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Where local news shines brightest!
The original beacon in the Bootheel played a crucial role during World War II, assisting pilots in locating Malden Army Airfield.
Positioned alongside State Highway 25, this landmark guided countless flights. Today, the frame of the light still stands in its original location, a testament to its historical significance.
Welcome
Dear Friends,
Welcome to the Bootheel Beacon - your new online source for news, culture, events, and everything that shapes the heart and soul of Missouri's Southeastern region.
Rooted in the values of fairness, accuracy, and community service, The Bootheel Beacon is proud to shine a light on the stories that matter most to our readers. As a digital publication led by seasoned professionals with deep ties to the region, we are committed to keeping you informed, inspired, and connected.
Our mission is simple: to serve. From timely news updates to local arts and culture, civic events to hometown highlights, we aim to reflect the vibrant spirit of the Bootheel. The Bootheel Beacon is proud to serve the Malden Historical Museum as its fundraising arm - helping preserve and promote the history that shapes our future.
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The Bootheel Beacon
"Where local news shines brightest!"
Patsy Reublin
Bootheel Youth Museum to Honor Patsy Reublin with Special Memorial Event
MALDEN, Mo. — The Bootheel Youth Museum will host a special tribute this Saturday honoring the life and legacy of longtime director Patsy Reublin, whose dedication helped shape the museum for more than two decades.
The event, titled “Patsy Reublin Day,” will be held from 1 to 3 p.m. at the museum, located at 700 N. Douglass St., Malden, MO
Reublin, who served as director of the Bootheel Youth Museum from 1999 until 2026, passed away on February 20 of this year. Her leadership and passion for children’s education and community engagement left a lasting mark on the organization and the region.
Saturday’s gathering will provide an opportunity for the community to come together in remembrance and celebration of her life. A special presentation is scheduled for 2 p.m., where museum staff, board members, and friends will share memories and reflect on Reublin’s contributions.
Organizers describe the event as a time “to smile and remember Patsy,” emphasizing the joy and inspiration she brought to countless children and families throughout her years of service.
In honor of Reublin, the museum will offer free admission for the entire day, welcoming visitors of all ages to experience the exhibits and celebrate her enduring legacy.
The event is open to the public, and all are encouraged to attend and pay tribute to a woman whose work helped make the Bootheel Youth Museum a cornerstone of learning and creativity in the Malden community.
Jacqueline Dierks, Beloved Malden Educator and Community Figure, Dies at 84
Jacqueline Dierks, 84, of Malden, Missouri, passed away on April 2, 2026, surrounded by her loved ones. Jackie was born on May 30th, 1941, to Jack and Dorothy Waller. She was a proud Alumna of Malden High School, Class of 1959, and the University of Mississippi for Women. She retired from teaching at the Malden R-1 School District. She loved her students and her time in education. She enjoyed visiting with her former students and supporting Green Wave athletics and activities. She shared her early life with her first husband, the late Tom Chambers, with whom she had her only child, Traci Chambers Wilson. She later married Guy Cruce, who preceded her in death, and Charles Dierks. She is survived by her husband of 35 years, Charles Dierks. She was an avid college football fan and loved the Kansas City Chiefs. She enjoyed spending time at the golf course and playing a competitive game of Bridge. Her greatest joy was being a Mawmaw to her beloved grandchildren. She cherished every ball game, shopping trip, and ice cream run with her grandkids. She is survived by her husband, Charles Dierks; her brother, Gordon Waller (Debbie); her daughter, Traci Chambers Wilson (Bob); her grandchildren: Sarah Beth Knight (Hunter) and Jackson Wilson (Janie); her step-daughter, Kehli Dierks Rouse (Charlie) and her children, Mary Charles and Lucie; her step-son, Tyler Dierks; and her great-grandchildren Grayson and Anna Kate Knight. She will be deeply missed and lovingly remembered. Visitation will begin at 2 p.m., Saturday, April 4, 2026 at the Landess Funeral Home in Malden, Missouri, with the funeral service beginning at 3:30 p.m. in the funeral home chapel. Burial will follow at Memorial Park Cemetery, Malden, Missouri. In lieu of flowers, the family requests donations be made to the Malden Historical Museum in her honor. Landess Funeral Home and Crematory of Malden is in charge of the arrangements.
