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New state seal presented
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Kiddie Kingdom opens new location
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Neelyville PromNeelyville students celebrated prom on Saturday night, with numerous students showing up dressed resplendently.
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Twin Rivers promTwin Rivers High School held their 2024 prom Saturday at the Westwood Center in Poplar Bluff.
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Crowds at Poplar Bluff High School celebrate eclipse dayFamilies from across the country and globe have converged at PBHS for the Total Eclipse of the Bluff. Festivities include, games, food, vendors and more.
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Solar Spring 5KFrom Staff Reports The Solar Sprint 5K helped kick off Monday’s Eclipse Day activities, with racers taking off from Broadway and Vine streets at 8:30 a.m. The race wound through the hills and brick streets of Downtown Poplar Bluff. The overall winner was David Mincemeyer, with a time of 17 minutes, 8 seconds. Winners by age division were, first-third place: Age 14 and under — (Men) Luke Boschert, Jake Boschert and Grant Henson, (Women) Etta Parks, Lilly Massey and Mollie Parks Age 15-25 — (Men) Daniel Laughlin, Silas Obermeyer and Matt Bollinger, (Women) Cherisa Sears, Emily Johnson and Kylee Jones Age 26-35 — (Men) David Mincemeyer, Trevor Darmstettet and Sam Roettgen, (Women) Tori Mincemeyer, Greta Roettgen and Kelci Duncan Age 36-50 — (Men) Daniel Clark and Pieter Tjaarda, (Women) Megan Boschert, Amy Mitchell and Melodie Wild Age 51-64 — (Men) Tony Boschert and Mark Sanders, (Women) Deana Wilkerson, Shelly Pruett and Jean Read Age 65 and up — (Men) Ed Baker and Raymond Stroud, (Women) Amanda Crowley and Linda Deanor The race was organized by PB Realty-Downtown.
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It's the Total Eclipse of the BluffKC Wolf, Coach Gene Bess and crowds from around the world watch the skies at Poplar Bluff High School as totality approaches.
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Totality arrives in Poplar BluffThe moment everyone's been waiting for has arrived — the moon slowly eclipses the sun, until Southeast Missouri goes dark.
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Jeff Foxworthy returns to the ColiseumA robust crowd filled the Black River Coliseum Sunday, April 7, as Jeff Foxworthy — the first act to ever perform at the Downtown Poplar Bluff venue — returned as part of the Total Eclipse of the Bluff celebration.
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Night Ranger concertPoplar Bluff proved it could still rock in America Saturday, April 6, when Night Ranger played at the Black River Coliseum. Powder Mill and Chuck Briseno opened for the 80s rock band.
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Eclipse fireworks April 5 at Brick's Off-road parkBrick's Off-road park hosted a pyromusical fireworks show Friday, April 5.
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Eclipse street Festival earlySeveral people filled the streets in downtown Poplar Bluff shortly after the start of the Downtown Eclipse Festival. Many people enjoyed a variety of different foods along with some live music in the pleasant sunny weather.
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Wolf Creek Trail Run 2024The annual Wolf Creek Trail Run was held Saturday, April 6, 2024, just north and west of Poplar Bluff — this year as part of the countdown to the 2024 solar eclipse.
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Photo contest!
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City Hall demo is finished; cleanup underwayPoplar Bluff’s old city hall complex on Second Street is pictured during and after demolition. It was originally a clinic and hospital, then held the police department, city hall and city court. In 2016, the city vacated the building due to structural issues and mold.The former city hall’s demolition was completed in March. Poplar Bluff was awarded a grant by the Missouri Department of Economic Development to cover half the cost. Plans for a future city hall remain up in the air, and city councils are currently held at the Black River Coliseum.
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Three Rivers College: Lady Raiders vs St. Charles CC
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Pro rodeo show takes Black River Coliseum by stormBlack River Coliseum went buck wild this weekend at the Countryside Chevrolet Championship Rodeo. The two-night pro rodeo show was presented by Farm Credit Southeast Missouri. Events included bull and bronco riding, barrel racing and kids’ calf wrangling.
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Poplar Bluff City Hall demolition, historyDemolition began recently on the Second Street complex that once housed city hall, the police department and city court. Photographs capture the history of Poplar Bluff's city halls, starting with a 1902 building that no longer stands, through its current location on Vine Street.
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MLK honored in Poplar BluffEvents were held Saturday at Wheatley School in recognition of Martin Luther King Jr. Day, after weather forced the cancellation in January. A second event was held Saturday for the memorial dedication of Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. Memorial Highway at the Butler County Courthouse. The memorial dedication includes a portion of Business 60/Pine Street at the Black River.
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Ash Street Controlled BurnPoplar Bluff Fire Department recently conducted a controlled burn on a derelict property on Ash Street.
