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A respiratory viral infection new to the Midwest struck a northern Missouri city during the past month, according to reports. The virus, human enterovirus 68 (HEV68) caused concern for staff at Kansas City's Children's Mercy Hospital, reports indicate. SEMO parents with children who are asthmatic might watch for symptoms to become more acute than normal. There is no vaccine to prevent HEV68. Antiviral drugs to treat the illness still are on drawing boards. Those who suffer from HEV68 display asthma-like symptoms, and those hardest hit seem to be asthmatic children, doctors said. Their usual symptoms are aggravated and breathing becomes more difficult. Although the virus usually manifests in clusters of four to 30 people, the Kansas City hospital was overrun

Table of Contents Page 5 — 68th Year of Puxico Homecoming Page 6-7 — Castillo Racing Team: In It For The Speed Page 7 — Local Mom Competes at Brick’s Page 8-9 — Kim Musser’s Art Page 11 — Noranda Knifes the Heart of SEMO Page 12-13 — Robin Williams - The Face of Inner Pain Page 14 — Wisdom from the Woods Page 15 — This Week’s Review: Anna Catherine DeHart click --> Newspaper Pickup Locations  

New Madrid, Mo. – Today, the Public Service Commission delivered what is expected to be a fatal blow to the area’s largest employer, Noranda Aluminum, by denying a compromise rate adjustment that would have kept the plant in business. The commission, made up entirely of members along the I-70 corridor, sided with Ameren UE in stating that the loss of 1,000 jobs in the poorest part of the state was not worthy to take action on. “This is a very, very difficult public policy decision and the impact would be felt statewide. Noranda failed to show that their current rate is causing a crisis of liquidity. I hope the parties can continue to work together to solve this issue,” said

by Bob Roberts New Madrid, Mo. – A crowd of over 50 gathered Sunday afternoon at Mt. Olive Baptist Church in a demonstration billed as a show of solidarity with the Ferguson community. “We are here to show support for our brothers and sisters in Ferguson and for them to know we are praying for justice for Michael Brown, and praying for peace for the community,” said Ted Maltbia, one of the organizers of the event. This event was held outside on the street in front of the church and it was clear there was a great deal of compassion for the community and the Brown family. “I hope everyone can come together and demand justice for Michael Brown. Our

JEFFERSON CITY, Mo. — Noranda, an aluminum smelter based in New Madrid, is the largest employer in Southeast Missouri with over 888 employees. Located in the St. Jude Industrial Park, the plant covers over 3000 acres with more than 40 acres under roof. Electricity is one-third of all operational expenses for Noranda; last year they paid Ameren $160,000,000 for electricity. Ameren’s rate to Noranda has increased by 40% since 2007, and more than $44M since 2009. Noranda requested the Public Service Commission to reduce their electric rate from Ameren stating that without a reduction it would be difficult for them to keep the factory open. There’s been an epidemic of aluminum smelter shutdowns over the recent years as 32 smelters