Ward 2 Candidate Cooper Focuses on Growth, Revitalization in Malden
Santie Seeks Ward 3 Seat, Calls for Transparency and Accountability in Malden Government
Photograph by Stephen Hankins
By Stephen Hankins, staff writer
Malden City Council Candidate – Ward 2 Daniel Cooper Daniel Cooper has officially filed for Malden City Council, Ward 2. A lifelong resident of the Malden area, Daniel grew up just outside city limits and graduated from Malden High School in 2004. After graduation, he began working in the construction industry, a field he has remained in ever since. While he spent a few short periods working in Texas and South Dakota when he was younger, Malden has always been home. Daniel and his wife, Brittany Cooper, were married in 2010. Brittany is originally from Jacksonville, Florida. Together, they are raising three children: Noah (10), Paisley (8), and Polly (2). Although Daniel had not previously planned to seek public office, he decided to file after seeing a need for more local involvement and fresh perspectives on the City Council. With his background in construction and long-term connection to the community, he hopes to contribute where he can. Daniel says his primary interest is seeing Malden grow rather than decline, particularly by addressing the increasing number of empty lots and the loss of residents. He believes growth benefits both the city’s revenue and the strength of the community itself. “I just want to help where I can,” Cooper said. “I’m not trying to control anything—just be part of the effort to move Malden in a positive direction.”
photograph by David Black
by David Black - Staff Writer
MALDEN, Mo. — Longtime Malden public servant and businessman Phil Santie said a desire for openness in city government and a continued love for his hometown are behind his decision to run for Ward 3 on the Malden City Council. In an interview with the Bootheel Beacon, Santie reflected on his 80 years in and around Malden, recalling his upbringing in south Malden, his close relationship with his father, Amos Santie, and the lessons he learned growing up in a neighborhood he described as one of the most vibrant parts of town. Santie said he was born in 1945 and spent his early years at 515 South Decatur before his family later moved to Stevenson Street. He remembered working weekends at his father’s service station on South Madison, saying those early experiences helped shape both his work ethic and his understanding of the community. A 1963 graduate of Malden High School, Santie said playing football for the Green Wave taught him teamwork, loyalty and leadership. While the team may not have excelled in the win-loss column, he said the players built lasting friendships and learned how to work together. “We were all friends,” he said. Those lessons carried into his business career. Santie later operated Santie Oil Co., which he and his wife, Judy, purchased from his father. The business demanded discipline and long hours, he said. He later became involved in other ventures, including the Malden Speedway and Santie Small Engine Repair. Santie said one of his biggest responsibilities was helping manage the Malden Speedway, where safety, order and fairness were critical. Race nights often brought large crowds and numerous vehicles, requiring firm leadership and quick decision-making. His public service began at a young age when he first ran for city council in his early 20s. Santie said local government looked much different then, with more direct discussion and regular public debate. One of the biggest challenges, he said, was learning to work with111 strong personalities while staying focused on the needs of residents. He later served as mayor of Malden and as municipal judge. Looking back, Santie said one of his proudest accomplishments as mayor was working with fellow city leaders to establish Cotton Hill cable television access, giving residents the opportunity to watch St. Louis Cardinals games at a time when access was limited. Santie described the most difficult aspects of public service as personnel matters and tough policy decisions, saying those moments require honesty and a willingness to face disagreement directly. As Malden City Judge, Santie said he approached the role with a belief that most people who come before the court are not bad individuals, but people who have made mistakes. He emphasized fairness, careful listening and balancing firmness with common sense, often working with schools and families to help young people avoid more serious consequences. His decision to run again for Ward 3 was sparked by concerns about how city business is currently being handled. Santie said he attended a recent council meeting and was troubled by what he viewed as a lack of clear explanation and open discussion regarding an impeachment effort involving a member of the Malden Board of Public Works. “That was one of the worst things I had ever seen,” Santie said, adding that when elected officials cannot clearly explain their actions, public trust suffers. Now seeking a return to city office, Santie said his priorities include addressing failing sewer pumping stations and improving transparency at city council meetings. He supports upgrading the city’s audio system and making meetings more accessible through televised or online broadcasts so residents can better follow proceedings. Santie said an