes, like with the Halloween Safe Zone and the Black River