
COLUMBIA - A Bootheel member of the University of Missouri Board of Curators has resigned with one year left in her term.
Judith Haggard of Kennett cited personal reasons that prevented her from fulfilling her term on the University of Missouri Board of Curators. Her resignation was effective Jan. 17.
“It has been an honor to work on behalf of the four campuses of the University of Missouri System,” Haggard said. “I am grateful for the privilege to have served the state in this capacity.”
Gov. Matt Blunt appointed Haggard to the board of curators in 2007. She served as chairwoman of the curators in 2010 where she advocated for the growth of a systemwide, coordinated effort to expand learning opportunities to new and existing students. She has served as chairs of the Executive; Academic, Student and External Affairs; and Governance, Resources and Planning committees.
“Judy’s passion and enthusiasm for higher education will be greatly missed,” said current board chair David Bradley of St. Joseph in the announcement from the University. “She made it a personal mission to ensure that the University of Missouri remains in the top-tier in both research and education and that our campuses provide an affordable education to the state’s citizens so they are equipped with the tools to become contributing members of society. We wish her all the best.”
Haggard was a enthusiastic spokesman for the University, especially at gatherings like the annual Field Day at the University of Missouri Delta Research Center in Portageville.
Haggard is a family nurse practitioner at the SEMO Health Network in Kennett and a past examiner for the certification of substance abuse counselors. She received her bachelor’s degree in nursing from the University of Missouri-Columbia and her master’s degree in nursing from the University of Missouri-St. Louis.
Haggard is the founder of the Dunklin County Caring Community Council, a founding member of the parent organization at MU, a member of the MU Alumni Association and an elder in her church. She has received the Community Service Award in recognition of her community work in Kennett.
The board of curators is the governing body of the University of Missouri and consists of nine members who are appointed by the governor with the advice and consent of the Senate. Curators serve six-year terms. Haggard’s term would have expired Jan. 1, 2013. The governor may appoint a replacement to fill the remaining portion of her term.

By Annabeth Miller, SMT Editor
JEFFERSON CITY - Gov. Jay Nixon is likely to lay the groundwork in his State of the State address tonight on his administration hopes to balance Missouri’s state budget in 2012 without raising taxes.
Nixon will deliver his State of the State speech to a joint session of the Missouri General Assembly at 7 p.m. in the House chamber.
Nixon’s office says the governor will detail his strategy for creating jobs and moving Missouri's economy forward during his the address. Nixon, a Democrat, is seeking reelection in the November 2012 election.
Missourians who would like to watch or listen to the Governor's address may do so by logging into the state website.
House Majority Leader Tim Jones of Eureka and Senate Appropriations Chairman Kurt Schaefer of Columbia will deliver the Republican response to the State of the State address tonight. The response will be pre-recorded and aired immediately following Gov. Nixon’s remarks.
The GOP response is also available on the Internet.
Links of Interest

Following its production of The Elves and the Shoemaker in December, the Imaginary Theatre Company of St. Louis will return to Poplar Bluff to kick off the new year with Puss and Boots at 3 p.m. and 7 p.m.
Tickets are on sale now at trcc.edu/tinnin, the Poplar Bluff Chamber of Commerce, the college Business Offices, and will also be available at the door before each performance. Each ticket is only $10.
The feline favorite of children's fairy tales will come to life onstage in this rendition of the beloved story: Puss is a clever cat who promises his master a life of luxury and adventure in exchange for a pair of boots. Puss goes on to use cunning and intelligence to overcome an ogre, befriend a king and win the heart of the fair princess. ITC's version of the Mother Goose tale combines the spirit of the original with fresh, musical mischief. Through adaptations of classical literature, ITC works to encourage young audiences to "learn through play."
"The mission of the Patrons of the Arts Society is to provide a quality level of entertainment at an affordable price," said Dr. Wesley Payne, Vice President for Learning at Three Rivers. "Here in the Poplar Bluff area, we have great opportunities for outdoor recreation. The Patrons' series expands the cultural offerings of the region and adds a different kind of entertainment option to the area."
Puss in Boots is underwritten by the Missouri Arts Council and a generous donation from Southern Bank, with a new location on campus at Three Rivers College. Companies or individuals interested in helping to sponsor Patrons of the Arts shows can call 573-840-9527 for more information.
Photo Above: Southern Bank is the corporate underwriter of 'Puss in Boots' at Three Rivers. Bill Hirtz, representing Southern Bank(right) and Dr. Wesley Payne of the college announce the production. (Photo from Three Rivers)