effective council must be straightforward, willing to openly discuss disagreements and committed to honest communication. When issues arise, he said, leaders should address them directly rather than relying on rumor or back-channel conversations. While still getting reacquainted with some current issues, Santie said he wants to better understand the city’s relationships with local businesses and strengthen communication between city hall and the business community. He also addressed questions about his past connection to Santie Small Engine Repair, stating he has no ongoing role in the business following its sale and would serve independently if elected. For Santie, the campaign is rooted less in ambition than in loyalty to the community he has always called home. He also pointed to public safety, city staffing and accountability as areas requiring close attention. Santie noted that the city’s safety department — including police and fire services — represents one of Malden’s largest budget priorities and requires careful oversight, particularly as retirements and personnel changes occur. He added that fire department training and preparedness should remain a priority, noting that national rating systems can impact insurance costs for residents and businesses. “That’s something you’ve got to stay on top of,” Santie said. Santie also discussed the role of the city administrator, describing it as a significant and costly position that demands transparency and strong financial oversight. Drawing on his past experience, he said leadership must act decisively when concerns arise and ensure taxpayer funds are handled responsibly. Beyond public service, Santie reflected on his longtime involvement in gospel music, recalling decades of travel performing with regional groups, recording music and appearing alongside nationally known quartets. “It was something I truly loved,” he said. Today, Santie remains active in his church and community. His commitment to Malden, he said, remains unchanged. “If I serve, I’ll represent the whole city,” Santie said. “That’s always been my goal.”
Lyons Brings Decades of Utility Experience to Ward 4 Council Race
photograph by Stephen Hankins
by Stephen Hankins - Staff Writer
MALDEN, Mo. — After more than three decades helping keep the lights on in his hometown, Ronnie Lyons is hoping to bring that same steady hand and institutional knowledge to City Hall as a candidate for Ward 4 on the Malden City Council. Lyons, 66, a lifelong Malden resident who lives on Sydney Street, spent 31 years working for the city’s Board of Public Works, rising from lineman to electric superintendent during his final 11 years before retiring in 2021. Now fully retired after briefly returning to the workforce, Lyons said his decision to run is rooted in both experience and a desire to continue serving a community he knows “inside and out.” With what he described as one of the largest turnovers in council membership in recent history, Lyons said the moment calls for practical knowledge and a steady approach to governance. “I’ve seen the problems the city faces from the inside,” Lyons said. “I think I have some ideas that might help.” Central to his campaign is his background in utilities — a technical field he believes is often overlooked but critical to the city’s financial health. Having participated in power purchasing negotiations and long-range planning, Lyons said he brings a specialized skill set that could help the city operate more efficiently and potentially save money. “I know how to buy power,” he said. “That’s not something you just pick up. I’ve been in those meetings, and I still have contacts in that field.” Lyons also points to his management experience, where he supervised a small team of five to six employees, as evidence of his ability to work collaboratively and address personnel challenges. He describes himself as “level-headed” and easy to work with, qualities he believes are essential as new leadership takes shape. A 1978 graduate of Malden High School, Lyons pursued additional coursework at Three Rivers College and Southeast Missouri State University. His electrical training began early, working alongside his father, the late Ray Lyons, who also served as a superintendent for the city, a family legacy that Lyons said instilled both pride and responsibility in public service. Before joining the city in 1990, Lyons worked at Cogger Electric, where he gained hands-on experience rewinding and installing electric motors and controls. That foundation, he said, shaped the practical, solutions-oriented mindset he hopes to bring to the council. Lyons’ candidacy is also marked by personal resilience. His wife passed away in 2023, and while he acknowledges the challenges of loss, he said the experience has deepened his appreciation for community and strengthened his resolve to contribute in meaningful ways. If elected, Lyons said his focus will remain straightforward, improving efficiency, addressing personnel concerns, and finding ways to make city government work better for residents. “One person can only do so much,” he said, “but I’m going to try my best.” As voters prepare to make their selections, Lyons is asking for their consideration, offering a campaign grounded not in sweeping promises, but in experience, familiarity, and a commitment to the city he has called home his entire life.
