Around Southeast Missouri 12/19/06

Sikeston native pens scripts for Hollywood

A former Sikeston, Mo., man has been recruited by a television star to turn a novel into a screenplay. After breaking into the movie business years ago by doing computer graphics, Martin Garner is now getting a chance to do what he really loves: writing. Garner has lived in Los Angeles and worked in the film industry since 1993. A 1988 graduate of Sikeston Senior High School, Garner's first opportunity for screen writing began with a comedy called "Shinola." If the screenplay makes it to the big screen, it will be the achievement of a life-long goal for Garner. "I was writing plays in elementary school in Sikeston," he said.

-- Standard Democrat

Bus driver charged with sex offenses

Robert Griffith, 53, of Doniphan, Mo., was arrested this week on two counts of first-degree statutory sodomy and one charge of first degree statutory molestation of a 4-year-old girl who rode the school bus he drove. He was released on a $100,000 bond Wednesday. Doniphan superintendent Kevin Sandlin said he could not comment on whether Griffith was still employed with the district. A probable-cause statement filed with the Ripley County Courthouse alleges Griffith had sexual contact with the girl at his home during his bus route.

-- Daily American Republic

Suspect sought in Bootheel stabbing

A 35-year-old Caruthersville, Mo., man is being treated for a stab wound to the chest, and law enforcement officers are still searching for the assailant. Caruthersville police were called to the Caruthersville Community Center at 11:54 p.m. Wednesday in response to the stabbing. Chief Chris Riggs reported the victim refused to identify his assailant. He was taken to Hayti Hospital where he was stabilized and then taken by Air-Evac to Memphis, Tenn.

-- Standard Democrat