Middle school drummers performing at Tan-Tar-A

Middle school drummers performing at Tan-Tar-A

Shere Khan, a 35-piece musical ensemble from Central Middle School, has been chosen to perform at the Missouri Music Educators Association conference in January at the Lake of the Ozark's Tan-Tar-A Resort. To be considered by the association, ensemble director Pam Dumey sent a recording of the ensemble performing at an April performance featuring Ghanian musician Sowa Mensah. The 30-minute piece the ensemble will perform in January is based on the poem "Earthdance," and will feature musical pieces created by Southeast Missouri State University's Dr. Robert Fruehwald and Dr. Michael Gill, as well as Mensah, who will be returning to Cape Girardeau at the end of October to work with the ensemble. Those interested in sponsoring the ensemble's performance can contact Dumey at 334-6281 or Dumeyp@cape.k12.mo. us.

Neelyville teen to be tried as adult in killing of mother

POPLAR BLUFF, Mo. -- After being certified to stand trial as an adult, a Neelyville teenager was charged Wednesday afternoon with murdering his mother. Cody Lewis Harris, 16, was charged with the class A felony of first-degree murder and the unclassified felony of armed criminal action by Butler County Prosecuting Attorney Kevin Barbour. Harris is accused of shooting his mother, Ginny Harris Grandberry, 37, who was found dead inside their Neelyville home June 17. The shooting reportedly occurred after she threatened to take away his guns.

-- From staff, wire reports