Jeremy White Enters Malden Ward 4 Race, Promises Fresh Perspective for Malden
photograph by Stephen Hankins
by Stephen Hankins - Staff Writer
MALDEN, Mo. – At 29, Jeremy White represents a new generation stepping forward to help shape the future of Malden, bringing a fresh perspective to a city council largely made up of members nearing or in retirement. A lifelong Malden resident and 2015 graduate of Malden High School, White seeks the Ward 4 seat with a straightforward but earnest message. “Everybody wants to complain and moan about things, but they don’t want to step up and try to do something about it,” he told bootheelbeacon.com. “So I feel like if I run, if I get elected, I’ll try to do something. I could say at least I tried.” As service manager at Baker Implement, White balances a busy work life with raising his young family, including his wife, Amanda and their 4-year-old son, Rhet. Those responsibilities ground his campaign in the everyday realities facing working families, he said. Describing himself as a “people person,” he said, “I talk to people all day long, and just hearing people out is an aspect of that. A lot of people talk. But but they don’t listen. I receive it and I listen and I go with it.” In conversations across the community, White said residents consistently call for more variety in restaurants, new businesses to draw visitors, and renewed life in the city’s core. He points in particular to the kind of community events that once filled downtown streets. “They want us to revamp downtown,” White said. “They want to bring back the Hot Chili, Cool Cars event and get it to where we bring people into our town.” Reflecting on those gatherings, he added, “We used to do that festival here with food, music, classic cars and trucks, motorcycles and hot rods, and it was—man, it was packed. That’s something I really miss personally.” While he offers no rigid platform, White said his campaign is rooted in what he hears from residents and a willingness to act on their ideas. “I’m just trying to better my hometown,” he said. “I’ll take into consideration what people want to see in Malden, and if I get elected, I’ll try to do what I can to please the people.” He also points to the importance of economic growth, suggesting that lowering the cost of bringing businesses into town and maintaining a clean, welcoming appearance could help attract new opportunities. “Just trying—showing you’re trying—does a lot,” he said. White believes his age is an asset at a time when younger voices are largely absent from city leadership. “I’m younger,” he noted. “And I feel like that’s what Malden needs, is some younger blood on the council. “Our outlook on things is a little different,” he added. “And younger people tend to have a broader outlook.” Looking ahead, White said he wants to see the city regain momentum. “I’d like to see Malden thrive,” he said. “Right now it’s kind of stalled out. “I’d like to get in there and try to throw some ideas around and get it going back where we need to be.” Central to that vision is downtown revitalization, he insisted. “That’s our history of our town… the cornerstone of Malden,” he said. “Our downtown is being just wasted away pretty much.” Ultimately, White urges residents, especially younger ones, to take an active role in shaping their community. “Get out and voice your opinion,” he said. “Come to the meetings. “Fill that thing up,” he continued. “That way we know what to do for our town.” And to voters who may be unfamiliar with his name, he offers a final appeal. “Don’t count me out,” he said with a smile. “I’m not afraid to go to bat for you guys. One hundred percent.”