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Chamber celebrates Citizen of the Year and more at banquetThe Greater Poplar Bluff Chamber of Commerce celebrated program graduates, board members and local businesses at the 86th Annual Chamber Banquet on Jan. 27. Debbie Sliger, owner of Mytle's Place in Downtown Poplar Bluff, was named the 2024 Citizen of the Year.
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PBHS Mr. SnowmanThe annual Mr. Snowman contest hosted by the Poplar Bluff High School Student Council was held Sunday at the Kay Porter Theatre. The following winners were announced: Mr. Congeniality — Dylan Bratcher; People’s Choice — Parker Hicks; and Mr.. Snowman — Carson Todd. Performing were: Spencer Wilson, Mr. Academic Team; Dylan Bratcher, Mr. Baseball; Gabe Burke, Mr. Choir; Cameron Sisk, Mr. Cross Country; Cameron Settle, Mr. FCA; Mason West, Mr. Football; Logan Davis, Mr. JROTC; Parker Hicks, Mr. Mule Barn; Carson Todd, Mr. Swim; and Noah Shirrell, Mr. Unified Champions. Addison Shell opened the event.
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Winterfest transforms Coliseum into ice rinkWinterfest, sponsored by Missouri Highlands Health Care, transformed the Black River Coliseum into an ice rink this week. Kids also enjoyed games, crafts and cold-weather treats like hot cocoa. MoHi and other community organizations set up outreach booths at the event.
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Tiny tumblers give their all at annual competitionBattle in the Bluff pitted gyms from across Southeast Missouri and Northeast Arkansas in a stiff competition on Saturday, Jan. 13.
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Kindergarten Center throws Christmas partiesTeachers and students at the Poplar Bluff Kindergarten Center threw holiday parties this week with Christmas-themed snacks, stocking stuffers and gift exchanges.
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Excel graduation, DecemberA graduation was held Thursdsay, Dec. 14, at the MERS/Goodwill Excel Center for adult students receiving their high school diplomas.
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Christmas in Downtown Poplar BluffDowntown Poplar Bluff is celebrating Christmas in style with festive window displays and decorations.
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Poplar Bluff families travel to Santa LandSanta Land brought the North Pole to Black River Coliseum on Tuesday evening. The annual event is includes family Christmas activities, booths from local organizations and photo ops with Santa himself.
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Boys & Girls Club holds 5th Annual Polar Bear GalaThe Boys & Girls Club of the Heartland held its fifth annual Polar Bear Gala on Saturday at the Westwood Event Center in Poplar Bluff. The event gathers and thanks BGC supporters with a dinner and charity auction, which raised approximately $17,000 according to Director of Development and Finance Terri McCormick. BGC HEART serves school districts in Butler County, and is expanding into Dunklin and New Madrid counties. More information can be found at bgcpb.org.
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River Radio Christmas Parade, tree lighting brightens downtownThe River Radio Christmas Parade brought festive feelings downtown on Friday, Dec. 1. Crowds gathered to watch floats, catch candy and see the SHO-ME Marching Band perform along a route from Whiteley Park to the courthouse square. For the first time, the city also held a Christmas tree lighting at the Black River Coliseum.
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Festival of Lights opens at Lake WappapelloLake Wappapello’s annual Festival of Lights auto tour kicked off Friday. This event will run from 5-9 p.m. Friday, Saturday and Sunday through Dec. 10, then 5-9 p.m. nightly from Dec. 14-25 at Redman Creek West Campground (the East Campground is closed this year). The auto tour is free but donations are accepted by the Wappapello Lake Area Association, a volunteer group which organizes the event. Vehicles are given candy canes and have the chance to vote for their favorite display. Awards will be given for first, second and third places. Santa is also expected to make appearances at the light tour on Dec. 8 and Dec. 16. Donations help fund future celebrations, according to members. The group also helps with the annual Fourth of July fireworks and the Greenville Jack O Lantern Jubilee.
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Poplar Bluff kindergarten students celebrate ThanksgivingStudents at the Poplar Bluff Kindergarten Center shared what they were thankful for, made construction paper turkeys and decorated a snack of Charlie Brown Thanksgiving-style treats, including toast and popcorn, before the start of the holiday break.
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Judge Kacey Proctor sworn inButler County Prosecuting Attorney Kacey Proctor was sworn in Friday as the new presiding judge for the 36th Judicial Circuit, which includes Butler and Ripley counties. Outgoing Presiding Judge Mike Pritchett retired this month.
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Veterans honored at Qulin Middle SchoolQulin Middle School held its annual Veterans Day ceremony on Friday morning, Nov. 3. Local veterans were treated with a complimentary breakfast before the event, followed by performances by students and special thanks from Superintendent Robert Brown, himself an Air Force veteran.
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PBHS welcomes all to Community ThanksgivingPoplar Bluff High School distributed hundreds of free meals Nov. 3 during their Thanksgiving Day Feast. Members of the JRTOC program assisted those by providing refills for drinks or by carrying trays of food. Chartwells, the school's food vendor, crafted a menu including turkey, stuffing, vegetables and dessert.
