Region briefs 8/1/03

Deputy injured in altercation with prisoner

BENTON, Mo. -- A Scott County sheriff's deputy is recovering from an injury sustained during an altercation in the county jail.

Department staff were conducting visitation Saturday when an inmate, Orlando Carter, refused to go back to his cell, according to Sheriff Bill Ferrell. When deputies attempted to return him to his cell, Carter reportedly rushed deputy Justin Swiney and pinned him against the wall.

During the rush of several other jailers to assist Swiney and subdue Carter, deputy Jeff Schmitt's hand was injured. X-rays taken later that day indicated a fracture.

"This is just an example of how fast a situation can change in the jail. The incident could have been much worse," Ferrell said in a news release Wednesday.

Butler Co. Circuit Clerk announces retirement

POPLAR BLUFF -- Butler County Circuit Clerk Wanda Ellsworth has announced that she will retire effective Aug. 31.

Ellsworth, a Republican, was elected circuit clerk in 1978, and has worked in the office since 1967. Her most recent re-election was in November 2002, and for the past few elections she has been mostly unopposed.

Ellsworth, 57, said she is retiring now to take advantage of insurance benefits for early retirement provided by the recent passage of Senate Bill 248.

In her letter to the Butler County Bar Association announcing her retirement Ellsworth said: "It has been a true honor working with each of you and serving the citizens of Butler County, an opportunity I shall always cherish."

New chair takes reins of Sikeston United Way

SIKESTON, Mo. -- Members of the United Way of Sikeston are currently working hard on their annual fundraising campaign. Just ask newly installed 2003-2004 chairperson, Donna Tippy.

"It's really a collaborative effort between everyone involved in the United Way," Tippy pointed out. Campaign director Glenna Shy "also works so hard to make the campaign a success."

During the first two weeks of August, packets are mailed to local individuals and out-of-town contributors. In an effort to receive funding, visits are also made to industries to promote the organization.

"I encourage everyone to continue their support to the United Way which helps many of our friends and neighbors in the area," Tippy said.

Smithsonian exhibit headed to Dexter

BLOOMFIELD, Mo. -- It will only make six stops in the entire state of Missouri and the Stars and Stripes Museum/Library will be among those stops.

The museum, in cooperation with the Missouri Humanities Council will host the showing of "Produce for Victory: Posters on the American Home Front, 1941-1945" beginning on Saturday and continuing through Sept. 13.

The exhibit was developed by the Smithsonian Institution Traveling Exhibition Service (SITES) and the National Museum of American History and focuses on posters circulated in the United States during World War II to promote patriotism and to increase industrial output.

"I think that when people see the exhibit that they will realize the sacrifices that people made on the home front and the importance that they played in the production of goods for the military," Sue Mayo of Stars & Stripes Library said. "I think that was very instrumental in winning the war because at the time we weren't prepared."

Collected by the Smithsonian's curator of graphic arts during World War II, these images accompany photographs and original objects to tell the story of an America mobilizing its human and natural resources.

-- From wire reports