City’s Airport and Economic Development Director Reflects on Growth, Challenges
David Blalock
David Blalock
photograph by David Black
by David Black - Staff Writer
MALDEN, Mo. — After more than eight years serving as Malden’s Airport Manager and Economic Developer, a familiar face in local development is preparing to step away — not from work, but toward a new opportunity that brings him full circle. The longtime public servant, David Blalock, whose career spans decades in transportation planning and regional development, will retire from the City of Malden this week to accept a position with Smith and Company Consulting Engineers in Poplar Bluff. The move follows the firm’s outreach after a recent staffing loss, with leaders there seeking his experience in project development and roadway planning. “I worked 31 years with MoDOT in project development,” he said. “They needed someone with that background, and it just felt like the right time.” His departure marks the close of a role that has placed him at the center of Malden’s efforts to attract business, manage the municipal airport, and guide economic growth in a challenging rural landscape. ⸻ A Career Rooted in Public Service A Malden native and 1982 graduate, David Blalock has spent much of his life working in public-facing roles. “I’ve lived here all my life,” he said. “Being able to work for your hometown — that means something.” I have relatives who worked on the Malden Army Airfield during World War II, so this has always been a special place for me.” ⸻ Economic Development in a Changing Landscape During his tenure, he witnessed firsthand the evolving challenges of recruiting businesses to small communities like Malden. “Years ago, you could go knock on a door and tell companies what Malden had to offer,” he said. “Now, they already know. They can pull up all the data online before you ever talk to them.” That shift has made competition for retail and industry more difficult, particularly as companies rely heavily on traffic counts, population data, and tax base metrics when deciding where to locate. For example, efforts to recruit national retailers to existing properties — including the former Walgreens building — have been unsuccessful due to limitations in traffic volume and building size requirements. “Some companies need 20,000 vehicles a day passing by,” he said. “We’re closer to 7,000 or 8,000.” ⸻ Small Victories, Big Effort Despite those challenges, progress has come — often requiring persistence over years rather than months. One example is the arrival of Taco Bell, which took more than two years of coordination, data gathering, and property negotiations. “People think you just snap your fingers and it happens,” he said. “That one took about two and a half years.” ⸻ Looking Ahead As he prepares to step down, his position will be filled by Tara Smothers of Bernie, ensuring continuity in leadership for the city’s airport and industrial development efforts continue. His final days on the job come with a sense of appreciation — not only for the work accomplished, but for the community he has served his entire life. ⸻ Malden Industrial Park History Malden, Missouri — From Airfield to Economic Engine The Malden Industrial Park stands today as one of the community’s most important economic assets, but its story begins during one of the most pivotal moments in American history. Wartime Beginnings: Malden Army Airfield In 1942, farmland just north of Malden was transformed into Malden Army Airfield, a training base for World War II pilots. Thousands of cadets passed through the installation, learning to fly and preparing for combat missions overseas. For many longtime Malden families, the airfield wasn’t just a military installation — it was part of daily life. Local residents worked on base, supported operations, and built connections that still echo in the community today. ⸻ Cold War Era and Closure The base was reactivated in 1951 during the Korean War era as Malden Air Base, continuing its role in pilot training. However, as aviation technology advanced into the jet age, the facility became outdated. The base officially closed on July 22, 1960, marking the end of its military mission — but not the end of its story. ⸻ A New Purpose: Airport and Industrial Park Following closure, the property was transferred to the City of Malden, which took on the challenge — and opportunity — of repurposing the former base. Over the decades, the site evolved into the Malden Regional Airport and Industrial Park, combining aviation services with industrial development. Local leadership has played a critical role in that transformation. Among those guiding the airport and industrial park in recent years is David Blalock, longtime Airport Manager and Industrial Park Director, whose work has focused on maintaining facilities, attracting tenants, and preserving the site’s long-term viability. ⸻ Businesses and Tenants Through the Years The industrial park has hosted a variety of businesses, aviation services, and agricultural operations, many of which rely on the unique infrastructure left behind by the military. Key uses and tenants have