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Soldiers, loved ones gather at Veterans Wall to rememberThe Poplar Bluff Veterans’ council and the John J. Pershing VA Medical Center hosted their annual program to honor all veterans Saturday. The formal ceremony was held at the Veterans Wall outside of Black River Coliseum. The ceremony featured many community members and local veterans.
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Neelyville R-IV celebrates veteransThe Neelyville R-IV School district hosted a Veterans Day ceremony Friday morning at the Neelyville High School gymnasium. The theme of the ceremony was "From Sea to Shining Sea."
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Haunted IllusionsThree Rivers College hosted the second of eight Patrons of the Arts events Tuesday. Haunted Illusions offered a Halloween evening full of magic, tricks and treats with one of the top touring illusionists in the country, according to organizers. David Caserta brought audience members on stage at the Tinnin Fine Arts Center for tricks that had people disappearing, being cut in half, pierced by spears and helping levitate objects. Caserta has performed his illusions for NBC’s, “America’s Got Talent,” as well as CW’s “Penn and Teller Fool Us,” as well as international audiences. The event was sponsored by First Midwest Bank. Other upcoming Patrons of the Arts events include: Dec. 4, “A Christmas Carol”; Jan. 15, “Stayin’ Alive”; Feb. 9, “Jubilation Jazz”; Feb. 14, Valentine’s dinner and show; March 7, an evening of classical music; and April 15, an evening with Mark Twain. Tickets are $15 and can be purchased in advance.
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Bou-tiques and Fleas Fall Market kicks off holiday shoppingThe Daily American Republic wants to thank all those who came out Saturday to support the small business owners who participated in our first Bou-tiques and Fleas Fall Market. “We look forward to hosting this event again next year, and making this an annual tradition,” said Heather Deering, DAR advertising director. “We hope to grow and extend the selection of goods and variety of vendors.” It included vendors like Espey Isle (page 1, far left) offering holiday children’s clothing, and Jerome and Antoinette Edmonds (page 1, left) with a wide array of Mary Kay products. The day included giveaways, more than 60 vendors and a variety of food trucks, all set up at the Black River Coliseum. Everything from handmade holiday decor to clothing and kitchen ware was on display.
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Herd Downtown Street Festival brings zombies, entertainmentThe Herd Street Festival brought entertainment and zombies to downtown Poplar Bluff Saturday afternoon. The Poplar Bluff Parks and Recreation Department hosted a pumpkin decorating booth while two bounce inflatables were also available to children. Food vendors were present along with live music by the southern rock band 'Just Enough'.
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HERD film presents local screeningThe film “Herd” was screened to audience members Saturday evening at the Rodgers Theatre. Steven Pierce, directed and co-wrote the zombie thriller alongside James Allerdyce. The evening event started with a red carpet kickoff with filmmakers and members of the cast.
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Students and pets shine at Tiger Fest 2023Neelyville R-IV School offered a day full of family activities and contests at Tiger Fest, Oct. 14. Festivities included talent and pet shows. Vendors and school organizations such as FFA lent their resources to the event.
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United by pregnancy loss, families join together and rememberPoplar Bluff Regional Medical Center hosted a new program for bereavement and pregnancy infant loss created to spread awareness, as well as to give families the opportunity to come together, share their stories and know they are not alone. Families gathered on Sunday, Oct. 15 and released lanterns and released lanterns in the pond behind the hospital.
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Pom Squad Kiddie Camp trains the next generation
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Annual Community Outreach Day provides food, information and moreThe annual Community Outreach Event held Sept. 29 featured dozens of businesses and charities, connecting Poplar Bluff community members with resources. Organizers noted the unseasonable heat may have reduced attendance compared to previous years.
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Haven House hosts annnual trail rideTha annual Haven House Trail Ride fundraiser was held Saturday. It raised approximately $19,000.
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Imagination comes to life at SEMO ConThe ninth annual SEMO Con brought fans of comics, pop culture, games, anime and art to the Black River Coliseum Sept. 15-16. The festivities included contests, vendors and an auction to benefit UCAN in Poplar Bluff.
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Sears Youth Center honors local heroesStudents from Sears Youth Center made flags for area first responders in honor of 9/11.
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Honor Tour leaves Poplar BluffAn Honor Tour bus got a grand send off Friday morning, as veterans left on an all-expense paid trip to Washington D.C. There they will tour memorials honoring their service. The bus was led out of town by Poplar Bluff fire and police personnel, with staff at John J. Pershing VA Medical Center lining Westwood in front of the medical center. Students at Poplar Bluff High School also helped honor the veterans during their send-off. The Honor Tour is a non-profit effort started locally to help ensure veterans are able to see the memorials in D.C. honoring their service.
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Neelyville 2023 first day of schoolNeelyville School District returned to classes Wednesday, Aug. 23.