By Annabeth Miller, SMT Editor
Turkey hunters and outdoor enthusiasts will gather for an evening of food, fellowship and fun at the Wild Turkey Banquet hosted by Crowley’s Ridge Limbhangers chapter of the Wild Turkey Federation.
The evening will be held on Saturday, Jan. 21 at the Dexter Eagles Lodge on Old Highway 25 in Dexter.
“Come and join in the fun at the banquet,” said member Tom Love. “The NWTF banquets are where you can buy exclusive merchandise and have a great time with friends.”
Among the merchandise to be featured at the Dexter auction will be a limited edition Remington 1911 – the NWTF Gun of the Year, and a Stoger Super Conder 20 guage over-under shotgun.
All the while, Love said those who attend will be raising vital funds for wild turkey conservation and important programs that introduce the outdoors to women, children and the disabled.
The Wild Turkey Federation in Missouri sponsors a number of important programs, including JAKES Field Days, Calling Contests, landowner workshops, shooting events and other events.
Since 1985 over $3,447,184 has been raised and spent by Missouri NWTF chapters on projects within the state. Included in the list have been habitat enhancements projects at sites throughout the state, including at Otter Slough Conservation Area in Stoddard County.
What’s Happening
What: NWTF Wild Turkey Banquet
When: 6 p.m., Saturday, Jan. 21
Where: Eagles in Dexter
Contact: Tom Love at 820-0802 or Kyle Ouzts at 258-0770
Link Of Interest
National Wild Turkey Federation
Photo Above: The local National Wild Turkey Federation Banquet will be held Saturday, Jan. 21 at the Dexter Eagles. With some of the merchandise to be auctioned are (from left) Mark Jacques (with the Remington 1911), Maddie Jacques, and Tom Love (with the Stoger Super Condor 20 gauge over-ender shotgun. (SMT photo by Andrew Cato)

By Annabeth Miller, SMT Editor
A trio of young men took a step up the ladder toward the highest level in Boy Scouting on Monday night.
Dexter Boy Scout Troop 200 held a Court of Honor on Monday night and Tyler Stevenson, Josh Parks and Jon Rodgers each earned the rank of Life Scout, the second highest in the Boy Scouting program.
Stevenson is the son of Keith and Kay Stevenson; Parks the son of Don and Angie Parks; Rodgers the son of Jay and Tiska Rodgers.
Life Rank requires that each Scout meet certain standards. A Life Scout must :
- Demonstrate the Scout spirit by living the Scout Oath and Scout Law in everyday life;
- Earn an additional five merit badges for a total of 11, including three on the required life for Eagle Scout - the highest rank in the Boy Scouting program;
- Take part in service projects;
- Serve in a troop leadership position;
- Teach younger Scouts;
- Participate in a Scoutmaster conference and complete his board of review
The ranks were awarded with troop members, parents and friends at the Court of Honor held at the First United Methodist Church in Dexter. Parents participated in the special pinning ceremony.
The United Methodist Men organization at the local church is one of two sponsors for Troop 200; the second sponsor is the Dexter Kiwanis Club.
Photo Above: Three young men in Boys Scout Troop 200 in Dexter were recognized Monday evening for earning the Life Rank in the BSA program. Becoming Life Scouts were (from left) Tyler Stevenson, Josh Parks and Jon Rodgers. (ShowMe Times Photo By Annabeth Miller)
Link Of Interest
Boy Scouts - Greater St. Louis Council