included: •Aviation-related services, including aircraft maintenance, hangar leasing, and agricultural aviation (crop-dusting operations vital to the Bootheel’s farming economy) •Manufacturing and light industry, utilizing former military buildings for warehousing, fabrication, and storage •Logistics and distribution operations, taking advantage of Malden’s strategic location in Southeast Missouri •Private business tenants, many of whom lease and adapt former base structures for commercial use The airport itself remains active, supporting: •Local pilots •Agricultural aviation •Business and charter flights •Emergency and support services ⸻ Community Connections and Local Impact For generations of Malden residents, the industrial park is more than just a business hub — it is a living reminder of the city’s role in national history. Many families still recall: •Parents and grandparents who worked at the airfield •Stories of cadets training in the skies over Dunklin County •The transition years when the community stepped in to preserve and reuse the property Today, the site continues to support local jobs and economic development while maintaining ties to its past. ⸻ Preserving the Legacy The Malden Industrial Park stands as a powerful example of resilience and reinvention — from cotton fields to wartime training base, to a modern center for aviation and industry. Its continued success depends on community support, thoughtful leadership, and recognition of its historical importance. As Malden looks to the future, the industrial park remains a cornerstone — connecting the city’s proud past with new opportunities for growth in the Missouri Bootheel
Dunklin County Voters Face Full Ballot In April 7 Municipal Elections
by Stephen Hankins - Staff Writer
DUNKLIN COUNTY, Mo. — Voters across Dunklin County will decide a slate of local leadership races and funding questions when polls open April 7 for the General Municipal Election. A number of contested school board and city races shape the ballot, alongside tax and infrastructure proposals. School board elections are in both the Malden R-I and Campbell R-II districts. In the Malden R-I School District, Denton J. Kooyman, Carolyn Cornman, Levin Miller and Debra Diana Wilkerson all seek to fill three open seats on the Board of Education. In the Campbell R-II School District, Linda Bledsoe, Jeremy Siebert, Steve Weidenbenner and Larry Ray Morris Jr., compete for three board positions. School board members set district policy, approve budgets and oversee hiring of superintendents, making these races key to local education direction. Voters also weigh school funding in the Malden R-I District through Proposition 2, which asks approval for up to $4 million in borrowing without increasing the current property tax levy. The measure would allow the district to fund capital improvements, with repayment structured through its existing debt service levy rather than a tax increase. Multiple municipal races across the county are contested. In the City of Arbyrd, Richard Kelley and David McCoy are vying for mayor, while Pete Evans is unopposed for North Ward alderman. At Campbell, Tammy Clark, Austin Henderson and Brian Wicker are competing for Ward 1 alderman, while Cary M. Whorton faces Dylan Perkins in Ward 2. Campbell voters will also decide two tax questions, a proposed 3% sales tax on adultuse marijuana and a separate half-cent sales tax dedicated to funding law enforcement operations. At Holcomb, the mayor’s race is a three-way contest between Cindy Wamble, Jason Champlin and Ricky Peters. Clarkton races feature Diane Riley running unopposed for mayor and David Dillard unopposed for chief of police, while Chris White and Cody Robinson are unopposed for alderman positions. At Kennett, several council seats are up for election, including uncontested Ward 1 incumbent Randy Carter, uncontested Ward 2 incumbent James Waynick, uncontested Ward 5 incumbent Bob Young and uncontested Ward 4 candidate Lora Tate. Neal Bradley is unopposed for Kennett city treasurer. Cody Todd, Michael Lee and Dustin Lee all are unopposed for council seats at Cardwell. Malden voters choose from largely uncontested council races. Donna Hufford is unopposed in Ward 1, Daniel Cooper in Ward 2, and Phillip Santie in Ward 3 while Jeremy White and Lewis “Ronnie” Lyons battle for the Ward 4 seat. Countywide, voters also consider infrastructure proposals tied to public utilities. Public Water Supply District No. 1 is seeking approval to issue up to $12 million in revenue bonds to fund improvements and expansion of its waterworks system. A similar measure in Consolidated Water District No. 1 of Pemiscot County would authorize up to $10 million in bonds for system upgrades. Revenue bonds typically are repaid through service fees rather than taxes, meaning customers of the systems fund the improvements over time. Polling places across Dunklin County open from 6 a.m. to 7 p.m. on Tuesday, April 7 for voters’ convenience. Election officials remind voters to fill in the oval completely next to their choices and to use write-in spaces if selecting a candidate not listed on the ballot.
